Adventure bike buyer's guide, 400cc to 900cc

The Middleweight Adventure Bike category represents something of a sweet spot in the wider Adventure Bike segment – where bikes are physically large enough to deliver some long-haul comfort, yet light enough to remain easily manageable, even when off-road. And it's this niche we're focusing on here, to help new bike buyers navigate their way to the model that best suits their needs.

There are hundreds of new motorcycle models on offer these days – over 700 of them, in fact, judging by the number of listings on bikesales' New Bike Showroom at the time of writing – so from time to time we'll present a summary of what's currently available in any one niche.

Of course models come and go and they receive updates and price changes along the way – the details below are current as of October 2020, but check with your local dealer to confirm pricing and the bike's latest specifications.

Related reading:
Adventure bike buyer's guide, below 400cc
Adventure bike buyer's guide, over 900cc
Advice: Adventure bike ride essentials

There are adventure bikes to suit two-wheeled explorers of all persuasions, from those who like the style and comfort but who don't necessarily want to head off the bitumen, to those intent on an off-road, around-the-world odyssey.

Some think a 250 dirt bike with a long-range tank is the ultimate getaway machine, while others are happy to spend over $30k on a big-bore machine packed with all the latest electronics.

But in the middle of the spectrum lie the following escape artists – spanning road-focussed models to big-single traillies – each with their own take on the adventure bike equation…

Benelli

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 500cc, four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 47.6hp/45Nm
Weight: 210kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 135mm/45mm
Seat height: 800mm
Wheels: Alloy, 17in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $9390 ride away
Notes: Learner-friendly, budget-priced model with adventure bike styling. Features include non-switchable ABS, hand guards, engine guards, backlit switchblock buttons. Optional aluminium topbox and panniers available. These days historic Italian brand Benelli is a fully owned subsidiary of Chinese motorcycle giant, Qiangjiang, with production taking place in China. Benelli is imported and distributed in Australia by Melbourne-based Urban Moto Imports.
Related reading: 2018 Benelli TRK 502 Launch Review
Benelli TRK 502 in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 500cc, four-stroke, eight-valve parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 47.6hp/45Nm
Weight: 213kg
Susp. travel front/rear: 135mm/45mm
Seat height: 850mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $9890 ride away
Notes: Learner-friendly, budget-priced model with more off-road ability than its sibling, the TRK 502, thanks to its spoked rims, larger front wheel, and higher seat height. The suspension remains unchanged, however. Features include non-switchable ABS, hand guards, engine guards, backlit switchblock buttons. Optional aluminium topbox and panniers available. These days historic Italian brand Benelli is a fully owned subsidiary of Chinese motorcycle giant, Qiangjiang, with production taking place in China. Benelli is imported and distributed in Australia by Melbourne-based Urban Moto Imports.
Related reading: 2018 Benelli TRK 502X Review
Benelli TRK 502X in New Bike Showroom

BMW

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 853cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 77hp/83Nm
Weight: 227kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/170mm
Seat height: 815mm (770mm, 790mm and 830mm options)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 15lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $16,105 ride away
Notes: BMW's entry-level adventure bike (well, number two, behind the G 310 GS). A more road-focussed adventure bike, with cast-alloy wheels, a lowish standard seat height, and more road-biased rubber. Standard features include multiple ride modes, cruise control, heated grips and ABS. F 750 GS Tour variant also available.
Related reading: 2019 BMW F 750 GS Launch Review
BMW F 750 GS in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 853cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 95hp/92Nm
Weight: 233kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 230mm/215mm
Seat height: 860mm (815mm, 835mm, 875mm, 890mm options)
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 15lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $20,070 ride away
Notes: Genuine dual-purpose ability – more off-road focussed than F 750 GS but a bit less than the F 850 GS Adventure. Standard features include riding modes, ABS, cruise control, heated grips, TFT instrumentation. Rallye, Rallye X and Tour variants also available.
Related reading: 2018 BMW F 850 GS Launch Review
BMW F 850 GS in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 853cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 95hp/92Nm
Weight: 244kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 230mm/215mm
Seat height: 875mm (815mm, 835mm, 860mm, 890mm options)
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,435 ride away
Notes: Harder-edged off-road focused adventure model with larger fuel tank and crash bars – BMW says it's the most off-road capable model in its range. Standard features include ride modes, ABS and traction control, a slipper clutch, heated grips, cruise control, auxiliary power socket, TFT instrumentation and Bluetooth connectivity. Rallye, Rallye X and Tour variants also available.
Related reading: BMW expected to add R series to 40 Years of GS range
BMW F 850 GS Adventure Rallye in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 895cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 99hp/88Nm
Weight: 219kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/172mm
Seat height: 825mm (775mm, 795mm, 840mm, 845mm, 870mm options)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 17in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 15.5lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $19,835 ride away
Notes: Road-focused model with upright adventure bike styling and roomier ergonomics than its pure roadster sibling, the F 900 R. Standard features include ABS and traction control, riding modes, LED lighting, quick-shifter, heated grips, cruise control, hand guards, TFT instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity. F 900 XR Tour variant also available.
Related reading: 2020 BMW F 900 XR Launch Review
BMW F 900 XR in New Bike Showroom

