The Best Touring Motorcycles of 2023

Why We Picked It:

Although it is getting a little long in the tooth the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager is still a solid platform from which to enjoy a long-distance excursion.

Under the proverbial hood, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager boasts a 1700cc SOHC dual cooled (both liquid and air) 52-degree V-twin engine that produces 72.5 crank HP and 100 lb-ft of crank torque. The outputs are smaller than some of the others on this list, but power isn’t everything. This isn’t a sports bike. But what it lacks in outright performance, it makes up for in features.

Aside from the impressive front fairing and large windscreen, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager also features advanced unified ABS brakes, electronic self-adjusting throttle valves, electronic cruise control, a comprehensive audio, and radio system, integrated intercom compatibility, and of course, spacious integrated luggage and stowage compartments. If you’re going to tackle a transcontinental route, the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS won’t let you down.

Why We Picked It:

Purists may disagree with this listing, and that’s fine. We’re in two minds about where to put this. The 2023 BMW R1250 RT is definitely a touring motorcycle, but it does have some sports touring DNA in there. Still, we’re including it because it has just been recently updated, and it’s a great choice for cross-country road riding. Whether you agree with its inclusion or not, there’s no denying that the 2023 BMW R1250 RT is more than up to the task.

Using BMW’s instantly recognizable boxer-twin engine, the R1250 RT’s 1,254cc motor produces a fantastic 136 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, in what can only be described as a sporty-looking touring package. Despite the impressive performance, we still say that this leans towards the touring segment rather than the sports touring segment, and our reasoning is based on the included extras.

Featuring cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, hill-start control, a tall windscreen, and front fairing, plus integrated hard luggage, the BMW ticks all of the right boxes for relaxed long-distance riding. It just so happens that you can let loose in the corners too.

Why We Picked It:

How BMW designers are able to have two such wildly different yet epic touring bikes is beyond me, but they do, and I love it.

The 2023 BMW R 18 Transcontinental is retro-modern at its finest. With the bulging 1802cc Boxer engine on display between your knees, BMW has added the touring gear needed for pure comfort while logging endless miles. The large front fender and the striking front end with both auxiliary headlights form the starting point for the elegant streamlined design. The 6.3-gallon tank, wind deflectors, floorboards, and the top case with backrest for the passenger complete the clearly defined look.

Here is an example of the retro-modern awesomeness I am talking about. Fitted below a very traditional set of gauges you will find a stunning modern 10.25” TFT display showing everything from map navigation to vehicle data and your playlist.

The list of cool items on the R18 Transcontinental is long, and the 116 lb-ft of torque is strong, but the Option 719 Galaxy Dust Metallic/Titan Silver 2 Metallic paint is simply drool-worthy.

Why We Picked It:

The 2023 BMW K1600 range has plenty of models worthy of this list. The K1600B, for example, is a really nice bike. But when it comes to serious road touring, the Grand America would be our weapon of choice. It’s got the bags, it’s got the backrest, and it packs a powerful punch from an enormous engine: everything a good touring motorcycle needs.

The secret to the BMW’s success is its large 1,649cc inline-six engine. If you’re looking for power, it’s got plenty of it, with 160 horsepower on tap along with 129 lb-ft of peak torque. It’s a fast-mover, and despite its bulk, it has a lot of sporting DNA. Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro, and cruise control are just some of the top features that come as standard.

There’s more though. What we really like about the K1600 Grand America are the other details, such as the reverse assistant function, electronic suspension adjustment system, advanced audio system, and touring practicalities like seat heating, hard luggage, and high windscreen. For 2022 BMW has offered this incredible 719 Midnight edition, with a paint scheme that needs to be seen up close to truly appreciate.

Why We Picked It:

And now for something completely different. Alright, only a little different, the 2023 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited! I have shared more than a few times just how important a role Can-Am has played in bringing the joy of riding to many who otherwise would not be able to manage the weight and balance of a standard two-wheeled bike, and those who simply love the fantastic riding experience the Spyder presents.

The Spyder RT Limited is powered by the same European-made 1,330cc Rotax ACE triple-cylinder engine found in the rest of the Spyder range. It produces a total of 115 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the rear wheel via a semi-automatic gearbox, and kept in line with advanced stability control, traction control, dynamic power steering, and ABS.

Other cool features include touring floorboards, an adjustable electric windshield, premium LED headlights, BRP’s six-speaker audio system, and BRP Connect app integration.

Why We Picked It:

Harley’s Ultra Limited isn’t new for 2023. The 2022 model will carry over with new colorways, but we still think it’s worthy of a mention. It’s one of the most advanced touring models in the Harley-Davidson stable, with plenty of bells and whistles, tour-ready accessories, tour-focused performance, and a price tag that reflects those qualities.

