The BMW F 900 XR is the best all-round middleweight sport-tourer on published specifications, while the Ducati Multistrada V2 leads on premium equipment. Choose the Honda NT1100 for dedicated paved touring, the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT for factory luggage and practicality, or the Aprilia Tuareg 660 when gravel and dirt roads are part of the trip.
Quick answer
The best middleweight touring motorcycle depends on whether your miles are mostly paved highway, fast back roads, two-up travel, or mixed-surface routes. The BMW F 900 XR is the strongest all-round sport-touring choice on paper; the Ducati Multistrada V2 is the premium electronics-and-performance option; the Honda NT1100 is the most dedicated road tourer; and the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT offers the clearest factory-luggage and practicality proposition. For adventure-oriented touring, look at the Suzuki V-Strom 800, Moto Guzzi V85 TT, or Aprilia Tuareg 660. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is the lightest-feeling road option by specification, while the KTM 890 SMT is aimed at riders who want an aggressive pace.
This is a specification-led 2024 comparison, not a road-test ranking. Comfort, handling, reliability, wet-weather performance, braking, and real-world fuel range require independent testing and can vary with rider size, luggage, passenger weight, tire choice, and setup.
2024 middleweight touring bikes at a glance
| Motorcycle | Best suited to | Notable published specifications | Touring character |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW F 900 XR | One-bike commuting, sport riding, and paved touring | 895 cc; 105 hp; 68 lb-ft; 4.1 gal; 32.2-in seat; 476 lb road-ready | Road-biased sport-tourer with substantial electronics |
| Ducati Multistrada V2 | Premium performance and passenger touring | 937 cc; 113 hp; 96 Nm; 20-liter tank; 830 mm seat on V2 S | Upscale adventure-tourer with semi-active suspension on the S |
| Honda NT1100 | Dedicated paved-road and two-up touring | 1,082 cc; 75 kW; 249 kg; 820 mm seat; 1,535 mm wheelbase | Full-size sport-tourer at the upper edge of this category |
| KTM 890 SMT | Fast, aggressive road riding with touring ability | 889 cc; 100 Nm; 15.8-liter tank; 860 mm seat; 194 kg without fuel | Sport-tourer with adventure-style suspension travel |
| Suzuki V-Strom 800 | Road touring with maintained gravel-road flexibility | 776 cc; 20.0-liter tank; 825 mm seat; 223 kg curb; 19/17-in wheels | Balanced, road-oriented adventure-tourer |
| Moto Guzzi V85 TT | Relaxed touring with engine character and range | 853 cc; 80 hp; 83 Nm; 23-liter tank; 830 mm seat; 19/17-in wheels | Distinctive, moderately adventure-oriented tourer |
| Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | Lively road touring and sport riding | CP3 three-cylinder engine; exact 2024 figures depend on local trim and market | Road-focused sport-tourer with a strong three-cylinder identity |
| Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS | Practical road touring with factory luggage | 649 cc; 5.5 gal; 33.3-in seat; 482.9 lb before LT accessories | Accessible, pavement-focused parallel-twin tourer |
| Triumph Tiger Sport 660 | Commuting, weekend trips, and lighter paved touring | 660 cc; 81 PS; 64 Nm; 17.2-liter tank; 835 mm seat; 455 lb wet | Lightweight road-tourer with an inline-three engine |
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | Touring that regularly includes gravel and dirt roads | 659 cc; 80 hp; 70 Nm; 18-liter tank; 860 mm seat; 204 kg kerb | The most off-road-oriented motorcycle in the group |
The figures are not perfectly interchangeable. Manufacturers use different labels such as road-ready, wet, curb, kerb, and weight without fuel. Treat the numbers as specifications for each motorcycle, not as a laboratory-controlled weight test.
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What counts as a middleweight touring bike?
There is no universal displacement boundary for middleweight touring motorcycles. For this comparison, the term means roughly 650 cc to 1,100 cc, provided the motorcycle has meaningful touring equipment or design: wind protection, upright or sport-touring ergonomics, useful fuel capacity, electronic rider aids, luggage compatibility, or a chassis intended for sustained road travel.
That definition includes both conventional sport-tourers and adventure-tourers because the modern market overlaps. A 17-inch-wheel road bike such as the Versys 650 is built around pavement efficiency, while a 21-inch-wheel Tuareg 660 gives up some road convenience for greater rough-surface ability. Neither is automatically better; they solve different touring problems.
The Honda NT1100 also needs a qualification. Its 1,082 cc engine sits at the upper boundary of this editorial category. It is included because its size and mission overlap with the middleweight sport-touring market, not because 1,100 cc is a universally accepted cutoff.