CFMoto

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 649cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 56hp/62Nm
Weight: 218kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 140mm/145mm
Seat height: 840mm (820mm option)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 17in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 18lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $7490 ride away
Notes: Learner- and budget-friendly and road-focussed model based on the 650NK naked bike, but with a tall screen, crash guards and adventure bike styling. Standard features include ABS, with hard luggage available as a factory option. CFMoto is a Chinese manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, and has a joint venture in place with KTM. The brand is distributed in Australia by Melbourne-based Mojo Motorcycles.
Related reading: CFMoto 650MT adventure tourer arrives in Australia
CFMoto 650MT in New Bike Showroom

Honda

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 471cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 47.6hp/43Nm
Weight: 197kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 136mm/135mm
Seat height: 835mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 17.7lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $10,443 ride away
Notes: Learner-friendly, road-focussed adventure bike – quite light and nimble, with a low-ish seat height for the genre and a generous tank capacity. Suitable for light off-road exploration, but has non-switchable ABS and road-biased tyres. Equally at home as a city commuter as a weekend fun machine.
Related reading: 2019 Honda CB500X Review

Kawasaki

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 651cc, four-valve, DOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed
Output: 42.1hp/47Nm
Weight: 194kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 200mm/185mm
Seat height: 890mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 22lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $9638 ride away
Notes: Learner-approved, big single-cylinder traillie with screen and long-range tank for the long haul. Basic, robust engineering; easy and affordable to run, maintain and repair. A long-time favourite of overlanders around the globe, along with its arch rival, Suzuki's DR650SE.
Related reading: Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition Quickspin
Kawasaki KLR650 in New Bike Showroom

KTM

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 693cc, four-valve, four-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 74.8hp/73.5Nm
Weight: 146kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 250mm/250mm
Seat height: 910mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 13.5lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $18,095 ride away
Notes: Hard-edged off-road explorer with some on-road ability. Light, agile, and highly capable, but a smaller tank and pricey, especially in comparison to other singles. Standard features include riding modes (including Offroad mode) and Cornering ABS and traction control, while an Offroad ABS mode is optional.
Related reading: 2018 EICMA KTM 690 Enduro R
KTM 690 Enduro R in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 799cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 95hp/88Nm
Weight: 189kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 200mm/200mm
Seat height: 850mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $21,495 ride away
Notes: More road-focussed than the 790 Adventure R, but a good mix of road and off-road ability. Pricey, but with a broad seat and a sizeable screen for long-distance comfort. Standard features include TFT instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes including Offroad mode, Cornering ABS, Offroad ABS and traction control, and LED lighting.
Related reading: KTM 790 Adventure vs Yamaha Tenere 700
KTM 790 Adventure in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 799cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 95hp/89Nm
Weight: 189kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 238mm/238mm
Seat height: 878mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $23,395 ride away
Notes: Stronger off-road focus and ability than the 790 Adventure, with extra wheel travel, off-road biased tyres, and a smaller screen. Winner of the 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year Award. Standard features include TFT instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting, Cornering ABS, Offroad ABS, traction control, and riding modes including Offroad and Rally modes, the latter offering a high degree of customisation.
Related reading: 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: KTM 790 Adventure R
KTM 790 Adventure R in New Bike Showroom

