Top 5 best sport touring motorcycles in 2026

Published on: Aug 15, 2026
Top 5 best sport touring motorcycles in 2026 alt

Summary

The models compared among the best 2026 sport touring bikes are the KTM 990 Duke, the Yamaha MT-07, the Triumph Trident 800, the Kawasaki Z650 and the CFMOTO 675NK.

  • 2026 CFMOTO 675NK: starting at $8,799, with 95 hp, a quickshifter and traction control.
  • 2026 Kawasaki Z650: starting at $9,499, an accessible choice producing 67 hp.
  • 2026 Yamaha MT-07: starting at $11,499, light and agile with a 74 hp engine.
  • 2026 Triumph Trident 800: starting at $11,695, with 115 hp and cruise control.
  • 2027 KTM 990 Duke: starting at $15,144, the most powerful with 121 hp.

The CFMOTO 675NK offers the best price, the Kawasaki Z650 is among the most accessible for a less experienced rider, and the KTM 990 Duke leads this comparison for power.

How to choose a sport touring motorcycle in 2026?

To find the best touring bike in 2026, you need to strike the perfect balance between performance and comfort.

Some riders prefer emphasizing a naked-style bike for maximum performance, while others prefer a heavier, more comfortable tourer.

Depending on your priorities, a different type of motorcycle could match your needs better.

Discover our unmatched inventory in Quebec. At Motos Illimitées, you will find the widest selection of recreational vehicles to suit every lifestyle.

Our pick of the best sport touring motorcycles 2026

KTM 990 Duke

Thanks to its naked configuration, the KTM 990 Duke is one of the best lightweight sport touring bikes.

The 990 Duke features a 5-inch dashboard that offers navigation and real-time performance.

It also comes with five riding modes, including Sport and Rain, so you can always get optimal performance.

Orange KTM 990 Duke riding on a track, motion blur effect.

Here is the spec sheet for one of the best sport-tourers in 2026:

Characteristics2027 KTM 990 Duke
Starting price$15,144
Engine2-cyl. 947 cm³
Power / torque121 hp / 76 lb-ft
Gearbox6-speed, manual
Dry weight395 lb.
Wheelbase1,476 mm
Seat height825 mm
Black Yamaha MT-07 parked at night with blue lighting.

Yamaha MT-07

Like the KTM 990, the MT-07 is a naked bike designed to maximize agility and urban performance.

Among other things, the Yamaha MT-07 offers switchable traction control, which lets you fully enjoy its sporty performance. It is one of the best sport touring motorcycles for tall riders.

The Yamaha MT-07 is known for using premium materials to keep you comfortable even on long trips.

Discover the Yamaha MT-07, one of the best sport touring motorcycles:

Characteristics2026 Yamaha MT-07
Starting price$11,499
Engine2-cyl. 689 cm³
Power / torque74 hp / 50 lb-ft
Gearbox6-speed, manual
Curb weight406 lb.
Wheelbase1,395 mm
Seat height805 mm

Need more information? Enjoy quick, personalized service at Motos Illimitées thanks to a professional team that guides you with clarity and confidence.

Triumph Trident 800

Heavier than the previous naked bikes, the Triumph Trident 800 is among the best sport touring motorcycles of the year.

It has a muscular look and comes equipped with an LCD dashboard, one-button cruise control and My Triumph connectivity for your mobile phone.

Dark red Triumph Trident 800 parked at night in the city.

A blend of power and technology, the Triumph Trident 800 is one of the best sport touring motorcycles with cruise control. Here are the details:

Characteristics2026 Triumph Trident 800
Starting price$11,695
Engine3-cyl. 798 cm³
Power / torque115 hp / 62 lb-ft
Gearbox6-speed, manual
Curb weight437 lb.
Wheelbase1,402 mm
Seat height810 mm
Green Kawasaki Z650 parked in front of an urban building.

Kawasaki Z650

The Kawasaki is also a naked bike, wearing a muscular, athletic style.

Like most Kawasaki motorcycles, it incorporates a range of advanced technologies, such as Kawasaki traction control, a 4.3-inch dashboard, smartphone connectivity and more.

Although engine output is a little lower, it remains ideal for enjoying the best motorcycle rides in Quebec. Great discoveries await.

A more modest engine makes it one of the best sport touring bikes for beginners, as you can see in the table below:

Characteristics2026 KAWASAKI Z650
Starting price$9,499
Engine2-cyl. 649 cm³
Power / torque67 hp / 47 lb-ft
Gearbox6-speed, manual return
Dry weight375 lb.
Wheelbase1,410 mm
Seat height805 mm

CFMOTO 675NK

The most affordable motorcycle on this list, the CFMOTO 675NK is also one of the best sport touring motorcycles.

The 675NK includes several sport technologies such as a quickshifter, an anti-lock braking system and traction control.

Black CFMOTO 675NK parked at night in a parking lot.

Here is a look at its spec sheet:

Characteristics2026 CFMOTO 675NK
Starting price$8,799
Engine3-cyl. 675 cm³
Power / torque95 hp / 52 lb-ft
Gearbox6-speed, manual
Dry weight416 lb.
Wheelbase1,400 mm
Seat height810 mm

Summary table of the best sport touring motorcycles 2026

Discover the best sport touring motorcycles of 2026 below:

Sport touring motorcyclesSelling price*EnginePower / torque (hp / lb-ft)Notable equipment
2027 KTM 990 Duke$15,1442-cyl. 947 cm³121 / 765 in. dashboard
Ride mode selection
2026 Yamaha MT-07$11,4992-cyl. 689 cm³74 / 50Switchable traction control
Premium materials
2026 Triumph Trident 800$11,6953-cyl. 798 cm³115 / 62One-button cruise control
LCD dashboard
Kawasaki Z650 260$9,499 (MSRP, fees excluded)2-cyl. 649 cm³67 / 47Kawasaki traction control
4.3 in. dashboard
2026 CFMOTO 675NK$8,7993-cyl. 675 cm³95 / 52Traction control
Quickshifter

* Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Selling prices are taken from the manufacturers' websites (July 2026).

To explore the best automatic or manual sport touring motorcycles, trust Motos Illimitées expertise, your motorcycle destination in Terrebonne, on the North Shore and near the island of Montreal.

Take advantage of our full range of attractive financing solutions, including 2nd and 3rd chance credit. A recreational vehicle is waiting for you.

FAQ

What is a sport touring motorcycle?

Sport touring motorcycles blend the performance of a sport bike with comfort designed for long trips, similar to a touring motorcycle.

What is the best sport touring motorcycle in 2026?

The best sport touring motorcycles in 2026 are the KTM 990 Duke, the Yamaha MT-07, the Triumph Trident 800, the Kawasaki Z650 and the CFMOTO 675NK.

Is a sport touring motorcycle suitable for travelling two-up?

Yes, most sport touring motorcycles are suitable for two-up travel.

Is a sport touring motorcycle suitable for a beginner?

Not really. Since it combines two types of motorcycles that are more demanding to ride, a sport touring motorcycle is not often recommended for beginners.

What is the difference between a sport touring motorcycle and a touring motorcycle?

A touring motorcycle focuses entirely on great comfort and room for cases on trips. A sport touring motorcycle gives up some space for more performance.

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