I am a complete beginner and I want to get a touring bike to drive cross-country?

I know this might sound like flame or just foolish, but I am a bike virgin who dreams of making a cross-country trip (it's been something I've been thinking about for years). Any recs for a good first time bike (I'd like something used, reliable, not necessarily flashy, over 1000 ccs, comfortable, and less than eight grand). Is it advisable to do this in the summer? I will probably get some formal training and have a short breaking-in period, and I expect to spend much of my time on the interstate / highway and making occasional scenic stops. Total duration might be anywhere from two weeks to a month (estimated) Any input would be appreciated.

Oh yes mid life crissis something ive been dreaming about for years !

Wild Hogs !

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get a three wheeler.

The Honda Goldwing is tried and true.1100 cc.visit Hondagoldwing on your search window to find used ones within your $ range.

I'm not going to flame you but I will say that is a lofty dream for a noob.

For a good touring bike under $8K, I'd suggest the Suzuki V-Strom 650. There is actually a 1000cc version but if you read up on them online, most people say the 650cc is the better bike ( more balanced ) of the two models. It has the same engine as the SV650 sport-touring bike but the engine is just tuned slightly different for more midrange torque. I've never ridden on one but I have sat on the them. They are very comfortable, have lots of space ( at least as far as motorbikes are concerned ) and various tiedown points or space for optional luggage. The seating is upright and relaxed as well( very important if you're spending many miles in the saddle ).

big dream. Learn to ride first. I'd recommend putting off the cross-country trip for a summer. Learn to ride. Then start doing weekend trips. Get a starter bike first, then sell it. Touring bikes for under 8k. Look at the Kaw Concourse. Used. An awesome touring bike that really hasn't changed much in the past 10 years .

You sound like a future goldwing owner.I would take a few shorter trips first i.e. 250-300 miles to see what that feels like before I made plans to go cross-country.

A used older Wing is the king of touring at your price limit. Maybe a Kawasaki Voyager? The class leaders are $20K, depending on options, new (Honda Goldwing 1800 and BMW K1200LT). By the way, make sure you study the bike's maintenance requirements and wear items (tires, brakes) and plan that maintenance, if required, during such a long trip. You might only need an oil change but maybe you'll burn through a tire or two, or need a tune-up.

But I'm with several other posters here in suggesting you buy a smaller lighter standard bike to learn on. If you buy carefully you'll get most or all of your money back when you sell it. Get a few thousand miles under your belt before trying a real touring ride.

Big touring bikes are heavy and don't handle as well as smaller nimble bikes. Learn to walk before you run.

Depends on you. Your athletic ability, strength, size, and ability assessed from your rider training, and of course $ available. A great 1st bike for that would be a BMW R1100R or R1100RT. Check them out. You will like them.

HD is the most reliable. I am 70 yrs old and been around all kinds of bikes. I would look for a used Roadking (FLHR) or an FL Softail. Go to a Harley dealer and tell him what u need. Most of those guys will treat u OK.

1. Put the grand tour on the back burner for now.
2. Go to a reputable riding school in your area, even if you don't need one for a motorcycle cert for your driver's license. You want to be able to go out on the track and road for a week or two and have your performance rated by the instructor. Usually they will provide vehicles and equipment. 10-15 hours time in the field should be enough to get your feet wet.
3. Look at the classifieds and pick up a used starter bike in the 250cc-500cc range. My only two cents on that subject will be that you get something reliable that doesn't depreciate too rapidly (more on that below), preferably a Japanese manufacturer. My own (somewhat biased) rec: check out the Suzuki GS-line. You can get one used for a couple grand and have it run almost as good as new! My first bike was a GS500E and i think the stripped-down aesthetics and handling would appeal to you based on what you've said.
4. Pretend you're 16 again and take things slow; you're learning, after all. Go out first on some weekend cruises, then work your way up to heavier traffic and longer trips. Keep setting the bar higher for yourself.
5. Keep practicing for a while until you get the hang of it and then trade in / replace your bike with a newer, bigger one. Bikes like Honda Gold Wings and the BMW R1100RTare great touring machines and have a lot of cargo volume for you to take food, clothes, etc. on a long trip. You'll know what to do once you get there.
6. Be safe and have fun!

Don't let others throw cold water on your fire. Take a motorcycle safety training course first, the kind that provide the mid size bike. As fas as bikes go, a '84-86 GL1200 Honda Gold Wing is a good mix of dependability, comfort and managable weight and seat height. A Kawasaki Voyager XII is a stone reliable bike, were made for 20 years with hardly any changes, are very light for a full dress touring bike, great gas mileage and still very easy to get parts for. The 83-85 1200 Yamaha Ventures are crap but the '86-93(?) 1300's are good bikes with good luggage. For ease of riding and getting parts, I'd look at the first two bikes. Harley dressers ('83 on) are good bikes and do very well what they were designed to do, tour. However, you'll pay more for one.

If you're not especially tall or strong and think you might drop your bike and scratch it up, go with the Voyager. Parts are very plentiful on ebay.

If at all possible, find someone to ride with you, it's a lot more fun. If they're experienced tourers, so much the better. Also take a camera and take lots of photos of people, things and bike dumps. Good luck and follow your dream