Touring motorcycles call for a selective and careful assessment when choosing the one to settle for. There are motorcycles anyone would love to ride, and others, even the inexperienced rider, wouldn't take for free.
There are several touring motorcycles on the market today, and each of them comes unique in its way. Following careful review of various brands, the following are the highly recommended touring bikes in 2021 — consumption, comfort, power, speed, safety, and prices considered. Standard unmodified touring motorcycles starting prices typically range from $17,249 to $30,749. The most affordable touring motorcycle on this list has a starting price of approximately $17,249 only.
10 Indian Challenger
This stylish, comfortable, and powerful trans-continental touring motorcycle is priced starting from $23,999 and delivers a comfortable drive even at long distances. It is one of the best cruiser bikes on the market today.
The Indian Challenger's formidable features include its lightweight cast-aluminum frame, hydraulically adjustable rear shocks, and race-spec braking system. The Challenger is also equipped with a power-adjustable windshield, over 18-gallon waterproof storage space, and high-output in-built speakers for cruise entertainment. Powerful and stylishly designed LED headlights finish the motorcycle's signature look. The bike is fitted with an American V-twin performance engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft maximum torque. It also comes with three distinct ride modes; tour, standard, and sport.
9 BMW R1250RT
The 2021 BMW R 1250 RT is one of the best options when hitting the open road or riding on mountainous regions.
With a starting price of $19,695, the R 1250 RT base model comes fitted with the legendary 1,254cc ShiftCam BMW Boxer engine producing 136 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. It is a lightweight bike with a curb weight of 498lbs. The 18.4-gallon storage space makes the R 1250 RT a viable touring motorcycle. It's fast and powerful enough to start and complete a cross-country road trip.
8 Indian Roadmaster Limited
The Roadmaster looks excellent on the touring trail. It is one of the most badass modern cruisers and also one of the most expensive ones. A brand-new base model in either Crimson Metallic or Thunder Black Azure Crystal comes with a starting price of $30,749.
The base model is equipped with a 1,890cc Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine good for 92hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. The bike features keyless ignition, 36-gallon cargo space, and a very comfortable seat — perfect for long-distance riding. The Roadmaster Limited has optimized airflow, a power-adjustable windshield, active cruise control, among other interesting features.
7 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
Like the ancient mythological god it borrows its name from, the Vulcan is a fiery beast on the road. It comes with a 4-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled 1,700cc engine that produces enough power to push the cruiser through long-distance tours.
A brand new 1700 Voyager ABS base model starts at $17,699, which is impressive considering all the great standard features on the bike. It features an electronic cruise control system, coactive braking technology, spacious integrated luggage storage, and an integrated audio system with intercom headset compatibility.
6 Yamaha Star Venture
Yamaha Star Venture is not just another touring bike – it is a Transcontinental-Touring Motorcycle. The motorcycle is built and optimized by Yamaha for long-distance rides. A brand-new base model starts from $26,999 and comes in either Intensity White or Impact Blue colors.
The Star Venture affords the rider a 1854cc air-cooled, OHV V-twin engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. Some of the best features on the Star Venture include multi-plate assist and wet slipper clutch. Also available are upgraded infotainment features and powered windshield control. Its touring-friendly accessories include saddlebag lid protectors, and a tall heated rider backrest, among others.
5 Honda Gold Wing Tour
The Honda Gold Wing series is perhaps the most passenger-friendly touring motorcycle builds of all time. The 2021 Gold Wing Tour, in particular, provides the perfect blend of budget and premium performance. The bike has a starting price of $29,300.
The Gold Wing Tour comes with a 1833cc powerplant mated with a 6-speed manual transmission to produce 97.7 horsepower. Its best features include a 61-liter travel trunk and anti-lock brakes. The bike has four progressive ride modes: Rider, Rider with Loaded Bags, Rider and Passenger, and Rider and Passenger with Loaded Bags.
4 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is definitely among the best touring motorcycles in the market today. It's a motorcycle designed to be a future classic and priced fairly with a starting price of $18,999 for the base model.
The Electra Glide Standard rides on a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, capable of delivering 90 horsepower and 111 ft-lb of torque. Additional touring friendly features include an upright-posture-optimized rider's seat, floorboards for maximum foot comfort, ample saddlebag-storage space, and a fork-mounted fairing.
3 Harley-Davidson Road King
The Road King is powered by the same engine powering the Electra Glide, Harley-Davidson's signature Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin. This neo-classic bike produces 89 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.
The Road King's base model starts at $19,499 and comes in various paint options, including a Vivid Black, Billiard Red, and Midnight Crimson. The bike has a passenger seat, riding floorboards, storage saddlebags, fork-mounted fairing, upright-riding-friendly rider's position, and an optional RDRS. The nicely styled windshield and front further works to accentuate the traditional-classic Harley-Davidson look.
2 Ducati Multistrada V4
The Multistrada V4 is a more sporty motorcycle than most of the other bikes on this list. The missing storage saddlebags, and evident ground-clearing height differences, are perhaps the most outstanding indicators of its sportiness. Also known as 'Swiss Army Knife,' the Multistrada V4 starts at $19,995 for the base model. The bike is powered by a 1,158cc V4 GranTurismo engine producing 170-horsepower and 92 lb-ft maximum torque.
Ducati's Multistrada V4 is optimized for all roads. The bike has a revolutionary Radar and overall technological performance-enhancing and infotainment systems, making it the perfect motorcycle for sport and long-distance touring.
1 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The Super Duke GT belongs to the same family as the Ducati Multistrada V4 in terms of outward appearance and functionality. The Super Duke GT is a comfortable heavy-duty sports bike engineered to perform like a pro. A 1301cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine powers this motorcycle.
With a starting price of only $17,249, the Super Duke GT is one of the most affordable touring bikes today. Its fair price combined with the excellent performance provides nothing but a perfect touring bike for every class.