From road trips to hilly areas, people like to travel with fun and enthusiasm. In recent times, exploring new places on motorbikes has become a sport for many youngsters and they look for the best bikes for long rides. As a result, motorcycle companies continually engineer new beasts for long-distance and off-road travel. Endurance, fuel economy, design, and displacement are key factors when choosing the best bike for long drives.
If you’re wondering which bike is best for a long drive, we’ve curated a list of the best bikes for long-distance touring in India and beyond.
1 Royal Enfield Himalayan
Available in 3 variants, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a motorcycle targeted at off-road travel. It is one of the most affordable bikes by Royal Enfield in the touring and adventure sector. The Himalayan has notable merits like high ground clearance, a powerful single-cylinder engine, displacement of 411 cc, and a switchable anti-locking braking system.
Weight: 199 kg
Mileage: 30 kmpl
Max torque: 32 Nm at 4500 rpm
Price: Rs. 2.10 – 2.17 Lakhs (approx.)
2 KTM 390 Duke
One of the best bikes for long drive in India is the aggressive and efficient KTM 390 Duke, sold in ceramic white and silver metallic variants. Weighing only 167 kg, it is one of the lightest long-distance thrill bikes packed with a compact and powerful engine and advanced riding features. There is a colour-TFT screen that connects via Bluetooth to the rider’s phone. The bike sports a manual 6-speed gearbox.
Weight: 167 kg
Mileage: 28.9 kmpl
Max torque: 37 Nm at 7000 rpm
Price: Rs. 2.87 lakh (approx.)
3 Bajaj Dominar 400
Bajaj has assessed the Indian consumer market well and developed one of the most affordable commuter bikes, the Dominar 400. With a displacement of 373.3 cc, the bike sports a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that can generate up to 35 Nm of power. The Bajaj Dominar features LED highlight as well as turn indicators which are useful for visibility during off-road travel. Other notable features include a twin-display setup and a slipper clutch.
Weight: 187 kg
Mileage: 27-34 kmpl
Max Torque: 35 Nm at 6500 rpm
Price: Rs. 1.97 – 2.12 Lakhs (approx.)
4 Jawa Perak
A true blue-bobber, this retro cruiser bike has taken the Indian market by storm since its relaunch. This powerful machine is equipped with a 343 cc, fuel-injected motor which is liquid-cooled. The rider experience is enhanced by optimised gear ratios, along with a double-cradle frame. It sports disc brakes at both ends, dual-channel ABS adding a touch of strength.
The seat fashions a tail lamp right below it and the rear fender supports the indicators. The minimalistic design and bodywork, along with its strong engine and high fuel economy make it one of the best bikes for long rides in India.
Weight: 175 kg
Mileage: 30 kmpl
Max Torque: 32. 74 Nm
Price: Rs. 2.06 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
5 Mahindra Mojo 300 ABS
The Mahindra Mojo 300 ABS launched in 2019 is popular for its torque and refinement. While it is slightly on the bulkier side, this commuter bike is a brilliant touring machine with its 6-speed manual gearbox, wide comfortable seat, anti-locking braking system, and 294.72 cc engine.
Weight: 186.2 kg
Mileage: 30-35 kmpl
Max Torque: 25.96 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Price: Rs. 1.99 – 2. 1 Lakhs (Ex-showroom)
6 Kawasaki Versys 650
Any list of long drive bikes in India is incomplete without the Japanese beast, Kawasaki Versys 650. Bearing wide rider and pillion seats, this sports adventure tourer is a dream come true for frequent travellers. Its juice comes from a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces a power of 65.71 bhp and a 6-speed gearbox, perfect for cruising across landmarks. It also sports premium specs like dual-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, 21-litre fuel tank, among others.
Weight: 218 kg
Mileage: 21 – 28.17 kmpl
Max Torque: 61 Nm
Price: Rs. 6.9 Lakhs (ex-showroom)
7 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
A modern spin on 1960’s classic Interceptor cruiser, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, fuelled by a 648 cc BS6 engine, is a 195 kg force to reckon with. While it only offers a simple, plain design, what makes it a rider favourite are features like a refined engine, 6-speed gearbox, wide handlebars, and diamond-quilted seats, among others.
