8 Best Motorcycles for Touring South America (2025)

I’ve spent more nights camping off the side of Ruta 40 than I can count, and I’ve learned that the best motorcycle for touring south america isn’t always the one with the most horsepower. It’s the bike that stays running on questionable fuel, shrugs off washboard gravel, and doesn’t leave you stranded when the nearest dealer is 800 miles away. Before I dig into my picks, make sure you sort out your electrical system—I’ve broken down what are the different types of motorcycle batteries ultimate guide to help you avoid a dead start at 4,000 meters.

My list below is based on real miles across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. If you want a broader comparison of what makes a bike work down here, I’ve also covered the best motorcycle for riding in south america separately. And if you’re still unsure whether you want a full adventure rig or something lighter, my guide to the best motorcycle for adventure touring might help.

1. Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES — Best Overall Reliability and Range

I’ve ridden the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES more than any other bike on this list, and it remains my default answer when someone asks me for the best motorcycle for touring south america. The 1084cc parallel twin makes 101 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for loaded highway miles but not so much that it feels scary on loose gravel. The Showa EERA electronic suspension automatically adjusts damping as the road surface changes, and it genuinely works—I’ve felt it firm up on pavement and soften in sand without touching a button.

What really seals it for me is the 6.5-gallon fuel tank. I once rode from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama without worrying about gas, and that’s a stretch where fuel stops are sparse. Honda’s dealer network in South America is also the best I’ve encountered, which matters when you need a clutch lever or an oil filter in a small town. The starting price for the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES is around $18,299, but you can often find earlier models used for less.

Why It Fits South America

The tubeless 21/18-inch wheels are a huge win. I’ve plugged a rear tire in the middle of nowhere without removing the wheel, and that alone has saved me hours. DCT is optional, but I stick with the standard six-speed gearbox for simplicity. If you go with the Africa Twin, plan to upgrade your battery before you leave—I’ve written up the best battery for touring motorcycle and the best 6 battery for touring motorcycle because a weak stock battery is the one common failure I see on these bikes at high altitude.

2. BMW R 1250 GS — Best for Long Paved Miles and Rider Comfort

If most of your South America route sticks to paved highways with occasional dirt detours, the BMW R 1250 GS is hard to beat for comfort. The 1254cc boxer engine with ShiftCam produces 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque, which means you can cruise at 80 mph fully loaded without stress. The electronic suspension and massive wind protection make 600-mile days feel almost relaxing, and the seat is the most comfortable stock saddle I’ve tried.

But there’s a trade-off: the R 1250 GS weighs about 549 pounds wet, and you feel every pound on steep gravel switchbacks. I’ve dropped it more than once on a sandy road in northern Chile, and picking it up alone at 14,000 feet is not fun. For pure paved touring or light dirt, it’s supreme. For deep sand or single-track, I’d pick something lighter. Expect to pay around $20,000 to start, though used 2019-2023 models have come down in price.

BMW has solid dealer support in major South American cities, but once you get into Patagonia or the Altiplano, parts can take weeks. I still love this bike for its shaft drive—no chain maintenance in muddy conditions is a blessing. Just be honest with yourself about how much off-road you actually plan to do.

3. KTM 890 Adventure R — Best for Dirt-Focused Touring

I’ve spent time on the KTM 890 Adventure R in the Andes, and it’s the most off-road-capable bike on this list that still handles highway miles. The 889cc parallel twin delivers 105 hp and 73.8 lb-ft of torque, but it weighs only about 434 pounds dry—nearly 100 pounds less than the BMW. That weight advantage means I can ride technical, rocky passes without exhausting myself. The WP XPLOR fork and rear shock offer 9.4 inches of travel, and the ground clearance lets me clear ruts that would bottom out more road-biased bikes.

The price is around $14,199, which sits between the Yamaha and the Honda. The seat height is tall at 34.6 inches, so if you’re under 5’10”, you’ll need to one-foot it. The 5.3-gallon tank gives roughly 280 miles of range, and the electronics package includes cornering ABS and traction control that I found genuinely useful in rain and gravel. The main concern with KTM in South America is dealer coverage outside big cities; I’ve had to wait for parts in Cusco for a week. If you stick to more traveled routes, it’s fine.

For me, the 890 Adventure R is the bike I’d choose if my route included the Carretera Austral in Chile or the dirt roads around Uyuni. It’s fast enough on pavement, but it truly shines when the tarmac ends. The engine has a raw, punchy character that makes every pass feel exciting.

4. Yamaha Ténéré 700 — Best Simple, Bulletproof Do-It-All

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the bike I recommend to first-time South America riders who want zero electronic complexity and maximum reliability. Its 689cc CP2 parallel twin makes 72 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque, which is modest on paper but feels perfect in the real world. It’s smooth, tractable, and won’t loop out on you when the rear tire spins on gravel. The wet weight is about 452 pounds, and the 4.2-gallon tank returns around 250 miles, which I’ve found adequate for most routes with some planning.

There’s no traction control or riding modes on the base Ténéré 700—just a throttle, clutch, and ABS you can disable when needed. I love that. Fewer electronics means fewer failure points, and the CP2 engine has a reputation for running 100,000 miles with basic oil changes. The price of $10,799 is also attractive for what you get. The stock suspension is soft for aggressive off-road riding, but it’s comfortable on gravel and rough pavement. I’ve upgraded the springs on mine for heavy luggage, but it’s not mandatory for a light setup.

