Any sports touring motorcycle must meet high standards in order to be rightfully classified in this class. Usually bikes in this category heavy and sometimes expensive, are chosen by experienced motorcyclists, but within the class there are also inexpensive models with a friendly character that are suitable even for beginners. We, perhaps, will not compile the top 10 sports and touring motorcycles, but will consider the most interesting models in different price categories. Such a rating will be more objective, as it will help you choose the best models based on your requirements and budget.
Triumph Daytone 600
The British, after a cool attitude towards the TT 600 model, created Daytone. And like the previous model, it looked a bit like the CBR F4, so the Daytona is a completely new styling direction. The bike has definitely benefited from the aggressiveness, with a dynamically designed chess set up at the front with big lights, a nicely carved tank and a nice tail.
The new Triumph motorcycle was slightly faster than its predecessor and it performed quite well - it combined sporting aspirations with comfort similar to what we know from the CBR. The Daytona's engine produces 112 hp and its work culture has improved significantly. Top speed hovers at 250 km/h.
Fun fact: The Daytona 650 was created in 2005 and was on the market for just one year.
We travel in comfort - we make life brighter
Every trip on a sports-tourist motorcycle is an unforgettable experience for both driver and passenger. Traveling on such a vehicle is not just transportation, but also an opportunity to look at the surrounding landscapes, feel the wind blowing and simply enjoy the purr of a two-wheeled monster.
Let's look at the main advantages of such bikes:
- The sport-tourer moto is a unique combination of a sports and classic motorcycle. From the classics, this type of bike has adopted a comfortable low seating position, which is simply necessary for long trips. The aggressive appearance, powerful engine and improved handling of the model are taken from sports motorcycles. This symbiosis made it possible to achieve amazing characteristics that are so lacking in many modern bikes;
- These models perform great on the track. They are not pulled to the sides, the driver feels the road perfectly. Separately, I would like to note the stability - even if the front wheel gets into a hole or pothole, the steering wheel will not twist out of the motorcyclist’s hands, and he will calmly continue moving, without any consequences;
- From the classics, the sport-tourist received an extended tank, which allows it to cover enormous distances without additional refueling.
The latter indicator will be relevant on those sections of the route where there are practically no gas stations and there is simply no opportunity to refuel (it’s unlikely that anyone will want to carry an additional can of gasoline).
Honda CBR 600 F4i
Honda CBR 600 F4i, Honda 600cc
Motorcycles up to 600cc. The CBR 600 F4i is the least sporty bike on our list today - it's the only one with a full bench - although F4 fans can also buy the S version, which is sportier looking and a kilo lighter.
The 600cc CBR engine gives us 109bhp of power and is one of those engines on which Honda has built its reputation for reliable motorcycles. Yes, you can complain about the timing belt tensioner or voltage regulator - but these are minor things. There are a lot of good things to say about these engines and machines because many people choose these devices to perform their stunts.
Don't be fooled by the convenient layout of the controls - the F4i, as befits a sports segment, can accelerate to 250 km/h. The motorcycle is also ideal for everyday use, it is not afraid of motorways, as well as exits to the track - although it is not specifically made for riding. This fact has not stopped Honda from conquering the market, and currently among the used cars is the CBR.
HOW MUCH WILL A MOTORCYCLE CAN GO ON ONE TANK?
The question of what maximum distance a motorcycle can cover at one gas station rarely worries those for whom a bike is nothing more than a weekend pastime.
But for real hardcore motorcycle travelers, who are ready to cover more than a thousand kilometers in a day, the capacity of the fuel tank and the consumption per hundred sometimes become more important than the natural needs for food and water. In remote areas, where the distance between gas stations exceeds two hundred or even three hundred kilometers, fuel supply and its consumption can become a matter of life and death.
Meanwhile, many motorcycle manufacturers do not always provide customers with accurate data on how far a bike can travel on one tank of gas. This can be explained quite simply: the engine power, its torque, the carrying capacity of luggage cases and the capacity of the fuel tank are easy to calculate, but fuel consumption, and therefore the distance that can be covered without refueling, are individual factors that largely depend on the biker’s driving style . Therefore, motorcycle companies provide average fuel consumption data. However, the minimum consumption for a long-distance motorcycle is only one of two important components. The second is a spacious fuel tank.
