Kawasaki 1400GTR, £13,599
There's no doubting the ZZR pedigree of the GTR's in-line four engine but its power delivery is not as flexible low-down its rev range as the twins, triples and V-fours of its competition. The big Kawasaki is still a competent and (very) fast tourer though, with handling that's more sports focussed than many other bikes in this class. A real licence loser in the wrong hands...
BMW R1200RT, £12,695
What more can be said? The RT12 has been around since 2005 and has attracted a strong following ever since. Buyers are seduced by a massive list of accessories, good handling, plush comfort levels, impressive economy and strong residuals. The R1200RT has always been the benchmark for rival manufacturers. Still is
Honda’s ST1300 Pan European £14,000
The ST13 arrived in 2002, replacing the aged ST1100. The 1,261cc balance-shafted V-four may not be the most powerful in this class but it generates a lot of low-down torque. Weight is carried low thanks to the use of the engine as a stressed member in the alloy chassis. It's still narrow enough to filter like a demon, too. However, whilst comfort and weather protection are excellent, the Pan has been blighted by well documented instances of high speed instability
Moto Guzzi Norge 1200GT, £11,920
Characterful eight-valve V-twin delivers surprising punch, especially from lower in the rev range. It's a left-field choice but might just deliver a bit more for the touring rider who likes to scratch and wants something pleasingly quirky. Handling, suspension and ground clearance are excellent. Might be a bit cramped for six footers, though
BMW K1600GT £15,740
BMW's leviathan tourer is a by-word of luxury and opulence. The long-stroke, straight-six motor is unique and appealing but, strangely, most of its 175Nm of torque is situated in the mid-range. Use the K1600 hard and fuel consumption suffers but it's probably worth it for the beautiful noise it makes when you start using it hard
Suzuki's GSX1250 FA-ST £7,964 inc £500 cashback offer
The clever money in tourer-land might be Suzuki-shaped. This budget priced Bandit-derived all-rounder lacks the electronic whizz-bang of its more splendidly appointed opposition but the GSX1250 is a surprisingly pleasant and comfortable bike to pile the miles on. Compared to the others in this list it also feels the most like a 'normal' motorbike. And just check out the price - that's a lot of clothing/extras/petrol money isn't it?
Honda Goldwing £24,000
The money-no-obect-option. Dismissed only by those who've never ridden one (fools), the big Wing - revised for 2012- is disgustingly comfortable and luxurious. The incredible 1,800cc flat-six motor is turbine-smooth, sounds gorgeous and blesses the gargantuan tourer with seriously impressive performance. It handles better than it has any right to, as well. The downsides are a voracious thirst for fuel and rapidly diminishing tyre tread depth, Changing a rear tyre is hardly a road-side job, either...
Yamaha's FJR1300 £15,499.50
At a reasonable 264kgs, the big FJR isn't as heavy as you might first assume and handles well as a result. Popular with the Old Bill, the FJR has been around for ten years but received an update in 2005. A push-button semi auto gearbox offers up-shifts that take just 0.2 secs to complete.
