10 Most Powerful Touring Motorcycles In 2024

Summary

• Dedicated touring motorcycles offer superior comfort, safety, performance, and reliability for long-distance riding. They provide an unmatched blend of features and are designed for endless highways.
• The top ten most powerful touring motorcycles in 2024 across various segments have been compiled based on their horsepower. From classic cruisers to sporty adventure bikes, there is something for everyone in the market.
• The motorcycles on this list offer a range of prices, starting from $19,890 up to $42,999. Whether you’re looking for a classic American cruiser, a luxurious tourer, or a powerful sports tourer, there is a motorcycle for every budget and preference.

The touring segment has been one of the most popular categories in recent years. And for good reason, as it offers the ultimate freedom on two wheels for riders seeking excitement on the open road. However, with luggage accessories readily available in 2024, you can go touring on almost any modern motorcycle with enough power to maintain freeway speeds. Then, what’s the importance of a dedicated touring motorcycle? Well, it can provide an unmatched blend of superior comfort, safety, performance, and reliability, taking long-distance riding to the next level.

Additionally, these motorcycles are designed to provide the best performance, handling, and features for endless highways. Whether you prefer a classic cruiser, a sporty adventure bike, or a dedicated off-road ADV, there is something for everyone in the market. Since scouring the spec sheets can easily get intimidating, we are here to make your life easier with this list of top ten most powerful touring motorcycles in 2024 across various segments.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers’ official websites and reputed online websites like hotcars.com, and zeroto60times.com. The motorcycles on this list have been arranged based on their horsepower, starting with the lowest, and advancing to the highest horsepower.

10 Classic Cruiser: Indian Pursuit Limited

Horsepower: 122 HP

If you are looking for a classic American cruiser for comfortable long-distance highway cruising in 2024, the Indian Pursuit Limited is one of the finest options. With a starting price of $34,999, it provides everything a rider needs for comfort, from electronically adjustable suspension and riding modes to heated seats and a fantastic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Additionally, this 912-pound mammoth is powered by a liquid-cooled, 108-cubic-inch PowerPlus V-twin engine that generates 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. This can propel it to a top speed of 125 mph. Overall, the Pursuit is ideal for those seeking a fully loaded, cutting-edge, and sophisticated tourer that reflects the chromed-out iconic American powerhouse.

Performance Specification

Source: Indian, zeroto60time.com

9 Effortless Luxury: Honda Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT

Horsepower: 125 HP

The Honda Gold Wing has dominated the touring segment for the past five decades, and the newest 2024 edition continues to serve as the gold standard for luxurious cruising. It is powered by a 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that is known for its smoothness and power. Additionally, it’s available in three models, with the option of a conventional six-speed gearbox or the advanced seven-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The one with DCT transmissions has a Walking Mode, which allows you to creep forward or backward at walking speed by just twisting the wrist. None of its rivals offer this sort of creature comfort.

With a starting price of $29,700, the Gold Wing automated DCT continues to be a popular choice among riders looking for a proven, stylish, automated, and reliable tourer for long-distance riding.

Performance Specification

Source: Honda, zeroto60time.com

8 Fastest Bagger: Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST

Horsepower: 127 HP

For 2024, Harley-Davidson expanded its CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) series with the ravishing CVO Road Glide ST. It’s an upgraded version of the CVO Road Glide with more power, modern design, and cutting-edge features. Thus, for riders looking for an epic blend of thumping performance and comfort from their cruiser, the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST is an excellent option.

This powerful bagger not only has a modern design but also has perfect ergonomics, including a comfortable seat that supports an upright riding position. It comes equipped with a new 1,982cc Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine that delivers 145 pound-feet of torque, making it Harley’s most powerful factory-produced bagger to date. However, it is the most expensive touring motorcycle on the list, starting at $42,999. So prepare to empty your pockets.

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson

7 Robust Globetrotter: BMW R 1300 GS

Horsepower: 136 HP

BMW is known for producing premium motorcycles that are extremely robust and powerful. And its all-new R 1300 GS incorporates takes the flame forward for 2024. The GS encapsulates all the renowned off-road qualities of the legendary R 1250 GS while packing a punch that takes performance to new heights. The flagship ADV is sleeker and leaner in its newest form, with better ride quality and sturdy construction to handle every kind of terrain.

Additionally, with a 1,300cc boxer engine producing 145 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, it can reach speeds of up to 140 mph. Also, the Bavarian motorcycle manufacturer has packed the ADV with an extensive list of cutting-edge features that ensure comfort on long trips. So, all you need to do is pack everything and just hit the road without any worry about what lies ahead.

