Top Sport Touring Motorcycles

What exactly is a sports touring motorcycle? How do manufacturers define the balance between ‘sport’ and ‘touring’? Does there have to be an equal balance or do some factors have greater significance over others? What isn’t in doubt are the basic elements that need to be in place: comfort, practicality, dynamics, performance, and – maybe not as important – style and technology.

While sports motorcycles are great for riding fast on the track and aren’t that comfortable to travel on. Touring motorcycles, on the other hand, are great for going long distances with an emphasis on rider comfort. Sports touring motorcycles provide the best of both worlds – giving you the ability to go fast and long distances at the same time. This is courtesy of a number of features like wind protection thanks to larger fairings, a transmission that usually has lower gearing, and luggage storage options, among other amenities.

Sport touring motorcycles must be able to strike a balance between all the elements. They are also attractive models for manufacturers as they can adapt out-and-out sports models into more accessible touring motorcycles without large amounts of resources in the form of time and money being spent. With this in mind, there is a large choice available so, to help you decide, we’ve rounded up our favorite sports touring models available to buy new in 2024.

The sport touring category is increasingly becoming more competitive, and this list aims to help you make a more informed choice before you get started on your journey. This list has been updated to include the most recent improvements and updates from all the manufacturers that offer sports tourers, as well as highlighting the best options and features they have included. Older entries have been updated with relevant information, while we have also added new motorcycles to make sure you have all the useful data on your hands while making a purchase.

In order to give you the most up-to-date information possible, the data used to complete this article was sourced directly from the manufacturer’s website alongside authoritative sites. The models are listed in terms of their MSRPs, from the lowest to the highest.

20 CFMoto 650 ADVentura

Starting MSRP: $6,799

CFMoto offers a variety of affordable motorcycles in the small to middleweight segment. Of these, the 650 ADVentura is its mainstay sport tourer that comes with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 649cc parallel-twin motor that generates 60 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 41.3 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip/assist clutch.

Performance Specifications

In terms of specifications, it has 17-inch cast wheels, an adjustable rear shock, an upside-down adjustable front fork, J. Juan brakes, dual-channel ABS, and a full LED light setup with a 5-inch TFT LCD. It also gets a standard height-adjustable windshield, hard luggage bags from Shad, and a USB charging port on the dash – complementing its touring focus rather well.

Pros

• Great option for beginner riders
• Accessible and affordable
• Lightweight

Cons

• May feel underpowered for advance riders
• Chinese
• Limited dealer network

19 Honda CB500X

Starting MSRP: $7,299

Honda has an extensive track record of producing a number of incredibly well-liked entry-level motorcycles. For those who want to begin touring, the CB500X is the perfect starter bike. It is based on the 471cc Honda platform and features anti-lock brakes, a lightweight construction, a small frame, and an instrument cluster that gives you all the information you need for your trip, making it an enjoyable ride on any road.

Performance Specifications

Its small weight and lightweight design provide a fun ride on all kinds of roads. The bike has handholds for a passenger if you choose to ride with one, and the tall windscreen will help protect you from the wind. It’s not meant to penalize you; rather, it’s meant to help you ride for longer periods of time, much like the ideal mentor.

Pros

• Reliable beginner bike
• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Taller riders may not feel as comfortable
• The stock windscreen could be better
• A tad bit underpowered

18 Honda NC 750X DCT

Starting MSRP: $9,499

It’s unfortunate that the NC750X is frequently overlooked by motorcyclists, as its affordable pricing, comfortable ride, and automated dual-clutch gearbox make it an excellent touring bike for novices, until they’re ready to upgrade to bigger, more powerful models, maybe even a full-on Adventure bike.

Thanks to the incorporated 23-liter (6-gal) storage capacity where the gas tank would normally be, this bike is not your average road tourer. Practicality personified, the middle-weight tourer from Honda is an able bike, to be sure.

Performance Specifications

For an enjoyable ride, the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) makes gear changes easier. It’s a solid low-cost touring choice because of its gracious fuel tank, exceptional fuel efficiency, and comfortable riding position. It may not be the most thrilling option, but it is unquestionably solid.

Pros

• Well-equipped
• Ample storage space
• Affordable

Cons

• Lacks a sporty personality
• No low seat option – could be a dealbreaker for many
• Lacks power for highway hustling

17 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

Starting MSRP: $12,290

There might not be a better middleweight tourer than Triumph’s Tiger Sport 850 for riders looking to advance from a beginning option. With an inline-three engine and 84 horsepower, it has a lot of ‘zip’ and personality. It will keep you busy while you speed through the corners on your long-mile journeys.

Performance Specifications

You won’t even have to trim down on your luggage thanks to Triumph’s accessory catalog and a big aftermarket that abounds in storage choices. Triumph has a wide range of Tiger models, but for sport touring specifically, that too, with a little extra oomph, the Sport 850 is the best option.

