The model always had at least somewhat of a touring identity.
Texts have seemed to lean more towards this profile or the other from year to year.
It has adequate braze-ons it seems (though I'm no tourer).
& has a high BB as well as a steel fork, triple, large cogs..... etc.

Others will weigh-in for sure. By all accounts they're fine bikes. I tested one awhile back, I liked it. Higher standover than the dims. would lead one to expect given the frame size.
What can we compare it to as far as current chrmly. production bikes ? A trek 520 ? Maybe not as tourish as a 520, it is available though.
I don't see a down-side. The components and wheels are sensible as well.