The best sports tourer motorcycles you can buy in 2026

If the new-for-2026 Honda CB1000GT and Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX SE are anything to go by, Sports Tourers have been making a big comeback in the last 12 months. And we’re not talking about ‘Adventure Tourers’, such as BMW’s big GS or Adventure Sports, such as the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.

In this article, we are talking about pure sports tourers, road bikes with sporty wheel sizes and handling dynamics that optimise on-road performance and handling. Bikes that can satisfy on the motorway, yet equally deliver long-legged comfort and practicality, plus luggage capacity and pillion-carrying ability.

Nor does that mean we’re restricted to litre-plus machines. Yamaha’s Tracers of both the 900 and 700cc variants can be deemed as sports tourers, as can Suzuki SV-7GX, and QJ Motor's SRT900.

But which are the best? Pack your dry bags, here are our picks of the bunch.

Suzuki SV7-GX

The SV650 might be heading for the grave, but it refuses to stay buried—its heart now beating inside Suzuki’s latest middleweight crossover: the SV-7GX. Slotting between the SV650 and the V-Strom range, it targets rivals like the Yamaha Tracer 7 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660 with more comfort, tech, and practicality than the outgoing SV.

Power comes from the long-serving 645cc 90-degree V-twin—updated for 2026 with ride-by-wire, traction control, three riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper clutch. In SV-7GX trim it produces 72 bhp and 47 lb ft, delivered through a steel trellis frame and 17-inch wheels for familiar, predictable handling. Suspension consists of 41mm forks and a preload-adjustable rear shock, while braking is handled by twin 290mm discs up front and ABS as standard.

Styling mirrors the GSX-S1000GX, with a small fairing, adjustable screen and handguards. The 17.4-litre tank and claimed 55mpg mean around 200 miles between fill-ups, and the 795mm seat height should suit most riders. A new TFT dash brings smartphone connectivity, navigation, weather updates and even a USB-C charging port.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, Suzuki has evolved the SV formula—keeping its friendly character but adding touring ability and everyday usability. For anyone who loved the SV650 but wanted more straight out of the crate, this might be the answer.

You can find out more about the Suzuki SV-7GX on this page.

Yamaha Tracer 7

The Tracer 7 underwent its largest technical transformation in 2025, gaining extensive chassis and tech enhancements ahead of 2026. The changes were far-reaching, from updated suspension, revised bodywork and IMU control of the ABS and traction control. The result is a bike that now feels like a proper A2-compatible (with adaptations) bike that can genuinely wear the title of a sports tourer - not just a sporty-looking commuter bike with limited long-distance potential.

Adding to the Tracer 7's allure for 2025 and 2026 is the addition of a GT model, which takes the ethos of the SP variants in the Yamaha naked range and applies it to the Tracer. With that bike, you pay an extra For just £1,300 but you get integrated yet removable panniers, a comfort seat, and arguably better looks. That makes it a more rounded package for touring, commuting, and everything in between. If Yamaha just threw in a quickshifter as standard, it’d be an absolute no-brainer.

Read our 2025 Yamaha Tracer 7 review here.

Yamaha Tracer 9

Yamaha’s sports-touring spin on the MT-09 triple — the Tracer 9 — has steadily evolved into one of the most complete all-rounders on the road today. What began as a slightly budget-friendly, upright and roomier version of the MT-09, complete with fairing, has been refined over the years and treated to a series of higher-spec variants. The result? A bike that now delivers just about everything a rider could reasonably ask for.

In GT trim, aimed squarely at long days in the saddle, the semi-active suspension proves a real asset, and features like the crisp dashboard, heated grips, cruise control and quickshifter make covering miles not just effortless — but genuinely enjoyable.

For 2023, Yamaha went a step further and introduced a new range-topper: the Tracer 9 GT+. Billed as the “most technologically advanced Yamaha yet,” the GT+ debuts radar-guided Assisted Cruise Control, a Unified Braking System for enhanced stability, and a fresh TFT display — pushing the Tracer 9 platform firmly into the future.

