The Best Sport Touring Motorcycle Comparisons
If you like speed but also want to enjoy a touch of comfort, then a sport touring motorcycle is what you need. Long motorbike trips require the right equipment, and sport touring motorbikes are more than capable for the job, whether off-road or on-road.
Sport touring motorbikes are a combination of the speed of sportbikes and the comfort of touring bikes. It is the right machine for venturing on exciting adventures while enjoying superior comfort the entire time. Unlike the normal sportbikes, sport touring motorcycles have large fuel storage and more wind protection. They are also lightweight and they boast of better performance than full touring motorbikes. Here are some of the best sport touring motorcycles designed for on-road and off-road touring.
Top Pick
Our top pick is the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. This sport touring motorcycle comes with a powerful 988cc engine that delivers great power and speed. It is ideal for off-road and on-road tours. It also comes with a large fuel tank and a very comfortable seat.
Table of Contents
Here Are the Best Sport Touring Motorcycles:
1. Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX — Best Sport Touring Motorcycle
Kawasaki is one of the best brands to turn to if you are looking for a very powerful and comfortable motorbike. Our sport touring motorcycles comparison would not be complete without having a product from this brand in it. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is a major upgrade in the line of sport touring motorbikes from this brand. It comes with a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, V4, DOHC, 4-cylinder 998cc supercharged engine.
This powerful engine boasts of a peak torque of 101 lb-ft with an output of 200 Hp. This bike is more street-friendly than its similar models. It features a better mid-range torque that makes it easier to ride. This motorbike is designed to provide you with a great touring experience, thanks to its large storage tank and sensible fuel economy. The tank can contain up to 5 gallons of fuel.
This bike also has other great features such as cruise control, a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit for traction control, three power modes, intelligent ABS, launch control, and a bi-directional quick-shifter. The seat height is 32.9 inches while the overall height of the bike is 49.6 inches. Other special features of this sport touring motorbike include TFT instrumentation, Rideology the app smartphone connectivity, and OEM app smartphone. It also has different colors for you to choose from, as well as a one-year limited warranty.
Specs
Pros
Cons
2. Honda VFR800F
If you are looking for a user-friendly sport touring motorcycle, you should consider the Honda VFR800F. This is one of the best sport touring motorbikes on the market, and it is almost impossible to find a fault with this bike since it comes from one of the most respected brands – Honda. Behind the driving force of this bike, we have a powerful liquid-cooled, 782cc, 4-valve engine. The engine delivers impressive performance with a torque of 55 lb-ft at 8,500 RPM and an output of 104 Hp at 10,250 RPM.
This motorcycle has more than enough power to go anywhere. The motorbike comes with a sporty look and feel with its aerodynamic bodywork. Another fascinating thing about this bike is that it is very comfortable to ride on. It provides superior comfort regardless of how long you ride on it. It supports good body posture and it is a long-distance, economical tourer that is designed to provide you with smooth and nice rides.
The bike also features a linked braking arrangement, smart EFI fuel injection system, and VTEC valve actuation, which all contribute to the low fuel consumption and functionality of the motorbike. Interestingly, this bike comes with large fuel storage, with a capacity of 5.7 US gallons.
It also comes with adjustable seat height, adjustable from 31 inches to 31.8 inches. The weight of this sport touring motorbike is 533 pounds. The engine and the lightweight nature of this motorcycle make it a great option for new riders and professionals alike.
Specs
Pros
Cons
3. Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
Next on the line is the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere, and it comes with many interesting features to enhance your touring experience. This sport touring motorbike features a 6-speed transmission, advanced fuel injection, outstanding traction control, and a very powerful engine. If you are looking for the best equipment to go on off-road and on-road adventures, this is one of the best options to consider.
In addition to providing you with great performance, this machine offers incredible comfort. The seat is firm, well-cushioned, and super comfortable. It is designed to encourage good sitting posture, and you will not experience any waist or back pain while riding on it. It comes with a powerful 1,199cc, forward-inclined parallel 2-cylinder, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve liquid-cooled engine. The engine generates a maximum torque of 117 Nm at 6,000 RPM and a maximum output of 110.5 horsepower at 7,250 RPM.