It would seem: what is there to think? More capacity, less consumption – these are the key success factors. But you also need to stretch your legs, and lower consumption is usually associated with lower cubic capacity... which in turn complicates such banal things as staying ahead of passing traffic on the highway
And this can be really important, especially if you cannot normally get ahead of a truck traveling 90 and are forced to breathe its exhaust for kilometers
Conclusion: if your route will often run along major highways, an autonomy of 250-300 kilometers will be enough for you. If you have to choose gas stations extremely pickily or there are none at all, a large tank and low consumption will be undoubted advantages.
Kawasaki ZX6R
Kawasaki ZX6R, Kawasaki 600cc
In 2000, the new Kawasaki ZX6R debuted - finally, one might say, because the old model was already outdated. The new version was stylistically reminiscent of the ZX9R and 12-tke, more than the current Golf Passat. It offered the same power as the Triumph, but the character of the machine was decidedly more aggressive, with the Kawasaki being more assertive when accelerating, having longer gears, better brakes and a decidedly sportier stance.
In 2003, the first version of the 636 debuted, still in the old barn but with a completely new engine, increasing power to around 120 hp. At the moment this is a really cool motorcycle at a reasonable price. Of course, you should be careful to buy a model that has been properly treated and has not been used in tricks.
Sports tourist motorcycles are the best in their class
If you are a beginner and have just begun to conquer domestic roads, then the well-known Kawasaki 33P 400 will be the best option in your class. This is not to say that this bike has excellent characteristics, but it is ideal for a beginner. Aggressive style, average performance and excellent handling parameters - what else does a novice motorcyclist who has decided to become one of the “kings of the roads” need? Kawasaki of this modification is an excellent solution, proven by time and many bikers. The only drawback of the bike is that if there is a passenger, it becomes very difficult to control, which is not comfortable on long trips.
Suzuki GSXR 600 K1-k3
Suzuki GSXR 600 K1-k3, 600cc sportbike
Simultaneously with Kawasaki, a new 600 cc motorcycle Gixxer debuted. The Suzuki engine produces 115 hp, propelling the car to 263 km/h. Despite its oval shape, the GSX-R is a lighter design than the CBR by as much as 7 kg.
The GSX-R, like the Kawasaki, gives us a tight, sporty stance at the controls. The long and cracked tank forces us to lean over, and the windshield does a pretty good job of blocking the wind. Suzuki sport bikes are considered classic sports bikes that are capable of much - if maintained correctly.
Brief summary
Sports tourist motorcycles are a relatively new phenomenon on the global motorcycle market. There are not so many fans of such bikes, because they are not suitable for street and track racing. Despite this, the sport-tourist biker movement is gaining momentum, which is attractive to many beginners. Long trips, adventures and high levels of comfort are guaranteed.
If you decide to join the ranks of “sports tourists,” everything is in your hands. Low cost coupled with excellent stability will please even the discerning “rider”.
Yamaha R6, top sports motorcycle
Yamaha R6, sportbike 600
The king of motorcycles from the golden period of the sport, the 600 series. The Yamaha R6 debuted in 1999 and immediately made the womb go wild, even among the male group. A beautiful, light, compact and very sharp sports car. The halls were buzzing - Yamaha had done a great job and this period was undoubtedly theirs.
The R6, although slightly heavier than the Gixx, offered 5 hp more. more, he loved to take turns and roared at the same time as in rage. To achieve this, it has an excellent braking system and good suspension.
It was only after minor shortcomings emerged that high performance was paid for with less reliability. Poor transmission design, i.e. the two dropping out, has plagued Yamaha to this day. In addition, high mileage engines liked to “drink” oil while driving (without stopping in place). There is a lot of used R6 motorcycles on the market - however, buying a well-maintained copy is more difficult, but if you manage to do it, you may fall in love with it.