You may also like to read our 2023-on Yamaha Tracer 9 review

Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT/GX

The GSX-S1000 GT was launched in 2022 as a renamed and overhauled reboot of the old GSX-S1000 F, was based on the similarly updated GSX-S1000 super naked and thus essentially was Suzuki’s answer to Kawasaki’s enormously successful Ninja 1000 SX. The GSX-S1000 GX (pictured), meanwhile, was introduced for 2023 as effectively an upspecced, ‘tall-rounder’ version of the GT with longer travel, semi-active suspension, more relaxed riding position and was targeted as a rival for Kawasaki’s similar Versys 1000.

Both deliver impressively in their subtly different roles. The GT is slick, fast and sporty, with great brakes and a meaty, 150bhp GSX-R-derived four at its heart. While the GX is more relaxed, better equipped and more comfortable, although its semi-active suspension takes some getting used to and it’s £2000 more expensive than the GT.

Depending on your preferences both make impressively able sports tourers although it’s worth remembering that, in most respects, their Kawasaki rivals are better still.

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX review now 

QJ Motor SRT900 S

QJ Motor may be a new name to the UK and Europe, but its heavily specced bikes are beginning to filter into the region. Sensibly, one of those bikes is a sporty tourer with long legs and on-road manners that are more than worthy of a second look.

The SRT 900 S borrows its engine from the SRK 900 naked, and while the mapping changes appear subtle, they’re certainly no drawback. The 904cc twin has plenty of punch off the bottom and gives a solid surge through the midrange. It’s not the most sophisticated unit in the class, but it’s eager, easy to ride, and well matched to the demands of long-distance touring.

QJ Motor’s value-for-money approach is clear on the SRT 900 S, with an electronics package that could embarrass bikes costing twice as much. As standard, you get a full-colour TFT display, USB Type-A port, LED lighting, and a sometimes-temperamental up-and-down quickshifter, alongside unexpected luxuries such as a heated rider seat, heated grips, and even blindspot detection. The latter can be oversensitive in town — lighting up and beeping at anything from vans to rogue crisp packets — but settles down at motorway speeds. You also get the full suite of riding modes (Rain, Road, and Sport), switchable traction control, and the option to disable the rear ABS.

With a starting price of £7,499 (including full panniers and top box), it's hard to deny that is a lot of motorcycle for the money.

You may also like to read our QJ Motor SRT900 S review

Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX SE

One of the triumphs of modern motorcycling yet one which came from humble beginnings, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX ranked as our favourite Big Sports Tourers of 2020, and it’s remained a recommended choice ever since.

Originally launched in 2010 as a half-faired, sports-tourer version of Kawasaki’s Z1000 super naked, the SX proved an immediate hit due its mix of 140bhp, decent handling, faired practicality and, more than anything, its original sub-£10K value – all of which was sufficient to make it a Kawasaki best seller. 

Repeatedly updated since in 2014 (new brakes, suspension, styling, extra electronics and optional integrated panniers); 2017 (further chassis/electronics updates) and 2020 (renamed as the Ninja 1000 SX, sharper steering, new TFT dash, cruise control and quickshifter), it’s simply got better every time yet remains as good value as ever. 

If you want Japanese four-cylinder 140mph performance, semi-sports handling yet bags of practicality and features at a bargain price, it’s still a very accomplished choice. There are also lots of different spec options enabling you to get exactly the kind of sports tourer you want.

Read our Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX SE review now

Kawasaki Versys 1100

Always an oddball, Kawasaki’s big Versys is also, nevertheless, an effective and popular sports tourer that simply can’t be ignored – especially for the price.

Originally launched in 2010 as an oddly styled ‘tall-rounder’ version of the Ninja 1000 SX, the big Versys was initially seen as some kind of mongrel mix of detuned 1000cc four-cylinder engine, tall, adventure inspired riding position (although with street 17-inch wheels it never had any ambitions to venture off-road) and budget affordability.

And yet, despite not wholly convincing handling and awkward bulkiness, it turned out that – if you’re after an affordable, comfortable sports tourer – it was exactly what many people wanted.

