"I want to ride a motorcycle, but I don't know which one to choose. What kind of bikes are there?"
For those who have such concerns, we have selected the top five motorcycles from the satisfaction rankings of the past year, based on the evaluations and comments of the owners registered on Webike!
In this issue, we will introduce some foreign-made bikes for touring.
*This ranking article was created on October 30.
What is Touring Ranking?
This ranking is for motorcycles that make touring fun as well as city riding and commuting.
The ranking is based on the number of My Bike evaluations given by users (fuel efficiency, functioning, and loadability) and the number of touring diary entries.
*This rating and catalog fuel economy are compiled and published based on evaluations by registered users of My Bike in the Webike community and figures announced by the manufacturer. Please note that the ratings may be based on motorcycles of different years and specifications.
Click here for the "Bike Ranking for Touring" page of foreign manufacturers.
BMW R1250GS Adventure
The R1250GS Adventure is the top-of-the-line version of BMW's flagship GS series. The highlight is the super-large 30-liter fuel tank, 10 liters more than the STD version, which, when multiplied by the 21 km/L catalog fuel economy, gives it a continuous cruising range of 620 km, which is enough for a non-stop trip from Tokyo to Aomori in the north or Okayama in the west.
The touring reports from owners show that they are enjoying long-distance touring to the fullest. The BMW brand, which is the pride of Germany, a major industrial powerhouse, and the absolute confidence that the motorcycle can go anywhere, are the factors that keep touring enthusiasts coming back for more. The deep pulse of the horizontally opposed engine is also perfect for enjoying long-distance riding.
By the way, the GS's large-capacity tank has long been a tradition. In the '90s, when I was in trouble deep in the mountains and ran out of gas, the owner of the GS helped me with some gasoline. He told me.
Actually, it means “slope sport = sports model that runs through the mountains”.
Thank you for helping me with that section.
KTM-1290SUPER DUKE GT
In second place is a model from the Austrian manufacturer KTM. Based on the hyper naked 1290 Super Duke, the GT is a Gran Turismo version equipped with a large screen, a tail area designed to accommodate pannier cases, and other travel-oriented features.
This machine is characterized by its strong power (175 hp maximum), racing-spec suspension, and ultra-lightweight (225 kg for this class) body, and while it has the riding potential to handle circuits, it also has a rich electronic control system that allows it to be used in a variety of touring-oriented modes. The motorcycle is also equipped with a semi-active suspension system. The semi-active suspension automatically and instantaneously adjusts the stiffness of the suspension according to the situation.
The owners who provided us with the tour report seemed to enjoy a wide range of activities, from long-distance to suburban trips. They seemed to like the fact that they could go either energetically or leisurely, depending on their mood of the day.
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100
The only exception to the popularity of the adventure type was the Bonneville T100 by Triumph of the UK.
The classical look of this model, which looks great in photos no matter what location is used as a background, is the best way to create memories of touring. You can enjoy various angles of this model, such as from the front, from the back, or even from below, so we encourage you to give this model a try. Even though the bike is made in England, it also goes well with Japanese shrines and temples.
While its sibling T120 has a 1200cc engine, T100 has a more manageable 900cc engine and is priced about 300,000 yen lower, making it more accessible. It is also recommended for women, as it is much easier to get around on than the adventure type.
KTM 790ADVENTURE
In fourth place is KTM's 790 ADVENTURE. This model places the most emphasis on rideability among the series and is suitable for adventurous touring enthusiasts who want to go hard on unpaved roads.
The front wheel is a 21-inch size suitable for off-road riding, and many owners have replaced the tires with authentic block patterns. The fuel tank is divided to the left and right, and with a low center of gravity and a 20-liter capacity, it is a happy ally for adventure touring enthusiasts who can aim for a full tank of 500 km.
From 2021, the model will be changed to the 889cc 890ADVENTURE with 90cc more displacement, but it has been well equipped with full-color TFT meters and other features since the 790, so used models may be a good target.
BMW G310GS
Coming in fifth place is the youngest brother of the GS series, which can be ridden with a standard motorcycle license.
With a single-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 34ps, it weighs only 175kg and is recommended for beginners who want to use the popular adventure type not only for touring but also for everyday city riding.
The fuel tank capacity is 11.5 liters, which is not enough compared to its big brothers, but the fuel efficiency is about 30 km/L, which is enough to ride almost 350 km on a full tank, which is sufficient for this class. The price starts at (approx.) 5310 USD, which is not much different from the Suzuki V-Strom 250 (613,800 yen) or the Honda CRF250RLY (approx. 5090 USD), and the difference in horsepower from these Japan rivals is about 10ps.
It also comes standard with an ETC2.0 onboard unit, making it a model that is actually quite affordable as a travel companion.
