The late '90s and early 2000s were a fantastic time to buy a sports tourer. Here are my favourites

Want the perfect blend of fun and practicality? You’ll be needing a sports tourer. And in the late 1990s and early 2000s, that’s exactly what the buying public were seeking.

During this period sports tourers were hot property with manufacturers creating exciting models such as the Aprilia Futura and Ducati ST, tried-and-tested bikes like Honda’s VFR, solid mile-munchers including the Yamaha FZ1 Fazer and hyper tourers like the ZZR and Blackbird. Here are five of the best…

Related: Sports touring tyres buying guide

Read on for our expert guide to late ’90s and early 2000s sports tourers!

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MCN Recommended: 2004 – 2007 Ducati ST3 & ST3S – £2500 – £4000

Italian packs performance, style and ability

Spec:

• Power 107 bhp
• Engine capacity 992 cc
• Seat height 820 mm
• Kerb weight 222 kg

Using a three-valve Desmo head, the Ducati ST3 is actually a beautiful machine to ride that is hugely underrated and surprisingly comfortable over distance. Producing just over 100bhp with 72lb.ft of torque, the water-cooled V-twin is under-stressed so reliability levels are good and the Ducati’s chassis strikes a great balance between sports and practicality. If you can get an S-model with panniers, you will be very happy indeed.

Ducati ST3 & ST3S used buying advice

● The ST3’s mirrors are held on by an incredibly annoying spring system, and are designed to pop off if they are hit. But they are a pain to put back again.
● The ST3S was introduced in 2006 and adds an Öhlins shock, TiN-coated Showa forks and ABS to the standard bike’s base.
● Early bikes can suffer from excessively worn valve guides, which should be picked up during the 6000-mile ‘desmo’ service, which is the expensive one as it involves the valve-clearance check. Cam belts should be swapped every two years.

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1996 – 2007 Honda Super Blackbird – £1500 – £5999

Fast and very, very effective. It’s Honda at their best

Spec:

• Power 164 bhp
• Engine capacity 1137 cc
• Seat height 810 mm
• Kerb weight 245 kg

Honda never went all-out in search of headline speeds and as such the Super Blackbird is much better regarded as a sports-tourer than a hyperbike. Beautifully built and reliable, it is a wonderful machine for devouring miles on thanks to its glorious inline four and relaxed riding position. But show it a set of bends and it delivers a sporty ride that belies its straight line stability. A brilliant bike.

Honda Super Blackbird used buying advice

● Check the diagnostic plug as it corrodes, leading to a short circuit. Ideally, replace it before it corrodes as a preventative measure.
● The Blackbird’s motor should start-up and tickover nice and quietly, if it doesn’t then assume the camchain tensioner needs replacing.
● The OE fork springs are very poor quality and can make the bike’s front end very lethargic. It’s worth investing in some higher spec aftermarket springs and treating the bike to a fork rebuild.

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2011 – 2016 Triumph Sprint GT – £2000 – £5500

Brit firm’s touring-targeted sports-tourer

Spec:

• Power 130 bhp
• Engine capacity 1050 cc
• Seat height 815 mm
• Kerb weight 265kg

Initially running alongside the popular Sprint ST, the Triumph Sprint 1050 GT model added hard panniers as standard as well as ABS, a bigger fairing, a longer single-sided swingarm for stability and a generously padded dual seat with a pillion grab rail to the ST’s base. Well-priced in the used market, the GT might lack a bit of a sporty edge but it is still a great sporty tourer with a cracking triple.

Triumph Sprint GT used buying advice

● Check the shock’s remote preload adjuster is working (located just behind the rider’s leg) as it seizes up. The shock itself isn’t the most robust unit, so inspect it for leaks.
● Older examples can suffer from electrical issues, many of which are traced back to burned out wires going to the stator. Check them carefully to see if all is well.
● If the bike stutters at low speed and refuses to tickover nicely, get its throttle bodies balanced. It makes a world of difference.

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2006 – 2016 Yamaha FZ1 Fazer – £2500 – £5500

A slow starter that’s got better with age

Spec:

• Power 150 bhp
• Engine capacity 998 cc
• Seat height 815 mm
• Kerb weight 212 kg

Once you sort out a few small irritations, the Yamaha FZ1 Fazer is a solid and reliable machine. With its high bars the Fazer is extremely comfortable and its fairing offers good weather protection, however the star of the show is the engine. Packing lots of lovely midrange, once you sort its fuelling out it is relaxed at a constant speed but also has a blistering turn of pace.

Yamaha FZ1 Fazer used buying advice

● The FZ1 always suffered with poor fuelling. In 2007 Yamaha updated the ECU slightly but the 2010-onwards bikes (look for the black exhaust tip) are the better-fuelled bike. Ideally, get it properly sorted by a competent dyno house.
● There are a few reports of the generator failing, which often results in the magnets falling off and that means debris can enter the oil system. Check all is well.
● ABS was an option, check corrosion on the sensor ring.

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2007 – 2016 Suzuki GSX650F – £1000 – £4200

A budget-friendly lightweight based on the Bandit

Spec:

• Power 84 bhp
• Engine capacity 656 cc
• Seat height 790 mm
• Kerb weight 245 kg

The Suzuki GSX650F is far more than just a Bandit 650 with a full-fairing. If you are after a practical bike that is comfortable, fun to ride and very reliable, it’s a great option. Featuring an uprated shock as well as rubber-mounted bars, the GSX650F’s inline four has a spirited nature with a decent mid-range and even a touch of top-end zing, while its full-fairing offers good weather protection.

Suzuki GSX650F used buying advice

● Build quality isn’t great on the GSX and corrosion on any exposed metal areas is common. Watch out for rust spots on the frame caused by stone chips exposing the metal beneath.
● Check the exhaust’s collector box, which is located under the engine. The exhaust system rots through but this area is the most prone to leaks developing.
● If the bike refuses to start, check the sensor on the clutch lever. The bike won’t start unless it senses that the clutch is pulled in.