Touring motorcycles embody freedom on two wheels. They’re more than just bikes—they’re the bridge between the horizon and the rider. The best touring motorcycles blend comfort, power, and long-distance endurance, making them the perfect companions for cross-country adventures. Today’s models offer cutting-edge technology, luxury, and a sense of unstoppable presence on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best touring motorcycles available: Honda Gold Wing Tour, BMW K 1600 GTL, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, Indian Pursuit Limited, and Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour.
Honda Gold Wing Tour: The King of Comfort
The Honda Gold Wing Tour has long been considered the gold standard in touring motorcycles. Honda crafted this machine with the needs of long-haul riders in mind, and it shows. Equipped with a 1,833cc flat-six engine, the Gold Wing delivers smooth and consistent power, perfect for endless highways and rolling hills. The powertrain feels effortless, even with a passenger and loaded luggage.
What truly sets the Gold Wing Tour apart is its attention to rider comfort. Its electronically adjustable suspension, plush seats, and premium sound system transform the journey into a luxury experience. You’ll find a host of features that wouldn’t be out of place in a luxury sedan—like Apple CarPlay, heated grips and seats, and a large 7-inch TFT display.
There’s also ample storage space, with over 50 liters of rear trunk capacity, making long trips practical and comfortable. Whether you’re crossing state lines or countries, the Gold Wing is designed for all-day comfort and long-range cruising.
Price: $28,700
Honda’s Website
BMW K 1600 GTL: Power Meets Precision
BMW’s K 1600 GTL is a masterpiece of German engineering, boasting one of the most advanced touring motorcycles on the market. The 1,649cc inline-six engine offers a silky-smooth, pulse-quickening ride. With 160 horsepower under the saddle, you’ve got all the muscle you need to pass those lumbering trucks with ease, even at high speeds.
What makes the K 1600 GTL a true standout is its tech-heavy package. This machine comes with Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), allowing riders to adjust suspension settings on the fly for tailored comfort and handling. The adaptive LED headlights are also a neat touch, bending the beams to follow the curves of the road.
The GTL’s luxury isn’t just about its power. From the high-end audio system to the heated seats and handlebars, everything is designed with the rider in mind. Add to that a spacious set of side cases and a top case with enough room for a weekend getaway, and you’re looking at a bike built for the long haul, with a sleek finish that feels just as good in the garage as it does on the open road.
Price: $27,295
BMW’s Website
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited: A Classic American Cruiser
Few brands embody the spirit of the American road quite like Harley-Davidson. The Road Glide Limited is the brand’s flagship touring model, and it perfectly encapsulates Harley’s iconic blend of style and substance. At its heart beats a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, a robust powerplant that roars to life with that distinctive Harley rumble.
The Road Glide Limited isn’t just about looks—it’s built for the long haul. Harley outfitted this touring giant with advanced technology to enhance the ride. The Reflex Defensive Rider System, for example, includes cornering ABS and electronic linked braking, giving riders confidence in all road conditions.
Long days on the Road Glide Limited are made comfortable with its wide, cushy seat, and its large frame absorbs bumps like a dream. Riders will also appreciate the intuitive Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated speakers, all keeping the vibe just right on those long highway stretches. With massive storage capacity and a design that captures the essence of the American touring experience, the Road Glide Limited is the kind of bike that turns heads wherever it roams.
Price: $32,499
Harley-Davidson’s Website
Indian Pursuit Limited: Classic Touring Meets Modern Engineering
If you’ve got an appetite for classic American touring bikes but want a modern edge, the Indian Pursuit Limited has you covered. This machine is a touring bike through and through, powered by a liquid-cooled 108 cubic inch PowerPlus V-twin engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Indian doesn’t just offer power—they focus on making the ride as seamless as possible.
What sets the Indian Pursuit apart is its cutting-edge technology. It features a 7-inch Ride Command touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, navigation, and integrated controls, offering a highly customizable riding experience. Indian also provides an adaptive rear cylinder deactivation system, which shuts down the rear cylinder at low speeds to improve comfort, reducing engine heat in stop-and-go traffic.
The Pursuit Limited is equipped with a sophisticated semi-active suspension system that automatically adjusts to road conditions. Add in 35 gallons of storage between the saddlebags and trunk, and you’ve got a bike that can handle whatever journey you throw at it, without sacrificing the signature cruiser style that Indian is known for.
Price: $34,999
Indian’s Website
Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour: The Sport-Touring Hybrid
For those who want a touring bike that leans heavily into the sport side of the equation, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour is an intriguing option. Ducati’s Multistrada series has always been about blending versatility with performance, and the Grand Tour version of the V4 S takes that concept to the next level.
The 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine offers plenty of power (170 hp) to satisfy any throttle-happy rider. But it’s the Multistrada’s advanced electronics package that sets it apart. The bike features Ducati’s radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control, blind-spot detection, and a suite of ride modes to help you navigate everything from mountain switchbacks to flat-out highway sprints.
Despite its aggressive design, the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour doesn’t skimp on comfort. The ergonomics are designed for long-distance travel, with a broad, supportive seat and excellent wind protection. Luggage capacity is ample, and heated grips come standard, ensuring your hands stay warm even when the temperature drops. With the Grand Tour, you get the adrenaline rush of a sportbike without sacrificing the touring amenities necessary for long rides.
Price: $28,395
Ducati’s Website
Find the Right Touring Motorcycle for You
Touring motorcycles offer a unique blend of comfort, power, and technological sophistication, making them ideal for riders who want to explore the world on two wheels.
The Honda Gold Wing Tour, BMW K 1600 GTL, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, Indian Pursuit Limited, and Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour are five standout models, each offering something special for the open road.
Whether you prefer the luxury of the Gold Wing, the raw power of the Road Glide, or the sport-touring hybrid of the Multistrada, these machines are built to take you further and make every mile a pleasure.
