10 of the Best Motorcycles for Long-Distance Touring
Clocking miles on a bike can be a beautiful thing. The hum of the engine, the open road stretching far ahead, and that familiar rhythm of the ride hit differently. But let’s be honest, not every motorcycle is built for going the distance. Some bikes are made for quick city spins or weekend rides through backroads, not for hauling gear and covering 500 miles daily.
Long-distance touring requires comfort, storage, endurance, and a ride that won’t beat up your spine. You want a machine that keeps you going hour after hour without needing a chiropractor on speed dial. Here are some bikes that have earned their stripes on the long haul.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
This bike has been part of countless cross-country trips for a reason. The Electra Glide packs a wind-cutting fairing, a plush seat, and saddlebags roomy enough for a week’s worth of gear. Cruise control and built-in infotainment make those endless highways less of a chore. It rides like a couch with handlebars but still has that signature V-twin rumble.
BMW R 1250 RT
The R 1250 RT leans more sport-touring than a cruiser, but it’s a legend on long trips. The boxer engine delivers smooth, steady power, and the ride height gives excellent visibility. With features like dynamic ESA suspension and hill-start assist, it takes much of the work out of highway miles. The wind protection and heated grips are just the cherry on top.
Honda Gold Wing
The Gold Wing is practically a motorized living room. It has creature comforts, heated seats, Apple CarPlay, an automatic transmission option, and a flat-six engine that hums like a jet. It’s heavy, sure, but that weight translates into a steady, grounded ride even when the wind’s howling. Great for riders who like to cruise in total comfort.
Yamaha FJR1300
The FJR1300 has been a solid pick for sport-touring fans for years. It blends performance and practicality without skipping a beat. You get a shaft drive, an adjustable windshield, and a fairing that does a great job cutting the wind. It’s also quick and great for eating highway miles while having enough punch to overtake when needed.
Indian Roadmaster
This is India’s answer to the high-end touring crowd, and it doesn’t hold back. The Roadmaster comes with a Thunderstroke engine that delivers intense and smooth performance. There’s loads of storage, an advanced infotainment system, and a level of finish that’s hard to miss. It’s built to go far while making the rider feel like they’re traveling in style.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
Big, comfortable, and budget-friendly for its class, the Voyager is Kawasaki’s go-to for long rides. The large frame houses a V-Twin engine that’s surprisingly nimble once you’re on the road. It has a sound system, a frame-mounted fairing, and hard saddlebags that fit perfectly. It’s ideal for those who want a touring bike without spending a small fortune.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE
Adventure bikes can be excellent touring machines, especially when the road turns rough. The V-Strom 1050DE stands out with its reliable twin engine and upright riding position. It’s lighter than a full-dress tourer but can still carry panniers and extra fuel. For riders who like mixing pavement with gravel, this one won’t let you down.
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer
Built for long days in the saddle, the GT Explorer is Triumph’s heavy-hitting tourer. The triple engine delivers a torque and top-end speed balance that suits highways and mountain passes. It also packs adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a massive fuel range, making all-day riding less tiring.
Moto Guzzi California Touring 1400
Moto Guzzi brings some Italian charm to the touring class with this cruiser. It features a transverse V-twin engine, a low center of gravity, and a smooth powerband for the open road. The shaft drive keeps maintenance to a minimum, and the ergonomics are designed for comfort. It’s a different flavor from the big American tourers but just as capable.
Ducati Multistrada V4 S
If you want a touring performance with a twist of adrenaline, the Multistrada V4 S hits that mark. It offers radar-based cruise control, skyhook suspension, and rider tech. This bike doesn’t just travel; it moves with urgency. Light, agile, and surprisingly comfortable, it’s made for those who don’t want to choose between fun and distance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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