Top 7 Luxury Touring Motorcycles That Are Here to Stay

If you think luxury touring motorcycles are all about plush seats, a huge fuel tank, and pretty paint, you’re missing out. 

The best of these high-end machines fuse raw power, razor-sharp handling, and state-of-the-art tech into a riding experience that leaves ordinary touring motorcycles just that—ordinary. The top luxury bikes aren’t weekend toys for pottering around town—they’re engineered to devour miles without sacrificing smiles. 

 In this guide, I’m spotlighting seven luxury touring bikes that have earned their place at the top and show no signs of stepping down. You’ll get more than just spec sheets and marketing fluff; discover real-world insights into what makes these motorcycles the ultimate companions for long-haul adventurers who demand nothing less than the best.

 

 

1. BMW R 1250 GS

Yes, when many think of the top picks in “luxury touring,” adventure tourers typically don’t come to mind. However, the larger BMW GS is more than just an adventure tourer. 

Whether you like the styling or not, the BMW R 1250 GS stands as a benchmark in the luxury touring segment, seamlessly blending versatility, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. 

While it diverges from traditional luxury touring motorcycles, its capability to conquer paved highways and rugged off-road terrains makes it an exceptional choice for riders seeking a premium touring experience without boundaries. We like these so much that we have four available for rent here at MotoCalifornia, along with a BMW R 1200 GS. 

The BMW R 1250 GS is often hailed as the “ultimate adventure machine,” and it’s easy to see why. Its iconic boxer engine, now enhanced with BMW’s ShiftCam Technology, features variable valve timing and lift, providing a smooth and linear power curve. Its 1,254-cc twin-cylinder boxer engine generates 136 horsepower and 105 ft.lb. of torque. The design results in exceptional torque available from low RPMs, making overtaking and tackling steep terrains effortless.

The riding ergonomics are superb, offering an upright seating position that promotes comfort during long stints in the saddle. The adjustable seat height accommodates a wide range of riders, and with optional low seats and suspension lowering kits, even those shorter in stature can feel confident handling the bike. The wide handlebars and thoughtfully placed footpegs allow for easy transitions between seated and standing positions—a crucial feature when navigating off-road trails.

BMW’s Dynamic ESA is a standout feature that automatically adjusts the suspension damping based on riding conditions and load. Whether you’re riding solo with no luggage or fully loaded with a passenger and gear, the bike maintains optimal balance and comfort. The Telelever front suspension minimizes dive under braking, enhancing stability and rider confidence.

The 6.5-inch TFT display is crisp and highly functional. It integrates seamlessly with the BMW Connected App, allowing for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call management. The intuitive interface means less time scrolling through menus and more time focusing on the ride.

What truly sets the R 1250 GS apart is its versatility. It’s a bike that feels just as home on a cross-country highway cruise as it does on a remote mountain pass. The optional aluminum panniers and top case provide ample storage for long journeys, and accessories like engine guards and skid plates offer added protection for off-road excursions.

However, it’s worth noting that the R 1250 GS has a higher seat height and center of gravity than traditional touring bikes, which might be intimidating for some riders, especially in off-camber situations or at low speeds. Additionally, while advantageous, the wealth of electronic features and ride modes may require a learning curve to utilize fully.

Despite these minor considerations, the BMW R 1250 GS remains a top contender for those seeking a luxury touring motorcycle that doesn’t confine them to asphalt. Its combination of advanced technology, comfort, and unparalleled versatility makes it a compelling choice for the adventurer who refuses to compromise on performance or amenities.

Based on sales and the fact that it’s a top rental on Twisted Road, we see no signs of the iconic GS losing its speed as a top luxury tourer. 

2. Honda Gold Wing Tour

When many think of “luxury touring,” the Honda Gold Wing Tour usually tops the list—and for good reason. While it may not share the off-road ability of adventure machines, the Gold Wing Tour has long held court as a benchmark of comfort, performance, and premium touring sophistication. Regardless of whether its styling appeals to you, its reputation as a pinnacle in luxury touring is well-deserved, offering a ride quality and refinement that few can match.

Powered by a 1,833-cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, the Wing delivers incredibly smooth power across the rpm range. Producing 125 horsepower and 125 ft.lb. of torque, it offers effortless passing power at highway speeds and a relaxed behavior when cruising at lower revs. Its flat-six architecture helps maintain a low center of gravity, contributing to stable handling even under full load, and its optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) takes the guesswork out of gear changes, letting you focus on the ride rather than shifting technique.

