The Sport-Tourer Is Dead. Long Live the Sport-Tourer.

A reader named Joe Salz recently sent me the following email.

I ride a 2005 Honda ST1300 ABS, which has provided 94,000 miles of trouble-free riding pleasure. But it is 20 years old, and I would like a new replacement. Unfortunately, Honda quit making the ST1300 in 2013. 

I would settle for a Yamaha FJR1300ES, but Yamaha quit building this model in 2024. The Triumph Trophy was a nice rig, but the last one rolled off the production line in 2017. The Kawasaki Concours 14 emphasized the sport side of sport-touring, but it was dropped in 2022. 

Among machines currently in production, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ and GX+ claim to be sport-touring machines, but their chain drive and tiny windscreens make them nonstarters for me.

If one desires true two-up capacity, shaft drive, integrated luggage, cruise control, heated grips, and a decently sized electrically adjustable windscreen in a machine that is not so big that it needs a reverse gear, there is but one lone survivor: BMW’s R 1300 RT. 

What the heck happened?

Joe’s email arrived as we were preparing a review of the R 1300 RT for Rider‘s November issue. In addition to the RT, BMW also makes the K 1600 GT, which meets the criteria he lists above. But Joe’s larger point – the death of the open-class sport-tourer – is valid.

For Rider’s May 2013 issue, I participated in and wrote a sport-touring comparison test of the BMW R 1200 RT, BMW K 1600 GT, Kawasaki Concours 14, Triumph Trophy SE, and Yamaha FJR1300 (as seen in the photos). The ST1300 was absent because it had already been cut from Honda’s lineup. Only the BMW RT and GT are still in production.

We’ve always been fans of big sport-tourers. Of the 35 bikes we’ve selected as Motorcycle of the Year since 1990, 12 have been sport-tourers, and eight were open-classers.

Open-class sport-tourers fell victim to the juggernaut of open-class adventure bikes, which offer less wind protection but as much power, technology, and comfort with the added bonus of off-road capability. But not everyone wants an adventure bike with a tall seat, a 19-inch front wheel, and 90/10 tires.

Today’s sport-tourers tend to be based on sportbike or adventure bike platforms: Honda NT1100 DCT, Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ and GSX-S1000GX+, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and Versys 1100 SE LT, and Yamaha Tracer 9. All are powerful, sophisticated, highly capable machines (three have been MOTY), but they fail to check some of the boxes on Joe’s (and other people’s) list. Most put more emphasis on sport than touring, especially when it comes to passenger accommodations.

As good as BMW’s RT and GT models are, we miss the variety of open-class sport-tourers, with different brands offering unique engine configurations, styling, and character. Sport-touring isn’t dead, but the segment has undergone a paradigm shift. Is it better or worse? Let us know what you think – drop us a line at rider@ridermagazine.com.

See all of Rider‘s sport-tourer motorcycle reviews

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Editor’s note: In addition to the numerous comments at the end of this article, we received many emails from readers in response to EIC Greg Drevenstedt’s First Gear column in the Oct. 2025 issue of Rider, where it was first published. We have appended the emails below. They are in chronological order, but they have not been edited.

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9/12/25

I am a sport-touring rider. I enjoy the twisties and take at least one multiday trip a year with my riding buddy. Our last trip was from the San Francisco area to Crater Lake in Oregon. I live in California and ride year-round.

My previous bike was a 2003 Yamaha FJR1300. I now ride a 2022 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. The chain drive delayed my purchase of the Tracer for some time, but I’m used to it. I moved from the FJR1300 to get a lighter motorcycle with more technology. I thoroughly enjoy cruise control and the heated grips. I laugh at myself on the traction control, engine control, and suspension mode. I set them to 2 when I bought the bike and haven’t changed them.

Sometimes I think the Tracer was made by adding saddlebags to an MT09. The seat is uncomfortable. I’ve been trying various solutions to get it right. Not there yet. I added handlebar risers which helped a lot.

What I would really like is a touring-sport motorcycle. Start with an adjustable comfortable upright seating position, add performance, wind protection, and some luggage. Not a tall bike. Max weight of 500 lbs. I’ll buy it tomorrow.

Thanks,

Ron McCafferty

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9/12/25

I’ve owned most of the various sport tourers over 50 years of riding, as well as 3 BMW GS’s and a Yamaha S10 Super Tenere. My current ride is a Yamaha 2018 FJR non-ES model bought new in 2019, currently with 80,000 miles. I just purchased a 2019 non-ES model with only 3,100 miles due to the FJR being discontinued and availability of any other sport tourers other than the RT. I have found the FJR to be one of the most reliable rides I have owned. I am 75 and expect the newer, to me, FJR will fulfill my needs for many more years. I rode various BMW GS’s, 1200 LT, 1200 RS and RT’s for over 25 years with many failures both electrical and mechanical and finally gave up on the brand and went to the Tenere and then the FJR s. I truly enjoyed the GS’s and would still be on one if not for the final drive problems, which I experienced, lack of dealerships and the fear of breaking down on long trips drove me away. I do my own maintenance and find the FJR easy to work on. I found the BMW’s becoming more and more dependent on the dealerships need for even miner repair also frustrating. I have pretty much the same criteria as Joe has, shaft drive, cruise control, power windscreen and for me, runs on regular octane gas as many places I ride, I sometimes have a hard time finding premium (ethyl). I did try the new Goldwing but found it did not satisfy the sport touring aspect of riding that I enjoy. I fully expect my new FJR will last me till I am at least 95. Maybe buy then there will be a new sport tourer available.

William R Hardy

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9/12/25

I have a 2006 Honda ST1300, a 2016 Honda ST1300PA, a 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900GT and now recently bought a 2024 Honda Gold Wing Tour and have already ridden through a set of tires. I acquired the ST police version when Honda sold all the leftovers in 2020 at wholesale, I couldn’t pass it up at less than $10k. Anyway, the Gold Wing rides and handles so similarly to the ST’s that I consider it as much Sport as Tour. When the only difference is the added weight that falls away at anything over 4-5 mph; and now I have all the comforts for long distance traveling. I’ve yet to select Sport mode on the Wing only because I don’t want to attract the local traffic enforcers…and as my family members remind me, I can only ride one at a time, I believe I’ve finally found the one for my distance rides.

Thomas Taber, Tavares, FL

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9/12/25

I see the sport-touring genre in a bad way as of this writing. With Honda trying to turn the Gold Wing into a sport tourer with the recent changes in the Wing lineup, they dropped the ST1300, which in my estimation is one of the best examples of a sport touring motorcycle that has ever been. Too many riders I’ve personally known to have problems with the Yamaha FJR to make me wonder why Mama Yama left it by the wayside. It’s a shame they didn’t try fixing it instead. I can honestly say that if I were looking for a sport tourer right now, the R1300RT would be my choice although the price of your test bikes is pretty daunting.

