What's the most reliable tour bike?

[NOWOOL]

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

[Tank]

V-Strom 650.

Cheap as chips - and you can ride forever on one.

[NOWOOL]

thanks Tank,
but aren't the shaft drives more reliable and no maitenence? What makes it less better than the 1000 version you currently ride?

[portokiwi]

A Honda i went from Singapore to Thiland and back on a CB750 no problems, I did the North Island on a Suzuki GS550ESD and did the South island on the good old KZ1000R. Each bike was great but the Honda was just how do you say it reliable, consistent, nice.
Hope this helps.

[NOWOOL]

Yeah, I like the Honda ST1300 but i've read complaints about the amount of heat it gives off especially in summer. Otago gets very hot during the summer!

I don't think the smaller bikes will do since there are high winds almost every day in Otago (60k plus.....riding my GN has adapted me to riding in hurricanes at highway speeds!) plus my wife and luggage and 100 kpm over hills dictate more power. I like the R series BMW's and my wife likes the 'Cruisers' (although she bases bikes on looks only). For me reliabilty is the big concern as I'm 100k from any garage.

[portokiwi]

Yes the BMW are nice bikes. I had no problems 2 up with saddle and tank bags on the 550. 1000 was a piece of piss up those south island hills with ease.
The CB750 didnt have a passenger.... no one was crazy enough to go with me lol.

[Jantar]

thanks Tank,
but aren't the shaft drives more reliable and no maitenence? What makes it less better than the 1000 version you currently ride?

I would also suggest the VStrom 650 for solo riding or the VStrom 1000 if you are planning on two up. Modern chain drives are relatively hassle free particularly if you add an automatic chain oiler.

I see you are near Middlemarch, so not really in the middle of nowhere, but you do something a bit better than a GN.

[yod]

blackbird
VFR800

[pete376403]

Kawasaki Concours - the older Connies go forever. (The newer ones haven't had time to go forever yet)

[Meanie]

Kawasaki Concours - the older Connies go forever. (The newer ones haven't had time to go forever yet)

25,000 ks and no problems yet apart from replacing tyres, although i did have to have a lot of the shims replaced at the last service, something i wasnt very happy about. Great comfort and stunning in red

[ManDownUnder]

RF900. Bulletproof motors, go forever, fark all goes wrong with them, comfy and quick enough when you need some boogie.

[martybabe]

It almost pains me to say it but the most comfortable bike I ever owned was a BMW, I'm talking dismounting after 600k and still being able to walk, I know of nothing better for mile eating comfort.

Shaft drive...BMW

Longevity and build quality...BMW

Reliability...BMW always scores very high but to be fair so do many other manufacturers.

If I was in your situation I would be looking at a BMW RS Boxer thing, not the most desirable of bikes, imo, but bloody bloody good for what you want.

I'm not even a big Beemer fan but I know a good machine when I see one, you asked what would suit and I think that ticks every box.

Good luck.

[gunnyrob]

RF900. Bulletproof motors, go forever, fark all goes wrong with them, comfy and quick enough when you need some boogie.

Until you crash them on the ATNR

[NOWOOL]

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.

[scumdog]

25,000 ks and no problems yet apart from replacing tyres, although i did have to have a lot of the shims replaced at the last service, something i wasnt very happy about. Great comfort and stunning in red

37,000km on CBs 1200 Sporty and so far have only replaced tyres, oil and filters.

Period.

But maybe not the best touring bike with only 210km range with the size of the petrol tank.