Best motorcycle for road trips?

Question

I'm looking for a motorcycle for a road trip from New York to Alaska and back next summer. Street bikes preferred. And my price range is $5000 and under. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I crossed the U.S. from Boston, MA to Monterrey, CA and back on a 650cc Norton, but my little 1978 400 Suzuki GS that I bought later would have been better on fuel and an easier ride.



I've done several long trips (1000 miles +) on a Yamaha Virago 750 that held up quite well over some really terrible roads, with bad grades and tight corners. There are roads in the lower 48, just like I saw in my travels in my 18 wheeler up the AlCan to Alaska.



The 750 is very fuel efficient and has the power and lower weight to allow lots of cargo, without bogging down. (I've ridden the 900 and I didn't see anything it could do that the more fuel efficient 750 couldn't.) The shaft drive is much lower maintenance than a chain and I had the mag wheels, so didn't have a loosening/flexing spoke problem with all the vibrations on bad roads.The suspension held up quite well and the lower seating position was very stable and comfortable even when the roads and weather got bad. You should also have a full electronic ignition as standard point ignitions can be a problem in high vibration areas.



I'd recommend something in "full dress" with a windshield (The mosquitoes up there in summer will almost knock you off your bike and make a big mess when they splatter!) Plenty of cargo capacity to carry all the supplies (including at least one spare tire, and tube, as well as full tools and a repair manual for your bike! ) I'd carry a tire mounted on a rim like the old German side car bikes did. (mount it on top of the rear travel trunk, or on the back of the sissy bar.) Less time to change and no worries about a bent rim. (Depending on where you break down, you might not want to stay any longer than needed so that the bears don't have the time to come to investigate!) It is also a long walk and push in some areas if you break down.

Answer 2

I've ridden from the lower 48 to Alaska a couple of times on a couple of different bikes so I have an idea of what I'm talking about.

For a trip to Alaska and for what you're looking to spend, I STRONGLY suggest a dual sport bike. There's a website called ADV rider that has many stories about people cruising on two wheels to Alaska, you might want to read a number of threads to get a feel for the ride. Getting to Alaska is the easy part, once you get there though, the roads can be pretty rough and rough on a bike. Alaska poses some pretty unique issues. As a rule, I'm not a huge fan of Kawasaki's KLR line-up, but for the money you're talking, that's the route I'd go. The KLR 650 doesn't do anything great, except maybe fuel economy, but it sure does everything good. It's a solid bike, water cooled, good power, good wind protection, not as heavy as a lot of dual sports... a pretty basic, dependable bike that will stand up to the highways getting to Alaska and the rigors of the roads when you get there.

If and when you get to Alaska and look around, you'll pretty much see some high dollar GoldWings, along with German and British bikes, and a bunch of old Kawasaki KLR's on the road.

Answer 3

Good question. As a two wheeled veteran of 31 years i have a list of road trip must haves to help you search. I noticed your budget was $5000. Which will limit your search. Top must have is fuel injection. On your journeys you will experience variation in altitude, fuel quality, air tempurature, etc. Fuel injection will adjust. A carburator will not. For the most part die hard carburator enthusiasts will swear by carburators. Fuel injection will give you best performance, economy, and reliability. Second in order of importance is tubeless tires. It is a matter of safety. Tubeless tires will generally go flat over time. Tube type go flat suddenly. 3rd is chain or shaft drive. Belt is supperior to both. That is unless you are possibly going down an unpaved road. Sand will shred a belt in no time. You will need a minimum of 30 hp for one up riding. 35 for two up. Now lets look at a bike in a new category you should consider. Adventure/tourer. The honda cb500x. 45 hp. The age old advice of cc recomendations are gone. 45 hp is what the old twin cylinder 2 valve per cylinder, air cooled, carburated bike would perform.

Answer 4

For $5k there are a number of ways to go.



I like the dual-sport idea. I would personally think 650cc was just adequate, not great for long high-speed travel. But I know lots of people who have crossed the continent on 650cc dualsports. They are at least light, tough, and simple.



