Interstate vs Tourer

[f6john]

Does the Interstate offer significant advantages for long distance riding over a tourer set up? Specifically what items or lack thereof make the most difference? My inquiry is slanted toward solo riding as my wife has no interest in more than an hour or so in the saddle. All my riding has been on my 99 standard set up as a tourer. I have ridden a 1800 Goldwing about 18 years ago and really liked the 1800 drivetrain. I’m contemplating the cost to bring my 99 up to snuff or possibly obtaining an Interstate.

Then, in the back of my mind a F6b is very enticing and the Goldwing with the reverse gear seems inviting to my 67 year old body. Such a dilemma. Feel free to comment on any options out there.

[Serk]

The main attraction for me of the Interstate over the Tourer is the trunk...

I really don't care that much for the fairing or the stereo or the air pods, but that integrated trunk has become very nice to have on trips...

Granted, you can add one to a tourer if that's your thing, but I just like that it's already there, looks right, has a matching key, etc...

(It's gotten to the point that my tourer (Technically a standard with added shield and bags) is mostly set up for my daughter now, I hardly ride it any longer.)

[Willow]

Trunk and fuel tank size.  Obviously those can be added to a Tourer.  The ECM has better timing but that also can be added to a Tourer.

I do like the fairing as it takes the wind out of my chest.  I've cut down the windscreen as I'm not a fan of windscreens.

[bassman]

Trunk and fuel tank size.  Obviously those can be added to a Tourer.  The ECM has better timing but that also can be added to a Tourer.

I do like the fairing as it takes the wind out of my chest.  I've cut down the windscreen as I'm not a fan of windscreens.

Hmmmmmmm...... Carl, I always thought you avoided windscreens to keep your "stash" perfectly coifed.   

[f6john]

My tourer needs the following just off the top of my head. New tires, new battery, carb overhaul, driveshaft service, windscreen replacement, fluid flush and of course oil and filter change. It’s been sitting for over four years and could need other attention. I guess wheel bearings at least on the rear wouldn’t be a bad idea either. It only has about 53,000 miles on the clock so it will all get done but I have been thinking of making it a long term project as my time is freed up from house remodeling work, but I might like to locate a bike that is up to snuff right off the bat to be able to get in some wind time this year.

[Moonshot_1]

Have both. If I could only choose one for long distance solo riding it would be the tourer. Luggage rack. Bungee good size suitcase to it. Remove to take into hotel or camp area. Easier access to saddlebags. Lots less plastic to deal with.

That said, I do love my Interstate.

[msb]

I've had my Interstate for 18 years now, and it is the perfect setup for the amount of 2-up long distance touring we've done since day one. The larger fuel tank is a definite plus, and I really like the IS fairing ...both the function and looks (best looking fairing on any bike in my mind). Also, at 6' sitting on a slightly lower Corbin seat, the stock windscreen is the perfect height for me...most riding is done looking over it, but it still offers all the protection on those longer rides.
And of course the trunk is great...it has even withstood all these years of strapping a sometimes too-heavy top bag to it (it's taken me a fairly long time to get the Mrs's take-alongs paired down to a point where we don't even need the top bag sometimes)
I'm now at the point where I'm looking the other way...would be nice to add a Standrd or Tourer for my solo rides...or do the SuperValk conversion...just for a different, stripped down riding experience.

[Oldfishguy]

The Interstate trunk works as a backrest for the passenger and kind of wraps around them a bit; I find a lot of passengers like that feel.  

Larger fuel tank, which is a must in a lot of rural trips.

The radio and intercom systems are kind of nice,  but honestly, obsolete these days on the Interstate.  Just Bluetooth the sound system, it is a better way to go.  

The Interstate fairing is far superior to a Tourer for long highway trips.  The draw back is it is connected to the steering forks not the frame as modern era machines are; at parking lot speeds sharp turns change the balance point slightly.  The machine is more top heavy already with the trunk and then the fairing makes it a bit more.  Above 5mph it makes no difference but the parking lot maneuvering takes some practice.  

If you can find an Interstate with pod lights they are nicely integrated into the look of the machine, along with the added visibility they bring.

The tail lights on the trunk are more visible too for cars following you.  If you have ever heard the sequel of brakes behind you, you will understand my point.

As far as a Wing vs a vintage Valkyrie, well that is another discussion entirely; each has its own merits.

Best of luck.

