

If you’ve got the wallet for it, the SE+ version includes a mind-boggling array of tech and gadgets but the best feature is the engine and that’s the same whatever model you go for.

A supercharged, 197bhp Kawasaki may not sound like the ideal tool for a bike tour, but that’s exactly what it is. One of the top sports tourers on the market has to be the Kawasaki H2 SX. Sports-tourers share many of the mile-munching attributes of the heavyweights but are a bit more fun on proper roads when you reach your destination with sportier handling (hence the name) and higher ground clearance. The 2017 GT model came fully loaded as standard with adaptive headlights, Dynamic ESA, daytime running lights, ABS Pro, Audio system with GPS preparation, reverse gear (for the first time), Dynamic traction control, hill start control and tyre pressure control. It could be the ideal toy for distance work.Īs is often the case with BMW, the options catalogue for the entire K1600 range is vast, so look out for used examples with plenty of extras added.
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If you fancy something European, you could also consider BMW’s K1600 range, with its 1649cc six-cylinder engine – plus all the mod-cons you would expect, legendary BMW build-quality and a six-pot soundtrack reminiscent of an early-noughties M3.
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Their biggest machines, such as the Road Glide Limited, got a big update for 2020 to include fancy electronics, but they’re not cheap. Spec: 1868cc / 89bhp / 423kg / 735mm seat heightįrom across the pond you’ve got Harley-Davidson, who have arguably been the reigning kings of all things bagger for about 60 years.
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Read our full Honda Gold Wing review hereĢ020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide (£20,000 used - £24,695 new).A base model 'Wing will still set you back £22,399, for instance. If you can’t stomach the £30,699 price tag (2020) of the Gold Wing Tour with DCT and air-bag, there are cheaper versions available, however don’t expect any to be cheap. If you plan on cruising around in a relaxed fashion with lots of luggage and a pillion, a full-dress tourer could be the perfect solution. The pillion provision is incredibly plush and the bike’s high starting weight and flat-six 1800cc engine make carrying large quantities of luggage a cinch. Top-end versions of the Honda Gold Wing over the years have included features from stereo systems to airbags and hot air vents to keep you warm. Heavyweight tourers have large, effortless engines, a sumptuous ride, plenty of room for two people, wardrobes attached to the side and lots of weather protection. Touring isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity and so we haven’t ranked the bikes, but these are among the best touring motorbikes money can buy. Within that, we’ve split the bikes into four rough categories heavyweight, sports, adventure and lightweight. The distinguishing features of a touring bike are generally comfort, good luggage and/or pillion provision and good tank range. While it’s true that you can tour on anything from a superbike to a 125, this list will concentrate on the bikes designed for the job. Touring by motorbike is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you can do on two wheels.
