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For a road-focused touring motorcycle that still feels sporty, start with the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, BMW S1000XR, Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE, Yamaha Tracer 7 GT, Honda NT1100 and Triumph Tiger Sport 800. They occupy different points on the comfort–agility spectrum; this is a shortlist, not a performance ranking. The figures below are from Motorcycle News’ 2025 guide, with its new-bike prices framed for the UK as of September 2025. They are not October 2026 prices or a guide to availability in other markets.
What makes a touring motorcycle feel sporty?
Sport-tourers are road bikes that try to combine distance-friendly equipment and ergonomics with responsive handling and usable performance. The balance varies: a more aggressive position and sharper response can come at the expense of relaxed touring ease or seat comfort. The distinction is useful if you want a modern sport-tourer rather than an adventure-style motorcycle, but individual models—and individual riders—will draw that line differently.
Motorcycle News’ 2025 guide supplies the specifications below. They help compare engine size, listed power, weight and seat height, but none of those figures alone establishes how agile a bike feels. The guide’s figures are not a controlled comparison, and equipment and specifications may change by model year and country.
How the ten bikes compare on paper
These are the specifications listed by Motorcycle News for the 2025 guide. Weight type is not specified here, so treat the figures as listed rather than assuming they are directly comparable measured weights. The table does not include prices: the guide’s UK new-bike prices were dated September 2025 and should not be treated as current offers.
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| Motorcycle | Engine | Power | Listed weight | Seat height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE | 1,099 cc | 134 bhp | 234 kg | 835 mm |
| Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | 890 cc | 117 bhp | 223 kg | 820 mm |
| Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello | 1,042 cc | 113 bhp | 233 kg | 815 mm |
| Suzuki GSX-S1000GT | 999 cc | 150 bhp | 226 kg | 810 mm |
| KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | 1,301 cc | 175 bhp | 209 kg | 835 mm |
| BMW S1000XR | 999 cc | 168 bhp | 227 kg | 850 mm |
| Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE | 1,099 cc | 133 bhp | 259 kg | 840 mm |
| Yamaha Tracer 7 GT | 689 cc | 72 bhp | 212 kg | 845 mm |
| Honda NT1100 | 1,084 cc | 101 bhp | 238 kg | 820 mm |
| Triumph Tiger Sport 800 | 798 cc | 113 bhp | 214 kg | 835 mm |
What each motorcycle is best suited to
Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE: an all-round road sport-tourer
The Ninja 1100SX SE combines a sport-bike-derived road format with relaxed ergonomics and touring equipment. Kawasaki’s official 2026 description says the longer fifth and sixth gears let riders cruise at lower engine speeds on the expressway; the manufacturer says this adds touring comfort and improves fuel economy. That is Kawasaki’s stated rationale, not an independent comparative finding. Panniers are an accessory system rather than something to assume is included with every bike.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+: touring technology with a sporty road focus
The Tracer 9 GT+ stands out in the roundup for its technology, including adaptive cruise control, radar-linked braking, heated grips and premium suspension. Those aids can make long rides easier, but they do not settle whether the bike fits you. In Cycle News’ comparison with the Suzuki, screen behavior and luggage design were meaningful differences to check in person.
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Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello: a distinctive alternative
The V100 Mandello offers a different character from the inline-four and triple-cylinder options, with its V-twin engine, adaptive aerodynamics and semi-active suspension highlighted by Motorcycle News. Consider it if those distinctive features appeal, while still checking how its screen, riding position and luggage arrangement work for your own touring needs.
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: strong engine performance in a touring package
The GSX-S1000GT is the guide’s inline-four option for riders who want strong performance with touring equipment. Cycle News’ direct comparison found differences between it and the Tracer 9 GT+ in riding position, screen behavior and luggage capacity; those practical details may matter more to a particular rider than a spec-sheet comparison. The guide’s figures in the table refer to the GT, not the GX.
