If you want smiles for endless miles, you need to check out 2024's best sports tourer motorbikes!

The sports tourer category has seen a lot of change as of late, battling to stay relevant as sportsbike sales are slowly declining and multiple adventure bike options are out there – some of which are just as potent and fun on the road as their road-biased siblings.

It’s a harder sell for the humble sports tourer. Nonetheless, there is still enough demand for a more road-orientated tourer motorcycle, and a desire for those to have road-specific ability.

Here we look at sports tourers which sport a 17-inch front wheel as opposed to their adventure siblings with a 19 and 21-inch front wheel for more off-road-focused riding.

We can’t just pin sports tourers down with the 17inch wheel variable, as some have got taller as well, with manufacturers opting for more sit-up adventure bike ergonomics. A balance between all day comfort and sporting ability is what we have used to determine MCN’s best Sports Tourer list below:

Best sports tourers of 2024

• Yamaha Tracer 9 GT +
• Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance
• Suzuki GSX-S1000GT/GX
• Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
• KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
• BMW M1000XR
• BMW F900XR
• Kawasaki Versys 1000
• Kawasaki Versys 650
• Yamaha Tracer 7 GT
• Honda NT1100
• Triumph Tiger Sport 660

Best used sports tourers:

• BMW R1250RS
• Honda VFR1200F
• Triumph Sprint GT 1050
• Kawasaki 1400GTR

The odd ball option:

• Yamaha Niken GT

Case study: MCN’s latest Sport Tourers comparison

What to look for when buying a used sports tourer?

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Best sports tourers of 2024:

2023-on Yamaha Tracer 9 GT +

MCN’s winning pick for 2024 Sports Tourer of the year!

• Highlights: Class-leading spec making GT+ a new ‘premium class’ sports tourer / World first Radar Linked Unified Braking System / Adaptive Cruise Control
• Specs: Engine size: 890cc Power: 117bhp Weight: 223kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £10,000 (used) – £14,910 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT + here
• Review: The 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is is the most advanced sports tourer Yamaha has ever built. Not only that, it’s also the first motorcycle to offer ‘Radar Linked Unified Braking’, an ingenious system that slows the bike should it detect a vehicle ahead braking unexpectedly. Designed for both performance and comfort, it features a new 890cc inline-triple engine that delivers improved power and torque, enhancing its dynamic riding experience. The bike comes with further advanced electronics by way of a 6-axis IMU for better handling and safety. Its updated chassis and suspension provide a more comfortable ride and improved stability on various road conditions. The Tracer 9 GT also boasts a full-colour TFT display, quick-shifter, and heated grips for added convenience. With a redesigned fairing and larger fuel tank, it offers better aerodynamics and longer range. Overall, the Tracer 9 GT is aimed at all riders looking for a versatile and high-performing touring machine, with customise-able ergonomics an adaptable seat height and handle bar mount options. The machine is the perfect accomplice when looking to devour some long winding corners.
• Check out Steve Herbert-Matticks’s long term test review of the Tracer 9 GT +

2020-on Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

Not forgetting MCN’s winning pick for 2023 Sports Tourer of the year! Still a formidable bike!

• Highlights: Sharper steering / New tech, cruise control and quick shifter / added comfort
• Specs: Engine size: 1043cc Power: 140bhp Weight: 235kg Seat height: 835mm
• Price: £7,900 (used) – £12,400 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX here
• Review: The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is now a refined sports tourer, making improvements on its Z1000SX predecessor, with changes to the steering and low-speed handling being most apparent. It still boasts a smooth 1043cc inline-four engine with 140 bhp, offering strong mid-range power ideal for long-distance rides and spirited outings. Improvements over previous models include a revised exhaust for Euro 5 compliance, an updated quickshifter, and a more comfortable, adjustable seat. The bike also features a full suite of rider aids, including traction control, cruise control, and multiple riding modes, making it versatile for various conditions. Its suspension is more plush, improving ride quality. Additionally, the TFT dashboard and smartphone connectivity add modern tech appeal​. Overall it all adds up to a very rewarding sports tourer ride.

