So as a sort of a post to help prospective bikers, since I know I was reading all these posts before I pulled the trigger on my FTR I’ve got some thoughts on touring with a FTR.
Touring thoughts: after riding 1400 miles in 4 days I realized that the FTR is not nor ever will be a “touring machine” despite what some people post on here and the Facebook page.
After 300 miles every mile seemed like 5 and I was appreciating the designers 3 gallon limitation!!! after 8 hours I was beat!!
I had a wind screen on and really what that did was just make it noisy as hell ( but did take some of the wind blast off my chest at 80 mph). The rack was nice and I could easily strap my duffle bag, no need for panniers if you get the luggage rack.
I also adjusted the compression and rebound for a more ultraglide feel, but it still couldn’t compare To my buddy’s Multistrada in terms of ride comfort.
One serious issue was the tires on South Dakota freeways! They use those rain/snow grooves and while the next state over was fine with them, The South Dakota freeway was bordering on scary with the stock tires it wobbled like crazy and all I could think was how I would not be able to do an emergency avoidance with any confidence.
The cruise was awesome... sort of since it seemed to wander by one MPH, which is fine if your alone but aggravating in a group setting.
And of course the kickstand feeling like it would tip over if not set up just right.
But I have to say It was worth the ride once I hit Vonacker Canyon Road.
Touring thoughts: after riding 1400 miles in 4 days I realized that the FTR is not nor ever will be a “touring machine” despite what some people post on here and the Facebook page.
After 300 miles every mile seemed like 5 and I was appreciating the designers 3 gallon limitation!!! after 8 hours I was beat!!
I had a wind screen on and really what that did was just make it noisy as hell ( but did take some of the wind blast off my chest at 80 mph). The rack was nice and I could easily strap my duffle bag, no need for panniers if you get the luggage rack.
I also adjusted the compression and rebound for a more ultraglide feel, but it still couldn’t compare To my buddy’s Multistrada in terms of ride comfort.
One serious issue was the tires on South Dakota freeways! They use those rain/snow grooves and while the next state over was fine with them, The South Dakota freeway was bordering on scary with the stock tires it wobbled like crazy and all I could think was how I would not be able to do an emergency avoidance with any confidence.
The cruise was awesome... sort of since it seemed to wander by one MPH, which is fine if your alone but aggravating in a group setting.
And of course the kickstand feeling like it would tip over if not set up just right.
But I have to say It was worth the ride once I hit Vonacker Canyon Road.