8 Best Touring Motorcycles for Older Riders: Comfort, Confidence, and Miles of Smiles

I started riding in my twenties, and I’m still out on the road well past the point where my knees start sending me complaints. Over the years I’ve learned that the bike that thrilled me at 25 is not always the one I want for a 400-mile day at 65. Comfort, weight, seat height, and electronics matter far more now than outright speed.

I’ve ridden, borrowed, and spent plenty of time around every motorcycle on this list. Some I’ve toured on for days, and others I’ve tested on shorter loops or leaned on the experience of riding buddies in their 60s and 70s. Here is my honest take on what makes a great long-distance companion for a mature rider.

What I Look for in a Touring Bike as an Older Rider

Before I get to the list, let me share my criteria. These are the things that made the difference on my own long days in the saddle.

Low Seat Height and Low Center of Gravity

Being able to plant both feet at a stop is a confidence booster. But I care even more about how the weight sits on the bike. A low center of gravity makes a 800-pound machine feel manageable at parking-lot speeds.

Ergonomics That Respect Your Body

I want a relaxed upright posture, supportive seat, and wide, comfortable bars. Floorboards beat pegs for me on long days because they let me change foot positions easily. Wrists, shoulders, and lower back all thank me.

Rider Aids and Easy Controls

Cruise control, ABS, a light clutch (or no clutch at all), and good wind protection are no longer luxuries. They’re what keep me fresh at mile 300. Modern electronics are your friend.

1. Honda Gold Wing Tour — Best Overall Touring Motorcycle

If someone asked me to pick one bike for a mature rider who wants to cover serious distance, it would be the Honda Gold Wing Tour. It has a 1,833cc flat-six engine that is smooth, quiet, and effortlessly powerful. Pricing starts around $26,000 to $30,000 depending on options.

What surprises people is how light it feels once you’re moving. The double-wishbone front suspension and low-mounted engine make the Gold Wing Tour feel far smaller than its roughly 840 pounds.

Why I Love It

The optional 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission is a gift for tired hands. It also has a walking-mode reverse, which I’ve used more than once to back out of a tight spot without wrestling the bike.

Add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adjustable windscreen, heated grips, and a plush seat, and the Gold Wing Tour is my benchmark for all-day comfort.

Things to Consider

It’s big and it’s expensive. The seat height is about 29.1 inches, which is friendly, but the weight demands respect when parking on slopes.

2. Honda Rebel 1100 DCT — Best Lightweight Option With Automatic

The Honda Rebel 1100 DCT is the bike I recommend to riders who want a lower, lighter, and less intimidating machine. The seat height is only about 27.5 inches, and the weight is around 509 pounds with the DCT. Pricing is typically in the $9,500 to $10,500 range.

It uses the same parallel-twin as the Africa Twin, so there’s plenty of torque. In my experience, the Rebel 1100 DCT is fantastic for relaxed weekend trips of 200 miles or so.

It’s not a full-dress tourer out of the box. I’d add a windscreen and soft saddlebags, and the Rebel 1100 turns into a surprisingly capable, affordable travel partner.

If budget is your main concern, I also wrote about my thoughts on the best cheap motorcycle for touring, and the Rebel is a strong starting point.

3. Harley-Davidson Road Glide — Best Classic American Tourer

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide has a frame-mounted shark-nose fairing that keeps the bars steady and the wind off my chest. It runs the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and starts around $28,000 to $30,000. Seat height is roughly 26.1 inches, which is very low.

That low seat is a big part of why the Road Glide feels so planted. The big V-twin torque makes passing effortless, and I rarely need to downshift.

My Take

I find the Road Glide a joy for long highway slogs. The frame-mounted fairing is much more stable at speed than a bar-mounted one. It does weigh around 840 pounds, so be mindful at low speeds.

4. Harley-Davidson Street Glide — Best for Classic Looks and Comfort

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide shares its platform with the Road Glide but wears the iconic batwing fairing. It offers the same 114 cubic inch engine and a similarly low seat. Pricing generally starts in the high $20,000s.

I love the Street Glide for its looks and the way it feels on twisty back roads. The batwing fairing is more open, so I get a little more airflow in summer. That’s a plus for hot weather, though it means a bit more buffeting for some riders.

5. Indian Chieftain — Best for Smooth Power and Style

The Indian Chieftain is one of my favorite bike personalities on this list. Its Thunderstroke 116 engine is silky, and the bike has a power-adjustable windscreen on many trims. Prices start around $27,000 to $30,000.

The Chieftain’s seat height is about 26 inches, so shorter riders feel at home. Add keyless ignition, a big touchscreen, and plenty of luggage space, and it’s a very comfortable long-haul partner.

For riders who prefer a bit more rugged capability, I’d also point you to my notes on the best motorcycle for adventure touring.

6. BMW R 1250 RT — Best for Sport-Touring Refinement

The BMW R 1250 RT is the bike I recommend to riders who value precision and wind protection. Its 1,254cc boxer twin with ShiftCam makes smooth, strong power. Pricing starts near $20,000 and rises with packages.

The RT’s seat height is adjustable from about 30.1 to 32.1 inches, so it’s not the lowest. But the bike is beautifully balanced, and the electrically adjustable windscreen is superb. I’ve ridden one all day with almost no fatigue.

If you’re dreaming of Alps and Dolomites, the RT is a natural fit. I covered more of that in my guide to the best motorcycle for european touring.

7. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT — Best Budget-Friendly Cruiser

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT offers a friendly entry into touring at about $9,500 to $10,000. It comes with leather-look saddlebags and a windshield, which already makes it a mini tourer. Seat height is a very low 27 inches or so.

Its 903cc V-twin isn’t a rocket, but it’s smooth and dependable. At roughly 600 pounds, it’s lighter than the big baggers. I think it’s a great pick for the rider who wants to travel at a comfortable pace.

For anyone planning a quieter getaway on their own, I’d also check my thoughts on the best motorcycle for solo touring.

8. Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra — Best Trike for Stability

Not every rider wants to hold up a motorcycle at every stop, and that’s perfectly okay. The Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra keeps you riding when balance, knees, or hips make two wheels harder. It costs around $40,000 and up.

It has the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, a huge trunk, a reverse gear, and a batwing fairing. I’ve ridden alongside friends on Tri Glides, and they cover enormous distances with big grins.

Things to Know

A trike handles differently. You steer it rather than lean it, so there’s a learning curve. But for stability and cargo space, it’s tough to beat.

How I Choose the Right Bike for My Own Riding

I always tell friends to sit on the bike before anything else. Spec sheets lie about how a motorcycle feels. A test ride of at least 30 minutes tells me more than any review.

Consider Your Typical Trip

If I’m doing multi-day trips on interstates, I want a full-dress tourer like the Gold Wing. If I mostly do scenic weekend rides, something lighter like the Rebel is perfect.

Planning something bolder? If I were heading north, my notes on the best motorcycle for touring alaska would be my starting point.

Don’t Forget Gear and Fitness

A great bike is only half the equation. I wear an airbag vest, quality boots, and a flip-up helmet for comfort. I also stretch before riding, because a little flexibility goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

The best touring motorcycle for me might not be the one for you, and that’s the point. Age isn’t a reason to stop riding; it’s a reason to ride smarter and choose gear that works with your body.

If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Honda Gold Wing Tour for sheer comfort. But the Rebel 1100 DCT, Road Glide, and Chieftain are all fantastic. Take a few test rides, trust your instincts, and I’ll see you out on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions