10 Awesome Motorcycles For Long Distance Riding
Updated April 24, 2023 by Simon Bertram
For When The Road Calls Your Name
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These are the best day-trip bikes for novice riders:
Motorcycles are all about freedom, or so we like to tell ourselves. However, how often do we really get out there and ride? More often than not, we’re stuck in the city streets, with little blasts of fun between the lights, or maybe a nice cruise down the freeway to get to the next suburb.
To really embrace the freedom that motorcycling offers, a long-distance ride is precisely what the doctor ordered. The city behind you, the open road ahead, maybe some twisties here and there. Fresh air, an engine thrumming below you, urging you to keep chasing the horizon.
However, not all motorcycles are suitable for long-distance rides. Some are too stiff, meant more for the racetrack than the road. Some are too low power, designed with the city in mind only. Worry not, as we have put our collective heads together here at BestBeginnerMotorcycles to find the best beginner motorcycles for long distance riding.
About Our Selections
These selections considered ease of use, rideability, price, and how effective each motorcycle was in helping the beginner or newer rider learn the intricacies of riding. We are confident that any of these bikes will be superb starter or second bikes for most riders.
To further define what we are meaning by "long distance riding," we have set our sights at a full day trip or, at the upper limit, a weekend away. If you are looking for motorcycles for trips that are multiple days or even weeks in length, we do have a list of the best touring motorcycles for beginners.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
An adventure tourer that is happy on the pavement, but can also get dirty if needed
Why We Picked It:
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is one of the two pure adventure bikes that we think also make great day tourers. This stems from the fact that the engine of the V-Strom is the same one that lives at the heart of the Suzuki SV650, a very rider-friendly V-twin that puts out 70hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.
The rider-friendly power delivery and torque curve, combined with the more relaxed standard seating position and the windshield deflecting all the air that would otherwise be hitting your chest, makes for a bike that can take the miles. With 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, the V-Strom 650 is also well equipped to go off-road, should you ever choose to tread off the beaten path.
Specifications:
Price: $9,104
Engine: 645cc V-twin
Power: 70 HP
Torque: 46 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 470 lbs
Ideal For:
Newer riders that want a comfortable and capable adventure tourer that is capable of both on and off road activity
Highlights:
Uses the same 645cc V-twin from the SV650, meaning it is a bulletproof, proven, reliable engine
Standard seating position and mid-mount pegs makes it comfortable even for the heaviest and tallest of riders
Traction control, stability control, and dual zone ABS are all standard
Learn More:
Kawasaki Versys 650
An adventure tourer that prefers pavement and day trips out of the city
Why We Picked It:
The other adventure bike, the Kawasaki Versys 650, is in the same school of thought as the Suzuki. Rider-friendly power, comfortable seat, more suspension than its Z650 and Ninja 650 brothers, and a windshield to keep the air off you, so you don’t feel like you’ve been through a hurricane after a day of riding.
The only significant difference between the Versys 650 and the V-Strom is that the former uses a parallel twin. The minor difference is that the Versys, with 17-inch cast alloy wheels at either end, is a little more road-oriented than the Suzuki.
Note: As of April 24, no 2023 base model Versys 650 has been announced by Kawasaki, however there is still a lot of dealership inventory of the 2022 model across the USA. The 2023 Versys 650 LT is also available, however it is more oriented towards multiple days on the road instead of a single day trip.
Specifications:
Price: $8,899
Engine: 649cc parallel twin
Power: 66 HP
Torque: 44.8 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 483 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders looking for a more road oriented adventure tourer
Highlights:
Standard seating position and very comfortable saddle made this a perfect day-trip motorcycle
Can fit almost any rider, from the short and light to tall and heavy, and any combination in between
ABS and traction control are standard
Learn More:
KTM 390 Adventure
When it comes to ADV bikes for all situations, you can never go wrong with a KTM
Why We Picked It:
The KTM 390 Adventure is one of my favorite motorcycles in the entry-level adventure segment. It may feature the smallest engine on this list, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t handle nearly anything thrown at it. The 373cc, liquid-cooled, single produces 43.5hp and 26lb-ft of torque, more than enough to get you up to (and keep you at) highway speeds all day long.
The Austrian company also didn’t skimp on the goodies on the bike just because it’s the entry into its “Travel/Adventure” range for 2023. It comes equipped with a steel trellis frame, WP Racing suspension, switchable ABS, and traction control.
And on top of all that, KTM Motorcycles has equipped the 390 Adventure with the same easy-to-read TFT dash, excellent LED all-around lighting (headlight, indicators, brake lights), and lightweight but strong aluminum handlebars that all the big adventure bikes also get. If you’re looking for your first adventure motorcycle, this may just be the perfect option for you.
