These used middleweight adventure roadsters offer marvellous value and do-it-all ability
Middleweight adventure bikes make for brilliant do-it-alls. With tall, upright, riding positions ensuring the rider is placed in a comfortable stance, plus long tank ranges, these bikes are more than happy to pile on the miles.
Related: Adventure kit buying guide
And their rugged nature means that urban riding is a breeze as brush guards do battle with congestion-bound competitors and small spills are easily shaken off. If you are after a budget-friendly bike that delivers on every level, a middleweight adventure model makes for a very tempting option.
Read on for our expert guide to middleweight roadgoing adventure bikes!
MCN Recommended: 2008-2012 Honda XLV700V Transalp – £2000-£4500
A solid road adventure option for the commuting soft-roader
Spec:
- Power 59bhp
- Engine capacity 680cc
- Seat height 841mm
- Kerb weight 214kg (kerb)
In 2008, Honda moved the Transalp from its (fairly) off-road roots towards tarmac riding. Armed with a smaller 19in front wheel, the restyled Transalp also gained a bit of extra performance through a bigger-capacity engine. Never the most thrilling of bikes, it’s a solid commuter that is softly sprung and comfortable. It’s hard to really criticise; much like the modern NC range, it just gets on with the job with few quibbles or major issues. Cheap, reliable and easy-going.
Honda XLV700V Transalp used buying advice
● C-ABS was an optional extra (has three-piston front calipers); if they are two-piston, it lacks C-ABS. If fitted, check it’s working properly.
● Check for corrosion where the spokes meet the hubs, they aren’t the finest quality.
● Give the gearbox output shaft a close inspection. Owners report it lacks grease from new, leading to excessive wear of the splines.
● The suspension was very soft as standard, something that gets even worse with time and mileage. Ensure the shock still has some damping in it and look out for badly chipped or pitted forks sliders.
2011-2014 Triumph Tiger 800 – £3500-£6000
A Tiger that is less inclined to playing in the dirt
Spec:
- Power 94bhp
- Engine capacity 799cc
- Seat height 810mm
- Kerb weight 210kg (kerb)
The Tiger 800 was the road-targeted version and comes on cast wheels with a 19in front. With a low seat height and fantastic triple, the Tiger makes for a superb do-it-all whose 19-litre tank ensures a decent range. More analogue than future generations, and therefore with less to go wrong, it’s a very good used buy that has a real ‘big bike’ feel about it. A great choice.
Triumph Tiger 800 used buying advice
● Switchable ABS is an optional extra on the Tiger, so check its spec.
● The Tiger runs a high-powered 645W generator, which is known to fail, so check the voltage across the battery using a multimeter.
● Be wary of dodgy immobiliser systems (fitted as standard) as the antenna is known to fail.
● The 12,000-mile service is critical because as well as valve-clearances being checked, the suspension’s linkage should also be stripped and regreased. Ensure it’s been done.
2015-2021 Kawasaki Versys 650 – £3500-£6500
Sporty adventure parallel twin for tarmac lovers
Spec:
- Power 69bhp
- Engine capacity 649cc
- Seat height 840mm
- Kerb weight 216kg (kerb)
The Versys is sportier than some adventure rivals thanks to the fact it is armed with 17in rims. The Versys’ parallel twin has a lovely lazy attitude and with a 21-litre tank and adjustable screen, it is also very practical. Don’t let the 840mm seat height put you off; the bike has a narrow waist, so feels far lower and its light weight ensures the Kawasaki is very manageable.
Kawasaki Versys 650 used buying advice
● The updated 2022-onwards Versys features a sharper look, 4.3in TFT dash with connectivity and traction control as standard.
● Watch out for sticking sliders on the two-piston brake calipers; they are notorious for corroding during winter. Rebuild kits are roughly £50 per side and fairly easy to fit.
● The exhaust is a single piece, so be wary of any cracks or leaks.
● Check the shock’s remote preload adjuster turns freely (they seize up). Inspect the radiator for corrosion.
2017-current Suzuki V-Strom 650 – £4000-£8250
A really solid do-it-all road-bias adventurer with few faults
Spec:
- Power 71bhp
- Engine capacity 645cc
- Seat height 830mm
- Kerb weight 216kg (kerb)
The V-Strom 650 is the less rugged option compared to Suzuki’s XT, with cast wheels and no brush guards. A bike that punches well above its weight, the V-Strom’s huge 20-litre tank is good for well over 200 miles. Comfortable, reliable and cheap, there is little to dislike about Suzuki’s evergreen middleweight, and the 2017-onwards models even have traction control as standard.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 used buying advice
● Listen for a rattle on tickover that doesn’t quieten down, it points to needing a new camchain tensioner
● The XT model gives the V-Strom a bit of extra kerb appeal. It has the same seat height and chassis.
● Check the shock’s remote preload adjuster turns freely, they seize up if left unaltered for long periods.
● The front cylinder is exposed to lots of road crud being flung up at it, leading to the spark plugs becoming corroded and failing. There is a drain hole which needs to be kept clear.
2008-2013 BMW F650GS – £3000-£4500
An easy-going road-adventurer with a hint of class
Spec:
- Power 71bhp
- Engine capacity 798cc
- Seat height 820mm
- Kerb weight 199kg (kerb)
The F650GS is (confusingly) a 798cc parallel-twin, detuned when compared to the F800GS. It runs a 19in front wheel with cast rims, for more assured road holding. Although a fairly low spec list makes the F650GS appear a budget bike, it is physically large, has a high level of build quality and the engine has a lovely spread of power. A solid do-itall option – but lacking in pizzazz.
BMW F650GS used buying advice
● The budget suspension isn’t the most robust so inspect the forks for leaks around the seals and check the shock still has some damping.
● The parallel twin has 6000-mile service intervals with the valveclearances checked every 12,000 miles. Check it’s up to date.
● There’s a 790mm low seat option.
● ABS is standard fitment, but check the system for ABS errors.
● Headstock bearings can wear quickly. They should be checked at the 12,000-mile service.
