The sensation of the wind in your hair, the warmth of the sun on your face, and the rumble and humming of the engine beneath you combine to form an unforgettable experience. The rider can feel the road, the topography, and the weather as he goes from one place to another. The road and the surroundings around you merge into a single Unit - Man and Machine. Touring on a motorcycle in the middleweight class gives you even more independence and mobility. Whether it’s long stretches of highways, narrow mountain passes, meandering coastal routes, or busy street traffic, all are within reach of a middleweight motorcycle. Unlike larger displacement Bikes, you won't have any trouble weaving through the buzzing traffic or finding a parking spot in even the densest urban areas. Among heaps of options by various reputable motorcycle manufacturers, like BMW and Ducati, choosing a reliable motorcycle is decisive when traveling long distances. A middleweight touring bike has the best of both worlds in terms of power and maneuverability, making it perfect for long extended trips. The following list showcases the top 10 best middleweight touring bikes currently available.
10 BMW F 900 XR: A Sporty And Exhilarating Experience
BMW F 900 XR brings out your sportier self and provides uncompromising long-distance performance. At the heart of this machine is a meticulously crafted 895cc parallel-twin engine that generates 99 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, providing effortless acceleration and an exhilarating riding experience. The BMW F 900 XR is also equipped with a plethora of features, including an adjustable windshield, heated grips, cruise control, a quick shifter, and an advanced digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. The XR's suspension system is second to none, with fully adjustable front and rear suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on any surface, be it a winding mountain road or a bumpy dirt track. The BMW F 900 XR is the perfect motorcycle for riders who demand the utmost in performance, long-distance comfort, and sporty style.
9 Ducati Multistrada V2S
The V2S version of the Ducati Multistrada is propelled by a 937cc Testastretta engine that generates 113 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of peak torque with a dry weight of 199 kg. It's a high-end middleweight touring motorbike boasting a complex chassis, a potent engine, and cutting-edge electronics. This bike has it all! A lightweight front trellis frame with two cast side frames, a suspension that can be adjusted for different terrains, and a sophisticated braking system that includes cornering ABS. The electronics package further enhances the bike's performance and safety in a number of ways, including through the use of different riding modes, electronic suspension, and traction control. The Ducati Multistrada V2S is an excellent motorcycle for long-distance travel and off-road excursions.
8 Honda CB500X
The Honda CB500X is motorized by a 471 cc parallel-twin engine that generates 46 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque. At a low 430 pounds (195 kilograms), it's one of the most maneuverable motorcycles in this middleweight category. It has most of the cutting-edge technologies like an LED lighting system and a slipper clutch. It also boasts a steel diamond-tube frame, which is sturdy and flexible enough to take any kind of beating. To make the ride ultra smooth, the bike is coupled with Showa suspension. The Honda CB500X is a middleweight touring bike that provides a comfortable ride and excellent handling at a reasonable price. Because of its lightweight construction, it uses very little gas and is thus perfect for riders on a tight budget.
7 KTM 890 Adventure
KTM 890 Adventure is powered by an 889cc LC8 parallel-twin engine that generates 105 hp and 74 lb-ft of evocative torque. Amazingly, it weighs only 417 lb (189 kg) which is the lightest among its middleweight competitors. KTMs are known for their off-road-oriented motorcycles, and this 890 is no exception. It is the most adventure-oriented bike on this list due to its lightweight, powerful engine, and long travel suspension. It is coupled with trailblazing technologies like cornering ABS, traction control, and several riding modes that enable greater control in tough conditions. As compared to other competitors in middleweight touring motorcycles, KTM 890 Adventure doesn’t really fare too well on long-distance, high-speed highway rides.
6 Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS
Liquid-cooled 649 cc parallel-twin engine in the Kawasaki Versys 650 generates 66 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the considerable contenders in the middleweight touring motorcycles list. It tips the scales at about 483 lb (219kg). It has standard rider aids like electronic cruise control, cornering management, and Kawasaki's Intelligent anti-lock Brake System. To top that off, it has a lightweight aluminum twin-tube frame and adjustable suspension to make it comfortable on long highway rides. When it comes to high-performance touring motorcycles, the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT is hard to beat. It's a great option for long rides thanks to high-tech features like electronic cruise control and cornering lights, and it holds its own against similarly priced motorcycles with 600cc+ engines.
5 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel
The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is a powerful, versatile touring adventure bike that offers an exceptional riding experience both on and off the road. This retro-styled machine has a powerhouse of 853cc with a V-twin engine capable of producing 76 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque. The V85 TT weighs 505 pounds (229kg), falling in between the middleweight category in terms of its weight. The V85 TT Travel features a comfortable, upright riding position, spacious saddlebags, and a 6.1-gallon fuel tank, making it ideal for long-distance touring. The Travel version of the Moto Guzzi V85 TT has a higher touring windshield and heated grips. The suspension system is adjustable and features an upside-down fork and a mono-shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping.
4 Suzuki V-Strom 650
The Suzuki V-Strom, powered by a 645cc 90-degree V-twin engine, is one of the promising touring motorcycles capable of reaching around 125 mph. This machine is specifically manufactured for middleweight commuting and touring. It produces 70 horsepower and 46 lb-ft torque with a six-speed transmission, which is enough for its category. The low RPM assist and idle speed control feature allow for incredibly precise and smooth launches. No matter how hard the V-Strom 650 tries, it will never escape the shadow of its big brothers Suzuki V-Storm 800 and 1050. But 650 fulfills its own purpose of being small and touring-ready with a bunch of electronics and rider aids. It only weighs 476 lbs (216 kg), which is quite manageable for most beginner riders.
3 Suzuki V-Strom 1050
The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is a touring bike with excellent performance on any terrain. Equipped with a powerful 1037cc V-twin engine, this bike delivers 106 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The engine's advanced electronics ensure a smooth and responsive ride, while the three-mode traction control system offers added safety on slippery roads or off-road trails. The V-Strom 1050 boasts premium features that enhance the rider's experience on long rides. A full-color TFT display, LED lighting, and a Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) allow the rider to switch between different riding modes, including sport, touring, and rain, with ease.
2 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Sports
The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Sport is a game-changer in the world of touring motorcycles. With a sleek and aggressive look, this bike is built to tackle any terrain. Powered by an 888cc inline triple engine, the Tiger 900 GT Sport packs a punch with 94 horsepower and 64 pound-feet of torque. The engine delivers smooth power across the rev range, providing a responsive ride on trails and highways. It also comes with an adjustable windshield, heated grips, and a comfortable saddle, making it a joy to ride for hours on end. But the real magic of the Tiger 900 GT Sport lies in its handling. Triumph has gone to great lengths to ensure that this bike is nimble and easy to maneuver, even in the toughest conditions.
1 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is a formidable machine, poised to take on the toughest of touring and adventure conditions with grace. It boasts an 890cc engine that is both powerful and fuel-efficient, delivering a thrilling riding experience that is second to none. The Tracer 9 GT has an advanced electronic suspension system, which allows riders to adjust the ride height, preload, and damping settings with ease. Do check out the street naked Yamaha MT-09. For touring enthusiasts, the Tracer 9 GT offers a spacious and comfortable riding position, an adjustable windshield, heated grips, and a roomy seat that is designed for long-distance comfort. The motorcycle also comes equipped with a range of practical storage solutions, including a generous top case and side panniers, allowing riders to carry all the gear they need for extended trips.