Long Distance Touring on a Naked Bike?

[Beejyman]

I rode a W650 accross europe last summer with no screens etc.

No problem at all however just traded it for a Peg and suddenly realised how much a little fairing helps.

[graham22]

Biggest problem with some nakeds will be luggage & exhausts as many have high level pipes, but if you're travelling with another bike you can split the 'shared' items.

I took my Superduke to Le-Mans a couple years ago & carried my camping equipment. Easily do 250 miles in a day without cramp issues (Paignton and back is close on that if I come back via Dartmoor). Had several weekends away with just a tankbag - also you can expand a tank bag more than with a bike which has clip-ons, even this helps take the wind off.

Also, if you're travelling with your missus on her Pegaso I gues she won't be cruising much over 80 so wind blast won't be much of a problem.

[sadbiker]

Have toured France, Germany and down to Italy on my CB900 Hornet with a Ventura system and a honda flyscreen. Have to say this was the best alrounder I have ever had and was sorry to see it go.

Been to France and Germany Austria, and down to Misano(Italy) on my Monster S2R1000, has a screen already and fitted a ventura. It wsn't to bad, fitted a DP Gel touring seat for the trip to Italy.

Only been to France on my latest bike and din't get to far. Before go touring again will get a ventura for it as been the best luggage I have used over the years.

The other half has a Monster 620sie with a ventura, and has 20K on the clock, she has been on various tours with me and enjoyed most of them.

So the answer is yes it is possible to tour with a naked. If you want to keep to reasonableable speeds have half a chance of enjoying where you going then sit up and beg is fine.

[Lungboy]

Well that all sounds very good, better than i had expected. Now to scrape together the cash to get me the Triple :S

[Tom L]

Real men ride naked, on naked bikes when it's really cold, then wash the flies and oil off in the river with a hard brissel scrubing brush, while making roaring sounds

fact.

I toured europe on a naked CB750 without any problems, if you are doing 90+ for really long sustained periods, then a screen is a nice luxury. But its no a necessity, its just up to you what you like comfort wise. I toured with a guy on zx6r and he was way more uncomfortable sitting on a credit card sized seat, crushing his balls into the tank with nearly his full body weight on his arms coming down sections in the pyrenees.

Depends really on weighing up comfort versus what you like to ride/how.

for example i'd rather tour on a bicycle than a goldwing

[Cheese Monkey]

I toured with a guy on zx6r and he was way more uncomfortable sitting on a credit card sized seat, crushing his balls into the tank with nearly his full body weight on his arms coming down sections in the pyrenees.

Hahaha I did EXACTLY the same a few years ago except I was on a Bandit

I did nearly 800 miles in a day on the naked bandit, with a flyscreen, pure solid motorway, you'll be fine

[ZXR400Lee]

Rode from St Ives, Cornwall to Kings Lynn, Norfolk on a naked Bandit 600.. non stop (except for fuel and toilet) only problem I found once in the up right seating position you get a numb ass!!

That was 75/80mph all the way, due the re-gearing was revving about 8k.. gets tedious with loud can!

[r1dave]

Honda x11 enough said

[Ryonax STyle]

EYYLO BUD
I’d love to hear an update about your trip.
Have you already done it? How was the experience?

i am also planning to get naked bike like Kawasaki Z900'' (mt09 - street triple) or something similar I’m not really into ADV bikes,,,does it make a big difference for long-distance trips between riding a naked bike vs ADV?

I don’t really care about carrying luggage have friends and family across Europe help can be provided anytime anywhere so that’s not a concern for me

In the near/far future Im also thinking about touring Morocco or where the wind takes me (Would I be fine fine touring on a naked bike like a Z900 or it would be like going through hell?=


I’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your thoughts and experience.

Thanks a lot!

[Ming]

I've done 3 or 4 Euro tours on a naked KTM 790 Duke and recently an MT07. Not brilliant fun at warp speeds on a motorway but mucho fun everywhere else. Luggage capacity is obviously compromised but if you pack light and get a decent bag for the back seat/rack you should be fine.