Finding the perfect motorcycle that excels both on long tours and in the daily urban grind can feel like searching for a unicorn. Ideally, such a motorcycle would be comfortable enough for extended highway journeys yet nimble and manageable enough to navigate congested city streets. While converting a dedicated commuter bike into a capable tourer can be challenging, adapting a touring motorcycle for urban use is often more feasible. Here’s a look at ten motorcycles that strike a balance between touring comfort and urban practicality:
1. KTM 390 Adventure X
- Price: $5,899
The KTM 390 Adventure X distinguishes itself from its more off-road-oriented sibling, the 390 Adventure R, by prioritizing on-road performance. Its lightweight construction, responsive 40-horsepower engine, and six-speed gearbox make it well-suited for navigating city traffic. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the R model (it features an LCD instead of a TFT color display, and the suspension only has rear preload adjustment), it offers essential features such as a low seat height, a comfortable riding position, agile handling, and effective heat management, ensuring a comfortable experience even in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger
- Price: $6,799
The Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger enhances the standard Calibro 700 cruiser with added wind protection and hard luggage, transforming it into a more touring-oriented machine. While the fairing and luggage may require a bit more attention when filtering through traffic, the Calibro 700 Bagger remains relatively compact and lightweight. As a touring variant, it’s designed with rider comfort in mind, making it a pleasant choice for urban riding. Noteworthy features include a Gates carbon belt drive and exceptional value for its price.
3. Honda NX500
- Price: $7,399
The Honda NX500 often flies under the radar, but its balanced nature makes it an excellent option for both commuting and touring. Based on the CB500F, the NX500 incorporates long-travel suspension, enhancing its comfort for longer rides while retaining the desirable characteristics of a great city bike. Its smooth 471cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47 horsepower, strikes a sweet spot between adequate city performance and reasonable fuel consumption.
4. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Celestial
- Price: $7,899
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 exudes classic cruiser charm. Opting for the Celestial Blue variant adds a touring seat, passenger backrest, and windscreen. While the windscreen might be removed for city riding, the more comfortable seat will be appreciated. Its engine, while not the most powerful, delivers ample torque thanks to its 270-degree firing order. Moreover, the air-cooled engine design minimizes heat directed toward the rider’s legs, enhancing comfort in urban environments.
5. Suzuki V-Strom 650
- Price: $9,299
While the Super Meteor 650 deliberately evokes retro aesthetics, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 achieves a similar effect through its enduring design. Its core layout has remained largely unchanged for over a decade, with updates primarily focused on meeting evolving emissions standards. The V-twin engine is known for its smoothness and torque, providing a responsive and enjoyable riding experience. The V-Strom 650’s strengths lie in its ease of use and maintenance, combined with its rider-friendly nature.
6. Honda NC750X DCT
- Price: $9,499
The Honda NC750X DCT appears to be engineered specifically for urban riding. It features an upright riding position, an automatic gearbox (DCT), and a long-stroke engine that prioritizes torque, resulting in excellent fuel efficiency and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). A unique feature is its lockable storage compartment, large enough to accommodate a full-face helmet. Sharing its underpinnings with a scooter, the NC750X DCT is inherently designed for both touring and commuting.
7. Triumph Tiger Sport 660
- Price: $9,695
The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 serves as Triumph’s more affordable alternative to its traditional Tiger lineup. These tarmac-focused touring motorcycles also make excellent commuting companions. Despite having a three-cylinder engine, the Tiger Sport 660’s curb weight is comparable to its parallel-twin competitors. Standard features include a six-axis IMU, enabling cornering traction control and ABS. The addition of a quickshifter and cruise control further enhances its suitability for both city and highway riding.
8. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS
- Price: $10,099
The Kawasaki Versys 650 prioritizes reliability and approachability over flashy features and high horsepower. It’s a dependable and rider-friendly motorcycle, particularly for those new to motorcycling or the adventure-touring segment. Recent updates include an adjustable windshield, three-level traction control, and a five-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. However, at its core, the Versys 650 remains the same versatile motorcycle it has always been, equally capable in urban and open-road settings.
9. Honda Rebel 1100T DCT
- Price: $11,499
The Honda Rebel 1100T DCT follows a similar approach to the Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger, enhancing an already capable cruiser with a fairing and hard luggage to create a more touring-oriented machine. It retains the Rebel 1100’s desirable characteristics, such as easy handling and a low seat height, while adding practicality with increased luggage capacity. Notably, it’s the only cruiser-style tourer available with an automatic gearbox, simplifying urban riding to a matter of twisting the throttle and applying the brakes. Manual control is also available via handlebar-mounted buttons.
10. Honda NT1100 DCT
- Price: $11,899
The Honda NT1100 DCT is a sport-tourer that prioritizes agility, thanks to its 17-inch front wheel and tarmac-focused tires. Its upright riding position and high seat height provide good visibility and maneuverability in city traffic. Powered by the Rebel 1100’s engine, tuned to produce 100 horsepower, and equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the NT1100 DCT offers ample performance and ease of use. Ride modes, traction control, and ABS further enhance its suitability for navigating urban environments.