Post Views: 27,893
Choose the appropriate option
When a person is eager to buy a motorcycle for long distances, it is important not just to come to the store and purchase the first product that comes across, but to pay some attention to the main criteria. Brand and cost are not always an indicator of reliability and quality, especially when choosing a motorbike for travel, where irresponsibility can lead to dire consequences. In order not to waste money and buy a reliable “iron comrade”, it is important to pay attention to the following criteria:
In order not to waste money and buy a reliable “iron comrade”, it is important to pay attention to the following criteria:
Road surface. If a person chooses a quiet and affordable journey on the highway, then 90% of the proposed models are suitable for such purposes. For off-road use, select an appropriate bike that is designed for this purpose. Weight. Everything is simple here, the lower the total weight (not only the motorcycle, but also the passenger, bags, and driver are taken into account), the better the handling will be
It is important to understand that in this case traction is sacrificed, but the user will not feel this if traveling on the highway. Heavy motorbikes are designed for off-road use and only there will they reveal their potential. Travel duration
This factor makes it possible to determine the number of luggage compartments. Most often, they are small or large (depending on the model) metal cases. In some cases, plastic ones are produced. Bags are attached to luggage. For short distance trips – 300 km – three 90-liter panniers are considered the ideal option. If this is not enough, then you need to look at other models. Availability of a passenger. If you are planning a trip as a couple, you should buy a model with a comfortable back seat so that the person does not experience difficulties and remembers the trip only on the positive side. For long-distance travel, heavy motorcycles with a comfortable seat and large capacity are a suitable option. Sports options should not be considered. Difficulty of repair work. The reliability promised by the seller is good, but a responsible user should not listen, but independently inspect the vehicle and draw conclusions on maintainability, because no one will come from the service center if a person breaks down 1,000 km from the city. This is why it is important that the product has accessible parts and is repairable. It is possible to have an electronic diagnostic system that will immediately notify the user of malfunctions. A useful feature is the automatic chain oiler. Fuel tank volume. This is an important point that will make the trip less expensive. If a person buys a motorcycle for traveling in remote areas, then having a spacious fuel tank and low consumption is a must. A place to mount the canister is welcome. Comfort. Transport should be comfortable, have normal dimensions, adjustable seats, legs and other pleasant functions. This solution will make even the most difficult and exhausting journey easy.
Answer the question: “Which bike is better?” - difficult. Each person has their own tastes and selection criteria. The market offers not just one model to choose from, but thousands, which also differ by class.
Pros and cons of 400cc motorcycles
Advantages
- Affordable price . Some road motorcycle or cruiser with a 400cc engine can be bought for modest money, 130-150 thousand rubles.
- Moderate dimensions and weight . It is not difficult to physically handle such a bike, which is especially important for beginners.
- Economical . Fuel consumption during quiet driving will be low, and less oil will have to be poured into the engine than in a “liter” engine.
- Simplicity of design . Many 400cc motorcycles have been built for decades with minimal changes, and don't necessarily need to be taken to the dealer for repairs or maintenance if you have a garage, tools and a steady hand.
Flaws
- Cost of service . Spare parts for 400 cars often cost no less than for more powerful and expensive models from the same manufacturers.
- Owner's attitude . Many novice motorcyclists treat this cubic capacity as a pass, expecting to change the bike after a season. Therefore, they do not spend too much on maintenance, limiting themselves to oil changes and other small things. As a result, a motorcycle can change owners every year and not receive due attention to its technical condition.
- Age and condition . Most 400cc bikes on sale were produced a long time ago, although they are still produced in Japan. This is the law of the market - motorcycle dealerships do not buy fresh “400” cars, because they are more difficult to sell, because their price will be comparable to the cost of some twenty-year-old “liter”. So they bring everything to us from the Land of the Rising Sun, as long as it’s cheaper.
Enduro and motards
For the enduro class, 400cc is a serious cubic capacity and is by no means intended for beginners. Many experienced lovers of off-road riding opt for 250cc models, which are less heavy and capable of cheerfully mischief in the forest or in the field. Motards in this regard differ from them only in the place of operation - in the city instead of off-road.
Examples
- Honda XR400 . A legendary motorcycle with absolutely deserved fame. It seems that it can only be broken intentionally. It was produced in two versions, motard and enduro.
- Suzuki DR-Z400 . A direct analogue and competitor, it also had several modifications.
- Yamaha WR400F . Powerful hard enduro for experienced off-road conquerors. Not suitable for beginners due to its significant mass and explosive nature.
