Touring bikes are different than motorcycles. They have extremely powerful engines and are designed with a much greater focus on ergonomics.
How Much Do You Know?
You’ve finally decided to get a motorcycle. Then, once you get to the dealership, you are shown all the models. Among them are touring bikes. Can you tell what makes them different? Let’s test your knowledge on that.
Just From The Name
Let’s make things easy for you from the get-go—the name “Touring Bikes”. The term immediately sets these motorcycles apart. Unlike cruisers or sportbikes, the name hints at their purpose: Long-distance travel with maximum comfort. When you hear “touring bike”, you know it’s designed to go the distance—no explanations needed.
Before We Get To The Difference, The Similarities
Touring bikes and other motorcycles share several key traits. Like cruisers, touring bikes prioritize rider comfort with relaxed seating and ergonomic handlebars. Sport-touring models, such as the discontinued Kawasaki Concours 14, borrow high-speed stability and cornering prowess from sport bikes that merge comfort with performance for versatile rides.
More Similarities
Another similarity is seen with more motorcycles, especially in the touring and adventure models, which offer ample storage and wind protection. The obvious? Two wheels, two hand grips, and fuel type. Some manufacturers are in the works to develop electric touring motorcycles, but we have yet to see them mass-produced.
Typical Touring Bike Sizes, Weights, And Dimensions
These bikes are among the largest motorcycles available, built for stability and comfort. The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide leads the pack with approximately 780 lbs (as shipped). Another example is the Honda Gold Wing (787 lbs), which measures over 8 feet long and has a commanding road presence.
