I have nothing of value to add to this thread that hasn't already been said. Touring an RC = an entire weekend of sore ass (better start hitting the squat rack) Riding an RC in the twisties = Fun as FCUK! You may return home with sore wrists, abs, and a gallon of sweat soaked up under your leathers.... But at least you'll be sporting a grin rivaled only by the expression of satisfaction associated with being the recipient of "choice favors". Tracking an RC = I haven't tried that yet because I sometimes feel that it would be cheaper for me to scoop up a cheap track bike than invest the time/cash in repairing the inevitable "incidents". That said, I love my RC, and though I lust after many bikes (KTM RC8 being one of them), I don't see myself willfully parting with that machine. My advice: Get one! Don't mod it for touring, just enjoy the hell out of it. There was a guy on the RC Forums a few years ago who commuted like 200mi. round trip each day on an RC. Wound up putting like 100K miles on it. So touring could be done... Just wouldn't be comfy. http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/rc51-general-discussion/33583-99-000-miles-still-tickin.html