Quick Glance: Our Top 3 Motorcycle Touring Bikes for 2024
Best Overall Touring Bike
The BMW M 1000 XR stands as the best overall, with a 999cc inline-four engine delivering 201 HP, top-tier electronics, and touring comfort for both daily and long-distance riders. Data from recent dyno runs confirms a 0-60 mph time under 3 seconds, while owner feedback consistently praises stability and ergonomic comfort.
Best Value Touring Bike
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ offers outstanding all-around value. Its 890cc triple makes 119 HP, featuring radar cruise control, advanced IMU, and adjustable ergonomics. Achieving 45-50 mpg, it starts at $15,000—offering tech typically found on pricier bikes.
Best for Comfort & Long-Distance Rides
The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT remains the benchmark for comfort, thanks to its 1,833cc flat-six engine, plush heated seats, and seamless automatic transmission. Real-world tests rate it at 40-45 mpg and highlight superb long-haul rider and passenger support.
How We Selected the Best Motorcycle Touring Bikes in 2024
Evaluation Criteria & Expert Panel
Bikes were evaluated based on engine performance, comfort, reliability, rider technology, ownership costs, real owner reviews, and market value, with direct input from an expert panel including industry journalists, test riders, and owner groups.
Testing Methods and Sources
Comparisons used published dyno results, manufacturer data, long-term road tests, and owner surveys from Cycle World, TopSpeed, and webBikeWorld, supplemented with feedback from online touring communities.
What’s New in 2024 Motorcycle Touring Models
2024 bikes bring radar cruise, semi-active suspension, large infotainment TFTs (up to 7 inches), tire pressure monitoring, and navigation apps. Power across leading bikes now pushes 170-201 HP, while comfort technology like electronic windshields and heated touchpoints is standard on most flagships.
The Top 10 Best Motorcycle Touring Bikes of 2024
BMW M 1000 XR – Most Powerful Sport Tourer
201 HP, 83 lb-ft torque, curb weight ~485 lbs. Features adaptive headlights, aero package, and adjustable windscreen. 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds, top speed 180+ mph. Maintenance intervals at 6,000 miles; real riders report highway stability, with some vibration at extreme speeds. MSRP: $28,000–$30,000.
Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT – Ultimate Luxury Tourer
1,833cc flat-six, 125 HP, 125 lb-ft torque; 804 lbs. Legendary comfort with DCT auto, 121L luggage, and optional airbag. 40-45 mpg in mixed touring. Owner surveys rate reliability at 99%, annual maintenance ~$500; excellent two-up experience. MSRP: $25,600–$29,000.
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT – High-Performance Touring
1,301cc V-twin, 175 HP, 104 lb-ft; 460 lbs. Quickshifter, cruise, and semi-active suspension for aggressive sport touring. 35-40 mpg, high resale, maintenance ~$800/year. Riders value acceleration but suggest aftermarket seat upgrades for comfort. MSRP: $22,000–$24,000.
BMW R 1300 GS – Best Adventure Touring
1,300cc boxer, 145 HP, 110 lb-ft, 560 lbs. Industry leader in dual-purpose touring. Adaptive ride height, 6.5” TFT, excellent wind/rain protection. 42-48 mpg, 10,000-mile service intervals, robust reliability—best for mixed-surface world tours. MSRP: $18,000–$25,000.
Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited – Premium American Tourer
1,868cc V-twin, 105 HP, 122 lb-ft; 908 lbs. Deluxe two-up experience with new infotainment, plush seating, and ample storage. 38-43 mpg, annual service ~$600; strong loyalty with classic cruiser characteristics. MSRP: $32,000–$35,000.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ – Best All-Rounder
890cc triple, 119 HP, 93 lb-ft, 485 lbs. Full IMU safety, adaptive cruise, 45-50 mpg, competitive pricing. Praised for agility, comfort, and reliability—maintenance averages $400/year. MSRP: $15,000–$17,000.
Indian Roadmaster – Classic Heavyweight Cruiser-Tourer
1,890cc V-twin, 105 HP, 120 lb-ft, 922 lbs. Luxury features: touchscreen, heated seats/grips, and luggage. Smooth ride reported; higher parking weight noted. Fuel economy: 37-42 mpg, service ~$650/year. MSRP: $28,000–$32,000.
Ducati Multistrada V4 S – Most Technologically Advanced
1,158cc V4, 170 HP, 92 lb-ft, 520 lbs. Skyhook suspension, radar adaptive cruise, 40-45 mpg. Premium feel, strong performance, and advanced rider aids; maintenance $900/year due to complex valves. MSRP: $25,000–$28,000.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE – Adventure Value Pick
1,037cc V-twin, 107 HP, 76 lb-ft; 525 lbs. Bi-directional quickshifter, 20L tank, rugged, reliable ADV at 45-50 mpg. Praised for durability, comfort on long days, and low cost of ownership ($450/year). MSRP: $15,000–$17,000.
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer – Innovative Features
1,160cc triple, 147 HP, 97 lb-ft, 599 lbs. 30L tank, advanced TFT display, electronic exhaust, and plush comfort. 40-45 mpg, versatile for global travel; maintenance averages $600/year. MSRP: $23,000–$26,000.
