Top 10 Best Touring Motorcycles (2021) for Long Distance
Middleweight Motorcyles – Perfect for backcountry roads, bends, camping, couples (two up)
We choose 10 bikes for you that we believe are very comfortable for long trips, no matter what the company’s advertisement. We want a motorcycle that’s not too heavy with comfy seats, easy control on the road, and good handling on mountain roads and curves.
Easier to park and maneuver, able to load a lot of stuff, including camping equipment and more. It is not a 1-10 contest, but an introduction.
Harley-Davidson Softail
The Harley-Davidson Softail frame is designed to look like the rigid frame bikes of the past, while still having the comfort of rear suspension. The shock absorbers are positioned along the axis of the motorcycle, tucked under the transmission on models from 1984 to 2017 and under the seat on 2018+ models.
Why the HD Softails?
Pros
Firstly is a low center of gravity that helps with easy handling on challenging mountain roads.
You can load a lot of equipment just don’t load heavy things onto the back rack, perhaps just sleeping bags.
The seats are excellent for long distances.
Cons
Handling reduces when you load (heavy) the rear rack and sometimes the handlebar trembles.
Limited to side bags for gear
Reliability level 9.
BMW R1200GS – R1250GS
This is my 2nd bike (I ride a Harley flstf). It’s just great for mountain roads, we load a lot of equipment for camping, etc.
Models included between 2006 and 2021.. We love this motorcycle, look at the video below ~ Steve.
With smooth handling, relaxed seating position, wind and weather protection, heated seating and grips, this sport touring bike is a great travel companion.
Thanks to its fully active suspension setup, high seat and high clearance, the R 1200 RS is prepared for off-road adventure tours too. Moreover, it features BMW’s Automatic Stability Control, selectable power modes, open-air audio system, and improved ShiftCam technology.
Pros
Great is the handling to mountain routes.
Ideal to load a lot of stuff.
Can go off road
Safety equipment
Advance Tech
Easy to handle (not ADV).
Cons
Regular service is a must
Regular inspections
Reliability level 8
Indian Motorcycle Chief
Little on the heavy side, but low center of gravity, comfortable seat, and easy maneuverability.
Pros
low center of gravity that help for easy handling special on difficult mountain roads
You can load a lot of equipment
The seats are excellent for long distances.
Cons
Reliability level 9.
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
A promising middleweight bike for two up long distance riding
Pros
low center of gravity that help for easy handling special on difficult mountain roads
You can load a lot of equipment
The seats are excellent for long distances.
Cons
Reliability level 9
Honda Gold Wing
Base model the 356 kilos 787 pounds. Includes all standard equipment
Pros
Great is the handling to mountain routes.
Ideal to load a lot of stuff.
Safety equipment
Easy to maneuver
Cons
On the heavy side
Reliability level 10
Harley–Davidson Street Glide & Special
Great handling and affordable basic model. Harley-Davidson calls it the “original stripped-down hot-rod bagger,” but however you spin it, that fork-mounted Batwing fairing is iconic. It’s been trolling the highways and byways as one of Harley’s most popular touring machines for almost 15 years
Pros
Ideal to load a lot of stuff.
Safety equipment
Easy to maneuver
Cons
Reliability level 9
BMW R1250RT
Lot of Motorcycle For the Money. If the revived RS model has returned BMW to the top of the sports-tourer class (see elsewhere) it’s sister bike, the similarly boxer-powered RT has never been away when it comes to full-blown tourers.
Pros
Great is the handling to mountain routes.
Ideal to load a lot of stuff.
Safety equipment
Advance Tech
Easy to handle .
Cons
Regular service is a must
Regular inspections
Reliability level 8
Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 ES
Rugged, durable and built for superior long distance adventure touring and exploring beyond the pavement
Pros
Great is the handling to mountain routes.
Ideal to load a lot of stuff.
Can go off road
Safety equipment
Advance Tech
Easy to handle .
Cons
Reliability level 10
Moto Guzzi California Touring
A classic motorcycle company with a long history is back. The Moto Guzzi flagship is available in an even more luxurious and better-refined version. Comfort is increased without sacrificing any of the performance and reliability that have made the California Touring the point of reference for its segment.
The latest generation of the Moto Guzzi California is a unique piece of art, hand built on the shores of Lake Como, Italy
Pros
Firstly is a low center of gravity that helps with easy handling on challenging mountain roads.
You can load a lot of equipment
The seats are excellent for long distances.
Cons
Limited to side bags for gear
Reliability level 8.
Harley-Davidson® Road Glide
- Riders looking to cross cities and discover new roads
- Seeing and being seen with Dual Daymaker® LED headlamps
- Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine and sharknose fairing
Pros
Firstly is a low center of gravity that helps with easy handling on challenging mountain roads.
You are able to load a lot of equipment.
The seats are excellent for long distances.
Cons
Reliability level 9.