What is a middleweight adventure motorcycle? – It is a motorcycle capable to take you on a long (10000+ mile) trip on all types of roads while being affordable to buy and cheap to run and maintain. Such a motorcycle should have the following features:
- Reliable engine with the capability to go 100000+ miles without major repairs
- Capability to go on all type of roads including gravel, mud and sand roads
- Range of at least 220 miles (350 km) on a full tank of gas with the possibility of using lower octane fuel.
- Engine power of at least 40 horsepower with torque at low and mid revs
- Ergonomics comfortable enough for a 100 mile (160km) of non-stop riding.
Here are 5 middleweight adventure motorcycles that will be great on a long adventure trip.
Contents
Honda CB500X (2019)
- Engine Capacity / Power: 471cc / 46 horsepower
- Fuel consumption / Tank size: 65 mpg (3.6 L/100km) / 4.6 US galons (17.7 litres)
- Wheel sizes Front / Rear: 110/80-19 inch / 160/60-17 inch
- Suspension travel: Front: 5.91 in. (150mm) / Rear: 5.9 in. (150mm)
- Curb weight: 434 lbs / 197 kg
- Final drive: Chain
Honda CB500X went through a mayor restyle in 2019. The front-wheel diameter was increased to 19 inches and suspension travel was increased. Taking into account light motorcycle weight, Honda CB500X became a lot more capable all-road bike. With low fuel consumption and simple design, this motorcycle is amazing travel bike. Read more about CB500 range motorcycles.
Yamaha Tenere 700
- Engine Capacity / Power: 689 cc / 74 horsepower
- Fuel consumption / Tank size: 55 mpg (4.3 L/100 km) / 4.2 US galons (16 litres)
- Wheel sizes Front / Rear: 90/90-21inch / 150/70-18 inch
- Suspension travel: Front: 8.3 inches (210 mm) / 7.8 inches (198 mm)
- Curb weight: 450 lbs / 204kg
- Final drive: Chain
Same as all other bikes in this list Yamaha is a good all-around motorcycle. It is a tourer, a commuter and an adventure bike in one. It is the most capable off-road bike in this list due to the bigger 21-inch front wheel and a better suspension. Read more detailed Tenere 700 review.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 (DL650XT)
- Engine Capacity / Power: 645 cc / 70 horsepower
- Fuel consumption / Tank size: 53 mpg (4.4 L/100km) / 5.3 US gallon (20 litres)
- Wheel sizes Front / Rear: 110/80 -19 inch / 150/70-17 inch
- Suspension travel: Front: 5.90 in. (150mm) / 6.3 in. (160 mm)
- Curb weight: 476 lbs / 216kg
- Final drive: Chain
V-Strom DL650XT is a simple and reliable machine that will handle anything you will throw at it. It is the only bike in this list that has an aluminum frame. There is nothing extra exceptional about V-Strom, yet its owners usually clock a lot more miles on it compared to other bike owners and develop a strong long-lasting bond with their machines. Also check out new 2020 V-Strom big brother – SUZUKI V-STROM 1050XT review
Moto Guzzi V85 TT
- Engine Capacity / Power: 853 cc / 80 horsepower
- Fuel consumption / Tank size: 48 mpg (4.9 L/100km) / 5.5 US gallons (21 liters)
- Wheel sizes Front / Rear:110/80 -19 inch / 150/70-17 inch
- Suspension travel: Front: 6.7 in. (170 mm) / Rear: 6.7 in. (170 mm)
- Curb weight: 505 lbs / 229kg
- Final drive: Shaft drive
What makes Moto Guzzi V85 TT a unique adventure bike in the middleweight category is a shaft final drive and air-cooled engine.
Benelli TRK 502 X
- Engine Capacity / Power: 499 cc / 48 horsepower
- Fuel consumption / Tank size: 60 mpg (3.9 L/100km) / 5.2 US gallons (19.7 litres)
- Wheel sizes Front / Rear: 110/80 -19 inch / 160/60-17 inch
- Suspension travel: Front: 5.9 in. (150 mm) / Rear: 5.7 in. (145 mm)
- Curb weight: 518 lbs / 235kg
- Final drive: Chain
Benelli TRK 502 X is another affordable midweight bike offering good value for your money. It is impressively equipped right out of the showroom floor. Its mayor minus is its high weight, however, it does include engine protection and many other extras that you are likely to add to other bikes in this list increasing their weight.
Bottom Line
All Bikes mentioned above are good do-everything motorcycles. You can use them for city riding and going to work, occasional Sunday rides as well as local area exploration. What is amazing is that they are capable of longer adventure rides and even round a globe trip. All of this at an affordable price and low maintenance cost.
There is no best motorcycle for everybody in this category. Each person has their own priorities regarding motorcycle weight, seat height, suspension stiffness, weather protection, engine power, body ergonomics, motorcycle looks and many other. Chose the best bike for you based on your personal preferences.