2022-on Suzuki GSX-S1000GT/GX

• Related: Complete the look with the latest sports touring helmets with MCN’s top picks

• Highlights: Best Suzuki for years / Effortlessly quick, comfy and exciting / A hell of a sports tourer for the money
• Specs: Engine size: 999cc Power: 150bhp Weight: 226kg Seat height: 810mm
• Price: £7,500 (used) – £12,499 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT here
• Review: The 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT you could say is a collection of parts from other models, but the result is excellent. It’s a sports touring bike combining the engine performance of a superbike with comfort for long rides. Powered by a 999cc inline-four engine, it offers 150bhp and smooth power delivery, making it ideal for both spirited riding and touring. The GT model includes advanced features such as cruise control, a full-colour TFT display, and smartphone connectivity. Its design is effortlessly quick and emphasises rider comfort with a relaxed riding position and improved wind protection, with the reassurance of that proven K5 engine, it’s everything a sports tourer should be. The bike comes with enhanced suspension for better handling and ride quality. It is praised for its balance between power, comfort, and practical features, making it suitable for long-distance travel. However, it competes in a crowded segment, facing rivals with more high-end technology. One of Suzuki’s caveats is it shares a platform with a taller sibling the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, offering an adventure bike stance but still with that agile 17-inch front wheel, making it well worth a look for mile-beating riding.

2023-on Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

• Highlights: Classy new sports tourer / New 113bhp V-twin engine / Electronics including adaptive aero
• Specs: Engine size: 1042cc Power: 113bhp Weight: 233kg Seat height: 815mm
• Price: £12,000 (used) – £15,750 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello here
• Review: The 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is a new from the ground up versatile sport-touring motorcycle that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Moto Guzzi character and design cues from their rich heritage. It features a new liquid-cooled 1042cc V-twin engine, delivering 115bhp, with smoother performance and less vibration than previous models. Its design includes a semi-active suspension and an innovative adaptive aerodynamics system, providing enhanced comfort and handling at high speeds. The bike comes with advanced electronics like a six-axis IMU for cornering ABS, traction control, and multiple riding modes. Built to a high level with beautiful detailing outshining other machines, the Mandello still delivers modern aesthetics and practical features like a 17.5-liter fuel tank. Comfortable for long-distance touring, the new engine layout the cylinder heads have been rotated 90 degrees, repositioning the exhaust down pipes, providing much more legroom. Overall, it’s an impressive blend of Moto Guzzi’s heritage with modern motorcycling technology.

2019-on KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

• Highlights: Punchy 1301cc V-twin engine / Sportiest model in its class / Impressive two-up levels of comfort
• Specs: Engine size: 1301cc Power: 175bhp Weight: 209kg Seat height: 835mm
• Price: £8,100 (used) –  £16,799 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT here
• Review: The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a high-performance sports tourer and is astonishingly good. So good, it could be the quickest in its class, blending punchy power with comfort. Powered by a 1301cc V-twin engine, it delivers 175bhp, making it one of the most powerful bikes in its category. Known for its aggressive styling, the Super Duke GT offers excellent handling, partly due to its semi-active suspension and Brembo brakes, which ensure stability even at high speeds. It includes advanced tech features like cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and multiple riding modes. Touring-friendly additions such as heated grips, cruise control, and a large fuel tank make it practical for long-distance rides. Despite its touring capabilities, the bike retains the sharpness and agility of a sportsbike, suitable for both trackdays and long journeys. Overall, it’s an exhilarating option for riders seeking performance without compromising comfort.
• Check out Michael Neeves long term test review as he runs a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT as part of MCN’s 2024 long term test fleet.
• Related: Get the best grip available for your sports tourer, check MCN’s latest sports touring tyre deals.

