What Suzuki or other brand motorcycle is best suited for long distance travel/riding?

I'm seeking a low-priced bike that I could travel cross country.|||Up until maybe twenty years ago, there was only one answer to this question. BMW built absolutely the best long-range bikes, across the board. An airhead boxer was for many years the best way to go. The introduction of the K-series brought a whole new level of long-range highway prowess, based on a combination of ergonomics, smoothness, longevity and fairly easy serviceability.





Today's bikes are so good, however, that you can tour on just about anything. I would stay away from cruisers, as the ridiculous riding position puts you at a disadvantage for best control of the bike. I also shy away from the heavy tourers like the Gold Wing or BMW's grotesque LT series. They may be fine on the highway, but they are just too big to go where i want to go.





If you like Suzuki, you could ride a GS500 coast to coast. I would find the Bandit a more attractive highway bike at a relatively economical price.|||bmw's are verry common for this use a good friend of mine traveled thru africa for several months on a bmw and says he wouldnt have it any other way|||In the 'olden days' (the 60s and 70s) a 'touring bike' was any motorcycle you could bungee a sleeping bag to. Today there are specially designed 'touring' bikes, also 'sport touring' bikes that are more of a compromise between touring and more general purpose riding.





The special touring bikes tend to be big and heavy for stability and stamina on the highway, but too big to be fun in town. The Honda Gold Wing is the best known and most popular. BMW makes a huge touring bike also (very expensive).





In 'sport touring' you have more of a choice. I have a Honda ST1100 (the current model is the ST1300) which is sort of the Gold WIng's little brother. Still kind of big and heavy but wonderfully smooth and comfortable on the highway. Sport-touring bikes go down to 500 or 600 ccs, so the don't have to be huge. It depends on what ratio of city street/road/highway riding you do.





Anything over 500cc will go cross country. Actually almost any motorcycle made these days, 500cc or bigger, will go 80 mph all day long with no trouble. Some are more comfortable than others, but then comfort is more important to some people than to others. 8^)





For a smaller tourer, a good choice is the Suzuki V-Strom. It's the same V-twin engine as the SV-650 but it has a fairing. A fairing or a windshield is a good thing to have, it keeps the wind off you and over a day of riding the constant wind in your face really tires you out. But you can retrofit windshields to most bikes.





Cruisers also make good touring bikes because they're very comfortable. Harley Davidson are the nicest, but expensive. The Honda Shadow is a good Japanese cruiser. They have the footpegs out front so your legs stretch out in front of you, and that is more comfortable. Some people like the cruiser style, others don't. To each his own. 8^)|||My dad ran coast to coast on a CB350 Honda. Now he rides a Cavalcade. So just about any bike will make the trip if it's in good mechanical condition. However there is no substitute for cubic inches. If you want a Suzi...LC1500/C90 or bigger.|||"Best Suited" will get you a lot of opinions, but "best" depends on what you want. You say you are seeking "low priced" which again is a variable. Some people apparently think a $10,000 touring bike is low priced. Low price that you *can* travel cross country on? Anything that is reliable and highway legal.





I ride a Suzuki Savage, introduced in 1986 and still sold as the S40. Bought mine used for %26lt;$2400, new can be had for just a little over $5K out the door. It's a 652cc single. Have traveled LA-OKC, will be going LAX-SEA later this year, next year a millitay reunion and an LA to Biloxi run. I find it fully capable as a touring machine. Others think I'm out of my mind. Other crazy people tour on 250cc Ninjas. You do not need a 600 pound bike with a car size engine to travel cross country.|||As I get older, I'm more inclined to look for comfort rather than speed when I shop for a new motorcycle. IMHO, My BMW K1200LT is the ultimate in a long-distance traveling motorcycle, but BMWs are not cheap to buy or to maintain. Honda Gold Wings are also good traveling bikes, but too big and heavy for a beginner. Some people will recommend Harley-Davidson, but you won't find a 'low priced' Harley that's mechanically sound or reliable for long distance riding.





If I were shopping for a budget bike that would be a good cross-country ride, I'd look for one of the medium sized (750-900 cc) metric cruiser style bikes like the Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Boulevard, Honda Shadow or Yamaha Star. As a minimum, look for a bike with a big comfortable seat, a windshield and saddle bags.|||What is YOUR definition of low-priced?


For about $5,000 to $6,000 I would look at a Suzuki DL-650 V-Strom. Or the Honda St1100. Or an older Honda Goldwing. Or a Triumph Tiger. Don't forget, you need a machine that is comfortable and has room for your traveling gear. Hard bags are great for keeping your gear safe and dry. Sport bikes are out of the question. While I will garner a few thumbs down, I don't care. Sport bikes are not comfortable, offer zero protection from the elements, and have very limited room for gear.


My thoughts on cruisers. The low seating position combined with forward controls and forward bars means a slouching seating position with is hard on your lower back. Many people ride cruisers. I am not one of them due to lower back issues.


A motorcycle is a great way to see the country. I have enjoyed every trip I have made.


Good Luck