With three significant updates (including a restyle) an increase in capacity to 1,099cc and a raft of equipment options which now include not just luggage but semi-active suspension, the Versys remains a temptingly affordable big sports-tourer for those wanting an upright ride without the trappings of an adventure bike.

Read our 2024 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SX SE review here.

Honda NT 1100

One of the most significant new Sports Tourer launches in recent times, the Honda NT 1100 represented the Japanese behemoth's return to the segment. 

Any new Honda is a big deal and when it comes to ticking boxes for the everyday rider, the NT 1100 is easily capable of meeting the needs of most; it is comfortable to ride, feels well put together and is chock full of clever touches to make notching up the miles fuss-free. In a way, it's probably the ideal Sports Tourer if you want a motorcycle that does exactly what it says on a Honda-branded tin.

However, among similarly accomplished competition, the Honda NT 1100 rather blends into the background, or to put it another way, it is rather bland. The hyped-up X-ADV-inspired looks are a misstep in our view in it devalues both models, the 1100cc engine is big but not terribly powerful and getting on it doesn't exactly stir the soul.

The NT 1100 is a motorcycle for motorcyclists more enamoured with wanting a Honda-badged Tourer, rather than the best Sports Tourer you can buy.

Read our Honda NT 1100 review now

Triumph Tiger Sport 800

Triumph has form when it comes to sporty touring, but until now only the Tiger Sport 1050 truly filled that brief. For 2025, the spirit of that bike returns in the new Tiger Sport 800 – an unapologetically road-focused sports tourer that replaces the Tiger 850 Sport. Unlike the 850, which was a lightly reworked Tiger 900, this new model is purpose-built, using the sharp chassis and geometry of the Tiger Sport 660 but paired with a new 798cc triple running a 120-degree crank.

Suspension is upgraded with adjustable Showa Separate Function forks and a Showa monoshock with remote preload, offering 150mm of travel. Braking comes via Triumph-branded J.Juan calipers (four-pot front, single-piston rear) with IMU-controlled ABS and lean-sensitive traction control. Tech features include a hybrid LCD/TFT dash, Bluetooth connectivity, quickshifter, cruise control and three riding modes. Heated grips, handguards and touring accessories are optional.

At £10,995 OTR (arriving March 2025), the Tiger Sport 800 undercuts key rivals like the Yamaha Tracer 9 and Ducati Multistrada V2, with only the BMW F900XR coming in slightly cheaper – before options.

On the road, the bike impressed in heavy rain and on dry tarmac alike. It feels light, confidence-inspiring and agile, with smooth, linear torque and a notably sharp throttle in Road and Sport modes. Suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and control, and the strong brakes belie their lack of a premium brand.

Comfort is solid too, with good ergonomics and useful wind protection from the adjustable screen. Ultimately, the Tiger Sport 800 is far more than a bored-out 660 – it’s Triumph’s most convincing road-focused sports tourer in years.

You may also like to read our Triumph Tiger Sport 800 review

Honda CB1000GT

Based on the all-conquering CB1000 Hornet, the new CB1000GT is a case of Honda doing what Honda does best: building bikes that are fast, fun to ride, and capable of carrying two people and luggage long distances. 

The combination of that Fireblade-derived engine and Showa semi-active suspension-equipped chassis is a master stroke, creating a bike that feels composed and easy-going at low speeds, yet confidence-inspiring and capable once you get the hammer down.

And like the QJ we mentioned a little further up the page, the Honda offers value for money that is hard to ignore. With heated grips, panniers, an adjustable screen, TFT with Bluetooth connectivity, and IMU comtrolled ABS and traction control, the £11,999 CB1000GT looks like it's going to be on a lot of rider's 2026 shopping lists.

To sum it up, I'd say that there of plenty of bikes that can go fast and go far. What the CB1000GT does that is different is go fast and far, while offering handling dynamics that rival some of the middleweight nakeds on the market.

You may also like to read our 2026 Honda CB1000GT review.