2024-on BMW S1000XR

• Highlights: Power up from 163bhp to 168bhp / Seat height increased / More standard equipment
• Specs: Engine size: 999cc Power: 168bhp Weight: 227kg Seat height: 850mm
• Price: £10,900 (used) – £16,700 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the 2024-on BMW S1000XR here
• Review: Not needing to reinvent the wheel, early BMW S1000XRs had already defined the sports tourer class. Now further refined, the sports tourer blends superbike performance with adventure touring comfort. The new version focuses on addressing the vibration issues from the previous model, thanks to revised engine balancing and isolated handlebars. The engine remains a powerful 999cc inline-four producing 162hp, but with smoother delivery and less high-frequency buzz at highway speeds. Handling improvements come from a lighter chassis, wheels, and swingarm, making the bike feel agile perfect for hunting out those curvy roads. The bike also features BMW’s Dynamic ESA Pro, offering adaptable suspension modes for different road conditions. Ergonomics are slightly sportier, with a more aggressive riding position still with all-day comfort, and comes with adjustable adjustable seat heights for more touring customisation. While still powerful, the S1000XR’s refined design and longer gearing make it more suitable for both spirited rides and longer journeys​. If a jacked up sports bike with added comfort is your thing, you cant go far wrong with with the S1000XR. If it sill leaves you wanting more, check out the range-topping BMW M1000XR… it’s bonkers but we loved it!

2020-on BMW F900XR

• Highlights: An excellent everyday motorcycle / Makes us wonder what S1000XR is for / Also check out our long-term test
• Specs: Engine size: 776cc Power: 104bhp Weight: 219kg Seat height: 825mm
• Price: £6,600 (used) – £9,800 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the 2020-on BMW F900XR here
• Review: The 2020 BMW F900XR is a fabulously composed and useable sports tourer combining practicality with dynamic performance. Powered by an 895cc parallel-twin engine (a bored out version of the motor from the F850GS) it delivers 105bhp and smooth power for versatile riding. Its upright seating position and adjustable suspension provide comfort for both touring and pushing on when the time calls for it. Equipped with advanced electronics like ABS, traction control, and optional semi-active suspension, it provides an enjoyable ride without any electronic intrusion. The bike is well-suited for long-distance touring and daily use, the ‘do it all’ if you will. Overall, the F900XR balances performance, comfort, and technology at a fraction of the S1000XR’s cost.

2021-on Kawasaki Versys 1000

• Highlights: Smooth inline-four engine / 17in wheels for good road handling / Perfect for touring one or two up
• Specs: Engine size: 1043cc Power: 118bhp Weight: 255kg Seat height: 840mm
• Price: £8,700 (used) – £12,800 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 here
• Review: The 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a versatile sport-touring motorcycle designed for both long-distance comfort and spirited riding. It features a robust 1,043cc inline-four engine that delivers strong performance across the rev range. The bike is equipped with a host of advanced electronics, including traction control and multiple riding modes, enhancing its adaptability to various conditions. Its long-travel suspension and adjustable windscreen contribute to a smooth, comfortable ride, making it well-suited for extended journeys. The Versys 1000 also boasts a stylish, modern design with LED lighting and a comprehensive TFT display. Its ergonomics cater to a range of rider sizes, offering a relaxed yet engaging riding position. Overall, the Versys 1000 strikes a balance between everyday practicality and exciting performance, appealing to a broad spectrum of motorcyclists.
• Related: Packing for a trip? Dont know what to take and what to leave? Check out MCN’s essentials pack list.

2022-on Kawasaki Versys 650

• Highlights: Updated looks mimic Versys 1000 / New 4.3in colour TFT dash with mobile connectivity / Tractable parallel twin offers friendly useable power
• Specs: Engine size: 649cc Power: 66bhp Weight: 219kg Seat height: 845mm
• Price: £5,300 (used) – £8,349 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Kawasaki Versys 650 here
• Review: The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 is a versatile, mid-sized adventure bike designed for a wide range of riders. It features a 649cc parallel-twin engine, delivering a balance of power and efficiency, ideal for both urban commuting and long-distance touring. The bike boasts an adjustable windshield, enhancing rider comfort by reducing wind noise and buffeting. Its long-travel suspension and well-balanced chassis offer a smooth ride on various surfaces, while the combined braking system ensures reliable stopping power. The Versys 650 is also equipped with modern electronics, including a new TFT display that improves visibility and functionality. Although it lacks advanced rider aids found on more expensive models, it provides great value with its practical features and solid performance proven over the rest of the 650 range. Overall, Versys 650 stands out for its practicality and adaptability, making it a strong choice for riders seeking a capable all-rounder.

