5 Middleweight Adventure Bikes That Are Perfect For Budget Buyers
The middleweight adventure bike segment is the hottest it has ever been. That means there’s something for all kinds of riders, be it a relatively new ADV fan or a hardcore enthusiast. But with the choice comes a lot of confusion, and you can easily get lost in the search. So we’re here to make your life easier. If you have a budget of under $10,000, these are the best mid-capacity ADV bikes on the market.
Moto Morini X-Cape
Price: $7,999
We start with a 650cc adventure bike hailing from China. Although its origin will make you question, the X-Cape has actually been around for a fair bit without any major reliability woes worldwide. Credit here goes to its Kawasaki-based 649cc parallel-twin engine, good for 60 horsepower and 42.5 pound-feet. This is topped with quality components from Marzocchi, Brembo, and Bosch. For just $8,000, this is simply impeccable value.
| Engine | 649cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 60 HP |
| Torque | 42.5 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
Benelli TRK 702 X
Price: $8,799
From a Chinese-owned Italian brand, we move to…..another Chinese-owned Italian brand. Benelli is much more established, though, and the TRK 702 X builds on the popular TRK 502. There’s a lot to like here, be it the powerful engine, fancy suspension, and premium features. Oh, and if you don’t want to go off the road, there is a cheaper non-X version.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | 698cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 70 HP |
| Torque | 51.6 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
Honda NC750X DCT
Price: $9,499
We won’t call this a full-out ADV, but this is more of a crossover. A really capable one. The latest update brings fresh changes like a TFT instrument cluster, along with new styling. The USP remains the same, though. It’s the uber-punchy and understressed parallel-twin engine, paired with the segment’s only DCT. Twist and go for the win!
Engine Specifications
| Engine | 745cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | ~58 HP |
| Torque | ~50 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed (DCT) |
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
Price: $9,799
This is the most reliable, proven, and still capable ADV on the list. While you can get the non-XT and save $500, the XT brings off-road abilities, courtesy of the spoke wheels. Other than that, there is a popular mill under the skin, which has survived the test of time and remains competitive even today. To paint a picture, the 645cc engine matches the performance offered by the pricier and bigger Yamaha Tenere 700.
| Engine | 645cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | ~70 HP |
| Torque | 46 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
Honda Transalp
Price: $9,999
The XL750 features Honda’s new 755cc, parallel-twin engine that produces a class-leading 90.5 horsepower and 55 pound-feet via a six-speed transmission. So this is one of the most powerful ADVs under $10,000. Since that is plenty of firepower, you also get the most impressive electronics package in this price range. Power modes, ride modes, switchable ABS, traction control, engine brake control, and a two-way quickshifter are all standard inclusions. A diamond steel chassis, adjustable 43 mm USD forks, and monoshock round off the package.
| Engine | 755cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 90.5 HP |
| Torque | 55 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
