10 Weekend-Ready Touring Motorcycles With A Sporty Edge

Touring motorcycles usually get painted with the “long-haul luxury” brush with big windscreens, cushy saddles, and plenty of luggage space. But what if you want a bike that’s just as happy carving up a set of mountain twisties as it is eating highway miles? That’s where the sport-touring breed comes in. These bikes bring together the best of both worlds: the comfort and practicality you’d expect on a weekend escape, paired with the kind of engines and handling that wouldn’t look out of place on a sportbike.

The best part? You don’t need to cross the country to appreciate them. A quick weekend getaway, a few hundred miles of winding backroads, or even just a spirited Sunday morning blast can all feel like mini adventures. Some of these bikes lean more toward comfort, others toward outright performance, and a few are borderline outrageous. But every one of them brings its own personality to the table. Here are 10 motorcycles that prove touring doesn’t always have to be laid-back and lazy. These are ten touring machines that come with a healthy dose of sporty edge.

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR

Price: $110,000

Harley-Davidson

For those with deep pockets, Harley’s CVO Road Glide RR enters the picture. This limited-edition bagger costs well north of $50,000, making it the most expensive bike on this list. It is powered by Harley’s Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine, producing around 153 horsepower and a tidal wave of torque.

The Road Glide RR isn’t “sporty” in the same way as a BMW or Kawasaki, but compared to other Harley touring rigs, it is the raciest thing they’ve built. Downsides? The weight is massive, and the price puts it out of reach for most. Still, for riders who want American touring flair with a hint of performance, it’s a wild choice.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

Price: $29,100

Kawasaki

Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX SE is the world’s only supercharged sport-tourer, priced at just over $29k. The 998cc supercharged four-cylinder produces over 207 horsepower, which means acceleration is borderline ridiculous. Adaptive cruise control, radar-based safety systems, and premium electronics bring it into the future of motorcycling.

Touring comfort is surprisingly good, but it is a heavy bike, and all that tech adds complexity (and cost) if things go wrong. It’s not the most affordable option, but for riders who want insane power with their long-distance comfort, there’s nothing quite like it.

BMW M 1000 XR

Price: $25,475

BMW 

This is where BMW goes a bit mad. The M 1000 XR is essentially the S 1000 XR on steroids, with a price tag north of $25,000. It makes about 200 horsepower from the same four-cylinder engine as BMW’s superbikes. That’s right – a touring motorcycle with superbike-level power. It has carbon wheels, aerodynamic winglets, and advanced suspension tech, which makes it more track-capable than any “tourer” needs to be.

Touring comfort takes a back seat here: the seat isn’t the plushest, fuel range isn’t stellar, and you’ll probably spend more time explaining the winglets at gas stations than actually using the saddlebags. But if money is no object and you want the wildest touring bike around, this is it.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Price: $20,499

KTM

If you’ve heard of KTM’s “Super Duke” naked bike, you already know it’s a hooligan machine. The GT version adds bags, a more comfortable seat, and touring features, while keeping the same 1,301cc V-twin that makes about 175 horsepower.

This is a serious weapon for twisty roads, with a personality that’s part touring bike, part streetfighter. The downside is that it can feel a bit too wild for riders who want smooth and steady touring manners. The electronics do help tame the beast, but it’s still a bike that demands respect.

BMW S 1000 XR

Price: $17,995

BMW Motorrad

Think of the S 1000 XR as a superbike with saddlebags and a taller stance. At about $18,500, it is one of the best-balanced sport-tourers for riders who crave performance. The 999cc inline-four produces around 170 horsepower, and combined with the upright ergonomics, it makes for a bike that can absolutely shred a canyon road before cruising comfortably on the highway.

On the downside, the seat can be firm, and the engine loves to rev which means you may find yourself tempted to ride it harder than your touring partner appreciates. But if you want thrill without sacrificing luggage space, the XR hits the sweet spot.

BMW R 1300 RS

Price: $16,995

BMW

BMW recently updated its boxer-twin platform, and the R 1300 RS is one of the most interesting results. At just under $17k, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting 145 horsepower from a low-slung engine that makes the bike incredibly stable at speed.

The RS is a little more sport-focused than its RT touring sibling, with a more aggressive riding position and less wind protection, but that also makes it feel more alive in the twisties. The shaft drive means less maintenance, though it adds a bit of weight. If you’re looking for a tourer that feels connected and has a unique character, the R 1300 RS might just win you over.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

Price: $16,499

Yamaha

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ delivers a solid bang for the buck at its price. It uses Yamaha’s lively 890cc inline triple, the same one that makes the MT-09 such a riot. With 117 horsepower on tap, it is quick enough to make short work of backroads but still smooth and manageable for long stretches. The upright seating position and comfortable saddle make it great for all-day rides, while saddlebags come standard for weekend packing.

Downsides? The windscreen adjustment isn’t as refined as it could be, and taller riders may feel a bit cramped after hours in the saddle. But overall, it’s one of the most versatile sport-tourers out there.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

Price: $14,299

Suzuki

Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT+ is a proper weekend warrior. Priced at just over $14,000, it is powered by a 999cc inline-four that produces about 150 horsepower. That’s plenty for spirited fun, and yet it is tuned to be friendlier than a full-on superbike. The bike comes with hard luggage, a big TFT dash, and an aggressive but still comfortable riding position.

If you’re used to more relaxed touring bikes, the GT+ might feel a little firm on the seat and suspension side, but it rewards you with sharp handling. It isn’t dripping in luxury, but if what you want is a grin every time you twist the throttle, this Suzuki is hard to ignore.

Triumph Tiger Sport 800

Price: $12,645

Triumph

Triumph’s Tiger Sport 800 may lean a little toward the adventure side of touring, but it fits the sporty bill nicely. Priced at $12,645 when new, it packs a 798cc triple that makes roughly 113 horsepower. It is lighter and more agile than many of the bikes here, which makes it ideal for riders who want something less intimidating but still capable of long rides.

On highways, the smaller engine can feel a little strained at high speeds, and wind protection isn’t the best, but the Tiger Sport is a sweet spot for riders who value balance and versatility.

Buell SuperTouring

Price: Pre-orders only

Buell Motorcycles

Buell is back, and the SuperTouring is its attempt to carve out a niche in the sport-touring market. Priced roughly around the $22,000 MSRP mark, it is powered by a 1,190cc V-twin producing about 185 horsepower. That’s some serious punch, especially considering Buell’s reputation for building bikes with sharp handling. ​​​​​​​

The design is a bit polarizing, and the brand is still re-establishing itself, which could make long-term ownership tricky in terms of support and parts. But for riders who want to stand out from the sea of Japanese and European machines, the SuperTouring is one of the boldest choices on the market.