What cheap roadtrip motorcycle?

If you're road-tripping that much, I strongly suggest you keep a strong bias toward ST-type bikes, cruisers, and touring bikes.

I've owned the following:
73 CB350
93 Shadow 600
86 CB750
04 R6
99 Vulcan Nomad

The CBs were impossibly uncomfortable after 100 miles. The Shadow (despite being a comfortable riding position) destroyed my buttocks after 50 miles, even with an upgraded seat, and I had to literally bungee my legs together. The way the wind comes back those smaller cruisers it pushes your legs out very hard and the fatigue is terrible. I tried riding from Pittsburgh to Philly and it took me two days. The R6 was actually nice for the butt and back, but a significant portion of your weight is on your arms... at least until about 95 mph when the wind hitting your chest helps take some weight off.

Now the Nomad... that is a sweet ride. I took it from PA to TX, New Orleans, FL, and back up the coast in about 2 weeks. The seat is pretty flat and worn out, but otherwise it was a fine ride.

Of course, my 99 Nomad cost me $3500 fully dressed with hard bags and low mileage, but most of those metric cruisers come in stripped-down versions that are the same bike without all the extras. I also don't hesitate to buy a higher-mileage Kawasaki, Suzuki, or Honda. Chances are if it runs right when you buy it, it will make the trip relatively easy.

The ST styles are also pretty comfy. They sit much like a 'wing but a little higher. They are not my personal preference at all. My back doesn't like sitting like a nun in church with that upright posture, but it is widely regarded as a comfy road trip style of bike. I personally couldn't abide riding an ST or a 'wing for more than about 100 miles without significant pain, but that is just my experience. The millions of other riders who love them speak more accurately to their comfort.

If you were near me, I'd say pick up my spare zx600. It'd do the trick plus make it pretty and you'll turn a profit.

Here is an oddball suggestion....CX650 SilverWing

or better yet 1981 Honda CB400A

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/5579406444.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/5565663516.html

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/5507269759.html

Just to help you realize how possible it is to do this on a CT90, these two are on an Alaska to Argentina trip on their CT90's. Albeit, bored out to 120's :

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/rach-ed-ride-the-tat-on-honda-c90s.1085263/

I could get you an 82 silverwing that runs good for $1000 but $500 barely gets you a scooter down here.

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5534870303.html

Great Cruiser. I learned to ride on a bike just like it. It worked well for cruising as long as you are not looking for a speed demon.

If I had to go to Dallas, I'd pick the least reliable thing available. I'd beg for breakdowns, and impassable obstacles, possibly deadly snakes or tornadoes.

Steal a donkey from somebody you don't like very much, and ride that till it breaks down. Or a lawnmower.

Hell, my zx would even have tires that'd last the trip. The only fun would be the engine. You could even use my garage for a fly and drive if you have the balls (not sure I would)

I've decided to abandon the motorcycle idea. I am going to take my Montero. Head to Dallas for the wedding then on the Albuquerque and north to Colorado for some exploring in the mountains. I am thinking about getting a hitch carrier to bring my CT90 for riding around Ouray and other places I plan on camping.

Smart guy.

Sounds like a fun trip!

Your ct90 will fit in one of those $50 plarforms

markwemple wrote: Your ct90 will fit in one of those $50 plarforms

Heck, it would probably fit in the trunk.

In reply to Cactus:

It does, i have other plans for that space though.