7 Best Sport Touring Motorcycles for New Riders Who Want to Go the Distance

I still remember the first time I strapped a set of soft saddlebags to a bike and rode out of town with no real plan. That feeling of covering hundreds of miles in a day, with twisty roads in the middle, is why I fell in love with sport touring.

The problem is that most sport tourers are big, heavy, and expensive. When friends ask me for the best sport touring motorcycle for beginners, I steer them away from the 1,000cc monsters and toward bikes that are easy to live with while they build skills.

Below are seven bikes I’d happily recommend to a new rider. Some are true sport tourers, and a few are sporty mid-size bikes that take to luggage and long days really well.

What I Look For in a Beginner-Friendly Sport Tourer

Before the list, let me explain how I judged these bikes. Sport touring is a balancing act between comfort, performance, and practicality. For a beginner, I add a fourth factor: confidence.

Weight and Seat Height

A bike that feels top-heavy at a stoplight will wear you down fast. I look for a seat height around 31 to 32 inches and a curb weight that doesn’t make parking-lot U-turns terrifying.

Power Delivery

Smooth and predictable beats fast every time. Parallel twins and mid-size inline-fours give you enough punch for passing on the highway without snapping your wrist back.

Rider Aids and Comfort

ABS is non-negotiable in my book. Beyond that, I appreciate an upright riding position, some wind protection, and the ability to bolt on luggage without drama.

1. Kawasaki Ninja 650 — Best Overall for New Sport Tourers

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is the bike I recommend most often, and for good reason. Its 649cc parallel twin makes about 67 horsepower, which is plenty for highway work but never feels frantic.

The seat height is roughly 31 inches and the curb weight is around 420 pounds. That makes it easy to flat-foot, and the slim tank and narrow seat help shorter riders feel at home.

Why I Like It for Touring

The riding position on the Ninja 650 is more relaxed than a typical supersport. My wrists and shoulders were happy after a full day, and the stock windscreen does a decent job. A taller aftermarket screen makes it even better.

Kawasaki offers a luggage-friendly accessory catalog, and soft bags fit easily on the rear subframe. Expect to pay roughly $8,000 to $9,000 new, with ABS standard.

If you’re still deciding on engine size, my guide to the best 650cc motorcycle for beginners goes deeper on this class.

2. Honda NT1100 — Best for True Touring Comfort

The Honda NT1100 is what I’d call a sport tourer with its feet firmly on the ground. It uses the 1,084cc parallel twin from the Africa Twin, but the tune is gentle and torquey rather than aggressive.

It comes with a large adjustable windscreen, heated grips, cruise control, and factory hard panniers. Few bikes in this price range come so ready for a long trip.

The DCT Advantage

The optional Dual Clutch Transmission is the big beginner perk. You don’t have to worry about stalling, and the bike shifts smoothly on its own. I found it brilliant in stop-and-go traffic.

At roughly 520 to 540 pounds, it is heavy, but the weight sits low. Expect to pay around $12,000 to $13,000. It’s the priciest bike on my list, but it’s the one I’d pick if comfort mattered most.

3. Kawasaki Versys 650 — Best Upright, All-Day Rider

The Kawasaki Versys 650 shares its engine family with the Ninja 650 but wraps it in a taller, more upright package. Kawasaki calls it a sport-touring bike, and I think that fits.

The long-travel suspension soaks up broken pavement, and the seat is roomy and well padded. At about 32 inches, the seat is a touch taller than the Ninja’s, but the wide bars give you excellent leverage at low speeds.

Real-World Notes

I like that the Versys 650 has a 5.5-gallon tank and a fairly relaxed fuel appetite. It can go well over 200 miles between fill-ups if you ride sensibly.

The LT trim adds hard saddlebags, while the base model keeps the price lower. Budget roughly $9,500 to $11,000, depending on trim.

4. Yamaha Tracer 7 GT — Best Sporty Personality

The Yamaha Tracer 7 GT uses Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 crossplane twin, an engine I adore. It’s punchy, flexible, and has a lovely character that makes backroads feel special.

The GT version adds hard side cases and a larger windscreen. The Tracer 7 GT weighs around 450 pounds, and the seat is adjustable, so most riders can find a comfortable setting.

