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Two people riding on a blue touring motorcycle.
Articles May 28, 2025

Is a Touring Motorcycle Right for You?

You started out riding dirt bikes. The thrill of the track showed you the freedom of the ride. 
Next came cruisers. You hit the road, traveled fast and felt the power of the wind on workday commutes and weekend rides. Then, you realized the ride didn’t need to end so soon. You could travel, see the country and pack along all you needed with a touring bike. There are many models, options and brands available when choosing a touring motorcycle. We can give you some advice to find the right bike for your adventures.

What is a Touring Motorcycle?

Touring motorcycles like the Indian Pursuit are built for adventure and long-distance comfort. These bikes typically feature powerful engines over 108cu and start around $30,000—offering a premium riding experience. Touring bikes come with come with advanced infotainment systems, ample storage and ergonomic designs to ensure you and a passenger can ride in style and comfort for miles on end. Whether you’re looking at a sport touring or an adventure touring, these bikes are all about hitting the open road and enjoying the journey. 

Red and black touring bike.

SEATING

Rider & Passenger

WIND PROTECTION

Windshield, fairings & lowers

LONG-HAUL STORAGE

Saddlebags, trunks & easy-access storage

HIGH TECH FEATURES

Advanced infotainment, comfort & convenience

MPG

32-37 miles per gallon

ENGINE POWER

108cu-116cu

What is the Difference Between a Cruiser and a Touring Motorcycle?

Cruisers are designed for relaxed, short-distance rides with their low-slung, stylish frames and V-twin engines—perfect for city cruising. In contrast, touring motorcycles are built for long-distance travel, offering powerful engines, advanced infotainment systems and ample storage. Among the different types of bikes, touring models stand out for their comfort and ability to handle extended journeys.

Cruiser motorcycle vs a touring motorcycle.

What Makes A Great Touring Motorcycle?

When it comes to touring motorcycles, you’ve got options. Let’s break down some of the key considerations in choosing.

Winding road with touring motorcycles driving on it.

1. Built for Long-Distance Rides

Touring motorcycles are designed with features that ensure comfort and reliability for long-distance travel.

Large motorcycle engine in all black.

2. Powerful Engine

A robust engine is essential for maintaining speed and performance on extended journeys.

Audio speaker system for a touring motorcycle.

3. Bluetooth Speaker System

Integrated Bluetooth speaker systems keep you connected and entertained on the road. 

Weatherproof storage gear for a long trip.

4. Abundant Weatherproof Storage

Ample weatherproof storage allows you to carry all your essentials securely—regardless of riding conditions.

Two people riding touring bike on a road.

5. Comfortable ride

Ergonomic designs and comfortable seating are crucial for reducing fatigue on long rides.

Motorcycle navigation with gps and infotainment system.

6. high-tech features

Advanced tech features like GPS, infotainment systems and Smart Lean Technology enhance the riding experience, making navigation, control and connectivity seamless. 

How Can I Customize a Touring Motorcycle?

Customization allows you to tailor your bike to your specific needs and style. You can add custom seats for extra comfort, upgrade to a high-performance exhaust system, or install advanced tech features like GPS and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also enhance storage with weatherproof bags, luggage racks and more.

Person with GPS phone navigation on their bike.

Why Choose a Touring Indian Motorcycle?

With over a century of experience, Indian Motorcycle’s touring lineup incorporates all the elements of a great touring bike. The Roadmaster offers timeless style and comfort, while the Pursuit delivers powerful performance and advanced tech for long-distance travel. Each model is engineered to provide an exceptional riding experience—ensuring there’s an ideal fit for every touring rider.

Man and woman standing next to their Touring motorcycle.

Touring Motorcycle FAQ

Your frequently asked touring motorcycle questions, answered.