Some motorcyclists who want comfort usually lean toward easy-going cruisers and touring motorcycles. Others who are looking for thrills go for sports bikes and hyper nakeds. But what if you’re looking for a bike that is both comfortable and exciting to ride? Back in the day, you’d have to either compromise on one aspect or get yourself two bikes, but you no longer need to do that.
Today, the market is flooded with some amazing motorcycles that balance comfort and thrills better than they’ve ever. Such bikes include sports tourers with over 200 horsepower or a bagger with track-ready performance. Here are ten such motorcycles that offer both comfort and thrills. Of course, most of these bikes are high-dollar, but that’s the price you have to pay for the ultimate comfort and thrill combo.
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 Suzuki Cycles, KTM, and BMW Motorrad.
KTM 890 SMT
Power Output: 103 HP
The KTM 890 SMT is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle that combines ADV comfort with the hooliganism of a supermoto. It’s no surprise, as it’s literally a supermoto based on the 890 Adventure, complete with 17-inch tires on both ends and sticky rubber. Given the parallel-twin engine’s renowned performance and low curb weight, the SMT is sure to be a hoot to ride. Fortunately, it should still retain the comfort of the adventure bike, including the tall windscreen and wide handlebars, which should be just as comfortable on the long road.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Parallel-twin |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
880cc |
|
Frame Type |
Chromoly steel trellis |
|
Torque Output |
74 LB-FT |
|
Curb Weight |
428 LBS |
Yamaha Tracer 9
Power Output: 117 HP
KTM motorcycles can be too frantic for some riders, in which case, you can go for the Tracer 9. It’s a similar performance-first touring bike that doesn’t compromise on long-distance comfort. Powering it is the versatile CP3 inline-triple engine, known for its dual personality: a strong mid-range and top-end rush. Then there’s the fully adjustable suspension, wind protection, cornering lights, and neutral riding position, all of which combine to make for an ideal sports tourer.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
CP3 inline-triple |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
890cc |
|
Frame Type |
Diamond |
|
Torque Output |
68.6 LB-FT |
|
Curb Weight |
483 LBS |
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST
Power Output: 127 HP
Nothing beats a proper tourer when it comes to comfort, but not all full-size tourers are known for performance. There’s one exception, though: the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST. This custom-style bagger features a powerful Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin with Screamin’ Eagle performance parts, pumping out track-ready performance. It also features a fully adjustable Showa suspension and premium brakes. Yes, there’s the CVO Road Glide RR, too, but it’s way too specialized to be practical on the road and costs over $100k. The ST is the smarter choice if you’re looking for bagger comfort with track-ready performance.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
1,983cc |
|
Frame Type |
Touring frame |
|
Torque Output |
145 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
838 LBS |
Why The H-D CVO Road Glide ST Makes More Sense Than The CVO Road Glide RR
There’s no denying the CVO Road Glide RR is a special thing. But we’d still pick the CVO Road Glide ST over it
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Power Output: 173 HP
The 1290 Super Duke has a reputation for its unadulterated madness, and, naturally, it makes sense to add a fairing to the thing and make it a sports tourer. At least that’s what KTM had in mind with the Super Duke GT, which still retains the wild performance of the Super Duke while dripping with comfort features. It gets semi-active suspension, a tall windscreen, cruise control, and a larger fuel tank for touring. The Super Duke GT offers the most exciting combination of comfort and on-road performance in the KTM lineup in the US.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
V-twin |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
1,301cc |
|
Frame Type |
Chromoly steel trellis |
|
Torque Output |
104 LB-FT |
|
Curb Weight |
497 LBS |
Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT
Power Output: 180 HP
The Rocket 3 Storm GT walks the thin line between performance and comfort arguably better than most cruisers on the market today. That shouldn’t come as a surprise because, until recently, this was the most powerful cruiser in the market, powered by the largest production bike engine. It’s known for its neck-breaking acceleration and high-speed composure. It then takes care of comfort with pull-back handlebars, a short windscreen, and generously padded seats. Rounding out the package are Brembo Stylema brakes, adjustable suspension, and a head-turning road presence that screams power.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Inline-triple |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
2,458cc |
|
Frame Type |
Full aluminum frame |
|
Torque Output |
166 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
705.47 LBS |
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS
Power Output: 180 HP
The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is the most unhinged bike that can still be called an adventure-touring bike today. On this Multistrada, out goes the gentler Granturismo V4 and in comes the Panigale-derived Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine. It balances this performance with comfort, supported by semi-active Ohlins Smart EC2.0 suspension, a full suite of electronics, and upright ergonomics. Ducati even had to borrow the RS badge from Audi’s line of performance cars for the name to justify its bonkers performance.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Desmosedici Stradale V4 |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
1,103cc |
|
Frame Type |
Monocoque aluminum |
|
Torque Output |
87 LB-FT @ 9,500 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
496 LBS |
10 Powerful Adventure-Tourer Bikes For Speed Junkies
You can ride these adventure bikes to the race track, on the race track, and then back home!
