Top 10 Best Touring Bikes in India

Touring bikes are the perfect companions for those who love long rides and exploring new places. In India, several touring bikes are available in different price ranges, offering excellent performance, comfort, and reliability. This article lists India’s top 10 best touring bikes in descending order of their ex-showroom price.

India is a land of diverse landscapes and terrains that are best explored on a motorcycle. Touring on a bike in India can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires a reliable and comfortable machine that can handle long distances and varied road conditions. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best touring bikes in India that offer a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and reliability.

As a passionate rider and avid tourer, I have covered over 70,000 km on my Royal Enfield Himalayan, which I consider the best beginner-touring machine in India. While the average speed on Indian highways is around 80-100 kmph, you can occasionally stretch it to 120 kmph. However, given the dense population and traffic, it is crucial to maintain safe speeds while touring. With that in mind, let’s dive into the best touring bikes in India that can offer you a smooth and comfortable ride on your next adventure.

We also have written other bike articles you can check the best 300cc bikes and 350cc bikes in India.

Touring bikes in India

• Touring bikes, also known as adventure bikes or adventure tourers, are a fast growing segment in the Indian motorcycle market. Sales have grown exponentially from 2018-2022 and are projected to exceed 30,000 units per year by 2019-2020.
• Key players in this segment include Royal Enfield, Hero, Honda, BMW, KTM, Bajaj, and Yamaha who have launched touring bike models in the 250cc to 1200cc range.
• Lower capacity (250-500cc) adventure tourers from Hero, Honda, Bajaj, and Yamaha dominate sales. Royal Enfield’s 411cc Himalayan is the best-selling model, with over 2 lakh units sold.
• Higher capacity (500-1200cc) adventure bikes from BMW, Triumph, Ducati and KTM cater to premium demand. BMW’s R1250GS is the top selling model in this range.

Growth Drivers

• Increasing disposable incomes, leisure riding culture, rising interest in travel and outdoor activities are fueling demand for touring motorcycles that can handle long distances, varied terrain and are comfortable for two-up riding.
• OEMs are targeting growth through new model launches, building adventure riding ecosystems via events, training schools, and promoting off-road sport.
• Improved road infrastructure to remote tourist destinations is also aiding the adventure touring segment growth.

Challenges

• High acquisition and maintenance costs of premium models from BMW, Triumph, Ducati etc limits mass market adoption.
• The Lack of standardized safety regulations for off-road use is an area of concern.
• Environmental concerns around noise and air pollution caused by high displacement engines may impact growth of premium adventure bikes.

In summary, touring bikes are gaining popularity in India driven by rising incomes and interest in travel and outdoor leisure activities. OEMs are targeting growth through new model launches but high costs of premium models pose a challenge. Safety regulations and environmental concerns need to be addressed for sustainable long-term growth of this segment.

Best Touring Bikes

Bike	Engine	Ex-Showroom Price
BMW 1250	1254 cc	Rs 22.45 lakh
Africa Twin	1084 cc	Rs 16.10 lakh
Triumph Tiger 900	888cc	Rs. 13.70 lakh
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT	645 cc	Rs 8.84 lakh
Kawasaki Versys 650	649 cc	Rs 7.08 lakh
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650	648 cc	Rs 2.85 lakh
Royal Enfield Himalayan	411 cc	Rs 2.05 lakh
KTM Adventure 390	373 cc	Rs 3.29 lakh
Honda CB500X	471 cc	Rs 7.00 lakh
Bajaj Dominar 400	373 cc	Rs 2.27 lakh
Hero Xpulse	199cc	Rs 1.18 lakh

1. BMW R 1250 GS – Ex-showroom price: Rs 22.95 lakh

The BMW R 1250 GS is a premium adventure touring bike that offers exceptional performance and comfort. It is powered by a 1254cc engine that produces 136 PS of power and 143 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 200 km/h and weighs 249 kg. It offers a mileage of around 21 km/l. Learn more about BMW R 1250 GS.

