There are many great motorcycles for cross country riding, but which one is the best? The following articles will explore the Yamaha Venture Transcontinental, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, the FJR1300, and the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour. We’ve also reviewed the benefits and drawbacks of each bike. And as a bonus, we’ll share a couple of the most exciting destinations that we’ve visited along the way!
Yamaha’s Venture Transcontinental
With its low center of gravity, Yamaha’s Venture Transcontinental is easy to ride at parking lot speeds. Its reverse system is simple, too. You engage the reverse by pulling down the lever on the left control stalk while the bike is in neutral. The bike also features a toggle switch on the left control stalk to move forward. Its high-output speakers help reduce vibration and let you take hands-free phone calls.
Triumph’s Tiger Sport 660
The Tiger Sport 660 is a versatile and highly maneuverable cross country motorcycle. This motorcycle has smooth gear transitions and reliable gear engagement. The suspension is supple and the rider can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about his body slipping out of the saddle. The engine produces a pleasing triple whirr, similar to the Street Triple, and continues far past idle. Its engine is happy both in the midrange and at the top of the rev range, making it easy to identify the bike on an on-ramp.
Yamaha’s FJR1300
The 2013 Yamaha FJR1300 cross country motorcycle receives a host of improvements. This model comes with an electronic throttle control system, D-Mode throttle mapping system, and air-management system. The engine has been optimized for increased power, and Yamaha has upgraded the suspension and chassis. The MT-09 instrument cluster is easy to read even in bright sunlight, and the heated grip control is located in the far right instrument window. The electronic controls are intuitive to use, and the Yamaha FJR1300’s ECU is equipped with a Ride-by-Wire throttle control system and integrated Traction Control System.
Yamaha’s Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour
The Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour is a four-stroke, 1,700cc V-twin motorcycle powered by a 115 horsepower liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine. Other features include electronic cruise control, satellite radio, and a fully integrated audio system. The bike is priced at $17,400. For more information, visit Yamaha’s website.
Suzuki’s V-Strom 1050 ABS
In the world of ABS motorcycles, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 ABS is a well-rounded motorcycle with several innovative features. It features a three-mode traction control system, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, easy-start system, and ride-by-wire throttle. The V-Strom 1050 is also equipped with the Suzuki original rally-beak styling and a rectangular LED headlight.