Touring
A living room on two wheels
What are touring motorcycles?
A touring motorcycle is a large, comfortable bike designed for long journeys, with a big fairing, a wide seat for two, large luggage cases and comfort features such as heated grips and cruise control.
They are very heavy, so slow-speed handling needs skill.
- Best for
- Couples and long-distance travellers with some riding experience.
- Riding position
- Upright, fully relaxed
- Typical engines
- 1100–1900 cc, big twins, flat-6, inline-6 — Engines
Pros
- Maximum comfort for rider and passenger
- Lots of luggage space
- Excellent weather protection
Cons
- Very heavy (350–450 kg)
- Hard to manoeuvre and park
- Expensive
Example models
Honda Gold WingBMW K 1600 GTLHarley-Davidson Road Glide
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is a touring motorcycle?
Full-size touring bikes often weigh 350–450 kg, which makes slow-speed handling the main challenge.
Do I need experience to ride a touring bike?
It helps a lot. Their weight makes U-turns, parking and slopes demanding for new riders.
Touring bike or adventure bike for travelling?
Touring bikes are best on paved roads with maximum comfort; adventure bikes are lighter and can handle gravel and rough roads.
Similar motorcycle types
Chopper & Bobber
Custom style above everything
Sport-Touring
Fast, comfortable, ready for long days
Cruiser
Low, relaxed, full of torque
Keep reading
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