Are folks touring on their /5 and /6 bikes?

[al_ferguson01]

Hi All,

I wasn’t sure where exactly to post this thread, but this seems like a good spot.

I’m curious if folks are out touring on their /5 and /6 motorcycles? I do know of one or two that seem to be – for example, I’ve read Matt Parkhouse and his wife’s exploits shipping a couple of /5 bikes to Europe (this was probably close to 10 or so years ago) or his trips into Mexico on his /5 bikes (also some time ago).

As I get older, I have really been enjoying a much slower touring pace - slowing down my speeds, covering far fewer miles each day, and generally just enjoying chasing down back roads and destinations. I also have more time for leisurely trips. I abhor interstate travel (especially on my motorcycles).

I currently have some pretty quick bikes (e.g., an R100s and several “other brand” bikes) and understand I could just ride them at a slower clip. However I’m considering searching for and buying a /5 or /6 (500, 600 or 750cc) which puts me on a 70s era motorcycle. I’ve owned a few of those over the years too – is it too much to expect, of a bike that age, to spend a couple (mostly trouble free) months of the year slow touring? I wouldn’t want to buy a /5 or /6 and spend a bazillion $$ making it like new rather, I’d search for a well sorted machine and would be very diligent about day-to-day maintenance. I tend to ride approx. 20k miles a year but not all of that is touring. Is this a realistic expectation for a /5 or /6?

 

[kbasa]

I'm after better safety equipment, so my R100 and R60/2 are for local cruising around. If I'm going somewhere, I want better chassis controls, radial tires and real brakes, better comfort, better charging, and decreased service intervals.

I suppose you could tour on these old bikes. If you're concerned about weight or similar, which I totally get, why not consider a mid sized modern motorcycle that will offer you all the modern safety and performance advantages in a lower weight bike? The F series is terrific. Plenty of power, plenty of safety stuff, less maintenance.

I love my old bikes, but IMHO, there are better options for touring that are safer, require less maintenance and allow access to modern technology that will keep us safer.

Your decision making may vary, but that's where I've come to.

 

[pauls1150]

YES!
I've had two R75/5s, and both have been coast-to-coast. As long as you're not in a big hurry, and acknowledge that the frame and brakes are not up to "today's standards", no problem!
And, I learned that when you're stuck in a heavy downpour, Ignition Kote works...