Few motorcycles are built to endure the test of time and endless miles of open roads. From sleek cruisers to rugged adventure bikes, each of the 22 long-haul motorcycles on this list are the ones that do. They are designed for riders who value freedom and resilience.
Harley-Davidson Road King (1994)
The Harley-Davidson Road King roared onto the scene in 1994, quickly becoming the go-to bike for those in love with wide-open roads. Powered by a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine, this cruiser is smooth on the highway. Designed by Louie Netz, it sports a classic retro look with a touch of chrome flair, combining old-school cool with modern comfort. Fun fact: the Road King was initially inspired by police bikes of the ’60s, and today’s model still channels that timeless, rugged charisma.
Honda Gold Wing (1974)
The Honda Gold Wing, released in 1974, is the sedan of motorcycles and is credited with changing the game in long-distance biking. The flat-six engine created by Shoichiro Irimajiri hums like a baby and yet gives the riders enough guts to compete with the big boys. The Gold Wing has an ever-growing popularity among bikers, and there are several chapters of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association across every country on Earth.
BMW R 1250 GS (2018)
The BMW R 1250 GS, released in 2018, is an adventure touring favorite thanks to its turbocharged boxer engine. The innovative design of this BMW motorcycle has an engine capable of producing power and being a fuel saver, making it perfect for long journeys. It’s built for adventurers with a rugged but surprisingly comfortable interior, adjustable seats, and heated grips. The GS can run 1000 miles in a day without breaking a sweat.
Yamaha FJR1300 (2001)
Since its launch in 2001, the Yamaha FJR1300 has become the quiet powerhouse in long-distance motorcycling. With a 1,298cc inline-four engine that feels powered by a small jet, this bike was designed for serious riders who aren’t afraid to go the distance. Fun fact: The FJR1300 is one of the few bikes that’s been certified for Iron Butt rides—extreme endurance challenges covering over 1,000 miles in 24 hours.
Indian Roadmaster (2015)
Indian’s Roadmaster, introduced in 2015, is the vintage cruiser perfect for the modern-day cowboy. With a Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine, this beauty was designed by Greg Brew and combines classic looks with unbeatable torque. It features heated seats and luxurious leather trims, turning long rides into pure relaxation. With its impressively smooth ride, the Roadmaster may be America’s answer to long-haul comfort.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT (2020)
The Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, debuting in 2020, brings versatility and comfort to touring. Powered by a 1,037cc V-twin engine designed by Hiroshi Tsujimoto, this bike balances power and agility. Its spacious seating and comfortable handlebars make it ideal for long trips. Statistically, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient touring motorcycles on the market. Riders love its built-in crash protection, which is handy for those unexpected twists in the road.
Triumph Tiger 1200 (2018)
Launched in 2018, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is a dream machine with its 1,215cc inline-three engine. Designed by Geoff Collins, the Tiger blends British refinement with a hint of rugged charm. It is adventure-ready, with comfortable seats, advanced tech, and a highly adjustable windshield. This beast has tackled everything from snowy peaks to desert roads, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile adventure bikes on the market.
Ducati Multistrada V4 (2021)
Ducati’s Multistrada V4, released in 2021, is the Ferrari of touring bikes powered by a powerful V4 Granturismo engine. Designed by Andrea Ferraresi, the Multistrada is sleek, aggressive, and ready for whatever you throw at it. Its high-tech cockpit includes a 6.5-inch screen with navigation, and its plush seat is ergonomically designed to handle marathon rides. Ducati proudly calls it their “Swiss Army knife,” and it lives up to the name, tackling city streets and remote trails efficiently.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ (2019)
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ hit the road in 2019, bringing high-end tech to long-haul touring. With a 1,043cc inline-four engine, it’s powerful yet smooth, perfect for cross-country treks. Fun fact: the Versys is one of the few bikes in its class with self-healing paint—minor scratches disappear after a few sunny rides.
Moto Guzzi California Touring (2013)
Moto Guzzi’s California Touring debuted in 2013. It is a cruiser with Italian flair and a V-twin transverse engine that makes heads turn. Designed by Miguel Galluzzi, the California is stylish and strong, known for its road-hugging frame. Stats show it’s one of the most popular touring bikes in Italy, and with its unique engine design, it’s easy to see why this Italian stallion stands out in the crowd.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports (2018)
Released in 2018, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is made for those who want to leave the pavement behind. With its powerful 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, designed by Yoshinori Ooyama, this bike is a true off-road warrior. The seat and handlebar arrangement offer a high vantage point, perfect for surveying the terrain ahead, while the adjustable seat height keeps it comfortable for long-distance riders. A fun fact? The Africa Twin’s rugged design is inspired by the Honda bikes that dominated the Dakar Rally, making it the ultimate adventurer’s companion.
Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (2014)
The Ultra Limited hit the market in 2014, representing Harley’s dedication to comfort and luxury for the touring crowd. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, it’s the bike equivalent of a luxurious highway cruise. It’s as cozy as cool, designed with ultra-comfortable seating, heated grips, and a spacious Tour-Pak. Statistics show that Harley’s Ultra Limited riders tend to log some of the highest annual miles, proving its popularity among true road warriors.
BMW K 1600 GTL (2011)
BMW launched the K 1600 GTL in 2011, setting a new standard for touring with its 1,649cc inline-six engine. Designed by David Robb, the skimpy fuel tank, the K 1600 GTL has a rich cockpit ergonomically equipped with advanced infotainment and very generous and comfortable seats that are almost custom-fitted to make long-distance treks nationwide with minimal fuss.
Indian Chieftain Elite (2017)
Showcasing the mixed global heritage of Indians, the Chieftain Elite made a bold move in 2017, which was performance-oriented. It has a classic Thunderstroke 111 V-twin engine and Greg Brew’s creative magic, and the motorcycle is beautiful. Confident with the appealing two-tone shade paint job, a Chieftain Elite that is different from the rest is painstakingly finished and comes in a small limited series. It is a machine ready to roll across vast distances, and the ‘mum’ is loved as it is a masterpiece.
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ (2019)
Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX SE+, launched in 2019, redefines sport-touring with its supercharged 998cc inline-four engine. Designed by Yoshimoto Matsuda, this bike blends Kawasaki’s sport heritage with comfort features that make it fit for touring. The seating is comfortable, while the advanced electronics suite makes long rides a breeze. Statistics show it’s one of the most potent touring bikes, with a jaw-dropping 197 horsepower.
Triumph Rocket 3 GT (2020)
Introduced in 2020, the Triumph Rocket 3 GT is a long-haul powerhouse featuring a massive 2,500cc inline-triple engine—the most significant production engine in any motorcycle. Stuart Wood designs it and boasts a unique, sculpted look and comfortable touring setup, including a low-slung, adjustable seat that lets you ride for hours without a hitch. Fun fact? The Rocket 3’s engine produces more torque than some small cars, giving it unrivaled pull on open roads.
Yamaha Star Venture (2018)
The Yamaha Star Venture rolled out in 2018 as the brand’s luxury tourer, with a 1,854cc V-twin engine made for highway dominance. Designed by Kazuhisa Takano, the Star Venture is plush inside and out, with luxurious seats, heated grips, and ample luggage space. It even has a ‘Sure-Park’ assist, which helps riders maneuver its hefty frame in tight spaces. Yamaha statistics reveal that Star Venture riders rate it as one of the most comfortable motorcycles for back-to-back travel days.
Honda ST1300 (2002)
Honda’s ST1300, introduced in 2002, is a fan-favorite for its sporty edge and touring comfort. Its 1,261cc V4 engine, designed by Akira Saito, delivers smooth power, ideal for long rides. With a seat designed for high-mileage days and a sleek adjustable windscreen, it’s a dream for those who want to ride far and fast. Fun fact? The ST1300 has been a choice bike for police departments around the world.
Ducati Diavel 1260 S (2019)
The Ducati Diavel 1260 S, released in 2019, combines sporty agility with touring capability in a stunning package. With a 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine, this bike was designed by Jeremy Faraud to offer both speed and stability. The interior has a racing-style and ergonomic comfort mix, making it ideal for spirited rides and longer hauls. Statistics show that despite being a sport-focused cruiser, the Diavel can comfortably clock hundreds of miles without wearing down the rider.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT (2019)
Moto Guzzi’s V85 TT, launched in 2019, brought Italian charm and adventure together in a unique touring package. Its 853cc V-twin transverse engine was crafted with longevity in mind, and it features a comfortable seat and intuitive controls. Designed by Marco Lambri, the V85 TT combines rugged style with road-tripping convenience.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 (2021)
In 2021, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 was introduced as an adventure-touring motorcycle. Powered by the groundbreaking 1,252cc Revolution Max powerplant, it is Harley’s most well-rounded and potent offering in its long history. Also, it is a ‘their’ bike with versatility written all over it. This one has a good amount of tech inside, with an adjustable riding height for various terrains. It is already being hailed by numbers for its off-roading capability, something Harley could not boast of earlier.
Royal Enfield Himalayan (2016)
The Royal Enfield Himalayan was launched in 2016, and it cut its teeth touring rough terrain at high altitudes in the Himalayas. With a modest 411cc single-cylinder Engine, this bike is lightweight, rugged, and dependable, all thanks to Siddharth Lal and his masterful crew, who designed this beauty. The inside is no-nonsense and basic but pleasant, with a plain meter panel and a soft, deep seat.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
