2022 Sport Touring Motorcycles: Your Perfect Ride

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! If you're into motorcycles and love the idea of hitting the open road for some serious miles, then you've probably heard of sport touring motorcycles. These bikes are like the superheroes of the motorcycle world, blending the performance of a sportbike with the comfort and practicality of a touring machine. In 2022, the sport touring category was absolutely buzzing with incredible options, making it a fantastic time to be in the market for one. We're talking about bikes that can carve canyons on the weekend and eat up highway miles during the week, all while keeping you comfortable and entertained. Let's dive into some of the best sport touring motorcycles of 2022 and explore what makes them so awesome.

What Makes a Sport Touring Motorcycle?

So, what exactly is a sport touring motorcycle? Well, it's a bit of a hybrid, as I mentioned before. It's designed for riders who want the best of both worlds. You get the performance of a sportbike, meaning a powerful engine, agile handling, and a fun riding experience. But, you also get the comfort and features of a touring bike, like a more upright riding position, comfortable seats, wind protection, and often, luggage capacity. This means you can comfortably ride for hours on end, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country adventure. Key features that define a sport touring bike include a powerful engine, often a parallel-twin, inline-four, or V-twin; a comfortable riding position with relaxed ergonomics; effective wind protection, usually a fairing and windscreen; luggage options, such as side cases or a top case; and a range of tech features, such as cruise control, rider modes, and advanced suspension systems. Think of it this way: a sport touring bike is your ultimate all-rounder, ready for anything from a spirited Sunday ride to a week-long road trip. You can easily navigate twisty roads and eat up highway miles with ease.

Top Sport Touring Motorcycles of 2022

Now, let's get into the good stuff – the motorcycles themselves! Here are some of the standout sport touring bikes from 2022, each offering its own unique blend of performance, comfort, and features. These bikes set the standard for the category, and they were, and still are, highly sought after by riders who want to do it all.

BMW R 1250 RS

When we're talking about the best of the best, we have to start with BMW. The BMW R 1250 RS is a fantastic example of a sport touring machine, combining the iconic Boxer engine with a sporty chassis and a host of premium features. The heart of the R 1250 RS is its 1,254cc Boxer engine, which delivers plenty of power and torque for both spirited riding and comfortable touring. The engine's distinctive sound and character are part of what makes the BMW experience so special. The bike features a comfortable riding position, with a well-padded seat and effective wind protection, making long rides a breeze. BMW is known for its advanced technology, and the R 1250 RS is no exception. It comes equipped with features like adaptive headlights, a TFT display, rider modes, and electronic suspension, all designed to enhance the riding experience. With its blend of performance, comfort, and technology, the BMW R 1250 RS is a top contender in the sport touring category and a favorite among many riders. You're getting one of the most well-rounded and refined bikes on the market.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Next up, we have the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. The Tracer 9 GT is known for its blend of performance and practicality. It's powered by an 890cc inline-three engine, which provides a thrilling riding experience with plenty of power and a distinctive sound. The Tracer 9 GT also offers a comfortable riding position, adjustable suspension, and a range of features designed for touring, such as integrated side cases and a quickshifter. One of the standout features of the Tracer 9 GT is its advanced electronics package. It includes features like a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), which controls rider aids such as traction control and slide control, as well as cornering ABS and adaptive cruise control. This technology enhances both safety and the overall riding experience. The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and technology, making it a versatile and capable sport touring machine. If you're looking for a bike that's equally at home on twisty roads and long stretches of highway, the Tracer 9 GT is definitely worth considering.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

Let's move on to the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. The Ninja 1000SX is a sport touring machine that brings a blend of performance and everyday usability. It's powered by a 1,043cc inline-four engine, known for its smooth power delivery and exciting performance. The engine provides plenty of power for both spirited riding and comfortable cruising, while the bike's chassis offers agile handling and a stable feel. The Ninja 1000SX is equipped with features like a comfortable riding position, a well-designed fairing for wind protection, and integrated luggage options. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX also features an advanced electronics package, including rider modes, traction control, and cruise control. It's a great choice for riders who want a versatile bike that can handle a variety of riding situations. The bike offers a winning combination of performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a popular choice in the sport touring category.

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

And now for something a little different, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S. This bike takes the sport touring concept to the next level with its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. The heart of the Multistrada V4 S is its V4 Granturismo engine, which delivers incredible power and a thrilling riding experience. The engine's smooth power delivery and distinctive sound are a highlight of the bike. The Multistrada V4 S is equipped with features like electronic suspension, a TFT display, radar-based cruise control, and blind spot detection. This bike is all about providing the rider with the best possible experience, whether it's a short commute or a long adventure. The Ducati Multistrada V4 S truly shines when it comes to technology and performance. It's a premium machine that sets a new standard for sport touring motorcycles.

Choosing the Right Sport Touring Motorcycle

So, with all these amazing options, how do you choose the right sport touring motorcycle for you? Well, it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

  • Riding Style: Do you prefer a sporty riding experience, or do you prioritize comfort and long-distance capability? Some bikes lean more towards performance, while others focus on comfort and practicality. You have to figure out what suits your style best.
  • Budget: Sport touring motorcycles range in price, from more affordable options to premium models with all the bells and whistles. Set a budget to narrow down your choices.
  • Features: What features are important to you? Do you need luggage capacity, advanced electronics, or a specific riding position? Look at the features that align with your riding style and needs.
  • Test Ride: Always, always, always test ride any bike you're considering. This is the best way to determine if it's the right fit for you. Get a feel for the handling, the engine, and the overall riding experience.

The Future of Sport Touring Motorcycles

The sport touring motorcycle category is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of performance, technology, and comfort. We can expect to see further advancements in engine technology, such as more efficient and powerful engines, as well as the integration of alternative fuel sources, such as electric powertrains. Advanced electronics will continue to play a major role, with features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and advanced rider aids becoming more prevalent. Comfort and ergonomics will also be a key focus, with manufacturers striving to create bikes that are comfortable for long rides. And, of course, expect to see new and innovative designs that blend style, functionality, and performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the best sport touring motorcycle in 2022 means finding the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and features. The motorcycles we've discussed – the BMW R 1250 RS, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, and Ducati Multistrada V4 S – are all outstanding examples of what this category has to offer. They each bring their own strengths and unique characteristics to the table, ensuring there's a perfect bike for every rider. Whether you're planning weekend getaways or cross-country adventures, a sport touring motorcycle can transform your riding experience. So, do your research, consider your needs and preferences, and then get out there and enjoy the ride. Safe travels, and happy riding, guys!