There was once a time when touring motorcycles were big, calm, easy-riding motorcycles with a sole focus on comfort for long journeys.
However, things are slightly different today as power, speed, acceleration, and performance have all become important factors in developing excellent touring bikes.
The fun of touring is seeing all the different places on your journey, but sometimes speed is key; whether you want to blast down the highway or get to a ferry crossing at a specific time, having that extra burst of speed can be crucial.
So, here we have gathered together the fastest touring motorcycles on the market.
Yamaha FJR1300ES
- Top Speed – 172 mph
- Max Horsepower – 144 horsepower
- Max Torque – 138 Nm
- Curb Weight – 642 lbs
- MSRP – $18,299
Yamaha’s FJR is the sports tourer with a focus on the ‘sport.’
The 1,298cc inline-four engine is as smooth as they come, with masses of power and torque on tap, which makes for incredible acceleration. The six-speed transmission includes a high sixth gear for comfortable highway riding.
Yamaha has ensured that the FJR is as comfortable as it is powerful, with both the rider and potential passenger in mind.
Ergonomics are adjustable, the windscreen is adjustable, and both rider/passenger seats are plush for long-distance comfort. Heated grips come as standard, along with integrated luggage, to make touring as easy as possible.
The latest model is also loaded with electronic aids such as an assist and slipper clutch, traction control, cruise control, and dual throttle modes: ‘T’ for touring mode and ‘S’ for sport mode.
Simply put, the FJR is a fantastic touring motorcycle while being equally suited to sporty riding, with features developed from Yamaha’s rich history in creating some of the best sports and Supersports ever produced.
Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
- Top Speed – 165 mph
- Max Horsepower – 155 horsepower
- Max Torque – 136 Nm
- Curb Weight – 690.2 lbs
- MSRP – $15,999
The Kawasaki Concours 14 uses the fundamentals of the Ninja ZX-14 supersport and builds a superior touring package on top; what’s not to love?
At the heart of the Concours is the 1,352cc inline-four with Variable Valve Timing which produces more power than you will ever need on the road, along with enough torque for grunt in every gear.
The Concours has a far more friendly riding position than the Ninja, with a spacious seat putting the rider into an upright position, neutral footpegs, and raised handlebars. The passenger also gets a wide seat, although the saddlebags may make things tricky to get on and off.
Like the FJR, the Concours has an electronically adjustable windshield and a range of rider aids to maximize the riding experience.
It also now comes with ABS (Kawasaki’s Advanced Co-Active Braking Technology) as standard for a positive braking experience in all circumstances.
Kawasaki has managed to balance the sporty energy of the Ninja ZX-14 with a competent tourer for the best of both worlds.
Also read our list of the fastest Kawasakis
BMW K1600GT
- Top Speed – 162 mph
- Max Horsepower – 160 horsepower
- Max Torque – 175 Nm
- Curb Weight – 756 lbs
- MSRP – $23,895
BMW is arguably the undisputed King of adventure bikes with the GS line, but they should also have a serious touring line in the form of the K1600 series.
The K1600GT is the Grand Touring version equipped with everything you need for long-distance touring and wrapped in the premium details you can expect from BMW.
Key touring features include an all-new adaptive LED headlight, a 10.25-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity, Shift Assist Pro, plus a whole range of optional additions to make the bike your own.
Choose between the “Dynamic” and “Stylish” versions, an integrated Bluetooth audio system, and other comfort packages.
However, it isn’t all tech with this tourer. Powering the K1600GT is the six-cylinder 1,649cc motor that produces a massive 160 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque.
It doesn’t matter where you are headed with the K1600. It will get you there with ease, gliding smoothly through the miles.
The masses of torque spread across the rev range means acceleration is fast and continues without pause all the way to top speeds or around 160 Mph; not bad for a bike that weighs 756 lbs without counting rider weight and luggage.
Also read our list of the fastest BMWs
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
- Top Speed – 155 mph
- Max Horsepower – 160 horsepower
- Max Torque – 140 Nm
- Curb Weight – 539 lbs
- MSRP – $19,499
When you look at any KTM motorcycle, the word that often comes to mind is ‘BEAST.’ This is largely down to the fact that is how KTM often describe their bikes, from their humble 125 to their Super Duke.
The 1290 Super Adventure also fits that description, as it uses the same beastly engine as the 1290 Super Duke. It is just tuned slightly differently for a more suitable road riding experience.
Admittedly, the key is in the name that the model is an Adventure motorcycle. However, some of the best long-distance touring motorcycles are Adventure bikes. They are built rugged for the long haul over all terrain and share much of the same ergonomics as standard touring motorcycles.
The 1290 Super Adventure is no exception. It is rugged, practical, technically advanced, and in this case, loaded with an engine known for its impressive performance.
There isn’t too much you could ask for if you are looking for a fast bike to carry you, your passenger, and all the luggage some distance.
Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
- Top Speed – 155 mph
- Max Horsepower – 170 horsepower
- Max Torque – 125 Nm
- Curb Weight – 573 lbs
- MSRP – $29,995
For the same reason as the KTM Super Adventure, we have to include the Ducati Multistrada in our list, especially as the flagship adventure bike is fitted with the V4 Granturismo engine pushing out 170 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.
It is a Ducati, so obviously, it is pretty fast, but the Multistrada is much more than that and lends itself to be a competent long-distance touring bike.