It’s starting to look like the “heavyweight” class of sport tourer really is just about dead, leaving the lighweights that don’t tick all the boxes (they certainly don’t tick all of my boxes) and the Beemers behind to fight over the scraps. And I hadn’t even noticed. It’s sad to see.

Glen Hallaway

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9/15/25

When reading your article of sport touring machines of the past I could feel my head nodding with each model mentioned st 1300 (mine was the st 1100) kawasaki concourse 1400(had 1 and 2 of the 1000’s) all of them wonderful and multiple purposefully no mater the road or mood of rider.all day comfortable with large gas tanks 7.5 gallons on the concourse 1000.Been at it since 1964 with first bike alarm honda s 65 that made a teenage boy king of the road until another kid blue you off with a super 90,miss them all and what’s with all the mid range bikes with the small gas tanks 3+ gallons out west don’t cut it.thanks for the trip back k in time and I’m still smiling inside my helmet days later. Ride safe everyone.

Stan Darling, Arizona

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9/24/25

Re your column in the October issue and a reader’s comments on sports-tourers.

I only started riding motorcycles in my 50’s. I started with a Bandit 600, but for my next bike I wanted something that would be less buzzy at highway speeds and more comfortable. When Yamaha announced in 2003 that they were bringing the FJR1300 to the US and I was offered a new job in California one of my first acts was to put down the $500 deposit Yamaha required for a pre-order. I may have been one of the first deliveries when I picked up my 2004 FJR in the summer of 2003 from a dealer in Calabasas.

I enjoyed my FJR immensely, riding mostly solo but doing occasional long rides with my spouse. (She was never tempted to jump on the Bandit, but often asked for a ride on the FJR.) I worked overseas for long periods between 2011 and 2020 and the FJR spent many months on a trickle charger under a cover. But it never failed to startup immediately during my home leaves. Other than routine maintenance the only “failure” I ever had was when a taillight bulb burned out.

When COVID hit and I returned home for good, now in my mid-70s, I still rode the FJR, but became increasingly wary of its weight, my declining strength, and eager to take advantage of new technologies like cornering ABS that offered improved safety. I looked at many alternatives as I had ridden motorcycles during my overseas assignments that were invariably thumpers or twins and so much lighter than the FJR.

Finally, in 2022 I sold my FJR to a neighbor in his 30s with the height and body strength to handle the FJR. After much deliberation I bought a 2022 Tracer 9 GT, despite the wonky dash, and have been very pleased. (It didn’t go unnoticed that Rider made the FJR its MOTY shortly after I bought it and did the same with the Tracer.)

I do miss the smoother ride of the FJR, but the lighter weight of the Tracer has renewed my confidence in riding. I may not be quite as comfortable on the Tracer as I was on the FJR, but I’m much more eager to get on it and ride, which I think is the right trade-off.

I’ve been a Rider subscriber for a couple of decades so keep up the good work.

Rick Nuccio

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10/1/25

Regarding Mr. Joe Salz’s letter to Greg Drevenstedt: A sport tourer for two-up riding, shaft drive, integrated luggage, cruise control, heated grips, a decent size electrically adjustable windscreen and doesn’t need a reverse gear, how about the Moto Guzzi Mandello V100. Granted you may want to spend the extra $300 dollars for the touring windshield, but it is everything he mentioned. I have over 35,000 miles on mine in two years and love it. Have ridden and owned many BMW’s as well and the Mandello is very much a competitor to the R1300RT.

Roger Shultz

Spearfish, SD

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10/2/25

I, like your quoted reader, miss prior sport-tourer choices. I have a 2008 FJR, have had a Gold Wing, and also now have a Tracer 9 GT. The FJR remains my best ride for power, protection, and fun. The lack of protection on the Tracer is frustrating. If I were to buy new today, the choice would absolutely be the RT given what is available. It is obvious that young buyers are not buying “traditional” sport-tourers causing manufacturers to drop them.

David Lay

Cumberland Center, Maine

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10/2/25

My hat’s off to Joe Salz’s letter published in your October 2025 edition. As an octogenarian still experiencing the joy of touring on my Gold Wing, I feel that the industry may be overlooking a segment of the riding population looking for something lighter weight with ergonomics suitable for good posture (think arthritic pains), basic touring comfort (good wind protection), ease of control at rest (maximum seat height of 30”), and minimal maintenance (shaft drive a definite plus). At 870+ pounds, my Gold Wing is still easier to control at a standstill than my Triumph Tiger XC 1200 with a 32” seat height and weight of 570 pounds. The 3” differential is substantial for a guy with a 30-31” inseam.

Show me a 1000cc to 1500cc bike with shaft drive, cruise control, Apple Play connectivity for Sirius XM and GPS, heated grips, good wind protection, and the ability to easily cruise at freeway speeds, at an MSRP of$18,000 to $25,000, and I’m good to go. The optional ride modes are a nice feature for the aggressive rider but not a requirement for an old guy who enjoys the scenery.

Keith Cuvelier, Tucson, AZ

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10/2/25

Greg,

I agree that there is a serious lack of competition in the segment. Some may see this as good for BMW, but competition helps drive the entire field to new heights. The only realistic competitor seems to be the CFMoto 1250TR-G. Unfortunately, it is not yet available in the US nor does there seem to be any plan to bring it here. I think the new R1300RT handily outshines the TR-G but good competition will make the next generation RT better still.

James Carlisle

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles

Mechanic & Co-Owner

Fredericksburg, VA

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10/3/25

Liking motorcycles since age 11, after kids grown I bought my first, a 2000 Triumph Sprint RS in November 2001 at age 48. The dealer gave me a copy of the February 2000 Rider which tested it. A great magazine with a good mix of articles, heavier on the bikes than other articles, a couple of trips covered. I am grateful that Rider is still a magazine I can hold in my hand, but after seemingly more pictures of pies than motorcycles and no mention of the bikes in the article I found myself a bit perplexed. I realize that the magazine’s focus has shifted over the years and costs limit what motorcycle magazines can do these days, but it was just a weird feeling. At 72 I am still riding my Sprint, along with an 02 Daytona, 03 Tiger, and 06 R3 Classic. I will stick with Rider as long as I can read, just keep the bikes coming.

James Hohmann, Langhorne, PA

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10/4/25

You have really opened a can of worms with this one Greg.

