What Are the Best Sport Touring Motorcycles

If you‘re looking for a powerful, sporty motorcycle aimed at long-distance travel, a sport tourer bike might be your best bet. In many ways, sports tourers are a lot like sports bikes. They’re fast, powerful, and have that sleek, sporty design. On the other hand, most of the best sport touring motorcycles also have a higher windshield, a more comfortable seat, a luggage system, and a passenger seat. In essence, sport tourers are sports bikes adjusted for long hours in the saddle and comfortable travel.

Sport tourers are ideal for motorcycle holidays, high miles, and fun on the mountain twisties. They give the rider that exhilarating feeling of leaning into corners and fast acceleration while providing more comfort riding long-distance. The sitting position on a sport tourer is more upright than on a pure sport bike, and the added luggage system provides for an easier travel setup. In addition, sport tourers usually have pillion seats and footpegs and are loved by riders traveling two-up.

A sport tourer motorcycle differs from a cruiser tourer motorcycle in its design. Cruiser tourers are typically low-slung, offering higher handlebars and a completely upright sitting position. Sport tourer motorcycles, on the other hand, lean more toward sport bikes in the design department and the sitting position is slightly more forward than on a cruiser tourer. In addition, cruisers have wider, lower seats. Equally, an adventure tourer is different because of its capacity of going off-road and its more utilitarian design.

In this article, we’ll list some of the best sport touring motorcycles and sport cruisers comparing the specs, pros, and cons of each bike.

BMW R 1250 RT

Called the king of sport tourers by some, BMW R 1250 RT is a classic sport touring motorcycle offering plenty of power, style, and function.

Made for eating up the highway miles and enjoying curvy mountain roads alike, this beast of a machine boasts all the latest bells and whistles. The R 1250 RT has active cruise control, an elegant split dashboard, a patented windshield with superb wind protection, and lots more.

Its boxer engine delivers power and torque smoothly and consistently, and the integrated luggage system makes it easy to travel. In many ways, this is probably the best sport touring motorcycle out there, at least in the BMW range.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Shaft Transmission

Engine: 1,254cc Twin with BMW ShiftCam

Power: 136 HP

Wet Weight: 615 lbs

Seat Height: 31.7 inches

Pros: plenty of power and torque, excellent build and design, reliable, luxury sport touring motorcycle

Cons: heavy and tall, may be difficult to manoeuvre on narrow streets; expensive

BMW R1250 RS

The RT’s sportier cousin, the BMW R1250 RS is more of a sporty motorcycle than a comfy cruiser. While some of its specs – the engine size, horsepower, 6-gear transmission, shaft drive – are identical to the RT, the RS is almost a hundred pounds lighter and has a sportier design. For those wanting a more sportier feel and look, the RS version is a better choice than the RT.

Specs:

6-Speed Shaft Transmission

Engine: 1,254cc Twin BMW ShiftCam

Power: 136 HP

Wet Weight: 535 lbs

Seat Height: 32.3 inches

Pros: sporty look and feel, lighter, faster, more nimble sport touring motorcycle

Cons: less comfortable riding with a passenger

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX

The Ninja H2 SX is more of a tourer rather than a sports bike, offering power and comfort in equal measure. Its 988 cc engine is more than enough for both highways and sharp corners, and the bike feels stable and easy to handle while offering plenty of speed and agility. Known for reliability and practicality, the Ninja H2 SX is a sensible, sporty tourer offering quality and comfort.

 Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission, Chain Drive

Engine: 988cc

Power: 228 HP

Wet Weight: 577.7 lbs

Seat Height: 32.9 inches

Pros: reliable, well-built, high-tech, adjustable suspension

Cons: has less of a sporty motorcycle and more of a cruiser feel

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Lighter and cheaper than the mammoth BMW RT and RS as well as the Ninja H2 SX, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is one of the most fun sport tourer motorcycles to ride. It packs plenty of pwoer and torque while being relatively light for its size, making leaning into corners a truly spectacular experience. The Super Duke is smooth and consistent and, due to its lower seat height, is perfect for shorter riders.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission

Engine: 1301 cc V-Twin

Power: 173 HP

Wet Weight: 497 lbs

Seat Height: 32.9 inches

Pros: powerful, light, suitable for shorter riders

Cons: more high-maintenance than the BMW and Kawasaki sport touring motorcycles

Honda NT 1100

The newest offering from Honda, the NT 1100 is aiming to become one of the best sport touring motorcycles out there. Using the Africa Twin engine and frame, the NT is more powerful featuring a slee, futuristic design. This bike is built for power, performance, and comfort in equal measure. Boasting adjustable power delivery, traction and wheelie control, and three riding modes, the NT 1100 looks like a comfortable and practical yet exciting sport tourer to ride.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission, Chain Drive (DCT versions available)

Engine: 1084cc Parallel Twin

Power: 101 HP

Wet Weight: 524 lbs

Seat Height: 32.3 inches

Pros: practical, comfortable, reliable, well-built, high-tech

Cons: more of a cuiser than a sporty motorcycle, may feel somewhat underpowered compared to BMW RT and RS models

Yamaha Tracer 7 GT

This Yamaha sport bike is a nimble tourer that works extremely well while traveling, leaning into corners, and riding in the city alike. In many ways, the Tracer is one of the best sport touring motorcycles if you’re looking for a lightweight allrounder bike. This is the lightest sport tourer in its class offering easy handling, agility in corners and city streets, and and a torquey engine. This Yamaha sport touring bike is fun and easy to ride, and it’s suitable for both experienced and beginner riders.