Under the hood, the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited features a big 1,868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine. It’s a big engine that produces a serious 114 lb-ft of torque. The sophisticated engine is complemented by class-leading components, such as Brembo Reflex ABS brakes, electronic cruise control, responsive suspension, heated grips, and a Boom Box GTS infotainment system.

And if you really care about the way your motorcycle is styled, you’ll be pleased to learn that the 2022 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited is available in no less than 8 different color options. The paint scheme is hardly a deal-breaker, but when you’re forking out just under $30k for a motorcycle, you want it to be in the right color.

Why We Picked It:

Long Live The King! That is pretty much the sentiment when discussing the 2023 Honda Gold Wing, as for many the Wing is the Gold Standard for what a great touring bike is.

The heart of the Gold Wing for the last 20+ years has been the 1833cc six-cylinder engine that produces 126 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Yes, those numbers seem rather mundane, but the delivery is incredibly smooth and combined with an automatic 7-speed transmission it is completely unique in the world of Touring bikes. Many have offered up the trivial argument of how they would never want a bike without a clutch, then they ride the Wing. It has made many many converts of former die-hards to the manual way of riding.

When it comes to features, again Honda seems to always be out front leading the way with rider aids that both make perfect sense and add luxuries not before seen. The one key feature I am still stunned has not become far more mainstream is an airbag. Honda has led the way with this technology and is still the only touring bike to offer this level of safety equipment.

It is clear that the Wing no longer tops the individual checkboxes when it comes to specs, but the sum of the parts is where the Goldwing truly shines. Honda knows exactly what they are doing when it comes to building an epic touring bike.

Why We Picked It:

The all-new 2023 Indian Pursuit takes aim at the top bikes in the luxury touring arena. It’s a dominating machine that draws power from Indian’s acclaimed 1,768cc PowerPlus V-twin engine. With a power output of 120 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of peak torque, the Pursuit has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Based off the popular Indian Challenger, the Pursuit shares the same performance-oriented design concept.

What makes the Pursuit an ideal touring machine is the level of technology installed. Starting with the lightweight aluminum frame integrating the 111″ engine as a stressed member, the backbone of the Indian is very rigid, although not quite the lightest machine in the class, it is on the lighter side of average. The suspension package is more sporty than I expected, with a 43mm upside-down front fork and an electronically adjustable fox mono-shock. Adjustments to the suspension settings are easily made via the touch screen display. Bringing this big touring bike to a halt are the 4 piston Brembo brakes with lean angle ABS.

Indian has made sure the Pursuit has every bell and whistle you could ever hope for from heated seats and power windscreen to the powerful 200-watt audio system with Apple Carplay.

Why We Picked It:

If you want to buy a tourer on the strength of its looks alone, then the 2023 Indian Roadmaster is a tough candidate to beat. It looks great, but it also performs even better. This legendary American cruiser offers big power, high technology, and one of the most enjoyable riding experiences out there. If we were ranking the models in this list, there’s a high chance that this would be in the top three.

Drawing power from Indian’s famous air-cooled V-twin Thunderstroke 116 engine, the Roadmaster produces 92 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered via a smooth six-speed gearbox, and kept under control with selectable riding modes, cruise control, advanced ABS, and Indian’s cool rear-cylinder deactivation system. Add in RideCommand infotainment, a 22-watt audio system, heated seats, practical bags, and more, and you’ve got a serious touring machine.

Aside from the standard model mentioned here, the 2022 Indian Roadmaster is available in the Roadmaster Dark Horse, and the Roadmaster Limited. They’re all seriously impressive touring machines…but they are also very expensive touring machines, so keep that in mind before you fall in love too deeply.

Why We Picked It:

In the world of Harley Davidson, the CVO models are the absolute best of the best and the 2023 CVO Road Glide Limited is exactly that. The best Harley Davidson has to offer.

Powered by the 117″ version of the Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin, it puts down 126ft. lbs of torque, with the classic throbbing pulse you would expect. Harley is content to let the others fight it out on the spec sheet for peak horsepower or slightly improved sporting nature, this bike is the antithesis of all that. Riding a CVO Road Glide Limited is about consuming mile upon mile of asphalt in total comfort and style.

The CVO editions have every single option that matters, and a look that no one else can touch. No other manufacturer paints a bike like a CVO Harley Davidson. Bright orange, black and green flames, midnight blue... the color options are limited, but each and every one of them looks amazing on the bike. This effect is doubled with the engine being "blacked out" with only the cooling fins on the pistons left as exposed steel