At 73 years of age I got my first motorcycle at 15 ½ , a Honda 160 Dream, white with a red seat. Back in those days it was legal to ride a motorcycle on a learners permit in Indiana; I have had at least one motorcycle in the garage and riding ever since that time. Over the years I have owned 28 different motorcycles of various brands. I was an MSF Instructor for 10 years. I have ridden to every State in the USA including HI (fly & ride) with 4 trips to AK and all Canadian Provinces except for Newfoundland and New Brunswick. I have also done six 3 Flags Classic events, so I get to throw Mexico into the mix. I have accumulated 879,501 miles (but who’s counting, LOL). I tell you this so you know where I’m coming from, I am not some internet posser, I have been there and done that and have the memories to prove it.

I still do some touring, 3,200 miles in the last 6 weeks on my new bike but spend a lot of time on a 100-mile ride out and 100-mile ride back home for lupper (lunch + supper). I currently have a 2025 Gold Wing Tour DCT – Eternal Gold parked in may garage. I do not consider it a “Sport Tourer” but neither was the bike it replaced, a 2023 BMW R1250GSA.

I must agree with Joe. Where have all the Sport Touring bikes gone? Many of the motorcycle manufacturers make some great bikes but they all fall short of what “I think” they need. Like Joe, I believe if you are going on a nice long trip several States away you need either a shaft drive or a belt drive. So many of the motorcycle companies miss the mark. I understand a chain drive is cheaper to manufacture, and the owner can play with adding or subtracting teeth from a sprocket. But after a five-hundred-mile day of riding in the rain you will more than likely need to adjust the chain and lube it. This means carrying tools to perform this task as well as chain lube. Shaft drives might add extra weight but I have never had to adjust it or lube it on one of my machines. I also don’t understand why more manufactures do not utilize the belt drive system. This system is lighter than a shaft drive requires less in the way of motorcycle design and for all intense and purpose never needs to be adjusted. Belts do have their problems but I have 370,000 miles on HD’s and I never had one break, maybe I’m just lucky. I think Honda missed the mark with the new NT1100 DCT. This would be a great choice, in my opinion, if they had just put a belt drive on it as opposed to the chain drive but I feel Honda was shooting for a “price point”.

Any bike that you are going to take a trip on should have cruise control. As you get older this is more important to help with the pains that come after 73 years of life and 67 years of riding motorcycles. As Joe stated, I also want a good-sized adjustable windshield, heated grips, heated seat and good luggage capacity. I do have to disagree with Joe in that I do like the reverse/forward walking speeds on the DCT Gold Wing but maybe Joe does not have to fit his machine into the tight space I do when I put it in my garage.

I looked at the new BMW R1300 RT before I purchased the new Gold Wing. The RT is about 200 pounds lighter than the Wing, which is a good thing but the reverse and forward walking speeds help with this in tight situations. The BMW RT has more technology than the Wing but some of that technology is new and has yet to get the new bike “bugs” worked out, the Gold Wing is celebrating 50 years in 2025 with the latest generation being 7 years old now. Also, the new RT is between $1000 to $2500 more than the Wing, depending on DCT vs non-DCT. My biggest reason for the recent switch from the BMW to the Gold Wing is the lack of BMW dealerships in my local area. In my younger days this was not as big a deal as I was more than capable of doing my own maintenance but as you get older some things just don’t work as good as they used to, so I depend on the dealership network more and more and the nearest BMW dealership, worth the trip is 200 + miles one way from location in central Illinois. I have about 50 Honda dealerships within a 100-mile radius. I love my BMW’s but reality is a fact of life.

With all this the only two wheeled “sport touring motorcycle” that fit my needs is the Honda Gold Wing.

I feel your pain, Joe. Keep riding though brother!

Ron Allen

Gold Wing Rider

Chillicothe, IL

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10/5/25

Have seen a few articles on Kawasaki bringing the Concours back to the USA market. True or false?

If true, have you all been able to test ride it yet? If and when you do, I would really like to hear your impression of its “nimbleness”. I used to own an FJR and loved it but felt that the front end was a bit heavy, especially as the tire wore down towards replacement, requiring a good bit of input. This was true whether I ran Dunlop RoadSmarts or Pirelli Angels.

Seems like a lot of bike for the money according to the article.

Kind regards,

Tom Sigerfoos

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10/6/25

Greg,

You asked some questions, and I have some answers. I replaced my 2015 GS with a 2023 Moto Guzzi V-100 Mandello S. I have the full factory luggage package. This bike is my magic carpet ride. It has a sing/song glider feel to it that just puts me in a smiley face mode. Having never previously owned a Sport-Tourer, I can’t comment on the direction of the class. I’m 75 with knees that are age-appropriate so I lowered the pegs. I’m disappointed the Guzzi didn’t make your list. Maybe I don’t understand the term, “Open Class”. It is about 100 lbs lighter and gives up about 200 cc to the bikes on your list.

Paul Bertini, Canton, MI

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10/6/25

Yes, the sport-tourer is worse today. But it’s not dead, only slowly dying. I have been riding for over 45 years and in the last 20 years I’ve been traveling on my sport-touring Honda ST1100. Because of my 28-inch inseam, I have been using a custom-made seat. My biggest complaint, there are not many lighter weight (600-700 lbs.), sport-touring motorcycles (100+ hp) with a seat height of 29 inches or less.

The worse scenario today is that the new adventure touring bikes sit high with a 31-inch to 33-inch seat height, making it harder to find a safe bike for me to ride. Yes, it’s worse today for sport-tourers and even more so for short people.

Ray Salinas, Arvada, CO

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10/6/25

I whole heartedly agree with Joe Salz’s concern and your response, (Oct ’25) about the loss and change of the sport touring motorcycle. I, too, have been riding a Honda ST1300 (2008, 114,000 miles & counting). However, due to its 725+ lbs, my advancing age (66), and concerns about future parts availability & servicing, last year I began searching for a suitable replacement. Being vertically challenged (5’5″, 27″ inseam) ADV bikes were out of the question. My riding style includes mildly sporting, 500+ mile days, with 150-200 miles between gas stops. I eventually “settled” on a new 2022 Yamaha Tracer 9GT with a lowering link installed. Most new bikes have way more technology than I will ever use, but I love the cruise control and heated grips that came standard on this Yamaha. I planned to overlap the 2 bikes for a year or two and see how the T9GT worked out. After 8000 miles on the Yamaha (I average about 10,000 miles a year across 3 bikes) I decided to keep both! The Tracer is great fun – quicker, lighter(500lbs) & able to go long distances. Living in Western Montana, highway 12 over Lolo pass is in my backyard and the Beartooth highway is just down the road and makes a great over nighter. I still prefer the Honda for any rides longer than 3 days or 1500 miles, especially if crossing the windy Great Plains states. If someone put out a “traditional” sport touring bike I would consider replacing the ST, but I’m keeping the Tracer!

