Recommended Motorcycles and How to Choose Them for Touring

To briefly summarize the key points for choosing a motorcycle for touring:

・Stress-free throttle control and handling
・Good fuel economy, allowing long rides without frequent refueling
・A seat with a luggage rack or space for luggage
・Good low-end torque for easy riding
・A comfortable seat (thin seats can cause pain during long rides)
・A faired bike is less fatiguing than a naked bike

These are some of the main considerations.
And something that applies to choosing any motorcycle:
"Buying from a trustworthy shop"
This is the most important factor to consider to avoid making a mistake when choosing a motorcycle, so don't forget it.

250cc motorcycles have been gaining popularity recently.
They are easy for women to handle, economical, and have benefits such as not requiring a vehicle inspection.
With their ease of purchase, maintenance, and riding, 250cc bikes are recommended for beginners.
Among 250cc models, I'll introduce some particularly suitable for touring, in my personal ranking order.

① Yamaha Touring Serow The Serow is, without a doubt, a versatile motorcycle!

Serow means "chamois" in Japanese. The concept is based on the image of a nimble chamois running long distances on animal trails.
Its greatest feature is its ease of handling, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to experts, and for everything from city riding to touring. It's a long-selling model known for its fuel efficiency and excellent cost-performance, and the 2018 new model inherits its beloved visual design.
The new model has improved fuel performance, maximum torque, maximum output, fuel efficiency, and power. And what's more, the Touring Serow, a special model, debuted on September 13, 2018.
It's a great value model equipped with various optional parts suitable for touring, so for touring, the Touring Serow is especially recommended.
The Touring Serow, balancing a smart appearance with tough details, offers a mild ride. Its agility makes it easy for women and beginners to use.

② Suzuki V-Strom

While 250cc bikes typically bring to mind short-distance touring, adventure tourers have been evolving recently.
The Suzuki V-Strom, which I'm introducing here, boasts an imposing presence with its unexpectedly large size for a 250cc.
It features a highly effective windscreen, incredibly bright headlights, and a well-cushioned seat.
With a 17-liter fuel tank capacity, its cruising range surprisingly exceeds 600km. Despite all this functionality and power, it's smaller and easier to handle than 650cc or 1000cc models, giving it a sleek impression. It's easy to ride and offers excellent cost performance, making it an outstanding model for long distances among 250cc bikes.

③ Honda VTR-F

This is a Honda "V-twin" that inherits the brand's tradition, an evolution of the popular Honda VTR, a city bike that anyone can easily use.
By adding a half-fairing, highway riding has become more comfortable.
Fuel efficiency has also improved, making it perfect for touring. The gentle and smooth ride instills confidence. It's a light and easy-to-handle bike in terms of both weight and handling.
You can also enjoy the unique sound of Honda's V-twin engine.

① Honda 400X

This motorcycle is so suitable for touring that its website even calls it "the touring 400."
The Honda 400X belongs to the crossover genre of motorcycles that has become popular, starting with BMW's GS series.
This crossover adventure bike, which combines the best of road bikes and off-road bikes, is the only 400cc motorcycle in Japan and an adventure model that can be ridden with a medium-sized license.
It's a highly recommended touring motorcycle with excellent overall balance.

② Suzuki Gladius 400

Named after an ancient Roman short sword, this motorcycle boasts a distinctive design and engine.
The excellence of this bike's engine truly shines when you pick up speed. Additionally, its compact size makes it a great choice for those who find the 400X too large.

③ Kawasaki Ninja400

Kawasaki's Ninja series is a highly popular line that has achieved great success in international motorcycle races.
The 2018 Ninja400 saw significant weight reduction, offering sharp acceleration and an exhilarating ride.
True to the Ninja series, it has a cool appearance, and its lightweight makes it easy to handle even for smaller individuals or women who might typically shy away from 400cc bikes.
The new model features a slipper clutch, which means less hand fatigue, and many riders report comfortable long-distance rides.

① Kawasaki W650

The Kawasaki W650 is a popular motorcycle known for its excellent cost performance, retro look, and good overall balance.
Although it's a large displacement bike, its compact size makes it easy to use, and it's well-equipped with small details like luggage hooks and tandem grips.
Another great point is that it's a popular model, so there are many custom parts available.
Despite its simple structure, it's a stable bike, making it recommendable to a wide range of riders among large displacement models.

② Honda CBR650F

This highly versatile model is also recommended for touring, as it can be ridden stress-free from city streets to highways and winding roads.
The engine sound, unique to inline-4s, is also irresistible.
Its characteristics include usability in various situations, a cool appearance, and a racy engine sound.
It's an easy-to-ride large displacement bike, suitable for those transitioning from medium-displacement bikes or those who find large bikes tiring.

③ Yamaha XVS1300A

Yamaha's supremely cool American cruiser.
Every detail has been carefully considered to achieve a high level of comfort, and both its appearance and performance are sporty.
Riding this bike on winding roads is an incredibly exhilarating experience!
It's expensive, but it's a bike worth the price.

For those starting out in touring, here are some items you should prepare.
Check them to make sure you're fully equipped!・Helmet
Key points for choosing: quiet, with a sun visor, and not too heavy!・Bag
Choose a functional bag with a good fit.・Gloves
Find gloves suited for each season.

・Navigation system

Recently, smartphone apps specifically for riders have evolved, so be sure to check them out!

 

・Rain gear

Simple and brightly colored options are recommended.

 

・Emergency repair kit

Especially if you plan to ride on uneven roads, a tire puncture repair kit is a must.

 

・Seat cushion

For long rides, having a cushion makes a huge difference in reducing discomfort for your backside!

 

・Cable lock

Be sure to secure your bike for anti-theft.

 

・Throttle assist

This is recommended for reducing fatigue.

 

・Wire
A simple wire can be surprisingly useful for minor issues. Research its uses and carry one with you; it can be helpful in a pinch.

・Boots, jacket, pants
Finally, what you wear. Find items that suit your taste and enjoy touring in a way that's right for you!

Above, I've introduced recommended motorcycles for touring and related gear to bring along.
It can be said that touring offers as many different joys as there are riders. So, find your perfect motorcycle and fully enjoy touring your way!