Touring motorcycles are more than machines—they’re your escape pod from the grind, your partner in adventure, and your ticket to the kind of freedom that only comes with a twisting road ahead and no set destination.
Picking the coolest touring motorcycles isn’t about spec sheets alone. It’s about attitude, style, and the way it makes you feel when you throw a leg over it. Let’s take a closer look at five machines that embody what it means to tour with swagger.
Just some clarification, I think these are the coolest touring motorcycles, but I don’t necessarily think they’re the best touring motorcycles on sale today. I have a separate article for that. Still if you’re looking for a fabulous touring bike that is really going to turn some heads, then you should give the following bikes a look.
1. Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST: The Pinnacle of American Muscle
The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is what happens when tradition collides with innovation. This bike is a brawler dressed in a tailored suit. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 121 V-Twin engine, it cranks out enough torque to make merging onto any highway feel like a rocket launch. The styling is unmistakable Harley: a massive front shark-nose fairing, darkened finishes, and custom details that ooze exclusivity.
The ride is equally impressive, thanks to top-tier suspension and technology like the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements. Whether you’re leaning into the curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway or cruising Route 66, the CVO Road Glide ST balances comfort with performance in a way that’s unmistakably cool.
2. Indian Pursuit Dark Horse: The Modern Chief
Indian Motorcycle knows how to mix heritage with modernity, and the Pursuit Dark Horse is the ultimate expression of that. Its liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 engine delivers relentless power while staying refined enough to keep long-haul rides from feeling like a workout.
What sets the Pursuit Dark Horse apart is its blacked-out aesthetic and premium features. The adaptive Pathfinder LED lighting system ensures you own the night, while the seven-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command is as advanced as it gets. Add in the electronically adjustable rear suspension, and you’ve got a bike that feels as good as it looks.
Touring on this beast means blending into the shadows but always standing out when it matters.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero: The Rebel With a Cause
If there’s a rebel in this lineup, it’s the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero. Kawasaki’s take on the touring cruiser category leans hard into individuality with a design that feels part chopper, part stealth bomber. Powered by a 1,700cc V-Twin engine, it delivers smooth, linear power that’s perfect for covering serious miles.
Its features include an audio system that punches above its weight class, cruise control for effortless highway travel, and integrated hard saddlebags that look as sharp as the rest of the bike. But what makes the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero truly cool is its attitude. This is a bike for those who want to tour but refuse to blend in with the crowd.
4. BMW R 18 B: German Precision Meets Retro Elegance
The BMW R 18 B takes a different approach to cool. This bike doesn’t shout; it smolders. With its enormous 1,802cc “Big Boxer” engine, the R 18 B is a nod to BMW’s long heritage of crafting iconic machines, but it’s packed with modern touches that elevate the ride.
The minimalist fairing, sweeping lines, and art-deco-inspired aesthetic give the R 18 B a timeless charm. Meanwhile, features like the Marshall Gold Series sound system and adaptive cruise control remind you that this bike isn’t stuck in the past.
The R 18 B isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who want to stand out by leaning into a classic design philosophy while enjoying the cutting-edge engineering BMW is famous for.
5. Triumph Rocket 3 GT: The Muscle Cruiser Redefined
Calling the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT a touring motorcycle might be a stretch—but only if you think touring is about staying conventional. With its massive 2,500cc inline three-cylinder engine, this bike is the torque king, delivering 163 lb-ft of grunt and an attitude that’s impossible to ignore.
The Rocket 3 Storm GT balances that monstrous power with long-distance comfort. Heated grips, a plush seat, and relaxed ergonomics make it more touring-friendly than you’d expect. Meanwhile, its bold styling and unmistakable silhouette ensure that wherever you go, you’ll be the center of attention.
This isn’t a bike for those who want to blend in with the crowd. It’s for riders who want to redefine what a touring motorcycle can be—and have fun doing it.
So, Which One Takes the Crown?
Choosing the coolest touring motorcycle is like picking the best flavor of ice cream: it all comes down to personal taste.
The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST delivers classic American muscle and style. The Indian Pursuit Dark Horse redefines luxury with a modern edge. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is for rebels who want to carve their own path. The BMW R 18 B wraps cutting-edge tech in a retro package. And the Triumph Rocket 3 GT? It’s a game-changer for those who dare to think differently.
Each of these bikes brings something unique to the table. What’s cool to you might be the way the Harley roars to life, the Indian’s ability to make every mile a pleasure, or the Rocket 3’s audacious power. Whatever your pick, one thing’s for sure: the road ahead has never looked so good.
