Whenever we speak of the best motorcycles, we bring up their horsepower figures, cornering ability, or radically innovative technologies. Still, we often ignore a major segment of motorcycles: fully-fledged touring motorcycles. These bikes are not about performance or handling; they're all about comfort. So it's time we pay attention to these bagger motorcycles.

But there's one primary reason that makes bikers feel that bagger motorcycles are out of reach: they are often expensive. Most bagger motorcycles start upwards of $25,000 and go all the way to $50,000! But if you want a bagger motorcycle and don't want to wait till retirement, you can get a used bagger motorcycle, which is much cheaper than brand-new ones. And since these bikes are not ridden hard, they tend to be reasonably reliable even after decades of use.

Related: Top 10 Bikes For A Cross-Country Road Trip

10 Honda NT700V Deauville

Starting from $4,000 used

The Honda Deauville is not an exciting motorcycle; it's not going to give you an adrenaline rush or have you scrapping foot pegs in corners, but it's a Honda, so it will last you a lifetime even if you buy an abused example. It's been around for 15 years, but even today, the first-gen models run smoothly and are relatively cheap to maintain. It's one of the best cheap bikes to buy out there. Of course, you're sacrificing the performance with this bike, but if you want a tool to take you around the world in comfort, get this bike. Spend the money you save on long road trips instead.

Pros

• One of the cheapest touring motorcycles out there
• Honda's reliability is never a negative
• Its V-twin engine is flexible and practical

Cons

• Finding a good example can be a hassle in some states
• Some spares are difficult to source and must be imported
• It's not the flashiest motorcycle; quite the opposite, actually

9 Honda Silverwing Interstate

Starting from $2,000 used

The Honda Silverwing is a bike that Honda needs to bring back. It's a type of motorcycle that is no longer available: a cheap bagger for new bikers. It's as if the manufacturers tell the bikers, "you have to be rich to tour the world in comfort." The Honda Silverwing is a regular person's bagger motorcycle that's cheap to buy and cheaper yet to maintain. But don't let the small stature dissuade you; the Silverwing Interstate is comfortable, capable of crossing countries at legal speeds, and approachable to ride. In fact, this bagger can even be your first motorcycle — that's how easy it is to live with.

Pros

• The V-twin engine with shaft drive is practical, reliable, and easy to ride
• The modular eat and trunk design makes it a terrific do-it-all bike
• Its retro design makes the bike look more premium than it actually is

Cons

• Finding a stock Silverwing Interstate is a little tricky; many have been turned into café racers
• The storage isn't as ample as some of its bigger rivals, so you'll have to pack light
• While it's fast enough for the freeways, it isn't the most comfortable at high speeds

8 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide

Starting from $4,000 used

There's something about Harley-Davidson baggers that none of its rivals bring to the table, whether style, character, or American ruggedness. And that's exemplified by the Harley Davidson Electra Glide. This bagger comes with a 1,746cc V-twin engine that makes this heavy motorcycle go easy on the freeways, and the seat is comfortable with relaxed ergonomics. Beware, it's so comfortable it might make you feel sleepy! If you're purchasing this bike, only look out for electrical gremlins; ironically, the Electra Glide is infamous for electrical problems, but otherwise, it's a sweet bagger that deserves your love and attention.

Pros

• It's an "affordable" bagger motorcycle from Harley Davidson
• The ergonomics are so so so comfortable
• The torquey engine is excellent for chugging along for long hours

Cons

• The Electra Glide is heavy and not beginner-friendly
• Considering its weight and dimensions, the horsepower figures seem inadequate
• Some bikes suffer from annoying electrical gremlins

7 BMW K 1600 GTL

Starting from $12,000 used

The BMW K 1600 GT is a European take on a bagger motorcycle, and it is every bit BMW — it's premium, loaded with tech, and exciting to ride despite its proportions. This motorcycle has plenty of storage, a powerful engine, and comfortable seats for the rider and the pillion. Even the 1649cc six-cylinder engine can keep firing with ease even on the fastest freeways. And the laundry list of specials is seemingly endless — heated seats, dynamic ESA suspension, Xenon headlights, and all the technology you would ever want in your touring motorcycle. This is an expensive-used motorcycle, but if you want a premium touring experience, this is what you need.

Pros

• The inline-six engine is smooth and powerful — it's brilliantly effortless
• The ergonomics are supremely comfortable for both the rider and the pillion
• It handles the weight well, so you don't feel the weight once you get going

Cons

• It's a motorcycle equivalent of a land yacht
• Since it's a BMW, it's expensive to maintain
• Some riders may find its unbothered performance boring

Related: 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL

6 BMW R 1200 RT

Starting from $10,000 used

In many ways, the BMW R 1200 RT is very similar to the K 1600 GTL — the two bikes are nonidentical twins. However, the R 1200 RT comes out at the top between the two, thanks to its lighter weight, shorter wheelbase, and easy-going boxer engine. So, if you're a sport bike rider moving to a bagger, the BMW R 1200 RT would be a better option because it's more nimble and punchy, but in all other aspects, choosing between the two is like choosing between lime and lemon.

