The quality of the trip is directly affected by the type of transport. Long trips on motorcycles have their own specifics and numerous advantages, the main one of which is maximum freedom of movement. But in order for such a trip to bring only positive emotions, choosing the right touring model is critical.
Features of touring motorcycles
When it comes to bikes for travel, the ability of the equipment to cover long distances comes first, while providing comfort to the driver and passenger. The ability to transport a certain amount of things is also included in the list of necessary capabilities. Therefore, in its pure form, the class of touring motorcycles is represented by powerful large-sized models equipped with luggage racks, on-board navigation systems, audio, etc., capacious gas tanks.
Motorcycle tourism involves not only civilized routes on asphalt roads, but also trips to nature over rough terrain, and often in the absence of roads as such. For extreme sports, it is better to choose sports models. Here, an enduro or other cross-country motorcycle with high cross-country ability can act as a touring motorcycle.
There are certain aspects that are taken into account when choosing touring bikes:
Road surface type - if you are mainly planning to travel on asphalt from city to city, classic touring motorcycles with low ground clearance will do. For off-road conditions, choose the appropriate models.
Travel duration - for long rides over 300 km, you need a bike with three luggage cases. In some cases, you have to use special single- and double-axle trailers, especially where luggage cases are not even an option.
Presence of a passenger - the presence of a second rider implies not only additional space, but also additional luggage. This means you will need a large touring motorcycle.
Vehicle weight - for long rides on highways, heavy bikes weighing from 200 to 500 kg are more suitable than light sports models.
Tank capacity - as a rule, motorcycles are equipped with tanks from 10 to 30 liters. It is clear that the larger the capacity, the less often you will have to refuel on the road, but this also directly affects the weight of the motorcycle. As practice shows, for trips out of town, models with 10-15 liter tanks are enough, for long trips you will need tanks of 20-30 liters.
Repairability - equipment breakdowns are always unpleasant, and especially when traveling, when the nearest service center can be hundreds of kilometers away. Today, the best touring motorcycles are equipped with an electronic diagnostic system that allows you to eliminate malfunctions in advance.
Comfort level - for touring bikes, comfort plays an important role. The understanding of convenience is subjective: one person values the presence of an audio system, another - heated steering wheel, a third - the quality of the seats, and so on. Often, manufacturers try to combine everything in one model, which affects not only its dimensions and weight, but also the cost.
In addition to technical characteristics, when choosing a motorcycle for traveling, it makes sense to pay attention to the ratings of the models, including Chinese models.
What to look for when choosing your first motorcycle?
Before buying a motorcycle for travel, you need to weigh the pros and cons, as well as take into account a number of subtleties:
Determine your needs
Decide what types of travel you are interested in: long trips on highways, cross-country riding, city walks, etc. Also consider how many people will ride the motorcycle: one driver or with a passenger.
Choose the type of motorcycle.
They are:
Touring - designed for long trips.
Adventure (ADV) - suitable for mixed road conditions and can easily move both on asphalt and off-road.
Cruisers and sports - most often used for racing and are not always suitable for long trips due to their ergonomics.
Consider the characteristics of the motorcycle
Pay attention to the engine power, fuel tank capacity. Can the seats be adjusted, is there wind protection and additional options (ABS, touch control, heating, etc.). Check the load capacity and the ability to install luggage for long trips.
Take a test ride and set a budget
Before buying, be sure to test ride the bike to see if it is right for you, if it is comfortable for you, and if it requires additional effort to operate. Calculate and account for additional costs for protective gear, maintenance, and insurance.
By following these steps and considering your needs, you will be able to choose a bike that is right for your future travels.