Performance Specification

Source: BMW

6 Off-roading Beast: Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer

Horsepower: 147 HP

Triumph offers the Tiger 1200 in two variants: the GT is the ultimate road-focused adventure offering, while the Rally focuses on off-road character and abilities. The latter is the top-tier ADV from the brand designed to conquer the most difficult off-road terrains while effortlessly munching long-distance trips.

It is propelled by a 1,160cc T-Plane triple engine that generates 141 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, providing enough power to tackle challenging terrain and scale steep slopes. Additionally, it comes with a rear-mounted radar system that includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Change Assist. At a starting price of $24,695, the Rally Explorer is an excellent ADV for off-road adventure from the British marquee.

Performance Specification

Source: Triumph

5 Premium Bagger: BMW K 1600 GTL

Horsepower: 160 HP

Nothing beats the BMW K 1600 GTL if you’re looking for a heavyweight premium tourer to hit the highways with a pillion rider. It’s a more powerful alternative to the somewhat tamed Gold Wing, courtesy of its baffling 1,649cc six-cylinder in-line engine that generates 160 horsepower and 132.7 pound-feet of torque.

With respect to handling, it provides excellent agility and ride comfort thanks to BMW’s top-shelf rider aids and electronic suspension adjustment. Additionally, you get a 10.25-inch color TFT display, heated seats and grips, keyless start, and an integrated audio system as standard. The BMW K series’ flagship tourer also provides ample luggage and passenger space, as well as customizable comfort levels for a pleasant ride.

Performance Specification

Source: BMW, zeroto60time.com

4 Ultimate Performance: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Horsepower: 175 HP

For those who prioritize raw power, nimble handling, and speed over comfort and practicality, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a strong contender. KTM introduced the GT model in 2017, as the ultimate high-performance sports tourer sibling of the rampant 1290 Super Duke. The 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine from its naked sibling is tuned to produce 175 horsepower and 104 pound-feet of torque, allowing for blistering acceleration and effortless highway cruising. With a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, it comes very close to superbike levels of performance too.

All this while, the GT remains a surprisingly comfortable long-distance beast, thanks to perfect ergonomics that sit between sporty and upright. At a starting price of $21,999, the Super Duke GT is an extremely attractive prospect for speed enthusiasts ready to blast to their destination at lightning-fast paces.

Performance Specification

Source: KTM, zeroto60time.com

3 Sportiest ADV: Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

Horsepower: 180 HP

The purpose-built Multistrada V4 RS is the flagship adventure bike in Ducati’s Multistrada range, starting at $37,995. It is the only Multistrada powered by Ducati’s 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine shared with the Streetfighter and Panigale series, resulting in some incredible performance figures. However, it has been tuned to offer low-end power at lower rpm, making the bike more suitable for highway overtaking and acceleration.

Additionally, it includes a comprehensive range of electronics to provide a safe and comfortable ride, including front and rear radar technology as standard. These ensure features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection. Whether you’re looking for excitement on the track or amazing highway adventures, the Multistrada V4 RS raises the joy of riding to new heights.

Performance Specification

Source: Ducati

2 Supercharged Monster: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

Horsepower: 197 HP

The supercharged Ninja H2 SX SE, priced at $28,000, is the sports touring variant of the infamous Kawasaki Ninja H2. It is powered by the same 998cc inline-four supercharged engine that generates 197 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque, helping the bike to reach a near-200 mph top speed. The engine has been tuned to provide maximum power for daily driving while also outpacing nearly everything on the highway.

Additionally, it has specific features such as the Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS), which includes bits like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). With such a package, it is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it is surely Kawasaki’s most advanced sports tourer to date.

Performance Specification

Source: Kawasaki, zeroto60time.com

1 Most Powerful Sport Tourer: BMW M 1000 XR

Horsepower: 201 HP

The most powerful sports tourer out there is the M 1000 XR–BMW’s third M-badged two-wheeler. It’s unlike any other touring bike available in 2024, thanks to epic M performance racing equipment from its racy siblings and exceptional XR capabilities for long-distance touring.

The lightweight sport tourer is powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled ShiftCam inline-four engine with 201 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque, allowing a top speed of 170 mph. Additionally, many standard safety features come standard here, such as Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Automatic Hill Start Control (HSC), Riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and Dynamic Damping Control (DDC). This is topped by a bunch of creature comforts like adaptive headlights, keyless start, adjustable, heated grips, cruise control, and a TFT display. Phew, talk about packed to the teeth!

Performance Specification

Source: BMW