Best touring bike?

[all sorts]

Looking to change my bike for something to do a bit of touring on next year.
up to about £3500 to spend
what would you say is the best bike for the job and why?

[Don]

Ive had a FjR 1300 and know got an ST1300, both great bikes for touring, especially with 2 up. I've been trying to think of something about either that would make me pic which I think is the best,,, the ST seems to be more stable with 2up slow riding is all I can think of.... otherwise not much difference to me.
The best thing I was told though,,, for touring you need a shaft drive,,, is that obvious? I don't know.... Ride safe
 

[trafford davies]

All the reviews I have read lately favour the Pan Euro st1300. Getting a good one for £3000 may be a problem so I would look carefully at st1100 & also BMW R1150 RT.
Even if you find an R1200RT at that price I would stay away from it as not the most reliable.

If weather protection is not too much of an issue have a look at BMW R1150GS or even the R1100GS.   Good enough to take you anywhere.

What you need is comfort, luggage , reliability & shaft drive.
Read all about it by Googling various reviews.

[thundercatsho]

I have just got my self an ST1100 and can say without a doubt its the most comfortable bike I have ever owned for £3000 you should be able to pick up a tidy one if you shop arround you might even have some change for accesories.

[ValleyGixer]

Bandit or fazer? Cheap as chips, reliable. You can fit hard luggage or Ventura kit. Plus ideal for weekend blasts.

If I sold the GSXR then a bandit 1250 or FZ1 would be choice.

[Bombdoctor]

HAYABUSA...fast , comfortable..very good for touring..just come back from a 2 up trip too Holland...no issues at all with the Busa....all day comfy..and can be fitted with hard luggage...

[Monkey Boy]

Bandit or fazer? Cheap as chips, reliable. You can fit hard luggage or Ventura kit. Plus ideal for weekend blasts.

add to that comfort and very good do-it-all bikes, with some decent performance. You should find loads in your price range.
It might be a bit harder to find a dedicated touring bike in your price range . I know someone who bought a Triumph Trophy for that sort of money - it's a bit old school but solid and reliable.

[trafford davies]

Just bought an ST1300 with 3000 on the clock.
Certainly the best tourer ever & I haven't even ridden it yet

[blueracer]

Just bought an ST1300 with 3000 on the clock.
Certainly the best tourer ever & I haven't even ridden it yet

Could be a bag of bolts then. Hope not

[daveb]

Looking to change my bike for something to do a bit of touring on next year.
up to about £3500 to spend
what would you say is the best bike for the job and why?

my buddy is selling his stead, he is in Newport. its a TDM850 with loads of accessories. great bike, low revs all torque, its a parrellel twin so its different to most tourers. comfy for rider and pillion. I use to commute 100miles a day on a TDM850. they just keep going and going. if you are interested in looking just follow the link

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[ridgeback]

Looking to change my bike for something to do a bit of touring on next year.
up to about £3500 to spend
what would you say is the best bike for the job and why?

some ideas here?
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[lewy]

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[ridgeback]

Nice one Lewy, great vid. it will serve as a warning for those thinking of buying a GS at least!

[trafford davies]

Having ridden my Pan home ( in the dry ) it's love , love , love.
Off to Aberystwyth Sunday to marshall cycling race.

[pugsly]

You'll find a review of any bike that catches your eye (and loads for sale) on the MCN website.