2020-on Yamaha Tracer 7 GT

• Highlights: A fantastic all-round sports tourer / Handling improved over previous model / Attainable thanks to reasonable finance deals
• Specs: Engine size: 689cc Power: 72bhp Weight: 196kg Seat height: 835mm
• Price: £4,000 (used) – £7,800 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Yamaha Tracer 7 GT here
• Review: The 2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 is a versatile sports tourer, with a crisper throttle, more comfort in the corners and still great value. It features a 689cc parallel-twin engine that delivers a lively 72bhp; enough punch to charge into a set of corners and comfy enough to cruise the distance to next pass. The bike’s chassis is well-balanced, offering agile handling and a comfortable ride over various road conditions. Its ergonomically designed seat and adjustable windscreen enhance rider comfort, while the inclusion of a quickshifter adds to the riding experience. The Tracer 700 also boasts a sleek, modern design with a distinctive front end. It’s also kinder to your knees and bum with a 10mm taller seat. Its advanced electronics package includes a switchable traction control system, which improves safety and performance. Overall, the Tracer 7 gets its credit for practicality and producing an enjoyable ride.

2022-on Honda NT1100

• Highlights: New Africa Twin-based tourer / Easy to get on with / Supremely comfortable
• Specs: Engine size: 776cc Power: 101bhp Weight: 238kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £8,000 (used) – £12,000 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Honda NT1100 here
• Review: The Honda NT1100 debuted in 2022, designed to offer a blend of comfort and performance for long-distance rides. It features a liquid-cooled, 1,084cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from the Africa Twin, providing smooth and efficient power delivery. The bike includes a sophisticated suspension setup with adjustable front forks and rear shock, ensuring a comfortable ride over varied terrain. Its ergonomically designed bodywork and adjustable windscreen contribute to reduced rider fatigue on extended journeys. The NT1100 is equipped with advanced electronics, including a comprehensive TFT display, multiple riding modes, and a quick-shifter for seamless gear changes the DCT gearbox works well, but we would opt for the manual and save some money on a new model. With its spacious luggage options and refined aerodynamic design, the NT1100 is well-suited for both solo and two-up touring. Overall, the NT1100 combines Honda’s reliability with modern touring features, making it a compelling softer choice tall-rounder sports touring.
• Related: Ride in comfort, and arrive dry! check out MCN’s round up of textile touring jackets!

2022-on Triumph Tiger Sport 660

• Highlights: Practical, easy and exciting / All-day comfy / Superbly built, equipped and priced
• Specs: Engine size: 660cc Power: 80bhp Weight: 206kg Seat height: 835mm
• Price: £6,300 (used) – £8,800 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 here
• Review: The Triumph Tiger 660 Sport is a great value top quality roadster. It’s been built using many of the parts from its sibling, the Trident 660, and it’s a versatile and well-rounded motorcycle designed for a range of riding experiences. It features Triumph’s 660cc inline-triple engine, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. It’s spacious, comfortable, agile and easy to manage, but can be genuinely sporty, too, with a front end that fills you with confidence, tyres that grip beautifully in all conditions and powerful brakes. Its suspension setup includes a 41mm Showa upside-down fork and a Showa rear monoshock, offering a smooth and responsive ride. The Tiger 660 Sport is equipped with a comprehensive electronics package, including switchable traction control and road modes, enhancing safety and control. Overall, the Tiger 660 Sport combines style, performance, and practicality in a package that appeals to a wide range of riders.

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Best used bikes:

2019- on BMW R1250RS

• Highlights: one of the most complete, comprehensive and capable sports tourers / BMW’s latest Dynamic ESA / a longer stroke than the old 1200, equals more power and torque
• Specs: Engine size: 1254cc Power: 134bhp Weight: 243kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £7,000 (used) – £12,000 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the BMW R1250RS here
• Review: The BMW R1250RS is one of the most complete and capable sports-touring motorcycles, praised for its dynamic performance and comfort. A tangible boost in power over its predecessor the R1200RS, it now features a 1,254cc boxer engine delivering strong power and torque, and whether you are in the mood to go far or to go fast, it can do it with ease. The bike’s advanced electronics, including dynamic traction control and ride modes, enhance its safety and adaptability. Its ergonomic design, including an adjustable screen and comfortable seating, ensures a pleasant riding experience. Overall, the R1250RS combines sporty agility with touring capability, appealing to riders seeking a bike which excels at both performance and practicality.

