Top 7 Best Bikes for Long Rides in India 2025 — Ultimate Guide for Touring Enthusiasts
Are you a motorcycle enthusiast planning epic long rides across India in 2025? Choosing the right bike is critical for comfort, fuel efficiency, and handling diverse terrains. This guide presents the Top 7 bikes for long rides in India, considering comfort, mileage, performance, touring features, and reliability. From adventure tourers that can tackle mountain passes to comfortable cruisers perfect for highways, each bike is analyzed for real-world use, ride ergonomics, luggage options, and maintenance.
We also include practical tips for long-distance touring, such as optimal riding posture, essential accessories, luggage solutions, and safety gear recommendations. This blog is ideal for first-time long-distance riders and seasoned bikers looking to upgrade or diversify their touring fleet. Each bike review contains specifications, pros and cons, and why it stands out in 2025. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to select the perfect long-ride motorcycle tailored to your style and Indian roads.
How to choose a bike for long rides in India
Long rides demand more than horsepower. Consider:
Comfort & Ergonomics: Seat height, handlebar position, and footpeg placement for hours of riding.
Fuel Capacity & Mileage: Larger tanks reduce refueling stops; good mileage keeps touring economical.
Engine Performance: Adequate torque for highways, hill climbs, and loaded travel.
Suspension & Stability: Smooth suspension absorbs rough roads; stability is essential for long distances.
Luggage Options: Panniers, tank bags, and saddlebags for carrying essentials.
Maintenance & Spare Parts: Availability across India is crucial for reliability.
1. Royal Enfield Himalayan — Adventure touring made simple
Why it’s great: Himalayan is a versatile adventure bike for Indian terrain. It handles city streets, highways, and mountains comfortably. Its upright seating, wide handlebars, and 411cc engine offer a perfect balance between power and fuel efficiency.
Key Specs:
Engine: 411cc single-cylinder, air-cooled
Mileage: 30–35 km/l
Fuel tank: 15 liters
Suspension: Long-travel telescopic front, monoshock rear
Top speed: 130 km/h
Pros: Comfortable seating, off-road capable, strong aftermarket support.
Cons: Moderate top speed, slightly heavier for tight city navigation.
Why ideal for long rides: The Himalayan’s reliability and off-road capability make it perfect for mountain passes like Leh-Ladakh and the Western Ghats.
2. KTM 390 Adventure — Lightweight yet powerful
Why it’s great: KTM 390 Adventure offers high-performance adventure riding in a lightweight chassis. Its tech-packed features include TFT display, traction control, and switchable ABS.
Key Specs:
Engine: 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Mileage: 30–32 km/l
Fuel tank: 14.5 liters
Suspension: WP Apex upside-down front forks
Top speed: 150 km/h
Pros: Nimble handling, excellent suspension, advanced electronics.
Cons: Firm seat may feel tiring on very long rides.
Why ideal for long rides: It’s perfect for solo riders who want speed, precision, and adventure capability on highways and winding mountain roads.
3. Bajaj Dominar 400 — Affordable long-distance cruiser
Why it’s great: Dominar 400 is a highway-focused touring bike with comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel efficiency, and a powerful engine. Its wide seat and relaxed riding position make it ideal for Indian highways.
Key Specs:
Engine: 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Mileage: 35–38 km/l
Fuel tank: 13 liters
Suspension: Telescopic front, mono-shock rear
Top speed: 140 km/h
Pros: Affordable, smooth engine, highway comfort.
Cons: Limited off-road capability, minimal touring accessories from stock.
Why ideal for long rides: Offers excellent value for bikers who primarily ride highways and need low maintenance.
4. Honda CB500X — Mid-range adventure with comfort
Why it’s great: Honda CB500X is a globally proven adventure-touring motorcycle. It features a smooth parallel-twin engine, wide windscreen, and relaxed ergonomics for long rides.
Key Specs:
Engine: 471cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled
Mileage: 25–28 km/l
Fuel tank: 17.1 liters
Suspension: 41mm telescopic front, Pro-Link rear
Top speed: 180 km/h
Pros: Smooth engine, reliable, comfortable for pillion.
Cons: Higher price point, average mileage for India.
Why ideal for long rides: High comfort, low vibrations, and stability make it perfect for long highway journeys or touring across states.
5. Triumph Tiger 900 GT — Premium touring performance
Why it’s great: Tiger 900 GT is a high-end adventure-tourer with superior engine performance, cruise control, and adjustable windscreen. Its ergonomics and electronics make multi-day rides effortless.
Key Specs:
Engine: 888cc inline-3, liquid-cooled
Mileage: 20–23 km/l
Fuel tank: 20 liters
Suspension: Fully adjustable
Top speed: 200 km/h
Pros: Premium features, long-range comfort, high performance.
Cons: Expensive, requires premium maintenance.
Why ideal for long rides: Multi-day tours with heavy luggage and pillion rides are highly comfortable on this bike, even at high speeds.
6. BMW G 310 GS — Entry-level adventure luxury
Why it’s great: BMW G 310 GS combines adventure features with a lightweight design for easy handling. It’s ideal for riders new to long-distance touring.
Key Specs:
Engine: 313cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Mileage: 30–32 km/l
Fuel tank: 11 liters
Suspension: Upside-down front fork, monoshock rear
Top speed: 140 km/h
Pros: Lightweight, reliable, manageable power for beginners.
Cons: Limited luggage options from stock, lower tank capacity.
Why ideal for long rides: Best suited for beginners or solo adventurers exploring offbeat routes and highways in India.
7. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 — Classic cruiser for long roads
Why it’s great: Interceptor 650 is a classic roadster with modern reliability. Its parallel-twin engine, upright riding posture, and premium feel make it a favorite among touring enthusiasts.
Key Specs:
Engine: 648cc parallel-twin, air-cooled
Mileage: 25–28 km/l
Fuel tank: 13.7 liters
Suspension: Telescopic front, twin shock rear
Top speed: 160 km/h
Pros: Comfortable for long rides, stylish design, reliable.
Cons: Not ideal for off-road, heavier weight in city traffic.
Why ideal for long rides: Smooth torque delivery, strong engine, and comfortable seating make long highway trips pleasurable for solo or duo rides.
Practical tips for long-distance motorcycling in India
Plan routes & breaks: 150–200 km/day is comfortable.
Luggage: Panniers or saddle bags reduce fatigue. Avoid overloading.
Riding posture: Keep shoulders relaxed, knees gripping tank lightly, adjust handlebars.
Safety gear: Full-face helmet, riding jacket, gloves, riding pants, and boots are essential.
Hydration & food: Regular water breaks; high-energy snacks keep stamina up.
Maintenance check: Oil, tire pressure, chain lubrication, and lights before every long ride.
Conclusion
The best bikes for long rides in India in 2025 balance comfort, performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure suit off-road adventurers, while Bajaj Dominar 400 and Interceptor 650 shine on highways. Premium options like Honda CB500X and Triumph Tiger 900 GT cater to riders seeking top comfort and performance. Entry-level adventure riders can confidently choose BMW G 310 GS for manageable handling. Select a bike that fits your riding style, plan routes carefully, equip essential gear, and enjoy India’s scenic highways and mountainous terrains. The right motorcycle transforms a long ride from tiring to memorable.
