Top 7 Best Adventure Touring Bikes 

Explore the best affordable adventure touring bikes for 2024, designed for long journeys with powerful engines, comfort features, and versatile performance.

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Everyone knows that there are a variety of types of motorcycles out there, but each bike comes in different types, sizes, purposes, and segments. Among these, touring bikes stand out for their popularity and versatility.

Why? These motorcycles have seen tremendous sales growth, driven by their ability to handle various terrains and long journeys. Touring motorcycles are designed explicitly for long-distance road trips, featuring powerful engines, an upright riding position, and ample cargo space for luggage. 

Apart from that, they also usually come with a spacious second seat for passenger comfort. Depending on the model, some manufacturers equip their bikes with amazing comfort features like GPS capability, airbags, big compartments, stereo systems and many more. 

In this article, we’re not just exploring what makes touring motorcycles unique or why they’re beloved by riders. Instead, we’re highlighting the top 7 adventure touring bikes you can get your hands on in 2024. The bike ranked number 7 is particularly special and rare, so stay tuned to find out which one it is.

2022 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro

The 2022 Triumph Motorcycle lineup delivers a significant upgrade in performance, ensuring every ride is an adventure. This lineup features the road-oriented Triumph Tiger 900 GT models and the more off-road-ready Tiger 900 Rally series. Made in Britain, the lineup includes three versions: the Tiger 900 GT, Tiger 900 GT Low (designed with a lower seat height for easier access), and the high-end Tiger 900 GT Pro.

The Tiger 900 GT Pro stands out with its top-notch chassis, offering comfortable and agile handling, powerful triple engine performance, and advanced riding technology to confidently tackle any journey, regardless of distance or destination.

At the peak of the lineup, the GT Pro is equipped with a unique suspension setup, featuring a Marzocchi electronic rear suspension with four preload settings, the My Triumph connectivity system, Triumph Shift Assist, heated seats for both rider and passenger, illuminated switches, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a customisable fifth riding mode.

The premium Tiger 900 GT Pro adds even more ride-enhancing features, making it perfect for urban road adventures, long-distance touring, and everything in between.

Specs

Engine: DOHC, Liquid-cooled, Inline-Three

Displacement: 888cc

Power: 93.9 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 Litre

Seat height: 810 – 830 mm

Bike weight: 200 kg 

Front suspension: Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks, manual rebound and compression damping adjustment, 180mm travel.

Rear suspension: Marzocchi rear suspension unit, electronically adjustable preload and rebound damping, 170mm wheel travel

2014 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 GT 8V

Norge is a tireless traveller and a proven champion, renowned for its reliability and named Tourer Bike of the Year in 2006 and 2007. It’s also a trusted companion for police forces in Italian cities like Milan and Berlin. This updated GT 8V version further cements its reputation as a long-distance touring powerhouse.

However, in Malaysia, it’s rare to spot this type of touring bike on the road. The latest evolution of the “four valve” series engine, along with upgrades in equipment quality and finish, allows the Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V to surpass previous models in terms of performance, comfort, and driving pleasure.

The dual 320mm Brembo front brakes with opposed four-piston callipers provide exceptional stopping power with a smooth, responsive feel. At the rear, a 282mm disc brake with a twin-piston calliper complements the setup. The Norge also features an ABS system, which can be turned off, though it operates so smoothly that there’s rarely a need to bypass its assistance.

Specs

Engine: Type 90° V-shaped Twin Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Air-Cooled

Displacement: 1151 cc

Power: 102 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 Litre 

Seat height: 1,125 mm

Bike weight: 257 kg 

Front suspension: Telescopic hydraulic fork with 45 mm stanchions and adjustable spring preload

Rear suspension: Single monoshock with adjustable rebound and ergonomic dial for setting preload.

2022 BMW R 1250 GS

The BMW R 1250 GS has long been a global icon in the touring bike world, including in Malaysia, and it continues to impress with its new features. The 2022 R 1250 GS features a new LED adaptive headlight that ensures maximum visibility, while added features like seat heating and seven riding modes allow riders to confidently tackle any driving situation.

The bike’s boxer engine delivers outstanding performance with enhanced smoothness at lower speeds. The BMW ShiftCam variable camshaft control further enhances control, providing powerful torque across the entire engine speed range for any riding condition.

Within the BMW Adventure lineup, there are several options. The standard GS is optimized for on-road riding with some light off-road capability, while the Adventure model is designed for more challenging off-road terrains. 

For the 2022 model year, BMW offers numerous configurations, including special 40th Anniversary Editions. The 2022 BMW R 1250 GS comes in four colour choices: Light White, Style Rally Package, Style Triple Black, and the 40 Years GS Edition.

Specs

Engine: Air/Liquid-Cooled 4-Stroke (Boxer) Flat-Twin Engine 

Displacement: 1,254 cc

Power: 136 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 Litre 

Seat height: 850 mm – 870 mm

Bike weight: 249 kg 

Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut

Rear suspension: BMW EVO Paralever and WAD strut w/ spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable shock; 8.7 inches 

2022 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 

The 2022 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT represents the next step in the evolution of sport-touring motorcycles. Who wouldn’t want a lightweight, agile tourer with just the right amount of power?

