Exploring Touring Motorcycles: are they Suitable for Beginner Riders

Touring motorcycles are engineered for long-distance, cross-country, either on or off-road.

Tourers come in packages, including true tourers (or full-dressers), adventure tourers, sport-tourers, and American cruiser-styled Baggers.

While any motorcycle can technically be converted and accessorized for touring, this article considers touring motorcycles to be bikes that leave the dealership ready for a long-distance trip—stocked with luggage, comfort, and safety amenities like handbags, windscreens, and Anti-Lock Brakes.

This article delves into whether touring motorcycles are suitable first bikes for new riders.

Here’s the Answer to Whether Touring Motorcycles Are Good for Beginners:

For novice motorcycle riders, touring motorcycles can provide extra safety features which make the learning process more comfortable. However, this comes with an increased cost and added weight to your ride—important variables to take into account when embarking on this exciting but difficult adventure.

For those just starting out, there are a variety of lightweight baggers, adventure tourers and sports tourers available. Touring motorcycles offer some of the highest levels safety features on the market such as ABS, wheelie control, rain riding modes and traction control programs – making them particularly well-suited for new riders.

If you’re looking to truly master the craft of motorcycle riding, a lightweight tourer with moderate power is ideal. Not only this, touring motorcycles offer increased comfort through seats specially designed for long-distance rides and fairings/windshields that protect from wind, rain and dirt – perfect if you’re going on an adventure in extreme climates!

This equipment can help new riders stay alert and mindful of their surroundings without fatigue or discomfort bogging them down. Furthermore, many bagger-style touring bikes possess highway bars that serve as crash bars which keep the rider safe in case of a fall by lifting the bike up at an angle and keeping the engine away from any harm on the ground.

Ultimately, while a lightweight bagger, adventure bike or sport tourer may be suitable for learning on, this is not the same with most of the heavy touring motorcycles.

Are Touring Motorcycles Easier or Harder to Ride?

Touring motorcycles are difficult to maneuver due to their heavier-than-usual weight caused by additional electronics, amenities and safety features. Furthermore, these vehicles have a lot of extra storage space that creates an even bulkier ride when loaded with luggage or tools–not to mention the added weight of any passengers! All in all, touring motorcycles can prove top-heavy and cumbersome if not handled properly.

Touring motorcycles are equipped for expansive highways, not tight spaces; hence, they can be challenging to ride in bustling cities and narrow back roads – the routes typically chosen by novice riders. The complexity of touring bikes is further increased when navigating parking lots with heavy foot traffic, slow vehicles and continuous acceleration/deceleration that requires you to hop off your bike or crawl along at a snail’s pace.

Whether you’re navigating congested city streets or meandering backroads, a lightweight street bike or low-sitting cruiser offers far more ease and stability than its counterparts: the bulky full-dressed bagger or tall adventure bike with a high centre of gravity.

Despite the added weight and wind resistance, touring motorcycles are notably easier to ride on highways and wide open roads. After mastering high speed riding with heavy bikes, I found them deceptively easy to manoeuvre in corners and slippery conditions as well – thanks to their enhanced supportability when you know how best to control it.

Not only do touring motorcycles provide more comfort, allowing you to stay focused on your environment while riding for longer periods of time – but they can also be harder to ride if you are a beginner. Until leaning, balancing, and controlling the motorcycle become natural habits to you as the rider, it may take a bit extra effort in order to master these skills.

How Well Do Touring Motorcycles Handle?

A full-sized, large-displacement bagger or a true tourer can be hard to maneuver when stopped, walking around it and riding at slow speeds—and they’re not cheap either. These kinds of bikes are better suited for experienced riders who understand the physics behind two wheeled transportation.

• Navigating tight spaces and slow speeds can be a real challenge for those just learning to manoeuvre full-sized touring motorcycles, especially at velocities of less than 20 MPH or while power walking.
• Touring bikes tend to be heavy, usually outfitted with a high-powered engine ranging from 1200cc – 2000cc, far larger than what we recommend for new riders.

To cater to a more diverse market, motorcycle manufacturers have developed and supplied smaller and simpler-to-ride motorcycles, ranging from 300ccs – 900ccs for all the beginner riders out there. Additionally, medium size baggers are being manufactured as entry level cruisers with basic windshields and tour bags that can be used for light touring activities.

Light tourers may not offer all the luxurious amenities, large storage capacity or powerful engines that full-size baggers have for longer trips but their more agile handling is ideal for a new rider’s short excursions. In fact, this type of motorcycle should be the perfect option to begin moto-traveling with.

What Is the Best Touring Motorcycle For Beginners?

If you are a first-time motorcycle rider, the perfect touring option for you is one of these lightweight bikes: sport tourers with small engine size, adventure bikes, or medium cruisers that have windshields and bags designed specifically for extended trips.

Here are a few examples of touring motorcycles ideal for beginners:

 Sport Touring for Beginners: Suzuki SV650

Are you a novice in the world of sport-touring, but anxious to take on your first motorcycle? The SV650 is ideal for you! Its V-Twin engine provides an output of 75 horsepower which has been carefully tuned for mild mannered performance. But don’t be fooled – it still packs enough punch to satisfy even experienced riders. Additionally, its low torque curve rises smoothly up through the RPM range so that new riders can gain confidence and experience as they work their way up from the bottom end power band. It’s clear why this bike continues to be popular among all types of motorcyclists!

