What's the most reliable tour bike?

[martybabe]

...Did someone mention my name????

Maybe, are you expensive to fix ?

How come your not singing the praises of the Orient express, you do a fair bit of gadding about on that long legged stead.

[shafty]

As my name implies, I'm a shaft drive fan (GL1000, R100R, R1150R, GL1500A, ST1300). All great bikes and gave me a great run. Six cylinder Goldwings go forever - don't take any notice of the mileage - it isn't relevant - just condition and servicing.

The ST is superb - 520 km's from a tank, ABS, electric screen, great luggage and pillion ability, Honda reliability - but I WOULD say that!

Have fun and enjoy those roads down there!

[shafty]

Too fast Marty - how ya doin Mate?

Is it any wonder that the ST1300 model regularly out numbers other BRANDS in entering such events as the Rusty Nuts 1000 Miler.................hmmmmmm, I think not!

"Yeah, I'll buy a European bike - so long as it's a Pan European"

"ST1300 - the thinking Man's Super Tourer"

[Fatjim]

As far as tried and tested reliability, finish and value, the best is always going to be a Honda.

[AllanB]

I know of a bloke who uses his FXDS as a farm bike.

Surely this is the quote of the year

[buellbabe]

ITS TRUE!

When it goes into the shop for a service they have to wash all the cow shit and mud off it before doing any work!

[chrisso]

Too easy!! Yamaha XS1100! Live forever, reliable, shaft drive, a bit top heavy but still lighter than a lot of tourers.Mines done 210,000ks-gets nearly 50 mpg.

[VFRCBR]

Low Price --> Honda Transalp
Hi Price --> BMW 1200 GS Adventure

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Big cubes, big torque, big on comfort,economy and character. bolt on some luggage and a screen, do a double take at the price and ride of on a GSX1400

[Jantar]

Big cubes, big torque, big on comfort,economy and character. bolt on some luggage and a screen, do a double take at the price and ride of on a GSX1400

Would you really send a learner out on difficult roads on a GSX1400?

[VFRCBR]

Would you really send a learner out on difficult roads on a GSX1400?

for a learner ill think you must loock at a easy riding Bike like , ER6N,SV650,Verse,DL650,Transalp,600 Bandit,Hornet 600 .......

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Would you really send a learner out on difficult roads on a GSX1400?

Who said is was a learner?
I see he rides a GN250 but it doesn't mean he's a learner.
However the 14 can be tamed, yes its big and powerful but it gives heaps of feedback and the power delivery is smooooooth so no hit you in the face power band. Saying that if you crack the throttle you'll get what you deserve!
The 14 is very good value for money, reliable and 'safe' (as far as large capacity bikes go) it has no hidden surprises!! The Suzuki fest is on at the moment so grab yourself a bargin

[ynot slow]

Who said is was a learner?
I see he rides a GN250 but it doesn't mean he's a learner.
However the 14 can be tamed, yes its big and powerful but it gives heaps of feedback and the power delivery is smooooooth so no hit you in the face power band. Saying that if you crack the throttle you'll get what you deserve!
The 14 is very good value for money, reliable and 'safe' (as far as large capacity bikes go) it has no hidden surprises!! The Suzuki fest is on at the moment so grab yourself a bargin

Bloody good value for buck,saw one in the flesh and impressed,just have this idea about naked bikes,then again 20 yrs ago most were naked and we had fun.Hell mine has a bikini fairing and not total faired,so not much difference to the 1400.Spose it is asthetics,faired look better?

[jafar]

I live in the middle of nowhere so even going to the nearest town is "long distance touring". I'm looking to buy the most reliable and comfortable touring bike. Less maintenance and repair the better, since i'm so far away from any mechanic.
TIA

Oh dear. I've just read your GN thread and realised that you only got your learners a little over 6 months ago, and just recently moved to your restricted. That being the case, none of the bikes suggested on this thread are likely to be suitable. The VStrom 650 would be marginally so, but not the 1000. You should not even consider any of the big tourers like the BMWs, Honda STs, Concourse etc.

I would suggest something like a SV650, Hornet 600, Yamaha Radian etc. as a progression once you get your full. Better still would be a transalp, XT600, DR650 or similar, but you indicated that they may be out of your price range.

If the 600's are out of his price range then he will be looking for a faster 250 or a move to a 400-500 cc machine. Mabey something like a Honda Silverwing would suit better, or as MM is in the sticks something a bit more dual purpose like a drz 400 or similar? The GS 500 Suzuki & Kawasaki Vulcan 500 could be worth a look.

[Forest]

My first choice was a BMW RT boxer but i've read that BMW has issues with drive shaft breakage with repair bills amounting to $10,000 NZ.

The drive-shafts in BMWs are fine.

The problem you're probably thinking of is the splines on the gearbox and the final drive. If they aren't lubed with BMW's secret sauce at the prescribed service intervals, they can get damaged and cause problems.

If they're properly maintained then you should be fine.