Respectively,

Jim Steenberg

Clinton, MT

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10/6/25

Hi guys. Great magazine. I may be a throwback, but I like to hold something real in my hands besides a cell phone or a tablet when reading. It’s a sensory thing…. So, kudos for using real paper!

Where’d They Go: I am looking to make my return to riding as well–been way too long. A sport tourer would be perfect for me–and would have been my first choice, but as noted, they’re nearly all gone–though BMW may still make one. I think the motorcycling world is poorer for this.

So… I’m getting ready to start negotiations on a new Hyabusa instead. I’m hoping that the aftermarket can help me civilize the riding position just a bit for more comfort, those hideous looking ham can exhaust pipes have got to go, and I’m just gonna have to learn to deal with a chain drive, for all it’s good and bad. Speaking of which. I loved your articles a few months ago on the Hyabusa. Long live the King indeed!

 (Hey, maybe sometime, you guys could do a definitive article on the care and feeding of motorcycle chains, when to replace them, what to look for with sprockets in terms of wear, etc. Might make the whole deal less scary for all of us–especially those of us who have known and LOVED shaft drives.)

Nakeds: I’ve observed that the manufacturers seem to be pushing naked bikes heavily; and certainly they are amazing machines alright–no argument there. However, I think there are many of us out there who still prefer (or have aspired to) the fine, finished look, comfort, and feel of a motorcycle with full, integrated bodywork–be it a big luxury touring bike, a sport-tourer, a full-tilt sport bike, or a big fast GT kind of bike–which is how I personally see the big ‘Busa. My two cents worth.

Look forward to receiving and reading my new issue every month. Thanks to your team for a great read. Your Route 66 episode really stirred up the wanderlust in me. Felt like a kid again. Thanks for that.

Ross Terry, SoCal

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10/7/25

I have always loved sport touring for about 45 years now and have a 2001 Suzuki Hayabusa, 2003 Suzuki SV 1000 and 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250 in my stable that I have set up for sport touring. By adding tubular bars for a more upright riding position, taller windscreens, custom saddles, Givi panniers, and lower footpegs I have the performance of a sport bike with all day riding comfort. Perfect for sport touring !

Dana Mills

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10/7/25

Hello Greg,

Yes I agree with you and Joe. They fell one by one with no shaft drive and slower sales. I guess I’m with a different crowd because my friends with adventure bikes only ride on the road. If you are on the road you don’t need the features of the adventure models. But they were producing them fast as possible. I’d rather have the tour models, they ride great!

I even tried and have a 2017 Triumph trophy in hopes of solving the tour bike combined with the daily. It didn’t work for the tour so I kept with the old voyager they stopped making in 2003 for touring. The K1600 are really smooth for a large ride (not like the heavy gold wing) but expensive maintenance. The BMW R1300 rides a lot like a v-twin models that abound which is not a preference for me. I’d be interested in a K1300 if they could introduce that and scale a K1600 back a little. Maybe I could try a 23 or 24 FJR since they most recently discontinued.

Anyway, I’d be interested in your old article comparing them all in 2013. I was on a concours 1000 at that time. Could you send a link to the article?

Always a bit jealous for your job as I think I’d love photoraphy, riding, evaluating, and writing about weekend trips and new machines. Now in my older 60’s maybe I can do something after retirement. Probably never get that top gold wing but something will will fit that is lighter and easier to handle. Thanks for your work, keep it going.

Wait’in for my ride,

Craig

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10/7/25

I just read Greg’s piece on sport touring in the October Issue. This spring I completed a 9,000 mile ride from Philly to Anchorage on my R1250RT. I can say that I saw very few other sport touring bikes on this ride. Mostly what I saw were a lot of adventure touring bikes like the R1300GS and of course a lot of Harley Road and Street Glides, neither of which are shaft drive. Shaft drive bikes seem to be pretty rare. I can’t even imagine doing a long ride on a chain drive bike, given the need for chain maintenance every 500 miles. Just my 2 cents. Stay safe out there

Larry Gadbois

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10/9/25

After reading Greg’s First Gear column in the rider October issue, I had to chime in. I have, at least my solution, to the Joe Salz sport touring dilemma – get a middle-weight.

Let me explain. For several years I have been trying to find a lighter bike for two-up (sport) touring. My BMW R1200 RT, R1200 GS and R1250 GS were and are great bikes, but just too heavy for me when loaded up.

While attending the BMW National Rally in Lebanon, TN in June of this year, my wife and I found the perfect bike. Scott Moreno of IMTBike fame steered us toward BMW’s F800 GS. After a test ride on a demo bike at the Rally we had made up our minds. That’s our next bike.

We sold the R1250 GS and purchased a 2025 F800 GS in July. While at the Rally we had also scoped out SHAD side and top cases and decided to get those as well. Combined with our existing SW-Motech Pro-City tank bag we were all set. I eventually added a Wunderlich windscreen and bracket for the BMW GPS mount. To address the drive chain I added a ScottOiler X-System chain oiler with a Scorpion dispenser at the sprocket. With that, the bike was complete.

Loaded up for touring the bike weights approximately 580 pounds. This compares to the R1250 GS fully loaded at 630 pounds. I found this weight much more manageable for my 5′ 8″, 185 pound frame to handle.

As a side note, don’t let a bike with a drive chain be the reason not to buy it. I have a Ducati ST2 with a Pro-Oiler chain oiler. The current chain has 18,000 miles on it with minimal wear and hasn’t needed adjustment in 8,000 miles. There is also minimum oil fling off caused by the chain.

So, no I don’t think the Sport-Tourer is dead. Maybe just redefined.

Wayne Nankervis

Hortonville, Wisconsin

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10/9/25

Being in the market for a sport tourer I read the opening to the October issue with great interest. “The sport tourer is dead. Long live the sport tourer.” Having also read the Tiger 800 Sport review in the August issue, and the Honda NT100 in the September issue I was all too aware of the paradigm shift that has taken place in that segment. Having owned a BMW GS, and a Triumph Tiger I am not really interested in that segment. I’m a long legged rider that wants a bike for the neighborhood, yet would allow me to head off anywhere I’d like when I leave the driveway. There’s a dragon that lives in my front yard, so the heavyweight tourer only gets used when the Mrs. wants to go along. So, to the point? It’s sad that the pickings are slim for sport touring enthusiasts. This is the best time to be a rider in the last fifty years, as long as that rider is not wanting a sports tourer. I’ve ridden the Tracer, 800 Sport, and the NT1100. Wonderful machines all, but not really what I was hoping for. We’ll make do.