You could get a full-on tourer, like a Gold Wing, ST1300 (which would be my personal choice if I could find a good one for $5k), a BMW 1150 1200RT, Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours, or a big cruiser like a Kawasaki Nomad or Yamaha Roadstar or Honda VTX.



You could get a big 'standard' or 'sport-tourer' like a Yamaha FZ1, V-Strom 1000, Suzuki Bandit 1200 or 1250, etc.



I'm not sure what kinds of roads you can expect. I've been to Alaska myself but only the panhandle--Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, etc. Fairbanks or Anchorage might be different. Plus I didn't drive there, I took a ferry up the inland passage (very pleasant trip, BTW). I would think the road -to- Alaska might be rougher than what you'd find in Alaska. The dual sport idea might have some merit for broken pavement or gravel roads. But I also know a couple of people who've gone to Alaska on Harleys, so I know a cruiser or standard could make it.

Answer 5

It really depends what kind of trip you want to take. You can buy a brand new Honda CB300 for that much money, and be able to get some bags for it. Not for the interstates, but a great bike for the back roads, and it gets good gas mileage. Do yourself a favor and buy a book on motorcycle maintenance and repair, too. It will pay for itself many times over.

Answer 6

trust me on dirt roads you dont want a large cruiser or a crotch rocket. A 500 - 650 twin with a fairly upright sitting position & a fairing to take the bug hits. This size bike does not have the outright torque of a 1000 or 1300 & you may have to actually change down a gear to pass quickly at 50 mph (sigh); they will sit all day on 75 mph & get reasonable fuel consumption. Limit your luggage but DO carry spare tube & tools to change it & other minor repairs. A sheepskin seat cover is a nice luxury. Use a tank bag rather than put all your gear on the back of the bike, it doesn't do anything for stability or handling to have all your weight high over the back wheel.

Answer 7

I like Dimo J's suggestion to use the Suzuki S40...a simple, basic motorcycle. They are a little "buzzy" at speeds over 60 MPH but for a trip you're contemplating you can live with it. Suzuki's are under-rated motorcycles. They are rock solid reliable and I've owned nothing but Suzuki's since I bought my first one brand new in 1976. I have never been stranded on one and never had one that wouldn't start. The S40 thumper is a little cramped for a 6 footer but with mods can be quite comfortable. And the torque produced by a big single is perfect for the trip.

Answer 8

Old BMW airhead might be in price range. New BMW GS would do the trip- but out of price range. Basic Honda cruiser, Suzi or other Japanese mid size cruiser about 5 years old with large saddle bags, small windshield. The KLR or Dimo's S40 suggestion for gravel roads - good, especially if you're not a heavy weight lifter.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

KLR 650. Pretty much indestructible. Can load it like a pack mule. It's made for this trip. I think it would be in your price range too. Good luck. One thing you want on a bike, for this trip, is a lot of suspension travel. I doubt that the Alaskan part of your trip is smooth. Street bikes just don't have enough suspension travel. Sure you could use one, but it would be nerve wracking.

Answer 11

in your price range you can find excellent dual purpose bikes (adventure bikes). I own a Suzuki V strom dl650. sure it's just a 650, but it's more than enough to go cross country like that. I average 50mpg with a tall windshield, hard side bags and a trunk. 5K is more than enough to get one dressed out and with decent miles. Longevity is with the V stroms as well. Plenty of ppl out there on them with 75K miles and counting. I've got 38K on mine and it's running excellent.

Answer 12

Yes

Answer 13

with that budget of $5000 you are going need to buy used .

you still need to get insurance and gas and food and lodging money

you need passports Alaska can be hard on a bike and parts

.I would look at a used Kawasaki klr650 for the budget you have to spend

have fun and ride safe.

Answer 14

Harley Davidson make the best and parts are easy to find if ever needed. Any H/D in good shape will get you anywhere you want go and in comfort. J.B

Answer 15

A good used gold wing, Honda st1300, or a Kawasaki concours for just a few.

Answer 16

KLR650 is best for the Alaska part of your trip.

Answer 17

Not a street bike, a dual purpose

Answer 18

$5,000 ...take a train!

Answer 19

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