Specifications	BMW R 1250 GS
Engine	1254 cc
Power	136 PS
Torque	143 Nm
Price	Rs 22.95 lakh
Top Speed	200 km/h
Weight	249 kg
Mileage	21 km/l

2. Honda Africa Twin – Ex-showroom price: Rs 16.10 lakh

The Honda Africa Twin is a popular adventure touring bike that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is powered by a 1084cc engine that produces 101 PS of power and 105 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 160 km/h and weighs 226 kg. It offers a mileage of around 17 km/l. Learn more about Honda Africa Twin

Specifications	Honda Africa Twin
Engine	1084 cc
Power	101 PS
Torque	105 Nm
Price	Rs 16.10 lakh
Top Speed	160 km/h
Weight	226 kg
Mileage	17 km/l

3. Triumph Tiger 900

The Triumph Tiger 900 offers a powerful 888 cc engine, with 87 Nm of torque and 95 horsepower, providing ample power for long-distance touring. It also features adjustable suspension, a comfortable riding position, and a range of advanced technology and safety features, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium touring experience. Overall, the Triumph Tiger 900 is a premium touring bike with impressive performance and features.

Specification	Details
Engine	888 cc inline-three cylinder
Torque	87 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
Power	95 horsepower @ 8,750 rpm
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs. 13.70 lakh
Top Speed	217 km/h
Weight	192 kg
Mileage	20-25 km/l

4. Suzuki V-Strom Series – Ex-showroom price: Rs. 8.84-9.33 lakhs

The Suzuki V-Strom series also comes in two variants, the V-Strom 650 and the V-Strom 1000. The V-Strom 650 is powered by a 645cc V-twin engine that produces 71 PS of power and 62 Nm of torque. The bike has a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of around 185 km/h. The V-Strom 650 has a kerb weight of 216 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The ex-showroom price of the V-Strom 650 in India starts from around Rs. 8.84 lakh.

The V-Strom 1000, on the other hand, is powered by a 1037cc V-twin engine that produces 107 PS of power and 100 Nm of torque. The bike has a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of around 225 km/h. The V-Strom 1000 has a kerb weight of 233 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The ex-showroom price of the V-Strom 1000 in India starts from around Rs. 14.99 lakh.

Here is a table comparing the specifications of both the V-Strom 650 and the V-Strom 1000:

Specification	V-Strom 650	V-Strom 1000
Engine	645cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin	1,037cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-twin
Power	70 bhp @ 8,800 rpm	99 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	62 Nm @ 6,400 rpm	103 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed
Top Speed	200 km/h	220 km/h
Weight	216 kg	236 kg
Mileage	20-25 km/l	15-20 km/l
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs. 8.84-9.33 lakhs	Rs. 15.15 lakhs

5. Kawasaki Versys Series – Ex-showroom price: Rs Rs. 7.08-7.25 lakhs

The Kawasaki Versys series comes in two variants, the Versys 650 and the Versys 1000. Both bikes are designed for touring and offer excellent performance and comfort for long rides. The Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 68 PS of power and 64 Nm of torque. The bike has a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of around 200 km/h. The Versys 650 has a kerb weight of 216 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. The ex-showroom price of the Versys 650 in India starts from around Rs. 7.08 lakh.

On the other hand, the Versys 1000 is powered by a 1043cc in-line 4-cylinder engine that produces 120 PS of power and 102 Nm of torque. The bike has a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of around 250 km/h. The Versys 1000 has a kerb weight of 255 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. The ex-showroom price of the Versys 1000 in India starts from around Rs. 11.44 lakh.

Here is a table comparing the specifications of both the Versys 650 and the Versys 1000:

Specification	Versys 650	Versys 1000
Engine	649cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel twin	1,043cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four
Power	66.4 bhp @ 8,500 rpm	118.3 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
Torque	61 Nm @ 7,000 rpm	102 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed
Top Speed	180 km/h	250 km/h
Weight	216 kg	255 kg
Mileage	20-25 km/l	15-20 km/l
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs. 7.08-7.25 lakhs	Rs. 11.44 lakhs

6. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – Ex-showroom price: Rs 2.83 lakh

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a classic touring bike that offers excellent value for money. It is powered by a 648cc engine that produces 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 161 km/h and weighs 202 kg. It offers a mileage of around 25 km/l. Learn more about Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Specifications	Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Engine	648 cc
Power	47 PS
Torque	52 Nm
Price	Rs 2.83 lakh
Top Speed	161 km/h
Weight	202 kg
Mileage	25 km/l

