Top Motorcycles for Road Trips and Unforgettable Journeys
Motorcycles offer an amazing way to explore the world and take in breathtaking views. Riding a motorcycle gives you a unique perspective on your surroundings. The choice of the best motorcycles for road trips depends on your destination, what you plan to carry, and whether you’re traveling alone or with a friend. While this list doesn’t cover all the fantastic travel bikes out there, it provides a glimpse of different models from various manufacturers to help you understand the available options. When selecting a bike for your journey, consider ones that come with or can be equipped with luggage, have a good fuel range, and offer protection from the weather. These factors will enhance the overall enjoyment of your adventure.
Excellent Motorcycles for Traveling
Searching for the best motorcycles for touring and more? Below is a list of the top options from big brands:
BMW K 1600 GTL
The BMW GTL, a long-standing touring powerhouse, competes strongly with the Honda Gold Wing. Its inline-six engine boasts an impressive 133 lb.-ft. of peak torque, ensuring exciting speeds for both rider and passenger on your journeys. Priced at $26,895, it features a generous 7.0-gallon fuel capacity, claimed fuel mileage of 40 mpg, and an estimated range of 280 miles. The bike comes equipped with standard luggage, offering 113 liters of storage, and includes navigation through Garmin.
Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited
Harley’s Ultra Limited has long been a defining force in the V-twin travel segment. With the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine delivering a robust 122 lb.-ft. of torque, navigating loaded-up journeys like those to Sturgis is a breeze. The bike offers ample luggage space, accommodating up to 133 liters, perfect for packing essentials like black T-shirts and jeans.
Priced at $29,169, it features a 6.0-gallon fuel capacity, claimed fuel mileage of 43 mpg, and an estimated range of 258 miles. Standard luggage, Boom! Box GTS navigation, and powerful performance make the Ultra Limited a compelling choice for riders.
Harley-Davidson Road King Special
The Harley-Davidson Road King Special earns its place on this list as the ultimate touring bagger designed for epic road trips across the country. Riders appreciate its classic look and comfort, making it the king of the road. The bike is powered by the Milwaukee Eight 107 engine, boasting 1,753cc and 111 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for touring duties.
Equipped with a large windscreen and hard bags, the Road King Special is ready to carry your belongings. Priced at $23,999, it features a 1,868cc V-twin engine, delivering around 100 HP and 119 lbs-ft of torque, with a 6-speed manual transmission and a curb weight of 807 lbs. Additionally, the bike offers a plethora of accessories and customization options from Harley’s extensive catalog.
Honda Gold Wing Tour
The Honda Gold Wing, a frequent recipient of Cycle World Ten Best awards, is your go-to for highway adventures and covering vast distances with its powerful 1,833cc flat-six engine. Providing excellent protection for both rider and passenger, along with comfortable seating and ample storage, the Gold Wing ensures a pleasant road trip experience. Priced at $25,600, it’s the best long distance motorcycle that features a 5.5-gallon fuel capacity, claimed fuel mileage of 42 mpg, and an estimated range of 231 miles. Equipped with standard luggage offering 121 liters of storage, the Gold Wing also includes navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT exemplifies the changing landscape of sport-touring motorcycles, blending the upright seating and comfortable ergonomics of an ADV bike with sporty handling and a lively inline-triple engine. Priced at $14,999, it’s a versatile machine and the top most comfortable motorcycle for long rides that’s capable of tackling diverse terrains and effortlessly handling both long rides and challenging curves. With a 5.0-gallon fuel capacity, claimed fuel mileage of 49 mpg, and an estimated range of 245 miles, the Tracer 9 GT offers a compelling combination of performance and practicality, although it lacks built-in navigation.
Indian Roadmaster Limited
When it comes to American V-twins, Harley-Davidson is the first name that comes to mind, but Indian Motorcycle has recently been outperforming HD. The Indian Roadmaster, particularly the Roadmaster Limited, stands out as the top choice in touring models, gaining attention in 2020 and hitting the roads in 2021. The Roadmaster Limited is propelled by Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 engine, delivering a robust 92 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque.
Priced at $31,749, it features an 1,809cc (110 ci) V-twin engine, 73 HP power, 126 lbs-ft torque, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a curb weight of 858 lbs. Boasting numerous features, ample storage, and exceptionally comfortable seating, the Roadmaster Limited emerges as a faultless touring machine.
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE
The supercharged Kawasaki H2, in any variant, is undeniably a powerhouse, and the SX SE stands out as the ultimate sport-touring machine. Boasting a claimed 200 hp and over 100 lb.-ft. of torque, it possesses the capability to almost warp time. Priced at $27,500, it features a 5.0-gallon fuel capacity, although specific fuel mileage and range details are not available. For added convenience, optional 28-liter saddlebags are available, ensuring you’re prepared for any journey through the time-portal wormhole. The bike also comes equipped with Kawasaki’s Spin infotainment system for navigation.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
The Vulcan 1700 Voyager stands out as an excellent touring motorcycle, blending metric cruiser charm with a focus on long-haul journeys. With a comfortable and spacious design, this bike features impressive luggage capacity and power. Its 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, with 72.5 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque, ensures a robust performance. On the open road, riders benefit from a large windscreen, fairing, comfortable saddle, and electronic systems like cruise control, ABS, and satellite radio. Priced at $18,599, it’s not the most advanced option available, but it offers a range of great features for riders seeking a reliable touring experience.
Ride the Best Motorcycles for Road Trips for Long and Winding Roads
Embark on unforgettable journeys with these exceptional touring motorcycles, each offering a unique blend of power, comfort, and features. From the thrill of the open road to the convenience of advanced navigation, these bikes cater to diverse preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, storage, or classic design, there’s a touring machine to suit your style. Explore the world with confidence and make every ride an adventure. Your perfect motorcycle awaits – choose your road companion now!