Dave Scrivener

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10/9/25

Read the article twice, very surprised to not see any mention of my bike, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello. I bought it because it was the coolest sport tourer on the market, and it certainly meets all the bullet points (save the smaller standard windscreen, I opted for the larger OEM “touring” screen). You generally won’t pass another on any given day, and sometimes be the only Guzzi at bike night. Exclusivity only adds to the appeal.

Best,

Michael Skinner

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10/10/25

Does the Motoguzzi V100 fit in here?

Paul Crollini

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10/10/25

Being a rider with greying temples I concur with the sentiment of sports tourers. When I returned to riding after many years I purchased a well used Honda ST1100. When it was time to upgrade I purchased a roadster of Italian make and enjoyed that but missed the sport touring package. A few years ago I picked up a fairly low mileage, clean, 2004 Ducati ST4S which I have slowly fallen in love with. The fact it is all analog I find very appealing as well as somewhat unforgiving. Other than my hands going numb in short order I have no other complaints. Oh, and Desmo maintenance. It’s awesome in the twisties, and still looks exotic, if a bit dated. Brakes are exceptional, at least for my level. Mileage is pretty good and other than the hand thing it’s pretty comfortable on longer rides. If Ducati offered a current version I probably couldn’t afford it but I’d lust for it anyway. Just sayin.’

Ken Hancock

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10/11/25

Sports tourer, i have and have had many bikes, sport, touring, mx, enduro, trials,track.

Faverit is Honda stx1300 abs, it does everything, first purchased in 2002, i will Never sell it, second best Suzuki gsxr 11,00 new in 1998, it blew my mind, thanks to Mat Oxleys road test.Ducati 916 new1994 what a statement.

Only new bike that gets me reved up is Ducati multistrads v4s.

Long live the sports tourer, bring back the Pan please.

Robin Theasby

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10/11/25

We have an fjr (ex police bike). Wouldn’t have anything else 

Natalie Stansby

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10/11/25

I love classic, no longer sport touring bikes. That’s why I fix up and ride old Goldwings. I find the aesthetics and ergonomics of old bikes just right for me, so i learned to fix them and keep them on the road. Perhaps more riders could learn the joy and satisfaction of keeping old bikes alive! It’s not for everybody, but it sure is fun!.

Andy Wheat

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10/11/25

You’ve left out what to me is the ultimate sport tourer and the current model can still be had . It’s the BmwR12 / 1250/ 1300 RS .

Light weight ,low seat, fast , fairly agile , comfortable, full fitted luggage and shaft drive . Only a manually adjustable windscreen though!

I’ve had my Iconic version for 10 years done 70k miles on it and no problems both solo and two up with luggage.

It’s the BMW no one bought for some reason but a much underestimated bike . I’m 76+ now and regularly put in 4to 600 mile days on it .

I’m only selling it because I’m leaving this sad little UK and returning to live in Canada and Canadian DOT won’t let me import a non Canadian spec ( lights running lights etc etc) motorcycle.

However I hope to buy similar over there .

Regards Mike Donovan

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10/11/25

This is indeed an unfortunate turn of events as I find these kind of bikes perfect for me, offering the hybrid machine they are in the 600-670 pound weight range. I am not comfortable for long on a true sport bike nor am I wanting to be aboard a 850+ pound “touring bike or bagger”.

To say that about all that is left if you want an ST is the BMW. R1300 RT is also dismaying due to the price tag involved and I think they really laid an egg insofar as styling goes. For upwards of $32K one should not only get all that engineering, but be able to enjoy looking at their machine, which is NOT the case with this bike.The damn thing is ugly with a crappy choice of colors to boot.

And hey, what’s with the trend towards DCT? Is the market really telling manufacturers we are all getting too lazy or feeble to squeeze and pull in a clutch lever?

C’mon, man!!!!

Tom Sigerfoos

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10/11/25

I’m hopeful sport touring is making a comeback and new sport touring models will come back. One of my current bikes is a 2016 bmw r1200rt. It’s a great sport tourer and I’m happy to see that BMW has introduced the r1300rt! I’m also a previous owner of a 2005 Yamaha FJR 1300, which was also a great sport tourer. I was very saddened to see that Yamaha dropped it from its lineup. I’m hopeful they will rethink their decision and bring the great FJR back!

With the above said I’m also entertaining the thought of a future sport tourer such as the Ducati Multistrada, KTM 1390 Super Duke GT, and the Yamaha Tracer. While a driveshaft is nice it’s not mandatory for me on a sport tourer. The above 3 models may not have the long distance comfort of an RT or FJR, but they’re significantly lighter which is a big plus.

Allen Faber

current Rider subscriber

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10/11/25

i previously owned 2003 kawasaki concourse, yamaha 2018 trace 900. What was great bike , I trades in for 2024 BMW R1250rt something more touring.With bigger wind screen cruise control, thicker seat. The sport tourers i think help us 70 & 80 babies feel still young. the Honda gold wings were for “older people” As we aged we didnt want to lose that sport feel.But, we want comfort now. shame there arent more up right seating bikes available 

Derek Shuster

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10/11/25

Man that article about the lack of a proper sport tour bike hit home with me. I picked up a ’97 ST1100 new in ’98. I have put over 134k on it and and loved every mile. As a side benefit my wife loves it too. I wanted to embrace newer tech so I started looking a few years ago and decided on a 2019 Mulitstrada 1260S. Picked it up in Houston and rode it home to NW IN. My excitement quickly wore off after a couple days on it. I changed the seat and rode it for 18K but just never could get really comfortable with it, like my ST. The multi is wonderful, but I just dont care for the upright seating and wide bars. It’s for sale now. After looking around and considering my Multi I realized that almost all the so called sport tour bikes out there are derived from adventure bikes, so they really are adventure tour. I looked harder this time and whilst the RT is close I find it more in line with the Gold Wing than my ST. For now I am torn between the BMW R1250/1300RS and the Moto Guzzi V100 Mondello. I have ridden both and they are so close. In my mind the Mondello might have the edge. It’s not afraid to show off its engine! Today it seems as if most mfg’s are hiding the engine in fairing or subduing them.

I would love to see both of these bikes in some sort comparison. Since there are so few true sport tours you could also do a sport tour vs adventure tour comparison and then see which bike is better of each type and then overall which is better, sport tour or adventure tour.

Also – Quinn is great!

Regards,

Fred Oosterhoff

Long time subscriber

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10/11/25

You should also include the Moto Guzzi V100 in your list of Sport Tourers. Put a higher windshield on it and is as good as, or better than, the Yamaha Tracer which you included in your list. I have about 30,000 km on mine and it has proved to be one of the best handling and reliable machine I have owned. This includes at least 30 bikes over t8 years of riding. The latest model even includes adaptive cruise control.

