You have decided to buy a long-distance motorcycle but you are torn between two classes: touring or adventure? Both are designed for long distances, with an upright riding position, wind protection and the ability to carry luggage. But one focuses on tarmac comfort, the other on being able to carry on where the road ends. In this guide we explain the differences between the two classes and give concrete examples with models from the Pusulamoto catalogue.
The basic difference: tarmac or any road?
| Feature | Touring (including sport-touring) | Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Main surface | Tarmac | Tarmac + dirt/gravel |
| Front wheel | Generally 17 inch, road tyre | 19 or 21 inch, dual-purpose tyre option |
| Suspension | Short-to-medium travel, firm | Long travel, soft |
| Seat height | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Wind protection | Wider fairing and screen | Narrower screen and body |
| Passenger comfort | Generally better | Varies by model |
A simple rule: if 90% of your routes are tarmac, touring; if you regularly go onto village roads, plateau roads and gravel stretches, adventure.
Standouts on the touring side
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Tracer 7 | 689 | 72.4 | 196 | 835 | 17 | 898,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda NT1100 (MT) | 1084 | 100.6 | 238 | 820 | 20.4 | 1,097,750 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | 890 | 117.3 | 227 | 845 | 19 | 1,421,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda GL1800 Gold Wing | 1833 | 124.7 | 393 | 745 | 21.1 | 2,857,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
The Yamaha Tracer 7 is a light and accessible sport-tourer with 72.4 hp and 196 kg; 898,500 TL (October 2026 list price). The 835 mm seat suits most riders. The Honda NT1100 (MT) is comfort-oriented on long trips with its 1084 cc engine, 20.4-litre tank and 820 mm seat height; 1,097,750 TL (October 2026 list price). For those who want more power and equipment, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT has 117.3 hp at 1,421,000 TL (October 2026 list price). At the most luxurious end of the class is the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing: 393 kg, a 745 mm seat and 2,857,500 TL (October 2026 list price). The Gold Wing is a motorcycle designed entirely for tarmac and passenger comfort.
Standouts on the adventure side
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 800MT Touring (with panniers) | 799 | 89.8 | 231 | 825 | 19 | 896,223 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda XL750 Transalp | 755 | 90.5 | 208 | 850 | 16.9 | 881,250 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 689 | 72.4 | 205 | 875 | 16 | 956,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | 776 | 81.8 | 230 | 855 | 20 | 939,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (MT) | 1084 | 100.6 | 231 | 850 | 18.8 | 1,076,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
The CFMoto 800MT Touring (with panniers), including its panniers, at 896,223 TL (October 2026 list price) and with a 19-litre tank, is a strong candidate for price against equipment. The Honda XL750 Transalp is the balanced model of the middle class, with 90.5 hp and 208 kg, at 881,250 TL (October 2026 list price). The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is more off-road-oriented; with its 875 mm seat it suits taller riders better, at 956,500 TL (October 2026 list price). For those who want a low seat, there is the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Lowered (896,000 TL (October 2026 list price)). The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE offers long range with its 20-litre tank. The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (MT) is the most powerful in this table with its 1084 cc engine, at 1,076,500 TL (October 2026 list price).
The same engine, two characters: NT1100 and Africa Twin
The example that shows this comparison most clearly is Honda's two models. The Honda NT1100 (MT) and Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (MT) share the same 1084 cc engine and 100.6 hp. The difference is entirely in the chassis and purpose: the NT1100 is for tarmac, with an 820 mm seat and 20.4-litre tank, and the Africa Twin is for any road, with an 850 mm seat and off-road-oriented suspension. Their weights are also close (238 and 231 kg). You can see the two side by side on the Honda NT1100 (MT) vs Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin (MT) comparison page. There is a similar pair at Yamaha: the Tracer 7 and Ténéré 700 use the same 689 cc engine.
Long distance on an A2 licence
All the models above are in the A class. If you have an A2 licence there are strong options on the adventure side, while on the touring side there are fewer:
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Tank (L) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda NX500 | 471 | 46.9 | 196 | 17.5 | 620,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Benelli TRK 502X | 500 | 46.9 | 213 | 20 | 370,040 TL (Jun 2026) |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452 | 39.4 | 196 | 17 | 365,900 TL (Jan 2026) |
The Honda NX500, with its 17.5-litre tank and twin-cylinder engine, is one of the best-balanced long-distance motorcycles on A2. The Benelli TRK 502X offers a 20-litre tank. If you want a simpler and lighter motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a good option. For more models, see the first adventure bike guide and the A2 licence touring list. Maxi-scooters are also a serious alternative for long distances: the maxi-scooter guide.
5 questions to ask when deciding
- Will you carry a passenger? If you travel regularly with a passenger, touring models generally offer a wider rear seat and better wind protection.
- How tall are you? On most adventure bikes the seat is over 850 mm. On a loaded motorcycle, not being able to put your foot on the ground when stopped is a serious problem. Look at the low-seat motorcycles list.
- Will you really go onto dirt roads? Most adventure owners spend most of their time on tarmac. An honest answer saves you from unnecessary compromises.
- Range: In Eastern and Central Anatolia the distance between petrol stations can be long. A tank of more than 18–20 litres gives peace of mind.
- Budget: Add panniers, protection parts and equipment to the list price. The 2026 annual motor vehicle tax (MTV) for a motorcycle in the 651–1200 cc bracket is 5,719 TL at age 1–3, and 13,876 TL for over 1200 cc. Work out the total cost in the cost calculator.
Long-distance preparation
Whichever class you choose, on a long trip the equipment and luggage arrangement matter as much as the riding. Hard panniers, navigation, an intercom and a four-season jacket are the basic set. Before setting off, take a look at our long-distance preparation and packing list.
Conclusion
If you ride mostly on tarmac and take long trips with a passenger, touring (Tracer 7, NT1100, Tracer 9 GT) is more comfortable and generally lower. If your route includes dirt and gravel stretches, adventure (Transalp, Ténéré 700, V-Strom 800DE, 800MT) is freer. If you cannot decide, you can feel the difference directly by test riding the pairs that share an engine (NT1100 and Africa Twin, Tracer 7 and Ténéré 700). You can compare the options in the touring under 1 million TL and adventure under 1 million TL lists and in the motorcycle finder.
Frequently asked questions
Is an adventure bike comfortable for long distances?
Yes, the upright position and long suspension are comfortable on long trips. However, because of the narrower screens you may take more wind at high speed than on touring models.
Can you go onto dirt roads on a touring bike?
You can pass slowly over well-graded gravel roads, but a 17-inch wheel, road tyres and short suspension set limits on rough dirt.
NT1100 or Africa Twin?
They use the same engine. If tarmac and passenger comfort come first, the NT1100; if you will also go onto dirt roads, the Africa Twin.
Is there a long-distance motorcycle for an A2 licence?
Yes. The Honda NX500, Benelli TRK 502X and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are in the A2 class in the catalogue and suited to long distances.