Touring Bike Comparison

I am a new member of this forum and this is my first post. Thanks for having me.

First of all, it goes without saying that the tourers manufactured by BWM, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha are all excellent. Each bike has its own character which is a composite of strengths, weaknesses and/or quirks. Most owners of the RT, ST, Connie or FJR swear by thier machines and display a loyalty not found amongst riders of most other motorcycle classes. Visit the forums if you do not believe me.

One issue not addressed by the MC comparison is that the "sport-tourers" reviewed actually belong to two sub-classes: SPORT-tourers (e.g., Connie, FJR) and sport-TOURERS (e.g., RT, ST). The SPORT-tourers exhibit great handling and acceleration at the expense of comfort, while the sport-TOURERS post slighly lower 0-60 times and take a little more effort in the twisties, but can be ridden for hundreds of miles without compromise of comfort.

Secondly, the MC review only assessed the four bikes with a single rider. While some may buy touring bikes with the intention of riding solo, many will buy bikes in this category in order to share the joy of motorcycling in comfort with a wife or girlfriend. The BMW and Honda would have undoubtedly risen to the top had the review examined two-up comfort.

In my opinion, this review was uncharacteristically light for MC. The bikes reviewed are difficult to compare directly in the first place and MC's review was not thorough to say the least.

My interest in the article and motivation to respond may be explained by the fact that I own the bike that placed 4th. The MC review, however, has not affected my opinion of the ST or any of the other bikes for that matter. I believe that they are all exceptional offerings and that each offers something that the others do not.

Regards,

Kevin  

Kevin, all good points. I love the ST. Considering whats out there now I'm surprised they rated it 4th in the article. When you consider price, reliability and performance the ST in my mind rates ahead of the BMW and darn close to the FJR. If somebody put a gun to my head and said pick one it would be the ST. I ride an older Connie so I'm partial to the new C-14 but that aside the ST1300 has always had my attention.  

I'm a 61yr.old looking to buy one of the four tested.I've ruled out the Honda(too heavy),rented an 06 rt1200(for 380mi.),to tall,un-refined, over priced. I'm now looking to ride an fjr, and possibly the c-14.Most riding will be one up.Thomas