Top 10 best touring motorcycles

Published on: Aug 25, 2026
Top 10 best touring motorcycles alt

Summary

The best 2026 touring motorcycle, according to our team, is the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer ($28,495, 30-litre tank, shaft drive) on the British side, and the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally (starting at $34,995, 170 hp, 30-litre tank) on the Italian side. Our top 10 also includes the Tiger 1200 GT Pro ($25,595), Tiger 900 GT Pro ($19,795), Tiger Sport 800 ($15,245) and Tiger Sport 660 ($11,695), as well as the Multistrada V4 S (starting at $31,995), V4 Pikes Peak ($37,995), V2 S (starting at $22,495) and V2 ($18,995).

Riding Montréal to Gaspé is nearly 930 km on Highway 132. Over that distance, the best 2026 touring motorcycle is not the most powerful one and it will not be the same for everyone. It is the one that combines range, wind protection and passenger comfort. We ranked ten models based on these concrete criteria, keeping in mind that the right type of motorcycle first depends on the paved to gravel ratio of your routes.

Our top 5 best Triumph touring motorcycles

The Tiger family leads the segment at Triumph with two philosophies. The 1200s for crossing the country, and the Tiger Sport line for weekend getaways.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer

A 30-litre tank, shaft final drive with no chain maintenance, semi-active suspension and a blind spot sensor. The GT Explorer is built to devour the Trans-Canada in one go. With a 30-litre tank, you can ride Montréal to Québec and back without refuelling. And why choose Motos Illimitées Montréal? For financing tailored to a $28,495 purchase, including second and third chance credit solutions.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer touring motorcycle parked outdoors
ModelTank
Final driveShaft
2026 MSRP$28,495
Profile view of a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro adventure bike

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro

It shares the T-Plane triple and the same chassis as the Explorer, but with a 20-litre tank, trimming about 15 lb. dry weight and $2,900 from the invoice. The ideal compromise if your stages rarely exceed 300 km. So, why choose it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? For immediate availability in several 2026 colours.

ModelTank
2026 MSRP$25,595

Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro

With a 888 cc triple engine producing 108 hp, heated seats for rider and passenger, and optional cases, it is arguably the best motorcycle for travelling two-up under $20,000. A smaller footprint than the 1200 is easier to handle in a motel parking lot.

And why purchase it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because choosing between the GT, GT Pro and Rally Pro comes down to details our Anjou team knows inside out. They will have you compare the two seat heights side by side, break down the real $2,300 gap between the GT and GT Pro item by item, and honestly tell you if an electronic suspension is worth the extra money for your use.

Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro motorcycle equipped with hard luggage cases
ModelEngine
Output108 hp
2026 MSRP$19,795
Triumph Tiger Sport 800 Tour motorcycle with full factory luggage

Triumph Tiger Sport 800 Tour

The Tiger Sport 800 ($15,245 in base form) in Tour trim receives side cases and factory luggage, so you can head out fully equipped at delivery [Tour price to be confirmed]. A 798 cc triple engine makes it a truly comfortable motorcycle for travelling while staying playful on Highway 155 toward La Tuque.

Why trust Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because a Tour trim is rarely bought as is. Between the OEM cases, the top case, heated grips and the comfort seat, our Anjou team installs and adjusts everything before delivery, so you leave ready for a first weekend in Mauricie rather than with a list of back-ordered parts.

ModelEngine
2026 MSRP$15,245
Tiger Sport 800 Tour798 cc triple, luggage included

Triumph Tiger Sport 660

At $11,695, it is the most affordable touring bike, $3,550 less than a Tiger Sport 800. The model update adds standard cruise control and cornering ABS, often optional at this price. A 2026 touring motorcycle that is perfect for a first big trip, like the Lac-Saint-Jean loop and its 230 km. Why buy it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because it is one of Triumph's most in-demand models in Québec. Units are often in stock in Anjou, so you leave without a factory order.

Compact Triumph Tiger Sport 660 touring motorcycle on the road
ModelEquipment
2026 MSRP$11,695

Our top 5 best Ducati touring motorcycles

The Multistrada lineup covers the whole spectrum, from the accessible road motorcycle to the rally-ready bike. Ducati adds $995 freight to the prices below, and the price of a Ducati motorcycle in 2026 varies significantly depending on the equipment packages selected.

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally adventure motorcycle in off-road action

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

With 170 hp, a 30-litre tank and long-travel suspension, the V4 Rally targets riders who string together the Trans-Labrador after Highway 389. Front and rear radar manage adaptive cruise control and watch blind spots, a real plus after eight hours in the saddle.

Starting at $34,995. And why purchase it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because an expedition toward the Trans-Labrador leaves no room for improvisation. Our Anjou inventory includes V4 Rally units available for immediate delivery, and the shop can install hand guards, a skid plate and mixed-use tires before you leave, in the same visit as the bike's prep.