Pros

• Refined engine
• Comfortable ergonomics
• Modern features

Cons

• High cost
• The stock windscreen is inadequate for long highway stretches

16 Kawasaki Concours 14

Used Price: $13,595 (per KBB)

At first glance, the Kawasaki Concours 14 looks like a ZX-14R fitted with panniers, and you would be half-right. The Concours 14 is marketed as a sort of ultimate sport-touring bike for the Supersports market, featuring elements from the ZX-14R such as its monocoque frame and sporty looks. Compared to its competitors, the electronics found on the Concours 14 are minimal but adequate. Kawasaki Traction Control and their K-ACT ABS systems allow riders to enjoy a safer journey, while TPMS and a fuel economy assistance mode are also nice-to-have features.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• The smooth inline-four engine
• Sporty stance
• You get luggage as standard fitment

Cons

• Out of production
• Electronic aids? What are those?
• Dated styling

15 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

Starting MSRP: $15,490

Unique among European and Japanese manufacturers, Moto Guzzi relies solely on a single engine – in this case, the transverse V-twin – for its entire model range, whether it’s a retro café racer or a full-house cruiser. While the engine remains, there is a sign on the new V100 Mandello that Guzzi is looking to the future with more contemporary designs.

Performance Specifications

The V100 Mandello is being pitched as a Grand Tourer with the added spice of a strong dash of sportiness. Much of that sporty element comes from the rumbling exhaust note of the 1,024cc V-Twin, not something you always associate with a touring bike. Perhaps not the most practical, the Mandello has an emphasis on sport, rather than touring, but as a slice of Italian style, it has a lot going for it.

Pros

• Excellent mid-range power
• Rider aids and a host of tech
• Gorgeous looks

Cons

• Expensive for what it offers
• More capable Japanese options
• The separate button for the electric screen is just irritating

14 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Starting MSRP: $13,699

Think of this as a natural rival to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT, having largely the same beginnings. In this case, the basis of the Ninja 1000 SX is the Z1000 naked sport bike and the SX appeared in 2010, making it one of the oldest models on this list. Constantly updated over the years in nearly every area, the Ninja 1000 SX is simple yet brilliant, offering huge, silky-smooth performance on a chassis that offers sporty handling while maintaining a good dose of practicality and being well-equipped. It may lack the cachet of the H2 SX SE+, but at the price, it is just as good in its own way.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• Classy styling and looks
• Great touring friendly-ergonomics
• Classic-Ninja handling

Cons

• Might prove heavy for some riders
• The windshield isn’t that effective

13 Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT+

Starting MSRP: $14,199

The old GSX-S1000 F was a good motorcycle, but it was just a little bland, even if the performance generated by its 2005 GSX-R1000 engine was anything but. If anything, the bike as a whole was a little too much GSX-R1000 and not enough sport tourer. At first, it is easy to look at the GSX-S1000 GT as a mildly warmed-over GSX-S1000 F, but in reality, that GT name is completely accurate.

Performance Specifications

The looks are massively improved, the fairing and screen -non-adjustable – excellent, and the luggage of very good quality. Comfort is acceptable, rather than outstanding, and the riding position is on the sporty side, but not excessively so. Suzuki has done a great job of upgrading the model and the engine remains one of the best inline four-cylinder units available today: smooth and characterful, with bags of punch at any revs in any gear. It can be a bit thirsty if you are pushing on, but with a relatively hard seat, stopping often might not be a bad thing.

Pros

• Ride quality
• Powerful braking setup
• A truly great inline-four

Cons

• Stock seat isn’t the most plush
• Its looks can divide opinions

12 BMW R 1250 RS

Starting MSRP: $15,995

The R 1250 RS is evidence, if any were needed, that the 1254cc Shiftcam-equipped, variable valve timing boxer twin engine is a brilliantly versatile and flexible unit, doing service on adventure bikes, touring bikes, and this rather lovely sports tourer. Basically, the R 1250 RS with a half-fairing exudes all the BMW qualities of excellent engineering and build quality with some well-thought-out touches, 136 horsepower, excellent torque, and a very well-sorted chassis to keep things interesting when the bends arrive, but with enough comfort to make eating up the highway miles very easy indeed. It looks great, and if pricey, makes an interesting choice for this brand.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• The trusted 1,254cc boxer engine
• The boxer setup keeps engine mass down low
• Improved handling

Cons

• BMW builds faster, more capable touring bikes
• The wheelbase isn’t the most generous
• A lot of vibrations

11 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

Starting MSRP: $16,499

What a hit the MT-09 platform has been for Yamaha, from the original naked roadster to the retro XRS900 and then the Tracer 9 GT. The all-new Tracer 9 GT+ builds on the excellent Tracer 9 GT’s qualities of comfort, sparkling performance, and an excellent chassis by adding radar-guided cruise control and a unified braking system to the already impressive package that includes semi-active suspension, heated grips, cruise control, and quickshifter.

