For me, a Sports Tourer should be 70% sport and 30% touring. If it doesn’t come with factory-fit hard luggage then it’s, at best, just a soft sportsbike.
Our guide picks 5 of the best sports touring motorcycles, each one offering a different engine layout, different capacity and a different approach to clocking up big miles in comfort.
Table of Contents
Here’s a full run-down of each of these great bikes:
BMW F800GT
BMW F800GT Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled twin-cylinder
- Max power output: 90 bhp (66 kW)
- Displacement: 798cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 800mm
- Weight: 182kg
The BMW F800GT is actually a bit of a sleeper. Yes, that obedient 800cc engine isn’t going to leave anything for dead but on a twisty road, it’s capable of giving anything a good run for its money and yet it looks so sedate.
With its sportier yet comfortable stance, it can tackle everything, from busy city streets to quiet country roads, Alpine passes, or endless highways. Good wind protection, heated grips as standard and a twanging belt drive make it a great touring option. It’s also A2 licence friendly if you fit a restrictor kit.
Honda VFR800F
Honda VFR800F Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC
- Max power output: 106 bhp (77.9 kW)
- Displacement: 782cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 789/809mm
- Weight: 239kg
Life has gone full-circle for Honda’s VFR800. At launch, the 750 created its own niche in a Sportsbike-obsessed market.
Then as engine sizes have drifted ever larger, the VFR800 sits there almost identical to the original bike with a bit of an ‘I told you so’ feel about it.
Honda’s legendary sports tourer might have received its latest major upgrade in 2014, but it’s still a massively popular choice for those who want a properly capable mile-muncher.
Its unmistakable lines combine sharp angles with soft curves in a unique silhouette that pays homage to the classic VFR. Carefully designed ergonomics and upgraded suspension with radial brake calipers facilitate the ride on both city streets and winding roads. A perfect all-rounder with adjustable seat height and optional factory-hard luggage.
Kawasaki Z1000SX
Kawasaki Z1000SX Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline DOHC
- Max power output: 142 bhp (104.5 kW)
- Displacement: 1043cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 815mm
- Weight: 235kg
Kawasaki’s Z1000SX has been around for a few years now but it’s still a bit of a unique bike. More like the son of a Naked roadster and a Sports Tourer than a Spotsbike and a Tourer, it has an upright riding position but lots of wind protection.
A great mix between super-sport character and daily practicality. Seductive styling, improved IMU-controlled electronics make it a perfect all-rounder. Practical accessories, including factory hard luggage, add comfort to your journey. The cherry on top is the large, plush seat that offers excellent comfort.
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke v-twin
- Max power output: 173 bhp (128.7 kW)
- Displacement: 1301cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 835mm
- Weight: 209kg
If you want to get places very quickly indeed then the Super Duke GT is for you. More Sports Adventure Nutter than Sports Tourer but that doesn’t affect its long-range capability.
KTM has reworked its 1290 to offer an even more advanced interpretation of a touring-capable sportsbike. Highlights include revised resonance chambers and titanium inlet valves. An advanced electronic system delivers enhanced performance and riding assistance. To let you exploit the powerful engine to the fullest, the revised Quickshifter+ means superbike riders won’t be able to keep up.
Yamaha Tracer 900GT
Yamaha Tracer 900GT Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 3-cylinder DOHC
- Max power output: 113 bhp (84.6 kW)
- Displacement: 847cc
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Seat height: 850mm
- Weight: 227kg
For me, Yamaha’s Tracer 900 GT is the new face of Sports Touring. No longer using the ‘diluted sportsbike’ recipe, it’s more like an Adventure bike that’s been given road-going focus and a decent engine. It has a great mix of a punchy motor, Adventure-bike riding positon and riding height, yet no silly wheel sizes, a good fairing and really good pillion comfort.
Good at bashing out distance and brilliant on twisty roads. It’s equipped with heated grips, fully adjustable suspension and Yamaha hard luggage, that’s ready to take you wherever you want to go. Easy riding is delivered by a quick shifter, while the incorporated cruise control can make your long-haul rides even more of a breeze.
The Best Sports Tourer Motorcycle for You
Whether you want a comfortable sportsbike or a nimble touring bike, the best sports tourers is the one that has the bias best suited to your riding needs.
Which is the best sports tourer though, is down to you. Check out your favourite models at your local dealer, hop on the saddle, and maybe even take it to a test ride before deciding which one to buy.
The 1-minute insurance estimate
Do you know roughly what you’ll need to budget to insure your Sports Tourer?
We’ve created a motorcycle insurance estimator that asks no personal questions and takes just 1 minute to fill out. It’ll give you an accurate idea of what it’ll cost to insure your first motorbike.
Questions or Comments?
If you’ve got a question about this article and you need a bit more guidance, drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you.
Likewise, if you’ve got something to add to this article or an experience you’d like to share, let’s hear it!
We love reading your comments and helping our readers.
