10 Best Middleweight Touring Bikes Of 2023

The feeling of the wind in your hair, the warmth of the sun on your body, and the rumble of the engine beneath you combine to form an unforgettable experience. As a rider, you can feel the road, the topography, and the weather as you ride from one place to another. The road and the surroundings around you merge into a single unit. Add to that a kickass middleweight touring motorcycle, and you have a recipe for unmatched independence at a not-so-crazy price tag. Whether it’s long stretches of highways, narrow mountain passes, meandering coastal routes, or busy street traffic, all are within reach of such a motorcycle.

Unlike large displacement bikes, you won’t have any trouble weaving through the buzzing traffic or finding parking in even the densest urban areas. Middleweight touring bikes promise immense amounts of comfort as well, without compromising on power and maneuverability (like cruisers). Not to forget, they are based on middleweight adventure bikes with slightly more focus on tarmac duties. While the Ducati Desert X, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, and Yamaha Ténéré 700 are some of the best middleweight adventure bikes, allow us to tell you the best of the best among middleweight touring bikes in this article.

UPDATE: 2024/03/11 15:12 EST BY UTKARSH SOOD

Manufacturers continue to release new and updated models in the ever-expanding middleweight touring market. To keep our readers up to speed on all the latest releases, this article has been updated with new information. Older entries have been updated with new ones to make sure all information is relevant with the times.

Pulling specifications and data directly from manufacturers, reliable news sites, and other reputable sources, we’ve put together a list of the best middleweight touring bikes of 2024. The models are listed in terms of their MSRPs, from the lowest to the highest.

10 Benelli TRK 702

MSRP: $7,899

A brand-new 698cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine powers the all-new TRK 702. This unit has a 180-degree crankshaft, unlike its smaller 500cc namesake. Elsewhere, thanks to the smaller 502, it features a well-known frame design with a steel trellis that uses the new mill as a stressed member. This design not only reduces overall weight but also increases rigidity, improving overall handling. A five-inch color TFT display and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity are among the many contemporary technologies included in the tourer. The 702 is surely competitive in the crowded middleweight adventure market, with its value-for-money MSRP being the USP.

Performance Specifications

9 Suzuki V-Strom 650

MSRP: $9,199

The Suzuki V-Strom, powered by a 645cc 90-degree V-twin engine, is one of the most celebrated touring motorcycles. This machine is specifically manufactured for middleweight commuting and touring. It produces 70 horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed transmission, which might not be a lot but can take you to 125 mph with ease. The low RPM assist and idle speed control feature allow for incredibly precise and smooth launches off the signal.

No matter how hard the V-Strom 650 tries, it will never escape the shadow of its big brothers, the Suzuki V-Storm 800 and 1050. But the 650 fulfills its own purpose of being small and touring-ready with basic electronic aids. It only weighs 470 lbs (213 kg), too–quite manageable for most beginner riders.

Performance Specifications

8 Honda NC750X DCT

MSRP: $9,499

Okay, we’ll acknowledge that the NC750X isn’t the most thrilling option. But it sure is reliable. Not every biker wants to munch highways at super-fast speeds. Some riders want a more laid-back and dependable ride, so they may spend days taking in their surroundings. That is exactly what the NC750X will give you.

It sits perfectly between the more beginner-focused CB500X and the adventure-focused Transalp. When you combine that with the semi-automatic DCT gearbox from Honda, you have a motorcycle that will let you concentrate on the things that matter most to you while traveling. That’s why it’s on this list.

Performance Specifications

7 Triumph Tiger 660 Sport

MSRP: $9,695

The Triumph Tiger 660 Sport is a great choice for riders who love the look and feel of the iconic Triumph Triple but would like a somewhat more practical ride for longer trips. It lets a variety of riders explore the world of touring without having to buy a bike as intimidating as the bigger Tiger and BMW GS boxers. This sports tourer is compact, agile, and — above all — powerful enough to confidently take you anywhere you need to go. For riders searching for a comprehensive package, its capacity to combine sport and adventure elements makes it a compelling option.

Performance Specifications

6 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS

MSRP: $10,099

The Kawasaki Versys 650 generates 66 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the sedate yet considerable contenders in the segment. 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 easy-going touring motorcycles, the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT is hard to beat. It’s a great option for long rides and holds its own against similarly priced motorcycles with 600cc+ engines. Any complaints?

Performance Specifications

5 BMW F 900 XR

MSRP: $11,695

The 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 pound-feet of torque for effortless acceleration and tractability. The XR is also equipped with a plethora of features, including an adjustable windshield, heated grips, cruise control, a quickshifter, and a TFT display 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 trail. It is the perfect motorcycle for riders who demand the utmost in performance, long-distance comfort, and sporty style.

Performance Specifications

4 Triumph Tiger 900 GT

MSRP: $14,995

The Triumph Tiger 900 GT is a game-changer in the world of touring motorcycles. With a sleek and aggressive look, this bike is built to munch highways day in and day out. Powered by a 900cc inline triple engine, the GT packs more than 100 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque.

Its 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 lies in its handling. Triumph has gone to great lengths to ensure this bike is nimble and easy to maneuver, even in the toughest conditions. Plus, it comes in a gorgeous Aragon Edition for 2024 to make matters sweeter.

Performance Specifications

3 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

MSRP: $16,499

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. The GT+ has an advanced electronic suspension system, which allows riders to adjust the ride height, preload, and damping settings with ease.

For touring enthusiasts, it offers a spacious and comfortable riding position, an adjustable windshield, heated grips, and a roomy seat designed for long-distance comfort. There’s also 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. Not to forget, this is the only radar-equipped motorcycle in the class!

Performance Specifications

2 Ducati Multistrada V2 S

MSRP: $19,295

Now, we are stepping quite close to the liter-class category. The V2S version of the Ducati Multistrada has it all. A lightweight front trellis frame with two cast side pieces, 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, through the use of riding modes, electronic suspension, and traction control. Why the electronics? Because the motorcycle is propelled by a 937cc Testastretta engine that generates 113 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque. All in all, the Ducati Multistrada V2 S is an excellent motorcycle for long-distance travel and we can’t help but recommend it (if you have that kind of cash).

Performance Specifications

1 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS

MSRP: $25,498

The Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS is here because of its unmatched equipment and the MV Agusta exclusivity. Granted, it comes for crazy money. But since we are discussing the best middleweight touring bikes, it rightly so deserves your attention (if your pocket allows).

While it may not have the best motorcycle name, it does have MV Agusta’s defining characteristics, like semi-active suspension and the Smart Clutch System (SCS). With features like heated grips, Bluetooth, cruise control, a GPS sensor, and an adjustable windscreen, there’s no shortage of riding amenities on offer. You will also be reminded that you’re riding an MV Agusta by the aggressive styling and snarl of its inline-three engine.

Performance Specifications