Motorcycle Repair: Best Touring Bike, suzuki cavalcade, kawasaki voyager

Question
Hello Chris, I am looking to buy a mid-eighties full-dresser like a Honda Goldwing, Yamaha Venture, Suzuki Cavalcade or Kawasaki Voyager. I wonder which years of which models were the best so I know what to look for. What are the differences in these bikes and which ones have the best reputation for reliability, fastest and best fuel economy. I am leaning towards an 84-87 Goldwing and heard the fuel injected models were better. Is this true and which ones would you recommend?

Answer
Hi Gene.
 Well, all of them are good, so for that part, it's mostly a matter of preference.  Here's the skinny on each that I know;

Kawasaki Voyager - About the same size and maneuverability as any of the other, about the same milage, but a little slow in take-off.  Runs smooth and has a comfortable seat and lots of cargo space.

Suzuki Cavalcade - Virtually identical to Voyager, but Suzuki parts are the most expensive of all of the big four to replace.

Yamaha Venture series - slightly narrower look than the others. As with all of the great touring bikes it has a comfy seat, but it is also a slightly higher seat than on the other bikes.  More sporty handling and alot more low end power due to the V-4 engine.  Handles exceptionally well and the milage is comparable to the others; perhaps a little better.

Honda Goldwing - This bike is my personal favorite.  As nice as the Venture looks and handles, unless you are in Europe, you don't really need racebike handling.  The GL handles like a fighter plane, which belays it's size quite a bit, and it also has scads of power all the way through the power band.  Plenty of storage space (but then I know how to pack really well) and a very comfy seat.  couple this bike with a properly set up sidecar (and trailer if that's what you like) and you have not just a tourer, but an ubber-tourer.  In addition, the Goldwing has a following that has it's own worldwide rider/fan organization (the GWRRA).  Now the down side; Most of the major components are not easily accessible and changing the rear tire requires either a creative mechanic or removal of the saddlebags.

Those are my opinions.  Talk to guys that are currently riding the various bikes and get their opinions as well before you buy.  But for my money, I would go with either the GL or the Venture.

Good luck.
FALCON