[Big Rig]

+1 for comfort with the trunk...additional fuel in tank is a plus, but only for looooong hauls...

Plus the green interstate is the best looking and fastest one made...

Hope this does not turn political.... 

Ahhh Yeah it is too!!!

[John Schmidt]

Years ago I had a '92 Wing Aspencade, I didn't like the frame mounted fairing one bit but my wife loved the ride so you know how that turned out. Plus we had a matching trailer that carried little of my stuff, I was able to put mine in the saddlebags....again, you know how that worked out. As for the Valk, it's a '98 Black Tourer that goes fast enough for me, and to which I've adapted a Harley fairing, I/S radiator pods, and an I/S tank. Since all my riding has been solo out of necessity the last 17+ yrs., I decided a few years back to adapt a trunk to the bike. In my case, I decided I didn't want the weight of the I/S trunk hanging way out back plus the cost of all it took to mount it so I adapted a trunk mount and trunk from a GL1100 Wing onto the Valk. In doing so I mounted it directly over the rear axle, making it much easier to handle when loaded. An additional benefit is I can remove the trunk and use the mount as a good sized luggage rack which is really solid as well. The trunk has nearly the same capacity as the I/S version and with some artsy stuff added looks and functions quite well. Another added benefit.....it prevents unwanted coriders. 

[Jess from VA]

Here's what I think.  And I'm always solo too.

I love the Interstate for the fairing (with a shield the height/width of your own choice), gauges, radio and 7-gallon tank.  I especially like the fairing for hours' long rain (or cold) rides, which I prefer never to do, but seems to happen every time I take a trip anywhere.

I don't love the trunk, it's tall and a bit top-heavy (esp loaded), and a sail for winds, and I don't need a passenger backrest.  It is good for locking things up, but the bags still lock so you put your valuables in the bags, locked.

I run my solo Interstate with no trunk and a solo rack behind my seat.  I CAN GET MORE STUFF IN A BIG DUFFEL BAG, THAN IN MY TRUCK.  And that's where I lug clothing and toiletries and things that go right into the motel room on arrivaL, and I just unhook the bungies and lug it right in, rather than having to unpack a truck.  I use a cargo net over the duffel too, and during the ride, I can stuff a jacket or rain gear or water bottles or whatever I may need under the cargo net, and if/when I need it later it's right there, with no unpacking to get to it (maybe just reach back and get it without leaving the seat, and that's very convenient).  

And, if you have the trunk and add a big duffel on your Interstate back seat, you cannot open the trunk at all without fully removing the duffel first (which is a big PITA).  And I don't like adding a big duffel on top the trunk either (with rack), because it's too much weight too high, and even more of a sailboat.  

So I prefer an Interstate, but without a truck on it.  And I have found a very nice large duffel dry bag that can go to the bottom of a swimming pool and nothing gets wet, and it has stiff walls, so it doesn't droop down on the ends and rub the bag lid paint, and it holds the duffel high enough, I can get right in and out of the saddlebags without having to move (or remove) it to pop the lids off.

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/dryspec-d38-rigid-waterproof-motorcycle-dry-bag-multiple-colors-available


I wanted the white one for better visibility behind me, but it was out of stock.  And I don't do orange or red anything.

[Crackerborn]

I have both and almost all trips over 300 miles are on the IS. The IS is set up to Super Valk but I tend to leave it set up as stock. Since the wife will only take short jaunts (50 miles or less) and is more comfortable on the IS, the Tourer is set up as a solo ride. My FL trips are always on the IS and the only CO trip I've taken on the Tourer was the trip that I caught a white-out blizzard leaving SD heading into WY and spent 3+ hrs traveling 70 miles to the closest motel. Not that the IS would have made that trip any better.

I also have a '64 Norton Atlas 750 that might as well be considered a bar hopper even though I don't drink and drive. I am ready to park that one after 50 miles or so. I did take it to Mt. Rushmore some years ago when a bearing went on the Tourer two days before the Fourth of July trip to SD was scheduled. I didn't own the IS at the time and didn't have time for a repair to the Tourer. I REALLY like the Valks.

Since the wife flies to any destination we jointly travel too, luggage is rarely an issue.

