Top 5 Affordable New Motorcycles for Travel & Touring 2025

The term touring motorcycle is quite vague, as the requirements for the bike on tour can vary significantly between different riders. Some prefer tall adventure bikes, some like to travel alone and light, while others need a lot of horsepower or storage space for large amounts of luggage. This report lists the bikes with the best value for money from various touring motorcycle segments. The prices listed are Austrian. German readers can look forward to even lower purchase prices.

The Honda NC750X might often be categorized as a "bread-and-butter bike," but its features allow it to shine not only in everyday use but also on tours. A relaxed seating position, good wind protection, and ample storage space thanks to the hollow "tank" (the actual tank is located under the pillion seat, further optimizing the center of gravity) ensure top comfort in the saddle, especially when paired with the optional dual-clutch transmission. With a power output of 59 hp, you shouldn't be an enemy of relaxed riding, but for that, there's the updated 2025 version of the NC750X, which colleague Vauli has already tested, available in Austria for €8,590 without DCT or €9,590 with DCT. Comparable comfort on a motorcycle, especially in combination with Honda's DCT, is otherwise only found in significantly higher price ranges.

In the road-oriented adventure bike segment with 19-inch front tires, there is a wide selection, featuring powerful machines and, unfortunately, mostly high prices. Here, the 800MT Sport from the Chinese manufacturer CFMoto is a real breath of fresh air with its price starting at €9,990. One might become skeptical in the face of this low number, but the engine is based on KTM's 790 twin-cylinder and the 800MT's features, including a standard adjustable windshield, luggage rack, crash bar, cruise control, 7-inch TFT display, and smartphone connectivity, are quite comprehensive. Additionally, the 95 hp machine has a seat height of only 825 mm, making this touring motorcycle accessible even for shorter riders.

The cruiser segment, dominated by American brands Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles, certainly cannot be overlooked. While I wouldn't necessarily classify naked cruisers as touring motorcycles, the many models with fairings and wind protection certainly fit the bill. Unfortunately, the top dogs from 'Murica don't really offer any affordable or budget-friendly models, especially when you consider the features they provide. Honda's CMX1100T Rebel might not appeal to cruiser purists due to the lack of a V-twin engine, but with a price of just €13,490, it is significantly cheaper than all the American options. In the T variant, the 1100 Rebel comes equipped with a broad fairing, and DCT is also an option. Juliane has tested the Honda CMX1100T Rebel in an older version. For fans, it's the most affordable entry into the world of cruisers.

In the adventure bikes with off-road ambitions, featuring a 21-inch front wheel, we start small. The most affordable bike on this list, which has nonetheless proven in tests that it can handle highway stretches, winding country roads, and rough terrain on a tour, is the Royal Enfield Himalayan. In the cheapest color variant, Kaza Brown, it is available from €6,390. For this price, you get a 200 kg machine with 40 hp, a small windshield, and revolutionary navigation technology in the display based on Google Maps. Due to its modest power, it is more suitable for solo travelers, but the Himalayan scores with extremely accessible handling, genuine durability, and great versatility. For me personally, it is currently the best value for money on the entire motorcycle market.

Crossover motorcycles offer more agility with their 17-inch wheels compared to adventure bikes, while retaining the upright seating position and high front fairings. The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is brand new for 2025, featuring a new inline triple engine. This weekend, we are at the press test in Portugal, so stay tuned for the first riding impression of the new Tiger. Even though we haven't had the chance to experience it ourselves yet, it is priced very attractively. For €12,995, you get a presumably sporty crossover motorcycle with 115 horsepower, a wet weight of 214 kilograms, adjustable windshield, cruise control, lean-sensitive assistance systems, quickshifter, and adjustable suspension.

For those seeking a mature 21-inch adventure bike at a good price, the Honda Transalp might be of interest. It offers 95 horsepower, and in 2025, improvements were made to its aesthetics and suspension. It impressed in tests with its everyday usability, as well as with a sense of adventure after a few optimizations. Priced at €11,750, it is significantly cheaper than most other 21-inch adventure bikes. The only criticism: Honda refuses to offer cruise control for the Transalp, despite having ride-by-wire technology available.

I'm not sure if this motorcycle deserves a spot on this list. After all, 15,149 euros is anything but a small amount of money. At the same time, no other larger touring motorcycle with 17-inch tires made it onto this list. Considering its large, 135 hp inline-four engine, the modern electronics on board, and the comfortable, generous vehicle geometry, and comparing this with the competition, just over 15,000 euros doesn't seem so much anymore. The Versys also impressed in the test. Those looking for a large, powerful touring motorcycle will find a well-rounded package with the Kawasaki Versys 1100 at an attractive price level in this segment.