What is a Touring Bike?

Susan Difford - Clean Green Cars Personal Lines Insurance Expert
Written by  Susan DiffordUpdated  27 April 20252 min read

Some people get into motorcycle riding for the thrill of riding a powerful, high speed sports bike where others want a more practical bike that provides a more comfortable and smooth ride over long distances. The latter is where touring bikes come into their own. In this guide we’ll be covering what a touring bike is and why you might consider one. If you do own a touring bike or plan to soon, then you’ll certainly want to make sure you have touring bike insurance.

Key Takeaways

What Are The Key Features Of A Touring Bike?

  • Ergonomics: Ergonomics are a big feature of touring bikes, which means the riding position and padding of the seats are both designed for comfort, as are windscreens, which allow for weather protection.
  • Storage: Touring bikes also usually have good storage options, such as top boxes and integrated panniers.
  • Large fuel tank: Range is obviously a big thing that’s important with a touring bike, which is why most models have large fuels tanks allowing for fewer stops between fueling.
  • Passenger accommodation: Pillion comfort is prioritized on most touring bikes in the same way that rider comfort is.
  • Technology: Touring bikes often feature modern technology such as cruise control, GPS and ABS, allowing for a more comfortable riding experience.
Touring bike

Are touring bikes a good choice for new riders?

They can be if they’re lower powered. If you’ve never rode a touring bike before though, it may be better to start off with a 50cc moped or scooter so you can gain some experience.

Do touring bikes need insurance?

Yes, just like any other type of motorbike, a touring bike will need to have third party only insurance minimum for it to be road legal.

In Summary

  • Touring bikes prioritize comfort for long journeys, meaning comfortable seat height and padding come as standard.
  • Touring bikes usually come with good storage options too.
  • You’ll need tax and insurance for a touring bike to make it legal to ride on public roads.

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