In recent years, the traditional sport-touring class has shifted from a sportier focus to a more touring-oriented one, with larger engines over 1,000cc and increasing weights. Yamaha, however, has struck the perfect balance with the Tracer 9 GT, blending power, handling, technology, comfort, and styling into one impressive package.

Although the Tracer received a complete overhaul in 2021 and saw a price increase, the enhancements in sophisticated electronic engine management, semi-active suspension, and significantly improved features make it well worth the investment.

The Tracer 9 GT debuted in 2021, replacing the previous Tracer 900 GT model. Yamaha made significant updates to the CP3 engine platform and chassis, elevating its performance capabilities.

The bike also comes standard with four ride modes: Mode 1 for the most aggressive performance, Mode 2 for versatile everyday riding, Mode 3 for smoother power delivery, and Mode 4 for wet weather, all complemented by cruise control for added convenience.

Specs

Engine: DOHC, Liquid-Cooled, Inline-Three

Displacement: 890 cc

Power: 117.3HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 Litre 

Seat height: 82.55 mm 

Bike weight: 220 kg 

Front suspension: 41mm KYB inverted fork, spring preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustable

Rear suspension: KYB shock, spring preload adjustable, electronically adjustable rebound damping

2021 Honda CB500X

Honda’s CB500X shows that adventure can be found everywhere. Light, powerful, and durable, this bike embodies Honda’s “True Adventure” concept while providing accessible performance that makes it perfect for commuting. This is why it’s known as the ‘middleweight adventure-tourer.’

Guided by customer feedback, the CB500X has become more adventurous than ever, featuring a 19-inch front wheel that absorbs bumps, a wide handlebar, and touring-focused elements like a tall windscreen.

Whether you’re navigating city streets, exploring gravel backroads, or tackling dirt trails into the mountains, the CB500X offers a ride that’s both practical and enjoyable.

Specs

Engine: DOHC, 8 valves, Liquid-Cooled Parallel Twin

Displacement: 471 cc

Power: 49.75 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 Litre 

Seat height: 83 mm 

Bike weight: 196 kg 

Front suspension: 41mm conventional fork, nonadjustable

Rear suspension: Single shock, spring preload adjustable

2022 QJ Motor SRT 800

MForce has introduced the 2022 QJMotor SRT 800 to the Malaysian market, positioning it as an adventure tourer. The bike features a ‘TRK’ logo on the seat panel, suggesting it could be marketed as the Benelli TRK 800 in some regions.

As the successor to the Benelli TRK adventure-touring series, the SRT 800 takes design cues from German and Italian adventure bikes. It is powered by a 745 cc parallel-twin engine.

The SRT 800 embodies traditional adventure bike aesthetics, with a tall front end and a substantial 18.5-litre fuel tank. It also boasts a 7-inch TFT-LCD screen for all essential information and LED lighting throughout.

Specs

Engine: DOHC, Inline 2-Cylinder, 8-Valve, Liquid Cooled.

Displacement: 754 cc

Power: 75 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 Litre 

Seat height: 810 mm 

Bike weight: 254 kg 

Front suspension: Adjustable USD fork

Rear suspension: Single shock, spring preload adjustable

2013 Victory Vision Tour

Victory is an American motorcycle company that quickly made a name for itself by producing modern custom bikes that rival the legendary Harley-Davidson. It was inevitable that Victory would eventually launch a touring machine, but few expected something as impressive as the Vision.

Though it boasts contemporary styling, the Vision isn’t a new concept—it was first introduced as a concept bike in 2005. At that time, it was envisioned as an 800cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with an automatic transmission and a bulbous front end that offered storage in place of the fuel tank.

Instead, Victory took a different route, and the Vision became a flagship touring bike powered by a 1731cc air and oil-cooled V-twin engine. The production model, launched in 2008, remains largely unchanged to this day, adhering to the touring bike formula: if it works, don’t change it.

And for the most part, the Vision works exceptionally well. It’s incredibly comfortable, impressively large, and has a distinctive look that sets it apart from Harley-Davidson.

The 2013 Victory Vision Tour is all about comfort. It comes equipped with heated handgrips and seats, with Hi and Lo settings for both the driver and passenger, ensuring a comfortable ride in all weather. The bike also features generous storage, with weather-sealed and lockable side compartments and a spacious trunk that includes a padded passenger backrest and two audio speakers.

Specs

Engine: 4-Stroke 50° V-Twin

Displacement: 1731 cc

Power: 92 HP

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 Litre 

Seat height: 675mm

Bike weight: 368 kg 

Front suspension: Conventional Telescopic Fork, 46 Mm Diameter

Rear suspension: Single, Mono-Tube, Cast Aluminum With Constant-Rate Linkage, air-adjustable