[MarkT]

I'm really happy with my "Jade" Tourer.  Have never had an Interstate but do have an 1800 wing.  The Tourer is far more comfy on long trips.  But it's far from standard so I guess my comments wouldn't apply.  Cruising mods I have are Rostra elect. cruise control, fwd controls, Interstate tank, belly tank, Hitchdoc trailer hitch with my light controls, Tekonsha trailer brake control, all-LED lighting including Infinity Beam headlight and 4 forward LED spots, enhanced rear lighting with Radiantz LED tailight, run-brake-turn LED markers and my Highlighter (in Spartan helmet theme with winking blue eyes), 9" pullback risers, Baker wings, two front seat drinkholders including a Butler and a paper cup holder, audio system with 400w amp and 300w crossover with Bluetooth, Garmin Zumo 650 with 2000 mp3's and satellite radio, weather and traffic, Android phone X-mount with 128Gb SD card and 9550 mp3's onboard wired to audio system, heated clothing power, double darkside with ATT, Progessive 444-4057 shocks, Escort Passport radar monitoring the voltage (and cops), permanent installed lift adapter, Russell Daylong seats and of course my pipes for more power w/o a ton of noise - silencers installed.  On road trips I usually pull a Tagalong trailer for fast access to LOTS of stuff and no tying it on, or waterproofing it. WHEW!

[hubcapsc]

I don't like to work on Interstates, there's a bunch of extra stuff and covers
and such. A trunk is easy to add when on a long trip and remove when
local on a Tourer... and an Interstate is heavier.





-Mike

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Does the Interstate offer significant advantages for long distance riding over a tourer set up? Specifically what items or lack thereof make the most difference?

IS does not offer significant advantages over a Tourer for long distance solo riding other than a bigger fuel tank. A bike setup to make you comfortable that you like to ride is best choice.

#1 Good riding gear (jacket pants). I have worn Joe Rocket or similar textile including mesh for the last 15 years over leathers and find it much better for temperature needs. Also need heated gear. Just a jacket and gloves work for me. Good rain gear.
#2 A GREAT seat. Long trips are a lot more fun when your rear doesn't squirm. Either bike can have a better aftermarket seat.
#3 Comfy grips and a wrist rest throttle assist device or a cruise control throttle lock.

Think about it for a minute, what does that sly devil DDT ride?

[old2soon]

           Ridden both. Luv my I/S. Prefer my I/S. I'm surprised now and then by How Much "stuff" I carry!   Course on a long haul iffin ya aint got it with ya means ya gotta buy it. I prefer bringing it along. When Daughter was still under my roof all her needed school supplies fit on my I/S-after emptying trunk and bags. RIDE SAFE.

[Deerslayer]

Personally.. I prefer the looks of a Tourer.
I don't care for a radio or cb either... just the sound of the machine & my thoughts.

Back when My wife could ride.. we traveled all over heck & back with the 2 saddlebags & a T-bag. No issues.

extra fuel capacity ... meh ..
I typically need a very short butt break @ about 120-130 miles anyway.

I've only experienced a couple times where I wished I had more.

One time in particular.. Me & one of my best riding buddies, Nasty Nick, were blasting hard up this incredibly steep but, awesome mountain hwy in British Columbia from Peachland to Merit.

We were hitting the pass so hard, I hit reserve early at about 90 miles. Nasty Nick was next to me laughing just as he too hit reserve a mile later.

Up ahead... I see a road sign showing the distance we still had to travel to Merit. I then said to myself...ohh, Fiddle Sticks this won't be good... then I thought ... ahh were ok.... It's all down hill from here.

we both ran out of gas about 5 miles out from town.... we're still ok.
It's still all down hill & I can see town.. the only problem left,, is the traffic light at the bottom of the hill.

The chrome gods were in our favor that day, as we sailed across the opposing hwy with a green light & coasted into the fueling station.

..Slayer

[MarkT]

That's quite a story & fortuitous on the downhill sans fuel!  I have in the past been uncomfortable a few times unsure if I was going to be walking.  Unpleasant feeling though adventurous.  I have even drafted semi's to squeeze a few more miles out of an empty tank - and pissed off the truck drivers when they realized I was drafting them - way "back in the day".  Not sure how they figured it out - I think another trucker told them on the CB. Not recent enough to be cameras. This was like 4 different truckers.

With 9.8 gallons onboard now I never run out.  Even pulling a trailer.  Range w/o a trailer is ~333 miles at 34mpg.  I ALWAYS have more fuel than the other bikes.  I've even rescued them when they ran out, several times.  My sub-name for Jade is "Oiler".  Think WWII convoy supply ships.  Has an extra petcock for sharing fuel.

