Top Long-Distance Touring Motorcycles of 2022

It’s a grand time to be a long-distance motorcycle rider, as modern touring bikes make it easier than ever to travel great distances on two wheels. High-end safety features like cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and variable rider modes are common fare, and amenities like heated seats, electronically adjustable windscreens, and turn-by-turn navigation systems make a rider feel spoiled. Competition is fierce in the lucrative luxury-tourer niche, which bodes well for consumers, as there’s a wealth of high-quality tourers on the 2022 market to choose from.

We break these touring bikes down into three categories: true tourers, baggers, and light tourers. True tourers have the best combination of power, handling, aerodynamics, and are loaded with the latest technology. These are the motorcycles you’d want to be on the most when riding high-speed canyons or mountain roads. Baggers are torque-rich V-twin touring bikes, but as they’ve evolved, have reached levels of comfort and safety not far behind true touring machines. Baggers will get you there in comfort and style, with many of these bikes giving riders the option of throwing on a top case if they want to go two-up or without if they’re rolling solo. Light tourers are also lauded for their versatility because they tend to come with removable saddlebags and windscreens. Ride them to your destination, strip ‘em down, then cruise around your favorite rally.

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/story/bikes/2022-honda-gold-wing-first-look-preview/

For the longest time, Honda’s Gold Wing sat at the apex of touring motorcycles. In fact, many consider early Gold Wings to be the first modern touring motorcycle. The bike has been refined for more than four decades, since its inception in 1974, and regular updates that integrate cutting-edge technology have kept it comfortably at the top of this category.

Boasting a 1,833cc 24-valve flat six-cylinder engine and an electronically adjustable Hossack-type double-wishbone fork, its combination of seamless power delivery and stability at lean is hard to beat in this category. The addition of Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission integrates smooth automatic shifting. In 2022, the Gold Wing is available in four trims: Gold Wing DCT has automatic shifting but no top trunk, Gold Wing Tour has a top trunk but no DCT, Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT has auto shifting and a top case, and lastly the Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT Airbag (phew!) has auto shifting, a top trunk, as well as an airbag to protect riders. Each 2022 Honda Gold Wing Tour comes with a full-color TFT screen and Apple CarPlay integration, four ride modes, hill start assist, electronic suspension preload, LED lighting, and more.

You would expect big things from BMW Motorrad’s top-shelf touring motorcycle and the K 1600 GTL doesn’t disappoint. The K’s 1,649cc 24-valve six-cylinder engine delivers a claimed 160 hp and 132.7 pound-feet of torque, which can lead to some seriously grin-inducing touring. It’ll carve a clean line and riders can get their personal preferences dialed in just right thanks to the motorcycle’s Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment with automatic load leveling). Adaptive headlights, a 10.25-inch TFT display, programmable handlebar buttons, an integrated smartphone charging compartment—the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL is an avant-garde tourer.

The GTL doesn’t forget your passenger, either. The large top case is well padded with a backrest that extends upward past the top of the case and handles on either side of the passenger seat. Combined storage totals 29.9 gallons.

The K 1600′s engine is available in this GTL Grand Touring Luxury model, the K 1600 GT with no top case, the K 1600 B with its bagger-inspired subframe, and the K 1600 Grand America, which shares the B’s subframe and adds a top case for storage and two-up touring.

It’s not surprising that BMW has more than one amazing touring platform. The R 1250 RT offers a lighter alternative to the K models, coming in 174 pounds lighter when comparing claimed weights. The RT’s two-cylinder boxer engine is liquid-cooled and equipped with BMW’s ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control, producing a claimed 136 hp and 105 pound-feet of torque. With an equipped audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and 10.25-inch TFT display, the RT is a modern and high-tech option without going all the way to a six-cylinder engine.

The R 1250 RT does not come standard with a touring top case, but a padded case is available from BMW, which adds 49 liters of storage.

