Best Motorbikes for Long-Term Touring

After watching Ewan McGregor and Charly Boorman tear off around the world on their motorcycles, a new generation of motorbike tourers was born.

Which are the best bikes for those who want to take a long trip? Well that very much depends on the terrain you’ll be riding. Unless you are a gym-ripped 6’4″ beast, you won’t want to be riding a 950-pound bike over technical terrain. For most people, it’s more important to maintain a balance between performance and durability.

With that in mind perhaps the best bikes for those who want to get off-road at least part of the time are adventure tourers. These models typically boast good pannier capacity, torquey engines and long travel suspension to soak up bumps.

Among the best in class is the KTM 1290, which is capable of taking on even the most challenging terrain. You could ride this bike from Alaska to Patagonia without any problems, and at 505 pounds it remains fairly maneuverable. At $20,500, it’s not cheap, but experts agree it’s an amazing bike.

A slightly cheaper option is the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, which comes in at $13,500. At 432 pounds, it’s better for smaller riders while still being powerful enough to handle the worst the road can throw at you.

Dip into the used bike market and you can make some major savings. Consider the Kawasaki KLR 650, a proven bike that sold thousands, meaning spare parts are easier to come by than for other more obscure brands. A decent KLR can be found for as little as $3,000, providing a foot in the door for new riders or those on a budget.