Rider ergonomics are superb. The seating arrangement and well-sculpted saddle ensure that long distances don’t feel like a chore. Motorcycle passengers enjoy roomy accommodations, too, with ample legroom and comfortable back support. Adjustable windshields and integrated wind deflectors help dial in your personal microclimate, minimizing buffeting and reducing fatigue over extended rides.

The Gold Wing Tour’s suspension is another high point. Its unique double-wishbone front end helps the bike track steadily through corners while easily absorbing road imperfections. Electronic preload adjustments allow you to tailor the ride for varying loads—be it riding solo with minimal luggage, two-up with a full touring kit, or anything in between. The result is a balanced, composed ride that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness or comfort.

On the tech front, Honda’s infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into a crisp, easy-to-read TFT display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility keep navigation, communication, and entertainment at your fingertips, making multi-state journeys feel connected rather than isolated. The integrated luggage system—featuring spacious saddlebags and a top case—ensures you have room for your gear, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition.

The trade-offs? Its bulk and heft may initially feel daunting, especially at parking lot speeds. Some might find that the extensive electronic aids and infotainment features require a bit of a learning curve. But these are minor considerations for what the Gold Wing Tour delivers in return: a controlled and dynamic riding experience that stands as a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess.

For those unwilling to compromise on any aspect of long-distance travel, the Honda Gold Wing Tour remains a marquee choice. Based on its ongoing popularity, there’s every indication that this iconic luxury touring machine isn’t going anywhere. The Honda Gold Wing Tour is tough to top if you’re looking for a top-tier touring bike that masterfully balances creature comforts, cutting-edge tech, and true long-haul capability.

3. BMW K 1600 GTL

The BMW K 1600 GTL sets a benchmark in the luxury touring segment by pairing six-cylinder smoothness with a technology-rich riding experience. Regardless of whether the aesthetics align with your style, it’s a bike that doesn’t just look the part—it owns it, offering a level of sophistication and comfort that few others can match.

Its 1,649-cc inline-six engine produces a generous 160 horsepower and about 132 ft.lb. of torque, delivering an impressively linear power curve that’s as silky as it is strong. Overtakes are effortless, highway cruising is whisper-smooth, and roll-on acceleration is so seamless you’ll forget the bike’s substantial heft. The engine’s refinement translates directly to the rider, reducing fatigue and encouraging longer stints in the saddle.

Riding ergonomics cater to comfort-driven touring enthusiasts. A well-contoured seat ensures both rider and passenger remain relaxed, and the broad fairing and electrically adjustable windshield create a cocoon of calm air, mitigating wind fatigue on multi-state journeys. The bike’s carefully engineered balance and lower center of gravity make its considerable weight more manageable at slow speeds, a key advantage over other luxury models.

BMW’s suspension wizardry comes into play with Dynamic ESA, a system that adjusts damping on the fly to maintain ride quality regardless of road conditions or passenger/luggage load. Combined with an aluminum bridge frame, the setup yields a stable, confidence-inspiring feel in sweeping corners and tight switchbacks. Braking duties are handled with potent ABS-equipped stoppers that perform reliably under all conditions.

On the technology front, the K 1600 GTL shines. A large, high-resolution TFT display provides navigation, audio control, and connectivity features that integrate seamlessly with your smartphone. Rider aids like Hill Start Control and multiple ride modes enhance the touring experience, allowing you to tailor the bike’s character to the road ahead. Integrated luggage offers ample capacity for extended trips, and optional accessories like floorboards and engine guards can fine-tune the bike to your personal touring style.

As with any heavyweight luxury tourer, the K 1600 GTL’s mass can feel imposing for newcomers, and its electronic features might take time to master. But these are small trade-offs for what you gain in return: a supremely comfortable, technologically advanced, and performance-oriented touring platform that’s built to crush serious miles.

Based on its popularity, there’s no sign of the BMW K 1600 GTL relinquishing its spot among the top luxury touring motorcycles. If you’re looking for a bike with relentless power, unparalleled smoothness, and a first-class touring experience, the K 1600 GTL deserves your full attention.

4. Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

Love its bold, all-American styling or not, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited has earned its place among luxury touring heavyweights. It’s a machine that brings genuine comfort, timeless design, and a suite of modern conveniences together in a package that feels distinctly premium.