[Reb]

Just to make a stable comparison of the above mentioned bikes,

I went from a tourer,  to a GL1800 Wing, and now have both an Interstate, F6B and a Standard.


You honestly cannot go wrong with any of the selected. An 1800 Goldwing does out perform a Valkyrie in a lot of categories except looks. That is not a knock on the Valkyrie at all, it's just newer technology.

I prefer the wing on longer distance hauls cross country. Better gas mileage, smoother acceleration, and extremely forgiving braking. The reverse is by far the one thing I missed the most going from a 1800 to an F6B.

The Valks eats wheel bearings quicker and requires more time to tear down the rear end for maintenance. The Goldwings have their own *pains taking* maintenance when it comes to air filter changes. All maintenance is a chore the first time doing it. After that it's really a matter of personal interest and taste.

With the price of first generation GL1800's (2001-2007) starting to creep around $8K and less, you can pick them up fairly cheap now days. As with Valkyrie's, don't be afraid of higher mileage if the bike has been well maintained.

I enjoy having the options in the garage, the F6B is my Ferrari, the Valkyrie is my 57' Chevy   

[DIGGER]

I have had Goldwings and BMW cruisers in the past.   Most with radios factory installed and some I installed.  I have mostly had homemade speaker systems in my helmet.  Truly think the loud music in my ears contributed to my hard of hearing problems.   About 20 yrs ago I ditched the speakers in the helmet.    I currently ride a 2001 Standard that I put a 1999 Valkyrie Tourer package on.   So I ride a 2001 Tourer.    When I did a Iron Butt ride I put a Valkyrie Interstate gas tank on it.    The Interstate tank is a must if you don't like stopping to get gas all the time .   I like my Valkyrie without radios.    I do my best thinking while riding.....I have found the solutions to many personal and national problems while cruising down the highway.    I love my Valjyrie....of all the motorcycles I've ever had it is the most functiinal....easiest to maintain.....easiest to keep clean motorcycle I've ever had.    May it hold together the rest of my riding career. 
I'm 69 yrs old and a couple yrs ago my wife encouraged me to go ahead and get a new mototcycle but I told her that I wouldn't trade my Valkyrie for anything on the market.

[hubcapsc]

I'm 69 yrs old and a couple yrs ago my wife encouraged me to go ahead and get a new mototcycle but I told her that I wouldn't trade my Valkyrie for anything on the market.

I was thinking I probably should trade or sell my 1500 when I got a 1800... I didn't
and I am very glad about it!

-Mike

[Avanti]

Valkyrie's never give up, never give in.  I like the Interstate due to the way I like to travel.  I like to camp and hike and need the extra space for the gear needed to do both.

[cookiedough]

long distance touring anyone will do just fine.  I like my fairing and  I/S mp3player setup for music even with mediocre at best stock OEM speakers vs. my tourer windshield.  I also like the locking trunk as said but even on a tourer with flat luggage rack on back you can almost add as much stuff (sometimes more) strapped down as well so luggage space about the same. 

Now,  gas situation is important though if traveling out west, etc. where over 200 miles per tank might have to do even if the tourer gets 2 to 3 more mpg,  that extra 1.5 gallons or so might make the difference from riding or pushing....

2-up riding I/S all the way my wife says the I/S stock seat is better than the tourer rear seat by far.

[DIGGER]

long distance touring anyone will do just fine.  I like my fairing and  I/S mp3player setup for music even with mediocre at best stock OEM speakers vs. my tourer windshield.  I also like the locking trunk as said but even on a tourer with flat luggage rack on back you can almost add as much stuff (sometimes more) strapped down as well so luggage space about the same.  

Now,  gas situation is important though if traveling out west, etc. where over 200 miles per tank might have to do even if the tourer gets 2 to 3 more mpg,  that extra 1.5 gallons or so might make the difference from riding or pushing....

2-up riding I/S all the way my wife says the I/S stock seat is better than the tourer rear seat by far.

I put the “Mustang” brand seat on my tourer with the back rest and it has served me well.   On a long ride or trip to me the most important comfort factors on a cruiser are the handlebar setup and the seat.   I have a bar back that brings the handlebars back i think an inch.   That helps a lot too and it allows me to sit more upright while riding