To be honest, I don’t really think we need to buy a specialist bike for every different purpose., much though commercial interests would like us to think so. Back in my youth, I had a perfectly successful two-up camping holiday (London to Scotland and back) on a Velocette Thruxton, which no-one would think of as a tourer. It was what I had at the time as my sole transport, and it did the job. I had to put a pair of pannier frames on it first, of course.
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I always fancied one of these (apologies to the haters)
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Much underrated. Maybe the best of the VFRs, actually. 
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Agreed Dave, I have been riding for 40 years and have definitely “made do” (here’s me in Australia 30 years ago doing exactly that). Today though, getting older, I want a wider comfortable seat and the other comforts and conveniences that come with a bike built for the purpose. 
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Grey or Black would be my preference but there’s not many good ones out there at the moment 
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No has mentioned the Super Blackbird from Honda, I’ve never had one but am seriously thinking about one of those. Seen a couple recently and sound great and look good still.
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Agreed I’ve toured on lots of “different/ unsuitable bikes” and somehow you always manage and have a great time and learn to take less and less luggage every time.
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Good shout for the Blackbird @Clarkey231 , mate had one, great comfy bike. Probably hard to come by now, those that have tend to keep.
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I’ve been looking and plenty around. Seen a great one on Autotrader at 3k, great advert looks a good buy.
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“in my youth” is the all important phrase there. In our youth SWMBO and I toured 2-up on an early CBR600 no problem, now in our late 60’s things are a little different physically (& financially).
Edit: and touring solo or with pillion are VERY different experiences in so many ways.
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Tried one before I bought my ZZR. Footrest/handlebar relationship felt weird, big reach to the bars, pegs felt high, and I am some way short of being a six footer. Clunky gearbox too. Honda finish and dependability of course.
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I have to get an Italian on the list, Ducati ST2/3/4 Bloody good bikes.
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Agreed, but 6000ml desmo valve check and 12000 belt replace always put me off.
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What a brilliant advert 
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They’re easy compared to some service intervals and complexities.
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A bike with soul, proper good luggage and make light of a passenger, bmw r1200r, or part fairing r1200rs. These things are bombproof and simple to work on and can be ridden on lots of torque.
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I would consider a BB, they are really nice bikes and great tourers. However, my Mrs lost her Husband 12 years ago to a bike accident. He owned a KTM, Valkyrie and Blackbird so these are not options for me (for obvious reasons!) 
On the plus side, she now has me
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My support goes to the ST 1050. Had mine and toured all over Europe, brilliant all rounder.
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