Press photo of the 2022 Yamaha STRACER 9 GT

Whether you prioritize comfort, performance, adventure capabilities, or a combination of these factors, there is a touring bike for every rider

Are you considering a well-rounded touring motorcycle? It doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. With the ever-growing range of options available in the market, riders can find touring bikes that offer excellent performance, comfort and features without exceeding the bounds of their budget.

Whether you are a cross-country adventure enthusiast or more of a stickler for weekend getaways, having a reliable and comfortable touring bike can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore a selection of the best touring bikes under $15,000, all offering a balance of industry-standard features and premium quality. From renowned brands like Triumph and Suzuki to emerging ones like CF Moto, there are quite a fair bit of options for you in the market. Let’s get straight to it!

10 Kawasaki Versys 650: $8,899

Accessorized Candy Lime Green 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 head-on shot

We would have Ideally started this list with the smallest V-Strom from Suzuki, the 650. But Kawasaki’s identical engine displacement Versys just about edges it. The reason? Partly because Versys is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper than its Japanese competitor. Then, there is the better ride quality – and that’s down to the Versys lineage. These motorcycles are just that great tourers, equipped with a 649cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers 65 ponies at 8,500 and 45 pound-feet of torque – smooth and responsive power for both city cruising and highway touring. The comfortable seating position, adjustable windshield, and ample storage options make long rides on the Versys 650 a breeze.

9 CF Moto 650 Adventura: $6,799

The Chinese brand has infiltrated our best tourers list with not one but two solid offerings. The first of these is a true-blue touring motorcycle branded as the 650 Adevntura. Another 649cc twin cylinder is at work here and performs just as you’d expect for a bike this size.

What we like the most about the Adventura is that the hard cases come as standard with the bike. So you will not have to shell out more money for your luggage woes. But do you know why we placed this higher than the Versys? Simple. Similar performance with a much more affordable price tag. You just can’t beat that.

8 Honda NC750X DCT: $9,399

A Honda NC750X prepares to corner on an upcoming curve on the road

We really wish Honda made more affordable touring motorcycles. But until that happens, the NC750X DCT should keep its place in the competition. After all, there’s nothing odd about it. On the contrary, it’s a rather lively middle-weight motorcycle.

Whether it be the responsive 745cc parallel twin or the dual-clutch system that makes gear shifting a breeze, this Honda does what every Honda does – that is providing unparalleled reliability. Oh, and that rear-mounted fuel tank means you have 23 liters of storage space which can easily accommodate your helmet. Do you hear anyone complaining? Certainly not us.

7 Triumph Tiger 660 Sport: $9,695

Korosi Red 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 parked at the roadside

It’s surprising how many people overlook the entry-level Tiger, or the cub should we say? It’s agile, it’s compact and best of all – it has abundant power to take you where you want, and that too with great confidence. It combines both sport and adventure capabilities, making it a compelling option for riders seeking an overall package. It offers a comfortable seating position, adjustable suspension, and advanced rider aids such as traction control and multiple riding modes. Its sleek and aggressive styling adds to its appeal, and Triumph’s renowned build quality and attention to detail make the Tiger 660 the more affordable big-brand option on the market.

6 Suzuki Boulevard C50T: $10,359

Glass Metallic Black 2019 Suzuki Boulevard C50T parked in a courtyard

We thought of throwing in a classic tourer option for the more traditional, cruiser enthusiasts. In a space riddled with one sports tourer after another, the Suzuki Boulevard C50T keeps things nice and familiar for those that like to go long distances the old fashioned way.

Powered by a fuel-injected 805cc V-twin, the touring Boulevard churns out 53 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of peak torque. But be mindful though, this isn’t as fast a motorcycle as others on this list. But you wouldn’t consider this if speed is your concern anyway. With its timeless cruiser styling with chrome accents and a comfortable rider and passenger seat, this touring bike is ideal for short weekend getaways.

5 CF Moto Ibex 800 S: $9,499

A head-on shot of the CF Moto Ibex 800 S on a highway road

We are yet to read one grim review of the Ibex 800 from the Chinese CF Moto. Such has been the work put into this motorcycle. The ‘S’ trim is the more road-focused version of the bike that you should be looking for your touring needs. Road-focused tires, alloy setup, less weight and a more accessible ride handling differentiate it from its adventure-focused sibling. There’s a 799cc mill that delivers 94 horsepower and around 56 pound-feet of peak torque. What’s great is that it’s not just function, but great from too – the Ibex is a great-looking ride in our opinion. And as CF Moto says, this is no garage queen.

4 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport: $12,290

Triumph’s second representation on our list of best touring bikes under $15,000 is courtesy of the 850 Sport. It’s our pick among the entire Tiger lineage if you are looking for a tourer. Yes, even above the bigger 1200!

Well for starters, the 888cc inline-three hits the sweet spot – it’s not too big and heavy and just zippy enough to attack corners and take you far. Then, there are all your standard electronics on board that make a Triumph great. On top of it, at 423 pounds, it is much lighter compared to the hefty 1200s – which means more agility and practicality when you do find yourself in city traffic.

3 BMW F 900 XR: $14,420

A BMW F 900 XR riding next to the shore on a curvy mountain road

We have some machines on our hands for the top three spots. We start with the BMW F 900 XR. It offers great sports touring characteristics with BMW’s cutting-edge technology, which makes it a top choice for riders seeking a high-performance option.

A potent 89cc parallel twin powers the motorcycle that can just about delivers 100 horses at 8,500 rpm. It offers a plush ride, with best-in-class handling ability and that is down to variable seat heights, ranging from 30.5 to 34.25 inches. So it should suit all kinds of riders. BMW also offers adaptive cornering lights on the F 900 XR as well. Something no other manufacturer provides in this segment.

2 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+: $14,099

An epic side shot of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT in action.

What a motorcycle Suzuki has on their cards. Every time we talk about the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, we cannot help but think what a terrible nomenclature it has, and if there is another bike that offers a better balance between performance and comfort. Priced at just around the $14,000 mark, it is powered by a 999cc inline-four engine – a heck of an engineering marvel from the Japanese manufacturer, and with 150 horsepower on tap, it can get you to 164 mph!

1 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: $14,999

See the box below the headlight? Yes, that’s the new front radar!

It’s not often that you see a Yamaha top a list of best motorcycles. But if we are going to be talking about touring, the Tracer 9 just cannot be trumped. An inline three-mill is what gives life to the Tracer, and the power delivery on it is unlike any other. It features advanced gizmos on board, including a quick-shifter, cruise control, and multiple riding modes, allowing you to customize your touring experience. And then there is Yamaha’s commitment to reliability and performance, which makes the Tracer 9 GT a top contender in the touring space. And that is why it tops our list of the best touring bikes under $15,000.

Source: topspeed.com