Official Importer
Official Importer
Royal Enfield models
Scroll down
Tips and advice
How to choose a touring motorcycle and why it doesn't have to be huge or expensive. What to consider, how much it costs, and how to choose for two riders or for an A2 license.
Imagine that morning when you load up your bags, start the engine, and have a whole day of riding ahead of you. No rush, just the road, the wind, and the landscape unfolding around you. That is exactly the feeling people buy a touring motorcycle for. The question is, which one? Most articles get stuck here by offering you nothing but a list of massive adventure bikes that cost a fortune.
We’re going to take a different approach. We are the official Royal Enfield importer for the Czech Republic, and over our years in the saddle, we’ve learned one essential thing. You don’t need the heaviest and most expensive machine on the market for serious touring. Often, it’s quite the opposite. Let’s go through what actually makes a motorcycle a touring bike, how much it costs, and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
A touring motorcycle isn't defined by a specific engine size. It’s more a combination of features that make a long day in the saddle enjoyable. Look primarily for these things:
Notice what isn't on the list at all: maximum power or the largest engine displacement. Realizing this is the first step toward a much freer choice.
This is where the most important decision of all comes in. Large liter-class adventure models like the BMW R1200GS or KTM 1290 are great machines, but they also weigh around 250 kg and cost as much as a decent used car. They can be quite a handful in a parking lot or in traffic. If you are crossing continents fully loaded with a passenger, they make perfect sense. For the vast majority of rides in the Czech Republic and the surrounding area, however, they are often unnecessarily large.
A lighter touring bike, on the other hand, will never catch you off guard. It handles much better in slow traffic and is easier to pick up if you happen to drop it on gravel. Plus, it lets you explore roads you’d be afraid to take a heavy giant on. The riding experience is often paradoxically more intense because you are in control of the bike, not the other way around. That’s why more and more experienced riders are opting for the mid-size and lightweight classes today.
But let’s be fair. A large adventure bike will give you more comfort on long highway stretches and offer more power for riding two-up with full gear. But as your starting point? Better to begin with something lighter. Almost no one ends up regretting it.
A quick guide before you choose:
Always choose based on how you will actually ride, not on which bike looks the toughest in photos. Most people rack up the most miles close to home, not on a round-the-world expedition.
The final price depends on the engine displacement and class. Here is a rough estimate for the Czech market:
The point is clear. Lightweight and mid-size adventure bikes are always at the lower end of the price range, so you definitely don't have to spend half a million to travel properly. Just don't forget to budget for extra gear. Hard cases, quality riding apparel, a good helmet, and insurance will always add to the base price of the bike.
When you're looking for an accessible adventure bike that handles asphalt and dirt road detours without a fuss, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is exactly the type of machine this whole article is talking about. It is built from the ground up for travel. It offers an upright riding position, adjustable seat height, a curb weight of around 196 kg, and a color display that shows built-in navigation as soon as you connect your phone. On top of that, it features a smooth single-cylinder engine with solid torque that you can rely on for long journeys.
It’s not some cumbersome giant that will intimidate you with its weight. It’s a bike that simply gives you the confidence to go further. Plus, every new unit comes with a three-year factory warranty and roadside assistance, which is definitely a plus when you're far from civilization.
Broken roads, gravel, dirt paths, or all-day highway rides. The Himalayan handles it all with ease. It may not be a highly specialized off-road machine or a super-fast highway express, but that versatility is exactly what makes traveling with it so much fun. Just hop on and go, wherever the road takes you.
And here is the icing on the cake. With an output of around 29 kW, the Himalayan 450 easily fits within the A2 limit without the need for any additional restriction. There aren't many lightweight adventure bikes for A2. So, if you're just starting out and dreaming of long-distance travel, this is a rare, smart, and sensible choice. We break down the details of how to handle the license in our guide Royal Enfield for A2.
Do you prefer riding with a partner on the back? Then passenger comfort must be your priority. This means looking for a wide seat, sturdy grab rails, and enough power to ensure the bike pulls comfortably even when fully loaded. For two-up road touring, a fantastic choice is the Super Meteor 650. It is a beautifully relaxed cruiser with a powerful 650cc twin-cylinder engine that truly enjoys long highway stretches.
Just keep an eye on the rules. According to Czech law, a motorcycle passenger must be at least 12 years old. A younger child simply cannot ride on a standard motorcycle, even if they can safely reach the footpegs.
There is a huge number of used touring bikes on the market today. On classified sites alone, there are thousands of such listings. The advantage is obviously a lower price, while the disadvantage is the hidden uncertainty. With an adventure bike, look especially carefully at the service history, the condition of the chain kit and brakes, and find out how much of the mileage was accumulated on highways versus demanding terrain. You can find used Royal Enfields that have been thoroughly inspected by our experienced mechanics directly in our pre-owned section.
A new bike, however, gives you invaluable peace of mind. You get a full warranty, zero mileage, and, most importantly, the certainty that it won't unexpectedly leave you stranded in the middle of your well-deserved vacation. For a machine you plan to take thousands of kilometers away from home, that peace of mind is often worth the price difference. Plus, you can easily calculate monthly payments for a new bike using our financing tool.
The motorcycle itself is only half of your travel gear. The other half is everything else:
Good, honest preparation makes a huge difference between a trip you’ll remember fondly and one you’ll want to forget as quickly as possible.
You’re choosing a tourer for long hours in the saddle. The first few minutes on it will decide much more than any detailed spec sheet. Sit on it and see how securely you can plant your feet and how natural the handlebars feel. Schedule a test ride on a Himalayan 450 or the large Super Meteor 650 and compare which one suits you better. You can find us all over the country. Choose your nearest dealer and stop by anytime.
There is no single best motorcycle; it depends entirely on where and how you usually ride. For most people, a light, accessible, and agile tourer is ultimately a better choice than the heaviest liter-class adventure bike on the market. The key is that the bike fits your physique perfectly, handles your type of riding with ease, and fits your budget even with additional accessories.
A new mid-range motorcycle (300–700 cc) costs roughly 120,000 to 300,000 CZK, while large adventure models over 700 cc range from 200,000 to 600,000 CZK. Light and accessible tourers always stay at the lower end of the spectrum, so you definitely don't need to spend half a million to start traveling properly.
Look primarily for a light adventure bike with power up to 35 kW. The Himalayan 450, with its output of around 29 kW, fits comfortably within the A2 limit without any restrictions. It also features a low, adjustable seat height and a very comfortable riding position. It’s simply the ideal first touring bike.
According to Act No. 361/2000 Coll., a passenger must be at least 12 years old. A younger child is never allowed to ride on a standard motorcycle. For a comfortable and safe ride for two, always look for a slightly wider seat, sturdy grab handles, and sufficient power.
Are you planning your first long trip and still not sure whether to go for a light adventure bike or a cruiser for two? Come in for a test ride. We’ll give you advice tailored exactly to where you’re planning to go.