In-Depth Comparison: Touring Bike Specs, Price & Features Table
| Model | Engine / Power | Weight (lbs) | Fuel Economy (mpg) | MSRP | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M 1000 XR | 999cc I4 / 201 HP | 485 | 38–42 | $28,000–$30,000 | 180+ |
| Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT | 1,833cc Flat-6 / 125 HP | 804 | 40–45 | $25,600–$29,000 | 140 |
| KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | 1,301cc V2 / 175 HP | 460 | 35–40 | $22,000–$24,000 | 170+ |
| BMW R 1300 GS | 1,300cc Boxer / 145 HP | 560 | 42–48 | $18,000–$25,000 | 140 |
| Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited | 1,868cc V2 / 105 HP | 908 | 38–43 | $32,000–$35,000 | 130 |
| Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | 890cc I3 / 119 HP | 485 | 45–50 | $15,000–$17,000 | 145 |
| Indian Roadmaster | 1,890cc V2 / 105 HP | 922 | 37–42 | $28,000–$32,000 | 125 |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 S | 1,158cc V4 / 170 HP | 520 | 40–45 | $25,000–$28,000 | 160 |
| Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE | 1,037cc V2 / 107 HP | 525 | 45–50 | $15,000–$17,000 | 135 |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer | 1,160cc I3 / 147 HP | 599 | 40–45 | $23,000–$26,000 | 150 |
Real Rider Experiences: Owner Reviews, Long-Distance Journeys & Reliability
Multi-Week Touring Stories from Real Riders
Honda Gold Wing owners report 20,000+ miles yearly with minimal discomfort or reliability issues on long US and European tours. BMW GS and Triumph Tiger riders highlight global adventure versatility, comfort, and robustness. Riders of Harley Ultra and Indian Roadmaster consistently mention luxurious two-up journeys and enduring comfort in varying climates.
Reliability, Maintenance, and Ownership Costs
Honda and BMW flagship touring models boast 95-99% reliability ratings; typical service intervals are 6,000–10,000 miles. Annual maintenance costs span $400 (Yamaha, Suzuki) to $1,000 (Ducati). Cruiser owners cite ease of DIY service; sport tourer owners pay premium for advanced tech servicing.
Resale Value & Depreciation Trends
Touring bikes retain strong value, especially Honda Gold Wing and BMW GS lines (up to 70% after 3 years). Middleweight tourers and tech-rich bikes like the Multistrada experience steeper depreciation, especially if optional electronics date quickly.
Choosing the Best Motorcycle Touring Bike for Your Needs
Comfort, Ergonomics, and Accessibility Features
Top touring bikes offer heated seats and grips, adjustable windscreens, and superlative suspension comfort tested by owners on multi-1000-mile journeys. Specific ergonomic options (seat height/range) are now offered on many 2024 models.
Beginner-Friendly vs. Experienced Rider Options
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ and Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE offer welcoming power curves and lower seat heights for newer riders. The BMW M 1000 XR and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT suit experienced enthusiasts seeking raw power and dynamic handling.
Best Touring Bikes by Rider Height and Build
BMW GS and Triumph Tiger 1200 offer adjustable seat heights and lower options for riders of all builds, while cruisers like Harley and Indian cater to taller and heavier riders.
Tech Features: Navigation, Connectivity, and Infotainment
2024 emphasizes TFT screens (6–7”), integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay (Harley), Android Auto, radar safety (BMW, Ducati), and full Bluetooth connectivity for helmet comms and music on all top-tier motorcycles.
Fuel Efficiency & Long-Distance Practicality
Suzuki V-Strom and Yamaha Tracer excel with real-world 45–50 mpg, large tanks (20–30L), and reliable touring readiness. Flagship cruisers average 38–45 mpg, offset by high long-distance comfort.
Planning Your Next Motorcycle Tour: Tips, Gear & Destinations
Essential Touring Gear Checklist
- Helmet with integrated comms
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Heated gloves and layers
- Navigation GPS or app-based system
- Tool kit and tire repair kit
- First aid kit
- Lock and security tracker
Route Planning for 2024: Top Destinations & Apps
Top destinations include US Route 66, Trans-European Trail, and Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Essential apps: REVER, Calimoto, and Waze for traffic and weather integration.
Climate & Terrain-Based Touring Recommendations
Choose adventure models for mixed surfaces (GS, V-Strom, Tiger); cruisers and sport tourers excel on paved, long-distance highways. Consider four-season gear for mountain and desert routes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Touring Bikes (2024 Edition)
- Q: What is the most reliable touring bike for 2024?
A: Honda Gold Wing remains the most reliable per owner surveys. - Q: Which has the best value for its price?
A: Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ offers outstanding equipment and performance for dollars spent. - Q: Best option for off-road touring?
A: BMW R 1300 GS, Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE, and Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer lead for versatility. - Q: What maintenance costs should riders expect annually?
A: Ranges from $400 (Yamaha, Suzuki) to $1,000 (Ducati) depending on complexity and riding distance. - Q: Where can I buy these bikes?
A: See Cycle Trader or official brand dealers for up-to-date inventory and pricing.
References & Further Reading on Motorcycle Touring
- Top Speed: Most Powerful Touring Motorcycles 2024
- webBikeWorld: Best Touring Motorcycles 2024
- Cycle World: Ten Best Motorcycles 2024
- Visordown: Top 10 Best Sports Touring Motorcycles
- Motorcyclist Online: Best Touring Motorcycles for Two-Up Riding
- For more touring bike reviews and community insights, join ADV Rider Forums and brand-specific owner clubs.
- Ready to ride? Find your next touring bike now.