For a solo road trip, a motorcycle can offer a different kind of freedom compared with a compact SUV. Adventure motorcycles, in particular, combine long-distance touring ability with the flexibility to handle broken roads, mountain routes and occasional off-road sections.
From the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to the KTM 390 Adventure S, here are five motorcycles that stand out for solo touring.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a strong option for riders planning to explore mountain roads, rough surfaces and trails during a solo journey. Its 452 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces 40.02 PS and 40 Nm and comes with a six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle gets a 17-litre fuel tank and weighs 196 kg. With 230 mm of ground clearance and 200 mm of suspension travel at both the front and rear, it is designed to deal with challenging road conditions.
Its features include a 4-inch TFT display with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, along with switchable ABS and two riding modes. The combination of fuel capacity, ground clearance and long-travel suspension makes the Himalayan 450 suitable for riders who want to go beyond conventional highway routes. The Mana Black version also adds to its visual appeal.
Honda NX500
For riders whose trips mainly involve highways and well-maintained roads, with occasional rough patches, the Honda NX500 offers a practical touring package.
Power comes from a 471 cc parallel-twin engine producing 47.59 PS and 43 Nm. It has a 17.5-litre fuel tank, while Honda has also introduced an E-Clutch version in India. The system reduces the need to manually operate the clutch during starts and gear changes.
Weighing 199 kg, the NX500 has relatively compact dimensions compared with some larger adventure motorcycles. Its twin-cylinder engine is suited to highway cruising, while the adventure-bike design provides a commanding riding position and enough capability for uneven surfaces. The motorcycle also carries the reliability associated with Honda.
Honda XL750 Transalp
The Honda XL750 Transalp moves into a higher performance category and offers considerably more power for riders looking at long-distance adventure touring.
Its 755 cc parallel-twin engine develops 91.77 PS and 75 Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The Indian model is available with Honda’s E-Clutch system, allowing riders to start, stop and change gears without manually using the clutch lever.
The Transalp comes with a 16.9-litre fuel tank and 212 mm of ground clearance. It uses a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, while multiple riding modes include Sport, Rain and Gravel.
The motorcycle is suited to riders who want to cover long distances comfortably but still have the option of leaving paved roads behind. Its twin-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension and adventure-focused chassis make it suitable for highway journeys as well as rough and remote routes.
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is another option for solo riders looking for a motorcycle capable of handling both long highway journeys and off-road sections.
It is powered by a 776 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 84.3 PS and 78 Nm. The motorcycle has a 20-litre fuel tank and weighs 232 kg. It rides on a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel.
The V-Strom 800 DE also features 220 mm of suspension travel at both ends, along with adventure riding modes, gravel-specific traction control, hill-hold control and a bash plate.
Its 20-litre fuel tank can be useful on long journeys by reducing the frequency of fuel stops. The motorcycle can handle extended highway rides before moving onto rougher mountain roads. At 232 kg, it is the heaviest motorcycle on this list, but its equipment and off-road capability make it suitable for riders travelling with luggage.
KTM 390 Adventure S
The KTM 390 Adventure S is aimed at riders who want touring ability along with a more engaging riding experience. It uses a 399 cc single-cylinder engine producing 46 PS and 39 Nm.
The motorcycle weighs 181 kg and has a 14.5-litre fuel tank, while its high ground clearance helps it deal with broken roads and rough terrain.
Its equipment package includes a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, navigation assistance, cruise control, riding modes, cornering ABS, cornering traction control and a bidirectional quickshifter.
The 390 Adventure S combines long-distance touring with the performance needed for winding roads. Its relatively low weight, strong engine and adventure-focused chassis make it suitable for riders who want a motorcycle that can handle highway travel while remaining enjoyable on more challenging stretches.