It comes with a wet, multiple-disc clutch type with a steel tube backbone frame. The front suspension system is an upside-down telescopic fork while the rear suspension system comprises Swingarm, mono-shock, and adjustable preload and rebound damping.
The height of the seat is 33.3 inches with an overall weight of 566 pounds. It also has a large fuel tank, with a capacity of 6.1 gallons while the oil tank capacity is 1.1 gallons.
Specs
Pros
Cons
4. Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
Available in four different colors, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is one of the best sport touring motorbikes on the market today. This is a very stylish touring bike that delivers the speed and power of a sports bike. One of the most notable features of this motorbike is its “Off-Road Pro” riding mode. This feature comes in handy when you are touring off the paved path. It also delivers exceptional performance on a paved path, with a super lightweight design that makes it easy to handle.
The motorbike is very easy to maneuver, thanks to its lightweight design and triple-cylinder engine. It also features a very attractive look and it is equipped with some safety features such as ABS and traction control. This machine comes with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12-valve, in-line 3-cylinder 80cc engine, which is great for both professionals and new riders.
The engine delivers a maximum power of 95 Hp at 9,500 RPM and a peak torque of 58 ft-lb at 8,050 RPM. It features a 6-speed transmission while the final drive is an O-ring chain. The bodywork of this bike is also great and it comes with a tubular steel trellis frame. It also comes with an advanced front and rear suspension system.
The width of the handlebars is 31.7 inches, which is wide enough for easy and comfortable handling. It features an adjustable seat, and you can adjust it from 33.07 inches to 33.85 inches. The tank capacity of the bike is 5 gallons while the dry weight is 452 pounds.
Specs
Pros
Cons
5. BMW S 1000 XR
BMW is known for making luxurious and beautiful-looking automobiles, and the BMW S 1000 XR is no exception. This motorbike has a classic design and luxurious finishing. It comes with many advanced technology and features to take your touring experience to a whole new level. It has a wasp styled nose, TFT dashboard, LED lighting, cornering ABS, electronic suspension, lighter frame/Swingarm/exhaust, and hill start control.
All these features work together to provide you with a high-performance and safe sport touring motorbike. This motorbike is available in three different colors; racing blue metallic, light white, and racing red. The BMW S 1000 XR comes with a water/oil-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 4-valve, in-line 999cc engine. The engine generates a maximum output of 165 Hp at 11,000 RPM with a maximum torque of 84 lb-ft at 9,250 RPM.
It uses premium unleaded fuel with fuel consumption of 37 mpg. It also comes with a multi-plate clutch in oil bath, self-reinforcing, slipper clutch. This machine features a 6-speed synchromesh gearbox with spur gears. It also comes with an advanced rear and front suspension system to provide you with smooth and safe rides.
The height of the seat is 33 inches, but it can reduce to 31.1 inches with optional lowered suspension. It has a fuel storage capacity of 5.2 gallons with approximately 1 gallon as a reserve. With standard equipment, the weight of the bike is 493 pounds while the permitted total weight is 992 pounds.
Specs
Pros
Cons
6. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is another great sport touring motorbike out there. This bike comes with a pannier mount system, a large windscreen, and a generous fuel capacity. It also comes with some of the latest and most relevant technologies to ensure you enjoy smooth, safe, and comfortable rides on all terrains.
Some of the notable features include cruise control, cornering lights, ride modes, semi-active suspension, self-canceling indicators, and tire pressure monitoring. This motorbike also has a lot of power behind it, thanks to its 1,290, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, V-twin engine.
The front brake system consists of two Brembo monoblock 4-piston radial fixed calipers, and brake discs while the rear brake consists of Brembo twin-piston fixed caliper and brake disc. The fuel capacity of this machine is an impressive 6 gallons while the height of the seat is 32 inches. It also has some integrated advanced electronics to allow you to enjoy the full potential of the bike.