Moto Guzzi

Engine: Air-cooled, 853cc, four-stroke, two-valves-per-cylinder, transverse 90-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 80hp/80Nm
Weight: 208kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/170mm
Seat height: 830mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,290 ride away
Notes: Moto Guzzi's take on adventure touring is perhaps relatively low tech, with an air-cooled, two-valves-per-cylinder V-twin, but it's relaxed and understressed for mega-mile touring. There are plenty more off-road capable models presented here but if you're after a proud Italian heritage and a distinct European flavour, you've come to the right spot.
Related reading: Updated Moto Guzzi V85 TT unleashed for 2021
Moto Guzzi V85 TT in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Air-cooled, 853cc, four-stroke, two-valves-per-cylinder, transverse 90-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 80hp/80Nm
Weight: 210kg (dry, not including panniers)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/170mm
Seat height: 830mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $23,590 ride away
Notes: The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel adds to the base model with a larger touring screen, factory panniers, and LED auxiliary driving lights. It's ready to tour, straight off the showroom floor.
Related reading: Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel arriving August 2020
Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel in New Bike Showroom

Royal Enfield

Engine: Air-cooled, 411cc, two valve, SOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed
Output: 24.5hp/32Nm
Weight: 191kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 200mm/180mm
Seat height: 800mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 15lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/20,000 kilometres
Price: From $7490 ride away
Notes: Learner- and budget-friendly single from Indian manufacturer, Royal Enfield. Modest power-to-weight ratio and fairly basic in terms of standard features, but a value-packed machine for shorter-haul adventure riding. Royal Enfield is distributed in Australia by Melbourne-based Urban Moto Imports.
Related reading: 2020 Royal Enfield Himalayan Launch Review
Royal Enfield Himalayan in New Bike Showroom

SWM

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 600cc, four-valve, DOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 58hp/53.5Nm
Weight: 169kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 210mm/220mm
Seat height: 890mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 18lt
LAMS: Full power or LAMS variants available
Warranty: 2 years/20,000 kilometres
Price: From $10,490 plus ORC
Notes: Big single with a fairly evenly split road/off-road focus, with enduro styling, a small screen, and a generous 18lt fuel tank. SWM is a boutique Italian manufacturer that was resurrected in 2014 with financial backing from China's Shineray Group. The bikes are produced near Varese, northern Italy, while the brand is distributed in Australia by Melbourne-based Mojo Motorcycles.
Related reading: 2018 SWM Superdual X Launch Review
SWM Superdual X in New Bike Showroom

Suzuki

Engine: Air-cooled, 644cc, four valve, SOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed
Output: 43.5hp/54Nm
Weight: 166kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 260mm/260mm
Seat height: 855mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 13lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $9490 ride away
Notes: Suzuki's veteran big single traillie which, like Kawasaki's KLR650, has found favour among hardcore adventure riders on a budget for decades. Simple, robust, basic and bulletproof – relatively cheap and easy to maintain and run. Like the KLR, the DR650SE won't get you there at warp speed, but it will get you there.

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 645cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 71hp/62Nm (full power)
Weight: 216kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 150mm/160mm
Seat height: 835mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: Yes
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $13,490 ride away
Notes: This road-biased model comes in full power and LAMS variants, and has long been favoured for its strong and torquey V-twin, easy handling and comfortable ergonomics. The ABS system can't be deactivated but it has multi-level traction control and a choice of ride modes. It's a nifty thing on a sealed winding road and generally fine for dirt roads and light off-road work.

