As you can tell by my screen name, I have always liked fast bikes, and right now I ride an '03 yamaha YZF.  But I have been finding myself more and more wanting to do more touring.  I still love buzzing around the twisties on the sport bike, and if I could afford to own two bikes I would keep the YZF and get someting like a Heritage Deluxe.  But to get a new bike I will need to sell my current one for the down payment.

I was looking at the V-Rod, still kind of sporty, but a little more upright with my feet in front of me.  Just not sure how comfortable that would be on the long rides.  I looked at the BMWs, sleek and quick get up and go, but a little more comfortable.  I did test ride a Heritage and REALLY loved the comfort, I could spend all day on that, just going to miss the get up and go.

Oh well, just wanted to share my thoughts and see if anyone who has made the transition from fast to comfortable had any input.

If you are stuck on yamaha the roadliner and strataliner both get awsome reviews.

If you want my opinion the heritage soft tail clasic or the road king are the clasic look with the newest technology.

yamaha does not retain value as well as harley

we just report it you decide

GoFast, I love the fact that you are looking at all the brands to find what you are going to be the most comfortable with. I actually rented a few different bikes and put some real miles on before deciding on my last bike. May be something you want to consider. I have found that some of the dealers who rent bikes will credit the rental off the purchase price if you decide to buy from them.

I have tried them all, if you want to tour and keep a bit of hammer in your heart go for the Honda Blackbird, I have one and 500 miles a day is no problem, no aches or pains...and its got 160 when you want it, easy on the twisties too as its got great brakes and is a forgiving bike.

You have a great range of dealers available. Go see all sit on and ride all sizes and shapes. look for sitting and hand position. feet forward or on boards. What do you want to personalize the ride? Aftermarket or accessory availability?? You got a ride and time. Enjoy your self..

i have had honda, yamaha, suzuki graduated to my first harley few years back, all have good and bad points, my electraglide is fairly nimble for a big bike, with the engine mods it is comfortable around 80, get's there quick as well, but it is all personal preference. like hgsc90 said try'em on for size, i have enjoyed each and every one of the 13-14 bikes i have owned from the 125 dirt bikes to my 95ci road recliner.( had a few crotch rockets in there too)

I have heard good things about the Victory Cross Roads and the Cross Country. Good for comfort, speed and handling.

Let us know what ya go with.