Choosing The Right Touring Motorcycle

Touring motorcycles are a great fit for those who enjoy endurance riding. Maybe you want to commute to work on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Maybe you want to explore new cities on a road trip. Either way, long-distance riding calls for a touring motorcycle. Keep reading for buying strategies, then visit Doc's Harley-Davidson to explore touring motorcycles for sale. We are based in Kirkwood, Missouri, and proudly serve those in St. Louis and St. Charles as well.

1. Set A Budget

The first step is to determine how much you want to spend. Setting a limit accomplishes two goals. It keeps you from falling in love with a model outside your limit (since you will have eliminated those from your search already). It also helps you get the highest quality model you can afford.

If you want to stretch your budget farther, you can consider:

• buying a new model from past years, which will be more affordable than the current year's new model
• getting a used model, which will be significantly more affordable than a new motorcycle
• buying during the off-season when touring motorcycle dealerships tend to offer more sales and discounts

2. Decide Whether You Want A Passenger

Many touring motorcycles are capable of handling two passengers, allowing you to bring a family member or friend along for the ride. These models will cost more money and be heavier, but they’ll be significantly roomier. Figure out whether you want this option, then limit your search to touring motorcycles that match.

3. Determine Your Storage Needs

Touring motorcycles are made for long-distance riding. Longer rides tend to involve more supplies. If you'll be camping overnight, for example, you'll need clothing, toiletries, medications, food, and more.

Think about the trips you'll be taking and the storage space you'll need. You can always purchase Harley-Davidson storage accessories down the road, but it can be more cost-effective to get the right amount of storage at the get-go.

4. Determine Your Rider Comfort Needs

Harley touring motorcycles are made with rider comfort as a key value. After all, no one wants to suffer through long rides with painful muscles and joints. But the different models vary in how much they prioritize rider comfort. If you'll be riding for longer periods of time or riding more often, you will want to invest in more rider comfort features. Common perks include adjustable backrests, ergonomically-designed riding positions, and windshields.

5. Consider The Fuel Efficiency

The focus of touring motorcycles is on comfortable long-distance riding. As a result, these motorcycles tend to lack bells and whistles that boost style and don't boost performance. This keeps the models lightweight, which keeps them fuel efficient. But some models will be more fuel efficient than others.

If you plan on riding in remote areas, you'll want to invest in more fuel efficient models. You don't want to end up in the middle of nowhere out of gas and out of luck. Make sure you get a touring model with a large fuel tank and great fuel efficiency so you can make it through routes where gas stations are few and far in-between. If you'll be sticking to mostly big city riding, fuel efficiency is not as big of a priority.

Ready to explore touring motorcycles for sale? Check out the models at Doc's Harley-Davidson. Our expert staff is always available to answer questions and assist your search, so stop by and visit our dealership. You'll find us in Kirkwood, Missouri, and we also serve those in St. Louis and St. Charles.