There are a ton of means to go for a long distance tour. These days, subsidies are abundant when selecting a steed to ride your way across the country. Even rare liter bikes come readied with trek control if you’re into that. From dedicated six-cylinder sports tourers to Dakar provoked adventure bikes, there has possibly never been a better time to select a touring motorcycle.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best motorcycles for long-distance riding.
What exactly is a touring motorcycle?
A touring motorcycle or “tourer” is a bike genre formulated mainly for long-range trips and riding. Because these vehicles are planned to record countless miles on the open road, they incline to promote larger, freeway-capable engines along with big curb weights and long wheelbases that make these motorcycles extremely safe at high speeds.
These bikes also show larger fuel chambers or, in the case of electric motorcycles, batteries that enable longer spans and more freedom between trips to the pump. Moreover, the engines operated in touring motorcycles are inclined to be very credible. They are often paired with units to underrate the need for supervision and upkeep, such as a shaft last drive. It’s also risen increasingly commonplace to see contemporary tourers come packed with cutting-edge tech in the shape of onboard moto GPS systems and connectivity to dedicated smartphone apps.
Similarly, tourers are usually supplied with sufficient storage and/or baggage, wind protection, and straight or barely leaned-back riding directions that allow riders to expend hours in the saddle comfortably. These machines come in various colors, too, from yachts to adventure tourers to baggers to sport tourers.
Best Motorcycle For Cross Country
Here is a list of the best touring motorcycles.
1. Harley-Davidson Road Glide
If your impression of cross-country biking is giving rise to long-distance road trips, then this American-made beauty must be put at the top of your list of motorcycles to contemplate. Long hours on the road can result in rider exhaustion, making you less conscious of the traffic and road situations, and may also make you realize you are tired at the end of the day. Touring bikes are formulated to give the rider solace over these many hours on the road and lessen fatigue.
The first characteristic of the Road Glide that you will note is the relaxed riding posture. The position is straight in a comfortable, real sitting position. The seat has backing for the small of your back, and the aerodynamic windshield will defend you from the continual wind pressure of road riding. In addition, the Harley Davidson Road Glide also comes with a sound system created into the bike, Bluetooth hands-free kit for your mobile phone, rider and passenger intercom, and a USB port to charge your phone.
The filling space on the bike is bountiful and should give you sufficient room to pack attire and gear for at least a few days out on the road. The motor on the Road Glide is an influential 1868cc of brute power that will give you sufficient power to soar up abrupt cliffs and easily retain steady highway speeds on the flats! Measuring in at 424KG, the bike is hefty, but this is not obvious when out on the open road. However, it is well-balanced, and the ergonomic layout has been well thought out.
2. BMW R1200GS
Akin to the RT, the GS is an adventure-style bike, indicating it is well-fitted to go off-road and highway trips. However, these modifications also have differences, comprising more road or off-road-biased choices. The boxer engine puts out about 134 ph, and the bike weighs around 600lbs. Modern models have an eco-mode and pro-mode for simpler or bold riding, as well as friction control and ABS.
While there are no stock saddlebags or panniers, there are aftermarket choices. An alternative accessible from the manufacturer is the Enduro Package, which encompasses an engine guard and lifted handlebars.
While still on the more spendy side of bikes, the GS brags 41 mpg with a 5-gallon tank. This makes for a great off-road exploration where gas depots will be miles away. Additionally, the rider sits in a straight position with the potential to stand while steering trails or rocky conditions.
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3. BMW K Series
The K Series is a sport-touring model from BMW. The K series started in the mid-1980s and proposed various models and sub models. While not all models are in the exposition, some good used K series bikes are still to be had. Current models comprise the K1600, the most similar to other touring bikes.
The K1600 comes in the GTL, GTL, B, and Grand America sub models. The GLT and Grand America give the most for touring, containing a passenger seat. The B sub model exists for Bagger and offers a lower seat position, floorboards, and a chopped windscreen. All models come with a 6-cylinder in-line engine plying around 100-120 lb-ft of torque for scampering around town. In addition, new models come with a built-in audio and navigation system.
These bikes won’t come inexpensive but give a lot of conveniences and a comfy yet influential ride. The fuel mileage varies around the mid-to high-30’s from a 7-gallon tank. If you have the means, a K series touring bike will make for a tremendous cross-country ride.
4. Honda Gold Wing
Ah, the Honda Gold Wing. A juggernaut in the touring demand since its origin in 1975. The Gold Wing has long been the gold standard in touring motorcycles, giving its riders the maximum solace and wind protection while proposing Honda’s outstanding engineering to keep the riders feeling much more radiant than it should.
In its recent creation, the Gold Wing can be had with Honda’s mechanical transmission, understood as DCT, which is extremely useful for touring. Evans Brasfield and our dearly evacuated Sean Alexander consumed quite a little time on the new Gold Wing, Alexander at the press launch two-up with his wife, and Brasfield on the Nuclear Tour giving rise to the Wing home from Texas.
But, as Evans states in the dual-story write-up: “impressions of the Gold Wing Tour stand out as remarkably positive”. The only flack the new Wing appears to be getting is for the deduction in storage space, a weird selection for a touring bike until you contemplate Honda shrunk the whole machine.
