best road motorcycles

There is no way to declare one best road motorcycle, because the best model depends largely on what you are looking for. A sport bike favours sensations, a roadster offers versatility, and a touring bike focuses on comfort on long trips.

Find the best road motorcycle, whatever your criteria and budget.

SM Sport, your dealership in the greater Quebec City area, presents its top picks of the best 2026 road motorcycle models.

Best road motorcycles

Here are our benchmarks, from the urban roadster to the big tourer. The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 shines in adventure-touring, the Yamaha MT-09 SP blends torque with agility, and the Aprilia RSV4 embodies the pure sport bike. For the city, the CFMOTO 450SS and the Yamaha MT-03 remain hard to beat for maneuverability.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1037 cc
• Power: 106 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 534 lb.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 remains a reference for riders who want a road bike that is comfortable over long distances. The V-twin delivers generous torque that makes highway passing easy while offering smooth everyday riding.

Thanks to its upright position, protective windshield and ability to gobble up kilometres, it appeals to touring fans as well as adventurers who enjoy exploring Quebec’s secondary roads.

Suzuki V-Strom 650

• Engine: 4-stroke, 645 cc
• Power: 71 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 470 lb.

The V-Strom 650 is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile street motorcycle. More accessible than the 1050, it offers a compelling balance between comfort, performance and operating costs. A reassuring on-road behaviour particularly appeals to riders who alternate between daily commutes and weekend escapes.

Yamaha MT-03

• Engine: 4-stroke, 321 cc
• Power: 41 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 373 lb.

The Yamaha MT-03 stands out as one of the best options to start on a street bike. A low weight, accessible seat height and a 321-cc parallel-twin engine help you build confidence quickly. In the city, maneuverability shines both in traffic and when parking.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

• Engine: 4-stroke, 890 cc
• Power: 117 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 511 lb.

For touring enthusiasts, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is among the most complete models on the market. The three-cylinder blends power and flexibility, while advanced technologies enhance safety and comfort on long trips. It suits riders who log several thousand kilometres each season.

KTM Super Adventure S 1290

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1031 cc
• Power: 160 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 500 lb.

The KTM Super Adventure S 1290 is for riders seeking a road motorcycle that can cover long distances while keeping a sporty character. The large-displacement V-twin engine delivers impressive power and abundant torque across the rev range.

Despite its imposing size, it stays agile on winding roads thanks to sophisticated electronics and a capable suspension. It is a strong option for travellers who do not want to sacrifice riding sensations.

KTM Super Adventure S EVO 1390

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1350 cc
• Power: 173 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed / AMT depending on version
• Curb weight: 503 lb.

The KTM Super Adventure S EVO 1390 pushes the road-adventure formula even further. More powerful and better equipped, it benefits from the latest technologies developed by the Austrian manufacturer.

The 1350 cc engine delivers striking accelerations, while the electronic aids enhance stability and comfort on long journeys. For riders seeking a high-end machine capable of doing it all, it ranks among the category's references.

Aprilia RSV4 1100

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1099 cc
• Power: 220 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 445 lb. approx..

The Aprilia RSV4 1100 represents the pinnacle of Aprilia sport bikes. The V4 is known for its explosive character, distinctive sound and very high performance.

Directly inspired by the brand's racing experience, it offers remarkable precision when cornering and impressive stability at high speeds. For fans of sporty riding, it is one of the most exclusive motorcycles currently available.

Suzuki GSX-8S

• Engine: 4-stroke, 776 cc
• Power: 83 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 445 lb.

The Suzuki GSX-8S is a modern roadster that focuses on balance. The parallel-twin engine offers excellent flexibility at low revs while remaining energetic enough for sportier rides.

Comfortable ergonomics, easy handling and up-to-date equipment make it particularly attractive for riders seeking a versatile bike for both daily trips and weekend getaways.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GX

• Engine: 4-stroke, 999 cc
• Power: 150 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 512 lb.

