"Unlikely" Touring Bikes

[lake_harley]

Over the years of being on ADVrider I've seen numerous pictures of bikes that are not ordinarily considered "touring" bikes loaded up for major touring duty. One of the touring books I've read made the point that any bike can be used for touring, but bikes have become so increasingly targeted to a purpose, it would be interesting to see what has been used, almost defying the classifications/styles of bikes.

I have followed the "minimalist touring" thread for bikes under 250CC, but thought it would be interesting to open it up for all size bikes and not only minimalist touring. The higher and wider the bags and other appendages are piled, the better!

Maybe vintage bikes we would normally think of being used to putter around, not ridden seriously as a touring bike?....older enduros?....cruisers taken to the far reaches of Alaska or on a RTW adventure? I would think there are some really creative "accidental tourers" out there.

Lynn

[Gregster]

I thought these folks had a crazy idea when they chose these bikes for their tour, which I believe would qualify as unlikely touring bikes:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...ht=underboning

[buckthedog]

I havent gotten into any serious touring yet, although I hope to find some folks to do this with. But in my minds eye, I hop onto my 72 Honda CB 350 Four, say a prayer, and hit the open road (at about 50 mph). I don't see myself on my 750 nighthawk (dont anyone hate, its like the Ford Taurus of bikes) comfy, pretty darn fast, and reliable as anything made. I have much love for my old 350 four.

[lake_harley]

Originally Posted by Gregster

I thought these folks had a crazy idea when they chose these bikes for their tour, which I believe would qualify as unlikely touring bikes:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...ht=underboning

An excellent example of what I was trying to describe. Not exactly what one pictures when you hear "touring bike". Problem now is that it'll take me a couple evenings to read that entire ride report.

Lynn

[nwdub]

I ride a 1989 kawi zx10 as my touring bike

it's quite comfy actually

[AZbiker]

Beachbusker and cavebiker have done some fun stuff on their bikes.

TKC's+Softail Deuce=fun!

[Flameout]

Originally Posted by nwdub

I ride a 1989 kawi zx10 as my touring bike

it's quite comfy actually

I toured a 1990 ZX10. Loved that bike! It was extremely comfortable...well, it was either the bike or that I was 22yrs old. Since I bought my Hayabusa, I've been trying to get it to be just as comfortable touring the ZX. I don't think it will ever be but 22000 miles later, I forget to care.

[Reconstructed]

I once read a story about a guy who rode to Prudhoe (sp?) Bay, Alaska on a Rebel.

I'd do it too, if I could...

[svs]

[professir]

After years of touring on an iron head sportster, I got a FLT full dress. While it was more comfortable, it was like dancing with a water buffalo at anything below interstate speeds. I tried a Gold Wing, and that was worse.

So, I am back on a Sporty, just this one is an Evo. Cant be happier! Momma says the same thing!

[SimpleSimon]

I'm doing an unconventional touring conversino of a CBR954rr with a new triple clamp and low road bars (similar to the LSL superbike kit), upgraded seat and lowering pegs. Should prove interesting.

[Terrytori]

Like a woman who forgets the pain of childbirth and ops for another, I would now, do it again.


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=513116

[rocker59]

Over 40,000 miles on this beauty, now:


3pc Hepco + Becker luggage for solo and light 2-up touring:




Trailer for 2-up moto-camping and longer trips:




About 12,000 miles in the past two years like this:


Bike is a 1 of 50 (in the USA) 2004 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans Nero Corsa...

[Meter Man]

I truly believe any bike can be a "Touring" bike.

I've done a 3,000 mile tour on a 234cc Nighthawk, a 7,500 mile tour on a DR650, and a few 1,200 mile trips on a big old Concours.

I've been toying with the idea of picking up a little RS50 Aprilia or Derbie and running it from San Francisco to DC. hmmmmmmm.......

[joef]

Originally Posted by Meter Man

I truly believe any bike can be a "Touring" bike.

I've done a 3,000 mile tour on a 234cc Nighthawk, a 7,500 mile tour on a DR650, and a few 1,200 mile trips on a big old Concours.

I've been toying with the idea of picking up a little RS50 Aprilia or Derbie and running it from San Francisco to DC. hmmmmmmm.......

Absoutely right, most any bike can be a touring bike but not everyone can be a touring rider.