Almost sold the CB

[Novice_imp]

I submit it's only the way we view touring bikes that have changed and not whether a bike is suitable for touring or not. lets go back to 1975. Certainly people toured on motorcycles in 1975 ( I did). The 2 top rated touring bikes were the BMW R75 a naked 750 twin cyl, 50 hp with a 5 speed transmission, that weighed 465 pounds.... and the naked Honda GL1000 a 4 cyl bike that boasted a whopping 78 hp, with a 5 speed trans that weighed 601 pounds. Both bikes rode on tubed bias ply tires. Neither bike came from the factory equipped with fairing or bags, but those accessories were added aftermarket, mostly by companies like Vetter, Krauser, Bates, Wixom etc. Yep even back then guys were hanging windsails on naked bikes, ruining the lines and I suppose the handling, certainly the looks. Yes people transversed the country from Maine to California in relative comfort two up. Compare that situation to the CB1100 a naked 4 cyl with 88 hp and a 6 speed trans (14 models) that weighs around 550 pounds.

Now the highways are still asphalt and go to the same places. The interstate system has been roughly the same since the 1950s, and when I ride to the rally in a couple weeks I will be riding I-75, 411 and 441, the exact same roads I road when I went their the first time with my wife ( then fiancé) in 1973.

Roads the same, bikes the same (actually the Cb 1100 is superior in every way compared to the BMW and Wing) .... What's the diff? Are you saying there were no touring bikes prior to the 1984 Honda Goldwing Interstate?

Our perception is the only thing that has changed. We now believe that a bike has to weigh 700 pounds, have 150 hp, and come equipped with a factory fairing, bags and a small luggage rack to be considered a touring bike...

And if you add those things aftermarket (as we used to do when touring before 1984) it can't be considered suitable for touring? Really?

Very well stated.