7 Best Bikes for Conquering Australia’s Open Roads: My Touring Picks

I’ve spent years riding the long, empty, beautiful roads of this country. I’ve crossed the Nullarbor in a headwind that felt personal, and I’ve been rattled half to death on corrugations in the Kimberley. I’ve also watched the fuel gauge drop on a stretch where the next servo was 250 km away.

Australia is one of the best touring destinations in the world, but it’s also one of the most demanding on a motorcycle. Distances are huge, weather swings from scorching to freezing, and the road surface can change from smooth bitumen to bulldust in a single turn.

In this guide I share the seven bikes I’d genuinely choose for the job, based on my own riding and the experience of mates who’ve done the big lap. I’ve covered a range of budgets and riding styles, so there should be something here whatever your plans.

1. BMW R 1300 GS Adventure — Best Overall Touring Machine

If someone asked me to pick one bike for a lap of Australia and money was no object, I’d choose the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. It’s the latest evolution of the bike that defined the category, and it’s remarkably good at everything this country throws at you.

Why I Rate It

The new 1,300cc boxer twin makes around 145 hp and 149 Nm, and it’s smooth and effortless at 110 km/h. The headline feature for Australia is the 30-litre fuel tank, which gives a real-world range of well over 500 km. That takes the stress out of remote fuel stops.

The R 1300 GS Adventure also has electronically adjustable suspension, a big adjustable screen and excellent wind protection. Optional radar-assisted cruise control is a real bonus on the long, straight highways of the Nullarbor and the Stuart.

What Could Be Better

It’s heavy, at roughly 270 kg wet, and the seat height is tall. If you drop it on a remote track, you’ll know about it. It’s also pricey, with most well-equipped examples running past AU$35,000 once you add options.

Still, for covering 400 to 700 km days in comfort, the R 1300 GS Adventure is the benchmark. BMW’s dealer network also reaches most major regional centres.

2. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports — Best for Reliability and Peace of Mind

The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports is the bike I recommend to riders who value “it just works” above all else. Honda’s reputation for durability is well earned, and in the outback, reliability matters more than a spec sheet.

Real-World Specs

It uses a 1,084cc parallel twin producing about 102 hp and 105 Nm. That’s less than the BMW, but it’s more than enough for a loaded bike. The tank holds 24.8 litres, which gives a very usable range of around 400 km or more.

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports also has a 6.5-inch TFT display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus cornering ABS and switchable traction control. I love the optional Dual Clutch Transmission, which is brilliant in slow dirt sections and heavy traffic through the cities.

My Take

The ride is a little less plush than the BMW’s, and the bike is tall at 850 to 870 mm. But it’s capable off-road, comfortable all day, and cheaper to run. I’d happily take one anywhere in the country.

3. Yamaha Ténéré 700 — Best for Dirt Roads and Remote Tracks

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the bike for riders who want to leave the bitumen behind. I’ve ridden one on the Gibb River Road, and it felt like it was built for exactly that.

Why It Works

At around 205 kg wet, it’s far lighter than the big adventure bikes. The 689cc CP2 twin makes roughly 72 hp and 68 Nm, which is plenty for dirt roads and acceptable on the highway. It also has a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension that soaks up corrugations.

The Ténéré 700 is simple, with no big electronics package and no semi-active suspension to fail a thousand kilometres from help. Many riders consider that a feature rather than a flaw.

Where It Falls Short

The standard tank is only 16 litres, which gives about 300 to 350 km of range. For remote Australia I’d budget for an aftermarket tank or a fuel bladder. The stock seat is also firm, so many owners upgrade it.

Price is attractive at around AU$16,000 to AU$18,000 ride-away, depending on the deal. For the money, it’s superb value.

4. Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE — Best Value All-Rounder

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE doesn’t get the hype of the German or Japanese flagships, but I think it’s one of the smartest buys here. It blends road comfort with real dirt-road ability at a sensible price.

Standout Features

Its 1,037cc V-twin makes about 106 hp and 100 Nm, with a lovely, torquey character at highway speeds. The DE version adds a 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims and longer-travel suspension. It also gets a 20-litre tank, which delivers excellent range.

Suzuki’s IMU-based electronics, including cornering ABS, traction control and cruise control, are well sorted. The V-Strom 1050DE is also easy to work on, which is a big plus for long-term touring.

Is It Right for You?

It’s a heavy bike at around 250 kg, and the styling is polarising. But it’s comfortable, dependable and cheaper than most rivals, typically around AU$20,000 to AU$23,000. It’s a fantastic option for riders who want 80% road and 20% dirt.

5. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro — Best for Fun and Character

Not every touring bike needs to be a plodder. The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is the one I’d choose if I wanted to enjoy the twisty bits between the long, straight ones.

What Makes It Special

The 888cc T-plane triple makes around 106 hp and 90 Nm, with a soundtrack that I never tire of. It has fully adjustable Showa semi-active suspension, a 21-inch front wheel and a 20-litre tank. That combination suits mixed terrain well.

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro also comes with a TFT dash, cruise control, multiple riding modes and a quickshifter. It’s lighter and more agile than the big 1,200cc to 1,300cc bikes.

Things to Consider

Service intervals are shorter than on some rivals, and dealer coverage in remote regions is thinner than Honda’s or Yamaha’s. You’ll also pay around AU$22,000 to AU$26,000, depending on the year and deal.

If you want a touring bike that still puts a grin on your face, this is it.

6. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Budget Pick

You don’t need a $30,000 bike to see Australia. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 proves it, and I’ve met several riders doing the big lap on one. If budget is your main concern, it’s also worth reading about the best cheap motorcycle for touring.

Specs That Matter

The all-new liquid-cooled 452cc “Sherpa” single makes about 40 hp and 40 Nm. It weighs around 196 kg ready to ride and has a 17-litre tank. A 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension and a round TFT with built-in Google Maps are standard.

It costs roughly AU$9,000 to AU$10,000, which is about half the price of the Ténéré 700. Parts and servicing are cheap, and the bike is simple enough for a roadside fix.

The Trade-Offs

Highway cruising is best kept to 100 km/h, and overtaking road trains takes planning. Wind protection is modest, too. But for relaxed touring and dirt roads, it’s a charming and capable bike.

Because the Himalayan is built in India, it’s interesting to see how oil choices differ there. If that’s you, check this guide to the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india.

7. Honda Gold Wing Tour — Best for Sealed-Road Luxury

If your Australian adventure is all about bitumen, the Honda Gold Wing Tour is in a league of its own. I’ve done 800 km days on one and stepped off feeling fresh, which isn’t something I can say about many bikes.

Why It’s So Good

The 1,833cc flat-six makes about 125 hp and a huge 170 Nm of torque. It’s silky smooth, and the 7-speed DCT makes riding effortless. The tank holds 21.1 litres, which is adequate given the bike’s efficiency.

The Gold Wing Tour has a massive electrically adjustable screen, heated grips and seats, and a premium audio system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cruise control and a roomy 61-litre top box complete the package.

The Downsides

At around 380 kg, it’s not for dirt roads or tight car parks. And the price, typically AU$42,000 and up, is steep. But for sealed-road comfort over long distances, nothing else comes close.

How I Choose a Touring Bike for Australian Distances

After many thousands of kilometres, I’ve developed a short checklist. It helps me match a bike to a trip, and I think it’ll help you too.

Fuel Range Comes First

Aim for at least 350 km of real-world range. If your bike can’t manage that, carry a spare fuel bladder or fit an auxiliary tank. Running dry in the outback is dangerous and avoidable.

Think About Parts and Servicing

Mainstream brands like Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki have the widest parts and service coverage. In a small outback town, that can save your trip. Simple often beats sophisticated when help is far away.

Be Honest About Weight

A 270 kg bike is wonderful on bitumen but exhausting when it’s down on a sandy track. Be honest about your experience and where you really plan to ride. I’ve seen too many riders buy a bike for the trip they imagine rather than the one they’ll take.

Don’t Neglect Oil and Maintenance

Oil is your engine’s lifeblood on long, hot rides. I always carry a spare litre and change it before a major trip. If you want guidance, I like this breakdown on which grade oil is the best motorcycle oil for touring.

For general advice, you can also read about the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle. And if you want to compare options, there’s a useful rundown of the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle choices too.

Pack for the Climate

Australia can hit 45°C in the north and drop below zero in the Snowy Mountains. I pack a vented jacket with a waterproof liner, plus a hydration pack. Good luggage matters as well, so choose soft panniers or aluminium boxes that suit your bike.

Final Thoughts: Which One Would I Pick?

If I could only choose one bike for a lap of Australia, I’d take the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure for its range and comfort. If I had a tighter budget, I’d grab the Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE.

For a pure bitumen cruise, the Honda Gold Wing Tour is pure bliss. And for simple, affordable adventure, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will take you further than you’d expect.

The best bike is the one that matches your route, your budget and your confidence. Pick it, prepare it well, and get out there. Australia is waiting, and I promise it’s worth every kilometre.

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