What Tour Motorcycle Do We Buy?

So, what motorcycle do you tour on? The answer: almost anything – the equation depends solely on your budget, the time available, whether you have a pillion, and your expectations. People have ridden around the world on Honda Cub motorcycles, some riders have taken the most improbable motorcycles to the very end and dangerous places of this world and survived. Your skill and perseverance have a lot to do with the end result.

Which motorcycle to ride? I have a preference for low revving twins with lots of torque and a low center of gravity something you can find in most BMW adventure motorcycles. Certainly they are an advantage when you are tackling all sorts of road and terrain conditions fully loaded at speed. On the tarmac big multi-cylinder motorcycles are fine – just consider what vibration and wind buffering will be transferred to you at your chosen touring speed. Also ask your pillion – unpleasant sensations may lead to revolt and serious kidney pain for you and your pillion.

Seriously, consider the speed, time available, distance, comfort and load carrying capacity equation. You make your choice. Fairings are well worth the cost for long distance touring although they are expensive to repair should the machine topple over. Consider, too, the impact of air-flow on the pillion.

If the motorcycle suits your expectations, then go for it, whatever the brand. All sorts of motorcycles have been successfully ridden to some of the weirdest places. It is worth having a test ride of the motorcycle of your choice and speaking to an owner before you make your purchase.

Sure, the capacity snobs may turn up their noses at small motorcycles and small distances – who cares? Take a small motorcycle, like a single-cylinder 250cc Tiger Boxer 250 RS, across the Khorat Plateau to the Northeastern cities of Mahasarakham or Khon Kaen and follow the roads all up to the North region of Chiang Mai and celebrity status will certainly follow.