Pros

• It's a nimble, exciting bagger motorcycle to ride
• The boxer engine has proved itself in the GS lineup
• Since the seats and controls are lower and relaxed, the bike is easy to manage in traffic or at low speeds

Cons

• The service cost is high
• The design may not please everyone
• Despite the GS engine, it's not at all off-road friendly; it gets unsettled on rough roads

5 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Deluxe

Starting from $6,000 used

Do you want a classic bagger but don't want to lose out on Japanese reliability and ownership experience? Get yourself a Yamaha V-Star 1300 Deluxe. This bagger from Yamaha is a reasonable choice for most people since it's reliable yet powerful. The 1300 platform offers a few flavors, but whichever one you choose comes with ample power, a liquid-cooled engine, and a belt-drive system. Plus, you sit lower to the ground, and it's lighter, making it an approachable bagger even for intermediate riders. For the price, the Yamaha V-Star 1300 Deluxe is what the American baggers should aspire to be.

Pros

• Despite being a traditional bagger, it is highly customizable
• The classic design hides modern engine technology, so it's smooth and quick
• The raked-out front end does not compromise its handling much

Cons

• Some models lack crucial electronics like ABS
• It's not ideal for shorter riders
• Not many pristine examples in the American used market

4 Yamaha FJR 1300

Starting from $3,000 used

While not a traditional bagger, the Yamaha FJR 1300 still deserves a place on this list. The FJR 1300 is the epitome of touring motorcycles, and its price tag in the used market will surprise you to the point of suspicion. This Japanese bagger has all the usual touring gadgets, including hard panniers, a tall windshield, a shaft drive, and a powerful engine, and its use in law enforcement is a testament to its reliability and durability. If you're low on cash, look for a 2001 to 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 or an ex-police one from 2007 or 2008. You won't regret this purchase.

Pros

• This is one of the most versatile touring motorcycles
• The bike feels stable and planted even at illegal speeds
• It retains the essence of a Yamaha motorcycle

Cons

• Since it carries its weight up high, it's a bit tricky to manage at crawling speeds
• Some riders will find the bike's geometry too wide between the legs
• Earlier models were infamous for overheating, which can be annoying in warmer weather

3 Harley-Davidson Road Glide

Starting from $6,000 used

Here's a through-and-through bagger — a low-slung cruiser decked with hard panniers and front fairing. This old-school bagger was first introduced as the Tour Glide in 1979 and has slowly evolved into the Road Glide, which uses a big block V-twin engine with enough torque to move the earth. You wouldn't be wrong to think the Road Glide actually glides on the road, as long as you don't hit rough roads, which is where its rear suspension can give a beating to your back. It's also got other features like floorboards, a passenger seat, an infotainment system, cruise control, ABS, and plenty of storage. For many bikers, this is the quintessential touring motorcycle, and boy, does it look stylish and sound sweet!

Pros

• It's an ideal touring bike if you want a Harley-Davidson
• The riding position is relaxed, and the ergonomics are comfortable
• Excellent road presence

Cons

• It's a heavy bike to manage at crawling speeds
• The ride quality is a stiff
• It's not suitable for shorter or novice bikers

Related: Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide vs Indian Challenger Elite - The American Tourer Rivalry

2 Indian Chieftain

Starting from $10,000 used

Whenever you compare a Harley to an Indian, the Indian usually does everything slightly better than its American rival. It's as if Indian makes every bike with one purpose: to beat Harley-Davidson. But who's to complain when they've given us the Indian Chieftain. It's got a big, burly V-twin engine, relaxed ergonomics, remote-lock saddlebags, an electronically adjustable windshield, and a comprehensive electronic suite. This bike will make you feel like a good ol' cowboy out to explore the unexplored. The only downside is that Indian Chieftain was a victim of recalls, so pick one with a detailed service record. And don't be spooked if your Indian Chieftain starts on its own — it's a thing with this bike.

Pros

• It comes in many flavors to suit your style and preferences
• The riding position is laid back
• The bike is agile and powerful

Cons

• Known to have issues with the clutch cables, circuit breakers, or the gear indicator
• It's easy to stall
• It's expensive

1 Honda Goldwing

Starting from $1,000 used

The Honda Gold Wing is the gold standard of baggers, whether you inherit an old Gold Wing from an old rider or get one of the recent ones. The Gold Wing has been taking bikers around the world for over 50 years, and throughout the generations, Honda has always focused on comfort first. The engines have always been smooth, the seats have always been comfortable, and each generation has come with the latest and greatest tech suites of their time. If you ask us, we'd recommend the 2016+ Gold Wings, but if you want to spend less, get a well-maintained Gold Wing, service it once, and ride off into the sunset.

Pros

• It's the perfect touring motorcycle
• So many features that you'll probably forget using half of them
• Despite the heftier price tag, it's super easy to maintain and live with

Cons

• The large dimensions aren't welcoming for new riders
• The handling dynamics are not up to the modern standards
• The many features might be distracting for some bikers