2012–2015 Honda VFR1200F

• Highlights: Wonderful V4 motor / Stable, planted handling / Fantastic used buy
• Specs: Engine size: 1237cc Power: 160bhp Weight: 267kg Seat height: 815mm
• Price: £5,300 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Honda VFR1200F here
• Review: The 2012 Honda VFR1200F is a sports touring motorcycle known for its powerful 1237cc V4 engine, which features everything that Honda have learnt in over 35 years of building V4s bundled into one package. It delivers a wonderfully strong performance and smooth power delivery. It features advanced technology, including a dual-clutch transmission option and a sophisticated traction control system, enhancing both riding comfort and safety. The bike’s design emphasises aerodynamic efficiency and stability, with a distinctive look and a well-balanced chassis. Despite its premium features, some reviewers find the VFR1200F to be relatively heavy and expensive compared to its competitors. Overall, it is praised for its innovation and performance, making it a standout in the sport-touring category.

2010-on Triumph Sprint GT 1050

• Highlights: Longer swingarm and steel subframe / stable with 117litres of luggage capacity / relaxed cruising speed
• Specs: Engine size: 776cc Power: 128bhp Weight: 268kg Seat height: 815mm
• Price: £3,600 (used) – £6,300 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Triumph Sprint GT 1050 here
• Review: The 2010 Triumph Sprint GT 1050 is a sport-touring motorcycle praised for its comfortable ride and revised subframe that accommodates a pillion with ease. It features the robust 1050cc three-cylinder engine that delivers smooth power and acceleration. The bike is equipped with a well-designed chassis and suspension that offers stability even when decked out with the 117 litres of luggage capacity and 20 litres of fuel. Overall, the Sprint GT 1050 combines sporty dynamics with touring comfort, making it a well-rounded choice for long-distance rides.

2010-on Kawasaki 1400GTR

• Highlights: Added ABS and traction control / Smooth variable valve timing rivalling Honda’s / more options as standard like heated grips, larger screen
• Specs: Engine size: 1352cc Power: 139bhp Weight: 230kg Seat height: 815mm
• Price: £3,900 – £8,000 (used)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Kawasaki GTR1400 here
• Review: The 2010 Kawasaki GTR1400 is a powerful and versatile sport-touring motorcycle designed for long-distance comfort and high performance. It features a 1,352cc inline four engine, offering smooth and strong acceleration, paired with a sophisticated electronic suspension system for a balanced ride. The bike is now updated with new safety technology, including ABS and traction control, with added cruise control, enhancing rider confidence and convenience. Its spacious and well-designed fairing provides excellent wind protection, making it ideal for extended journeys. Overall, the GTR1400 combines speed and comfort, a serious touring contender of its time, albeit even if it is on the slightly heavier side.

The alternative option:

2019-on Yamaha Niken GT three-wheeler

• Highlights: Three-wheeled sports tourer / Excellent MT-09 engine / Safe, predictable handling
• Specs: Engine size: 847cc Power: 113bhp Weight: 267kg Seat height: 820mm
• Price: £6,000 – £8,000 (used) £15,502 (new)
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Yamaha Niken GT here
• Review: The Yamaha Niken will never appeal to everybody, however with the additions the GT model brings it does make a bit more sense as a sports tourer. The security the extra wheel gives you in a straight line suits motorway miles and when you get to unfamiliar winding roads the same extra wheel does bring a lovely feeling of front end control, so it certainly works as a sports tourer. The proven CP3 Yamaha MT-09 engine is a joy too, and all this makes for a very different but engaging way to carve through a tour.
• We ran the Yamaha Niken GT on the MCN long-term test fleet see what our Products Editor Justin Hayzelden has to say about it.