Performance Specifications

If some of Yamaha’s recent styling efforts wouldn’t have been out of place in a Transformers movie, then the Tracer 9 GT+ actually dials the angularity down a little to make this one of the best-looking of the MT-09 family. If 889cc sounds a little tame, then the performance is anything but. A great sports tourer overall.

Pros

• Seating position of an ADV, but rides like a sport-tourer.
• Its sub-500-pound weight
• A robust triple

Cons

• May feel underpowered compared to other options
• ADAS and radar may feel overwhelming to get used to
• Still not the most comfortable bike

10 BMW S 1000 XR

Starting MSRP: $17,495

Similar in concept to the Multistrada, the S 1000 XR does what the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT does so well. Take a sporting model and turn it into a sports tourer. In this case, the donor bike is the S 1000 R package and the XR adds taller suspension, a larger screen, and much more relaxed ergonomics.

Performance Specifications

The engine is the 1000cc inline four-cylinder as found in the S1000R, which means 165 horsepower of smooth, high-revving action. This might feel and sound strange in an adventure bike-tall package, but in practice, it works extremely well. The chassis is excellent, the comfort the same, the electronics cover any eventuality, and the build quality and design are typical BMW.

Pros

• Comes fully-loaded
• Best-in-class handling
• Premium build quality

Cons

• Not as sporty as before
• Taller riders may feel cramped

9 Yamaha FJR1300ES

Starting MSRP: $18,299

The Yamaha FJR1300ES is a large sport-touring motorcycle that offers both a fast and comfortable ride from point A to point Z. The bike has two modes — T-Mode and S-Mode. This allows riders to adjust the throttle response whether they want their bike to have a sporty feel or a touring orientation.

Performance Specifications

The FJR1300ES is a heavy bike, but it makes up for this with all the features loaded into it. Yamaha added fully-adjustable electronic suspension and a fairing-mounted storage box, alongside standard hard cases. There are more reasons than you can count.

Pros

• Throttle response is unparalleled
• Yamaha’s reliability
• Ready to tour

Cons

• Comes with a lot of heft
• Dated tech
• Not the most exciting-looking bike

8 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT

Starting MSRP: $18,899

Interestingly, every Versys model finds itself on a significant number of our “best of” lists. We don’t see any reason why the Versys 1000 LT shouldn’t be on this list of the finest touring bikes. At almost $19,000, it’s not inexpensive, but Kawasaki crammed a ton of amenities into the bike’s frame.

Performance Specifications

The Showa suspension is electronically adjustable, and a rapid shifter designed to facilitate your shifts. Thanks to the cornering management feature, you have traction control, and you get ABS as standard, of course. Additionally, you can connect your cell phone to the big TFT screen. However, Kawasaki left the best for last by adding heated grips, cruise control, and integrated side cases.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Adjustable suspension
• Exceptional comfort

Cons

• Expensive
• Some riders may find its host of electronic aids overwhelming
• Lack of color options

7 Ducati Multistrada V2S/V4S

Starting MSRP: $19,295/$27,195

In reality, the Multistrada V4 does nothing that the V2 version can’t do, it just does it faster and also costs more. Whichever version you opt for, Multistrada is an impeccable performer. With a brilliant chassis and a tall, upright riding position, it might not be for everyone, but it is just so effective.

Performance Specifications

It’s one of those multipurpose motorcycles that performs both roles brilliantly. On the sporting side, the Multistrada has all of the Ducati sporting DNA coursing through its chassis with a small dose of off-road ability thrown in for good measure, although you’d be better off leaving that bit for the Multistrada V4 Rally, which is the all-singing, all-dancing adventure model. Ducati has worked hard on its reliability and the V4 motor in particular comes with 9,000 mile service intervals. If you can afford it, you’ll want to go on a long journey just for the sake of it: it’s that good.

Pros

• A looker
• Great road manners
• All the Ducati goodness

Cons

• Expensive
• High ownership cost
• Lack of color options

6 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Starting MSRP: $19,799

Take one of the most insane naked sports bikes and slap a fairing and panniers on, and hey presto, an insane sports touring bike. If 173 horsepower isn’t enough for you, then you’re shopping in the wrong category. If the raucous nature of the 1290 Super Duke has been tamed, then it’s not by much, but KTM has done an excellent job of giving the GT the comfort and ergonomics it needs, along with enough electronics to launch a satellite.

Performance Specifications

High-spec WP Apex suspension combined with KTM’s signature steel trellis frame gives handling dynamics you just don’t find on other bikes on this list. It is so without ever being harsh, while the six-gallon gas tank gives excellent range and the luggage options cover virtually any eventuality or planned trip. Never has riding far away been so much fun.

