A touring bike is a perfect option for anyone looking to explore the outdoors, whether it’s a short ride along the local roads or a full-blown cross-country trip. If you're still undecided on whether to get one, these bikes will leave you all smiling due to their enormous benefits. Touring bikes are uniquely designed with long-range capabilities and ultimate comfort, offering you the best of the touring world. With an ergonomic, relaxed touring position and strong, powerful engines, true tourers from Honda and other notable brands have the rider's comfort in mind. From ample gear storage spaces, passenger seat backrests, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems to larger fuel tanks, these bikes have everything you will ever need for long-distance rides. If you're looking for an upgrade or an entry-level true tourer, there are numerous bikes to choose from.
So which is the best motorcycle for touring? Well, it all depends on what you're looking for. Are you looking for an entry-level or a high-end tourer? Other aspects include your budget, brand preference, motorcycle specs, etc. When it comes to classifying the best touring motorcycle, the Honda Gold Wing Tour is arguably the best true tourer in the world. The 1,833 cc inline-six engine produces 125 hp and 123.2 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 24 valves. Additionally, the bike comes with a larger fuel tank, heated grips and seats, and gear storage compartments, among other convenient features. Other notable touring motorcycles you can buy include the BMW R1250 RT, Indian Roadmaster, and Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited.
10 Rider Comfort Is A Priority
Comfort is one of the prime reasons why you should get a touring bike. As a long-distance rider, suffering from fatigue and sore joints can be dangerous as it can lead to accidents. With touring motorcycles, you get to enjoy ergonomic, well-padded, comfortable seats for an optimal riding experience.
The handlebars are well-positioned to avoid straining the shoulders and arms, and a windshield to ensure you enjoy your ride, even on a windy day. In fact, you can ride a tourer all-day without getting fatigued.
9 Unrivaled Practicality When It Comes To Storage
If you love touring, then you'll love the ample gear storage that comes with true tourers. You see, manufacturers understand that a cross-country tour, for instance, would be hectic without enough storage compartments. Touring bikes take pride in storage boxes, saddlebags, and under-the-seat storage among other utility features for convenience and ease of travel.
After all, you want a bike where you can pack all your supplies for an all-day or overnight travel. You can customize most tourers for extra storage. Additions like the rear-top storage box would also provide a much-needed backrest for your pillion. If you're looking for practicality and convenience, a touring motorcycle will serve you well.
8 Long-Range Capabilities
There's a reason why touring bikes come with larger fuel tanks and powerful engines. Stopping to cool the engine or find gas stations in the middle of nowhere at night is the last thing you want. The best thing about large fuel tanks is you can explore remote areas without worrying about your next refill. And yes, tourers don't have to be all-heavy and weighty. So if you're looking for a lightweight tourer, the Indian Challenger offers the perfect combination of power and speed with great handling, built for long-range touring.
7 Touring Bikes Don't Compromise On Safety
When it comes to safety, you'll never go wrong with a touring bike. Their big frames allow for better visibility on the road, minimizing accident risks. In fact, true tourers are among the safest bikes on the planet. With traction control, perfect aerodynamics, electronic windshields, and top-notch braking systems, you'll always be safe on the road. If you're starting out as a beginner, look for a lightweight touring bike with great handling.
6 Uncompromisable Passenger Comfort
Long-distance rides are better enjoyed with a companion. As such, you don't want to buy a bike with an uncomfortable passenger seat. The passenger's comfort, much as the rider's comfort, is a priority when it comes to touring. These bikes feature plush, cozy passenger seats and passenger handles for ultimate riding comfort.
Some touring motorcycles come with a passenger backrest, or you can turn to the aftermarket and add one. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited would be a great start when shopping for a cozy yet powerful Grand American tourer. This tourer offers comfort to both the rider and the passenger, as the top trunk provides an ideal backrest positioned at a comfortable angle.
5 High-Performance Levels
A good example of power and performance touring is the 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 Voyager. The bike features a 1,700cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin engine that generates 72.5 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque.
When you buy a touring bike, you'll have the best of both worlds, in terms of power and comfort. If you're looking for a more powerful long-distance touring bike with a touch of sporty vibes, the Kawasaki Concours 14 could be your best pick. Regardless of the brand, the bike's performance won't disappoint you
4 Made Specifically For Touring
If you want to tour for long distances, going for a sport bike won't serve you well. Instead, you want to buy a bike meant for touring. Sport bikes are built for speed, cruisers are great at daily commutes to work or short to mid-range distances, while true tourers excel in touring. In fact, you can tour for a whole day or night without getting fatigued or having muscle cramps. Crafted with top-notch aerodynamics, utility features, safety features, and great handling, you'll hardly regret buying a touring bike.
3 They Are Versatile And Durable
For bikes specifically made for long distances, top-class reliability is non-negotiable. Imagine taking a cross-country tour and your bike breaks down in a remote area. It would be a devastating experience. Luckily, touring bikes are among the most durable and versatile bikes, whether you're on a budget or want a high-end tourer, manufacturers never compromise on reliability regardless of the make. The bikes are also versatile and will always give the best performance, whether off-road or on-road. You can always count on a touring motorcycle to offer the best in every mile of your journey.
2 Be A Part Of A Touring Community
Motorcycle clubs are fun, especially for true tourers. You get to enjoy a sense of belonging, contentment, networking, and even security. Imagine going on an interstate tour with a group of like-minded riders who love touring. Gone are the days when motorcycle clubs were associated with violent bike gangs.
You can find a group of like-minded individuals who love to explore and experience the peace that comes with scenic rides. It's through such common groups that business ideas are born and friendships are fostered. You get to network on a powerful, luxurious two-wheeler and form strong bonds.
1 Touring Bikes Are Fun To Ride
Another reason why you should buy a touring bike is the fun that comes with it. Touring for miles and miles with your companion or a group helps strengthen your bonds and create memories together. The tour doesn't have to be boring though. Touring bikes come with Bluetooth connections, Apple CarPlay compatibility, a high-quality sound systems, and a sleek, contemporary design that contributes to superior airflow management. Whether you're a solo rider or riding with a companion, you'll be sure to enjoy a quality, fun-filled riding adventure with a touring bike.