The best motorcycle for traveling: naked, custom, sport, or big trail?
We all know that riding a motorcycle is wonderful, whether in the city or on the road. But do you know the best motorcycle options for traveling? Regardless of the route or destination you choose, for your trip to be safe, comfortable and peaceful, you need a travel motorcycle that offers good performance and autonomy for the desired distance.
I've selected the main categories of motorcycle for travel so you can get to know them and choose the one that best suits your adventure. Check them out:
Naked road bike
The Naked travel bike is known for being stripped down and often used for city riding. The English term "naked" means "naked", and it bears this name precisely because it has no fairing. This means that as well as having no protection in the engine area, the Naked travel bike reduces air resistance when ridden, which allows for an increase in speed.
With no fairing and a medium displacement of around 600, they are light and agile in traffic, which makes them ideal for riding in the city. But if you think that the Naked's qualities stop there, you're very much mistaken: because they have sports tires, they are also very efficient for riding on the road, especially over short distances. The Naked models most commonly found in Brazil are the Hornet, XJ and Bandit.
Custom motorcycle
Unlike the Naked model, the Custom travel bike is made for those who like to travel quietly and comfortably. With a design reminiscent of old motorcycle models, they are characterized by their exposed mechanics, low seats and wide handlebars.
Because of this, some say that Custom bikes are easy to ride (and recommended for beginners in the world of motorcycling). On the other hand, they tend to be heavier and therefore take longer to respond to the rider's commands, making them less agile.
Another feature is that the seat, which is closer to the ground, offers a feeling of safety, since the rider can put their feet on the ground at any time. In addition to all these qualities, the Custom travel bike also has a high engine capacity (ranging from 500 to 1200), which makes it perfect for riding on short and long journeys in comfort and safety, making it on the list of the best travel bikes.
I see, Juliano, but why are they called Custom?
The category takes its name from a striking characteristic of this type of motorcycle: the ability to customize. Customizing the bike is almost an obligation for Custom owners, who use accessories such as handlebars, footpegs, luggage racks, windshields and different paint jobs to give their "companion" a unique style.
In Brazil and around the world, the model that most represents the Custom model is the traditional Harley-Davidson.
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Sports motorcycle
Unlike the models already mentioned, the sport touring bike is not recommended for both city and highway use... Do you know why?
For one reason: they are focused on high performance. Therefore, in order to reach high speeds, a sports bike is not very comfortable to ride on a day-to-day basis. Since they are designed to increase performance and reduce air resistance, sports bikes (also called super bikes) are big, heavy and uncomfortable for the rider. You may only be able to stay in the riding position for a few minutes...
Because of these characteristics, they are generally only used in high-speed championships (after all, a sports motorcycle engine can exceed 1,200 bhp).
The main motorsport championship in Brazil is SuperBike Brasil. The riders use bikes that are manufactured in series, exactly the same bikes that leave the factory and go to the stores, but these bikes are prepared to be even more powerful.
Big trail bike: the best motorcycle for travel
If you like traveling long distances and different types of roads, this is the category for you... The big trail is considered the best motorcycle for traveling! That's because they are complete motorcycles: they combine the high performance offered by sports bikes with the comfort of traditional road bikes.
Big, wide and heavy, they are usually equipped with various accessories that make them even more imposing. Because of their robust nature, they are prepared for anything.
Big trail bikes are the favorites of those who want to travel long distances, as they combine comfort and the ability to ride on any type of road with a large load volume, performance and autonomy. With a multi-purpose footprint that is not afraid of bad roads, they have been at the top of motorcyclists' preferences all over the world for a long time, a trend that shows no sign of losing momentum, quite the contrary.
Every day, more big trails are hitting the roads and the range of brands and models has grown considerably in recent years in Brazil. We now have a wide range of BMW, Ducati, Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Triumph, Suzuki and Yamaha dealerships on the market. What has also grown is the range of accessories on offer.
Because they are versatile, this type of motorcycle can be used for all types of riding, from long journeys on tarmac to trails on uneven terrain, so each type of adventure will require a different set of accessories to equip the bike.
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Motorcycle rental for travel
Motorcycle rental is a convenient and flexible option for motorcycle lovers who want to explore new destinations. Many travel motorcycle rental companies offer a variety of models to suit customers' individual preferences and needs.
By renting a motorcycle for a trip, travelers can avoid worries about maintenance, storage and logistics, allowing them to focus solely on enjoying the journey. Before renting, it's important to check the company's reputation, the terms of the contract and ensure that the bike is in good condition for a safe journey.
Motorcycle for long trips
When it comes to long motorcycle trips, comfort, reliability and storage capacity are essential. Motorcycles for long journeys must have comfortable seats, an ergonomic riding position and space for luggage.
Touring models, such as grand tourers or touring cruisers, often have additional features such as an adjustable windshield, integrated navigation system and improved suspension to cope with different types of roads. Choose the right motorcycle for a long trip and ensure a more enjoyable and worry-free experience.
Motorcycle for travel with a rider
Traveling by motorcycle with a passenger requires additional considerations. The motorcycle should have a comfortable rear seat and adequate space to safely accommodate one more person. In addition, the suspension and performance of the motorcycle should be adjusted to cope with the extra weight.
Best motorcycle for travel
Choosing the best motorcycle for a trip varies according to the rider's personal preferences and individual needs. However, some characteristics are important in defining the best motorcycle for travel, such as comfort, autonomy, storage capacity and reliability.
Motorcycle Helmet for Travel
A helmet is an important safety item for any motorcycle trip. When choosing a motorcycle helmet for travel, it's important to consider proper fit, ventilation, impact protection and visibility.
Motorcycle helmet models for travel with anti-fog visors or internal sun visors can be useful for dealing with different weather conditions.
Honda Travel Motorcycle
Honda's travel bike category has a wide range of options suitable for trips, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Models like the Honda Gold Wing are known for their comfort and good performance, making them ideal for long journeys.
The big trails in the Africa Twin range offer versatility for tackling different types of terrain. When choosing a Honda motorcycle for a trip, it's important to consider factors such as distance, type of terrain and comfort during the journey.
To find out more about each type of accessory, both for beginners and more experienced riders, read on: How to equip your big trail bike.
Do you have any questions? Leave your comment below!
Good roads!