Harley-Davidson is so proud of its touring motorcycles it dubbed the bikes its Grand American Touring class. But H-D has reason to beat its chest, the Ultra is a time-tested road warrior. A trip to any major rally in America will validate that statement. Between its cushy seat, relaxed ergonomics, and wind management, the Ultra Limited provides one of the most comfortable rides you’ll find. The now iconic Batwing fairing and fairing lowers provide a solid buffer from the elements. The 2022 Ultra Limited features Harley’s powerful and efficient Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and Reflex Linked Brembo brakes. Heated grips, a 6.5-inch TFT screen serves as a multifaceted infotainment center, and electronic cruise control are useful accoutrements for long-distance riders. Harley offers a suite of electronic rider aids like cornering enhanced ABS and cornering enhanced traction control as an optional upgrade. What you won’t have to upgrade is the 2022 Ultra Limited’s paint, polish, and wheels, traditional points of pride for the Bar & Shield.

If you’re more of a fan of Harley-Davidson’s frame-mounted Sharknose fairing than the fork-mounted Batwing, there’s the 2022 Road Glide Limited ($28,729) powered by the same commanding Milwaukee-Eight 114.

The Roadmaster is Indian Motorcycle’s answer to Harley-Davidson’s Ultra and possesses a formidable balance of power and style. Like Chieftain Dark Horse and Limited models, power is provided by a 116ci Thunder Stroke V-twin good for a claimed 126 pound-feet of torque. Style starts with Indian’s signature valanced fenders and headdress light then spreads to its 10-spoke contrast cut wheels, big chrome pipes, and metallic-tinged paint. Like the rest of Indian’s faired touring line, the windshield is electronically adjustable for ideal wind protection. The 2022 Indian Roadmaster Limited comes with a full contingency of standard equipment, from electronic tire pressure monitoring to automatic rear cylinder deactivation to help cool down the engine when stopped. Indian’s premier tourer also boasts 36.2 gallons of storage and its hard saddlebags and top case can be locked remotely.

Indian just pulled back the sheet on another touring motorcycle that’s sure to be a hit based on the platform it’s built around: the Indian Challenger. The Challenger already stirred up the bagger world with its combination of muscle and hustle. Its revvy liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 engine has been getting rave reviews, as has its Fox monoshock-based rear suspension. With the addition of its new top case, the 2022 Indian Pursuit has 35 gallons of storage to go along with a more bona fide perch for a passenger. For an extra $3K you can upgrade to the premium package which consists of cornering-aware ABS and traction control, electronic spring-preload adjustment for the rear, a heated touring comfort seat, and additional lighting.

Related: 2022 Indian Pursuit First Look

Polaris surprised everybody when it launched Indian Motorcycle’s first bagger in 2014, the Indian Chieftain. Though its fairing has received a face-lift since then, the Chieftain continues to be the flagship of the Indian lineup, and the more traditional counterpart to the Challenger’s modern performance-driven character. The 2022 Indian Chieftain has plenty of touring power thanks to its Thunder Stroke 111 engine, handles well courtesy of a cast aluminum frame, and a 5.5-gallon tank provides decent range. Its hard saddlebags provide a tad more than 18 gallons of storage and lock remotely at the push of a button. Three riding modes and standard cruise control round out a bagger that will readily go the distance.

For those after more power, Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Dark Horse models come equipped with the larger 116ci Thunder Stroke for an added price.

The Electra Glide Standard is H-D’s most affordable faired bagger, but it offers many of the same comforts of the more expensive models. The Standard also provides an excellent starting point for those looking to customize their bike, as you’re not paying high dollar for items you just plan on replacing anyway. The Electra Standard comes with H-D’s Milwaukee-Eight 107, the iconic Batwing fairing, and hard bags, but replaces the audio system with a glove box for what H-D calls a more “minimalist approach.” If you plan on riding two-up, you’ll need to install a passenger seat and footpegs, but if you’re just looking to get on the road and start mashing miles, this bike is a great option.