7. Royal Enfield Himalayan – Ex-showroom price: Rs 2.08 lakh

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a rugged adventure touring bike that is designed for both on and off-road use. It is powered by a 411cc engine that produces 24.3 PS of power and 32 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 130 km/h and weighs 199 kg. It offers a mileage of around 32 km/l. Learn more about Royal Enfield Himalayan

Specifications	Royal Enfield Himalayan
Engine	411 cc
Power	24.3 PS
Torque	32 Nm
Price	Rs 2.08 lakh
Top Speed	130 km/h
Weight	199 kg
Mileage	32 km/l

8. KTM 390 Adventure – Ex-showroom price: Rs 3.37 lakh

The KTM 390 Adventure is a high-performance adventure touring bike that is designed for the modern rider. It is powered by a 373cc engine that produces 43.5 PS of power and 37 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 160 km/h and weighs 172 kg. It offers a mileage of around 25 km/l. Learn more about KTM 390 Adventure

Specifications	KTM 390 Adventure
Engine	373 cc
Power	43.5 PS
Torque	37 Nm
Price	Rs 3.37 lakh
Top Speed	160 km/h
Weight	172 kg
Mileage	25 km/l

9. Honda CB500X – Ex-showroom price: Rs 7.00 lakh

The Honda CB500X is a versatile adventure touring bike that offers great performance and comfort. It is powered by a 471cc engine that produces 47.5 PS of power and 43.2 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 167 km/h and weighs 197 kg.

It offers a mileage of around 28 km/l. The CB500X is a great bike for riders who want a versatile and comfortable touring experience. Learn more about Honda CB500X

Specifications	Honda CB500X
Engine	471 cc
Power	47.5 PS
Torque	43.2 Nm
Price	Rs 7.00 lakh
Top Speed	167 km/h
Weight	197 kg
Mileage	28 km/l

10. Bajaj Dominar 400 – Ex-showroom price: Rs 2.27 lakh

The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a powerful touring bike that offers great performance and value for money. It is powered by a 373cc engine that produces 39.4 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 156 km/h and weighs 184 kg. It offers a mileage of around 28 km/l. The Dominar 400 is a great bike for riders who want a powerful and affordable touring bike. Learn more about Bajaj Dominar 400

Specifications	Bajaj Dominar 400
Engine	373 cc
Power	39.4 PS
Torque	35 Nm
Price	Rs 2.27 lakh
Top Speed	156 km/h
Weight	184 kg
Mileage	28 km/l

11. [Honourable mention] Hero XPulse 200 – Ex-showroom price: Rs 1.18 lakh

The Hero XPulse, despite being a popular choice for budget-conscious riders in India, may not be the ideal choice for long-distance touring. With its lower engine capabilities and limited power, it may struggle to keep up with other more powerful touring bikes on longer rides. However, it is worth mentioning that many riders in India have used the Hero XPulse for touring, albeit with some limitations. Its affordability and durability have made it a popular choice among budget-conscious riders who may not have the means to invest in more expensive touring bikes. Nonetheless, for those looking to embark on longer touring adventures, a bike with higher capabilities may be worth considering to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable ride.

The Hero XPulse 200 is a capable adventure touring bike that is designed for riders who want a fun and affordable touring experience. It is powered by a 199.6cc engine that produces 18.1 PS of power and 16.45 Nm of torque. The bike has a top speed of 115 km/h and weighs 157 kg. It offers a mileage of around 40 km/l. Learn more about Hero XPulse 200

Specifications	Hero XPulse 200
Engine	199.6 cc
Power	18.1 PS
Torque	16.45 Nm
Price	Rs 1.18 lakh
Top Speed	115 km/h
Weight	157 kg
Mileage	40 km/l

Conclusion:

In conclusion, all of the bikes mentioned in this article are capable touring machines, but some may be better suited for certain riders depending on their experience level and preferences.

As someone who has ridden the Royal Enfield Himalayan for 60,000 km, I can personally attest to its qualities as a beginner-friendly touring bike. Its comfortable seating position, smooth handling, and versatile off-road capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who are new to touring or adventure riding.

For more experienced riders looking for a premium touring experience, the BMW 1250 offers top-of-the-line technology, features, and powerful performance. The Honda Africa Twin is also a great option for adventure-oriented riders, with a balance of power, off-road capabilities, and comfort.

Riders on a budget may find the Hero XPulse and Bajaj Dominar to be solid options, offering good value for their price with decent fuel economy and versatility for both city and touring use.