What are the best long-distance motorcycles out there? Like most “which is the best motorcycle for […]” questions, this one comes down to personal preference. Being that said, we pulled five fully dressed bikes for big tours. One European, One Japanese and three American – which is the most sophisticated and most comfortable? Which one offers the most sophistuicated electronic gadgets? The most luggage space? The best fuel economy? Let’s find out.
2015 Honda GL1800 GoldWing
Honda GL1800 GoldWing (2014-)
Hard to believe, but Honda’s touring titan is around for 40 years now and the GoldWing legend is as big as the bike itself. Just a couple of facts: during these 40 years, 640,000 units were built; it has a 6-cylinder engine and the bike weighs over 400 kilos (900lbs). But the GoldWing is not about facts and power figures, it’s about a phenomenon. The key selling point of the GoldWing is the perfect ergonomics coupled with refined technology and reliability. It has a sporty but comfy seat, nearly perfect wind protection, heated grips and seats, built-in sound system, remote controlled lockable luggage over 150 litres capacity etc. The large touring machine has more than enough power, too. Its six-cylinder engine displaces 1,832cc and develops 118hp at 5,500rpm, with 123lb ft of torque at 4,000rpm. Despite its enormous weight, riding the GoldWing is not intimidating, partly because the engine keeps center of gravity very low. But the large displacement coupled with a heavy bike means that the six-cylinder is not very fuel efficient – you can expect 35-40mpg’s. Still, the GoldWing is one of the best of its class.
2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive
BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive (2013-)
The newest generation of BMW’s top-of-the-range luxury tourer was introduced in 2011 as a replacement for the K 1200 LT and the new K series won many awards since then. The K 1600 GTL is in many ways more modern then the GoldWing. It has an aluminium frame with magnesium parts, a very narrow six-cylinder engine that is lighter then the one in the Honda, and offers a more comprehensive equipment level. There are a couple first-in-the-industry features like Hill Start Control and an antenna integrated into the top case. The inline-6 engine is a marvel – it has a maximum power output of 160hp (it’s the most powerful in its class), it revs like a sportsbike motor, but it has enough torque at very low revs. The bike is also a king of electronic gizmos: ABS, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, three riding modes, cruise control, hill start control, telelever front-end, ESA II electronic suspension etc. Being the most powerful bike on this list, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive has deserved the title „Supertourer”.
RKA Luggage BMW K1600GT/GTL/ 2014 R1200RT- Liners
2015 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic
Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic (2014-)
Harley can’t possibly more different than the BMW. Compared to the K 1600 GTL, the Electra Glide looks a bit old – or retro if you like. But if you think that the large tourer of Harley hasn’t change much since the 60’s, you’re wrong. Harley gave the model a complete overhaul last year. Let’s just say that this upgrade was necessary. The new Electra Glide Ultra Classic is more powerful, has better brakes, and a great touchscreen infotainment system with integrated GPS. The 103 cubic inch V-Twin is now partially water-cooled, and the result is a more livelier engine that’s more fun. Nonetheless, the BMW and the GoldWing feel both much more powerful. But if you’re over 50, have more than 4 tattoos, and long hair, this is probably your choice.
2015 Indian Roadmaster
Indian Roadmaster (2015-)
Harley isn’t the only American brand built around the magic word „heritage”. Indian was reintroduced in 2015 by new owners Polaris with a huge success. One of the new Indian’s, the Roadmaster takes on Harley’s Electra Glide. The bike is basically the fully dressed version of the Chief and features a fairly powerful V-Twin, a wide range of luxury gadgets, and lots of storage space – all with a retro touch. The Roadmaster is a stylish and impressively engineered touring bike and Harley has to take this threat seriously. The Roadmaster’s strongest points are its retro styling, torquey engine, great wind protection, good slow-speed manoeuvrability and superb audio system while Harley has the upper hand in terms of infotainment system and well-established dealer and service network. But one thing is sure: thanks to the reappearance of Indian, Harley has to innovate and improve its products faster and we’re looking forward to seeing a new Harley-Indian war.
Tomahawk Re-curve 12″ Dark Tinted Windshield for the Indian Chieftain and Indian Roadmaster
2015 Victory Vision Tour
Victory Vision Tour (2008-)
This bike is the most futuristic touring bike out there so it’s not a surprise that the Vision has drawn an emotional response since its introduction in 2008. Whether you like its polarising design or not, you cannot deny that this bike has the ability to turn heads. Despite looking futuristic, there’s a fairly traditional powertrain under the fairing. At the heart of the bike is a 1731cc V-Twin that has plenty of torque and runs smooth. Considering the size and scale of the Vision, the bike rides really well. Riding position is relaxed and wind protection is great but that’s a must in this category. Thanks to one of the best seats among touring bikes and superb ergonomics, the Vision is one of the most comfy on longer tours but it lacks the sophisticated electronic aides and gadgets of its latest rivals.
Verdict
All these bikes are large luxury touing machines but they can’t be more different – as always, choosing one is a question of personal reference. If you’re looking for the sportiest touring bike, the BMW is the best choice. If you’re into futuristic design, take the Victory. Harley has the best infotainment system of the category while the Roadmaster impresses with ride and build quality. And the GoldWing? After forty years, the large Honda is still the best of its class, it’s reliable, looks good and does things that a bike of that size has no right to be able to do.
