10 Bikes That Redefine Comfort And Flexibility For Every Kind Of Rider

In recent times, versatility has become increasingly important to motorcycle buyers. For those of us that can only afford to own one motorcycle, whatever bike we end up buying needs to wear many hats. For many riders, comfort is still a top priority, no matter what else is required of the bike. Manufacturers have certainly answered the call for bikes like this, and there are several to choose from. If a motorcycle is to be flexible, we are going to assume one of its key functions will be commuting. For that reason, we won’t be including bikes with a dry weight of more than 500 pounds – so no full dressers here. In the interest of fairness, we also only included one bike per brand.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

MSRP: $20,999

KTM

As much as the Super Adventure S looks tall and imposing, its seat height is a manageable 33.4 inches. It offers virtually every motorcycle feature currently on the market – including semi-active suspension – for a lot less than the direct competition. It is also relatively light compared to the other full-sized street-oriented ADVs, but its weight figure is still pretty near the limit in our opinion.

Specifications

Ducati Multistrada V2

MSRP: $16,595

Ducati

Fully aware of changing times and the need for a more efficient engine, Ducati set to work on developing this new middleweight gem. Shorn of the complex and maintenance-heavy Desmo valvetrain, this is a thoroughly modern engine in a thoroughly modern Ducati. Not only is the fit and finish of the premium variety, but so is the comfort, specification, and most importantly (for any Italian brand), reliability.

Specifications

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

MSRP: $14,399

Suzuki

With the GSX-S1000GT+, you get three bikes in one. For the weekday commute, you have a comfortable, feature-rich commuter with loads of storage space. Then, for the weekend, you have a comfortable tourer that will also happily transform into an old-fashioned superbike at the flick of a switch – more like a few flicks, but you get the point – thanks to its potent inline-four which has lost none of its charm.

Specifications

Yamaha Tracer 9

MSRP: $12,599

Yamaha

The Tracer is not worlds apart from the aforementioned Suzuki. While on paper it is down 30 horses, in the real world the roll-on performance is pretty similar. Just like the Suzuki, it is effectively three bikes in one, just more of a modern supersport than a classic superbike in the sense that the R9 competes in that space. It is also slightly lighter, and slightly cheaper, but no less reliable, and no less fun.

Specifications

Aprilia Tuareg 660

MSRP: $12,499

Aprilia

If sporty on-road performance is less of a priority than going off-road, then it is well worth looking at the Tuareg. If we are honest, it is not as comfortable as the Honda Transalp, but we are reserving Honda’s slot for something even more practical. What you get with the Tuareg is a high level of comfort, a high level of specification, and remarkable off-road ability, thanks in no small part to its light weight.

Specifications

Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS

MSRP: $10,099

Kawasaki

The latest Versys 650 is a little on the pricey side, but one look at the features on offer explains why. It offers all the same great features the more expensive Japanese competitors offer, just running on a more practical middleweight platform. It is going to be the better commuter, but by saving a couple of thousand dollars you will lose a lot of horsepower.

Specifications

Triumph Tiger Sport 660

MSRP: $9,695

Triumph

If the Versys seems a little vanilla, then you should consider the Tiger Sport 660. You don’t get luggage, but you do get a quickshifter and cruise control as standard fitment. These are great features for a sub-$10k bike to have, but this is a bike that you will be buying for its engine. That 660cc lump is a reworked version of the wonderful Daytona 675 engine, and while it is greener and more street-oriented, it adds a little fun to an otherwise pragmatic platform.

Specifications

Honda NC750X

MSRP: $9,499

Honda

Few motorcycles on the market are as practical as the NC750X. On paper, the power-to-weight ratio may seem a little off, but this is based on a maxi-scooter platform, so it is mitigated somewhat. Firstly, the engine lies down flat in the chassis, which means it wears all its weight pretty low and easy to maneuver. Some of that weight is also because Honda added built-in storage where the fuel tank would normally be found, a frunk if you will. Secondly, its parallel-twin is quite literally designed for city riding and pretty much all of its power is available low down in the rev range.

Specifications

BMW C 400 GT

MSRP: $8,445

BMW

Unlike the aforementioned NC750X, which sort of pretends to be an ADV, BMW offers no such illusion with the fully automatic, fully scooter C 400 GT. Just like the Honda, it is more than capable of handling a little light-duty touring, and you won’t need to buy any added luggage. What you get here is as much comfort as any expensive tourer will ever offer, and a premium level of fit and finish.

Specifications

Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger

MSRP: $6,799

Moto Morini

For those cruiser lovers out there, Moto Morini might not be the first brand that comes to mind, but in the Calibro 700 we have the ultimate budget bagger. Unlike the aforementioned BMW and Honda, fit and finish is not of the premium variety, but the value proposition is hard to ignore. For your money, you get a stocked-out Versys 650 engine – so it will be mechanically reliable – and luggage as standard fitment.

Specifications