Andrew Cherney
Height: 5'8"
Weight:155 pounds
Inseam: 31 inches
I'm convinced this class of motorcycle is the closest thing to a car, but I was happy to have such room on a trip of this length. BMW's CLC got all the looks, but the bike's top-heaviness and surreal fairing make for unpredictable riding. A buzzy powerplant and a jerky ABS don't inspire confidence either, which is a shame because the CLC's steering is agreeably nimble. The Yamaha is smoother and tracks more predictably than its plump profile would have you believe, but the luxury liner of choice for me was the "Ultra Glide," with ergos that fit me perfectly. Its smooth, rangy powerband is unimpeachable, and my only complaint was lack of stopping power. I can't justify one of these behemoths in my personal garage, but I wouldn't say no to taking one on another high-mileage stint. Comfort can be addictive.
BMW 2.5 stars
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide 4 stars
Yamaha Venture 4 stars
Marc Cook
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 pounds
Inseam: 32 inches
Every time we switched bikes, the Harley followed the BMW, and I can't imagine a better way to emphasize how good the Harley is. And how badly BMW missed the mark.
The Harley's Twin Cam 88 engine isn't overpowered, but it felt like a Pro Stock dragster compared to the utterly anemic BMW. And although the Yamaha is smoothest, the Harley felt like a blender after the lumpy, shuddering Beemer. Where the Harley's handling was light and reassuring, the BMW's was clunky and odd. In every way besides suspension compliance and outright braking power, the Harley waxes the BMW. Game over.
BMW 1 star
Harley 3.5 stars
Yamaha 4 stars
Jamie Elvidge
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 135 pounds
Inseam: 34 inches
It's no secret I'm fond of the Yamaha. I've put more than 25K miles on the bike since its release in 1999, and I consider it an excellent touring mount. However, each time it rolls out against the Glide it comes up a pinch short. It's an apple and orange thing -- and an intended juxtaposition in my opinion. One is nebulous and comfy as hell, while the other is hard-edged but sweetly predictable for its honesty with the road. There are riders for each. I would take either bike to Alaska and back. (Have, in fact.) The BMW, on the other hand, was a donkey bringing up the rear of this photo-finish horse race. Its short legs, finicky gate and overall lack of majesty left me unimpressed. If I were to buy one? It would be the Yamaha, for its Cadillac-like ride and groovy retro-style. You could also blame the reverse snob in me. I'm just not ready to follow.
BMW 2.5 stars
Harley 4 stars
Yamaha 4 stars
Specifications
BMW R1200CL Custom
Designation: R1200CLC
Suggested base price: $16,490
Standard colors: Blue, brown or silver
Standard warranty: 36 months, unlimited miles
ENGINE
Type: Air/oil-cooled opposed twin
Valve arrangement: OHV, 4 valves
Bore x stroke, displacement: 101 x 73mm, 1170cc
Compression ratio: 10:11170cc
Carburetion: EFI
Transmission: 6 speeds
Final drive: Shaft
CHASSIS
Wet weight: 724 lb.
Seat height: 29.3 in.
Wheelbase: 64.6 in.
Rake/trail: 33.5 degrees / 7.23 in.
Front tire: 150/80-16 tubeless
Rear tire: 170/80 tubeless
Front brake: 2, 4-piston calipers, 12-in. discs, ABS Rear brake: 2-piston caliper, 11.2-in. disc, ABS Front suspension: BMW Telelever, 5.7 in. travel. Rear suspension: 1 damper, 4.7-in. travel Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, clock
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 38.1 mpg average
Average range: 171 miles
RPM at 60mph, top gear: 2850
Specifications
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic
Designation: FLHTCUI
Suggested base price: $19,760 ($21,065 Anniversary version)
Standard colors: Blue, red, or white
Standard warranty: 12 months, unlimited miles
ENGINEType: Air-cooled 45-degree tandem V-twin
Valve arrangement: OHV, 2 valves
Bore x stroke, displacement: 95.3 x 101.6mm, 1450cc
Compression ratio: 8.9:1
Carburetion: EFI
Transmission: 5 speeds
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Wet weight: 840 lb.
Seat height: 27.3 in.
Wheelbase: 63.5 in.
Rake/trail: 26 degrees / 6.2 in.
Front tire: MT90B-16 tubeless
Rear tire: MT90B-16 tubeless
Front brake: 2, 4-piston calipers, 11.5-in discs
Rear brake: 4-piston caliper, 11.5-in. disc
Front suspension: 41mm stanchions, 4.1-in travel
Rear suspension: 2 dampers, 3.7-in travel
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, tachometer, fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil-pressure gauge, ambient-air temperature gauge
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 33.4 mpg Average range: 167 mi. RPM at 60mph, top gear: 2620
Specifications
Yamaha Royal Star Venture
Designation: XVZ13
Suggested base price: 16,399
Standard colors: Tan/red
Standard warranty: 5 years, unlimted miles
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled 70-degree V-4
Valve arrangement: DOHC, 4 valves
Bore x stroke, displacement: 79 x 66mm, 1294cc
Compression ratio: 10:1
Carburetion: 4, 32mm
Transmission: 5 speeds
Final drive: Shaft
CHASSIS
Wet weight: 886 lb.
Seat height: 29.5 in.
Wheelbase: 67.1 in.
Rake/trail: 30 degrees / 4.96 in.
Front tire: 150/80-i6 tubeless
Rear tire: 150/90-i6 tubeless
Front brake: 2, 2-piston calipers, 11.7-in. discsRear brake2-piston caliper, 11.8-in disc
Front suspension: 41 mm stanchions, 5.6 in. travel
Rear suspension: 1 damper, 4.1 in. travel
Fuel capacity: 6.0 gal.
Instruments: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, feul gauge, clock
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 32.1 mpg
Average range: 192 mi.
RPM at 60mph, top gear: 2950