Traveling Bikes: Since there is a growing interest in touring in India, many people are planning to purchase motorcycles that can be used both for casual trips and longer excursions. We’ll compile an inventory of every touring motorcycle in India that costs less than Rs 3 million (about $40,000). The advantages and disadvantages of each bike will be discussed as well.
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KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 adventure is now the best motorcycle for extended trips. Since it is a KTM, you will have access to a wide range of service centres around the country, and the bike’s technology package is competitive with that of larger motorcycles. The abundance of aftermarket accessories is easily the bike’s best selling point. You won’t have a hard time locating saddlebags sized appropriately for your motorcycle.
This bike’s complex electrical equipment is its sole real drawback; if the engine control unit (ECU) stops working or another component fails, you’ll need to visit a KTM dealership to get it running again. Price in Mumbai, India is ₹3.04 lakhs – ₹3.4 lakhs on the road. It’s pricey, and for the same money you could have the KTM 250 adventure, which looks the same but lacks the fancy electronics and has a smaller engine.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield’s top-of-the-line motorcycle is the Interceptor 650. Interceptor is a cheap motorcycle with a 650cc parallel-twin engine. A bike that sounds excellent and handles well for long-distance travel can be had for less than three lakhs (Indian currency) ex-showroom. If you prefer a more conventional riding position, we recommend the Interceptor over the GT.
Another advantage of the interceptor is that its engine is neither very complex nor under excessive strain, reducing the likelihood of malfunction and making troubleshooting a breeze in the event that it does occur. The RE Interceptor 650 can be yours for a whopping ₹2.82 lakhs – ₹3.15 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai).
BMW G310 R
BMW’s G310 GS is a fantastic touring bike, but it costs almost as much as an interceptor. Therefore, we recommend that you look into the BMW G310 R. The seat and riding position on this sports naked bike are both extremely accommodating. The engine also seems less stressed, so you can ride for longer. The lack of a windscreen and the high cost of replacement parts are two of this bike’s major drawbacks. When you purchase a BMW, you become part of the BMW travel squad, a close-knit group of people who share your love of the brand and your desire for relaxed road trips.
Mahindra Mojo
One of the most underappreciated touring motorcycles in India is the Mahindra Mojo. It runs on a 300cc engine that is cooled by liquid. Due to the BS6 update, many modifications have been made, including the removal of the bike’s dual exhaust. This bike boasts a large tank and a plush seat, making it ideal for long trips. The limited number of service locations and the scarcity of replacement components are two of the bike’s major drawbacks. The on-road price of a Mahindra Mojo in Mumbai is ₹2.08 lakhs – ₹2.18 lakhs.
Bajaj Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a good option if you’re shopping for a bike that can be used for both long-distance touring and commuting around town. When you’re on your own, Dominar’s low profile can be a huge help. A lot of the bike’s components are standard across other Bajaj motorcycles, making it simple to get a replacement if something goes wrong.
The engine is tuned for both performance and mileage, so the bike gets decent gas mileage when it’s driven in higher gears and at lower rpm. On the road in Mumbai, the Bajaj Dominar costs ₹1.92 lakhs – ₹2.24 lakhs.
Husqvarna Swartpilen 250
Now, if you’re not in the mood to ride a KTM, the Husqvarna Swartpilen 250 is a great alternative for a road trip. KTM’s 250cc engine and comfortable, upright riding position set it out as a serious rival to the Duke. The seat is too cramped for two people to ride in comfort, which is a major drawback for touring. The bike comes standard with a tank luggage rack, but there aren’t many options for saddlebags or hard side baggage that can be purchased separately. It costs Rs 2,34,590 to purchase the motorcycle in Mumbai, India.
Honda CB350 H’ness
If you’re in the market for a vintage motorbike that’s perfect for touring and Sunday trips, the Honda CB350 H’ness is a great option. In comparison to other vintage motorcycles, the bike’s traction control system and general build quality are extremely rudimentary. A more aggressive riding stance may not allow you to stay in the saddle for very long, but this is still a viable alternative. As it can maintain a steady speed for extended periods of time, the bike is ideal for long distance touring. However, the dwindling torque will ruin the experience for those who enjoy fast acceleration and other forms of aggressive riding. The on-road pricing of a Honda CB 350 H’ Ness is Rs 2,24,584, as will be detailed further in the article.
RE Himalayan
When travelling across India, most people choose to ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan. The bike is designed for one purpose only: long distance travel. The 400cc engine produces enough of torque, making it ideal for rough terrain. Over 120 kilometres per hour, the bike begins to feel stressed, thus the optimum speed is closer to 100 kilometres per hour. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, available at Rs 2,34,672, is the most popular touring motorcycle and is a terrific choice if you value reliability and affordability.
RE Meteor
The most recent addition to Royal Enfield’s lineup of touring motorcycles is the Meteor. With this style, you can take it easy on the open road. Royal Enfield saddlebags and a touring seat are included, among many other touring accoutrements. The on-road cost of a Royal Enfield Meteor will be Rs 2,17,068.
Suzuki Gixxer 250
At Rs 2,01,500 The Suzuki Gixxer 250 boasts a robust engine and comfortable riding position, making it an ideal touring motorcycle. The Suzuki Gixxer’s firm seat is an inconvenience while travelling for extended periods of time. Furthermore, there is a lack of readily available mounting alternatives for this motorcycle, although you can have one custom-made.
The bike is best suited for carrying soft bags. The bike’s top speed of 120 kilometres per hour is plenty for the Indian roads. In India, you can choose from the tour bikes on this list. Please let us know in the comments if there are any bikes you’d like us to add or if you have any suggestions.
