Best 5 Bikes For Touring Or Long Rides

Long ride on motorcycle is always fun. But the fun level mostly depends on a bike you are driving towards horizon. Motorcycle touring for long distance is rapidly developing in India.

According to analysis, a powerful engine, comfortable riding posture, low-vibrations, shock absorbers, low-end torque and enough wind protection are the necessary features of touring bikes or long ride bikes. Maximum storage space is an added advantage in long touring bikes that carry necessary luggage. Cruiser bikes provide better seating, wide space for leg stretch and comparatively heavy weight than usual bikes for better stability.

There are dozens upon dozens bikes targeted with wanderlust under this category. We’ve put together a list of the best 5 bikes for touring or long rides to help you pick through from all of them.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird

The conventional Indian cruiser, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350cc or 500cc is one of the most popular bikes for long road trips. Many there are reasons to choose Royal Enfield for touring. It is extremely comfortable. Although it’s not fast, it always feels like a boss when you ride it.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 and Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 both give most comfortable journey on highways as well as on off-roads.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 Specifications

Technical Specification
Engine	Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, Twinspark, Air cooled
Displacement	346cc
Bore x stroke	70 mm X 90 mm
Maximum Power	19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Gearbox	5 Speed Constant Mesh
Engine Start	Electric/Kick
Front suspension	Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel
Rear suspension	Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel
Kerb Weight	195 Kgs(with 90% Fuel & Oil)
Fuel Capacity	20 Ltr

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 Price in India: Rs. 1,46,312/- (Ex- showroom, Mumbai)

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Specifications

Technical Specifications
Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Spark ignition, Air-cooled, Fuel injection
Displacement	499cc
Bore x stroke	84mm X 90 mm
Maximum Power	27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Gearbox	5 Speed Constant Mesh
Engine Start	Electric/Kick
Front suspension	Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel
Rear suspension	Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel
Kerb Weight	197 Kgs (with 90% Fuel & Oil)
Fuel Capacity	20 Ltr

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Price in India: Rs. 1,88,412/- (Ex- showroom, Mumbai)

Bajaj Avenger Street 220

The all new Bajaj Avenger Street 220 is just fantastic you can say. It always compares to come across the poor man’s Royal Enfield. Its new refreshingly style looks really good. One can also choose with 150 cc segment which is also provide extreme comfort and having decent fuel economy as well as performance figures.

Powering 220cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled DTS-i engine, which churns out 19bhp @ 8,400 rpm power and 17.50Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque with 5-speed gearbox, Bajaj Avenger Street 220 is one of the most loved bikes for touring or long ride. Its all black look, dipped in matt black covering silver bits, attractive side panels, wheel rim tape and Avenger logo graphics look quite attractive. The red and golden decals at the tank area complete the cruiser look. Stylish rubber bellows on the front suspension area provides an exclusive black finishing.

Bajaj Avenger Street 220 Specifications:

Technical Specifications
Engine	Single cylinder, oil-cooled twin spark, 2 valve, DTS-i 220 cc
Displacement	220cc
Max Power	18.76 bhp @ 8400 rpm
Max Torque	17.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Engine	Electric Self Start
Front suspension	Telescopic with anti-friction bush
Rear suspension	Twin shock absorber
Kerb weight	150 KG
Fuel capacity	14 ltr

Bajaj Avenger Street 220 Price in India: Rs.86,630/- (Ex- showroom, Mumbai)

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Many long riders are adventurous by heart and mostly choose Himalayas for their long riding experiences. Royal Enfield is known for making long-tour bikes such as Thunderbirds and Classics. RE did his job well and to grow better with the adventure rides, it has launched ‘The Himalayan’ which positively capturing the mass market of difficult long road trips. Specially made for long adventurous ride on Himalayan Roads, Royal Enfield Himalayan is the perfect reliable, low-maintenance and decently powerful bike. One who can’t splurge on International Cruiser Bikes, RE has made it in a way that will appeal to anyone looking for an adventure without going broke.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Specifications

Technical Specifications
Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, Fuel Injection
Displacement	411cc
Bore x Stroke	78 mm x 86 mm
Maximum Power	24.5 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque	32 Nm @ 4250 rpm
Gearbox	5 Speed Constant Mesh
Engine	Start Electric
Front suspension	Telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel
Rear suspension	Monoshock with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel
Kerb weight	191 kg
Fuel capacity	15 ltr

Royal Enfield Himalayan Price in India: Rs. 1,64,238/- (Ex- showroom, Mumbai)

Harley-Davidson SuperLow

If you want the perfect blend of Class, Comfort and Cruising, the Harley-Davidson SuperLow is your best bet. Its 883 cc engine has more power and torque than other bikes fall in this segment. Apart from that, comfortable cruising position, smooth ride and easy handling give the purest cruising experiences.

Harley-Davidson SuperLow Specifications

Technical Specifications
Engine	Air-cooled, Evolution®
Displacement	883 cc
Bore x Stroke	76.2 mm96.8 mm
Max Power	50 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine Torque	69 Nm @ 4,750 rpm
Fuel System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Front Suspension	39 mm Showa
Rear Suspension	Coil Over, Preload Dual Adjustable
Weight, As Shipped	247 kg
Fuel Capacity	17 ltr

Harley-Davidson SuperLow Price in India: Rs. 6,32,000/- (Ex- showroom, Mumbai)

Triumph Tiger 800 XR

The latest Triumph Tiger 800 has been built to excel as an Adventure Bike on whatever the distance, whatever the road and whatever the challenge. Built with rider focused technology with Triumph Traction Control, Adjustable Seat Height, Switchable ABS and the legendary Triumph 800cc triple, Triumph Tiger 800 is making the Indian market ideal for long touring. Its 800cc engine provides better response, smoother power delivery and lower emissions. Tiger 800 is perfectly suited to long distance rides.

Triumph Tiger 800 XR Specifications:

Technical Specifications
Engine	Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Displacement	800cc
Bore Stroke	74.1 mm x 61.9 mm
Max Power EC	95 PS/94 BHP (70 kW) @ 9.250 rpm
Max Torque EC	79 Nm @ 7,850 rpm
System	Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Gearbox	6-speed
Front Suspension	Showa 43 mm upside down forks, 180 mm travel
Rear Suspension	Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, 170 mm rear wheel travel
Dry Weight	199 Kg
Fuel Capacity	19 Ltr