Pros

• The aggressive design
• KTM’s 1300cc motor
• Remarkable performance and handling

Cons

• Pillion comfort isn’t the greatest
• Its suspension gives it a stiff ride quality
• No color options

5 BMW R 1250 RT

Starting MSRP: $19,995

BMW has an array of touring options for you. The BMW R 1250 RT is the more relaxed sibling of the R 1250 RS, featuring a more comfortable riding position alongside an electronic suite that satisfies all the needs for touring. The bike aims to merge sport and luxury on two wheels, and its performance and features allow it to do just that.

Performance Specifications

Riders can also opt to pay a bit more for active cruise control, which allows riders to set their speed and distance from vehicles thanks to a radar sensor. As with a lot of BMW’s bikes, the list of optional add-ons for the bike is extensive, allowing for a more curated feel off the factory floor.

Pros

• The 10.25″ TFT Display
• The trusted 1,254cc boxer engine
• The boxer setup keeps engine mass down low

Cons

• Heavy
• Not for tall riders
• Some features are buried deep inside the menu

4 BMW M 1000 XR

Starting MSRP: $24,295

The third bike with the M badge from BMW comes in the form of the M 1000 XR. Thanks to amazing M performance racing components from its fast siblings and outstanding XR characteristics for long-distance touring, it’s beyond any other touring bike that will be on the market in 2024. A 999cc liquid-cooled ShiftCam inline-four engine producing 201 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque powers the lightweight sport tourer, enabling a top speed of 170 MPH.

Performance Specifications

Numerous standard safety features are included, including dynamic damping control (DDC), dynamic traction control (DTC), automatic hill start control (HSC), dynamic brake control (DBC), and ride modes. A TFT display, cruise control, heated grips that are adjustable, adaptive headlamps, keyless start, and cruise control are the creature pleasures on the bike. What a package!

Pros

• High-performance engine
• Advanced electronics
• Aggressive styling

Cons

• Expensive
• Might be too intimidating for most riders
• High maintenance cost

3 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS

Starting MSRP: $25,498

The MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS is a bike that allows riders to travel in style. It might not have a name that rolls off the tongue, but it does have MV Agusta’s signature quality hallmarks, such as semi-active suspension and the Smart Clutch System (SCS). Riders don’t need to worry about comfort, as the bike has heated grips, Bluetooth, cruise control, a GPS sensor, and an adjustable windshield. The growl of the inline-three engine and the aggressive looks will remind riders that they are riding an MV Agusta.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• Has beautiful, sultry looks
• Semi-active electronic suspension
• Zippy handling

Cons

• High ownership cost
• Might lack the torque others have on this list
• Expensive

2 BMW K 1600 GTL

Starting MSRP: $27,295

If you’re searching for a heavyweight luxury tourer to travel on highways with a pillion, nothing compares to the BMW K 1600 GTL. No, it is not as sporty as the pre-discussed M 1000 XR, but it is a great alternative to the fairly subdued Gold Wing. That is thanks to its perplexing 1,649cc six-cylinder in-line engine, which produces 160 horsepower and 132.7 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

Thanks to electronic suspension adjustment and top-tier rider aids from BMW, it offers exceptional handling agility and comfort. A 10.25-inch color TFT display, heated grips and seats, keyless entry, and an integrated music system are also included as standard features. The flagship tourer from the BMW K series offers plenty of room for bags and passenger, in addition to adjustable comfort levels for a relaxing ride.

Pros

• Luxurious comfort
• Crazy inline-six engine
• All the electronics you could ask for

Cons

• High ownership cost
• Not as ‘sporty’ as some other options on the list
• Expensive

1 Kawasaki H2 SX SE+

Starting MSRP: $28,000

The touring version of the supercharged Kawasaki H2 makes do with ‘only’ 197 horsepower, so the only question is, how much is too much? If anything, the H2 SX SE+ (snappy name, Kawasaki!) can’t really decide if it’s a sport bike or a sport tourer, even though the ingredients are there to fulfill both roles. It takes up neatly where the old ZZR-1400 left off: a long-legged sports touring model with enough performance to outrun almost anything on the road.

Performance Specifications

It’s comfortable, practical, dynamic, well-equipped, and bristling with tech, with front and rear radar sensors offering adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, launch control (for those quick getaways from the border post…) quickshifter, keyless start, electronic semi-active suspension, hill-hold control, etc., etc. Not for the faint of heart, but exhilarating in a way not often encountered in this category.

Pros

• Sounds like a supercharger
• All the fancy gizmos on board
• Smooth power

Cons

• On the heavier side
• Not the most comfortable stock seat
• It’s expensive