An aggressive headlight mask and screen gives this motorbike a sporty yet functional look. The wide handlebars also allow for easy and comfortable handling. They are also fitted with heated grips to provide you with more comfort while riding. It comes with a unique windshield to provide you with maximum protection. You can adjust the windscreen in 9 different ways as well.
Specs
Pros
Cons
7. Ducati SuperSport
If “looks” is one of your major focuses when searching for the best sport touring motorcycle, then the Ducati SuperSport is one of the best options to consider. This motorbike comes with a nice single-sided Swingarm, riding modes, and Brembo brakes. In addition to looking good, this sport touring motorcycle is easy to ride, maneuver, and very comfortable.
Because of its engine power and user-friendly features, this is one of the best motorcycles for beginners. It comes with a Testastretta, L-twin cylinder, desmodromic, liquid-cooled, 4-valve 927cc engine. The engine delivers a maximum power of 110 Hp at 9,000 RPM with a maximum torque of 69 lb-ft at 6,500 RPM. It also features an electronic fuel injection system, 3.2 inches throttle bodies with full Ride-by-Wire.
It has a 6-speed transmission and a Tubular steel Trellis frame. The front suspension consists of a fully adjustable USD Marzocchi fork while the rear suspension consists of progressive linking with adjustable Sachs mono-shock and aluminum single-sided Swingarm. It also features an LCD display that shows you all the vital information about the motorbike.
The seat height of this motorbike is 31.9 inches while the KERB weight is 463 pounds. It comes with a fuel tank that can contain up to 4.2 gallons of fuel. Other great safety features in this bike include Bosch ABS, riding modes, and Ducati traction control. It also features different power modes, Daytime Running Light (DRL), and an adjustable windscreen.
Specs
Pros
Cons
8. BMW R 1250 RS
We have another great sport touring motorbike from BMW, and that is the BMW R1250 Rotorazer saw. This is one of the most functional motorbikes on the market, and it combines the speed of a sportbike and the comfort, functionality of a touring motorbike. The recent upgrade of this bike comes with a more powerful engine and advanced features.
This engine features Variable Valve Timing, and it delivers better performance. It also comes with a fancy color Dash and full LED headlight. The motorbike is equipped with a 1,254cc, air/liquid-cooled 4-stroke flat twin Boxer engine that generates a maximum output of 136 Hp at 7,750 RPM and a peak torque of 105 lb-ft at 6,250 RPM. The maximum speed of this bike is over 125 Mph.
It comes with electronic fuel injection with a Ride-by-wire throttle system. The bike also economizes fuel, with fuel consumption of 50 mpg. It comes with an oil-lubricated clutch that is hydraulically operated. For the safety of the rider, this motorbike comes with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS. It features a constant-mesh six-speed gearbox with helical cut gears.
The standard seat of this bike has a height of 32.3 inches. The usable tank volume of this bike is 4.8 US gallons, which is not bad for touring purposes. It has a reserve tank that can contain up to 1 gallon of fuel. The weight of the bike (with standard equipment) is 478 pounds while the permitted total weight is 1,014 pounds. It has two riding modes (road, rain), hill-start control, TFT display with connectivity, and full-LED headlight.
Specs
Pros
Cons
9. Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
The last on our list is the Yamaha Tracer 90 GT. If you are looking for a high-performance sport touring motorbike that will not leave a hole in your pocket, you should consider this option. This bike comes with quick-release panniers, cruise control, quick shifter, a better fork, heated grips, and a color TFT Dash. It is one of the most cost-effective sport touring bikes on our list, and it comes with many amazing features.
It is powered by an 847cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder, 12-valve engine. It also comes with a six-speed transmission; multi-plate assist and slipper clutch. The maximum output of the engine is 114 Hp while the top speed is 140 mph. The rear suspension consists of a single shock, adjustable preload, and rebound damping, while the front suspension consists of a 41mm inverted fork, fully adjustable.
The height of the seat is 33.5 inches and it comes with a fuel capacity of 4.8 gallons. Without the side cases, the weight of the bike is 474 pounds. This bike will take your sport touring experience to a completely new level. It offers sport-oriented performance and features including uprated suspension, advanced rider aids, reshaped height-adjustable windshield, adjustable riding position, and newly refined bodywork.