I’m 74 and traded in my 2010 C14 Kawasaki because I wanted something lighter.

Keep up the good writing.

Glen Cavers, Canada

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10/11/25

Having owned a 2006 Honda ST1300 for 11 years and having piled up countless thousands of trouble-free kilometres on it, I can tell you that the world needs it (our something similar from Honda) back again. I feel the same way about the Yamaha FJR. An equally great bike for sport touring. There’s something wonderful about riding a bike hard, all day, in dry or wet weather, and getting off feeling un-fatigued and looking forward to doing it all over again tomorrow.

Big Steve Nemeth, Ontario, Canada

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10/11/25

What a great article but unfortunately it is one hundred percent accurate. I am 44 and rode sportbikes since I was 16. Getting into my 30s and having the extra money to travel and buy more expensive bikes I upgraded to a 2012 Kawasaki Concourse. After some cross country trips I realized I wanted cruise control and the stereo wouldn’t be bad either. I upgraded to a low mileage 2013 Triumph Trophy. Love the bike but hard to get parts and upgrades. BMWs are so expensive to buy and upkeep comparably. Plus I have to ride hours to the nearest BMW dealership. There are no options and I’m now trying to figure out to change my riding style with a different genre of bike styles or bite the bullet with a BMW. My dream is Honda would bring a bike back in this dying group. I just love being able to travel and hit corners aggressively with no height clearance issues.

Tyler Nevins

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10/11/25

I own a Triumph Trophy SE. I think the industry has made a huge mistake with cancelling this segment of bikes. We don’t want to ride in dirt nor take a trip in a bike that weighs as much as its displacement.

Neil Hamilton

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10/12/25

After over a decade and many cross-country tours on my ST1300A (with a PanEuropean top box), I concluded I needed something with all the ST1300A benefits but that is easier to handle when stopped. A 2021 Goldwing was the surprising choice. The low center of gravity makes it easier to handle when stopped, despite weighing (only) 50 pounds more wet. It has ABS, electric windshield, gobs of power, fantastic torque, LED lights, shaft drive, and bonus cruise control (which I mostly use to avoid speeding tickets). The only downside was a small loss of luggage capacity. I admit, I am not a regular peg dragger, but the Wing loves to lean, so the fun factor has actually increased for me.

Having ridden the older Wings, it seems to me Honda was intentional about blending touring and sports touring in the new Wing. It may not look like a sports touring bike, but it mostly acts like one. Works for me.

David Chapman

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10/12/25

Just reading your article on Sports Tourers and I couldn’t agree more about the seemingly unnecessary loss of options in this sector.

I currently have a Honda ST1300 Pan European, as do 3 other of my riding companions. Most of us previously had the ST1100 and so have put what must be close to a million miles, on those machines, between us.

Shaft drive, integrated luggage, and mile munching ability is high priorities, for sure. The Pan is an awesome bike, but was killed off too early, IMHO. It could and should have been developed further, with upgrades like a sixth gear/overdrive, cruise control, lighter weight, and/or reverse when manoeuvring at slow speed, parking etc. A comfier seat, lowering system at standstill are other desiring upgrades.

The RT is a great bike, but the panniers are wider than the bars, (which is the opposite on The Pan – 1100 & 1300), and it looks and feels a bit agricultural. The GT is too expensive and zero protection from a tip over (The Pan has “wings” which make a lie down trouble free).

As a result I/we have stuck with our Pans.

Come on Honda. Give us a new Pan. 

Garry Pennington

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10/12/25

I ride a 07 bmw rt1200. It is THE bike for long trips. Is it a beast? Yes. But it handles the road so well from long straight aways to being able to get twisty. For someone who does a lot of riding for travel, the set up of the sport tourer is absolutely ideal. Granted, I like to do a lot of camping and the curvaceous bmw luggage, while fitting a good amount of stuff, just doesn’t cut it for being on the road for 5-10 days moving from camp site to camp site. So I had to modify the luggage a bit by mounting some modular tool boxes I got at harbor freight to carry the camping gear.

The RT has 92000 miles, I bought it with 78000 2 years ago. It’s taken me across most of oregon.

It’s definitely not a bike you ride around town, although you could. It’s a bike that likes to explore the challenges the open road has to offer.

I’m not in the market for a new bike, we’ll, that’s actually never true. I’m always ready for a new bike, but I keep an eye on new offerings and I was also sad that the range of true sport tourers has shrunk. Guys when I’m ready, I’ll just have to buy another RT. 😁

Thanks for the article!  

Shane

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10/13/25

Your article written by Greg Drevenstedt, The Sport-Tour is Dead, I look to the past and future of the enjoyment my wife and I have first with my 1992 Honda St1100 ABS/TCS and my 2018 BMW R1200RT. I still own the ST but use my RT for my main bike. The K1600 GT is about 140 pounds heavier than the RT…..no thanks, tho the seat height is about an even for a stock setups.

I’ll continue to ride the machines I own until I see a bike that has the power, handling, winds screen coverage, panniers, seat height and weight similar to my RT. Only then I might be tempted to “upgrade”.

Brad Richelson

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10/14/25

What is a sport touring motorcycle?

I consider my 1981 Suzuki GS1000G (with soft saddlebags and tank bag) to be a sport touring bike. She was a wonderful bike, and easily big enough for 2 up.

My next bike was a 1993 Kawasaki Concours. My first actual dedicated sport touring bike, which I rode for 10 years.

The Kawasaki was followed by a 1997 BMW R1100RT. A wonderful bike.

So, I now ride a 2019 BMW Grand America. A sport touring bike? A bit on the heavy side, but handles like a sport bike and has gobs of power with a tank large enough to ride most of the day.

There may not be as many choices considered “sport touring bikes”, but many bikes can fill the need.

Jeff Tyner

Beverly, MA

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10/14/25

This is in response to the first gear article Greg wrote about the sport touring bikes vanishing from production.

I totally agree with Greg. I’ve had four great sport tourers. My first was a 1998 Honda ST. After several modifications, heli bars, and corbin seat, I rode all over the US. but with mileage piling up, and riding in the mountains with a carburated bike, along with niceties, like ABS, and fuel injection,

It was time for an update. I traded the bike in on a 2010 ST. Another fine Honda motorcycle, until it slammed, and me, into the side of a jeep. But I found a used 2009 with hardly any miles. I rode that until 2016, when I decided mileage was getting high, and as I got older than dirt, wanted heated grips and cruise control. Honda decided not to upgrade the ST. Yamaha filled that desire. But now, there are no choices that truly fit the name, except BMW. And while they make a great bike, it’s just not what I want. If there is another bike in my future, it’ll probably be a used FJR with low miles. After all, I have all the accessories already! just put them on the new bike!

