Choose Wisely

[Dr.D]

Indian Roadmaster.

 

[Claviger]

KTM 1290 Superduke GT- That thing has it all!

I'm also growing into a fan of the 1290 family of KTMs, especially the new ones! The 19 GT gets up/down quickshifting now and a little power bump, plus a very nice screen.

Whatsmore, there is a nice family of parts to pick and pull to upgrade the LC8 motors.

 

[Journeyman]

I've been through a lot of bikes in my search, including a Triumph Trophy 900, BMW R1100 RT, and BMW R1200RT that I sold after getting the Rocket 3 Roadster.
I commute and tour (24,000 on the Roadster in 23 months and counting).
The Roadster is more comfortable long distance than the RT (which is a fine bike, btw) and in my opinion does everything better except handling on the twisties.
I've ridden the Rocket nearly 800 miles in a day (not again!).
My only concern is fewer dealerships compared to some other bikes, but I guess I'm willing to take a chance, otherwise... Gold Wing.

 

[Nat67]

The only way to truly tick all boxes is to buy a honda c70 step thru ! If it's mechanical , it will give trouble at some time or another . I was bit of a KTM fan until I learned that they can access the ecu remotely to cause gremlins that only a dealer can rectify with upgraded software , solely to keep the home mechanic paying out ! sounds like science fiction ? 10 years ago my bruv in law worked for a formula 1 team , the factory tech teams were remapping the engines lap by lap during winter practice at Assen . Not from trackside tho , but from the factorys themselves in Japan !

 

[Brennus]

Kinda like my rocket. At first I was a bit concerned about breakdowns, weight, handling, but this thing can handle great and has the grunt to go two up with bags and still go like a .....flamin rocket. The more I ride it the more I like it. I'm sure the designers thought it was a bit over the top when they designed it, but it just works, and bloody well.

 

[Tripps]

Probably an H2 SX SE, IMHO it is the best do it all currently on offer.

All the advanced electronics, good comfort, good power, good storage space, good dealer network, good agility.

The only potential downside is the wait on parts when things do break since it's a low volume bike.

KTM 1290 Superduke GT- That thing has it all!

Both are bikes I've read up on and lusted after, but not something I'd pick if I could only have one, especially without riding it.

 

[Dr.D]

Both are bikes I've read up on and lusted after, but not something I'd pick if I could only have one, especially without riding it.

I agree about the one bike thing. As this question was put I understood it to be the one do all bike for all conditions all year long. The Super Duke is not a touring bike and therefore out of the running for me. We do travel on trips of three to ten days at a time and I need carrying capacity and wind management. Music is nice to have also.

Therefore it has to be a bike like a GW, Indian or HD that is nice to ride all year long. The R3 and Duke are secondary bikes for me and I am glad I can afford such luxuries.

 

[Highway 2]

Yamaha FJR 1300ES

 

[BigNorm]

@Dr D think you have it narrowed down well. I'd choose Goldwing, The Indian Roadmaster, or a Harley Road or Streetglide. All 3 are built to travel. I loved my Roadglide... but not as much as I do my R3t

 

[Dr.D]

@Dr D think you have it narrowed down well. I'd choose Goldwing, The Indian Roadmaster, or a Harley Road or Streetglide. All 3 are built to travel. I loved my Roadglide... but not as much as I do my R3t

I just did a four day tour on the Roadster and it would not have been possible if my wife had not been hauling our gear on the RM. I'll post a thread on that later. After four days I felt more neck fatigue than I usually would have if I had been on a bike with a wind shield. So on most rides I like or need to have stuff packed and protected from elements for maximum comfort.