8 Best Motorcycles for a World Tour: Bikes I’d Actually Ride Around the Globe

I’ve spent years dreaming about, planning and riding long-distance routes, and I can tell you the question I get asked most is simple: which bike should I take? There’s no single right answer, but there are definitely wrong ones. The wrong bike turns a trip of a lifetime into a long list of breakdowns and sore wrists.

In this list I’m sharing eight motorcycles I’d genuinely trust to cross continents. Some are light and cheap to fix. Others are big, comfortable and packed with tech. I’ve leaned on my own riding experience, owner feedback from the road and the real specs of each model.

What I Look for Before Choosing a Long-Haul Bike

Before I get into the list, here’s the checklist I use. Every bike below earned its spot by scoring well in these areas. If you’re comparing other models, use the same filters.

Reliability and Simplicity

When you’re 800 km from the nearest dealer, simple beats clever. I prefer proven engines, minimal electronics and parts I can source or improvise. Fancy tech is great until a sensor fails in the middle of nowhere.

Weight and Handling

Every extra kilo hurts when you drop the bike in sand or mud, and you will drop it. I aim for a bike I can pick up alone with a full load. Lighter bikes make you braver, and that means better trips.

Range, Comfort and Serviceability

A 300+ km fuel range, a seat you can sit on for eight hours and easy access to the air filter, chain and oil drain all matter. I’ll also keep coming back to maintenance, since oil quality can make or break an engine over 50,000 km.

1. Yamaha Ténéré 700 — Best Overall for a World Tour

If I had to pick one bike and ride away tomorrow, it would be the Yamaha Ténéré 700. It uses the 689 cc CP2 parallel-twin, which makes around 72 hp. It’s smooth, torquey and famously unburstable.

The Ténéré 700 weighs roughly 205 kg fully fueled and has a 16-litre tank. The long-travel suspension and 21/18-inch wheels let it handle rough tracks with confidence. Pricing is typically around $10,500 to $11,500 in most markets.

Why I Love It

The Ténéré 700 is refreshingly basic. It has switchable ABS, a rally-style tower and no overcomplicated electronics. I’ve seen these bikes in remote corners of Mongolia, Africa and South America.

What to Watch

The stock seat is hard and the fuel range is modest, so I’d add a comfort seat and a bigger tank or extra fuel bladder. The stock suspension is also a little soft for heavy loads, so budget for an upgrade.

2. BMW R 1300 GS — Best Premium Pick for Comfort and Tech

The BMW R 1300 GS is the benchmark for big adventure bikes. Its 1,300 cc boxer twin produces about 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque. It’s a monster on tarmac, yet it still feels agile for its size.

It weighs around 237 kg ready to ride and has a 19-litre tank. Expect to pay about $19,000 to $22,000 depending on options. The optional electronic suspension adjusts automatically and is a joy on long days.

Why I Love It

The R 1300 GS eats motorway miles for breakfast. The wind protection, cruise control and rider aids make a tough route feel civilized. BMW’s global dealer network is also a real advantage across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

What to Watch

It’s pricey, heavy and electronics-rich. If something fails in a remote area, you may not be able to fix it yourself. I’d recommend it if most of your route is paved or well-traveled.

3. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports — Best for Long-Range Touring

The Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L Adventure Sports is my go-to recommendation for riders who want big-bike comfort without the BMW complexity. Its 1,084 cc parallel twin makes around 100 hp and has a friendly, linear power delivery.

The huge 24.8-litre tank gives outstanding range, often over 400 km. You can choose a manual gearbox or Honda’s excellent DCT automatic. Prices generally sit between $16,000 and $19,000.

Why I Love It

It feels bulletproof and the ergonomics are superb for taller riders. The DCT option is surprisingly good off-road too, since you can focus on the terrain rather than the clutch.

What to Watch

It’s tall and heavy, at over 240 kg fueled. Shorter riders may struggle, and a drop on a steep trail can mean a very long afternoon.

4. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Budget-Friendly Adventure Bike

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 surprised me. The new 452 cc liquid-cooled engine makes about 40 hp and 40 Nm. That’s more than enough for a loaded long-distance trip at relaxed speeds.

It weighs about 196 kg ready to ride and has a 17-litre tank. The price is roughly $6,000 in the US and about ₹2.9 lakh in India. For the money, it’s a lot of bike with a proper 21/17-inch wheel setup.

Why I Love It

The Himalayan is cheap to buy, cheap to fix and genuinely capable on gravel. If you’re touring in Asia, parts and know-how are everywhere. I’d also read up on the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india if you’re riding through the subcontinent, since fuel quality and heat vary widely.

What to Watch

It’s a newer platform, so long-term durability data is still building. Highway cruising is best kept to around 100 to 110 km/h, and the stock luggage options are limited.

5. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE — Best Mid-Size All-Rounder

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the sensible, sorted choice. It uses a 776 cc parallel twin with about 83 hp and a crossover-plane crank that gives a lovely feel. It’s an easy bike to live with.

It has a 21-inch front wheel, 220 mm of suspension travel and a 20-litre tank. Weight is about 230 kg wet. Prices usually start around $11,000 to $12,000.

Why I Love It

It strikes a rare balance between road comfort and dirt ability. Suzuki’s reputation for dependable engines gives me confidence for a multi-year trip. Servicing is straightforward, and the bike isn’t intimidating for newer adventure riders.

What to Watch

It’s no featherweight, and it lacks the raw off-road edge of the Ténéré 700. For serious trails, I’d swap the tires and upgrade the skid plate.

6. Kawasaki KLR650 — Best Old-School Workhorse

The Kawasaki KLR650 has been crossing continents for decades, and the updated version is better than ever. The 652 cc single-cylinder engine now has fuel injection, and ABS is available. Power is modest at around 40 hp, but it’s relaxed and torquey.

It has a huge 23-litre tank (about 6.1 gallons) and costs roughly $7,000 to $7,500. It weighs a fair bit, at about 200 kg wet, but it’s incredibly tough and simple to work on.

Why I Love It

It’s a mechanic’s dream with a massive aftermarket and decades of owner knowledge. Oil changes are quick and the engine tolerates abuse. I always tell riders to choose a quality lubricant, and my guide to the best engine oil for motorcycle models like this one is a helpful starting point.

What to Watch

It’s not fast, and vibration at highway speeds can be tiring. Suspension is basic and I’d budget for an upgrade if you plan a heavy load.

7. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro — Best Mid-Weight for Rough Terrain

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is the one I’d pick for riders who want power, style and real off-road ability. Its 888 cc triple makes about 106 hp and has a wonderful, characterful growl. It’s thrilling on twisty roads.

It has a 20-litre tank, long-travel Showa suspension and a 21-inch front wheel. Pricing usually runs $15,000 to $16,500. The Rally Pro also adds a rally-style riding mode and a comfortable, adjustable seat.

Why I Love It

It’s one of the most fun bikes here. The triple engine is smooth, and the suspension is genuinely capable off the beaten path. It looks great too, which never hurts after months on the road.

What to Watch

Triumph’s dealer network is thinner than BMW’s or Honda’s in some regions. It’s also a fairly tall and complex machine, so I’d research parts availability along your route.

8. KTM 890 Adventure R — Best for Serious Off-Road Riders

The KTM 890 Adventure R is for riders who plan to spend a lot of time off the pavement. Its 889 cc parallel twin makes about 105 hp and 100 Nm. The chassis is light and sharp for a bike this size.

It has fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension, a 21/18-inch wheel setup and a 20-litre tank. Expect a price between $13,000 and $14,500. Its low-slung fuel tank keeps the center of gravity low, which helps in tricky terrain.

Why I Love It

The 890 Adventure R is seriously capable when the road disappears. The suspension handles rocks and ruts beautifully. It’s the closest thing here to a proper rally bike for the street.

What to Watch

The seat is tall and the ride is firm on long tarmac stretches. KTM service intervals are also shorter than Japanese rivals, so I’d plan maintenance carefully.

Keeping Your Engine Healthy Over Thousands of Miles

No matter which bike you pick, oil is the cheapest insurance you can buy. On a world tour you’ll face heat, dust, cold and variable fuel quality. I always carry a spare filter and enough oil for at least one full change.

If you want to dig deeper, I’ve found these guides useful. Read up on the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle engines and compare the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle options for your climate.

You can also check what is the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle riders recommend for high-mileage use. Always match the viscosity and JASO rating in your manual.

How I’d Choose Between These Bikes

Here’s my simple decision guide. It’s based on my own experience and the kind of trips I’ve seen riders enjoy most.

• Want the safest all-round choice? Go for the Yamaha Ténéré 700.
• Want maximum comfort and tech? Pick the BMW R 1300 GS or Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports.
• On a tight budget? Choose the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or Kawasaki KLR650.
• Mostly mixed roads? The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a superb fit.
• Love performance and trails? Look at the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro or KTM 890 Adventure R.

Final Thoughts From My Own Saddle

The truth is that the best bike is the one you’ll actually ride. I’ve seen people finish epic journeys on 250 cc singles and others give up on expensive flagships. Confidence, preparation and a bike that fits you matter more than a spec sheet.

If you’re still undecided, sit on as many of these as you can and try a test ride. Then spend your remaining budget on good tires, luggage, suspension and spares. Your future self, somewhere on a dusty road at sunset, will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions