What matters is loadability and maneuverability.
Perhaps due to the recent outdoor boom and the influence of the comic "Yuru Camp", the number of riders who go camping on their motorcycles is increasing. Not only is the number increasing, but when I interview motorcycle owners, I usually hear them say that the reason they bought their motorcycle or got their license was that they wanted to go camping on their motorcycle. I am convinced that the abbreviation "Kyantsū", which stands for camp touring, is also commonly used. Camping and outdoor activities such as biking go together so well.
With camping as our main focus, we have found that some models are easier for camping and others are not. So, what are the characteristics of a motorcycle suitable for camp touring? The primary suitability factor is loadability. This is because when you are camping, you need to carry everything you need for camping such as food, clothing, and shelter on your motorcycle. Especially for camping beginners, it is easy to carry a large and bulky load. Even a large 70-liter camping seat bag can fill up in no time as you buy more tables, chairs, and luggage. Can we carry such a large amount of luggage on the vehicle? That is a prerequisite for camp touring suitability.
The next concern is the change in maneuverability as a result of loading. Unlike a car, a motorcycle is lighter in absolute weight and more compact. In addition, motorcycles, which are controlled by the rider's center of gravity, are very susceptible to the effects of heavy loads on the pillion seat and rear rack. While not as much of a change as riding with two people, it does have a greater effect on braking and makes it more difficult to control the center of gravity when the motorcycle is tipped into a corner than when riding solo. If the motorcycle is a large, heavy motorcycle, it is less likely to be affected by being loaded, but if it is a 250cc or two-class motorcycle, it is more likely to be affected by being loaded. In order to travel comfortably, maneuverability, when loaded, is also very important. Especially when you are camping and riding for days at a time, this is a very important factor.
In this article, I have chosen five motorcycles that are ideal for camp touring, mainly in the moped and light motorcycle classes, which are more susceptible to heavy loads. Of course, I've also taken into account our own experience with camping gear, so you'll have plenty to refer to as well.
Suzuki V-Strom 250
The strongest loadmaster in the light motorcycle class.
The large grab-bar carrier and pillion seat make it easy to carry, and the three special cases extend the load capacity even further. In terms of maneuverability, the heavier, more stable chassis ensures that the motorcycle doesn't lose its cornering ability, even when loaded. The preload can be adjusted by simply removing the seat and taking out the on-board tools, but if you want to carry 3 cases plus luggage, you can use the included hook wrench to adjust the preload up to 6 or 7 levels to make the ride much easier.
Honda CT125 Hunter Cub
What would you do if you weren't out camping with a Hunter Cub?
Thanks to the large, 409 mm wide, 477 mm long rear carrier, it can easily carry a 70-liter camping bag. However, there is an air scooter on the right side of the front of the carrier, which requires a few adjustments such as attaching a loop for loading. The rear shocks do not have a preload adjustment mechanism, but the 28. The 3mm, 2-stage rate springs are perfectly set up. The range of over 300km is also suitable for traveling.
Yamaha Touring Serow
Those big carriers are insanely handy!
The Touring Serow 250, which has recently been discontinued, is equipped with a large carrier, screen, knuckle guard, and under guard. The Touring Serow was equipped with a large carrier, screen, knuckle guards, and under guards, as well as an accessory package unique to Japan. Most camping bags can be carried on a large carrier, which has a cargo area of approximately 1,000 cm2. However, as it's an off-road motorcycle by nature, the frame can be a bit prone to losing ground if the load is too heavy. You'll want to preload it, but it's a bit of a hassle to adjust. If you're not too keen on it, try the performance dampers from Y'S Gear.
Yamaha Tricity 155
The LMW mechanism on the front two wheels works wonders for camp touring!
Aside from the ease of loading luggage, the front and rear weight distribution is 50:50 thanks to the LMW mechanism of the front two wheels, which means that the front is heavier thanks to the two front tires, but this front weight makes it easy to maneuver even with camping luggage! Combined with the good ground feel of the LMW mechanism, I was able to enjoy riding even on dirt roads with my luggage. In addition to the 23.5-liter space under the seat, camping gear can be loaded on the tandem seat by attaching a set of Y's Gear hook bolts to the M5 size holes in the grab bar. However, since the fuel outlet is located under the seat, it will be necessary to load and unload the luggage when refueling.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE
That's what I call an adventure tourer and superb at camp touring!
The real adventure tourer in the middle class. With a flat tandem seat and a large carrier, it can carry large camping loads with ease. The KTM may be a middle-class model, but that's what KTM is all about when it comes to adventure, and thanks to the 390 Duke's 15 mm longer swingarm and specially designed rear frame, it's very easy to maneuver when loaded. The tail slide can be slid to the point where you can leave your camping gear loaded and it's more fun to ride in the dirt than a badly designed off-road motorcycle.
Extra Edition Kawasaki W800/STREET
The classic machine is a good fit for camp touring.
Regardless of whether the pillion seat is easy to load or not, it is the classic/retro machines that look great when traveling with camping gear. In fact, the twin shocks make it easy to install side bags (and prevent them from getting caught in the tires), and the tandem seat is large and flat, making it ideal for loading. Above all, the styling of these motorcycles, which look great anywhere in Japan, makes them ideal for travel. On the Kawasaki W800/Street, the indicator lights have been relocated to the rear of the motorcycle, near the number bar bracket, making it easier to load luggage.
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA CT125 Hunter Cub
See Accessories for YAMAHA TRICITY 155
See Accessories for YAMAHA SEROW250
See Accessories for KAWASAKI W800
See Accessories for SUZUKI V-STROM 250