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Case study: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX vs BMW R1250RS

• Author: Michael Neeves

Kawasaki have been left to fly the sports tourer flag alone in recent times, as adventure-style bikes have become the new allrounders and the £12,349 Ninja 1000SX has been the only choice for those who want a low, long, road bike-shaped way to enjoy big, sporty miles.

BMW have the R1250RS, of course, and we pitched it against the Kawasaki around our old MCN250 in 2019. The German was the more characterful of the two, but it doesn’t have the same kind of mass appeal as the SX. It’s more expensive, too, especially when you start ticking options boxes.

Kawasaki’s SX has been around since 2011 and is quite rightly their biggest UK seller. Then called the Z1000SX, it was basically a Z1000 super-naked with added wind protection and comfort, but it also ticked the ‘sports’ box with a strong 138bhp, 1043cc inline four, radial brakes, quad exhaust cans and adjustable suspension.

In 2014 it got beefier Tokico calipers and uprated suspension and in 2017 was facelifted with added lean-sensitive rider aids, chassis tweaks and minor engine mods (check out MCN’s online reviews for the full lowdown).

Fast-forward and we have the Ninja 1000SX you see here with sharper steering geometry, superb Bridgestone S22 sports touring tyres, an up/down quickshifter, colour TFT, cruise control, modes, a plusher seat, new exhaust and mapping to deliver a claimed 140bhp.

What are these sports tourers like on the road?

Our MCN250 B-road and motorway loops let the Kawasaki shine, even in the gloom of a frosty January day. It’s a genuinely exciting sportsbike when you want it to be, thanks to the easy grunt and turbine-smooth urgency of its bigcube engine and it flows through corners beautifully.

Its S22 tyres are grippy, even on cold tarmac, steering is direct, high-speed stability is excellent and the brakes are powerful.

Who needs a ZX-10R when the 1000SX is this good?

Spending all day on the Kawasaki isn’t a chore, either. Despite looking like a sportsbike and having relatively high pegs, it’s genuinely comfortable, even for a six-footer like me with battle-scarred joints.

With its sleek aerodynamics, wind noise is significantly lower than a ‘tall-rounder’, too, which is quite literally music to my ears. I spent time on a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT before this test and the racket it makes from its upright screen at motorway speeds borders on the offensive.

The Ninja’s screen is two-way adjustable and a remote rear preload adjuster knob makes carrying pillions easy. Our bike is the Ninja 1000SX Performance Tourer edition, costing an extra £2300 with niceties like a carbon Akrapovic can, crash protection, pillion seat cover, tank pad and touring items such as heated grips, panniers and a taller screen.

But for 2023, the Kawasaki gets its first proper competition and it’s clear Suzuki are after a slice of the action with the new £12,499 GSX-S1000GT (in February 2023).

The two are remarkably similar, even down to the price, give or take, and it’s also powered by a gutsy inline four pictured below, this time derived from the GSX-R1000K5. It makes slightly more power than the Kawasaki (150bhp v 140bhp), but being fractionally smaller (999cc) it has slightly less torque: 78lb.ft v 82lb.ft. It’s also lighter, to the tune of 9kg.

Given the engine’s history, you won’t be surprised to learn the GT is the racier of the two. It has a raspier exhaust note and despite having a beautifully wide spread of power and perfect fuelling when you pick up the throttle, the motor has a rawness which will appeal to those who like a bit of zing from their sports tourer.

Being lighter and more powerful than the SX, the GT will be the more sprightly of the pair on hot tarmac, but for normal riding the Kawasaki’s engine is calmer and more refined.

You’re often reaching for an elusive seventh cog on the Suzuki, where the Kawasaki’s gearing is perfectly judged for more relaxed riding, revving at 4400rpm @70mph in top, 500rpm lower than the GT.

The GT’s slightly more frantic nature is something you notice after jumping off the Kawasaki with its extra cubes and peak torque, made 1250rpm further down the revs. But in isolation the Suzuki’s engine perfectly suits life in its sports touring clothes and as we discovered at its launch last year, the good stuff keeps on coming.

Its gearbox and up/down shifter are slick, it has a handy cruise control, a bright and bold dash that links to your phone for satnav (absent on the Kawasaki) and it’s just as comfortable as the Kawasaki over distance.

