The 10 Used Sport-Tourers That Deliver Superbike Speed With Adult Comfort
Comfort and touring abilities don’t always need to come at the expense of thrilling performance. While mainstream two-wheeler brands have always had at least one offering in their portfolio that showcases their performance prowess, a more touring-oriented derivative of that also exists in parallel. In case you’re looking for something from the latter category in the used bike market, one of these might be right up your alley.
Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research, and proceed with caution.
10
2016 Kawasaki Concours 14
Price Range: $7,000 – $10,000
The Kawasaki Concours 14 was essentially a touring version of the much-hallowed Ninja ZX-14R hyperbike. Although it used a detuned version of the 14R’s mill, its 1,352cc inline-four block still produced a feisty 156 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of maximum torque. The presence of variable valve timing, shaft drivetrain, electrically adjustable windscreen, and electronic suspension meant it brought a great combination of reliability and convenience. Moreover, the roomy seats and sizeable panniers make it a genuine two-up mile muncher.
9
2012 Yamaha FJR1300
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
Introduced in the US in 2003, this replaced the Yamaha FJ1200 and was famous for combining excitement, comfort, and technology. Its 144 hp, 1,298cc, inline-four motor came with a five-speed gearbox, but the presence of Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S) meant that clutchless gear shifts were doable. Despite weighing 500 pounds without fuel, aluminum twin-spar frame facilitated the bike with superb agility. And being a Japanese product, even an old example should be in buy-and-ride condition.
8
2010 Honda VFR1200F
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
The Honda VFR1200F is not just a comfortable sport tourer but also fast enough to beat some supercars in the quarter mile. It arrived in 2010 with performance numbers that looked more apt for litre-class sportbikes. Honda’s listed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.7 seconds means it crushes miles at a brisk pace. Another talking point was its 1,27cc, V4, 76-degree motor with DCT (dual-clutch transmission) — it was the first-ever production bike to get it. And none of these come at the cost of comfort, making the VFR a sweet option.
7
2016 BMW S 1000 XR
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
The fact that the BMW S 1000 XR runs the same engine as its highly-revered RR sibling says a lot about its potential. The 2016 model produces close to 160 hp and gets plenty of electronic wizardry to have your back. The Pro Package-equipped examples further up the tech and convenience quotient with bits like electronic suspension. One can also pick panniers and top box from BMW’s accessory catalogue to make it tour-ready.
6
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Price Range: $7,000 – $9,000
Refined engine, nimble handling, and top-notch reliability are what the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX stood for. Unless the previous owner did something terribly wrong with maintenance, one can just purchase and ride the motorcycle, perhaps after replacing basic consumables. Its 142 hp, 1,043cc, inline-four engine is sublime and punchy, while the comfortable ergonomics with decent luggage options make it ideal for spirited touring.
5
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000
The GSX-S1000GT was essentially Suzuki’s answer to the Ninja 1000SX. Powering the motorcycle is Suzuki’s revered K5 engine. The 999cc, four-pot lump is based on the GSX-R1000 with some changes to favour broader torque delivery across the rev range. The presence of Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) means it has all the crucial rider aids, while the GT tag itself signifies the more comfort-oriented persona.
4
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a slightly better-mannered sibling of the ultimate hooligan, the Super Duke. Powered by a 1,301cc, 75-degree, V-twin, it is more about arm-ripping torque than horsepower. Almost 80 per cent of its 106 lb-ft torque output is available from 3,250rpm, which translates to a terrific shove with little effort. And typical of a KTM, it was also a pinnacle of technology back then. Owners have also reported it to be unusually reliable for a European offering, with electric and sensor-related glitches being sporadic.
3
2016 BMW R 1200 RS
Price Range: $6,000 – $9,000
The characterful 1,170cc, boxer-twin engine from the GS wrapped in sport-tourer clothing is what aptly describes the R 1200 RS. The shaft-driven motorcycle is known for combining manageable performance, slightly sporty yet touring-focused ergonomics, usable technology and commendable reliability. You might not be able to chase the superbikes down the highway or through canyons on the 1200 RS, but the relentless surge of torque and good weight balance make it a satisfyingly sporty tourer.
2
2007 Triumph Sprint ST
Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000
One of the least talked-about motorcycles in the motorcycling fraternity, the Triumph Sprint ST was a handsome-looking and capable sport tourer. Its 1050cc, inline-triple would not only receive praise for a strong mid-range grunt, but it also emanated a sweet howl in the higher revs. With a roomy seating position and ample luggage options, it has the makings of a great sport tourer. The one thing to look out for, apart from doing the general inspection, would be swelling or cracks in its composite fuel tank, which was updated to a metallic unit in 2008.
1
2009 BMW K 1300 GT
Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000
The successor to the K 1200, the 1300 GT was a fairly fast, comfortable, and advanced motorcycle for its time. The 1,293cc, inline-four engine made 160 hp and a healthy 99 lb-ft of torque. But the more central trait to its appeal was the equipment list comprising cruise control, BMW’s electronically adjustable Duolever and Paralever suspension, an electrically adjustable windshield, traction control, TPMS, and heated seats and grips.
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