Ronald Nucech, Buhl, MN

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10/15/25

How true it is…..

I bought this bike (Ducati ST4S for commuting to work, week end trips with the club, riding in the hills for fun and taking the wife out for a week end away.

It low seat height makes it easier than my past BMW , which was loverly to ride , tip toe at a stop or parking can be an effort.

I think even Ducati have lost the element of protection from a fairing that the ST range provided. Maybe people just like to get wet!

120 hp ( 88 kw) is ample to get you moving , especially at 9000rpm. So any current motor in the same configuration would be fantastic !

Well I’m keeping mine , till I can’t ride .

Doug Atkinson

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10/15/25

Quite a fine article and very accurate. I needed to purchase a large displacement motorcycle to ride from Colorado to Key West in the spring. I own a 1250 GSA and get pretty beat up with dirty wind on unavoidable interstates. I looked at the FJR, the concourse, The Goldwing, and settled on a fine 2020 BMW K 1600 GT. I’ve joined the BMW motorcycle club of Colorado, and realize I’m the youngest member at age 65. That’s what this is about, age. I would not want to be in the industry today trying to figure out what to make that these young people will buy today.

Mike Kmetz

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10/15/25

I think you missed a great one. The BMW R 1250 RS, has optional bags, all day comfortable, decent wind protection and much better handling than the larger options. Its shift cam tech provides substantial torque, from low end till redline.

I have done several 3000 mile tours from the switch backs of the Rockies and Sierras, to the insufferable tedium of Kansas, to the grand sweepers of Utah. The bike is easy to ride,

and more fun in the twisties than anything this comfortable has a right to be.

For what it’s worth, my two previous bikes were Concourse 14s. The BMW is quicker, better handling and more comfortable on the long days, by a lot.

Ted Erikson

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10/15/25

Hi Just read your email about sports touring motorcycles I have a BMW R1200RT 2013 90-year. Its has more computers than I would like but have managed to get replacement spare parts ( hard drive reprogramed to my bike) Its the best all round bike I have owned in 50 years of bike ownership. I also own a R 100 RS 1977 model and have no intentions of buying a new bike as they are telling customers that they need all these electronics but do we really? I have owned many makes and models over the years and still feel a lighter less complicated sports touring bike is the way to go.

Gary Young

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10/16/25

I’m riding a 2003 BMWK1200GT with 129K. I’ve been looking for a new bike for 5 years. Getting old. Don’t need the weight of the 1300 RT. Where are the 800-900 cc models loaded for touring and with top notch amenities? I have the money, I need the bike. All manufacturers are missing the mark an my age group of riders. I sit around a lot of campfires with folks who feel like I do. We may only have two or three new bikes left in our lives.

John Colleton

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10/17/25

   I liked all of the sport touring bikes in your May 2013 test. Sport tourers are lighter than all out touring bikes which I like. I had a Kawasaki Concours (1987 I believe) for 17 years and liked it very well. I believe the only thing I ever had to repair on it was front fork seals. In 2006 I was wanting a new motorcycle and purchased a Harley Davidson VRSCR (Street Rod) and I loved it as well. The engine ran with very little vibration, was very smooth above 65 MPH and handled great, but the seat was like sitting on a board. Still I put over 100,000 miles on it in 16 years. Harley Davidson made a mistake by not using this platform for a sport tourer (with a better seat). The wife had always liked riding with me when we had time away from other activities so when the kids were out of the house I purchased a 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Glide. Very comfortable for two up touring and we made three long trips from our northeast Indiana home out west to Yellowstone, Glacier National Part, and south into New Mexico and Texas. We have also made trips around lake Michigan, east into Pennsylvania then down to ride part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I retired in 2020 and in 2022 I sold the Ultra Glide and the VRSCR and purchased a 2019 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra. The summer of 2023 we made the last of our three trips out west and when we returned the wife said she did not want to do any more long motorcycle trips, and that if I wanted to purchase a lighter motorcycle for myself I should do it.

   I never cared for the BMW boxer engine layout, and I think six cylinder engines in motorcycles is over kill. I had never owned a three cylinder bike, so as kind of a motorcycle bucket list that is what I started looking for.

I showed the wife a Yamaha Tracer 9, and she said she would still like to ride occasionally and that it looked pretty small for a passenger. We stopped at a Triumph dealer and all of their current 900 and 1200 bikes have upswept mufflers (ruling out the pure sport bikes) and I would not ask my wife to ride with a muffler under here leg. At the time I did not remember what they called it, but I knew that Triumph did make a sport touring bike.

I searched the internet and found that the Triumph Trophy SE was what I was looking for. It was early October by then and the first two dealer that I called who had used Trophy’s advertised had sent them to actions. The third dealer was about 200 miles away, but I went and purchased a 2015 with the side luggage cases. It is the best handling and has the best wind protection of any motorcycle I have ever owned and you cannot purchase any brand of new motorcycle like it.

    Not to pick on Triumph, but they offer four different models of the 1200 and all are adventure bike platforms with upswept mufflers, take one of them, put a low muffler and better wind protection on it, They could use a belt drive instead of shaft drive for clean and low maintenance. I am 70 years old so the Trophy is probably the last motorcycle I will own, unless someone offers something very much like it.

Thank you

Harley Rensch

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10/18/25

Mr. Drevenstedt,

  I was intrigued with the editorial in the October issue of Rider, and it got me thinking about the whole ‘sport touring’ moniker.

  I started riding in 1983, with a Kawasaki 440 LTD. Having a family and a mortgage required recreational spending was rare, but I rode that bike for all it was worth. Learned a great deal, scared myself several times, and later found myself yearning for more comfort over longer distances.

  Life happens, and I found myself not moving up to a bigger bike until 2020 when I bought a 22018 Harley Sport Glide. Man, I love that bike; it gets ridden much like the old Kawasaki; meaning as often as I can. NOW we can start doing distances in comfort. With the factory bags, I can carry a small kit of things with me, have a place to stash my jacket, and get around 150 miles before fueling.

  Back in the ’80’s, the whole idea of ‘sport touring’ was very attractive to me. Like the Yamaha FJ1100 of the day, you could strap on a tank bag and a set of toss-over soft saddle bags, and go anywhere. The emphasis was shorter trips, say a weekend or so. You didn’t need a big full “touring” bike like an Electra Glide or the like. Sport touring seemed to me to be all about using your daily driver sport bike and just go, and being able to keep the ‘sport’ part of it all along the way. Big luxo-liner touring bikes were hardly ‘sporty’…

  Now days, I think the whole ‘sport touring’ segment is as confused as are the automotive offerings, about what the makers want their product to do. Cars are almost a side segment, with ponderous SUV’s being market leading items. I’ll take a Mazda 3 any day over a Cadillac Escalade, thank you!

