7 Best Cheap Motorcycles for Long Distance Riding: Budget Bikes That Go the Miles

I’ve spent years proving that you don’t need a $25,000 touring rig to ride across states, provinces, or even countries. Some of my best trips happened on bikes that cost less than a used hatchback. What matters is comfort, reliability, range, and a bike that doesn’t fight you on the highway.

Below are the seven budget-friendly motorcycles I’d actually recommend to a friend planning big miles. I’ve ridden some of them extensively and spent plenty of time around the rest. I’ve also factored in owner feedback, running costs, and how each one behaves at 65 to 75 mph, hour after hour.

Prices are approximate and vary by market and model year, so treat them as ballparks and check local listings.

What I Look For in a Budget Long-Distance Bike

Before the list, here’s the checklist I use. A bike can look cheap on paper and still be miserable at hour six. These are the factors that separate a good budget tourer from a bad one.

Comfort and Ergonomics

An upright seating position, a roomy seat, and a reasonable reach to the bars come first. I’d take a 50-hp bike I can sit on for 400 miles over a 100-hp bike that cripples my wrists in 90 minutes.

Range and Fuel Economy

A bigger tank and frugal engine mean fewer stops and lower costs. I look for at least 200 miles of realistic range, because that lines up neatly with how long my body wants to ride between breaks.

Reliability and Parts Availability

Cheap only matters if the bike keeps running. I favor engines with long track records and widespread parts support, because a breakdown 300 miles from home is the most expensive thing that can happen.

1. Suzuki V-Strom 650 — Best Overall Cheap Tourer

If someone asks me for one bike to do everything affordably, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is my answer. It’s a mid-weight adventure-tourer built around the bulletproof 645cc V-twin that has powered Suzukis for years.

Why I Love It for Big Miles

The V-twin makes roughly 70 hp with a smooth, tractable pull that never feels stressed at highway speed. The tank holds about 5.3 gallons, and I routinely see around 50 mpg when I’m not riding like a hooligan. That adds up to 250 miles or more between fill-ups.

The seat is wide and supportive, and the windscreen is adjustable. Add a taller aftermarket shield and you have a very calm cockpit. Traction control and ABS come standard on recent models.

Price and What to Watch

New, expect roughly $9,000 to $10,000. Used examples often land between $4,500 and $7,500, which is where the value gets absurd. The stock suspension is soft, so I’d budget for a fork spring and rear shock upgrade if you’re heavier or carrying luggage.

2. Kawasaki KLR650 — Best for Rough Roads and Remote Routes

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a legend for a reason. It’s a big, simple, single-cylinder dual-sport with a huge tank and an almost cartoonish ability to keep going. The current generation added fuel injection and optional ABS, which fixed many of the old complaints.

My Experience

The 652cc single makes modest power, around 40 hp, but it’s torquey and unstressed. The tank holds about 6.1 gallons, so the KLR650 can cover well over 250 miles between stops when ridden gently. On remote routes, that range is priceless.

I won’t pretend it’s a speed demon. It’s happiest at 60 to 70 mph, and the vibration at 75 will remind you it’s a big thumper. But the seat is comfortable, the bike is easy to fix, and it shrugs off luggage and gravel.

Price

New models run around $7,000, and clean used ones go for much less. For a go-anywhere tourer, that’s hard to beat.

3. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Modern Budget Adventure Bike

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 surprised me. It’s a ground-up redesign with a liquid-cooled 452cc engine that makes about 40 hp and 40 Nm of torque. It feels far more modern than its price suggests.

Features That Matter on Tour

You get ride-by-wire throttle, selectable ride modes, switchable rear ABS, and a round TFT display with built-in Google Maps via the Royal Enfield app. On a long trip, having navigation baked into the dash is a genuine convenience.

The 17-liter tank and roughly 196 kg wet weight keep things manageable. The long-travel suspension also soaks up broken pavement beautifully. I found the seat a little firm on very long days, but it’s easily improved.

Price

In the US it starts around $5,999, with comparable value in other markets. For a new bike with a warranty and real touring tech, that’s a strong deal.

4. Honda CB500X — Best Low-Maintenance Pavement Tourer

The Honda CB500X is the bike I recommend to riders who want to set it and forget it. Its 471cc parallel-twin makes around 47 hp, runs smoothly, and has the kind of reputation that keeps resale values healthy.

Why It Works

Honda gave the CB500X a 19-inch front wheel, an adjustable windscreen, and a 4.5-gallon tank. I regularly see 60-plus mpg, which gives it fantastic touring range for such a small fuel cell. The riding position is relaxed and the handling is friendly.

It won’t thrill you with power, but it never gets in the way. At highway speeds the engine hums along without drama, and wind protection is decent for a bike this light.

Price

New, it’s around $7,000. Used examples are widely available and hold their value, so you’ll pay a little extra, but you’ll also sell it for more later.

5. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 — Best Cheap Cruiser for Long Rides

Not everyone wants an upright adventure bike. If you prefer a feet-forward cruiser, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the most affordable way I know to get a properly comfortable highway mount.

The Ride

The air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel twin makes about 47 hp and 52 Nm, with a lazy, linear pull that suits relaxed cruising. The seat height is only about 740 mm, and the bike’s long wheelbase feels stable on the interstate.

The 15.7-liter tank gives decent range, and the cruiser ergonomics let me ride for hours without back strain. Wind protection is minimal unless you add a screen, so I’d recommend one for anything beyond short hops.

Price

It lands at roughly $7,000 in the US, which is a lot of character and comfort for the money.

6. Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX — Best Ultra-Budget Starter Tourer

If your budget is truly tight, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX deserves a look. It’s a small, light adventure-styled bike with a 249cc air/oil-cooled single that’s been built for easy, economical riding.

What It Can and Can’t Do

With about 26 hp, it’s happiest around 55 to 65 mph. I’d call it perfect for backroad touring and quieter highways, but I wouldn’t choose it for relentless interstate slogs. The tank is around 12 liters, and fuel economy is excellent.

It’s light, forgiving, and easy for newer riders to manage with loaded bags. The ergonomics are upright and comfortable, and running costs are very low. Just be realistic about headwinds and long uphill grades.

Price

Pricing varies by market, but it sits in the roughly $5,000 range in many places, making it one of the cheapest genuinely tour-capable new bikes you can buy.

7. Bajaj Dominar 400 — Best Value Tourer for Asian and Emerging Markets

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a sleeper hit in markets where it’s sold. Its 373cc liquid-cooled single makes around 40 PS and 35 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.

Why Long-Distance Riders Like It

The Dominar 400 comes with dual-channel ABS, a 13-liter tank, and a fairly muscular, planted chassis. It’s heavier than many 400s at roughly 190 kg, but that weight translates into highway stability. It’s a very comfortable cruiser for Indian highways and similar roads.

Price in India is roughly ₹2.3 to 2.4 lakh ex-showroom, though it varies by variant and city. If you’re riding in India, this one competes strongly on both price and capability.

Keeping a Cheap Touring Bike Reliable

The biggest mistake I see on budget builds is skimping on maintenance. A modest bike treated well will outlast an expensive one neglected. Oil is the cheapest, most effective place to start.

Choose the Right Oil

You don’t need boutique lubricants, but you do need the correct viscosity and a proper motorcycle-specific JASO MA rating if you have a wet clutch. If you’re watching your wallet, I put together my favorite best cheap oil for motorcycle options that still protect your engine.

For a deeper dive, check out this guide to the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle engines. It’s also worth reading the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle breakdown if you want to compare synthetic and semi-synthetic choices.

Regional Considerations

Climate and fuel quality affect which oil makes sense. If you’re riding in hot, dusty conditions like those in South Asia, this list of the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india is a handy reference.

And if you’re still unsure where to begin, this explainer on what is the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle engines covers the fundamentals clearly.

My Pre-Trip Checklist

Before any long ride, I check tire pressure and tread, chain tension and lube, brake pads, coolant (if liquid-cooled), and oil level. That takes about 15 minutes. It has saved me from far more roadside headaches than any expensive upgrade.

Cheap Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

Once you’ve picked your bike, a few inexpensive tweaks transform it into a proper tourer. I’d prioritize these in order.

A Better Seat

Comfort is everything. A gel pad or a re-foamed seat can turn a 200-mile day into a 400-mile day. It’s the best money I’ve ever spent on a bike.

A Taller Windscreen

Reducing wind buffeting reduces fatigue. A well-matched screen also helps your hearing and neck after a full day of riding.

Soft Luggage

Soft panniers and a tail bag are cheap, light, and flexible. I prefer them to hard cases on a budget, since they won’t wreck the bike if it falls over.

Quality Tires

Don’t cheap out here. Good rubber improves grip, wet-weather safety, and mileage between replacements.

How to Choose the Right Bike for You

If most of your riding is pavement, I’d lean toward the Honda CB500X or Suzuki V-Strom 650. If you expect gravel, dirt, and remote routes, the Kawasaki KLR650 or Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 make more sense.

If you love cruisers, go with the Super Meteor 650. If money is extremely tight, the V-Strom 250 SX or Dominar 400 deliver surprising capability for the price.

Whatever you choose, sit on it first. A bike that fits your body will always beat one that looks better on a spec sheet.

Final Thoughts

Long-distance riding doesn’t have to be expensive. Every bike on this list has carried riders across vast distances without bankrupting them, and each has its own personality.

My personal favorite remains the Suzuki V-Strom 650 for its blend of comfort, reliability, and value. But the best bike is the one that gets you out on the road. Pick one, prep it well, and go ride.

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