Choosing the right Honda motorcycle for touring can significantly enhance your riding experience. When you're planning long journeys, comfort, reliability, and performance are key. Honda offers a range of bikes that are well-suited for touring, each with its unique strengths. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best Honda motorcycles for touring, helping you make an informed decision for your next adventure.

Why Choose Honda for Touring?

Before diving into specific models, let's consider why Honda is a popular choice for touring motorcycles. Honda motorcycles are renowned for their reliability, a crucial factor when embarking on long-distance rides. You want a bike that you can depend on, mile after mile, without unexpected breakdowns. Honda's reputation for producing durable and well-engineered machines gives riders peace of mind.

Comfort is another significant advantage. Touring often involves spending hours in the saddle, so a comfortable riding position, well-padded seat, and effective wind protection are essential. Honda designs its touring bikes with ergonomics in mind, ensuring that riders can maintain a comfortable posture and minimize fatigue. Many models also offer adjustable features, allowing you to customize the bike to your individual preferences.

Performance is also vital. A good touring motorcycle should have ample power for cruising at highway speeds, tackling hills, and overtaking traffic. Honda's engines are known for their smooth power delivery and responsiveness, making them well-suited for the demands of touring. Additionally, features like cruise control, advanced suspension systems, and ample storage capacity further enhance the touring experience. Whether you're a seasoned tourer or planning your first long-distance ride, Honda offers a range of bikes that cater to different needs and preferences. So, choosing a Honda motorcycle for touring is a great idea!

Top Honda Motorcycles for Touring

1. Honda Gold Wing

The Honda Gold Wing is arguably the quintessential touring motorcycle. It's been a staple in the touring world for decades, and for good reason. The Gold Wing offers an unparalleled level of comfort, luxury, and performance, making it the ultimate choice for long-distance riders.

One of the standout features of the Gold Wing is its incredibly smooth and powerful engine. The latest models are equipped with a 1,833cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that delivers effortless acceleration and refined performance. Whether you're cruising on the open highway or climbing mountain passes, the Gold Wing has more than enough power to handle any situation. The engine is also remarkably smooth, minimizing vibrations and contributing to a more comfortable ride.

Comfort is another area where the Gold Wing excels. The bike features a plush, well-padded seat that provides excellent support for both the rider and passenger. The riding position is upright and relaxed, reducing strain on your back and wrists. Additionally, the Gold Wing offers excellent wind protection, thanks to its large windscreen and aerodynamic fairing. These features help to minimize wind buffeting and keep you comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.

The Gold Wing is also packed with advanced technology and luxury features. It comes standard with a seven-speed automatic DCT transmission, which provides smooth and seamless gear changes. The bike also features a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a large LCD screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay integration, and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features include heated seats and grips, cruise control, and ample storage space. All these advanced features are what makes the Honda Gold Wing the top motorcycle for touring.

2. Honda Africa Twin

For riders who prefer a more adventurous style of touring, the Honda Africa Twin is an excellent choice. This bike combines the comfort and reliability of a touring motorcycle with the off-road capabilities of an adventure bike. The Africa Twin is equally at home on paved roads and gravel trails, making it a versatile option for riders who want to explore beyond the beaten path.

The Africa Twin is powered by a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine is smooth and responsive, providing ample torque for tackling challenging terrain. It's also relatively lightweight, which makes the Africa Twin more nimble and easier to handle than some of the larger touring bikes.

Comfort is also a priority on the Africa Twin. The bike features a comfortable seat, an upright riding position, and a windscreen that provides decent wind protection. The suspension is also well-tuned for long-distance riding, absorbing bumps and maintaining stability on rough roads. Additionally, the Africa Twin is available with a range of accessories, such as panniers and a top box, which provide ample storage space for your gear.

The Africa Twin also boasts a range of advanced technology features. It comes standard with a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), which enables advanced rider aids such as traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control. The bike is also available with Honda's DCT transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes. This makes the Honda Africa Twin a versatile choice for touring.

