If you want smiles over many, many miles, I can't recommend these new sports tourers enough!

When you look at their design brief, it is hard to comprehend why everyone isn’t riding sports-tourers but despite a surge in popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, adventure bikes have stolen their thunder. That said, they are going through a revival with the likes of the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT.

Related: Best sports touring helmets

If you like the idea of a relaxed sportsbike that is more than happy to whisk you and a pillion away for a weekend in the sun, and allow you to explore the best roads when you get there, look no further.

Read on for our expert guide to used sports tourers!

Related: Best sports touring tyres

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MCN Recommended: 2009-2017 Honda VFR1200F – £3500-£7499

Honda’s surprisingly sporty sports-tourer.

Spec:

• Power 170bhp
• Engine capacity 1237cc
• Seat height 815mm
• Kerb weight 267kg

The Honda VFR1200F is a bike that splits opinions. Unpopular in its day as many felt it was too sporty to take over from the much-loved Pan European, the VFR also suffered from disappointing fuel economy and a tank that was a touch too small. But step back, accept you will be stopping every 180 miles or so, and the VFR makes a lot of sense. Remarkably cheap when you consider its high level of build quality, the VFR is fast, fun and actually pretty comfortable.

Honda VFR1200F used buying advice

● The VFR’s six-piston calipers are notorious for seizing pistons, especially on early bikes.
● The DCT model has a separate bar-mounted parking brake, which some owners seldom use. Check it is working, often it can be poorly adjusted and allow the bike to be moved even when it is on.
● The rear hub final drive should have its oil changed at regular intervals (Honda say every 24,000 miles, but owners reckon every 8000 to be safe) or it can lead to premature wear. Check what the oil looks like and listen for any grumbles that hint at trouble.

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2015-2018 BMW R1200RS – £3995-£9500

Enjoy sporty touring done the Bavarian boxer way.

Spec:

• Power 125bhp
• Engine capacity 1170cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 236kg

An often over-looked bike, the BMW R1200RS was updated in 2015 and this generation hits a sweet spot in the model’s life. Boasting the same boxer engine as the R1200GS, the RS has inverted forks instead of a Telelever front end and makes for a great relaxed sports tourer. Long and stable, it’s surprisingly sporty but is more suited to sweeping bends than tight hairpins.

BMW R1200RS used buying advice

● While D-ESA is great to have, if it fails the shock can be costly to replace (around £1000) as technically it isn’t rebuildable. Take a test ride to check it swaps between modes and inspect for oil escaping past the seals.
● After that test ride, check the rear hub for leaks. It’s robust but on higher-milage bikes can require a rebuild and that’s around £300.
● Clutches tend to go at around 70,000 miles which is a massive bill as the whole bike needs splitting.

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2018-2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT – £5500-£8500

Impressive spec, attractive price, perky engine… We love it.

Spec:

• Power 113bhp
• Engine capacity 847cc
• Seat height 850mm
• Kerb weight 245kg

The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT was launched when the standard model was first upgraded. It is more targeted at those looking at covering distance and was generally the better selling model due to its spec and tempting price (it was only £1400 more when new). A great do-it-all, the Tracer’s triple is the star of the show, making this lightweight sports tourer feel engaging to ride.

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT used buying advice

● Oddly, a number of owners have reported that the Tracer’s mirrors rust around their joints.
● While the bike itself seems very robust, its fasteners are quite poor quality and quickly show signs of corrosion if not cleaned regularly.
● Check the exhaust well for any dents or leaks. As it is a one-piece system, you need to replace it all should it have a fault or crack in any of the welds and that means removing the headers, which may well have corroded studs.

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2017-2019 Kawasaki Z1000SX – £5000-£8999

Kawasaki’s best-selling do-it-all is a great used buy.

Spec:

• Power 142bhp
• Engine capacity 1043cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 236kg

Packing loads of tech (the 2017-on model has an IMU, bringing angle responsive assists) the Kawasaki Z1000SX is great value and a true jack-of-all-trades with agility and lots of touring enhancing features such as an adjustable screen, pannier mounts, 19-litre tank and adjustable suspension. If you like sports bikes but want something more relaxed, and are taking a pillion, buy an SX.

Kawasaki Z1000SX used buying advice

● The valve-clearance service is every 15,000 miles. Check it has been completed and if not, factor in a service bill of around £700.
● Check the under-slung rear caliper as it often seizes due to its exposed position and lack of use. Rebuild kits are cheap (£30), but it’s not uncommon for it to be too far gone to resurrect.
● Kawasaki sold an Akrapovic silencer kit for the SX, which is road legal but weighs less and looks a bit better than the standard exhaust.

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2017-2021 Ducati SuperSport S – £6499-£10,000

Full-on sporting kudos with an added dose of practicality.

Spec:

• Power 115bhp
• Engine capacity 937cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 210kg

The Ducati SuperSport S is powered by a relaxed V-twin and has a chassis and riding position that offers a blend of versatility and sporting potential. The SuperSport has its quirks but owners love them and they are much more enjoyable to ride over distance than a Panigale. The SuperSport makes for a very good sporty machine that also has the kudos of being a Ducati.

Ducati SuperSport S used buying advice

● The SuperSport’s poor mirrors come in for constant criticism. Not only do they vibrate, they are also way too short. A pair of mirror extender adapters are about £50.
● The big ‘desmo’ service (valveclearance) is every 18,000 miles on the SuperSport and it requires its belts changing every five years.
● A few owners have reported that the bolts holding the sidestand on can work loose. Give them a good check and, ideally, thread lock them in place to be safe.