Motorcycles are inherently different from cars. Aside from being a two-wheeled vehicle, motorcycles come in many different shapes and sizes. Each provides a unique riding experience. Ask any long-term motorcycle enthusiast, and they will tell you that ideally, they would like to have a few different bikes in his garage. You see, motorcycles can have different body styles, and purposes.
With so many different takes on how a motorcycle can be made, it’s no wonder some confusion will happen when identifying which bike would serve you better. Such is the case for the often compared adventure-touring, and sport-touring motorcycles. For the sake of clarity, here are some examples of each. Adventure-touring motorcycles are the likes of BMW GS models, the Honda Africa Twin, the new Harley-Davidson Pan America, the Triumph Tiger and the Suzuki V-Strom. A few examples of sport-touring motorcycles are the Yamaha FJR1300ES, the Kawasaki Concours 14, and the BMW R 1250 RT.
Sport-Tourers vs Adventure-Tourers: SUV Practicality
Recently, adventure-touring bikes have been gaining popularity. They are becoming more mainstream while sport-touring motorcycles are falling behind. It’s a phenom not unlike what happened to SUVs, today people are much more likely to buy an SUV than a regular sedan. The reasons may vary, some say it’s the high seating position that allows the driver a better view of the traffic, while others say it’s the rugged look, and more cargo space.
It is easy to see why adventure-bikes are quickly becoming bestsellers Stateside. They offer the same sort of versatility that SUVs offer, with some off-road capability mated with luggage and comfort. Although these "SUVs" are great, sport-tourers have just as much going for them, depending on what kind of riding you want to do.
Sport-Tourers vs Adventure-Tourers: The Big Boys
Sport-touring bikes tend to be on the heavier side. The Kawasaki Concours 14 weighs 690 pounds. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, which is one of the heaviest adventure bikes weighs 591 pounds. As an almost direct comparison, the BMW R 1250 RT manages to be slightly heavier, at 615 pounds. The Africa Twin, on the other hand, weighs a more manageable 529 pounds, while the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT has a wet weight of 485 pounds.
This is a controversial, and subjective topic. Sport-touring usually has more wind protection, but that isn’t exactly lacking on adventure-touring bikes. Seating position, on the other hand, can sometimes have an sporting bias on the sport-touring segment. This puts the rider more leaned forward, and with the knees bent at a shorter angle. It can get tiresome after a while. Adventure bikes on the other hand, almost invariably offer a relaxed upright sitting position. And even though they have mid-foot controls, they’re usually far down enough to allow the rider more legroom. Another subjective factor is the comfort provided by the suspension. Some riders will prefer the more stiff, and predictable low-travel suspension more common on sport-touring bikes. Others will value the long travel plushness of their adventure-touring bikes.
Sport-touring tends to offer more space, and backrest for the pillion as standard. And they’re usually lower to the ground, making the passenger life easier when getting on, and off the bike. Adventure-touring bikes, however, can be fitted with cases that incorporate a backrest for the passenger. And the suspension travel, along with an upright seating position (following that of the rider) will ensure a comfortable ride.
For the adventure-touring segment, storage space is usually an optional feature. You can get luggage from the dealer or from several other after-market brands. Sport-touring motorcycles often come with some luggage as standard.
Sport-Tourers vs Adventure-Tourers: The Middleweight Class
There is also a number of middleweight touring, and more capable adventure bikes. It's important to remember that when it comes to riding off-road handling, the lighter, the better. And if you do intend to make regular incursions in the wilderness during long travels with your bike, a middleweight adventure bike will probably be the best choice. Middleweights will typically range from 650 to 1000 cc.
Honda's NC750X DCT, while marketed as an adventure model by Honda, fits the sport touring ethos better. With road tires and 17-inch front wheels, it's best suited for the role of a middleweight sport tourer. The same goes for the Kawasaki Versys 650. The Tiger 900 Rally on the other hand, is more Adventure Touring oriented. The Aprilia Touareg 660 is another good example of a middleweight adventure motorcycle with a 21-inch front wheel and loads of off-road ability. But if you are looking for more off-road ability the KTM has the class leading 890 Adventure, and Yamaha has the fan favorite Ténéré 700, while Husqvarna has the amazing Nordern 901.
To be honest, there seems to be an identity crisis with both these types of motorcycles. Sure, adventure bikes have off-road capabilities, but to put it bluntly, they’re too heavy for any real off-road duty. And most people don’t buy adventure-touring motorcycles to use on the dirt. They buy them for long stints in the saddle, and their comfortable ergonomics. For real off-roading, well, you’d want an honest, small, and lightweight dirt bike. On the other hand, sport-touring bikes are also all too heavy to be considered sporty.