[Jeff in Kentucky]

The Speedmaster and Thunderbird do not interest me, modern versions of the 1960s Triumph parallel twins, but they are considered good bikes if you like their styling and cost. A Speedmaster might be a good bike for a bigger beginner, weighing maybe 175 pounds plus.

If I was in the market for a new big bagger for long trips, I would probably buy the Triumph Rocket III Touring. It costs less than a Honda or BMW or Harley big tourer, but it is not as comfortable for your passenger. The Rocket III is a modern version of this antique below, later bought by Indian, but with 3 cylinders instead of 4:

http://www.khulsey.com/motorcycles/vintage_motorcycle_henderson.html

I would like this light race-type bike for short trips and tight corners, but a Kawasaki 650cc parallel twin would cost less and be better for longer trips, and the Suzuki DRZ-400 Supermoto would be better for a beginner, and more reliable:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/35/5678/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Aprilia-SXV-5-5-First-Ride.aspx

This might be the best bike for a low cost and for many uses, if you can stand the strange looks of it:

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/DL650.html