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5. Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS
The Turismo Veloce is another long-legged Italian beauty in the touring world. It’s the brightest, strong touring bike on this list, and the Turismo also comes in with the smallest cubic centimeters, though if you’re a fan of Italian sportbikes and intoxicating exhaust notes, the MV is worth a look. We entailed the all new Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS because it is the company’s top-of-the-line touring model readied with baggage, warmed clutches, electronic suspension, and flexible ride modes, among other touring bits.
What makes the Lusso intriguing is that little red circle apparent through the Lexan clutch cover. For the first time, we see the American company, Rekluse, who is well known in the off-road portion, team up with a factory to formulate the Smart Clutch System (SCS) found on the Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS.
6. Indian Roadmaster
For a long time, if you needed an American touring bike, you had one choice. But, ever since Indian flare back onto the spectacle in its most current creation, the company has been manufacturing great bikes with even better motors. Supported by the R&D department only a big company could give, India has generated two significant engines and manufactured a model range around those two to contest its competitors.
The Roadmaster is undoubtedly a big touring machine. Still, it will gobble a thousand miles for dinner and go back for seconds, all the while possessing the latest and tremendous available for sound, ride and bike data, and navigation, all accessible in the fairing hoisted screen. Is it going two-up? There’s a big comfy seat for your passenger, too.
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7. Kawasaki Vulcan
The Vulcan has been Kawasaki’s entrance into the cruiser motorcycle market since 1984. The Vulcan has come in numerous sizes, but now there are the 650 S, 900, and 1700 in production. The Vulcan 1700 Nomad and the Vulcan 1700 Voyager are identical bikes prepared for touring. With ABS, friction control, audio systems, and passenger seats, there isn’t much left to be wished for.
For fuel mileage, the Vulcan can do mid-to high-30’s with a 5.3-gallon tank. The v-twin uses about 107 lb-ft of torque to get you up to road speeds. New models have incorporated storage and a plus passenger seat. The full guise fairing keeps the wind and rain off of you, and the prevailing noise of the bike is quieter related to others. The Vulcan is another good first-timer bike; it can carry its own for a vet rider.
8. Yamaha FJR 1300
The FJR was initiated in the States in 2002 and has wielded its own as a sport-touring motorcycle. With a zippy 1298cc 4-cylinder EFI engine, it’s simple to see why this makes for a great touring bike. Despite its sporty look, it is fitted for long hikes and has a passenger seat. One drawback is that the rider’s legs are more underneath than forward, making cramped legs on a lengthier ride.
With a bigger 6.6-gallon fuel tank, the FJR puts out a great low/mid 40’s for fuel mileage. Handling is a breeze with flexible suspension, anti-lock brakes, and sporty tires. There is a lot to adore about this bike, but for the rate, it’s a bit hard not to consider the BMW 1250RT, which has more aspects for a similar price.
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9. Yamaha V Star 1300
The V Star has a traditional cruiser look, and the 1300 model will take you where you want to go. Unfortunately, 1300 is not in creation and was manufactured between 2007 and 2017, so many used bikes are on the market for a satisfactory price.
Due to its age, you won’t be apt to have some contemporary luxuries, such as infotainment or built-in navigation. However, the low seat height, straight riding position, and a bit of juice from the engine make for an excellent touring ride. There are also aftermarket saddlebags, windshields, and other choices. Aside from these improvements, you won’t require much twisting, as the V Star is reliable.
1300 gets low to mid 40’s for mpg, which is very robust with the Gold Wing or K 1600. The carbureted V-twin operates strong matched with a 5-speed trans to a drive shaft and is easy to upkeep. While this may not be the flashiest choice, it could be a considerable, lower-price selection for a first-timer.
10. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
KTM’s lineup of what the company classifies as Travel comprises the 690 Enduro R, 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure S, and 1290 Super Adventure R. The two 1290s are equally set up for touring. However, we opted to encompass the R edition in this list to distinguish it as a touring bike for long extents and a motorcycle that will take you farther than the pavement permits.
With its off-road directed 21 x 18-inch wheel combination, there are a ton of tires from street-biased to pure knobbies that you can match onto the big KTM.
When it comes to devouring miles, the Adventure can attach with the best of them, on or off-road, with its impartial seating stance and a laundry list of touring details comprising a 6.1-gallon gas tank, adjustable windscreen, cornering LED headlight, big TFT display from which you can glimpse substantial of trip info, connect to your phone, and use the KTM My Ride feature, and of course, cruise control. You’d be a dupe not to contemplate this bike for your next transcontinental outing unless you’re just not pleased with a 35-inch seat height.
Conclusion
Cross-country riding can be as complicated or as safe as you want to make it. From road trips integrating the highways of the world to taking the road less traveled or going off-road across the country, the bikes accessible for these explorations are as different as the landscape they travel.
If you are a die-hard biker, there is no decent way to take a cross-country trip on a two-wheeled machine that will give you the delight of liberty while you relish the trip.
Happy riding!
