10 Biggest Touring Motorcycles For Cross Country Rides

Motorcycles symbolize the ultimate sense of freedom, and touring motorcycles elevate this by equipping riders with the necessary tools to fully enjoy the open road. These bikes are available in diverse styles, each providing distinct benefits tailored to individual preferences and touring needs. Speaking of which, for enthusiasts dreaming of embarking on a cross-country journey, a big touring motorcycle is the perfect partner. Especially, if your trip involved endless highways and sometimes a passenger. These offer several undeniable advantages that can transform long-distance rides from an endurance test into a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Ultimately, choosing the right motorcycle for your cross-country adventure depends on your priorities. If comfort, power, and extensive amenities are high on your list, then you need a big touring motorcycle, which is precisely what we want to help you with. So check out the biggest touring motorcycles on the market and get ready to plan your next long haul.

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. The touring bikes on this list have been arranged based on their weight, starting with the lowest, and advancing to the highest.

10 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST

Weight: 838 Pounds

For those contemplating cross-country rides and seeking to do so with a mighty cruiser underneath, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST stands unrivaled. As an enhanced version of the CVO Road Glide, it boasts increased power, a contemporary design, comfortable ergonomics, and state-of-the-art features. It is outfitted with a new Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine that delivers 127 horsepower and an impressive 145 pound-feet of torque. Priced at $42,999, it’s not just the priciest touring motorcycle on the list but also the most potent factory-produced bagger Harley has offered to date. Therefore, this 838-pound machine is an outstanding choice for folks who want performance and luxury.

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson

9 Indian Challenger Elite

Weight: 840 Pounds

If the CVO Road Glide ST appeals to you aesthetically and ergonomically, but its price does not, consider the Indian Challenger Elite as an excellent alternative. After all, it offers a significant $4,500 saving! Despite a marginal increase in weight by two pounds and a slightly lower power output, the Challenger is much better equipped for the long haul. It boasts a robust 1,770cc, liquid-cooled V-twin engine that delivers 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, ensuring a thrilling experience with every twist of the throttle. Moreover, the flagship bagger adds a touch of exclusivity with its limited production run. Not to highlight, it excels in nearly everything you can ask for, from high performance and supreme comfort to modern style and comprehensive touring amenities.

Performance Specification

Source: Indian

8 Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT

Weight: 853 Pounds

When it comes to cross-country touring, reliability is paramount, and the Honda Gold Wing Tour sets the standard with its unmatched Japanese durability and effortless luxury. It is powered by a 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that delivers 125 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque, renowned for its smooth operation and robust power. Available in three models, it offers a classic six-speed manual or a cutting-edge seven-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The top-tier Airbag Automatic DCT model is priced at $33,000 and includes advanced technology like the exclusive motorcycle airbag. Additionally, its DCT automatic transmission comes with Walking Mode and Cruise Control features, elevating the long-distance riding experience with unparalleled convenience. For those who prefer manual control, the manual variant is available starting at $28,700.

Performance Specification

Source: Honda

7 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

Weight: 895.2 Pounds

Tipping the scales at 895.2 pounds, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager stands as the heavyweight champion cruiser of the Vulcan series. It fuses the classic American cruiser aesthetic with a blacked-out engine and distinctive chrome accents, creating a bold and striking road presence. Propelling this giant is a robust 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that delivers 82 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque.

Not only does it offer the dependability needed for cross-country cruising, but it’s also the most budget-friendly, fully-equipped touring motorcycle on the list, with a starting price of $19,799. Despite its affordability, it doesn’t skimp on features, boasting the advanced Kawasaki Air Management System, an onboard audio system, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT) ABS, and electronic cruise control.

Performance Specification

Source: Kawasaki

6 Indian Roadmaster

Weight: 909 Pounds

The Indian Roadmaster is another heavyweight contender in the touring motorcycle segment, known for its luxurious comfort, powerful engine, and classic style. It’s considered one of the premier heritage tourers available, boasting a curb weight of 909 pounds and combining stunning old-school charm with modern technology. At its heart is a 1,890cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine that produces 92 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque.

