What Motorcycle is Best for Long Distance?
Motorcycles are all about freedom, but how often do we really get out there and ride? More often than not, we’re stuck within city streets, with little blasts of fun between lights, or maybe an occasional cruise down the freeway to get to the next suburb. A long distance ride is the best way to embrace the freedom that biking offers, so the question then becomes what bike is best?
How to Prepare for a Long Distance Motorcycle Ride
Not all motorcycles are suitable for a long-distance ride. Touring, Cruising and Standard bikes have more of an upright comfortable riding position and are the best styles to choose. Engine wise, a minimum of 750cc is capable of riding around town with efficient mileage and easy maneuverability, but also cruising at highway speeds for long periods.
Beyond all-weather protective gear, there are some additional things that will make your long-distance ride more enjoyable: cruise/throttle control, heated and padded grips, gel seats, a backrest and a large windscreen. Depending on the length of your trip and amount of gear needed, you’ll also want saddlebags, trunk and tank bangs.
While it may sound silly, training physically and mentally for your trip is important. You’ll want to log some longer rides, and practice packing your gear and riding with it. Getting enough sleep, eating well and honoring your need to rest will all be things you may grapple with on your journey, but with careful preparation and an open mind, it’ll be well worth it.
The New Triumph Speedmaster
The new Speedmaster delivers a distinctive cruiser riding position with a timeless and sophisticated style. It sources plenty of power from a 1200cc parallel twin, liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC engine that produces 78 PS of max power at 6100 rpm and 106 Nm of max torque at 4000 rpm. It’s also a smooth and comfortable ride, with a low seat height.
Single button cruise control and a torque assisted clutch are a few of the long distance ride-ability touches that make the new Speedmaster a great choice for embarking on a long trip. Road and Rain riding modes create greater control and safety and handling is improved thanks to new larger 47mm Showa fork and high specification brakes.
The rider’s seat now has specific lumbar support, and the passenger seat boasts nearly a half-inch more padding. The passenger seat can be removed when not being used, and an accessory rack can be installed in its place. With 79 accessories, including luggage, the new generation offers an even more comfortable, stylish and refined ride.
The best way to know if a motorcycle is the perfect match for your style and needs is to take it for a test ride! We’ll help you find the right ergonomics and performance to get you on your way to the long-distance trip of a lifetime.