Touring far away while feeling the breeze is fun, but touring slowly while enjoying the scenery is also nice. We will introduce you to motorcycles that are perfect for "leisurely touring" where you can explore interesting roads, take a break at a cafe, and enjoy the freedom of traveling at your own pace!
What is the best motorcycle for leisurely touring?
Touring is about riding at a leisurely pace while enjoying the scenery. How do you choose the perfect motorcycle for you?
Below are the main features of motorcycles that are suitable for leisurely touring.
Characteristics of the best motorcycles for leisurely touring
1. Motorcycle with Good Footing
A motorcycle with good footing provides excellent stability not only when stopping, but also when repeatedly starting and stopping in town. Especially for female riders and riders of short stature, it reduces anxiety when tipping the motorcycle over, allowing them to enjoy driving with peace of mind and less fatigue even after long hours of touring.
2. Motorcycle with Less Vibration
A lot of vibration makes you more tired. Especially when riding for a long time, the vibration of the motorcycle affects your physical strength. Motorcycles with larger engines tend to have less vibration.
3. Good Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy means you don't have to stop at gas stations as often, so you can enjoy a leisurely ride.
4. The position suits your body
If you have a motorcycle that is easy to ride and you don't get tired even when you're in a riding position, you can enjoy touring at a leisurely pace. Motorcycles that require you to sit upright, such as touring motorcycles and American motorcycles, are suitable for long-distance touring because you sit upright and can enjoy the scenery more easily.
The engine displacement of a motorcycle suitable for leisurely touring
Different engine displacements affect how you enjoy and relax, but whether the engine displacement is large or small, you can enjoy a leisurely tour.
Large engine displacement motorcycles are suitable for long tours. You can ride on the highway, so you can cover distances at a leisurely speed and travel long distances. You don't get tired while riding, so you can feel the wind and relax while riding.
There is less vibration and stability than with small engine displacement motorcycles, and acceleration is smooth, so you can ride with ease.
With a small engine displacement, you may not be able to ride on the highway, but you can feel nature more slowly, be soothed by the scenery, and stop and take a walk at any place that catches your eye.
You can go on small paths that large engines can't go on, and you can park in a small space. It's not as heavy as a large engine displacement motorcycle, so it's easy to handle and has good foot reach, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
A genre of motorcycle suitable for leisurely, relaxing touring
1. Cruiser (American)
A motorcycle with a long, low body and a "low and long" style, with the footrests positioned forward of the seating position. Typical examples include Harley-Davidson and Honda's Rebel. Another feature is the low seat height and easy foot reach. Anyone from beginners to veterans can enjoy leisurely touring.
2. Sports Tourer/Full Cowl Tourer
This motorcycle is specially designed for long distance touring, with a windscreen to reduce wind fatigue, a comfortable seat for long periods of time, a comfortable riding position, and a large capacity tank.
This is the perfect motorcycle for a comfortable and leisurely ride on the highway.
3. Adventure
This motorcycle has touring performance, long-stroke suspension for off-road use, and semi-block tires, making it suitable for touring in a variety of conditions.
4. Mini Bikes
Small engine displacements of around 125-150cc are convenient for city riding and everyday use. You can relax by stopping by shopping or a cafe in the city, take your time looking at the scenery, and enjoy the pleasure of arriving at your destination even if it takes a while.
■15 Motorcycles for Leisurely Touring
●Harley-Davidson [2024 LOW RIDER™ ST]
Source：Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson's LOW RIDER is a sports cruiser inspired by the FXRT that was released in 1986. It is a touring model equipped with a front fairing and side bags.
While it has a low and long Harley-like appearance, it is actually a slim body that is easy to handle, and with its mid-mounted foot controls and upright riding position, it is perfect for leisurely touring.
Length (mm): 2,365
Wheelbase (mm): 1,615
Seat Height (mm): 720
Trail (mm): 145
Vehicle Weight (kg): 327
Engine: Milwaukee-Eight™ 117
Total Engine Displacement (cc): 1,923
Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 18.9
●KTM [1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S]
Source：KTM
The KTM1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is a water-cooled parallel twin-cylinder touring adventure bike with a slim body that can also be used off-road.
The vehicle height is high, but the center of gravity is low, so you can ride with stability. Adaptive cruise control and semi-active rear shock absorbers allow you to ride long distances at a leisurely pace. The wide, adjustable handlebars, handguards, and height-adjustable windshield make high-speed riding comfortable.
Wheelbase (mm): 1557
Seat Height (mm): 849/869
Design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 75° V-type
Dry Weight (kg): 220
Engien Displacement (cm³): 1301
Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 23
●Honda [CB1300 SUPER BOL D’OR]
Source: HONDA Official Website
The CB1300 Super Bol d'Or is a half-cowl naked
motorcycle that gives you the pleasure of riding on winding roads and the thrill of ease at high speeds.
Equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, it is comfortable and smooth to operate. It also has a good foot placement, and an upright, easy-to-ride position. It is equipped with three riding modes: SPORT, STANDARD, and RAIN, making it ideal for enjoying leisurely touring.
Overall Length (mm): 2,200
Overall Width (mm): 825
Overall Height (mm): 1,205
Wheelbase (mm): 1,520
Seat Height (mm): 780
Vehicle Weight (kg): 272
Engine Type: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 4-cylinder
Overall Engine Displacement (cm³): 1,284
Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 21
●HONDA [Rebel 1100]
HONDA's Rebel 1100 is a motorcycle with a thick round pipe frame and swingarm that gives it a sense of weight and strength. The narrow tank creates a beautiful bike and a sense of unity with the rider.
The wheelbase is set to be comfortable for long rides and winding roads. The optimal step position and handlebar width provide a comfortable ride, making it perfect for leisurely touring.
The laid-back front fork angle gives it a cruiser-like style, while the caster angle is set to optimize the amount of trail, ensuring straight-line stability and neutral handling with a banking angle, making it a sporty ride.
Overall Length (mm): 2,240
Overall Width (mm): 850
Overall Height (mm): 1,115
Wheelbase (mm): 1,520
Seat Height (mm): 700
Vehicle Weight (kg): 223
Engine Type: Water-cooled 4-stroke OHC (Unicam) 4-valve in-line 2-cylinder
Engine Displacement (cm³): 1,082
Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 13
●SUZUKI [GSX-S1000GX]
Source：SUZUKI
Suzuki's GSX-S1000GX is a motorcycle that combines the capabilities of a super sports motorcycle with the latest electronic control system to achieve high handling stability and a comfortable ride.
It has the comfort of a sports tourer with an upright riding position and the performance of a sports adventure tourer. In addition to the electronically controlled throttle system, it also has a full range of functions suitable for leisurely touring, such as a bidirectional quick shift system and smart cruise control.
Overall Length (mm): 2,150
Overall Width (mm): 925
Overall Height (mm): 1,350
Wheelbase (mm): 1,470
Seat Height (mm): 830
Equipped Weight (kg): 232
Engine Type / Valve System: DTB1, Water-cooled, 4-cycle, In-line 4-Cylinder / DOHC, 4 valves
Engine Displacement (cm³): 998
Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 19
→Read the full story (JP Website)
See SUZUKI SUZUKI GSX-S1000GX Moto Index Page
See HONDA Rebel 1100 Moto Index Page
See HONDA CB1300SB (Super Bol D'or, CB1300S) Moto Index Page
Information Source. [ MotoConnect ]