The 10 best middleweight touring bikes of 2024
1. BMW F 900 XR: best sport-touring balance
The BMW F 900 XR is the most rounded road-focused choice in this group for riders who want one motorcycle to cover commuting, fast back-road riding, and long paved trips. Its 895 cc two-cylinder engine is listed at 105 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, giving it the highest-output road-sporting profile among the more approachable bikes here.
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BMW lists a 4.1-gallon fuel tank, a standard 32.2-inch seat, and a 476-pound road-ready weight. The equipment package includes a color TFT display with connectivity, ABS Pro, ASC, Rain and Road riding modes, and adjustable rear suspension. Those features support the F 900 XR’s positioning as a technology-rich sport-tourer rather than a basic upright commuter.
Why choose it: It combines substantial performance, upright touring ergonomics, wind protection, and modern rider aids without moving into the size of the NT1100.
What to check: The 476-pound road-ready figure and relatively high output may be less approachable than the Tiger Sport 660 or Versys 650. BMW’s optional equipment and local packages can also change the price and equipment comparison, so confirm what is included in the specific 2024 motorcycle.
2. Ducati Multistrada V2: best premium middleweight touring platform
The 2024 Ducati Multistrada V2 is the premium choice for riders who want performance, passenger capability, and a dense electronics package. Its 937 cc Testastretta twin is listed in the cited U.S. material at 113 hp and 96 Nm of torque.
The V2 S specification is particularly touring-oriented. It includes a 20-liter tank, an 830 mm seat, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control, vehicle-hold control, and a quickshifter. The S also adds Skyhook semi-active suspension, allowing the suspension system to adjust electronically rather than relying only on manual settings.
Ducati describes the motorcycle as suitable for touring with a passenger and luggage while remaining useful in everyday and city riding. That makes it one of the most complete premium options in the comparison.
Why choose it: The Multistrada V2 S offers the most sophisticated combination of touring electronics, performance equipment, and suspension technology in this list.
What to check: Do not assume that every market receives the same equipment. Ducati notes that specifications and equipment can vary by market, and the S version plus accessories can materially change the purchase price.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall3. Honda NT1100: best dedicated road-tourer
The Honda NT1100 is the clearest choice for riders whose touring is almost entirely paved and who prioritize weather protection, road manners, luggage-oriented design, and passenger travel over low weight or trail ability. At 1,082 cc, it is the largest motorcycle in this middleweight comparison.
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Honda’s cited Japanese-market specifications list 75 kW of output, a 249 kg vehicle weight, an 820 mm seat height, and a 1,535 mm wheelbase. Related official material describes the NT1100 as a sport-tourer built around a parallel-twin engine, a full-color display, touring design, and luggage-oriented equipment.
The numbers suggest a substantial road motorcycle rather than a lightweight middleweight. Its relatively low listed seat compared with the KTM and Aprilia may help some riders, but seat height alone does not determine maneuverability; total weight, width, luggage, and loaded suspension also matter.
Why choose it: Choose the NT1100 when two-up paved touring and protection from weather are more important than minimizing mass or riding off pavement.
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What to check: The cited specifications are Japanese-market information. Do not use them to state U.S. pricing, local standard equipment, or universal luggage availability. Verify the exact market and trim before buying.
4. KTM 890 SMT: best for sporty, aggressive touring
The KTM 890 SMT is for experienced riders who want touring capability without giving up an energetic, attack-the-corners character. Its 889 cc parallel twin produces a listed 100 Nm of torque, while 180 mm of front and rear suspension travel gives it more suspension movement than a conventional road sport-tourer.
KTM lists a 15.8-liter tank, an 860 mm seat height, a 194 kg weight without fuel, and twin 320 mm front brake discs. The result is a motorcycle that sits between categories: more road-focused than a full adventure bike, but taller and more long-travel than a typical sport-tourer.
Why choose it: It suits riders who want fast road travel, strong corner-exit drive, and adventure-style suspension travel rather than a relaxed, low-seat touring experience.
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What to check: The 860 mm seat is among the tallest in this group. KTM’s weight figure excludes fuel, so it should not be directly compared with the wet, curb, kerb, or road-ready figures elsewhere in the list.
5. Suzuki V-Strom 800: best balanced adventure-tourer
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 is a versatile option for riders who spend most of their time on pavement but want the freedom to use maintained gravel roads and rougher routes. Its 776 cc, 270-degree parallel twin is paired with a 20.0-liter tank, an 825 mm seat, and a 223 kg U.S.-specification curb weight.
