THE DREAM OF LONG-DISTANCE MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL

The dream of motorcycle touring across America was one of the original inspirations that moved me into the sport of motorbikes as a youngster. I could not have imagined that notion would have developed into the passion that it has, with quite a number of coast-to-coast motorbike trips under my belt and many more to come.

FOUR (4) KINDS OF TOURING-SPECIFIC MOTORCYCLES

The thing is, a rider can go for long-distance rides on most any bike.

Whether that be on cruiser, sport bike, standard bike, dual-sport or any other kind of motorcycle.

However, an actual Touring Motorcycle is designed to increase the comfort of rider and passenger, and offer greater luggage capacity. And here are the four types:

1) Adventure Tourer
2) Cruiser Tourer
3) Sport Tourer
4) Luxury Tourer

1) ADVENTURE TOURING MOTORCYCLES

In recent years, this has become the fastest-growing motorbike category – over ALL motorcycles. Adventure-touring bikes could be described as large dual-sport motorbikes. Dual-purpose machines are for on- and off-road riding, usually with an engine size of 650cc or less (250cc is very popular). Adventure touring bikes are bigger than 650cc, and in fact, some are bigger than 1000cc. The main thing about adventure-touring bikes is that they are bikes that “can” go off-road. But they should “not” be described as big dirt bikes. They work well on pavement and on dirt/gravel roads, but they are not really intended to ride through technically difficult trails. The biggest adventure-touring bikes come with saddlebags and fairing, and other such bikes need them added.

2) CRUISER TOURING MOTORCYCLE

Big Harley Davidson motorcycles with full fairing and saddlebags are the iconic cruiser tourer, although other manufacturers make them, too. Cruisers are famous for their classic look and for their easy ergonomics with the rider usually leaning back a little bit and with feet positioned forward.

3) SPORT TOURING MOTORCYCLE

The name is pretty self-explanatory. These are high-performance bikes with powerful engines that have saddlebags and fairings to provide greater comfort and storage for the rider. “Purpose Built” sport-touring bikes typically have shaft drives, instead of chain drives, so that a long-distance rider does not have to deal with chain maintenance, such as adjusting or lubricating the chain.

4) LUXURY TOURING MOTORCYCLE

And of course, there are the big luxury touring bikes, such as the Honda Gold Wing and BMW LT, that some describe as two-wheeled recreational vehicles. They are certainly of a different breed than any of the other categories mentioned. If comfort and luxury capacity are your need, those bikes aim to please. These two machines are the plushest motorbikes you can buy – and they are BIG!

MOTORCYCLE TOURING ACCESSORIES

There is no shortage of Motorcycle Touring Accessories available for the touring public (particularly if you don’t have a luxury tourer). In addition to luggage carrying accessories, there are windshields, custom seats, bigger fuel tanks, upgraded suspension components, and MANY more opportunities to improve your bike’s role as a touring machine.

Here are a few items to consider:

♦ MOTORCYCLE SADDLE BAGS		♦ MOTORCYCLE HYDRATION PACKS
♦ MOTORCYCLE TANK BAGS		♦ LUGGAGE RACKS
♦ MOTORCYCLE TAIL BAGS		♦ TOURING JACKETS
♦ SISSY BAR LUGGAGE BAGS		♦ TOURING BOOTS
♦ RAIN GEAR		♦ HEATED GRIPS, GLOVES, VESTS, JACKETS, ETC.

In fact, one could argue that an advantage of NOT buying a touring machine loaded with every accessory know to man, is the opportunity to pick and select your own accessories, to really customize your bike to your own preferences. But just as these words fly off the keyboard, I’m simultaneously cognizant of the unimaginable quantity of accessories that are available for the big touring bikes, from the manufacturers themselves, and through aftermarket manufacturers, too.

In the 21st century, regardless of what motorcycle you own, or whichever one you buy next, if you are interested in touring, you will never run out of Motorcycle Touring Accessories that you can buy for your own bike or as gifts for other riders.

Finally, you may want to consider reviewing some of these motorcycle touring books….

REVIEW AND COMPARE MOTORCYCLE TOURING BOOKS:

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LUGGAGE RACKS AND MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES

Going on a motorcycle adventure?

Or, need some additional storage space for your daily commute to work?

Luggage racks are one of the first things you can add to some bikes to easily increase storage capacity.

Keep in mind that most luggage racks are designed to carry a huge amount of traveling luggage. Some judicious decisions will still need to be made as to what is best to bring. (Think in terms of what is really needed, as opposed to what would be nice to bring).

Click on the following link to check out these luggage racks and see if there’s something that strikes your fancy for your next adventure….

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EASIEST WAY TO INCREASE YOUR LUGGAGE CAPACITY

MOTORCYCLE SADDLE BAGS represent the easiest way to significantly increase your motorbike storage capacity. They are also a great gift idea if you want to encourage someone special to take you away for a weekend motorcycle adventure.

NOTE: TANK BAGS are actually even easier to add and remove to and from your bike, but most tank bags do not have anywhere near the storage capacity of saddle bags.

If your bike did not come with saddlebags (and most motorcycles do not come equipped with saddlebags), then, at some point or another, you will probably consider your options for additional storage space – especially if you want to take a trip!

TWO MAIN TYPES OF SADDLE BAGS

Most saddlebags can be broken down into two broad categories:

1. Hard bags
2. Soft bags

HARD SADDLE BAGS

Their names are pretty self-explanatory.  Generally speaking, hard bags are more water resistant and more likely to maintain their general look over time, given minimal maintenance, such as washing them when you wash your bike.  Furthermore, hard bags are more secure than most soft bags, as most come with locking covers and many can even be locked to your motorcycle.  However, hard bags require special hardware that needs to be attached to your bike, which hold the bags themselves.  Hence, hard bags are also usually more expensive.

If you are interested in hard bags, you will want to be sure to get mounting hardware specific for your motorcycle!

SOFT SADDLE BAGS

Soft bags, whether they are made of leather or textile, may be water resistant, but are less likely to hold up to an all-day ride through bad weather in the same way hard bags would.  However, soft bags are lighter, certainly more flexible, and are, generally speaking, less expensive than hard bags.  Most soft bags require no special mounting hardware, although there are some exceptions.  They also need more care and attention to keep them looking good.

As a bit of a twist, there are some hard bags that are made to look like soft bags, since, particularly for some cruiser riders, soft bags might be considered more stylish. In other words, you can get the look of leather saddlebags and have the security of hard bags.

Also, if you’re thinking soft bags might be more convenient than hard bags in terms of grabbing them and carrying them into a motel/hotel while on a trip, well, you may or may not be correct.  Most hard bags can be unlocked and readily detached to be carried, like luggage.  On the other hand, it’s not unusual to use a liner for hard bags, which can be more readily removed, without unlocking the hard bags from your bike.  It may not sound like a big deal, but when you’re on the road, and you’ve just put on a lot of miles, being able to quickly unpack can be a great advantage.  Additionally, when it comes time to pack things and hit the road again the next morning, it’s easier to toss those liners into your hard bags than to re-secure the soft bags. Of course liners can also be used for soft bags, if you have a type that is not meant to be readily removed.

EITHER TYPE OF SADDLE BAGS INCREASE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY

Regardless, either hard bags or soft bags are both the best ways to increase your motorcycle storage space.

Except, that is, if you happen to have a chase van traveling along with you that is carrying everything you could take if you were taking a truck.  And whether that truly represents a real motorcycle touring experience … well … I’ll leave that up to you to determine.

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