The allure of a sports bike is undeniable—the aggressive styling, the raw power, and the thrill of a responsive engine. Yet, the often-cramped and forward-leaning ergonomics of a pure sport bike can be a deal-breaker for everyday riding, commuting, or long-distance touring. But what if you could unleash a blistering, superbike-level performance on the weekends and still ride to work on Monday in genuine comfort?
Fortunately, a growing category of motorcycles known as sport-tourers or sporty naked bikes perfectly bridges this gap. These aren’t just watered-down versions; they are high-performance machines built on the bones of track-dominating superbikes, but with ergonomics and features designed for the real world. We’ve rounded up ten of the best examples, exploring how each one perfectly balances its Jekyll-and-Hyde personality.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati, Verge, KTM and BMW. We’ve ordered the list by increasing the horsepower to give it an order.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
Max Power: 155 HP
If you’ve ever wished the CBR1000RR had a more relaxed twin, the CB1000 Hornet SP is your answer. Its heart is a retuned version of the revered CBR1000RR engine, giving you a ferocious top end, but the real magic is in the mid-range punch. It’s built for the street, with a fat torque curve that makes you feel powerful from the moment you twist the throttle. When you want to get aggressive, the 155 horsepower is more than enough to put a smile on your face and leave most other traffic in your dust.
Unlike its track-focused sibling, it offers a much more upright and relaxed riding position. Its steel twin-spar frame strikes a balance between agility and stability, while the Öhlins rear suspension and Showa SFF-BP front forks smooth out rough pavement with surprising finesse. The tech is rider-friendly, too, with multiple ride modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT display.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$10,999 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline four-cylinder |
|
Displacement |
998 cc |
|
Max Power |
155 HP |
|
Max Torque |
78.9 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
465 pounds |
Yamaha MT-10 SP
Max Power: 163 HP
The Yamaha MT-10 SP is the unruly sibling of the YZF-R1. It shares the same 998cc CP4 engine, with the crossplane crankshaft delivering a distinctive, aggressive growl and a remarkably linear torque curve that feels relentless. With 164 horsepower at your command, this hyper-naked is more than capable of lifting the front wheel and delivering adrenaline in generous doses.
Where the standard MT-10 offers raw appeal, the SP version elevates the ride with the second-generation Öhlins electronically controlled spool valve suspension, which continuously adapts to road conditions. It smooths out rough surfaces with ease and instantly firms up when you lean into corners, creating a ride that’s both plush and precise.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$17,299 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline four-cylinder |
|
Displacement |
998 cc |
|
Max Power |
164 HP |
|
Max Torque |
82.6 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
472 pounds |
BMW S 1000 XR
Max Power: 170 HP
With its aggressive stance and a powerful engine derived from the legendary S 1000 RR superbike, the BMW S 1000 XR is the quintessential sporty touring machine. Its 999cc inline-four engine delivers an impressive 170 horsepower and accelerates with a force typically reserved for the racetrack. Yet despite its power, the XR remains comfortable thanks to its upright seating position, tall windscreen, and spacious ergonomics that make extended rides feel effortless. With thoughtful additions like heated grips, cruise control, and integrated luggage mounts, the S 1000 XR proves that you don’t have to choose between touring practicality and high-performance thrills.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$17,995 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid/oil-cooled, inline four-cylinder |
|
Displacement |
999 cc |
|
Max Power |
170 HP |
|
Max Torque |
84 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
500 pounds |
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Max Power: 173 HP
If you’re after a touring machine that delivers monstrous, raw power with a genuinely comfortable ride for long hauls, then the 1290 Super Duke GT is the right ballistic missile for you. It’s powered by the LC8 V-Twin engine from the notorious 1290 Super Duke R that offers sports bike levels of power and a massive amount of torque. The GT adds a larger fuel tank, a much more comfortable saddle, and a taller, adjustable windscreen. The semi-active WP suspension helps soak up road imperfections while providing excellent feedback when you’re pushing hard.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$20,499 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 75-degree V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
1,301 cc |
|
Max Power |
173 HP |
|
Max Torque |
104 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
516 pounds |
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS
Max Power: 180 HP
What if you could blast through roads with superbike performance, in the utmost comfort, all while riding a drop-dead gorgeous machine? The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is your answer. It is a touring beast with the heart of a Panigale V4—the legendary Desmosedici Stradale engine with its counter-rotating crankshaft. It is re-tuned for the Multistrada, yet puts out a jaw-dropping 180 horsepower.