Ducati Diavel V4 RS
Power Output: 182 HP
Taking the Rocket 3 Storm GT off its most powerful cruiser perch is the Diavel V4 RS, and it follows in the footsteps of the Multistrada V4 RS. It now features the same Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, which produces a bit more power, slightly lower in the rev range. The result is a cruiser that can launch from 0 to 62 MPH in just 2.5 seconds! Add to that its power cruiser ergonomics, and you have a rocket (pun unintended) on two wheels that is comfortable when you want to cruise around and wild when you give it the beans. We can’t wait for the next Ducati to wear the RS badge.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Desmosedici Stradale V4 |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
1,103cc |
|
Frame Type |
Monocoque aluminum |
|
Torque Output |
89 LB-FT @ 9,500 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
485 LBS |
Suzuki Hayabusa
Power Output: 187 HP
When Hayabusa was released, its performance sparked backlash from European regulators, resulting in the informal Gentlemen’s Agreement. While the current-gen Hayabusa is electronically limited to 186 MPH, it still stays true to the original’s legacy. It’s still designed in the wind tunnel, featuring bulbous fairings that wrap the air around you, and a long wheelbase for added stability at high speeds. What makes the Busa even more special than other bikes that wear the “fastest bike” tag is its uncanny comfort. It’s perhaps the most comfortable missile on two wheels, and that’s why many refer to the Busa as a sports tourer, not the hyperbike that it is.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
1,340cc |
|
Frame Type |
Twin-spar aluminum |
|
Torque Output |
110 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
582 LBS |
BMW M 1000 XR
Power Output: 201 HP
The BMW M 1000 XR makes no compromise on either comfort or performance. It’s a sports tourer powered by the venerable S1000RR-derived inline-four engine, producing over 200 horsepower. Additionally, it receives a comprehensive M treatment, featuring forged wheels, a titanium exhaust, M brakes, and more. It balances this track-ready performance package with long-distance comfort as very few other motorcycles can. Whatever you expect of a sports tourer, it has: a windscreen, upright ergos, adaptive headlights, semi-active suspension, and much more.
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Inline-four |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
999cc |
|
Frame Type |
Bridge-type frame |
|
Torque Output |
83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
492 LBS |
|
Top Speed |
170 MPH |
10 Most Powerful Touring Bikes That Don’t Pack A V-Twin
The most powerful motorcycle here is a supercharged sports tourer with over 200 miles of riding range.
Kawasaki H2 SX SE
Power Output: 207 HP
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is the Ninja H2 in a business seat. It retains the fire-breathing supercharged inline four engine, which is tuned for long-distance comfort, not outright performance. Still, with 207 horsepower on tap, it’s one of the most powerful motorcycles you can buy today. Kawasaki also claims a fuel economy of over 40 miles per gallon. When it comes to comfort, you get Showa EERA Skyhook semi-active suspension, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and a full suite of rider aids. Honestly, it’s just easier to ask, “What’s it missing?”
Performance Specs
|
Engine Type |
Inline-four, supercharged |
|---|---|
|
Displacement |
998cc |
|
Frame Type |
Trellis, high tensile steel |
|
Torque Output |
101 LB-FT @ 8,500 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
590.9 LBS |