As expected, the list is dominated by Japanese touring bikes, but there are also some surprises. There is a German motorcycle (no points for guessing which brand it is), and even an American one. Another expected feature is the dominance of touring motorcycles. It only makes sense that they are the ones most likely to reach the 100,000 mile mark, due to the nature of their specialization. There is also one surprise.
HondaNX500
Price: $6,899 (new)
The NX500 is technically the CB500X, but with sharper styling. Honda made the switch in 2024, but the CB has been around since 2013. This is a refined, economical motorcycle that offers a genuinely comfortable experience. The NX has switchable traction control, ABS and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation, but CB500X owners have explored it without fear or much tech simply because it’s so reliable.
Engine type | 180° I2 |
Displacement | 471 cc |
Maximum power | 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm |
Maximum torque | 31.7 LB-FT @ 6,500 rpm |
Honda VFR800 Interceptor
Price: $8,400 (used)
The VFR800 Interceptor is one of the largest sports tourists. It became famous for being one of the first motorcycles to feature Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system. On the VFR800, however, things were slightly different: the VTEC opened just one intake and exhaust valve at low revs, adding a second for each valve at high revs. This was a 90 degree V4 engine with DOHC, liquid cooling and PGM-FI fuel injection. In other areas it had an aluminum twin-spar frame, a single-sided swingarm, adjustable suspension and optional ABS. Despite the advanced technology for that time, it was an extremely reliable motorcycle that could reach 160,000 kilometers without any problems.
Engine type | 90° V4 |
Displacement | 782cc |
Maximum power | 110 hp at 10,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 60.5 LB-FT @ 8,500 rpm |
Honda ST1100
Price: $8,500 (used)
The ST1100 Just like the VFR800, it also has a 90 degree V4 engine, but unlike the Interceptor, this is a longitudinal engine. The ST was called the ‘Pan European’ in Europe and its reliability is legendary. Performance wasn’t bad either: you could do 130mph in one of these, but the real advantage is that you can do 93mph in top gear at 4,500rpm. Service intervals are only 6,000 miles, but other than that this is a pleasure to own and drive.
Engine type | Longitudinal 90° V4 |
Displacement | 1,084 cc |
Maximum power | 101 hp at 7,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 81.9 LB-FT @ 6,000 rpm |
10 affordable adventure bikes that refuse to break down
Adventure bikes need to be more reliable than other types of motorcycles, and we have ten that can go the distance, but on a budget
YamahaMT-07
Price: $8,599 (new)
The MT-07 was launched just over a decade ago and the public loves it for the obvious reasons: it’s light and fun, and cheap to own and maintain. It received a major update in 2025, with new styling, a 5-inch TFT display and self-announcement and lane change indicators. A Y-AMT automated manual gearbox is available in some markets. The one standout feature, however, is how reliable it is, with some owners traveling well over 100,000 miles – naked!
Engine type | 270° I2 |
Displacement | 689cc |
Maximum power | 73.4 hp at 8,750 rpm |
Maximum torque | 50 LB-FT @ 6,500 rpm |
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Price: $9,299
Suzuki’s 650cc platform is old-school, with a 90-degree V-twin supported by a twin-spar or trellis frame. We chose the 650 here because it’s more comfortable because it’s a touring car, so hitting a high mileage mark will be (literally) less painful for the driver. But the SV650 will do just as well. There’s also the V-Strom 650XT with spoked rims, in case you want to throw some dirt riding into the mix. It remains on sale as a new model, with an old-fashioned LCD screen and analogue instruments, but thanks to emissions standards, that seems likely to change soon.
Engine type | 90° V-twin |
Displacement | 645cc |
Maximum power | 70 hp at 8,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 46 LB-FT @ 6,400 rpm |
Honda Africa Twin
Price: $14,799
The Africa Twin had two different generations, with the older one having a slightly smaller displacement engine and no six-axis IMU. The second generation is the current one. In typical Honda fashion, not much goes wrong with it, despite technology such as a large TFT touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both variants are available with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but if you’re going for the high mileage, it’s probably best to stick to the manual.
Engine type | 270° I2 |
Displacement | 1,084 cc |
Maximum power | 100.5 hp at 7,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 82.6 LB-FT @ 5,500 rpm |
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BMW R1250GS
Price: $17,400 (used)
The R 1300 GS has taken its rightful place at the head of the full-size adventure bike segment, but its predecessor was also a leader. The R 1250 GS had the qualities to be an around-the-world bike, and it proved that several times over. It doesn’t have fancy visible technology like a TFT screen, but it does have technology where it counts. There was electronic suspension and the boxer engine is extremely reliable, despite being the first with variable valve timing.
Engine type | Longitudinal boxer twin |
Displacement | 1,254 cc |
Maximum power | 136 hp at 7,750 rpm |
Maximum torque | 106 LB-FT @ 6,250 rpm |
Yamaha FJR1300ES
Price: $18,299 (new)
The FJR may be an older generation, but it still remains relevant if you’re into the whole inline four sport tourer thing. It has a diamond frame, electronic suspension in its current form and an analog/LCD cluster. It also delivers strong performance, with a top speed of almost 250 kilometers per hour. Like most Yamahas it’s simple and reliable, and the shaft drive means very little maintenance between services. If you like old school sport tourers, the FJR1300ES is still available as a new model!
Engine type | i4 |
Displacement | 1,298 cc |
Maximum power | 144 hp at 8,000 rpm |
Maximum torque | 102 LB-FT @ 7,000 rpm |
Harley-Davidson Road King special
Price: $24,999 (new)
The Road King Special got the ax for the 2026 model year, when Harley-Davidson revamped its touring lineup. However, you can still get a new one from your friendly neighborhood dealer, while supplies last. While all Milwaukee Eight-powered Harleys will reach 100,000 miles, the M8 114 that powers the Road King has done its duty in powering the Trike range. It is one of the simpler versions of the engine, with oil-cooled cylinder heads, which reduces complexity. The fact that you can now bargain on it because it has been discontinued is just a bonus.
Engine type | 45° V-twin |
Displacement | 1,868 cc |
Maximum power | 95 hp at 5,020 rpm |
Maximum torque | 122 LB-FT @ 2,750 rpm |
10 affordable touring bikes that refuse to break down
One of these affordable touring bikes can be your perfect travel companion
Honda gold wing
Price: $25,500 (new)
The Gold Wing was one of the pioneers that combined technology and reliability in touring bikes. The 100,000-mile target can be achieved with virtually all generations, but the penultimate generation has been proven to do it multiple times, and has enough technology and comfort to keep today’s premium customer happy. As with the Africa Twin, we recommend avoiding the dual-clutch automatic, simply because the manual gearbox is a tried and tested option for these distances.
Engine type | Longitudinal flat six |
Displacement | 1,833 cc |
Maximum power | 125 hp at 5,500 rpm |
Maximum torque | 125.3 LB-FT @ 4,500 rpm |
Sources: Honda Powersports, Yamaha Power Sports
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