Specifications:
Price: $7,399
Engine: 373cc four-stroke single
Power: 43.5 HP
Torque: 26 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 371 lbs
Ideal For:
New riders looking for an ADV that can handle every type of terrain from pavement to no-trail off-road pathfinding
Highlights:
Designed from the outset with serious adventure touring in mind
A very good starter ADV bike that might just be a "keeper bike" for day trips if you get a larger ADV for more serious multi-day riding
Dual zone and switchable ABS, traction control, KTM's very easy to read TFT digital dash, and LED lighting all around
Learn More:
2023 KTM 390 Adventure specs, features, & pics
Honda Rebel 500
One of the best beginner sport cruisers in a generation, perfect for all day riding
Why We Picked It:
The Honda Rebel 500 is a beautiful bike you can ride day in, day out, and never get tired of for the smaller beginner rider. One of the classic Honda 500cc series of bikes that shares engines with the likes of the CB500X, and the CB500R, it has a 471cc parallel-twin that produces 46hp and 32 lb-ft of torque.
The Rebel 500, from the very outset, was designed to be approachable and fun for the newer rider. It doesn’t have much in the way of distractions, which allows the rider to just… ride. It also offers excellent fuel efficiency, and a seat that seems to be made out of magic allows the under 6 foot, under 220 lbs crowd to have the same enjoyment of the open road and a day out on the bike.
If you like the Rebel 500, don’t forget to check out Honda’s 2022 lineup.
Specifications:
Price: $6,449 to $6,949
Engine: 471cc parallel twin
Power: 47 HP
Torque: 32 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 408 to 416 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders that are looking to get into cruisers without needing to think of a big American chunk of iron
Highlights:
A very simple, pure motorcycle that doesn't distract you with settings and features, but lets you just ride
Designed from the outset to be extremely beginner friendly, and as you grow your skill set, the bike transforms into a raw, pure, enjoyable sport cruiser
Dual zone ABS is an option for $6,749 on the ABS and $6,949 on the ABS SE variants. The only other real rider aid is a standard assist and slipper clutch.
Learn More:
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (INT650)
A modernized model of a classic British B-road bomber from back in the day
Why We Picked It:
Known in the US, due to trademarks, as the Royal Enfield INT650, this bike is a modern take on one of the most influential and classic of day-trippers out there. Way back in the 1960s, if you wanted to take a ride between cities on the West Coast (i.e., the classic LA to San Diego day blast), you had only three or four real choices, of which the original Interceptor 650 was one.
Retro styled with modern touches, the INT650 is the quintessential British roadster. Comfortable seat, standard riding position, high and wide bars, a 648cc parallel-twin thumping out 47hp and 38 lbs-ft of torque under you. The modern touches include fuel injection, modern brakes with ABS, external reservoir rear shocks, and a wet multi-plate clutch that allows all six gears to engage much more smoothly than in days past.
Specifications:
Price: $6,149
Engine: 647.9cc parallel twin
Power: 47 HP
Torque: 37.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 445 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders that are looking for a classic British day-tripper meant for long distance riding in comfort
Highlights:
The parallel twin is a "lazy" engine in that it responds instantly to input, but the powerband is very spread out, making it very easy to control
Despite it's weight, it is a very agile neo-retro bike, designed to attack British B-roads away from the motorways, plastering a huge grin on your face
Dual zone ABS and not much else in the way of rider aids. A very purist motorcycle that is very beginner friendly
Learn More:
2023 Royal Enfield INT650 specs, features, & pics
Kawasaki Vulcan S
One of the friendliest beginner "sportster" cruisers out there
Why We Picked It:
What may look like a big, intimidating, aggressive muscle cruiser is actually one of the friendliest beginner cruisers out there. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is meant for the open road, plain and simple. It has the nigh unkillable Kawasaki 649cc parallel twin as its power unit, with 54hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.
What prepares you for the long-distance day trip is the surprisingly plush suspension, despite looking like a girder at the rear, as well as the wide, comfortable seat. Another great thing about the Vulcan S is that if you do buy it new, you can customize it to fit you with Kawasaki’s ergo-fit options so that it will give you the confidence to ride it all day.
Specifications:
Price: $7,349 to $7,899
Engine: 649cc parallel twin
Power: 61 HP
Torque: 46.3 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 491.7 to 498.3 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders wanting a "sportster" style cruiser with the smooth and linear power of a parallel twin
Highlights:
Features Kawasaki's "Ergo-Fit" system, meaning that with some time and a few tools, you can adjust the bike to fit you perfectly
Extremely reliable engine that will keep going for thousands of miles as long as you stay on top of maintenance
Few rider aids to give you a more pure feel. ABS is not standard, but is available as an option.
Learn More:
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S specs, features, & pics
Harley-Davidson Iron 883
A very friendly introduction to big American iron that is also a mile-munching day tripper
Why We Picked It:
You really can’t talk about distance riding without mentioning one of the big American cruiser companies. While most of Harley-Davidson’s model range is meant for the experienced rider or multi-day touring, the Iron 883 is a Sportster bike designed for the new rider to get onto a Harley and enjoy being able to use most, if not all, of its power.
