10 Sport Tourers That Blend Track-Ready Power With Commuter Comfort

Today, we have a wide range of motorcycles at our disposal that are able to cater to just about every conceivable kind of rider. Touring bikes are among some of the most versatile and range from adventure-styled middleweights to massive full-dress trikes. But, if speed and comfort are your priorities, then a sport tourer might be the best option.

Sport touring motorcycles blend superbike performance with everyday practicality. While these usually mutually exclusive characteristics have a nasty habit of canceling each other out, there are a handful of bikes that are able to get it right. One thing is for sure, though, these bikes don’t exactly come cheap.

Ducati Multistrada V4 RS

MSRP: $37,995

Ducati 

The Multistrada is a gloriously versatile range of motorcycles, ranging from genuine adventure bikes to this top-of-the-line sport tourer. The RS model demands a $5k premium over the next most expensive Multi, largely thanks to its superbike engine. A premium only the most committed Ducatisti will be able to justify. With only 10 horsepower, 4 pounds, and a desmo valvetrain separating the models, we know which bike we would choose.

Specifications

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

MSRP: $32,995

Ducati

To be clear, this is already way more power than anyone will ever need. While you don’t get the full superbike V4, the Granturismo is, by all accounts, a better engine for a street bike. You won’t have to deal with the dreaded desmo service, yet you still get all the same fantastic features, including the semi-active Öhlins suspension. That $5k could go a long way in terms of accessories, and even further if you are willing to consider turning to the aftermarket as opposed to in-house Ducati options.

Specifications

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

MSRP: $29,100

Kawasaki

It might seem almost counterintuitive, but it is here in the sport tourer where the supercharged engine actually makes the most sense. While the price to be different is pretty high, the riding experience is unique, and, under the right conditions, mind-bending. If the Ducati already has more power than you will ever need, this is complete overkill. With that level of excess, you also still get all the regular comfort features associated with any more conventional tourer.

Specifications

BMW M 1000 XR

MSRP: $25,475

BMW 

Much like the aforementioned Multistradas, the sports bike on stilts theme continues here with one of BMW’s most outrageous bikes. Out of all the bikes on this list, this is most likely the one that comes the closest to offering genuine track credentials as well as commuter comfort. In base form, the price is relatively attractive, at least, when compared to its direct competition.

Specifications

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

MSRP: $20,499

Guy Pickrell

KTM had a pretty crazy idea, giving one of the craziest hypernaked bikes a set of fairings and calling it a sport tourer might seem like madness, but it works. It doesn’t “just” get wind protection, either, it also gets heated grips, cruise control and semi-active suspension. It also has ride modes, so if you want it to behave it can, then with the flick of a switch the “beast” will return.

Specifications

2024 Yamaha FJR1300 ES

MSRP: $18,299

Yamaha

Technically, this has already gone off-sale, but we can only assume Yamaha found a few “hidden in the back” somewhere because it reappeared on the site. While initially conceived as a sports bike, the FJ class quickly evolved into one of the all-time great sport touring motorcycles. It has a huge following, but we can’t help but feel that there are now better options at this price point.

Specifications

BMW S 1000 XR

MSRP: $17,995

BMW Motorrad

One of these potentially “better” options is the base model XR. While it may lose a few points in terms of comfort, it more than makes up for that in terms of pure speed. It also gets a pretty comprehensive electronics suite, and while it “only” has a conventional adjustable suspension, it is going to be more than adequate for most riders.

Specifications

BMW R 1300 RS

MSRP: $16,995

BMW

The latest boxer-twin has finally made its way into a touring bike. While 145 horsepower is no longer class-leading, this is a motorcycle with 110 pound-feet of torque. This immense torque figure means that no matter where you are in the rev range, the bike will just melt your face at a twist of the wrist. A long list of touring features will also keep you comfy on long rides and short rides alike.

Specifications

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

MSRP: $14,299

Suzuki

Out of all the mid-tier bikes Suzuki puts this engine in, this has to be our favorite. The old K5 gixxer 1000 engine is still one of the best inline-4 engines around, and has found its happy place in this 150-horsepower tune. Unlike most of the other more sporty touring bikes on this list, the GT+ quite literally gets everything as standard fitment, including luggage.

Specifications

Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX

MSRP: $13,699

Kawasaki

The Ninja 1000 was getting on a bit, and received an important update this year. The displacement bump was more to do with getting through more stringent emissions tests than adding any power – technically it is down on power – but the upside of the new tune is that it has marginally more torque. Further than that, you still get all the same tech features the more expensive bikes have on offer.

Specifications