The sport touring motorbike also comes with an integrated multi-mode traction control system. The modern and stylish LED lighting also adds to the aesthetic of the bike. The seat is ergonomically designed to keep you comfortable while riding. It also promotes good body positioning. It features powerful, controllable brakes, updated aluminum chassis, and adjustable ergonomics.
Specs
Pros
Cons
Sport Touring Motorcycle Buying Tips
Sport touring motorcycles are the best options for those who want the speed of a sports bike and the comfort, functionality of a touring bike. These types of motorbike provide great comfort, speed, power, and style. They allow you to enjoy a wonderful touring experience in style and speed and they are easy to maintain.
However, not all sport touring motorbikes are made the same. They all have different features that make them ideal for different use cases. To help you find the right one for your need, follow our guide below.
Off or On-Road Touring
When buying a sport touring motorcycle, one of the first things you need to consider is where you want to use the motorbike. While you can ride a motorbike on virtually any terrain, the bike will not be at its best performance if it is not designed for such terrain.
As such, you want to make sure you go for a sport touring bike that is designed for the terrain you intend to use it on. Some sport touring bikes are designed for off-road and on-road touring, and they perform very well on both terrains. However, some are designed for only on-road touring, which means you will only get the best out of the motorbike when you use it on a paved path.
Comfortable Riding Position
Another vital thing you should consider is the riding position of the motorbike. Sportbikes are generally known for their uncomfortable riding position. However, sport touring motorbikes only adopt the speed of sportbikes. Nevertheless, that does not mean all sport touring bikes come with very comfortable riding positions.
You should go for a motorbike that promotes a good riding position. The motorbike should come with a very comfortable seat or seats. Many sport touring motorbikes come with an adjustable seat, which means you can adjust the height of the seat to suit your riding style. The seat should also be well-cushioned to ensure you do not experience any waist or back pain, even after riding for long distances.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system is a very important safety feature that is now found on most new cars and motorcycles. This feature is mostly found in expensive, large models of motorcycles, but it has been gradually coming to entry-level motorbikes. It is one feature that can add at least $500 to the cost of the bike, but it can be money well spent.
According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorbikes with ABS are 37% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes than models without the feature. This feature comes in really handy, and it is there to protect you and your bike. As such, you want to make sure the sport touring motorbike you settle for has this feature. Almost all the motorcycles on our list come with this safety feature and more.
Fairing or Windscreen
As a tourer, this is one of the most important things you need to look for in a sport touring motorcycle before buying. A windscreen can protect you from the wind, rain, sand, and small rocks. It can also make highway riding less fatiguing, as you will not have to deal with the wind hitting you directly. Most of the sport-touring bikes on our list even come with an adjustable windscreen, which means you can adjust the position of the windscreen.
Engine
The engine of the motorbike is another thing you should pay close attention to. There are different engine ratings, and you should opt for one that is within your skill range. If you are a professional rider, you can go for more powerful models, with an engine displacement of up to 1,800cc. However, if you are a new rider or you have not been in the riding game for a very long time, we recommend you keep it down a bit.
For less experienced riders, we recommend you keep it low, preferably 1000cc engines and lower. Most of the motorcycles on our guide are ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Fuel Capacity
While enjoying your trip, you do not want to make too many stops to refill your fuel tank. To avoid this, you should settle for a sport touring motorbike with large fuel storage. Our recommendation is a minimum of 4 US gallons. Interestingly, some motorbikes can accommodate up to 6 gallons of fuel, and we have some of them on our list.
Conclusion
Those are some of the best sport touring motorcycles on the market today. With our buyer’s guide, we believe finding your next sport touring motorbike will no longer be an issue. We have also outlined some of the best options on the market, making it easy for you to pick an option that best suits your budget and needs.
If we were to pick just one motorbike amongst the 9 sport touring motorbikes on this guide, it would be the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX because it comes with many great features including a powerful engine, large fuel tanks, safety features, comfortable seat, and more.
