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Silver Wing – 1983 Honda GL650 Interstate

In Japan, Touring by Abhi5 Comments

When it was first released, the Honda GL500 basically sat in a class by itself – a full dress, middleweight tourer. Hell, I can’t think of something similar that’s available now – can you? In general, press and riders liked the bike but thought it was underpowered. So Honda responded by throwing in the engine from the CX650, making the …

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1987 Honda Hurricane 1000

In Japan, Sport, Touring by Abhi1 Comment

The Honda Hurricane, besides having one of the greatest names in motorcycling history, was an excellent sport-tourer that introduced some crucial technology into the Honda lineup. It eventually evolved into the well-known Blackbird.

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1956 MV Agusta CSTL

In Italy, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The MV Agusta CSTL was the Italian firm’s first production four-stroke. Here’s an example with rough paint (which I find endearing in this situation) but solid mechanicals – to me, this is classic bike heaven.

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2005 BMW R1200ST

In Germany, Touring by Abhi8 Comments

The BMW R1200ST was the short-lived successor to the R1100RS/R1150RS. Considered by some to be one of the best sport-touring bikes ever made, this bike was an absolute commercial failure in the US. I’d pin that on two factors: first, this bike overlapped too much with the RT and the GS. Second (and more importantly)…it’s hideous. Just 554 were sold …

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Needs Some Work – 1939 Velocette KTS

In England, Touring by Abhi1 Comment

The touring brother of the KSS, the Velocette KTS different in wheel size (19 inches) and the presence of mudguards. As a ’39, this is the Mark II version, which gained upgrades like a new alloy head with enclosed valve gear that took a bike that was already ahead of its time and made it even better.

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1997 Triumph Sprint 900

In England, Touring by Abhi2 Comments

A half-faired, more comfortable brother of the Speed Triple, the Triumph Sprint 900 was a competent (if top-heavy) sports-tourer motivated by Triumph’s wonderful triple. The engine produced 98 horsepower and 61.2 pound feet of torque, good for a top speed of 140 miles per hour (though the speedo goes all the way to 200 for some insane reason). For more …

Modern Police – 2007 BMW R1200RTP

In Germany, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Most police bikes are serviced well, but have plenty of miles on them before they become available to the public. This example was used by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, who ended up freezing their police motorcycle program due to lack of funds. Because of that, this has just 21,000 miles.