  Motorcycles have gone much the same way; the market is confused with the offerings so much that ‘sport touring’ ends up being just how you use the bike that you have. Even the big Harleys and BMW’s that exist in the touring market segment are so very capable, that ‘sport’ might rightfully be spoken regarding their performance. Technology has taken care of that for us.

  One thing I wish the stylists would move away from is using all the straight lines and sharp corners in their designs. Some of the recent bikes are so chopped and angled that that almost look like an insect to me. I guess folks like that look, but I think we ought to move back to rounded, flowing lines, but that’s just me.

  Even the current ‘sport’ bikes can be used long distance, with the use of soft bags and such; if you can be comfortable riding it, then go; Its sporting ability is still available.

  So, is the marketing label ‘sport touring’ really a valid title? I don’t think so. Not anymore. It’s just about using what you have in the way you want to use it and are comfortable in doing so.

  So there is my 2 cents worth. Thanks for the great magazine every month. I read them all cover to cover, and they are read in my recliner, not in the throne!

Regards,

Charles Castell

West Lafayette, IN

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10/21/25

Hi gang,

I am 67 now. Before sport tourer I would outfit my bike to be one. Saddle bags, givi trunks etc. We road everywhere in the northeast moto camping.

I had a 79 Honda CB750F and 82 Kawasaki GPz 1100 DFI.

Then got a produced as a sport tourer a Honda ST1100 and added a Givi trunk. Two more of my each bought one too. What a bike. V4 with shaft drive. We had great travels on that bike 🏍. I rode that till 2002. Went to a dream bike for me…the BMW K1200lt. Again for me a beautiful Sport Touring big in all aspects.

So just last spring after seeing a bike initially a couple years prior on a showroom floor I went to check out the 2023 version that was available at my local dealer. The new model had been tweaked and I was very happy with the 23 version for my needs. To me you this is a sport tourer of today. It’s is far different from what the earlier generations were.

It is the Honda Goldwing. She’s trimmed down and handles phenomenally. The other that should count as a sport tourer is the BMW K1600gtl.

I love them both but the GW fits my body dimensions better.

Thanks for your great articles!!!!

Mark Debitetto, Tamworth, NH

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10/22/25

Moto Guzzi makes a few models, My 04 Honda ST1300 has 228,00 miles is still running strong sold, 3 years ago. I own BMW R1200RT 2015 model year. At age 75 a lot of bike to handle at times.

I like the MG for the sake of a drive shaft. Simple engine design, been around since Jesus was a boy, an still running stronger than ever. U might want to look them over a little closer?

Bob Dantinne

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10/22/25

Yes , there’s really not much available for two up riding comfortably other than the BMW RT tho the R & RS could both be so equipped, but the price for admission is certainly not cheap nor is the maintenance. The BMW S 1000 XR is also fairly comfortable for two , however my wife’s limited mobility makes it nearly impossible for her to get on & off . Ahh you say what about your Moto Guzzi V 100 Mandello ? Well , my wife’s knees are sky high & too uncomfortable for any long distance. And as Joe stated the rest of the class is either too sporty or too tall & I’ll add too small for two up comfort. But maybe Tracer 7 GT will work if we get it here ? Tiger 800 once again too small for two . Honestly, my Bonnieville T120 platform could be made into a sport tour. I wish triumph would do it, but they won’t. Harley and Indians 800+ pounds just make it a no go me. If Yamaha could breed the R9 & the tracer 9 GT and add shaft drive that work …….., I long for any of my 3 VFR’s I owned . Maybe Honda will surprise us with a true sport touring model with V3 turbo . As is for two up touring I keep rolling with my RT 1200 10 yrs old but still just an absolutely amazing mode of transport. I checked out the new one at barber couple weeks back ,beautiful but $ 36,000 for the way that I would equip it , WAAY too much money.

Phil Plautz

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10/22/25

I’ve had a lot of bikes. My FJR1300 was among the top three, great tourer, elec windshield, and enough power to meet the occasional “need for speed”. These days with aging motorcyclists that still like to ride I believe the OEM’s are missing an entire category; lighter, lower seat height performance oriented tourers. I know this because I have been looking for such a bike and bike weight is an everyday topic on the old motorcyclist FB forum. Lots of V-twin bagger types but most are too heavy to qualify as a “sport” bike even if you can accept the V-twin powerplants instead of a buttery smooth 4 cyl. Given us older types typically have a surplus of disposable funds you’d think the OEM product development guys would see this. An FJR type 600cc in line 4 with about 100+hp, integral luggage, elec windsheild, and a 28″ seat height would be just right.

Mark S., Avon MN

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10/23/25

I am on my fourth RT since 2004. A 2022 R1250RT. It is the best bike I’ve ever owned and I have owned tons. The R1300RT misses the mark IMO. Of course being 69 yo plays a big part in this. Bigger, heavier and more complex is not always the answer. As I grow older I long for a somewhat smaller, lighter (475-500lb) boxer powered RT. I don’t need all of the TFT, riding modes, ESA, and hill control etc etc. Make it 850-900cc with heated grips/seat, cruise, shaft drive, electric shield, and manually adjustable suspension. A mount for a state of the art (read Apple Car Play) GPS sized tablet would be fine. Oh, add an old fashioned clutch with no quick shift while you’re at it. I have mounted a Garmin NAV VI on my ‘22 due to the well known frustrations of the BMW app. Me thinks this iteration might sell a few bikes. I believe older riders crave something similar to this regardless of brand or engine configuration. I wish bike manufacturers would take note.

Linc Gurley

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10/30/25

I have many of the same concerns as Joe Salz concerning sport-tourer motorcycles. I rode a Honda ST1100x for a trouble-free 100k miles and 20 years. Like Joe, I couldn’t find a suitable replacement. I thought the ST1300 was too heavy and bulky. The FJR Yamaha didn’t offer enough wind and rain protection. The Concours was also too bulky and heavy. The BMW’s too expensive. The ST1100 was only about 640 lbs and was a flawless, rock-solid touring machine. Unfortunately, there was nothing to replace it with. All the other bikes you mentioned in the article were discontinued or too expensive for me. So yes, those of us who favored sport-tourers were left with little to choose from and are much worse off. If only the manufacturers could have put out an updated ST1100 that didn’t weigh seven or eight hundred pounds. I would have been the first in line!

Donald Hawes

Mount Pleasant, WI