Some things should be fundamental to touring bikes: comfort, a decent fuel range, good luggage capacity; and a relaxed, high-torque engine.

As motorcyclists age, there is a tendency for riders to choose touring bikes over sports bikes.

Prices of Harley cruisers go up from there to $16,000, and touring bikes can top $18,000.

It can also be an issue for touring bikes with a heavy load of gear over or even behind the rear wheel.

Normally, road racing bicycles have more trail than touring bikes but less than mountain bikes.

Some tours are for racing bike fans, others for combination racing and touring bikes.

To accommodate long rides, touring bikes have comfortable handlebars and saddles.

Commonly used on road and touring bikes, this type of derailleur is actuated by a cable pulling downwards.

And let's not forget, in the past Guzzi was BMW's main rival as a manufacturer of touring bikes.

More than 400 cyclists are expected in this third year of the tour, and they may ride tricycles, bicycles, tandem bikes or touring bikes.