Where the SX’s bars and tank are slim the GT is wider with higher, straighter bars, which will suit larger riders. It also has power modes, traction control and ABS, but they aren’t lean-sensitive.

Handling is as crisp as you’d expect but the suspension isn’t as plush as the Kawasaki’s and it runs on budget Dunlop Roadsport 2 rubber. Fitting latest-generation sports or sports touring rubber would make an immediate improvement.

The Suzuki stops as well as the Kawasaki, but there’s little feel through the lever, which takes away some of the enjoyment. It’s also lacking a couple of touring fundamentals. Like the SX there’s no centrestand and the low screen isn’t adjustable (a taller accessory version is available).

You’ll have to skin your knuckles with a C-spanner to adjust the rear preload for a pillion, too. Talking of pillions, we took our 22-year-old, 13.5 stone videographer on the back of the GT.

He was happy with its legroom, but he’d want a bigger seat for long distance. He didn’t try the SX as it was fitted with a single seat shroud.

Overall Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT has all the makings of a go-to sports tourer to rival the SX, but the longestablished Kawasaki is just that bit more refined in every area. 

Best sports tourer verdict: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX vs Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

Both the Kawasaki and new Suzuki do what traditional sports-tourers do best: neatly mix all-day comfort with headbanging performance. They’re affordable, well equipped, very fast and slip through the air almost silently compared to adventure-style all-rounders.

We saluted the GSX-S1000GT was when we rode it at its launch last year and here on the MCN250 it’s every bit as impressive. It’s easy to ride, roomy and – of the two – has the most raucous and powerful engine, so it’s every inch the GSX-R1000 you can go touring on. Of all the GSX-S1000 models produced since 2015, the new GT is easily the best.

But it doesn’t take many miles on the Kawasaki to realise what a class act it is. It’s more refined in every area: the engine is smoother, gearing more relaxed on the motorway, suspension plusher, tyres grippier, brakes more powerful and paint finishes deeper.

The adjustable screen and remote rear preload adjuster put the GT in the shade, too. Most of all, Kawasaki have had a decade to polish the SX to perfection – and it really shows.

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What to look for when buying a used sports tourer?

• Start your search: with looking at MCN’s used sports tourer motorbikes for sale, once you have found a bike you like, start checking off the list below. Happy hunting.
• Engine and frame numbers: check they match up to the V5 (vehicle logbook)
• Chain, sprockets and final drive: check them for wear, it’s a good indication of whether the bike has been well cared for. A few of the above bikes are shaft drive, so enquire as to when the fluid was last checked and changed. As mileage creeps up on the bikes now becoming second hand, final drive bearings in differentials could need changing
• Consumables: check things like brake pads and tyre tread remaining as these things may need replacing so it can be used as a good negotiation point
• Electrical gremlins: check the wiring loom where possible. If any aftermarket parts have been added such as heated grips or additional lights, then look for tidy wiring and neat connections. It’s very easy to overlook the loom and then run into problems after you have bought the bike. You then have to unpick the birds’ nest of cabling carried out by the previous owner, making it difficult to diagnose any issues
• Peak tech of the time: A lot of secondhand sports tourers are now filtering down through the market which were previously the pioneers of tech at the time. The likes of BMW and their ESA preload suspension system or any electrical screens added to a FJR1300 are things to watch out for. Be sure to check all of these as replacement parts or rebuilds for more complex systems like the suspension can quickly add up
• Engine: an obvious one, is it running? Check that the engine starts and runs from cold and hot, making sure it doesn’t have any horrible noises or rattles. Also look at the condition of the oil if possible to check it’s relatively fresh. If the seller allows it, take it for a test ride and make sure you can select through the gearbox smoothly
• Road Tax (VED): it isn’t transferable to the new owner when a bike is sold, so be sure to renew it before you hit the road. Additionally, a bike with a current MOT is a more reassuring buy than one that hasn’t got it. Be wary of bike sales which describe the a bike sating ‘it will fly through’. It’s better that the seller fund the MOT and any potential issues flagged by it, rather than you find them out after the sale