At its core is the twin-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, producing 122 ft.lb. of torque that’s instantly accessible for highway merges, sweeping passes, and effortless, all-day cruising. The Road Glide Limited delivers the low-RPM grunt that leaves you relaxed rather than wrung out. This big twin’s easy character and balanced feel help mask the bike’s substantial heft, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm mile after mile.

Ergonomics are exactly what you’d expect from a class-leading luxury tourer: a roomy, supportive saddle, well-placed floorboards for shifting your leg positions, and a wide handlebar that offers ample leverage. The unmistakable Sharknose fairing and adjustable wind deflectors carve out a quiet pocket of air, dramatically reducing rider fatigue on longer hauls. Between the comfortable seating position and effective wind management, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how fresh you feel after a full day behind the bars.

Harley-Davidson has stepped up its technology game on the Road Glide Limited. Its Boom! Box GTS infotainment system provides navigation, audio, and connectivity features within a sleek, glove-friendly interface. Rider safety is enhanced by available Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), which include traction control, linked ABS, and electronic aids that inspire confidence in less-than-ideal conditions. Add the generous saddlebag and tour-pack space, and you’ve got all the storage you need for an extended run across the country.

Naturally, a machine of this size and style may feel less nimble in tight spots. Still, these are minor concessions in the face of what the Road Glide Limited offers: a genuinely luxurious, tech-savvy touring experience that doesn’t shy away from Harley’s signature heritage.

The Road Glide Limited has carved a prominent niche in the luxury touring segment. This Harley-Davidson stands ready to deliver the goods for riders who want equal parts tradition, comfort, and cutting-edge convenience in their long-distance journeys.

5. Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour

When many riders envision the pinnacle of luxury touring, their minds don’t always wander to Ducati. But the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour challenges that assumption at every turn. Whether or not its sleek, Italian styling is your preference, there’s no denying that this machine defies old labels, mixing first-class long-distance comfort with performance typically reserved for sportier categories. It’s a bike that confidently stakes its claim in the luxury touring arena.

At the heart of the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour lies the potent 1,158-cc V4 Granturismo engine, delivering around 170 horsepower and 92 ft.lb. of torque. This machine does not simply coasts along highways; it devours them. The smooth yet exhilarating powerband makes overtaking trucks or bounding up steep mountain passes with ease, all while maintaining a level of refinement that keeps you fresh for the next hundred miles. The V4’s inherent balance—combined with Ducati’s engineering built from racing greatness—ensures a ride that’s both spirited and reassuringly composed.

Ergonomics favor comfort, with a slightly upright riding position, supportive saddle, and adjustable windscreen that lets you tailor airflow to your liking. Unlike the cramped geometry of some sport machines, the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour pampers its pilot and passenger, making extended stretches on the open road feel as natural as quick weekend jaunts.

In terms of tech, Ducati held nothing back. Radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection join a suite of electronic rider aids that make long days in the saddle less taxing and far safer. The large TFT display integrates navigation, music, and communication controls so seamlessly that you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Premium panniers and a top case accommodate serious touring gear, allowing you to pack for everything from a coast-to-coast trek to an impromptu scenic detour.

Of course, with its performance-oriented DNA and advanced electronics, there’s a learning curve involved, and some riders might prefer a more traditional luxury tourer’s heft and low-slung grace. However, these are small considerations when weighed against what the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour offers: a brilliantly executed fusion of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and long-haul comfort.

Based on positive reception from dedicated touring riders, especially here in California, it’s clear that the Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour isn’t just a novel entry—it’s a serious contender. For those who crave the excitement of a Ducati and the amenities of a top-tier tourer, it stands ready to redefine what you expect from your next long-distance journey.

6. Indian Roadmaster Limited

The Indian Roadmaster Limited demands a place at the table. Whether or not its distinctive, heritage-inspired design fits your personal taste, there’s no denying that this machine brings serious comfort, capability, and refinement to the conversation. It’s a bike built to elevate your long-distance travels with a blend of old-school swagger and cutting-edge convenience.

Powering the Roadmaster Limited is Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 engine, delivering a heaping serving of 126 ft.lb. torque that turns highway passes and mountainous ascents into effortless endeavors. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, so you’re less concerned about wrestling the throttle and more focused on taking in the scenery. Pair that with a well-balanced chassis, and you’ve got a bike that’s surprisingly poised considering its substantial presence on the road.