3. Honda VFR800 Interceptor

The Honda VFR800 Interceptor is a sport-touring motorcycle that offers a blend of performance and comfort. It's a great option for riders who want a bike that's fun to ride on twisty roads but also capable of handling long-distance trips.

The VFR800 is powered by a 782cc V4 engine that delivers smooth and responsive power. The engine is known for its distinctive V4 sound and its broad torque curve, which makes it easy to ride in a variety of conditions. The VFR800 also handles well, thanks to its sporty chassis and suspension. It's nimble and responsive, making it a joy to ride on winding roads.

Comfort is also a consideration on the VFR800. The bike features a comfortable seat, a relaxed riding position, and a windscreen that provides decent wind protection. It's not as luxurious as the Gold Wing, but it's still comfortable enough for long-distance trips. The VFR800 is also available with a range of accessories, such as panniers and a top box, which provide ample storage space. In summary, the Honda VFR800 Interceptor offers a great blend of performance and comfort.

4. Honda NC750X

The Honda NC750X is a versatile and practical motorcycle that's well-suited for touring. It offers a unique combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and storage capacity, making it a great option for riders who want a bike that's both economical and practical.

The NC750X is powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine that delivers smooth and torquey power. The engine is known for its excellent fuel efficiency, which makes it a great choice for long-distance trips. The NC750X also features a unique storage compartment in place of the traditional fuel tank. This compartment is large enough to hold a full-face helmet or other gear, which is a convenient feature for touring.

Comfort is also a consideration on the NC750X. The bike features a comfortable seat, an upright riding position, and a windscreen that provides decent wind protection. It's not as sporty as the VFR800, but it's still comfortable enough for long-distance trips. The Honda NC750X is also available with Honda's DCT transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Touring Motorcycle

Choosing the right touring motorcycle depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Comfort: Consider the riding position, seat comfort, and wind protection. Look for a bike that allows you to maintain a comfortable posture for long periods.
• Performance: Think about the type of riding you'll be doing. If you plan on riding on highways and mountain passes, you'll want a bike with ample power. If you're primarily riding on backroads, a smaller, more nimble bike may be a better choice.
• Storage: Consider how much storage space you'll need for your gear. Look for a bike with ample storage capacity or the option to add panniers and a top box.
• Technology: Consider the technology features that are important to you. Some touring motorcycles offer advanced features such as cruise control, navigation, and infotainment systems.
• Budget: Touring motorcycles can range in price from relatively affordable to quite expensive. Set a budget and look for a bike that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Tips for Preparing Your Honda for a Touring Trip

Once you've chosen your Honda motorcycle for touring, it's important to prepare it properly for your trip. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Maintenance: Before you leave, make sure your bike is in good mechanical condition. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. Inspect the tires, brakes, and chain. If necessary, have your bike serviced by a qualified mechanic.
• Accessories: Consider adding accessories that will enhance your touring experience. These might include a larger windscreen, heated grips, a comfortable seat, and luggage racks.
• Gear: Make sure you have the right gear for your trip. This includes a helmet, riding jacket, riding pants, gloves, and boots. Choose gear that is comfortable, protective, and appropriate for the weather conditions you expect to encounter.
• Planning: Plan your route carefully. Consider the distance you'll be traveling each day, the road conditions, and the availability of fuel and lodging. Use a GPS device or a map to navigate.
• Packing: Pack your gear carefully. Distribute the weight evenly on your bike. Avoid carrying unnecessary items. Make sure your gear is securely fastened to your bike.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Honda motorcycle for touring is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the luxurious comfort of the Gold Wing, the adventurous spirit of the Africa Twin, the sporty performance of the VFR800 Interceptor, or the practical versatility of the NC750X, Honda offers a range of bikes that are well-suited for touring. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and preparing your bike properly, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable touring experience. So, gear up and get ready to explore the open road on your Honda motorcycle!