Comfort and joy! Sports touring in style and effortless comfort needn't break the bank...

Sports-tourers are the jacks-of-all-trades of the two-wheeled world.

More than happy to load-up and take you and a pillion around Europe, they are equally pleased to just be rolled out at a weekend and enjoyed or even hammered through a commute.

Although their popularity dipped a bit in the 2010s as adventure bikes stole their thunder, they’re bouncing back and still fulfil an important role.

The great news for used buyers is that there are loads of very well-priced examples out there to choose from.

---

MCN Recommended: ’05 – ’07 Triumph Sprint ST – £2,500 – £4,000

The Sprint ST 1050 is triple touring treat

Spec:

• Power 123bhp
• Engine capacity 105cc
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 241kg

The Triumph Sprint ST arrived in 2005 and remained pretty much unchanged until 2011. Powered by what was then an all-new 1050 motor, the ST blends sports and touring perfectly in a bike that is instantly familiar, easy to live with and also really cool-looking and sounding thanks to its under seat triple exhaust. Prices are pleasingly low for this excellent machine and reliability is pretty good, making it a great used buy for anyone wanting a do-it-all that is more than happy to tour.

Triumph Sprint ST used buying advice

● The first generation of ST came with a composite petrol tank. This was updated to a metal one in 2008 but the composite one can swell up over time, leading to cracked paint. Check carefully.
● The bike has a single-sided swingarm so always ensure the eccentric rear hub adjuster that tensions the chain turns freely as they seize up and if this happens they can be a nightmare to free-off.
● If the bike runs poorly or won’t tick-over, assume the throttle bodies need balancing – budget £120 at your local dyno to have this problem rectified.

---

’10 -’16 Suzuki GSX1250FA – £2,000 – £6,000

Basic but reliable bike that goes the distance

Spec:

• Power 97bhp
• Engine capacity 1255cc
• Seat height 805-825mm
• Kerb weight 257kg

Far from the sexiest of bikes, the Suzuki GSX1250FA is a very solid workhorse whose superb inline four and relaxed riding position make for a brilliant two-up mile-muncher. With huge amounts of torque on offer, the low-revving GSX shrugs off the extra weight of a pillion with ease, its fairing is effective and you get ABS. It’s a bit heavy in the bends but rock-solid in a straight line.

Suzuki GSX1250FA used buying advice

● Water can find its way into the light cluster. Have a good look for any signs of misting once the headlight is warm which may indicate there is a leak.
● Finish is pretty poor. Check tucked-away areas for corrosion as once the paint is chipped on the steel frame, rust can develop – especially on bikes ridden through salty winter conditions.
● Higher mileage bikes are known to suffer from reg/rec and generator issues.

---

2009 – 2013 BMW F800ST – £2,000 – £4,500

A lightweight and peppy sports tourer that’s often overlooked

Spec:

• Power 85bhp
• Engine capacity 798cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 209kg

If you are after a bargain and fun sports tourer, the F800ST is a great option. With a full fairing (the S model is half-faired) the ST has lots of weather protection and as well as being pleasingly economical, its motor is peppy and very reliable. Add to this a good array of optional extras to help ease the journey and the ST makes a lot of sense – especially at under £3000.

BMW F800ST used buying advice

● BMW recommend changing the belt and pulleys every 24,000 miles, which is costly at about £500 in parts and labour so check that has been completed on higher mileage bikes, or get haggling.
● ABS was an optional extra on the ST, so check it is fitted if you want this safety assist.
● Although the level of finish is generally quite high, owners report the paint on the forks and engine is prone to flaking off and fasteners can rust quite badly.

---

’02 – ’13 Honda VFR800 VTEC – £2,000 – £5,500

Variable valve timing V4 is a motorcycling gem

Spec:

• Power 110bhp
• Engine capacity 781cc
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 218kg

After a challenging start to its life, Honda persisted with the VFR800 VTEC and as the years passed, owners became more forgiving of the variable valve system. An incredibly well-built bike with a proven track record, the V4 sounds and performs well and its chassis is sporty enough to really enjoy. More a solo tourer than a two-up one, prices are pleasingly low.

Honda VFR800 VTEC used buying advice

● In 2006 Honda updated the VTEC system and added ABS, so this is the generation to buy if your budget allows.
● The VFR’s callipers often stick on their sliders due to corrosion and the rear piston tends to stick. Put it on its centre stand and listen for any sounds that indicate that the pads are dragging.
● The 16,000-mile service includes a valve-clearance check, which is very costly on the VTEC. Be wary of bikes approaching this mileage.

---

2009 – 2016 Yamaha XJ6-F – £2,000 – £4,000

XJ6 Diversion F is a cheap, easy and reliable middleweight

Spec:

• Power 77bhp
• Engine capacity 600cc
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 216kg

In 2009 Yamaha reinvented their Diversion range with the new XJ6 models. Sold in naked (XJ6), half faired (Diversion S) and fully-faired (Diversion F – pictured above) guises, they were powered by a re-tuned FZ6 motor featuring a new clutch with a more progressive action. Although not the most powerful bike, the Divvy is comfortable, friendly and a really easy-going machine.

Yamaha XJ6-F used buying advice

● The two-piston sliding callipers seize on their sliders if not kept corrosion and gunk-free. A rebuild kit costs roughly £30 a side.
● The single-piece exhaust’s collector box is made from mild steel and rusts. Check all its welds for leaks as a replacement unit is about £300.
● Check the radiator for corrosion and leaks. If the bike isn’t cleaned regularly, dirt collects in the
radiator, trapping water and ultimately leading to corrosion.

---

While you’re here, why not check out our guides to the best sports touring helmets and sports touring tyres?