The Ultimate Cruiser/Tourer

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by bamavulcandave

1600 Nomad
Goldwing
Yamaha Midnight Star Venture
Rocket III
Ultra Classic

I like these.

Ok, first, the GW doesn't count because it's not a cruiser. Don't disagree that it's the ultimate tour machine, but I'm thinking cruiser style for touring.

SOOOOOO.....You can't have 4 bikes......which ONE would you chose if your plans were 100% over-the-road touring?

[bamavulcandave]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Ok, first, the GW doesn't count because it's not a cruiser. Don't disagree that it's the ultimate tour machine, but I'm thinking cruiser style for touring.

SOOOOOO.....You can't have 4 bikes......which ONE would you chose if your plans were 100% over-the-road touring?

1600 Nomad with the Ultra Classic second.
This is based on riding 2-up with wifey. I have heard good reviews about both.
My 900 has been good quality for 2 years now and if it stays that way I am seriously thinking of the 1600 Nomad WITHIN the next 2 years.

[NCDave]

ok, so why the Nad or Ultra over the 4 or 6 cyls? If the 1600 is like my 1500, I'd think the vibes would get to me on the highways. That's the primary reason my thoughts steer toward the other two.

[jesus granados]

Originally Posted by NCDave

ok, so why the Nad or Ultra over the 4 or 6 cyls? If the 1600 is like my 1500, I'd think the vibes would get to me on the highways. That's the primary reason my thoughts steer toward the other two.

I have been looking at the royal star venture, magnificent bike, on take off it can dust off just about any v twin, i had a hard time keeping up with one on a ride a while back, however, i juts can't seem to grow the nerve to let go of my nomad, there is something beautiful and misterious about the classic look and feel of the nomad, that for me there is nothing better, plus i bought the bike with 40,000 miles on the odo. and i have driven that beauty hard for another 32,000 miles, so with over 72,000 miles still runs like a dream, and the confidence factor for reliability, can't be beat. sooo! i am keeping my nomad as long as i can. to me is the perfect blend between a classic bike and a great cruiser, good torque, good mileage, just runs, and runs. good luck.

Jesus.

[jesus granados]

Originally Posted by NCDave

ok, so why the Nad or Ultra over the 4 or 6 cyls? If the 1600 is like my 1500, I'd think the vibes would get to me on the highways. That's the primary reason my thoughts steer toward the other two.

plus,, i have driven my nomad at sustained speeds of 95-100 miles/hour, no problem ever!! from phoenix to LA average sppeed 95 miles/hr. great cruising feel.

[NCDave]

Jesus....I agree with you. I love my 1500 and don't plan to let go of it any time. I'm sure it will have 100k miles before I'm done with it.

This question is more of a "what if" type of thing without regard to your current ride. Just IF you could chose a cruiser-style of bike for specifically touring, what would you get. My thoughts were that the smoothness of a multi-cylinder bike would be of primary concern, but wanted to see what others thought about when considering the same specifics.

[jaseman]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Jesus....I agree with you.

That could start a whole other thread! Or be on a faith based forum!!

[NCDave]

Oh heck....you just turned this into a religion thread. Now it's going to get deleted!

[jesus granados]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Oh heck....you just turned this into a religion thread. Now it's going to get deleted!

not to be funny but "i swear" my bike is sacred!!!

[jesus granados]

no seriously, if i had to change i would take the Yamaha Royal Star Venture, no doubt in my mind. is the best value, performance, and ammenities for the buck. somewhat of a poor mileage though, but that woudn't really matter that much. so for me? Royal Star Venture.

[jukief]

Originally Posted by jaseman

If it's gotta have the "cruiser" look, I say the old Honda Valkerie. That flat-6 is an ultra smooth, bullet proof, strong, versatile, proven motor. And you can get enough luggage for it, both hard and soft, to take everything you want for an extended trip.
.

I want one of those! I'm going to keep my eyes out for a used one. My only concern is that it's too heavy for me.

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by jukief

I want one of those! I'm going to keep my eyes out for a used one. My only concern is that it's too heavy for me.

I always liked them and thought they were the perfect cruiser touring platform. What better than a GW motor in a cruiser for running on the highway all day long!

besides that, I heard one once with aftermarket pipes on it, and it sounded like a stock car! REALLY cool!

[pitchinguy]

I gotta ride a Rocket & Venture & get back to ya.

I'm one of the kinky weirdos who actually think the Rocket is a sweet lookin machine, but I also liked the big ole headlight on the 2K's when they 1st came out & everybody was sayin Ewww!! I really do like the looks of the Rocket & can't wait to ride one. Not really excited about the looks of the Venture, it's OK...but that's just it......just OK.

[Slo'Poke]

Thx for starting this thread, Dave. This helps out in my quest for the touring-upgrade next year.

[N3FOLN3FOL]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

haven't ridden them all. couldn't say

Same here, but for me the best touring bike for now is my one and only 900. For newer and larger bikes, the Goldwing is on top of my list.

[bamavulcandave]

Originally Posted by pitchinguy

I gotta ride a Rocket & Venture & get back to ya.

I'm one of the kinky weirdos who actually think the Rocket is a sweet lookin machine, but I also liked the big ole headlight on the 2K's when they 1st came out & everybody was sayin Ewww!! I really do like the looks of the Rocket & can't wait to ride one. Not really excited about the looks of the Venture, it's OK...but that's just it......just OK.

I like the Rocket III also. My nearest dealer is 75 miles away I guess the reason I have not been in the showroom. One came rolling in at bike night and I loved the looks and sound of it.

[aKorn]

It's funny, The Rocket 3 is almost identical in length and wheelbase to my 900.

[ispeed77]

Originally Posted by NCDave

ok, so why the Nad or Ultra over the 4 or 6 cyls? If the 1600 is like my 1500, I'd think the vibes would get to me on the highways. That's the primary reason my thoughts steer toward the other two.

never had a problem with vibration on the Nomad, and mine went to RL in 05.

if i could choose any bike not current, i would have to give the Valkyrie Interstate a really long look. otherwise, i stick with the Nomad. the Yami just doesn't do it for me in the looks department, even though it has more motor. my 1500 Nomad, slightly tweaked, had plenty of motor pulling a trailer to RL.

[mcneese5]

I had never seen a rocket III till about 2 weeks ago, I was riding threw Kingsport TN and stoped at a shop and sat on one. Wow that was a nice bike. It sat well and looked awesome. I would have loved to have taken it out., But was trying to get over the mountain and back to Nc before dark. I will be looking at it when its time for a new one.

[Daddyo Vulcan]

How about the Victory Vision!!! Just kidding but it is crazy looking!! to me the Goldwing is the ultimate but the Nomad is just sweet...