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KTM 1290 Super Duke GT: the sportiest emphasis in this shortlist
Motorcycle News characterizes the Super Duke GT as the sportiest model in its class while also noting two-up comfort and semi-active suspension. It is worth considering if a sharper, more performance-led feel is a priority, but check that the riding position and passenger accommodation suit the length and kind of trips you actually take.
BMW S1000XR: upright posture with sport-bike-derived performance
The S1000XR pairs a more elevated riding position with sport-bike-derived performance. Its crossover-style stance may suit riders who prefer not to lean as far forward, but an upright silhouette does not by itself guarantee comfortable wind protection or a good fit. Check the screen’s airflow at your normal cruising speed and the reach to the bars.
Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE: a more relaxed touring orientation
The Versys 1100 SE sits toward the relaxed, upright touring end of this selection. Motorcycle News highlights its larger engine and longer gearing. Riders prioritizing a more upright posture and touring ease may want to compare it with the sharper-feeling options, while paying close attention to its low-speed balance and fit.
Yamaha Tracer 7 GT: a middleweight option
The Tracer 7 GT is the middleweight alternative here, with heated grips, a taller screen and panniers among the touring equipment listed by Motorcycle News. Its lower engine capacity and power make it a different proposition from the large-capacity models, rather than simply a smaller version of them. Consider whether its performance and touring range meet your needs on the roads and routes you use.
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Honda NT1100: comfort and practical touring priorities
The NT1100 is presented as a comfort-oriented road tourer, with spacious luggage and accessible performance emphasized in the guide. It also featured in a three-bike comparison with the Ninja 1000SX and Tracer 9 GT. It belongs on the shortlist if relaxed road touring and luggage practicality matter more to you than choosing the most overtly sporty option.
Triumph Tiger Sport 800: a middleweight triple for mixed road use
The Tiger Sport 800 combines a middleweight triple with touring comfort and adjustable suspension, according to Motorcycle News. It may suit riders looking for a middle ground between smaller-capacity and more powerful machines. Confirm the exact suspension adjustment available on the model year and trim sold in your market.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose between them
Use a test ride and an in-person fit check to judge the things a specification sheet cannot resolve. Motorcycle News identifies road ability, practicality, storage and pillion comfort as relevant selection criteria; Cycle News’ comparison illustrates why luggage and screen design deserve attention alongside engine performance.
- Rider fit: Check reach to the bars, legroom, seat shape and whether the riding position stays comfortable after more than a short ride.
- Passenger use: If you ride two-up, assess the pillion seat and how the bike feels with a passenger and luggage rather than relying on a general comfort description.
- Wind protection: Try the screen at realistic road speeds. Screen height alone does not tell you whether airflow creates turbulence for your height and helmet.
- Luggage: Check case capacity and shape, how the cases open, and whether panniers and mounting hardware are standard or optional on the exact trim. For motorcycle touring panniers or model-specific pannier mounts, verify compatibility by model year and configuration; fit is not universal.
- Touring equipment: Compare cruise control, heated grips and suspension adjustability on the exact version you are considering. A feature appearing on one trim or year does not establish that it is included on every version.
- Low-speed handling: Weight and seat height can help you decide what to inspect, but do not use either as a substitute for assessing balance, turning response and confidence during a test ride.
- Local ownership details: Compare new and used prices, service requirements and equipment by exact year, trim and market. The guide’s UK price context is not a current global price list.
Which one should you shortlist?
Start with your priority rather than treating one motorcycle as a universal winner. The Ninja 1100SX SE and Tracer 9 GT+ are broad sport-touring choices; the V100 Mandello offers a distinctive alternative; the GSX-S1000GT and Super Duke GT lean toward stronger sport emphasis; the S1000XR brings an upright crossover stance; the Versys 1100 SE and NT1100 prioritize a more relaxed touring approach; and the Tracer 7 GT and Tiger Sport 800 offer middleweight alternatives. Narrow the list by fit, passenger needs, luggage and local specification, then ride the strongest candidates back to back.
Quick Recap
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