That is a great photo. Where is that?
Yes, custom seat on that GW. I Can easily stay in the saddle as long as I need to if I need to get somewhere. 24 hrs is or more has been done... unless it is a place like your pic. I have taken it on roads like yours. I've taken my CBR on roads like that... not as fast and most likely not as far... hence the purchase of the ST! I've done 850 mile days on the CBR also (San Francisco to Seattle in 15.5 hours. Also, Eastern Arizona to Northern Illinois in two back to back 750 mile days... so to the OP... any bike is a touring bike. What do you want to do with it. You set your parameters and go.
Goldwing is heavier but comfy. It can also be very fun in the twisty roads. I am aggressive in the twisties so there is a $3700 suspension upgrade that transformed its performance and upped the comfort. Has all the amenities.
CBR has suspension upgrades too. Much smoother and now is on rails going through corners and absorbs road bumps comfortably. Has electronic cruise control added to it and other things. Fast smooth and rips the mountain corners... harder to see surrounding country as your posture is more forward.
ST is upright seating and rough terrain capable, mostly road oriented tires and it is a capable machine in the corners. More off road oriented tires and the cornering capability goes down but opens up a wider range of options.
I have the Yamaha winglets and with those the bike has very good wind protection for basically a naked bike. Upgrade your suspension and it will make a huge difference in all day comfort, safety, tire wear. If you want all day comfort in the butt area go visit Russell Day Long saddles website. Suspension upgrade... then I like Traxxion Dynamics suspension in Marietta Georgia. Yes, they are expensive but they are worth it. Less expensive but very good is
http://daughertymotorsports.com/ that's on my CBR. They do a lot of bikes not listed on their website. Send them an email.
So is the ST a touring bike??? Yes... just how do YOU want to tour... that's the real question.
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