Weight: 202 kg
Mileage: 25 – 30 Kmpl
Max Torque: 52 Nm
Price: Rs. 2.8 Lakhs (Ex-showroom)
8 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350
A favourite choice for thousands of riders, the Royal Enfield has been selling the Thunderbird in India since 2000. It wasn’t until the year 2009 that Royal Enfield came up with a more refined version of the bike by incorporating the 346 cc, unit development motor (UCE). Now, it comes with a facelift version which features a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a projector headlamp, digital instruments, and a fuel gauge as well. It also comes in five different tones to offer variety to people.
Weight: 197 kg
Mileage: 35 kmpl
Max Torque: 28 Nm
Price: Rs. 1.55 – 1.58 lakhs
9 Hero Xpulse
If you are looking for the best bike for long drive, Hero Xpulse may be your calling. It has successfully managed to build a strong market image for itself in no time. It comes with a 200cc BS6 engine, a single-channel ABS, and disc brakes on both ends. In addition to this, the bike also has a full-LED headlight, a 14-litre fuel tank capacity, and a digital instrument to enable Bluetooth connectivity.
Weight: 150 kg
Mileage: 40 – 42 kmpl
Max Torque: 16.45 Nm
Price: Rs. 1.22 – 1. 35 Lakhs
10 Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220
One the best long ride bikes in India for cruising is the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 comes with a 220cc BS6 engine. The anti-lock braking system of the bike makes it a trusted vehicle for people who loves to go for long rides all around. It has a typical motorcycle design which features a rear-swept handlebar, long wheelbase, a low-slung saddle, and font widescreen. Besides, its 3D logo, wire-spoke wheels, and its chrome scheme on the body parts make it a big hit in the market.
Weight: 163 kg
Mileage: 40 kmpl
Max Torque: 17.55 Nm
Price: Rs. 1.17 – 1.43 Lakhs
11 Honda H’ness CB350
The Honda H’ness CB350 has been highly designed like the larger CB 1100 EX. It comes in six different colours and two variants. The model features a round headlamp, a leather seat, a curved fuel tank, chopped fenders, and also a chrome-finished exhaust system.
To give this long ride bike in India a modern look, the bike has alloy wheels and blacked-out components which make it look attractive. Besides, its standard features include a full-LED lighting system, dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, and a slipper clutch as well.
Weight: 181 kg
Mileage: 32 kmpl
Max Torque: 30 Nm
Price: Rs. 1.95 – 2. 5 Lakhs
Which Bike to Consider?
All the eleven bikes listed above can make cruising on long road trips a breeze. While being spoilt for choice is great, it makes picking a model even harder. Therefore, you should assess your primary objective associated with purchasing a cruiser bike.
If you’re strictly on a budget, then be sure to finalise a cruiser bike that comes at a pocket-friendly price. If you want to go off-road with a cruiser, for example take road trips to scenic yet treacherous terrain of Leh and Ladakh, you’ll need a bike with high torque and wheelbase. Accordingly, you must select the model. Here, the price should ideally take a backseat, especially with several affordable two-wheeler loan options available today.
However, the one commonality you should go for while choosing bikes for long drives in India is the mileage. Know that cruiser bikes are not necessarily known for providing high mileage. This is due to the size and weight their engines carry. But, there are refined options, as mentioned in this list, that do provide a high mileage for a cruiser bike.
Picking a high mileage cruiser will optimise and justify the cost of going on long road trips. Even if you have to shell out a little more than you were initially planning, consider it. A low initial cost with low mileage is ultimately going to cost you more than a slightly expensive cruiser bike with a high mileage, over a long time.
Other than these considerations, you must also look for riding comfort. While this is not usually a top criterion for super bikes or city bikes, it definitely should be one for cruiser motorcycles. Unless, you want to buy a cruiser bike because you like its styling, and don’t have plans to go on long drives.
Your turn
Wish to add any of these long ride bikes to your garage? Long-distance travel bikes can be quite an expensive purchase. Turn your dream into a reality by owning your dream bike using a two-wheeler loan.
Tata Capital can assist you with quick and easy loans at reasonable bike loan interest rates. Our bike loan offerings don’t only come at an affordable interest rate, but also with extended tenures. You can apply for one online through our web portal in exchange for minimal documentation and relaxed eligibility criteria.
We pride ourselves on a speedy disbursal process. So, don’t hold off on your two-wheeler purchase any longer. Visit our website, Check Our Bike Loan Eligibility Criteria, calculate your potential EMI using our two-wheeler loan EMI calculator, and begin your application.
For more information, contact us today!
26 March 2024
8 mins read
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