The street-oriented V-Strom 800 uses 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless cast wheels. Its touring-friendly equipment includes adjustable rear preload, traction-control modes, adjustable ABS, and a tall adjustable windscreen. These details give it a useful compromise between road agility and mixed-surface flexibility.
Why choose it: The V-Strom 800 is a sensible middle ground for riders who do not want a dedicated sport-tourer but also do not need a full off-road setup.
What to check: The 223 kg curb weight is not class-leading, and the 19-inch front wheel reflects a compromise: more rough-road versatility than a 17-inch road bike, but not the sharper pavement focus of the Versys or Tracer. Do not confuse the standard V-Strom 800 with the more off-road-focused V-Strom 800DE; they are not identical motorcycles.
6. Moto Guzzi V85 TT: best characterful long-distance adventure-tourer
The Moto Guzzi V85 TT stands apart through its transverse V-twin engine and relaxed, individualistic touring identity. The 853 cc engine is listed at 80 hp and 83 Nm. That is less outright output than the BMW, Ducati, KTM, and Honda figures cited in this comparison, but the V85 TT is not trying to be the performance leader.
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Moto Guzzi lists a 23-liter fuel tank, an 830 mm seat, and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless cross-spoked wheels. Standard touring and electronic equipment includes cruise control, four riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS, a TFT display, hand guards, and a manually adjustable windscreen.
Why choose it: Its large tank, tubeless spoked wheels, touring equipment, and distinctive engine architecture make it appealing to riders who value character and versatility more than maximum horsepower.
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7. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: best three-cylinder road-tourer
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is the road-biased alternative for riders who want the distinctive response of Yamaha’s CP3 three-cylinder engine. Yamaha’s official editorial material identifies the Tracer 9 GT as a sport-tourer and emphasizes strong low-rpm torque alongside useful performance higher in the rev range.
That engine character gives the Tracer a different proposition from the parallel twins that dominate this list. It is aimed at riders who want an engaging road motorcycle that can also handle extended touring, rather than an adventure bike designed around gravel or trail work.
Why choose it: Choose the Tracer 9 GT for a lively, road-first sport-touring personality and the character of a three-cylinder engine.
What to check: The available source is a manufacturer editorial feature rather than a complete 2024 technical specification sheet. Verify the exact local 2024 trim, luggage package, electronics, dimensions, and pricing before comparing it with the other motorcycles here. Avoid treating unspecified equipment as standard everywhere.
8. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS: best accessible touring package
The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS is the most straightforward practicality pick. Its 649 cc parallel twin is less powerful than the larger engines in this comparison, but its road-focused layout, factory luggage, useful fuel capacity, and familiar controls make it a strong choice for everyday touring.
Kawasaki lists a 5.5-gallon tank, a 33.3-inch seat height, and a 482.9-pound curb weight before the approximate added weight of the LT saddlebags and hand guards. The equipment list includes traction control, ABS, smartphone connectivity, clean-mount hard saddlebags, and hand guards.
The Versys uses 17-inch wheels and road-focused suspension, so it is more pavement-oriented than the V-Strom 800, V85 TT, or Tuareg 660. Its factory luggage is a major part of the LT package, but the added cases also make the motorcycle heavier than the base curb-weight figure suggests.
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What to check: The 33.3-inch seat is not especially low, despite the moderate engine displacement. Confirm whether the motorcycle is the LT ABS version and whether all listed luggage and hand-guard equipment is included in the local sale.
9. Triumph Tiger Sport 660: best lightweight road-touring triple
The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is the compact road-tourer for riders who value lower published mass and engine character over maximum displacement. Its 660 cc inline three-cylinder engine produces a listed 81 PS and 64 Nm of torque.
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Triumph lists an 835 mm seat height, a 455-pound wet weight, a 17.2-liter tank, adjustable rear preload, 17-inch wheels, ABS, and a color TFT display. The 17-inch wheels and road-oriented layout make its mission clear: commuting, weekend trips, and paved touring rather than trail riding.
Why choose it: It offers a relatively light, compact platform with more multi-cylinder character than a typical small parallel twin.
What to check: The 835 mm seat is not low just because the engine is small. Riders who regularly carry a passenger or travel on high-speed interstates may prefer the additional capacity and fuel range potential of the larger motorcycles, although actual range depends on riding conditions and load.
10. Aprilia Tuareg 660: best mixed-surface touring choice
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the most off-road-oriented motorcycle in this selection. Its 659 cc parallel twin produces a listed 80 hp and 70 Nm, while 240 mm of front and rear suspension travel, a 21-inch front wheel, and an 18-inch rear wheel prioritize rough surfaces and trail capability.