Adventure Touring for Beginners: Honda CB500X

With a myriad of great entry level adventure tourers out there, such as the Yamaha Tenure 700 or Kawasaki Versys series, it’s tough to pick which one is best suited for your needs. All things considered though, the Honda CB500x stands head and shoulders above them all due its numerous advantages: safety features abound; comfortable seat & riding positions make long rides enjoyable; easy handling makes navigating terrain stress-free; mild engine tuning keeps maintenance simple; plus affordability and reliability are unmatched!

The CB500X has a lowered seat and centre of gravity than any other bike in its category, perfect for learning to ride on rough trails or navigating through busy city streets.

Road Touring for Beginners: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT

Kawasaki’s Vulcan 900 Classic is the ideal solution to conquer America’s cruiser scene. From a distant view, it could easily be mistaken for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Not only does this beauty feature an impressive 900cc V-twin engine, but its power and torque reach remarkable heights – 50HP and 57 foot pounds respectively! This bike was built with new riders in mind; providing superior performance numbers right at your fingertips.

The LT stands for Light Touring, and this Vulcan 900 comes with an effortless quick-release windshield and detachable saddlebags. It is the ideal motorcycle to take on extended road trips while still being moderately priced. Furthermore, it doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge when it comes to maintenance – meaning service costs are minimal!

What Defines a Good Starter Motorcycle?

When looking for a beginner motorcycle, it’s best to opt for something in the middleweight class that provides enough power to develop skills without being overpowered. You’ll also want one with a comfortable riding position, good resale value and safety features such as Traction Control and Anti-Lock Brakes. These features will ensure you ride safely!

If you’re a first-time rider on the hunt for your perfect used motorcycle, Rumble.com has got you covered! Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when shopping:

• Weight – For the perfect balance of weight and performance, search no more than a bike weighing between 300-400 lbs – it’s just right!
• Engine size – Whether you’re looking for a little extra power or something more substantial, an engine between 150 and 600ccs offers the perfect balance.
• Price – An economical used bike can be acquired for as little as $1,500; however, the cost may increase depending on its size, type and brand.
• Speed – As a novice, you don’t need to worry about speeding on your first bike. Find a model that can reach speeds between 80-130 mph; this should give you enough of an edge without being overwhelming.
• Technology – Anti-Lock Braking System is an absolute must for any motorcycle, particularly in newer models which possess a bevy of other upgraded tech such as GPS navigation, digital systems, audio components and more.
• Manufacturer – Motorcycling is a very accessible hobby, as most major manufacturers offer bikes that are perfect for new riders.
• Community – You’ll discover that each motorcycle has its own unique rider community to connect with and socialize within..
• Terrain – Exploring different terrains is what makes motorcycling thrilling, therefore it’s critical for you to be aware of your destination before embarking on a journey.

Are there Any Touring Motorcycles Beginners Should Avoid?

For beginner tourers, motorcycles with an engine capacity of less than 950cc are the most suitable. It’s important to feel secure and stable when parking which is why you should choose a bike that isn’t too heavy or tall for your legs. Make sure you can confidently walk around on your motorcycle without losing footing!

Conclusion

The question of whether touring motorcycles are suitable for beginner riders is one that requires careful consideration. While touring motorcycles offer numerous benefits such as comfort, stability, and storage space, they also come with a set of challenges that may not be ideal for inexperienced riders.

Ultimately, the decision to ride a touring motorcycle as a beginner should be based on a number of factors including personal preference, skill level, and riding experience. It is important to keep in mind that touring motorcycles are heavier and larger than other types of motorcycles, which can make them more challenging to handle for beginners. Additionally, touring motorcycles often have more advanced features such as ABS and traction control, which may take some time to get used to.

That being said, many beginners do choose to start with a touring motorcycle, and with proper training and practice, they can be a great option. It is important to take the time to learn about the features of the motorcycle, practice in a safe and controlled environment, and take a motorcycle safety course to gain the necessary skills and confidence to ride on the open road.

In the end, the decision to ride a touring motorcycle as a beginner is a personal one, and it is important to consider all of the factors involved before making a choice. With proper training, practice, and caution, however, touring motorcycles can provide an exhilarating and enjoyable riding experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Whether you ultimately choose a touring motorcycle or another type of motorcycle, the most important thing is to always ride safely and responsibly.

Source

1. RevZilla – “Is a touring bike right for you?” – This article by RevZilla explores the pros and cons of riding a touring motorcycle, and provides insight into whether or not it’s a good choice for beginner riders. It also offers tips for choosing the right touring bike, and advice on how to adjust to its features and characteristics. Link: https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/is-a-touring-bike-right-for-you
2. Motorcycle Cruiser – “Touring motorcycles for beginners” – This article by Motorcycle Cruiser is specifically geared towards beginner riders who are considering a touring motorcycle. It offers a list of recommended touring motorcycles for beginners, along with their features and pricing. It also provides tips on how to choose the right motorcycle for your needs and how to get comfortable with its size and weight. Link: https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/touring-motorcycles-for-beginners/
3. Rider Magazine – “10 Best Touring Motorcycles for Long Distance Riding” – This article by Rider Magazine provides a comprehensive list of the top touring motorcycles for long distance riding, along with their features, specs, and pricing. While the article is not specifically geared towards beginners, it can be a helpful resource for those who are exploring their options and want to learn more about the different models available. Link: https://ridermagazine.com/2019/12/20/10-best-touring-motorcycles-for-long-distance-riding/