Touring reviews

I'm writing as a passenger, which is maybe unusual. My husband and I have made several cross country trips from Wisconsin, mostly to Texas and Wyoming. The passenger seat on our 1995 Ultra Classic Electra Glide 30th Anniversary Edition is so comfortable, it's hard to do it justice here. I had back problems and pain in my legs, and on our first trip, I was worried about going on such a long ride on a motorcycle. But when we got to our destination, my aches and pains were gone. Maybe the steady vibration helped, but I couldn't believe the passenger seat was so soft and relaxing. My husband kept remarking how well it handled with two people, and it certainly felt like a smooth and effortless ride. I was only nervous when he took us on the Beartooth Pass going out of Yellowstone. When I peered over the edge of the mountain road (with no guardrails!) and saw the switchbacks a thousand feet below, it made me want to clutch the armrests, close my eyes, and sink into my seat. But we were in our sixties then, young and adventurous. If you're a passenger, I can't imagine a better motorcycle than one like this. Show less

I LIVE TO RIDE. I am at my most comfortable when moving. Bicycles, skateboards, skiis, Motorcycles. Many motorcycles: BMW, Aprilia, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Honda. THIS is my last BMW, starting with a 1956 R69 ( I rebuilt one winter of 1970 and subsequently rode x-country twice ), several boxers, 1973 R75/5, 1974 R90S, 1977 R100 RS (2), 1978 R100S, 2103-2015-2017 S1000RR (THE FINEST SPORTBIKE. PERIOD ), but the 2019 S1000XR ( K49 ) is the finest example of BMW ethos; GET FROM HERE TO THERE ON THE BIKE THAT RATCHETS UP YOUR CONFIDENCE TO 11 IN RIDING ANY ROAD, ANY CONDITION, IN ANY WAY YOU CHOOSE. AND ARRIVE NOT WANTING TO GET OFF YOUR RIDE! Boxer engines are the meditative equivalent of the inline 4 cylinder 999cc engine. The water-cooled 4 valve/cylinder two OHCam engine begs to scream, once freed from DOT bureaucratic ecu strangling, the engine provides all its torque at 2500 and will spin to 13,000 rpm! 165 HP = 165 MPH. Not that you need to, it's just so much fun! Want to cover miles? Drop it into 6th, 6000 rpm = ~80mph and 41 mpg. But this is so much more than an interstate traveler, canyon roads are its home, granted you won't attack them as if you're on an RR or a dedicated track machine, but with a 4 inch longer swingarm and >100lbs, you're friends on the RR's won't be waiting for you. Multiple electrical connections, phone mounts ( forget that BMW map BS ) and top case / bag mounts and more. Reliability, ease of Maintenance, Ability to modify and make it your own, set up to be easy to strip down or load it up for your sig other's pleasure and still be relatively light, make this MY choice to ride anytime, anywhere. Why did I give it 4 stars for quality? Remember I've been on BMW's since the 1970's. Back then you got sofa cushions for seats, metal fenders, a COMPLETE tool set, a hand painted and pinstriped bike. I have watched and ridden as the fenders became plastic, the tool kit shrank, the seats lost their cushion, and paint became decals, but BMW hasn't changed their pitiful yellow headlights ( but you CAN replace them with LED's if you're handy ). But the ENGINE, FRAME, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES WORK TOGETHER AS WELL, IF NOT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BIKE IN THE WORLD! Why did I give it 4 stars for COMFORT? Today's BMW is built for a rider at least 6'2" with a 34-36" inseam and a 34-36" reach and a butt made of steel. If you're say, 5'6" with a 28" inseam and 30" reach, you're standing at lights on one toe, riding bent over trying to reach the bars while laying on the tank. That seat is a carryover from the track focused RR; great for 20 minute sessions but ride out for the day and come back from a 300 mile loop and your butt will be talking to you for quite some time. Easy enough to remedy, but BMW should offer it instead of having to do it on your own ( see QUALITY ) THE FINAL VERDICT IS WE ALL RIDE TO BE AND EXPRESS OURSELVES, THE S1000XR IS ONE OFTHE FINEST PALETTES TO DO THAT WITH. RIDE ON! Show less

Original owner 2020 RKS. Bought new in September 2019 from Red Rock Harley Davidson in Las Vegas. Bike has just over 9000 miles on the odometer. Engine is stock except for exhaust and intake. Exhaust is Supertrapp open head pipe. No catalytic converter. Mufflers are Kerker with special ordered chrome endcaps Intake is stock housing with oversize K Show less

2015 is the 'Last Call' year for the Honda VFR Interceptor. Many years of refinement with a bullet proof 800cc V-4 Vitech engine. This Sports Bike does everything well, from regular pump gas to the wine of its Vitech enhancement. After 10 years of ownership, this bike never let me down or disappointed. Show less

This is the best touring bike I have ever had. Since the farring is attached to the frame and the steering turns directly to the front wheel without the farring movement, it slices through the wind. You can pass a semi at 75 mph and you don’t get blown around. Total different feel than my previous Ultra Classic. Best suspension it really absorbs the bumps. Show less

Have owned 7 motorcycles and bought the Gold Wing used for long distance touring. Changed out the suspension to a Traxxion Dynamics that made this motorcycle handle and perform so much better. The Gold Wing is the King of Kings touring ride. While it looks like an aircraft carrier it handles like a sport bike to a very center of gravity. Towed a camper with my Gold Wing 8,000 miles in 5 weeks and it performed flawlessly. If well maintained you can get about 300,000 miles on an engine. Bulletproof bike! Show less

Excellent size for highway, interstate and trails. Large enough to out power traffic, small enough to get into great fishing and hunting areas. Perfect room for camping gear. For date nights, passenger comfort ready. Greater closer parking chances. Heated grips makes the ride like it's nothing when temperatures drop. Removable and adjustable windshield is perfect for long rides keeping debris and bugs off your helmet. I've always enjoyed riding the black hills, Colorado peak to peak and small rural roads. Show less

Although, the road glide custom is agile, partly due to the low center of gravity this is a 800 pound gorilla of a motorcycle!! Handles very well. Very smooth and reliable with all right upgrades you’ll be sure to have a pleasant experience every time. Very quick and nimble. Easy on the mind, body and soul. Show less

The bike is a joy to ride, much lighter than a Gold Wing, and it is its little brother with proper Honda performance. Light weight increases its agility and the proven 4-cylinder fuel-injected engine provides the power to take you both to the top of Pikes Peak without a sweat. While it is a touring bike, it handles much like a sport bike with reasonable acceleration and a smooth ride. Show less

THIS MOTORCYLE RIDES LIKE A DREAM, IT HAS A EXTENDED WARRANTY TILL 9/28/25 WITH TIRE AND WHEEL COVERAGE HAS PLENTY OF LED LIGHTS FOR NIGHT RIDING AND A GREAT BOOM BOX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM, HEATED GRIPS,SECURITY SYSTEM FOB Show less