For long-distance journeys on two wheels, touring bikes are an indispensable companion. Touring bikes feature more durable construction, wind protection features, and larger fuel tanks than their more common counterparts, making for a smoother experience on long journeys.
They tend to be less maneuverable and cost more than more conventional motorcycle models.
Engine
Yamaha touring motorcycle engines are at the core of any ride, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. The Yamaha YZF-R1 boasts an incredible 998cc inline-4 with 198hp and 83lbf of torque, plus advanced electronic systems to channel that power into usable acceleration on road surfaces.
Yamaha’s YZF-R1 features Yamaha’s chip-controlled throttle system for smooth throttle response. This ride-by-wire feature works alongside other advanced systems ideal for Supersport Touring, such as traction control, cruise control, and D-Mode adjustable engine mapping to offer maximum Supersport performance.
The Yamaha FJR1300A features an impressive 1,298cc inline-4 engine that’s an absolute powerhouse of sport touring. Paired with its advanced suspension setup, which delivers both chassis control and rider comfort simultaneously, including a 48mm fork designed to offer excellent steering feel as well as both preload and rebound damping adjustments to accommodate an array of riding conditions, the FJR1300A is sure to turn heads on every journey.
One thing that sets the FJR apart from other sport-touring bikes is its clutchless upshift/downshift system. While this may sound appealing in theory, its implementation presents several issues: throttle response can sometimes be jerky when starting up from a stop, shifting smoothly is often problematic in mid-gear, and it may push away front wheels instead of compressing them onto dirt roads for optimal traction.
Yamaha has made several improvements to the FJR1300A in 2007. Their digital clutch seems smoother and faster, and an orthodox manual mode gives more control over shift timing and other parameters. Still, it would have made this bike an even greater long-distance touring machine!
Transmission
As with any motorcycle purchase, selecting a touring bike depends on your specific needs and preferences. When it comes to touring bikes specifically, this could include how often and for how long you plan to ride each week, as well as any upgrades or options that interest you – be it commuting to work or cross-continent travel.
If you want a bike to do it all, touring motorcycles are hard to beat. Cruisers and adventure bikes excel in particular niches but may come at the cost of weight, comfort, or versatility. An example would be Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT+, which is listed as sport touring but is more like an adventure rig.
It boasts a generous 6.6-gallon fuel tank, adjustable ergonomics, and sufficient power to carry two passengers and their gear comfortably. Its engine has been counterbalanced to reduce vibration and enhance rider comfort; additionally, its plated-on (rather than pressed-in) cylinder lining dissipates heat more effectively for increased engine longevity.
The Yamaha Tracer utilizes Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle system, a ride-by-wire device with an optional drive mode selector that enables riders to select between Sport and Touring modes, altering engine mapping and throttle response accordingly. Furthermore, this model comes standard with both traction control and cruise control systems for added rider safety.
A unified clutch connects the engine and transmission, sending power from one to the other smoothly and effortlessly. However, maintaining it may prove challenging without professional inspection and routine care. Many manufacturers opt to utilize one clutch across all their motorcycle models, but this doesn’t always work out effectively. Yamaha’s CP3 engine, found on both FJR and MT-07, uses a 270-degree crank design, which must be synchronized for optimal performance. As opposed to an uneven firing order like on the Honda CBR1000RR engine, which results in unevenly spaced pistons on most U.S. heavy cruisers, the CP3 engine features evenly spaced pistons. As such, it doesn’t produce that “clanking” sensation while still offering some of the mechanical precision found on older Harleys that makes heel shifters so satisfying.
Seating
Seating a motorcycle can have an enormous effect on how comfortable riding it can be. Luckily, there are various options available to maximize comfort while riding; all it takes is finding one that best fits your body type and style of riding – this way, maintaining good posture while alleviating back pain is possible with high-quality seating solutions that remain comfortable even during longer rides.
There is an array of motorcycle seats on the market, but certain products stand out as exceptional for long-distance riding. One such product is the Mustang Wide Touring Seat, which boasts a deep yet slim front seat designed to give drivers plenty of legroom and support when on long trips. Furthermore, this seat includes an additional passenger seat so riders can bring their loved ones along for the journey.
Russell Comfort Sport-Touring Seat has an attractive yet minimalist design and offers both style and comfort. Its ergonomic shape evenly distributes pressure for reduced fatigue. Furthermore, the seat is constructed using marine-grade vinyl that’s easy to maintain.
Contrary to street bikes, touring motorcycles are built for longer trips with spacious storage space and large windscreens for improved weather protection and hard luggage, such as panniers or top boxes for transporting luggage and supplies. Plus, their larger fuel tanks help make longer journeys possible!
Touring bikes offer a comfortable riding experience with features like a backrest, heated grips, and cruise control to enhance the journey and help ensure that riders arrive at their destinations feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Are you ready to experience the power and beauty of Yamaha touring motorcycles? Visit Lake City, FL, near Gainesville and Jacksonville, as well as Sanderson and Valdosta, and let our selection help find you your ideal touring ride! We look forward to helping you find it!
Electronics
Yamaha touring motorcycles are increasingly popular because they allow riders to embark on long-distance rides with friends and family. Each bike offers ample storage space, as well as adjustable windshields to provide optimal protection from the elements. Furthermore, many come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and multi-function displays, which enable riders to track necessary riding data such as speed, distance traveled, and fuel consumption.
The new Venture’s 113 cubic inch air-cooled V-twin engine runs smoothly and delivers plenty of torque, all while remaining exceptionally quiet. It features four valves per cylinder and twin counterbalancers to reduce vibrations and the mechanical clank during gearshifting. Furthermore, its integrated ABS brake system does a phenomenal job of controlling speed on both the front and rear wheels.
So, the Venture is designed for comfortable touring on varied roads at various speeds. While not the fastest tourer available, its impressive amount of dynamism for a bike weighing 238 pounds fully loaded is genuinely astounding. Additionally, its tall, manually adjustable windscreen helps block out turbulent winds at high speeds, while heated grips give riders peace of mind when riding in colder climates.
The Y-Connect smartphone connectivity solution is an invaluable feature of this model, enabling riders to integrate their smartphones with its display and control systems. The app displays call and text message notifications on the screen while recording trip data and sharing ride info among riders.
The FJR1300ES is an outstanding sport-touring machine, perfectly blending thrilling performance with long-distance capability and value. Rivals in its segment include street-biased adventure tourers like Honda’s Gold Wing and Yamaha’s own Tracer 900 GT; each offers numerous high-tech amenities like traction control/ABS/quick shift systems/multiple riding modes/deeper infotainment suites, which can be accessed using brighter TFT displays.
