7 Best Motorcycles for Solo Touring: Bikes I’d Ride Across Any Continent

I still remember my first multi-day solo ride. I had a half-packed duffel bag, a bike that was wrong for the job, and a sore back by lunchtime on day one. Since then I’ve logged thousands of miles alone, on everything from mountain passes to endless highway stretches.

Riding solo changes what you need from a bike. There’s no chase vehicle and no friend to help you lift a fallen machine, so reliability, comfort, and confidence matter more than horsepower figures.

Below are seven motorcycles I’d happily take on a long trip alone. I’ve ridden most of them myself, and I’ve spent plenty of time with owners of the rest. I’ve picked them by comfort, range, luggage options, and real-world dependability.

What I Look for in a Solo Touring Bike

Before the list, here’s the checklist I use. It keeps me honest when a shiny spec sheet tries to distract me.

Range and Fuel Capacity

I want at least 200 miles between fill-ups. In remote areas, that margin is the difference between a nice ride and a long walk.

Weight and Manageability

When you’re alone, a dropped bike is your problem. I favor machines that are either light enough to pick up or smart enough (low center of gravity, crash protection) to make drops rare.

Comfort and Luggage

A bad seat ruins a trip faster than bad weather. I also check how easily the bike takes panniers, a top case, or a tail bag without needing a custom rack.

1. BMW R 1300 GS: Best Overall Solo Touring Motorcycle

If you made me pick one bike to ride anywhere on Earth, the BMW R 1300 GS would be it. The latest GS is lighter and more refined than the R 1250 GS it replaces, and it feels like a bike that wants to go the distance.

Why I Love It

The 1,300 cc boxer twin makes roughly 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque. It pulls smoothly at any speed, so passing trucks on a two-lane road never feels like a gamble.

The 19-liter tank gives me excellent range, and the optional electronic suspension adjusts itself to my luggage load. For a solo rider, that kind of automatic setup is a gift.

What to Watch

Pricing starts around $20,000 and climbs fast once you tick option boxes. It’s also a tall, heavy machine at about 237 kg wet, so shorter riders should check the lowered suspension options first.

2. Honda Gold Wing Tour: Best for Highway Comfort

I’ll be honest: I used to think the Honda Gold Wing Tour was for retirees. Then I rode one for 600 miles in a day and stepped off feeling fresh. I’ve been a convert ever since.

Why I Love It

The 1,833 cc flat-six is silky and quiet, making about 125 hp with endless torque. The optional 7-speed DCT makes city traffic painless, and the built-in reverse helps when you park a 800-pound-plus bike on a slope.

You also get a huge fairing, a heated seat and grips, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a trunk that swallows a full-face helmet plus supplies. The optional airbag adds peace of mind for long solo days.

What to Watch

It costs roughly $29,000 to $33,000 depending on spec, and it’s not a bike for gravel roads. Low-speed maneuvering takes practice, but the low center of gravity helps more than the weight suggests.

3. Yamaha Ténéré 700: Best Lightweight Adventure Tourer

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the bike I recommend to riders who dream about dirt roads but don’t want a 600-pound monster. It’s simple, tough, and honest.

Why I Love It

Its 689 cc CP2 parallel twin makes about 72 hp. That’s plenty for touring, and the engine is famously reliable. The bike weighs around 452 lb wet, which makes it far easier to handle when a trail gets sketchy.

The long-travel suspension, slim seat-to-tank profile, and spoked wheels make it a true off-road-capable tourer. It’s also comfortable to stand on for hours.

What to Watch

The stock seat is firm and the windscreen is small, so I’d budget for an aftermarket seat and taller screen. The 4.2-gallon tank is modest, but it’s sufficient with some planning. Expect to pay about $10,500 to $11,000.

4. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT: Best Value for Long Distances

I’ve told many friends the same thing: if you want a no-drama touring bike, buy the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT. It has been a quiet legend for years.

Why I Love It

The 645 cc V-twin delivers roughly 70 hp with a smooth, friendly character. It’s happy at 75 mph all day, and the 5.3-gallon tank gives real range, often over 250 miles when I ride sensibly.

The XT trim adds spoked wheels, a handguard set, and a bash plate-ready look. Seat height is manageable, and the upright ergonomics keep my shoulders relaxed on long days.

What to Watch

The electronics are basic compared with newer rivals, though it does have traction control and ABS. At roughly $9,500 to $10,000 it’s a bargain. If your budget is tighter still, take a look at my guide to the best cheap motorcycle for touring.

5. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro: Best Mid-Size Adventure Bike for Mixed Terrain

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is the bike I reach for when a trip includes twisty pavement and some rough stuff. It’s a superb all-rounder with real character.

Why I Love It

The 888 cc T-Plane triple produces around 106 hp and 90 Nm, with a growl that makes even boring highways more fun. Long-travel Marzocchi suspension soaks up bad roads, and the 20-liter tank gives excellent range.

It comes loaded with riding modes, cornering ABS, cruise control, and a TFT display. The seat is adjustable, so I can fine-tune it for my height and load.

What to Watch

It’s pricier than the Japanese options at roughly $16,000 to $17,000. It’s also tall, so I’d sit on one before buying if you’re under 5’8″.

6. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+: Best Sport-Touring Option

Some solo trips are about roads, not dirt. For canyon carving with luggage, I love the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+.

Why I Love It

The 1,043 cc inline-four makes about 120 hp and sounds fantastic. The SE trim adds Showa Skyhook electronic suspension, cornering lights, a TFT display, and cruise control. The LT+ package includes hard panniers, which saves you a lot of money on accessories.

The upright seating, adjustable windscreen, and strong brakes make it comfortable and confidence-inspiring on long days. It’s one of the best-balanced bikes on this list.

What to Watch

It’s not meant for serious off-road use, and pricing runs about $18,000 to $19,000. Fuel economy is good but not class-leading.

7. Royal Enfield Himalayan 452: Best Budget Adventure Tourer

I didn’t expect to like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 as much as I do. The old Himalayan was charming but slow, while this new generation is a genuinely capable touring bike.

Why I Love It

The liquid-cooled 452 cc engine makes about 39.5 hp and 40 Nm. That’s modest, but the bike is light at roughly 196 kg ready to ride, and the 17-liter tank means long stints between stops.

It has ride modes, a round TFT with Google Maps integration, and long-travel suspension. With a US price of around $6,000, it’s an incredible value for a first big trip.

What to Watch

Highway overtakes need planning, and the vibration at sustained high speeds is noticeable. Still, for solo riders on smaller roads and tighter budgets, it’s hard to beat.

Keeping Your Touring Bike Happy: Oil Basics

Whatever you buy, regular maintenance keeps a long trip from turning into a breakdown. Oil is the first thing I check before any big ride.

Choosing the Right Grade

Not sure what to run? I found this breakdown of which grade oil is the best motorcycle oil for touring helpful. Always start with your owner’s manual, then adjust for climate and load.

Four-Stroke Oil Resources

Most bikes on this list are four-strokes with wet clutches, so you need motorcycle-specific oil. These guides on the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle and the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle explain what to look for.

If you ride in South Asia, especially on a Himalayan, check out this list of the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india. Local availability and heat make a real difference.

How I’d Choose Between These Bikes

Here’s my honest cheat sheet. It’s what I tell friends when they ask me which bike to buy.

• Go anywhere, do anything: BMW R 1300 GS.
• Highway miles in total comfort: Honda Gold Wing Tour.
• Light and dirt-ready: Yamaha Ténéré 700.
• Reliable and affordable: Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT.
• Mixed terrain fun: Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
• Paved sport-touring: Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+.
• Tightest budget: Royal Enfield Himalayan 452.

Test Ride Before You Commit

Specs only tell part of the story. I always recommend sitting on a bike for at least 30 minutes, if possible, and checking whether you can flat-foot it with your riding boots on.

Think About Your Real Trips

Be honest about where you’ll actually ride. Most of us buy for the trip we imagine, not the one we take, and a bike that suits your usual roads will serve you better.

Final Thoughts

The best touring bike is the one that makes you want to keep riding when the day gets long. For me, that depends on the road, the budget, and how much I want to carry.

Any of the seven bikes above can carry you across a continent. Pick the one that fits your roads and your body, pack light, and go. The open road is much better when you’re confident in the machine beneath you.

Frequently Asked Questions