Aprilia lists tubeless wheels, an 860 mm seat height, an 18-liter fuel tank, and a 204 kg kerb weight. The electronic package includes cruise control, four riding modes, traction control, and ABS. Those specifications make it a compelling choice when touring includes gravel, dirt roads, and remote routes rather than exclusively paved highways.
Why choose it: It provides the strongest built-in case for mixed-surface travel and has the wheel sizes and suspension travel to support that mission.
What to check: The 860 mm seat is tall, and the 21-inch front wheel plus long-travel suspension are compromises for riders who mainly want low-speed pavement convenience. Its 204 kg kerb figure should not be compared directly with KTM’s 194 kg weight without fuel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which 2024 middleweight touring bike should you buy?
For mostly paved roads
Start with the Honda NT1100, BMW F 900 XR, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Kawasaki Versys 650 LT, or Triumph Tiger Sport 660. The Honda is the dedicated long-distance choice; the BMW and Yamaha lean sportier; the Kawasaki emphasizes practicality and factory luggage; and the Triumph emphasizes a lighter, smaller platform.
For premium electronics and performance
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S and BMW F 900 XR are the clearest candidates from the published equipment lists. The Ducati adds semi-active Skyhook suspension, a quickshifter, cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control, and vehicle-hold control in the S specification. The BMW combines a 105-hp engine with a color TFT, connectivity, ABS Pro, ASC, riding modes, and adjustable rear suspension. Confirm the exact trim because equipment can vary by market.
For factory luggage
The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS has the most explicit factory-luggage story in the available specifications because the LT version includes clean-mount hard saddlebags and hand guards. Other motorcycles may have panniers available as standard equipment, optional accessories, or market-specific packages, but that cannot be assumed universally from the model name alone.
For two-up touring
The Honda NT1100 and Ducati Multistrada V2 are the strongest specification-based starting points because both are explicitly positioned around touring, passenger use, and luggage. The BMW F 900 XR and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT are also logical road-tourer candidates. Before buying, check passenger accommodations, payload, accessory luggage capacity, and the local trim rather than relying only on engine size.
For gravel and mixed surfaces
Choose the Aprilia Tuareg 660 if off-road travel is central to the trip. Choose the Suzuki V-Strom 800 or Moto Guzzi V85 TT if you want a more balanced road-and-gravel motorcycle. Wheel size, suspension travel, ground clearance, tire choice, luggage width, and rider skill all affect how useful a motorcycle will be away from pavement.
For a tall rider or a short rider
Seat height deserves attention. The KTM 890 SMT and Aprilia Tuareg 660 are both listed at 860 mm, making them among the tallest candidates. The BMW F 900 XR is listed at 32.2 inches, the Versys 650 at 33.3 inches, and the Honda NT1100 at 820 mm, but these figures do not predict actual reach perfectly. Seat width, suspension sag, riding boots, loaded luggage, and the rider’s inseam all matter. Sit on the fully equipped motorcycle and simulate a stop with the intended luggage before committing.
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Weight and fuel-capacity comparisons need caution
It is tempting to declare the Aprilia the lightest because Aprilia lists 204 kg kerb, or the KTM the lightest because KTM lists 194 kg without fuel. Those are different measurement conventions. A motorcycle’s fuel load, oil, coolant, battery, accessories, luggage, and even regional equipment can change the result.
The same issue applies to touring range. The Moto Guzzi’s 23-liter tank, Suzuki’s 20.0-liter tank, Kawasaki’s 5.5-gallon tank, and BMW’s 4.1-gallon tank provide useful capacity clues, but tank size is not the same as real-world range. Speed, wind, passenger load, luggage, tire pressure, temperature, and riding style determine consumption.
Luggage and trip-preparation essentials
Touring motorcycles rarely have identical luggage solutions. A motorcycle with factory panniers may be convenient immediately, while another may have better accessory availability or a narrower setup after fitting cases. Check the model year, trim, rack system, exhaust clearance, payload limit, waterproofing, and whether the cases interfere with passenger foot room.
A motorcycle tank bag can add useful storage without requiring model-specific side cases, but it is not universally compatible. Verify the tank shape, fuel-cap placement, mounting system, handlebar and control clearance, and magnetic compatibility before ordering. A tank bag should not interfere with steering or restrict access to the ignition, fuel cap, or controls.