The 883cc V-twin that gives the bike its name has a reasonable 49hp and 54 lb-ft of torque. This allows the new rider to get used to the thundering torque of a V-twin without sending their bike sideways into a guard rail. Add on that classic Harley comfort and a seat that belongs on an armchair, not a motorcycle, and this entry-level bike will get you cruising all day with a grin on your face.
Note: The Iron 883 has sadly been discontinued, but are still being produced until Summer 2023. That means that there is more than likely still some in inventory at your local Harley dealership.
Specifications:
Price: $10,749 (2022 MSRP)
Engine: 883cc V-twin
Power: ~50 HP
Torque: 54 lbs-ft
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 564 lbs
Ideal For:
New riders that are wanting an American city cruiser that can also be just at home on the highway as it is downtown
Highlights:
Surprisingly friendly, mostly due to "just being an American cruiser," but can still bite if you don't respect it
Smooth and tractable engine that responds instantly and predictably
A more standard style seating approach than the forward controls most cruisers use, making it very controllable and even agile
Learn More:
Indian Scout Sixty
Powerful but quite friendly to the beginner if you respect the right wrist
Why We Picked It:
Yes, we already mentioned a Harley-Davidson in the list. However, Indian has a superb introductory cruiser in the Scout Sixty. Powered by a 999cc V-twin, it sounds imposing with 78hp and 65 lb-ft of torque going through a five-speed box. However, the Scout Sixty is astonishingly forgiving and never really seems to flex its muscles fully.
The power delivery is linear and smooth, and you also get a lovely burble from the engine as you apply throttle. Speaking of throttle, with a cruiser like the Scout Sixty, you really will never crack it open 100%, which is why Indian tuned the throttle response and engine on this introductory bike to be responsive without being scary. And if you do crank it open fully, the traction control and engine management systems are programmed from the factory not to allow the rear wheel to spin up.
Specifications:
Price: $11,749
Engine: 999cc V-twin
Power: 78 HP
Torque: 65 lbs-ft
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 544 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders wanting a premium cruiser that is approachable and, when respected, can provide thousands of miles of joy
Highlights:
Torque is very present down low, but with a sensible amount of throttle, is very controllable and linear
One of the best saddles this side of $20,000, with an optional passenger seat available
Base model has very few features, including a digital dash, LED lighting, and that's about it. ABS, ride-mode select, infotainment, and more are all optional add-ons.
Learn More:
2023 Indian Scout Sixty specs, features, & pics
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
An adventure tourer that is also a sport tourer, a bike that combines two classes into one
Why We Picked It:
The Tiger Sport 660 is a brand new model from the British manufacturer. It joins Triumph’s recently introduced 660 platform and sits below the Tiger 850 and the Tiger 900 range, which require a more experienced set of hands to tame. Triumph categorizes the bike as one of its ‘Adventure’ models, but with 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels at either end, this is a motorcycle that thrives on the highway.
At the heart of the Tiger Sport 660 is a sweet inline-triple that produces 80hp and 47 lb-ft of torque, enough to get you up to triple-digit speeds with ease. That said, this engine has a linear power curve, and it’s not going to surprise or scare you. Triumph, as always, offers a host of storage accessories to choose from so you can extend your day-long trip without worrying about how you’re going to carry all your stuff.
Specifications:
Price: $9,695
Engine: 660cc inline triple
Power: 80 HP
Torque: 47.2 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 455 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginners riders looking for a European sport tourer/adventure tourer that uses an inline triple engine and can go on very long rides
Highlights:
660cc inline triple engine is very smooth and has a very progressive and predictable torque curve
Huge 4.5 gallon fuel tank for extended inter-city or even inter-state rides
ABS, semi-adjustable suspension, shift assist quick shifter, selectable riding modes, and LED lighting all around are all standard
Learn More:
2023 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 specs, features, & pics
Yamaha MT-07
One of the best beginner dual-sport motorcycles on the market
Why We Picked It:
The only sport-oriented bike we will list is the Yamaha MT-07. Supersports and most nakeds are meant for city trips or short blasts around some twisties near town. Where the Yamaha differs, however, is through some magical Japanese engineering that allows the bike to be supple and supple over distances and rough roads while also being aggressive and eager when carving a corner.
Powered by a 689cc parallel-twin that makes 73.4hp and 47.4 lb-ft of torque, the MT-07 is surprisingly easy to ride. It has enough torque and power to let the shorter, lighter rider get some good fun out of it while also allowing the taller, heavier rider to learn all about the intricacies of the naked bike world.
Specifications:
Price: $8,199
Engine: 689cc parallel twin
Power: 73 HP
Torque: 47.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 406 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders looking for a naked sport bike that can both be a comfortable day-tripper and a corner-carving scalpel
Highlights:
A bike of two personalities merged into one: comfortable for long duration trips, up on its toes and ready to attack when shown a tight corner
Torque is delivered smoothly, although there is a notable increase as the revs get into the midrange, but not enough to be scary
ABS and all-around LED lighting is standard. Comes pre-wired for optional Yamaha QuickShift feature