For those interested in a V-twin-powered touring motorcycle with its own unique character and the best price point, the 2022 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS is right up your alley. The Voyager sports a little hot-rod flair thanks to distinctive two-tone paint on the front fairing—and yes, it only comes in one color. Its 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine is torquey and vibey, adding more to its character. Although it doesn’t have a fancy TFT display or as many electronic aids as some of the others, it does have electronic cruise control, electronic throttle valves, and Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology ABS. Remove the Voyager’s top case and you’ve got the 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS. The Vaquero still rocks the same frame-mounted fairing and hard saddlebags with almost 10 gallons of storage space each, though, and is a more than competent tourer.

Side note: Surprisingly, Yamaha didn’t bring back its “top-of-the-line transcontinental tourer,” the Star Venture, for 2022. Too bad, because its 1,854cc V-twin engine is a real arm-stretcher!

When it comes to the quintessential light touring motorcycle, Harley-Davidson’s Heritage Softail instantly comes to mind. True to its name, Heritage models are known for their removable windshield, removable leather saddlebags, and floorboards, blending aspects of cruiser and bagger design into one bike that can do it all. The 2022 Harley Heritage Classic sports a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that is strong with great character. Those saddlebags are waterproof and lockable, and the rear monoshock is easily adjustable. Without spoked wheels and with less chrome than previous years, dare we say the 2022 Heritage Classic and its blacked-out 114 treatment looks fairly modern?

Looking to take your touring next-level? The 2022 H-D Low Rider ST rocks a Milwaukee-Eight 117, the most powerful engine coming out of the Harley factory, to go along with FXRT-inspired good looks. Granted, you’re not going to stuff much into those small clamshell saddlebags, but a solo saddle and SoCal style speak to this motorcycle’s target audience, who probably couldn’t care less and would ride it to Sturgis without blinking an eye.

Related: 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST First Look

Not to be outdone, Indian has imbued one of its cruisers with heritage styling and a handful of touring add-ons to create a light tourer. The 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited will have plenty of go thanks to its Thunder Stroke 116 engine. Burly pipes and beefy tires establish a muscular stance. Wire wheels, a petite front fender, and iconic Indian script on the tank are classic cues. Its 4-inch touchscreen display is a modern twist though, and one we’ve really enjoyed. In addition to serving as a tachometer and speedo, it’s a Ride Command system so it can provide turn-by-turn nav, controls ride modes, and has Bluetooth connectivity. Its trio of touring basics includes a quick-release windshield, standard leather saddlebags, and floorboards.

While it might be down in displacement compared to others on this list, the Suzuki Boulevard C50T is a more than capable mid-displacement light tourer. With its big fenders, whitewall tires, spoked wheels, and slash cut exhaust, the 2022 Suzuki C50T has all the trademarks of a classic cruiser. Its single shock is tucked neatly away so it looks like a Softail. Suzuki tuned its 805cc V-twin engine to deliver plenty of torque at low rpm. Hop on its studded seat, stuff its saddlebags, stretch out on its floorboards, then settle in behind the tall windscreen on the most affordable light touring motorcycle on the list.

Last but not least on the list is the 2022 BMW R 18 Classic. True, it follows the proven recipe of throwing on a removable windscreen and adding saddlebags and floorboards to a cruiser model. But it does bring the distinctiveness of its 1,802cc boxer to the light touring battle. It also has high levels of fit and finish to go along with its big power. As they say, variety is the spice of life.

In the not too distant past, Triumph offered a touring version of its Rocket III from the factory with a windscreen, floorboards, hard bags, and a small passenger backrest. The closest you’ll get these days is the 2022 Triumph Rocket 3 GT. It’s got a pillion and a height-adjustable brushed aluminum pillion backrest, an extended fly screen, and hidden foldaway passenger footpegs, but that’s all you get. Who needs saddlebags when there are backpacks! Besides, we love its 2,500cc triple so much, we just had to give it an honorable mention.

Related: 2022 Triumph Rocket 3 R & GT 221 Special Edition First Look