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Some motorcycles in this comparison use tubeless wheels, including the Suzuki V-Strom 800, Moto Guzzi V85 TT, and Aprilia Tuareg 660 as specified in the cited material. Riders on compatible tubeless setups may carry a tubeless motorcycle tire repair kit for roadside emergencies. Plugging a puncture is an emergency measure, not a guarantee of permanent repair; follow the tire maker’s guidance and have the tire professionally inspected or repaired as soon as practical. Confirm the kit is suitable for the tire and wheel arrangement on the individual motorcycle.
A motorcycle battery maintainer is a reasonable seasonal-storage accessory, but it is not an essential reason to choose any of these bikes. Match the maintainer to the motorcycle’s battery type, use the manufacturer’s connection instructions, and avoid assuming that every charger is appropriate for every battery chemistry.
What to verify before buying
- Market and model year: Prices, names, colors, emissions equipment, availability, and standard equipment can differ between the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, and European markets.
- Exact trim: Confirm whether you are comparing a base model, an S version, an LT package, an electronically upgraded trim, or an accessory-equipped motorcycle.
- Luggage status: Establish whether panniers, top boxes, racks, hand guards, heated equipment, and mounting hardware are standard, optional, or unavailable locally.
- Weight convention: Record whether the quoted figure is wet, curb, kerb, road-ready, or without fuel. Do not rank motorcycles using unlike measurements.
- Seat and reach: Sit on the motorcycle with the intended fuel load and luggage. Check both feet, steering lock, reverse-walking control, and passenger access.
- Payload: Add rider, passenger, luggage, accessories, and any mounted tools. Compare the total with the manufacturer’s permitted payload.
- Road mission: Select 17-inch road wheels for a primarily paved mission, or consider 19-inch and 21-inch front wheels when gravel and rougher routes are important.
- Ownership support: Check local dealer coverage, service intervals, parts access, tire availability, and accessory fitment before treating a specification advantage as a buying advantage.
Bottom line
There is no single best middleweight touring bike because these ten motorcycles divide into different missions. The BMW F 900 XR is the most convincing all-round road sport-tourer by its equipment and specifications. The Ducati Multistrada V2 S is the premium performance and electronics pick. The Honda NT1100 is the dedicated paved-road tourer, while the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT is the clearest practical factory-luggage choice. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 keeps the road-tourer formula lighter, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT brings three-cylinder character, and the KTM 890 SMT favors an aggressive pace. For mixed surfaces, the Suzuki V-Strom 800, Moto Guzzi V85 TT, and Aprilia Tuareg 660 offer progressively more adventure-oriented solutions.
Use the categories rather than the order as your buying guide, and verify the local 2024 trim before comparing equipment or price. These recommendations are based on published specifications and manufacturer positioning, not independent comparative testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a middleweight touring motorcycle?
There is no universal definition, but this comparison uses approximately 650 cc to 1,100 cc and requires meaningful touring capability such as wind protection, upright ergonomics, fuel capacity, rider aids, luggage compatibility, or a chassis designed for sustained road travel. The Honda NT1100 is included at the upper edge because its 1,082 cc engine overlaps this market.
Which 2024 middleweight touring bike comes with factory luggage?
The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS has the clearest cited factory-luggage package because its LT specification includes clean-mount hard saddlebags and hand guards. Other motorcycles may include or offer panniers depending on trim and market, so verify the local equipment list.
Which of these touring bikes is best for gravel roads?
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the most off-road-oriented choice, followed by the Suzuki V-Strom 800 and Moto Guzzi V85 TT for more balanced road-and-gravel use. The BMW F 900 XR, Honda NT1100, Versys 650, Tracer 9 GT, and Tiger Sport 660 are primarily road-focused.
Which 2024 middleweight touring bike has the tallest seat?
The KTM 890 SMT and Aprilia Tuareg 660 are both listed with an 860 mm seat height. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is listed at 835 mm, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 at 825 mm, and the Honda NT1100 at 820 mm. Seat width, suspension sag, luggage, and rider inseam also affect real-world reach.
Which bike is the lightest?
No. The weight figures use different conventions: KTM lists 194 kg without fuel, Aprilia lists 204 kg kerb, BMW lists 476 lb road-ready, Triumph lists 455 lb wet, and Kawasaki lists 482.9 lb curb before the added weight of LT saddlebags and hand guards. These numbers should not be treated as a controlled comparison.
The Bottom Line
Best overall road balance: BMW F 900 XR. Best premium option: Ducati Multistrada V2 S. Best dedicated road tourer: Honda NT1100. Best factory-luggage value proposition: Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS. Best for mixed surfaces: Aprilia Tuareg 660, Suzuki V-Strom 800, or Moto Guzzi V85 TT, depending on how much off-road ability you need.
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