It is equipped with hard saddlebags and a spacious trunk, providing ample storage space for long touring trips. Starting at $34,499, the cruiser is equipped with 12 speakers distributed across the fairing, saddlebags, and trunk, complemented by a 7-inch touchscreen display with Ride Command. Completing the package are the heated and cooled seats, alongside heated grips.

Performance Specification

Source: Indian

5 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited

Weight: 917 Pounds

Weighing in at 917 pounds, the Ultra Limited is one of Harley’s most popular touring models designed for serious road trip enthusiasts. Just like the Indian Roadmaster, it embodies the classic American touring style, with a focus on comfort, power, and long-distance capability. What sets it apart is its rider and passenger comfort, thanks to its upright riding position, floorboards, and tall windscreen.

The boldly styled, vented signature batwing fairing protects you from wind, while the comfortable passenger seat comes with a backrest. Meanwhile, the Tour-Pak luggage carrier has room for both riders’ helmets. Powered by a proven Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine producing 93 horsepower and 122 pound-feet, the Ultra Limited delivers ample on-demand power and the iconic Harley sound. Starting at $32,499, this touring model is packed with all the necessary features for both rider and passenger to have the most pleasant long-distance journey.

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson

4 Indian Pursuit Elite

Weight: 917 Pounds

There is very little to fault with the Indian Pursuit Elite. Elite models are fully equipped straight from the factory, featuring custom-inspired designs, limited edition paint schemes, distinctive badges, and unique engine finishes. Moreover, all essential technology and audio systems for enhanced comfort come standard, including the powerful PowerBand audio system, a 7-inch touchscreen with Ride Command, and adaptive LED lighting. The massive cruiser, tipping the scales at 917 pounds, is powered by a 1768cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine with a bronze chrome finish, delivering 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. All in all, it redefines luxury touring by delivering high performance for effortless cross-country cruising.

Performance Specification

Source: Indian

3 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

Weight: 932 Pounds

If you prefer modern design aesthetics over the Ultra Limited’s old-school charm, Harley’s got you covered with the Road Glide Limited. It not only features a Shark Nose fairing but also provides additional comfort and storage. The frame-mounted fairing includes triple split-stream vents to minimize buffeting at highway speeds and sleek yet spacious Tour-Pak luggage provides enough storage space if you decide to extend the trip. Additionally, the Road Glide is powered by the same Twin-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 as the Ultra Limited. So as a whole, it offers a modern interface experience with a contemporary look and functionality, coupled with exceptional features specifically designed for the long haul.

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson

2 BMW R 18 Transcontinental

Weight: 942 Pounds

The R18 Transcontinental is the heaviest two-wheeled motorcycle on the list, weighing 10 pounds more than the Road Glide Limited. It is a fully equipped grand touring variant of the simple R 18 that includes a large front fairing, a gigantic windscreen, hard saddlebags, and a top case with a passenger backrest. The BMW R 18 series is available in five trims, with the Transcontinental as the flagship model starting at $23,995. All variants are equipped with a 1,802cc Boxer-twin engine, delivering 91 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque. The power kicks in at a low 2,000 RPM and is transmitted to the rear wheel through an exposed driveshaft. Quite unique for a segment otherwise dominated by belt-driven transmissions.

Performance Specification

Source: BMW

1 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra

Weight: 1,237 Pounds

Embarking on a cross-country adventure on a heavy cruiser can often detract you from enjoying the surroundings due to the constant effort required to maintain balance. If this is something you’ve faced, consider going the trike way. After all, a third wheel not only improves stability and minimizes the need for continuous balancing but also increases comfort.

The Tri-Glide Ultra is a prime example of such a machine, equipped with almost everything necessary for a comfortable ride along the highway for extended periods. It is powered by a 1,868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 twin-cooled V-twin engine that produces 93 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque, ample for cruising highways with luggage and a passenger. The extra wheel and different drivetrain result in a whopping 1,237-pound heft, though. But hey, at least you don’t have to balance it, right? Not to mention, Harley has thrown in some nifty technologies to make your life easier aboard the trike.

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson