Best Touring Motorcycles 2026: Liam’s Top 5 Road Tourers
If you are planning a proper road tour in 2026, this Moto Planet feature with Liam Simm looks at five new or updated touring motorcycles that make genuine sense for long-distance riding. This is not about adventure bikes pretending to be tourers, or naked bikes with a taller screen fitted afterwards. The focus here is road-biased touring: comfort, weather protection, luggage, motorway ease, useful tech and whether the bike would actually work for a big UK or European trip.
In this best touring motorcycles 2026 review, Liam ranks five strong options from Honda, Yamaha and BMW, with an honourable mention for Ducati’s Multistrada V4. The result is a useful mix of value-led sports tourers, practical everyday mile-munchers and full-size luxury touring bikes.
What Makes A Proper Touring Motorcycle In 2026?
A good touring motorcycle is not just a fast bike with a pair of panniers. For long-distance road riding, the details matter: wind protection, seat comfort, fuel range, luggage integration, cruise control, heated kit, suspension quality, low-speed manageability and how tired you feel after several hours in the saddle.
That is why Liam’s list leans towards bikes that make life easier over distance. Some are sportier, some are more comfort-focused, and one is very much in the luxury touring category, but each bike has a clear touring case.
5. Honda CB1000GT: The Value Sports Tourer
The Honda CB1000GT earns fifth place because, on paper, it looks like one of the most interesting new touring options for 2026. Starting from £11,999 in the UK, it brings a serious amount of standard equipment for the money, including cruise control, heated grips, quick shifter, TFT display and Honda RoadSync. Honda also positions it as a sport touring model, which makes it more road-focused than adventure-styled alternatives.
The big appeal is the engine. With a near-150bhp inline-four, the CB1000GT should have no issue with loaded overtakes, fast motorway work or spirited riding once the roads open up. It also gets electronic suspension and standard panniers, which strengthens its case as a ready-made touring package rather than a bike you immediately need to build up with extras.
The reason it sits fifth is that it still feels more compact and sporty than the heavier touring bikes higher up the list. Chain drive will also be a mark against it for some long-distance riders, especially those who prefer the lower-maintenance appeal of shaft drive on big-mile touring machines.
4. Honda NT1100: The Sensible Long-Distance Choice
The Honda NT1100 is probably the bike here that makes sense to the widest range of UK riders. It may not have the same drama as some of the others, but as a real-world touring motorcycle, it is very hard to ignore.
For 2026, the NT1100 DCT Electronic Suspension model is listed by Honda UK at £14,299. It uses the 1,084cc parallel twin engine derived from the Africa Twin, has a 20.4-litre fuel tank, panniers as standard, an adjustable screen and the comfort-focused kit most touring riders will actually use.
The NT1100 is not trying to be flashy. Its strength is that it feels like a tool for the job: comfortable, practical, well-equipped and much more affordable than a full luxury tourer. For riders who want a road-focused bike for commuting, weekends away and longer trips, it is one of the most straightforward options in this list.
3. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+: The Tech-Loaded All-Rounder
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ sits in third because it blends touring ability with the everyday fun and character Yamaha’s triple engine is known for. The 890cc CP3 motor has been a favourite in this class for years, and in GT+ form the bike adds a serious amount of technology.
Depending on model year and specification, the latest Tracer 9 GT+ brings high-end touring features such as radar-assisted adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, integrated navigation, electronic suspension and advanced lighting technology. It is the kind of bike that feels just as happy on B-roads as it does on a longer motorway run.
The reason it does not beat the top two is simple: it is still a sports tourer. That makes it more agile and more exciting, but it will not isolate you from wind, weather, noise and fatigue in quite the same way as a larger, more dedicated touring machine.
2. BMW R 1300 RT: The Premium Road Tourer
The BMW R 1300 RT takes second place because it understands what serious touring actually involves. The RT has always been one of the benchmark road tourers, and the latest version adds BMW’s newer 1,300cc boxer engine with 145hp and 149Nm of torque.
Spec it right and the R 1300 RT can be fitted with serious touring technology, including Dynamic Chassis Adaption, Riding Assistant, lane change warning, front collision warning, automated shift assistant and BMW’s variable luggage system. It is big, comfortable and premium, but it is not as enormous or sofa-like as a Honda Gold Wing.
The catch, predictably, is price. The standard bike is already a serious purchase, and once you start adding the clever equipment that makes the new RT really stand out, the cost can climb quickly. For riders who want a premium, long-distance road bike that still feels engaging, though, the RT remains one of the strongest choices on sale.
Honourable Mention: Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour
Liam gives an honourable mention to the Ducati Multistrada V4, especially in V4 S or Grand Tour specification. Strictly speaking, it sits in the adventure crossover world, which is why it does not make the main road-biased top five. But as a fast, comfortable, fully loaded long-distance road bike, it is hard to leave out completely.
The Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour uses Ducati’s 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine producing 170hp and includes proper touring equipment such as radar-assisted rider aids, side cases, heated grips, heated rider and passenger seats, additional lighting and a centre stand. It is not the purest road tourer here, but it is absolutely a serious distance machine.
1. Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT: The Long-Distance Comfort King
Liam’s number one pick is the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT. It is enormous, expensive and not the bike most riders would choose for a tight UK back-road blast, but for covering serious mileage in comfort, it is still incredibly hard to beat.
For 2026, Honda UK lists the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour DCT at £32,999. It has a low 745mm seat height, a 1,833cc flat-six engine, 7-speed DCT gearbox, integrated luggage, electronically adjustable screen, cruise control, heated grips and a 7-inch TFT display. UK dealer specification data also lists the Gold Wing Tour DCT at 393kg kerb weight, which explains why low-speed help matters so much on a machine of this size.
The Gold Wing’s DCT suits the bike’s purpose perfectly. On a sportier machine, some riders may prefer a manual gearbox for involvement. On a Gold Wing, removing effort is part of the appeal. For huge road miles with a pillion, luggage and comfort as the priority, it remains the obvious benchmark.
Side-By-Side: Which Touring Bike Suits Which Rider?
Best value pick
The Honda CB1000GT gives you a lot of equipment for the money, especially if you want a sportier touring bike with strong performance and standard luggage.
Best sensible all-rounder
The Honda NT1100 is the practical choice. It is comfortable, well-equipped and easier to justify than the more expensive luxury tourers.
Best everyday sports tourer
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the one for riders who still want a lively engine, B-road fun and proper day-to-day usability.
Best premium road tourer
The BMW R 1300 RT is the polished, high-tech option for riders who want comfort and long-distance ability without going full Gold Wing.
Best luxury touring bike
The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is still the comfort benchmark if the brief is simple: big miles, big comfort, pillion-friendly touring and minimum effort.
Touring Kit Still Matters
Whichever bike you choose, touring comfort is not only about the motorcycle itself. Luggage, wind protection, heated kit and practical accessories can make a major difference to how relaxed a bike feels over distance.
If you are getting a bike ready for touring, Moto Planet makes it easier to find kit that fits your exact motorcycle. You can browse bike-specific accessories using Search by Registration, or start with key touring categories such as motorcycle panniers, motorcycle top boxes and motorcycle tank bags.
Verdict: Which Touring Motorcycle Would Liam Pick?
For pure road touring comfort, Liam’s winner is the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT. It is not the cheapest, lightest or most versatile bike here, but it is still the one that makes the most sense if the job is serious distance with a pillion and luggage.
The BMW R 1300 RT is the more dynamic premium alternative, the Tracer 9 GT+ is the everyday sports tourer, the NT1100 is the sensible real-world choice, and the CB1000GT looks like one of the most interesting value-led newcomers for 2026.
The best choice depends on how you ride. For big motorway miles and two-up touring, the Gold Wing still rules. For UK riding with touring ability baked in, the NT1100 and Tracer 9 GT+ may be easier to live with. For riders who want premium comfort without Gold Wing size, the RT is right in the sweet spot.
Pros
- Strong mix of value, comfort and premium touring options
- Useful focus on road-biased touring rather than adventure bikes
- Gold Wing remains hard to beat for pillion-friendly distance work
- NT1100 and Tracer 9 GT+ offer more realistic everyday options
Cons
- Top touring bikes can get very expensive once fully specced
- Some riders may find the Gold Wing too large for typical UK riding
- Sports tourers do not offer the same weather protection as bigger tourers
- Chain drive on the CB1000GT may put off some high-mile touring riders
Key Takeaways
- The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is Liam’s top pick for serious long-distance comfort.
- The BMW R 1300 RT is the strongest premium road tourer if you want comfort with a more dynamic feel.
- The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the best choice here for riders who want one bike for commuting, touring and B-road fun.
- The Honda NT1100 is the sensible touring option that will make the most sense to many UK riders.
- The Honda CB1000GT looks like a very strong value-led sports tourer, especially given its standard kit.
Best Touring Motorcycles 2026 – UK FAQ
In Liam’s ranking, the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT takes the top spot because it offers the strongest long-distance comfort, especially for big road miles with a pillion and luggage.
Yes, if comfort and long-distance ease are the priority. It is expensive and heavy, but for serious touring, the Gold Wing Tour DCT still offers a level of refinement that is difficult to match.
The BMW R 1300 RT is likely to suit riders who want a more dynamic premium road tourer. The Honda Gold Wing is better suited to riders prioritising maximum comfort, pillion space and long-distance ease.
Yes. The Tracer 9 GT+ is one of the strongest sports touring options, especially for riders who want a bike that can tour, commute and still feel enjoyable on B-roads. It is not as protective as a larger tourer, but it is more versatile for everyday use.
The Honda NT1100 is a very sensible touring bike for UK riders. It has strong practical kit, built-in panniers, good comfort and a more manageable price than larger luxury touring motorcycles.
The Honda CB1000GT should suit riders who want a sportier touring bike with strong performance and useful standard equipment. It may not offer the same weather protection or low-maintenance touring feel as larger shaft-drive bikes, but it looks like a strong value option.
For mixed UK riding, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ and Honda NT1100 may be easier to live with than a full-size luxury tourer. For huge motorway miles and two-up trips, the Honda Gold Wing and BMW R 1300 RT make more sense.
Not always, but panniers make touring much easier. Integrated or bike-specific panniers give secure storage for longer trips, while a top box or tank bag can add extra capacity for commuting, weekends away or touring essentials.
Choose a sports tourer if you want one bike for daily riding, B-roads and occasional trips. Choose a full touring motorcycle if you regularly ride long distances, carry a pillion or want maximum comfort and weather protection.
Spec Notes & Sources
Key specification and price references were checked against manufacturer and reputable UK-facing sources including Honda UK, BMW Motorrad UK, Ducati, Bennetts BikeSocial and UK Honda dealer specification listings. Prices and specifications can change, so always check the latest manufacturer or dealer information before buying.