Yamaha dealers are common throughout South America, and the Ténéré 700 shares many parts with the MT-07, so shops can get spares quickly. For me, this is the most rational choice if you want a single bike that does everything reasonably well without breaking the bank.

5. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Adventure — Best Value for All-Around Touring

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Adventure has been around for years, and that’s exactly why I trust it in South America. The 645cc V-twin produces 70 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque—not exciting numbers, but the engine is smooth, torquey, and utterly unkillable. I’ve met travelers with over 80,000 miles on a V-Strom 650 who have done nothing but oil, tires, and chain maintenance. The 5.3-gallon tank gives nearly 300 miles of range, which is excellent for remote stretches in Patagonia and Bolivia.

Price is where this bike shines: around $9,104 for the XT Adventure trim, which includes aluminum panniers, crash bars, and heated grips in some markets. The 476-pound wet weight feels manageable, though the 19-inch front wheel and road-biased suspension limit hard off-road use. I’ve taken a V-Strom 650 down gravel roads in Peru without issue, but deep sand and rocky climbs are not its forte. It’s a road bike with adventure styling, and that’s okay if your route is mostly pavement.

Suzuki’s dealer network is extensive in South America, and the aftermarket parts availability is among the best. The seat is comfortable enough for long days, and the windscreen does a decent job at highway speeds. For budget-conscious riders who want reliability and dealer support, this is a top contender.

6. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT — Best Road-Focused Long-Distance Tourer

The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT is another bike I’ve ridden across long stretches of South America, and it’s an excellent choice if you plan to stay on tarmac. The 649cc parallel twin makes 66 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque, which feels plenty for highway overtakes up to about 80 mph. The wet weight is 483 pounds, and the 5.5-gallon tank gives an easy 300+ mile range—one of the best in this class. The LT trim adds hard saddlebags and hand guards, which are practical for touring right away.

I find the Versys 650 extremely comfortable for 500-mile days. The upright seating position, generous windscreen, and plush suspension soak up rough pavement and potholes better than most adventure bikes. The 17-inch front wheel is a clear sign it’s not made for dirt, but I’ve ridden it on well-maintained gravel roads with no drama. The price of $8,899 makes it one of the more affordable mid-size options, and Kawasaki’s reliability record is very strong.

For South America, I’d recommend the Versys 650 LT to riders who plan to stick to the Pan-American Highway and occasional side roads. The engine is a little buzzy at high RPM, but cruises nicely at 75 mph. Dealer support is good in cities, and parts are easy to find. It’s not the sexiest pick, but it’s a practical long-distance tool.

7. Honda CB500X — Best Lightweight Budget Tourer

The Honda CB500X is my pick for solo minimalists who want Honda reliability at a lower price. The 471cc parallel twin makes 47 hp and 31.7 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for highway speeds but not much more. The wet weight is only 439 pounds, and the 4.7-gallon tank returns around 280 miles. The starting price is $7,199, and I’ve seen used models for under $5,000—that leaves a lot of budget for fuel, lodging, and repairs.

I’ve met several long-term travelers on CB500Xs in Ecuador and Colombia, and they all say the same thing: it’s light enough to pick up easily, cheap to fix, and surprisingly capable on dirt roads. The suspension is basic and the 19-inch front wheel limits serious off-road work, but for a mix of pavement and gravel it’s fine. The seat is a bit narrow for all-day comfort, and you’ll want to add a windscreen and luggage rack before a multi-month trip.

For a deeper look at affordable options, I’ve also covered the best cheap motorcycle for touring category, which includes this bike and a few others. Honda’s dealer network in South America is superb, and the CB500X shares parts with many other Honda models. If you’re on a tight budget, this bike will get you there with money left over.

8. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Best Cheap Adventure Bike for Minimalist Travel

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 surprised me more than any bike on this list. The new liquid-cooled 452cc single makes 40 hp and 29.5 lb-ft of torque, which is low by modern standards but feels adequate when you’re loaded light and riding at 60 mph. The wet weight is around 432 pounds, and the 4.5-gallon tank gives about 250 miles of range. The price of $5,899 makes it the cheapest serious adventure bike you can buy new, and that’s a massive advantage for long-term travel on a budget.

I rode a Himalayan 450 for a week in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and it handled rocky, muddy roads with absolute confidence. The suspension is plush, the ground clearance is excellent, and the low seat height makes it easy to dab a foot in technical sections. On the highway, it will cruise at 65-70 mph but struggles to pass quickly. If you’re not in a hurry and you avoid the fastest toll roads, it’s perfectly fine. The main downside is that Royal Enfield’s dealer network in South America is still growing, but parts are relatively cheap and the bike is very simple to work on yourself.

For first-time overlanders or riders who want to learn off-road without fear of dropping an expensive bike, the Himalayan 450 is a fantastic entry point. I’d pack light, carry a basic tool kit, and enjoy the slow lane. It’s proof that you don’t need 100 horsepower to see South America.

No matter which bike you choose, the most important thing is to get it serviced and sorted before you leave. I’ve seen too many trips end early because of a dead battery or a worn chain. South America will test you and your machine, but the right motorcycle makes it the ride of a lifetime.

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