Top 7 Best Motorcycles for the Pan-American Highway

Let’s face it; you can’t take all motorcycles out of the city. The bike you take with you on long trips can make all the difference during your next adventure bike tour. Choosing the best motorcycle for traveling makes the long road trips more safe and comfortable, while your average bike may leave your muscles cramped and your whole body feeling burned out.

From the laid-back cruisers, classy tourers to the fast and furious motorcycles, there’s something for every rider out there longing to embark on a long, adventure-filled journey. Still, it can be hard to choose the best motorcycle, with the many choices offering different features. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top best motorcycles for the Pan-American Highway.

The Harley Davidson Electra tops our list; thanks to its 1,746 cc V-twin-engine, horsepower of 107 hp, and 6-speed transmission, this bad boy is perfect for the Pan-American Highway. Our second pick is the 2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050A/XA; it’s cheap, comfortable, and durable. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1,700 Voyager comes in third, and it’s our best customizable bike.

Here are our top 7 motorcycles that would make the best fit for The Pan-American Highway.

Table of Contents

1. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide- Top Pick

Every time we think of motorcycling, we imagine cool bikers in leather jackets on Harley-Davidsons. Indeed, the brand has something for every rider and occasion. But for long rides, the most recent Electra Glide takes the prize. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard is an ergonomically fantastic ride.

It tops our list because it’s built for really long trips and is the perfect fit for any rider looking for a good time on the road while also having a smooth and mellow journey.

The seating position offers excellent control over the bike. It also flaunts fork-mounted fairing, one-touch saddlebags, infotainment, GPS, and a V-twin 1,746 cc engine. It’s fantastic on freeways, making your journey even smoother.

Horsepower: 107 hp
Transmission: 6-speed
Latest model: 2021
Fuel consumption: approximately 33 miles per gallon
Price starts at $18,999

2. Suzuki V-Strom- Our Budget Pick

The Suzuki V-Strom offers you value for your money in the Adventure Sport class. The incredibly balanced corner carver isn’t afraid of getting a little dirty, thanks to its fully adjustable suspension and robust 1,037cc, 90-degree V-twin engine. The new V-Strom redesign has durability and comfort written all over it.

It features an upright seating position, putting the biker high in the saddle while maintaining reasonably low ground clearance. While this may restrict off-road capabilities, it also improves the motorcycle’s flick ability on the tarmac. And with the cash you’ll have saved, you can easily invest in a dedicated dirt bike.

This dual-sport bike also features dirt tires, dual-stage traction control, and an advanced traction control system. Ready to go off the tarmac and into the dirt? Get yourself this versatile mile-puncher.

Engine: 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin
Torque: 76 lb-ft
Horsepower: 99
Fuel consumption: approximately 38.3 miles per gallon
Price: Starts at $16,099

3. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABs- Best Customizable Motorcycle

Don’t let this huge, aggressive, intimidating muscle cruiser fool you. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 is actually among the most user-friendly cruisers out here. It’s ideal for the open road, plain and simple.

This superbike is the peak of power and luxury, with a strong 1,700 cc, double-cooled (air and liquid), 52-degree V2 engine. The sleek-vintage bike is comfy for both the rider and the driver as it offers just about anything you’d need on a long trip. It has cruise control, which can be activated in third gear, an updated ABS system, and an audio system compatible with an intercom/headset.

It also has a lot of storage room in its integrated hard case saddlebags, and its top case can fit two helmets. Another thing we love about this bike is that if you buy it new, you can customize it, fit in your Kawasaki’s ergo-fit options. This gives you the confidence to ride this bike all day.

Horsepower: 73 hp
Engine: 1,700 cc V2 4-stroke
Transmission: 6-speed
Fuel consumption: approximately 29.9 miles per gallon
Price starts at $17,699.

4. BMW K1600GTL- Best Bike for the Lux Rider

BMW reigns supreme in matters touring bikes, thanks to its agile sports body able to take on a curve along with all the luxurious niceties you want for hard miles out on the Pan- American Highway.

The duo lever front end and adjustable suspension handle tight angles and high speeds. While this bike is big, it carries its weight properly, remaining fleet and airy where it counts.

This bike provides luxury sport touring at its finest while feeling like a specially engineered German machine. The engine is smooth and ready to deliver a 129 lb-ft of torque and 160 horsepower. The GTL (gas to liquid) is equally good on twisty canyon roads as it eats up miles down the highway.

The electronically changeable suspension absorbs road irregularities easily, providing one of the most compliant and cushy rides you’ll experience, all while letting the ride be customized to the driver’s preference at the push of a wheel. Also, the rider uses a rolling wheel interface on his left-hand switchgear to navigate the plethora of information and changes.

Engine: 1,649cc inline-Six
Horsepower: 160 hp
Torque: 129 lb-ft
Fuel consumption: Approximately 40 miles per gallon
Price starts from $ $23,200

5. Ducati Multistrada- The Best Fuel-Saving Bike

Labeled as the Swiss-army knife of motorbike touring, there’s little that this bike can’t do. This modern-day classic is fully customizable, and it comes with a 1,262cc, liquid-cooled, L-Twin, Ducati Testastretta DVT engine that reaches 170hp. The sports tourer is also smaller, perfect for the open road, making it the best combination of sport, traveling, and commuting motorcycle available today.

This fuel-saving bike is also equipped for long distances with a rider-assistance radar system, navigation system, and an incredible valve clearance check of 36,000 miles.

The new Multistrada is more touring, sportier, and the most advanced model ever. This highly versatile model also features sophisticated electronics and high-tech gadgetry, Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system, integrated cruise control, standard traction control, self-adjusting windshield, superior ABS system, and more.

Engine: DVT 1262 cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Horsepower: 170 hp
Fuel consumption: Approximately 49 miles per gallon
Price: Starting from $19,995.

6. Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT- The Best Tech-Gadgetry Bike

The Honda Gold Wing has been the best touring bike since 1975, holding the gold standard for long-mile touring. And as it keeps updating its model, it maintains the title by providing its drivers the highest comfort and wind protection. It also offers Honda’s outstanding engineering to keep the beast much lighter than it should while handling this bike incredibly at any speed.

The Gold Wing’s newest model can be had with Honda’s automated transmission, DCT, which is incredibly convenient for touring. Also, it comes with several storage options, better-than-average fuel-saving, outstanding braking performance, and one of the most comfortable riding positions available. And with four models available and an extensive tech package, this bike checks every box on the list.

Engine: DCT 1833cc design
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Fuel consumption- Approximately 42 miles per gallon
Price: Starting from $29,300

Cons

The new model has reduced storage space.

7. Harley-Davidson Iron 883- Best Beginner-Friendly Bike

You can’t talk about distance biking without mentioning Harley Davidson. This big American cruiser brand provides a model range mostly meant for the experienced biker or multi-day touring. However, the iron 883 is a Sportster motorcycle designer with a new user in mind. A beginner can get onto this model and enjoy using most, if not all, of its power.

This beast’s engine is an 883cc V-twin with a very reasonable 49 HP and 54 lb-ft of torque. This lets the new rider get accustomed to a V-twin’s intense thundering torque without sending the motorcycle sideways into a guard rail. Add the classic Harley comfort and a seat that’s meant for an armchair, and this entry-level bike will blow your mind away.