Specs: 

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission, Chain Drive

Engine: 689cc Twin

Power: 72.4 HP

Wet Weight: 432.1 lbs

Seat Height: 33.1inches

Pros: lightweight, agile, reliable, well-built, minimalist design, suitable for newer riders

Cons: less powerful than most big sport tourers

Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT

Much like the Tracer, the Suzuki GSX – 1000 GT is a smaller sport touring motorcycle.However, it’s both powerful and torquey for its size and weight boasting a 999cc engine and 150hp. The sleek design makes it look more like a sporty motorcycle than a chunky cruiser, and it more than delivers in the speed department. The GT is fast, quick in corners, and practical: Suzuki is well known for building reliable motorcycles.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission, Chain Drive

Engine: 999 cc

Power: 150 HP

Wet Weight: 498 lbs

Seat Height: 31.9 inches

Pros: light, powerful, reliable, practical, and comfortable; suitable for newer riders, affordable

Cons: may feel slightly underpowered for experienced sport touring riders

BMW F900XR

One of the best sport touring motorcycles in the middleweight range, the 900 XR offers plenty of power, stable acceleration, and torque while remaining practical and comfortable to ride. This sporty motorcycle is extremely well-balanced and forgiving for beginner riders while remaining a solid, powerful sport tourer for longer rides, mountain twisties, and urban commuting alike. One of the most affordable models in the BMW sport tourer range, the XR is an excellent choice for riders looking to buy a reliable, confidence – boosting bike.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission

Engine: 895 cc Parallel Twin

Power: 105 HP

Wet Weight: 482 lbs

Seat Height: 32.4 inches

Pros: powerful, well-built, reliable, stable, affordable suitable for newer riders

Cons: veteran riders may want more speed and faster acceleration

Honda GLX 1800 Gold Wing

Although sport touring motorcycles typically lean more toward sport bikes than cruisers, sport cruisers are a category of its own. Just as powerful and fast as their more sporty counterparts, sport cruisers are built for long-distance touring and comfort. Honda Goldwing is the undisputed king of sport cruisers, nad has been fo a long time. Arguiably, it might just be the best sport cruiser motorcycle out there: a timeless classic, the Goldwing has the power, the style, the comfort, and the sheer presence than no other motorcycle manufacturer has managed to duplicate yet.

Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission (7 speed including reverse DCT available)

Engine: 1833 cc Box

Power: 124 HP

Wet Weight: 848 lbs

Seat Height: 29.3 inches

Pros: incredibly powerful, offers maximum comfort, reliable, stable, low-weight

Cons: very heavy and powerful; may not be suitable for beginners and newer riders

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Another impressive sport cruiser motorcycle, the Indian Chieftain is more of a cruising chopper than a sporty tourer. Still, it deserves a mention because of its stunning looks, low seat and low center of weight, sheer power, and comfort. The Chieftain is a great sport cruiser for riders preferring a luxury cruise rather than fast cornering, and it‘s ideal for long-distance travel.

 Specs:

Standard ABS

6-Speed Transmission

Engine: 1,890 cc

Power: 192 HP

Wet Weight: 823 lbs

Seat Height: 25.6 inches

Pros: powerful, well-designed, extremely comfortable, low seat suitable for shorter riders

Cons: may be too heavy and powerful for inexperienced riders

Essential Gear for Sport Touring Motorcycles

If you’re considering buying a sport touring motorcycle or a sport cruiser, be sure to gear up. Sturdy, over-the ankle boots, abrasion-resistant pants and jacket with adequate crash protection, gloves, and a good quality helmet are a must when riding sport touring motorcycles. If you plan to ride your sport tourer in colder temperatures, consider getting heated gear. Most new sport touring motorcycles will likely have heated grips, heated seat, and a tall windshield. Still, heated gear will help you stay dry and toasty even on the longer rides.

Riding gear aside, you’ll also need some security measures to make sure your sport tourer is safe, especially while traveling. We recommend only parking your sport cruiser or tourer in secure garages and parking lots. In addition, it’s advisable to carry a disc lock and a motorcycle chain with you so you can secure the bike when parked on the street. Finally, consider installing a motorcycle alarm for and added layer of security. A tracker will alert you if your bike is being moved, and you’ll be able to track your motorcycle live in case it gets stolen.

Don’t forget to service your sport touring motorcycle regularly. It’s best to stick to the service intervals recommended in your owner’s manual, and don’t skip oil changes and regular checks – it’s important to keep your motorcycle in top shape at all times! If you hope to maintain the bike yourself, check out our motorcycle maintenance for newbies tips and advice.

FAQ

What is the most comfortable sport touring motorcycle?

The most comfortable sport touring motorcycle is the BW R 1250 RT, followed shortly by sport cruisers like the Honda Gold Wing and Indian Chieftain. See this post for more comfortable (and uncomfortable!) sport tourer reviews.

Does Honda make a sport touring motorcycle?

 Honda has just come out with its brand-new NT 1110 sport tourer motorcycle which may just be one of the most promising sport touring motorcycles out there.

Touring Mode On

So there you have it – from sporty motorcycles to sport cruisers, there is a wide variety of exciting motorcycles to choose from. When looking for the best sport touring motorcycle, consider whether you want that wow factor and that sporty, racing looks or whether you’re all about comfortable cruising. It’s entirely possible to combine both with bikes like the BMW 1250 RS, and if you’re looking for something smaller and lighter, the Yamaha Tracer is an excellent motorcycle. For best sport cruisers, look into the Honda Gold Wing or the Indian Chieftain.

No matter what you choose, we hope you’ll enjoy your sport touring experience!