Triumph

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 888cc, 12-valve, DOHC, four-stroke triple
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 93.9hp/87Nm
Weight: 194kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 180mm/170mm (140mm/151mm for GT Low)
Seat height: 810mm to 830mm (760-790mm for GT Low)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $20,950 ride away (from $24,150 for GT Pro)
Notes: The successor to the Tiger 800, the Tiger 900 has a larger-capacity and more responsive engine, plus numerous tech updates. The Triumph Tiger 900 GT is the more road-focused model, compared to the more off-road-biased Tiger 900 Rally, with the GT having cast alloy wheels, a smaller front wheel and less wheel travel. The Tiger 900 GT Low has unique suspension and seating to deliver a lower ride height, while the Tiger 900 GT Pro has more tech features including electronic adjustment for the rear shock.
Related reading: 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro Review
Triumph 900 GT in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 888cc, 12-valve, DOHC, four-stroke triple
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 93.9hp/87Nm
Weight: 196kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 240mm/230mm
Seat height: 850mm to 870mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,990 ride away (from $24,750 ride away for Rally Pro)
Notes: The Tiger 900 is the successor to the Tiger 800, and the Tiger 900 Rally/Rally Pro is the more off-road biased model compared to the more road-focused Tiger 900 GT/GT Low/GT Pro. The Tiger 900 Rally features spoked wheels and off-road Showa suspension with extra wheel travel and a larger-diameter front wheel, while the Rally Pro builds on this with a quick-shifter and Bluetooth connectivity, plus an extra Off-road Pro riding mode.
Related reading: New Triumph Tiger 900 range
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 800cc, 12-valve, DOHC, four-stroke triple
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 94hp/79Nm
Weight: 200kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 180mm/170mm (140mm/150mm for XRx Low)
Seat height: 810mm to 830mm (760mm to 780mm for XRx Low)
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 19lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $20,450 ride away (from $22,900 ride away for XRt)
Notes: More road-biased compared to the Tiger 800 XC models, and now superseded by the Tiger 900 GT line. The Tiger 800 XR models have cast alloy wheels with a smaller front wheel diameter and road-biased tyres; the XRx Low is a low suspension/seat height variant while the XRt has a higher level of equipment and features, including an extra (programmable) ride mode and a heated seat and grips.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XRt Launch Review
Triumph Tiger 800 XRx in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 800cc, 12-valve, DOHC, four-stroke triple
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 94hp/79Nm
Weight: 205kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 220mm/215mm
Seat height: 840mm to 860mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 19lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,550 ride away (from $23,500 ride away for XCa)
Notes: The Tiger 800 XC range is the more off-road-capable arm of the Tiger 800 family, compared to the Tiger 800 XR models. Now superseded by the Tiger 900 Rally and Tiger 900 Rally Pro, the Tiger 800 XCx features off-road suspension with longer travel, a larger-diameter front wheel and off-road biased tyres, while the flagship Tiger 800 XCa builds on this with an additional Off-road Pro riding mode.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger XCa Launch Review
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx in New Bike Showroom

Yamaha

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 689cc, eight-valve, DOHC, four-stroke parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 72hp/68Nm
Weight: 204kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 210mm/200mm
Seat height: 870mm
Wheels: Spoked aluminium, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 16lt
LAMS: No
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $17,149 ride away
Notes: Yamaha's recently introduced sales smash hit, the Tenere 700 strikes a great balance of value, performance, technology and simplicity. Its excellent suspension lends it strong off-road ability, but its long-haul scope is hampered to a degree by its modest fuel range.
Related reading: 2020 Yamaha Tenere 700 Launch Review
Yamaha Tenere 700 in New Bike Showroom

The bikesales top five

While all these bikes bring a unique recipe to the adventure riding table, and matching a model to your intended usage is the key, we reckon the following five middleweight adventure bikes are the stand-out performers in the field. In no particular order, our favourite middleweight adventure models are...

The BMW F 850 GS Adventure represents a superb blend of technology and performance, capped off with serious long-haul potential, impressive build quality, and a long three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

The Triumph Tiger 900 builds on an already capable platform with more performance and smarter features, and we like the off-road edged Rally variants. Like the BMW (above) and KTM (below), the Tiger 900 Rally is not cheap, but it's a sophisticated, effective all-rounder.

It claimed the title of 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year for good reason: the KTM 790 Adventure R is seriously capable off-road and on. What will the 890 Adventure R be like? We can't wait to find out...

The new Yamaha Tenere 700 has been selling by the container load because it strikes such a nice balance between performance, features and price. Pragmatic technology that works, yet doesn't overwhelm. And it really looks the part too.

For those on a tight budget, the venerable Kawasaki KLR650 still offers all the ability without the fancy tech. It's old school, sure, but it's simple, robust and reliable, and far easier to fix when things go wrong. It's neck and neck with the (lighter) Suzuki DR650SE really, but we've given it the nod here for its bigger tank.