Bike Recommendation for Xcountry Trip

[tjruler]

MO-

I'm completely new to motorcycles, but some friends and I are planning a cross-country, month+ long trip for next summer (1 year from now).

I'm wondering if people could recommend cruiser bikes that would be big enough for the ride and reliable enough to get us through. Comfort and easy driving would also be a plus .

Another issue would be if we could get a bikes to meet the demands of the ride, but still be small/friendly enough to learn on. Is such a happy medium possible?

We're planning on taking safety courses and riding on our bikes for months before the trip, so we should have lots of experience. Any recommendations for how to build this foundation for a demanding month on the road would be very appreciated!

Thanks,

tjruler

[acecycleins]

First- I would not suggest a cruise for touring. Seating position would become bothersome after the first 500 miles. Second- Your feet are kind of locked in, as well.
The following is certainly opinion, but from a rider of 100k's of miles over 27yrs.
It's your first bike and your jumping into your first year with a long ride. Limit the bike price to under $7k- yes, buy used. I could care less if you buy retail or not but the types of bikes I am talking about will be well taken care of buy their previous owners- so, I'd buy private. BMW R850R, Ducati MTS620 MultiStrada, Kawasaki z750, Kawasaki KLR650, Kawasaki Ninja650, Kawasaki Versys, Moto Guzzi Breva 750, Suzuki DL650, Suzuki Bandit 600, Yamaha FZ6r.
Many of these you may be able to negotiate new and stay at or under the $7k mark. You do your research and see. Throw bags on any of them and you're off. A few have optional OEM bags.
Don't worry about motor size. You're new and you don't want to be overwhelmed buy a rush of power. You need fun not exciting in a terrorizing sort of way.
Guys- go to work and help the guy out. Oh, TAKE A CLASS!.
Good luck.

[pushrod]

+1 to Ace's post, with one big distinction/difference...


If you ar truly going 'cross-country', you need to buy a bike from one of the big five. That'd be Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha/Harley-Davidson.

Why? Because if you have any problem with your mount, you much more likely to be near one of those dealerships than if you are on an Aprilia, BMW, a Duck or a Goose or yes, a Triumph.

Now, if you are doing the city-to city thing, then buy the bike you like.

Remember to factor in the cost (time and money) of safety equipment.

Good luck!