The GSX-S1000GX blends qualities of a sport bike and a touring motorcycle. The engine derived from the GSX-R provides strong performance, while a more comfortable riding position favours long distances.

With an electronic suspension and numerous rider aids, it stands out as a solid solution for motorcyclists who want performance without giving up comfort.

Yamaha MT-09 SP

• Engine: 4-stroke, 890 cc
• Power: 117 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 428 lb.

The Yamaha MT-09 SP is often seen as one of the best roadsters in its class. The CP3 three-cylinder engine delivers generous torque and a unique character that makes every ride enjoyable.

The SP version notably adds a premium suspension and upgraded components that further elevate the riding experience. Agile, light and very engaging to pilot, it remains a sure bet for winding roads.

CFMOTO 800NK

• Engine: 4-stroke, 799 cc
• Power: 99 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 410 lb.

The CFMOTO 800NK shows how far the manufacturer has progressed in recent years. With a capable engine and comprehensive equipment, it delivers strong value in the intermediate roadster class. Dynamic behaviour, a comfortable riding position and modern technologies make it a compelling motorcycle for riders who want to maximize their investment.

CFMOTO 675SS

• Engine: 4-stroke, 675 cc
• Power: 95 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 430 lb.

The CFMOTO 675SS marks an important step for the brand with its modern three-cylinder. This sport bike stands out for its progressive climb through the revs, its handling and its competitive levels of equipment.

The aggressive design and precise road behaviour will appeal to riders looking for a capable motorcycle without investing in the most expensive models in the segment.

CFMOTO 450SS

• Engine: 4-stroke, 450 cc
• Power: 51 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 370 lb.

The CFMOTO 450SS is an accessible sport bike that suits new riders as well as experienced motorcyclists looking for a light and fun motorcycle. The twin engine provides sufficient power for daily commutes and longer rides, while remaining easy to master. Its competitive pricing also contributes to its success among buyers entering the world of sports motorcycles.

KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1350 cc
• Power: 190 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 467 lb.

Nicknamed "The Beast", the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is among the most impressive roadsters available today. The V-twin engine delivers spectacular power with blistering accelerations.

Despite offering extreme performance, sophisticated electronics help you harness its full potential in a controlled way. For enthusiasts seeking an intense, no-compromise riding experience, this KTM represents the summit of the hyper-roadster segment.

Best value street motorcycles for 2026

Buying the best road motorcycle does not necessarily mean choosing the most expensive model. Many manufacturers now offer capable, well-equipped bikes at very competitive prices.

KTM DUKE 990

• Engine: 4-stroke, 947 cc
• Power: 123 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 395 lb.

The KTM DUKE 990 pushes the concept even further with more power and more advanced electronic equipment. It is aimed at riders who want a sporty machine that can be used every day.

CFMOTO 675NK

• Engine: 4-stroke, 675 cc
• Power: 95 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Curb weight: 417 lb.

The CFMOTO 675NK is one of the market's recent revelations. The three-cylinder engine offers an excellent balance between performance and flexibility, while standard equipment rivals motorcycles that cost much more. For many buyers in the greater Quebec City area, it now represents one of the best values available.

Start riding with a road motorcycle

The first thing to ensure when choosing a first road motorcycle is that it fits your learner's licence. For example, a Class 6A permit allows you to ride any motorcycle, but you will be limited to a displacement of 400 cc or less with Class 6B.

If you are still on your first rides, it is recommended not to turn to models that are too sporty or powerful for your current level, which can often be recognized by their larger displacement. A street bike can be a good option for a beginner; if needed, ask your dealer for advice to find the model that suits your experience.

Registration for road bikes

Just like cars, motorcycles must be registered, and fees apply each year. Registration fees are fixed, but the insurance contribution increases depending on whether you own a motorcycle:

• With a displacement of 125 cc or less
• With a displacement between 126 cc and 400 cc
• With a displacement of 401 cc or more
• A high-risk motorcycle

Ask our professionals in Quebec for advice or browse our new motorcycles at SM Sport; we look forward to guiding you.