Two-wheelers in India are visualised as sleek roadster bikes or scooters that can easily weave through the congested main roads and crowded streets. However, touring bikes serve as the ideal transport for dusty mountain roads and highways.
Earlier, the production of cruiser bikes worldwide was only limited to companies like Harley Davidson and Royal Enfield in India. Other Indian companies like Bajaj Auto have recently led the mantle to design and manufacture spectacular touring bikes.
The benefit of using a touring bike instead of taking a regular motorcycle is that it provides you with the space and comfort you need to travel long miles without tiring yourself or sustaining fatigue. In addition, the hard saddlebags, windshields, and fairings make them ideal for hitting long rides.
This article will explore the touring bike options that have proven to be the best in 2021. So, let’s begin.
KTM 390 Duke
With a single-cylinder, 373cc engine, the KTM 390 Duke can produce 42.9bhp and 37Nm torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission box and PASC anti-hopping clutch. This sports bike is an excellent choice for long rides in India, including daily commuting.
Keeping the current safety standards in mind, it is no surprise that the bike comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS. Moreover, its maximum fuel capacity is 13.4 L.
The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 has been on the list of best touring bikes for the last two years and has not disappointed its admirers this year either. This stylish beast comes with wide handlebars, cushioned pillion backrest, low height seats, forward footpegs, and classic spoked wheels, making it highly comfortable for long road journeys.
The model has a twin spark, double-valved, oil-cooled engines and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 comes equipped with a single-channel ABS. The bike has a telescopic front suspension with an anti-friction bush and twin-shock absorber rear suspension. In addition to its 13 litres fuel tank, it also stores a 3.8 litres reserve.
Another excellent touring bike offered by the same company is the Dominar 400. It comes with a 373.3 cc liquid-cooled engine capable of providing a maximum torque of 35 Nm and has a slipper clutch. Moreover, the engine comes with a 6-speed gearbox.
It has a Full LED Headlamp. The telescopic front suspension and multi-step adjustable mono-shock rear suspension make it an excellent choice for bumpy terrains. The bike also has a maximum fuel capacity of 13 L. As a result, this is one of the best bikes for long rides.
The KTM RC 390 is known to provide fantastic performance and is ideal for long-distance travel. It comes with a liquid-cooled single-cylinder, 373.2 cc engine. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission box and a mechanically operated PASC anti-hopping clutch. Compared to the rest of the motorcycles in this list, this one has a lower fuel tank capacity, approximately 10L.
Another beautifully styled bike under Bajaj’s Avenger series is the Avenger Street 160. It could also be used on the bustling streets of India as well as the never-ending highways. It comes with a 160 cc, twin valved, air-cooled engine. The fuel capacity is 13 litres, in addition to 3.8 litres stored as a reserve.
Its handlebars are designed for excellent street control. Features like a sporty pillion backrest, black alloy wheels, and a 55/60W headlamp make it one of the best bikes for long rides. This model comes in two colours, namely Ebony Black and Spicy Red.
The type of bike you buy depends heavily on your affordability and needs. In today’s age, the availability of two-wheeler loans has made buying these touring bikes possible for many travellers who aim to buy a bike for touring and daily commute.
