7 Best Cheap Motorcycles for Touring: Affordable Bikes That Go the Distance

I’ve spent more weekends than I can count staring at a map, a pile of soft luggage, and a bank balance that said “be reasonable.” If you’re reading this, you probably know the feeling. You want to ride far, but you don’t want to spend $25,000 on a flagship adventure-tourer to do it.

The good news is that touring doesn’t require a massive budget. Some of my best trips happened on modest bikes that cost less than a used car. What matters is comfort, reliability, fuel range, and parts availability, and plenty of affordable motorcycles deliver all four.

Below are the seven bikes I’d actually recommend to a friend who wants to tour on a budget. I’ve included real specs, approximate US prices, and the quirks I think you should know about before you buy.

How I Chose These Budget Touring Bikes

I didn’t just sort a spec sheet by price. I looked for bikes that I’d be happy to ride for eight hours a day, multiple days in a row. That meant a few non-negotiables.

My Selection Criteria

• Price: Mostly under $7,500 new, with one used-market exception.
• Comfort: An upright riding position, a usable seat, and reasonable wind protection.
• Range: Ideally 200 miles or more between fuel stops.
• Reliability and support: Brands with a wide dealer network and easy-to-find parts.
• Luggage-friendliness: Strong aftermarket support for racks, panniers, and tank bags.

Prices below are approximate US MSRPs and can change by model year and region. Always check current pricing with your local dealer.

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Overall Cheap Touring Bike

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the bike I point most budget tourers toward. It’s a ground-up redesign of the old Himalayan, and it’s a massive leap forward. At roughly $6,000, I think it’s the best value in adventure-touring right now.

What I Love About It

The liquid-cooled 452cc “Sherpa” single makes about 40 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. That’s not blistering, but it’s smooth enough for 65 mph cruising. The Himalayan 450 also has ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ABS, and a round TFT display with Google-powered navigation.

The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels handle gravel and broken pavement with confidence. The upright ergonomics are all-day friendly, and the fuel tank holds around 17 liters.

What to Watch For

It weighs around 196 kg (roughly 432 lb) ready to ride, so it’s not tiny. Long, fast interstate stretches will also remind you it’s a single-cylinder. I’d budget for a taller windscreen if you plan on lots of highway time.

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

If your budget is tight, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX deserves a look. It usually sells for roughly $5,300 in the US, and it carries the V-Strom name for good reason. It’s a friendly, forgiving little adventure-styled bike.

Why It Works for Touring

The 249cc air- and oil-cooled single makes around 26 hp. It’s happiest at 55 to 65 mph, but it sips fuel, and I’ve seen riders report well north of 70 mpg. That kind of efficiency means very cheap miles.

Suzuki’s Easy Start system and Low RPM Assist make it nearly stall-proof. That’s a gift for newer riders on a loaded-up bike. The upright seating and the small windscreen are decent for the class.

The Trade-Offs

You’ll feel the lack of power if you tour two-up or ride mountain passes with heavy luggage. I’d call it ideal for solo trips on back roads and secondary highways. For fast interstate slogs, look higher up this list.

3. Kawasaki KLR650 S — Best Old-School Adventure Workhorse

The Kawasaki KLR650 S has been a touring legend for decades. The current generation costs roughly $7,000 and brings fuel injection, a stronger charging system, and optional ABS. The “S” version has a lower seat, which helps shorter riders.

Why I Trust It

The 652cc single is a tractor in the best sense. It’s simple, easy to work on, and happy to chug along for hundreds of miles. The big 6.1-gallon tank gives it some of the best range in this price bracket.

Parts, farkles, and tutorials are everywhere. If something breaks in the middle of nowhere, someone has probably already documented the fix online.

The Downsides

It’s heavy at roughly 500 lb with fluids, and the suspension is basic. Power is modest for its size, and vibration at highway speeds can get tiresome. I’d still pick it for remote routes where simplicity beats sophistication.

4. Honda NX500 — Best Reliable Middleweight for Highway Miles

The Honda NX500 is probably the most “sensible” bike on this list, and I mean that as a compliment. At around $7,000, it gives you a 471cc parallel twin with about 47 hp and a very smooth powerband.

Highway-Ready Comfort

Where the little singles struggle, the NX500 settles in. Cruising at 70 to 75 mph feels relaxed. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels strike a good balance between road manners and light gravel ability.

Honda’s reputation for reliability is well earned, and the NX500 returns excellent fuel economy for a middleweight. It also has an easy-to-read LCD dash and standard ABS.

Where It’s Average

The suspension is soft and non-adjustable for the most part, and it’s not a serious off-roader. The stock windscreen is short, so I’d recommend a touring screen. For pavement-focused touring, though, it’s hard to beat on value.

5. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 — Best Budget Cruiser for Relaxed Touring

Not everyone wants an adventure bike, and I get that. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is the one I’d choose for a laid-back, feet-forward cruise. Pricing starts around $7,000, which is remarkable for a 650cc twin cruiser.

Why It’s a Great Cruiser Tourer

The 648cc air- and oil-cooled parallel twin makes about 47 hp and 38 lb-ft. It has a relaxed, torquey character that suits long, gentle days. The low seat (around 740 mm) makes it welcoming for shorter riders.

It’s also one of the few budget cruisers with Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation pod and a big 15.7-liter tank. Add a windshield and saddlebags, and it turns into a very respectable long-distance machine.

What I’d Change

At roughly 241 kg wet, it’s a heavy bike. Ground clearance is limited, so twisty mountain roads require some restraint. If you want a comfy mile-eater and not a corner-carver, it fits the bill.

6. KTM 390 Adventure — Best Lightweight Adventure Tourer

The KTM 390 Adventure is for riders who want a lightweight, sporty tourer with premium touches. It typically costs around $6,500 in the US, depending on the version, which is high for a small bike but reasonable for what you get.

Premium Features for the Price

The 399cc single makes around 45 hp, which is excellent for the class. You also get a color TFT display, cornering ABS, switchable off-road ABS, and traction control on most versions. Higher-spec X versions add fully adjustable WP Apex suspension.

Because it’s light, the 390 Adventure is fun on twisty roads and fire roads alike. I find it much more playful than the Himalayan or KLR when the road turns interesting.

Things to Consider

It’s a high-strung single, so it likes revs, and the service intervals demand attention. The seat is also on the firm side after a full day. Still, if you value performance and tech, it’s a great budget-ish tourer.

7. Suzuki V-Strom 650 — Best Used-Market Touring Bargain

New, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 costs roughly $9,500, which is above my usual budget ceiling. But used examples can often be found for $4,500 to $7,000, and I think that’s where the magic happens.

Why It’s a Classic

The 645cc V-twin makes around 70 hp, and it’s one of the smoothest, most durable engines in its class. It has a 5.3-gallon tank, a comfortable upright riding position, a manually adjustable windscreen on many years, and three-mode traction control on recent models.

I’ve known owners who’ve crossed continents on these bikes with six-figure odometers. If you find a well-maintained one with service records, it may be the best long-term touring value out there.

The Catch

Used bikes vary, so inspect carefully. Check the chain and sprockets, brake wear, and signs of neglected oil changes. A clean, cared-for V-Strom is a fantastic buy, but a neglected one is a gamble.

Keeping Your Budget Tourer Healthy on the Road

A cheap bike stays cheap only if you maintain it. The single most valuable habit I’ve developed is changing the oil before every big trip. It’s inexpensive insurance against a ruined vacation.

Choosing the Right Oil

If you’re watching costs, my guide to the best cheap oil for motorcycle riders can help you save without sacrificing protection. For long hauls, I also recommend reading about which grade oil is the best motorcycle oil for touring, because viscosity matters when you’re riding in heat or at sustained highway speeds.

Almost every bike here uses a four-stroke engine, so these resources will help: the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle breakdown and my notes on the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle options.

If you ride in warmer, dustier conditions, you might also like this look at the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india. The climate advice applies well beyond one country.

My Pre-Trip Checklist

• Fresh oil and a new filter if you’re near the service interval.
• Tire pressure and tread depth, plus a plug kit and a compact pump.
• Chain clean and lube, or a drive-belt check.
• Brake pad thickness and fluid level.
• Lights, battery terminals, and a basic tool kit.

Budget Tips That Make a Big Difference

Spend Money Where It Counts

I’d rather ride a $6,000 bike with great tires and a good seat than a $9,000 bike with worn-out rubber. Tires, a windscreen, and a comfortable saddle matter more to your trip than 10 extra horsepower.

Luggage on a Budget

Soft luggage from brands like Nelson-Rigg or Givi’s budget lines is cheaper and lighter than hard panniers. It also survives tip-overs better. I’ve done week-long trips with a duffel bag, a tank bag, and a pair of saddlebags, and I never missed the hard cases.

Buy Used Smartly

A lightly used bike with a service history often saves you $1,000 or more. Look for bikes that already have luggage racks, crash bars, or a touring windscreen included. Previous owners often sell those accessories at a big discount in the package.

My Final Thoughts on Touring Without Overspending

If I could only pick one, I’d choose the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It balances price, comfort, tech, and adventure capability better than anything else I’ve ridden at this price. For pure highway comfort, the Honda NX500 is a close second.

Tight budget? The Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX will get you out there for very little. Want something proven that you can find used? Hunt for a clean Suzuki V-Strom 650.

The best touring bike is the one that gets you out on the road, so don’t wait for a perfect bike or an unlimited budget. Pick one that fits your body and your wallet, pack light, and go ride.

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