Despite the insane engine, the Multistrada is a surprisingly comfortable and practical motorcycle. The riding position is tall and commanding, the seat is plush, and the suspension is electronically controlled to make for a smooth ride. It has a full suite of touring features, including a large TFT display, cruise control, and radar-based rider aids.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$39,995 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid cooled, V4 Desmosedici stradale, 90-degree V4 |
|
Displacement |
1,103 cc |
|
Max Power |
180 HP |
|
Max Torque |
87 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
496 pounds |
Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Max Power: 197 HP
Now we’re moving into the realm of apex predators, machines that deliver around 200 horsepower with a unique twist on the sports bike formula. Starting the bandwagon is the Z H2 SE, powered by a supercharged 998cc inline-four engine shared with the hyper-sport Ninja H2. The supercharger delivers an electrifying surge of acceleration, and with 197 horsepower on tap, it feels like the bike is bending time with every twist of the throttle.
Despite its high-performance roots, the Z H2 SE is surprisingly accommodating. The upright handlebars and wide seat create a relaxed riding posture that’s rare in this category. Its Showa Skyhook suspension system continuously adjusts damping in real time, smoothing out rough pavement while maintaining sharp handling through corners.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$21,700 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, supercharged inline-four |
|
Displacement |
998 cc |
|
Max Power |
197 HP |
|
Max Torque |
101 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
531 pounds |
Verge TS Ultra
Max Power: 201 HP
One of the most exciting aspects of electric motorcycles is their instant torque delivery, and the Verge TS Ultra takes that experience to the extreme. Powered by a hubless rear wheel motor, it produces 201 horsepower and an astonishing 885 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is instant, silent, and intense, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds without a single drop of fuel.
Its innovative design, featuring a hub motor and low center of gravity, results in a ride that’s both nimble and surprisingly comfortable. Premium Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes ensure precise handling and confident stopping power. With no clutch or gears to manage, the riding experience is seamless and intuitive.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$44,900 |
|
Motor |
Hubless rear-wheel motor |
|
Battery Pack |
21.8 kWh |
|
Max Power |
201 HP |
|
Max Torque |
885 B-FT |
|
Range |
233 miles |
|
Weight |
540 pounds |
Ducati Streetfighter V4 S
Max Power: 205 HP
While the Multistrada V4 RS is built for high-speed touring across long distances, the Streetfighter V4 S takes a different approach. It’s a stripped-down superbike that trades fairings for upright handlebars, channeling the raw spirit of the Panigale V4. Powered by the same 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, it’s tuned for road use but still delivers an explosive 205 horsepower. Despite its aggressive performance, the upright riding position eases wrist strain and improves control in everyday conditions. Its Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension lets you fine-tune damping with a simple touch, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride without sacrificing sharp handling.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$29,995 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4 |
|
Displacement |
1,103 cc |
|
Max Power |
205 HP |
|
Max Torque |
88.3 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
417 pounds |
BMW M 1000 R
Max Power: 205 HP
While the BMW M 1000 R matches the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S in raw horsepower, it sets itself apart with race-spec electronics borrowed directly from the M 1000 RR superbike, making it a more track-oriented machine. It is powered by the same 999cc Shift Cam inline-four engine, screaming to a 15,100 RPM redline and delivering an astonishing 205 horsepower. With aerodynamic M Winglets generating downforce at high speeds, it is built to be ridden hard and fast.
Despite its hyper-naked design, it’s noticeably more forgiving than its fully-faired sibling. Its upright ergonomics provide a relaxed perch, making it easier to manage in everyday conditions. The Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) electronic suspension adapts seamlessly, softening for casual cruising and firming up when the pace intensifies.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$27,690 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid/oil-cooled, inline four-cylinder with ShiftCam technology |
|
Displacement |
999 cc |
|
Max Power |
205 HP |
|
Max Torque |
83 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
439 pounds |
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE
Max Power: 207 HP
At the pinnacle of sport-touring performance sits the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE—a supercharged hyper-tourer that blends blistering speed with long-distance comfort. It shares its 998cc inline-four engine with the Z H2 and Ninja H2, but here it’s tuned for a more balanced delivery. Designed for serious touring, the H2 SX SE features a relaxed, upright riding position, a generously padded seat, and a large windscreen that offers excellent wind protection. What truly sets it apart is its advanced suite of rider aids, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Detection, and a vibrant full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
Performance Specifications
|
Price |
$29,100 |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, supercharged inline-four |
|
Displacement |
998 cc |
|
Max Power |
207 HP |
|
Max Torque |
101 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Weight |
591 pounds |