Maintenance has been considered for long distances, with oil changes every 9,000 miles and valve clearances every 37,000 miles. Ducati has also developed a heat transfer system to direct hot air away from the rider for maximum comfort.
Riding two-up has also been thought about with a longer passenger seat and the case attachments widening the space, allowing the passenger more room for those small movements as you ride along.
Heated grips, heated seats, power modes, easy suspension adjustments, and well-designed ergonomics are also features that have been carefully considered for the long-distance rider.
Also read our list of the fastest Ducati motorcycles.
Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT+
- Top Speed – 150 mph
- Max Horsepower – 136 horsepower
- Max Torque – 99 Nm
- Curb Weight – 498 lbs
- MSRP – $13,799
Next up on our list of fast-touring motorcycles is the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT+.
Using the blueprint of the iconic GSX-R, the GSX-S1000 is locked and loaded with all the racing DNA from its sibling, but it is housed in a more suitable street riding package, and the Grand Tour Plus is the version for comfortable, long-distance touring.
It won Rider magazines Motorcycle Of The Year for 2022, so why is it considered so great?
Well, it has all the power of a championship-winning sportsbike in a lightweight, nimble chassis, built to accommodate the rider in the most comfortable fashion with plenty of practical features as standard and more optional extras available as needed.
Some standout details include full fairing for wind protection, Suzuki Clutch Assist System, 6.5” TFT display, Suzuki’s mySPIN App connectivity, top-of-the-line suspension, and Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System.
While the GSX-S1000 has a slightly lower top speed than the Yamaha and Kawasaki, it does pack a punch with all similar features and comes in with a lower price tag offering excellent value for money.
Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
- Top Speed – 144 mph
- Max Horsepower – 117 horsepower
- Max Torque – 93 Nm
- Curb Weight – 485 lbs
- MSRP – $14,999
The Tracer 900 GT has received a brand new 890cc liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder engine. Yamaha claims an increased combustion efficiency of 9% and increased fuel efficiency by 49%.
It isn’t just the engine that has been overhauled, but the model has received a new lightweight frame developed for sporty and comfortable riding.
At 485 lbs, the Tracer 9 is the lightest option on our list, and the power-weight ratio is pretty impressive. The bike produces 117 horsepower, 93 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 144 mph; this isn’t a slow-going ride unless you want it to be.
Yamaha has done all it can to keep riders on the road longer with comfort features like an adjustable windscreen, heated grips, and a spacious riding position with natural ergonomics.
Sure, it is technically another adventure bike, but the same functionality of the Tracer 9 means it is a very competent touring motorcycle and a pretty quick one at that.
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT
- Top Speed – 137 mph
- Max Horsepower – 147 horsepower
- Max Torque – 128 Nm
- Curb Weight – 529 lbs
- MSRP – $19,100
The Triumph Tiger has been a staple in Triumph’s lineup for quite a while now, and it is the model that gives the BMW GS series the most competition.
However, the Tiger line is now more expansive than ever, with multiple options to suit different riding situations. For the ‘Ultimate Road Tour,’ the 1200 GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer are up there, and for the ‘True Off-Road Adventure,’ you should look at the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
The 1200 GT is a very agile, sporty, comfortable, capable motorcycle that pairs comfort with performance which is the ultimate combination for long-distance riding.
The model is loaded with features from the get-go, such as a 7” TFT display, ABS, and Traction Control, but you can also browse Triumph’s extensive catalog for accessory options to tailor the bike to suit you.
Honda Gold Wing
- Top Speed – 130 mph
- Max Horsepower – 90 horsepower
- Max Torque – 138 Nm
- Curb Weight – 804 lbs
- MSRP – $25,600
Regardless of anything, this list wouldn’t be worth anything if it didn’t include the ultimate tourer, the Honda Gold Wing.
So, the Gold Wing might be slightly down on top speed compared to other bikes on the list, but it does have a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds which isn’t bad at all.
The 1,833cc 6-cylinder engine is a monster packed with torque for grunt in any gear and enough power for every road-going situation you could find yourself in.
Honda has given the latest generation of Gold Wing a makeover, it is now something akin to a futuristic rocket, but it is still pretty cool and as practical as ever.
If you opt for the Gold Wing Tour, you get a complete set of luggage, including a trunk that doubles as a passenger backrest with a plush seat and headrest.
The Gold Wing is loaded with everything a rider could need for a tour plus some extras; it is the Gold standard of touring motorcycles for a reason.
Also read our list of the fastest Honda motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST
- Top Speed – 130 mph
- Max Horsepower – 103 horsepower
- Max Torque – 168 Nm
- Curb Weight – 814 lbs
- MSRP – $29,999
If we can include a series of adventure bikes in our fast touring list, then it only makes sense to have one of the greatest cruisers from Harley Davidson.
The engine boasts 117 cubic inches of displacement. It is tuned for high performance and produces an impressive 168 Nm of torque, which in turn creates very fun acceleration.
The Street Glide ST is one of Harley’s best-looking touring bikes, retaining an aggressive style while being practical.
Read: Street Glide vs Road King
As with any HD motorcycle, customizing it is almost standard procedure, and with the Street Glide, you have a host of options for rider aids, including Cornering ABS and Drag Torque Slip Control.
Check it out on Harley-Davidson