Touring / Travel

Canadian Thomas Bain was a prolific road builder. In the waning years of the 19th century he designed and constructed an extensive labyrinth of dirt roads opening South Africa's vast interior to the primary mode of transport of the day—the ox wagon. Among the 24 significant routes he created, there is one that stands as his magnum opus. That road was destined to become one of his last, most assuredly the longest, and arguably the most famous.

Appetite for speed.

BMW's all-new mid-range twin-cylinders.

Motorcycle Touring

Asserting a Porsche-inspired six-cylinder boxermotor and a seating cocoon that recalls Eero Saarinen's epochal Womb chair, the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 is the undisputed king of luxury motorcycle touring. Even in its basic stock configuration, the Gold Wing secures enough bells and whistles to assemble a Rose Parade marching band. Opportunely for riders and passengers desiring the ultimate in touring efficiency, comfort and form, Honda's Genuine Accessories arm provides dozens of garnishes, allowing you to season your Wing to taste.

Surely, every ride on a motorcycle is an adventure. It is a rediscovery of the temperature of the atmosphere, the intensity of the breeze, the angle of the sun and the texture of the highway. How, then, is it possible that some motorcycles have the title “Adventure Bike” conferred upon them, as if they provide an exclusive insight into an excursion?

To the disappointment of a number of adherents, the K 1200 GT vanished from the BMW motorcycle lineup in 2005. Striving to satisfy the open-class sport touring enthusiasts, BMW has revived the K 1200 GT designation, assigning it to a wholly redesigned machine. A close cousin of the K 1200 S sportbike, the new GT shares its in-line 4-cylinder motor (albeit in a torquier state of tune), frame, and suspension components with the S.

When Ducati first unveiled its Multistrada in 2004, it was met with a kind of enthused skepticism. Many people did not know what to make of the tall, quirky, unconventional-looking motorcycle. Stylistically, it lacked the racing pedigree and sleek lines that imbued the other machines rolling out of the Bologna-based factory, which dutifully took its design cues from myriad road racing successes. Conversely, the Multistrada displayed the aggressive attitude of an off-road machine coupled with the street-smart aspects of the broadening upright/naked sector.

Yamaha has launched another industry first on the FJR1300AE, its excellent supersport-tourer. A computer-operated clutch with electronic shift actuators that entirely eliminate the clutch lever means that the electric-shift five-speed transmission can make ultra-smooth gear changes using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the traditional foot-operated lever.

When we set off to behold the beauties of Napa Valley, my companion and I wanted comfort and style. We found both in the new 2006 Honda Gold Wing. After adjusting the suspension preload for our combined weight, dialing some warmth into the seat and handlebar heaters, plugging our helmets into the combined audio system, and setting the iPOD to shuffle mode, we were almost ready to go.

As free time becomes ever-more elusive, we find ourselves drawn to extraordinary experiences that fully exploit that precious luxury. And while piloting the latest motorcycle to roll out of Willie G. Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations, it quickly becomes evident that the 2006 H-D Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic answers this need. As I rumble through New York's picturesque Hudson River Valley, cruising through small towns before powering back onto sinuous back roads, the powerful, luxurious Ultra Classic reveals itself as a head-turning custom built for long-distance touring.

Triple Play

Triumph came of age in 1998 when the British manufacturer—which John Bloor had brought back from the dead in 1990—launched the sports touring Sprint ST. This first model of Triumph's post-modular era featured dedicated chassis and engine design rather than the mix-and-match formula Bloor had previously employed while getting his historic marque up and running.

Into the Fray

While the Japanese manufacturers set superbike standards with lightweight, high-horsepower production motorcycles showcasing futuristic technology developed on the racetrack, Italian bike builders created a signature niche with handmade, race-inspired motorcycles that fit like exquisitely tailored suits. But German BMW long scoffed at the crotch rocket tradition, declining to engage in such two-wheeled games. Until now. BMW has finally entered the high-speed fray with the introduction of its new K 1200 S.

Motorcycle Review

Few motorcycles can claim a longer life span or more loyal following than Honda's 30-year-old flagship tourer, the Gold Wing.  As I give the 2005 Honda Gold Wing a stationary once over, it becomes rapidly apparent that the fit and finish of the machine is first rate. 

When is loading and hauling your motor-cycle as much fun as riding it?