A Quick Heads-Up

Availability varies by market and model year, so check with your local dealer or the used market. I’d call it a great pick if you can find a clean example, with new prices typically landing around $10,500 to $11,500.

The throttle is a little more eager than the Kawasaki twins, but it’s still very manageable for a rider with some basic training.

5. Honda CBR650R — Best for Sportier Riders

If you want sport first and touring second, the Honda CBR650R is a great pick. Its 649cc inline-four is silky smooth and loves to rev, and it sounds fantastic.

The riding position is sportier than the Ninja 650, with lower bars and more weight on your wrists. I found it fine for a few hours but less comfortable over a full day without some adjustment.

E-Clutch Option

Honda offers an E-Clutch version that lets you pull away and stop without using the lever. You can still shift manually and use the clutch whenever you like. For nervous beginners, it removes a lot of stress.

Pricing sits around $9,500 to $10,500. Add a tail bag and a taller screen, and it becomes a very capable weekend tourer. If you want to compare it with smaller options, see my picks for the best 600cc motorcycle for beginners.

6. Suzuki GSX-8R — Best Modern Tech and Style

The Suzuki GSX-8R is a fresh arrival with a 776cc parallel twin that makes around 82 horsepower. It looks like a mini superbike, but the ergonomics are gentler than the styling suggests.

Suzuki includes a ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes, traction control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. I appreciate that Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist make stalling much less likely.

Touring Potential

The GSX-8R has a decently comfortable seat and a compact fairing. Wind protection is fine for moderate speeds, though a taller screen is worth the money.

It’s a bit more power than I’d normally suggest for a first bike, but the modes let you tame it. Expect to pay about $9,500 to $10,000.

7. Kawasaki Ninja 500 — Best Budget Pick

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the baby of the list. Its 451cc parallel twin makes about 45 horsepower, and the whole bike weighs under 400 pounds, with a seat height near 31 inches.

It’s not a dedicated tourer, but I’ve seen plenty of riders mount soft luggage and cover serious ground on it. The relaxed ergonomics and light handling make it very forgiving.

Where It Shines

Price is the headline: roughly $6,000 to $7,000. Fuel economy is excellent, and insurance is usually cheap too.

On long highway stretches, it works harder than the bigger bikes, and wind buffeting is more noticeable. For shorter trips, it’s a joy. If you’d like to see similar options, check out my lists of the best 400cc motorcycle for beginners and the best 250cc motorcycle for beginners.

How I’d Choose Between These Bikes

Picking from this list comes down to how you plan to ride. I always ask new riders three simple questions before recommending anything.

How Far Will You Ride?

If your trips are mostly under two hours, the Ninja 500 or Ninja 650 will serve you well. If you’re planning multi-day rides, the Honda NT1100 or Versys 650 will keep you fresher.

How Tall Are You?

Sit on every bike you can. A bike that fits you will always feel easier than a more powerful one that doesn’t. I’ve seen riders gain confidence quickly just by switching to a better-fitting seat.

How Much Do You Want to Spend?

Don’t forget the extras. Gear, luggage, and a good training course can add $1,500 or more to your budget. I’d rather see someone buy a cheaper bike and spend that money on skills and protection.

If you’re torn between engine sizes, my guide to the best 300cc motorcycle for beginners is a handy comparison point for lighter bikes.

Tips for Your First Touring Setup

Start With Soft Luggage

Soft bags are cheaper, lighter, and easier to fit than hard cases. I started with a tail bag and a small tank bag, and that covered nearly everything for weekend trips.

Take a Rider Course

I can’t stress this enough. A basic rider course teaches braking, cornering, and emergency skills much faster than trial and error. It’s also often rewarded with insurance discounts.

Build Distance Gradually

Don’t jump straight into a 400-mile day. I built up from short loops to 150-mile rides, then longer ones. Your body needs time to adapt to hours in the saddle.

Final Thoughts

The best sport tourer for a beginner is the one that makes you want to ride more. For me, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 hits the best balance of price, comfort, and approachability.

If you have more to spend and want real touring comfort, the Honda NT1100 is a standout. And if you’re watching your wallet, the Ninja 500 proves you don’t need a huge bike to enjoy the open road.

Whichever you choose, sit on it, take a test ride if possible, and invest in good gear. The miles will take care of the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions