2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: Touring

The 2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards recognises excellence across 11 separate categories, after which we'll shortlist three finalists and then announce the outright winner on Friday, November 24 at the Sydney Motorcycle Show.

This time out we announce the winner of the Touring category, and that bike is the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special.

The introduction of the ninth generation of Harley's Big Twin engine – the Milwaukee-Eight – was the major ingredient in the updated Street Glide Special, as well as new suspension, a new pannier mounting system, new paint and a host of other, smaller, changes across the Touring family.

The 45-degree Milwaukee-Eight engine is, as its name suggests, an eight-valve design, and in the Street Glide it's an air/oil cooled version.

It's a far smoother engine than the old Twin Cam. There's still that Big Twin pulse, but Harley-Davidson has ironed out the annoying vibrations. Want proof? The bike's mirrors no longer blur – they remain distortion free throughout the rev range.

Rolling down the open road is what the $36,495 (plus ORC) Street Glide Special does best, and even pushing up winding hairpin-heavy mountain passes isn't a problem – it simply pulls from 1500rpm or lower, cleanly and smoothly. Fortunately, it has impressive levels of ground clearance as well…

Congratulations Harley-Davidson.

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Honourable mention: BMW K 1600 GTL
The K 1600 GTL is just dripping with innovation and technology. The six-cylinder engine isn't about being a brutal power player but instead the creamy rich flat torque curve makes it such an effortless and ultimately rewarding bike to ride. The machine is fully optioned, an includes an audio system, sophisticated multi-controller with 5.7-inch TFT colour display, traction control, tyre pressure control, adaptive headlights, second generation electronic suspension adjustment, central locking and an alarm system. The screen is faultless, keeping turbulence to a minimum, while it handles with such poise that you sometimes think you were fully immersed in sports touring territory. Recent updates include adaptation to EU4 requirements, an enlarged windshield, revised ergonomics, and reverse gear and a two-way quickshifter as options. Price is $37,990 (plus ORC).

Honourable mention: Indian Roadmaster Classic
Befitting its luxo tourer moniker, the list of standard items is impressive and includes a keyless ignition, cruise control, heated grips and seats, LED headlamps, a power adjustable windscreen, adjustable passenger floorboards, tyre pressure monitoring, a 100-watt premium audio system and Indian's seven-inch infotainment system. It has full GPS navigation, and the screen can also be split in two for multiple functions. The preload-adjustable pneumatic shock holds up well on the Classic, soaking up smaller bumps and generally delivering a compliant ride. The 111ci 49-degree V-twin is outstanding, and at 2600rpm the bike is already producing maximum torque. The Roadmaster Classic ($38,995 rideaway) has a low centre of gravity, so low-speed manoeuvrability is excellent and it handles slow-speed traffic very well. On the open road, the handling is simply rock solid, and there's really nothing that can dislodge the bike from its designated path.