ModelOutput
Tank30 L
2026 MSRPStarting at $34,995

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

The sport-touring benchmark, and the best-selling Multistrada in the lineup. A 1158 cc Granturismo V4 engine delivers 170 hp for safe passing on Highway 117, with valve clearance checks pushed to 60,000 km, an unprecedented interval at Ducati that changes five-year ownership costs.

The semi-active Skyhook suspension adjusts damping in real time based on load, a tangible benefit when switching from solo to two-up with full cases. Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro driving modes reconfigure power and assist at the touch of a button.

Three-quarter front view of a Ducati Multistrada V4 S sport-touring motorcycle

Starting at $31,995, it justifies the $9,000 gap with the base V4 ($22,995) with chassis electronics and touring features. Why choose it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because Ducati Montréal displays the V4 and V4 S in the same Anjou showroom. You can compare both in the saddle, numbers in hand, before deciding if the Skyhook is worth the extra money.

ModelSuspension
2026 MSRPStarting at $31,995
Ducati Multistrada V2 S Travel equipped with side cases for touring

Ducati Multistrada V2 S Travel

The new 890 cc V2 (115 hp) engine has allowed the Multistrada V2 to shed weight, now sitting at 439 lb. dry for the base version. The V2 S starts at $22,495 and the Travel package, with pricing to be confirmed, adds cases, a centre stand and heated grips.

It is the lineup's best touring motorcycle in the intermediate segment. So, why choose it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because the Travel package is ordered at the time of purchase. Our Anjou team confirms the exact price for the trim, installs the cases and centre stand before delivery, and calibrates the heated grips, which saves a second service appointment before your first adventure.

ModelEngine
2026 MSRPStarting at $22,495

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

A 17-inch front wheel, electronically controlled Öhlins suspension and sport ergonomics. The Pikes Peak is the pass-chasing Multistrada, designed for those who travel fast. At $37,995, it speaks to riders who want one bike for the track on Saturday and Vermont on Sunday.

So, why purchase it at Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because a Pikes Peak rarely sells in volume. Few dealers keep one on the floor, whereas our Ducati inventory in Anjou, among the largest in Québec, lets you see it in person and compare it directly with the V4 S before you invest $37,995.

High-performance Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak motorcycle profile
ModelKey feature
2026 MSRP$37,995
Ducati Multistrada V2 motorcycle profile view

Ducati Multistrada V2

At $18,995, the base V2 remains the entry point for Ducati touring bikes, with the same 115 hp engine as the V2 S. Wondering which motorcycle to choose for long distances without going over $20,000? It answers that question precisely.

And why choose Motos Illimitées Montréal? Because the entry point to Ducati touring deserves financing to match. Our Anjou team builds plans for all profiles, including second and third chance credit, and the V2 is regularly in stock for quick delivery.

ModelEngine
2026 MSRP$18,995

Summary table of the best 2026 touring motorcycles

Here are the best touring motorcycles at a glance, from the most accessible to the most equipped. Full details on the price of a Triumph motorcycle in 2026 has its own article, as does our Triumph versus Ducati comparison.

Rank2026 modelTankMSRP
1Triumph Tiger Sport 66017 L$11,695
2Triumph Tiger Sport 80018.6 L$15,245
3Ducati Multistrada V219 L$18,995
4Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro20 L$19,795
5Ducati Multistrada V2 S19 LStarting at $22,495
6Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro20 L$25,595
7Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer30 L$28,495
8Ducati Multistrada V4 S22 LStarting at $31,995
9Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally30 LStarting at $34,995
10Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak22 L$37,995

*These are the prices available on the manufacturer's site at the time of research. They are subject to change without notice.

FAQ

What is the best touring motorcycle in 2026?

The best 2026 touring motorcycle remains the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer for distance thanks to a 30-litre tank and shaft drive. The Multistrada V4 Rally stands out for riders who want 170 hp with added off-road skills.

Which motorcycle should you choose for long-distance travel?

Prioritize a tank of 20 litres or more, cruise control and adjustable wind protection. The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and the Multistrada V4 Rally check all three boxes, both with 30-litre tanks, compared to 17 to 20 litres for intermediate models.

Which is the best touring motorcycle for two-up travel?

The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer, which includes a heated passenger seat and grab handles as standard, or the Multistrada V4 S with a Skyhook suspension that automatically compensates for the weight of a passenger and luggage.

Which Triumph is best for touring?

The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer if the budget allows. The Tiger 900 GT Pro for the best equipment-to-price balance at $19,795, which is $8,700 less than the Explorer.

Which Ducati is best for touring?

The Multistrada V4 Rally for long mixed-surface trips. The V2 S for mostly road use with a budget under $25,000.