Bill,
I have had a '96 BMW R1100RT (I think I have a picture of it in the photo section) from new which I use for serious touring purposes.
It gives you everything a serious tourer needs, is quite nimble and balanced and more than 100 lbs lighter than the Goldwings and Electra Glide tourers.
It has more than ample luggage space and should I ever wish to change it, I would simply upgrade to the new R1200RT (which appparently is even lighter).
If I were to find a negative point, I would say it is slightly top-heavy with a full tank making parking maneuvers (in tight spaces) require a little more care/planning.
Without pannier bags (which detach with the turn of a key) it's pretty much sporty too (although not a sportsbike).
In over 9 years never a single glitch, a bike you can easily become attached to.
I just love it.
Nuthin,
Perhaps this is an option you may wish to explore too, as it is not as big/heavy (or expensive) as the Goldwing or the BMW LT1200 tourers.