Ergonomics lean heavily toward comfort, from the cushioned, two-up seat (complete with heat for cooler rides) to floorboards that let you shift your posture on lengthy hauls. Wind and weather protection come courtesy of a sleek, power-adjustable windshield and a frame-mounted fairing designed to minimize buffet and noise. The result is a pocket of calm air that helps you rack up serious miles without fatigue.

Indian complements these touring basics with an array of modern amenities. The Ride Command infotainment system is intuitive and feature-rich, offering integrated navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone compatibility displayed on a large, glove-friendly touchscreen. Generous saddlebags and a top trunk mean you won’t be forced to pack light, and with remote-locking luggage, your gear stays secure wherever you roam.

Naturally, a bike of this caliber and heft isn’t a flickable sport machine, and its long, low stance caters to highway comfort over back-road agility. Still, these quirks do little to overshadow the Roadmaster Limited’s mission: delivering a premium, cross-country touring experience that marries tradition and technology.

The Indian Roadmaster Limited continues to make its mark among top-tier luxury touring contenders. If you’re seeking a grand touring motorcycle that merges American craftsmanship, plush comfort, and sophisticated tech, this Indian is well worth your consideration.

7. Yamaha Star Venture

Whether its modern, streamlined cruiser aesthetic appeals to you or not, this machine delivers a premium, two-up touring experience packed with comfort, smooth power delivery, and the kind of amenities that turn long rides into something closer to a first-class flight on two wheels.

Central to the Star Venture’s appeal is its air-cooled, 1,854-cc V-twin engine, offering 126 ft.lb. of torque that’s readily available to keep you rolling over long highways and up steep grades with effortless ease. That’s more than the Harley or Indian above! Its power delivery is silky and even, making it easy to settle into a relaxed cruising rhythm that reduces fatigue. Thanks to a low center of gravity and well-balanced chassis, the Star Venture belies its size by feeling surprisingly manageable at slow speeds and stable on the open road.

Ergonomically, Yamaha set out to create a living room on wheels. The deeply contoured seats and wide floorboards prioritize comfort for both rider and passenger, while an adjustable windscreen and well-crafted fairing carve out a calm, quiet bubble of air. Hours pass easily, and the miles roll by without the neck strain, backache, or wind-blasted fatigue that often plague lesser tourers.

The high-tech infotainment system packs a full-color touchscreen, integrated navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you stay informed and entertained no matter how far you wander. Generous storage capacity—both in the side cases and rear trunk—lets you bring everything you need for an extended journey, and the standard Transcontinental Package adds refinements like GPS, SiriusXM compatibility, and communication systems to keep you connected and engaged.

Indeed, the Star Venture’s size, weight, and V-twin character aren’t aimed at riders seeking sportier handling or off-road escapades. But for those whose idea of adventure leans more toward endless pavement and luxurious comfort, these are trivial trade-offs for what the bike delivers.

With a strong following, the Yamaha Star Venture proves that it’s earned its place in the luxury touring lineup. For riders seeking a fusion of classic cruiser vibes, modern technology, and the kind of plush comfort that makes even marathon rides feel manageable, the Star Venture stands tall as a worthy contender.

Choosing the perfect luxury touring motorcycle is a deeply personal decision, influenced by riding style, aesthetic preferences, and the type of experiences you seek on the open road. 

The motorcycles highlighted here represent the pinnacle of what’s available in 2023, each offering a unique interpretation of luxury touring.

• BMW R 1250 GS: Upright performance that can take you the distance both on and off road. 
• Honda Gold Wing Tour: For those prioritizing comfort and cutting-edge technology in a sleek package.
• BMW K 1600 GTL: Ideal for riders who desire performance and advanced engineering in a luxurious touring machine.
• Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited: Perfect for enthusiasts who value classic American styling with modern amenities.
• Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour: This bike is suitable for riders who want sportbike agility and performance in their touring experience.
• Indian Roadmaster Limited: A blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary technology for a comfortable ride.
• Yamaha Star Venture: A feature-rich touring bike offering value without compromising luxury.

Ultimately, the best luxury touring motorcycle is the one that resonates with you, fits your riding style, and inspires you to head out on new adventures. Whichever you choose, the open road awaits promising experiences that will enrich your life and fuel your passion for riding.

Honorable Mentions: