This list of my favourite used middleweight sportsbikes prove you don't need to be rich to have fun!

This year has seen the launch of the Suzuki GSX-8R as well as the Triumph Daytona 660, two brand-new easy-going middleweight sportsbikes that join the Yamaha R7, Aprilia RS660, Honda CBR650R and Kawasaki Ninja 650.

All guaranteed headturners, if you want to ride briskly without the fear of the speeds getting too silly, this new breed of middleweight makes loads of sense.

Related: Top riding gear for sportsbike riders

But why buy new? There are superb used (or hardly used…) examples that can be had for very reasonable money.

Read on for our expert guide to brilliant used middleweight sportsbikes!

Related: Sportsbike tyre advice

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MCN Recommended: 2017-on Kawasaki Ninja 650 – £3300-£6500

The rebranded mini-Ninja offers plenty of sporty fun.

Spec:

• Power 67bhp
• Engine capacity 649cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 193kg

Somewhat old-school in its feel, the Ninja 650 arrived in 2017 but was very much a re-branded and slightly tweaked ER-6f model. Not that this is a bad thing because the mini-Ninja manages to retain all of the charm and easy-going nature that made the ER so popular. The Ninja is effortless to ride, has a thumping motor and delivers good economy figures. Not as sporty as some rivals, it’s a practical and solid machine that is easy to bag at a temptingly low price.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 used buying advice

● The exhaust is a one-piece unit, so check its condition well. Happily, a complete used original exhaust system only costs around £150.
● The Ninja has 7500-mile service intervals with its valve-clearance check every 15,000-miles. The basic service is around £300 but the valve-clearance check will set you back £600, so always factor this into your offer on a highermileage machine.
● Dealers are chopping the prices of 2023 Ninja 650s, so check the new deals before you buy used. As well as low finance rates, you can pick one up for less than £6500.

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2019-on Honda CBR650R – £5000-£8599

Sporty but not over the top and solid quality too.

Spec:

• Power 92.6bhp
• Engine capacity 649cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 202kg

Since the launch of the full-on CBR600RR supersport, Honda have struggled to know what to do with the CBR as an all-rounder. Re-released in 2011 as the CBR600F, this do-it-all CBR has matured and in CBR650R form eventually found the right balance between price, usability and sports. It’s a fantastic-looking bike with a real peach of an inline four motor, but it’s also practical too.

Honda CBR650R used buying advice

● The CBR650R was made Euro5-compliant and given uprated Showa forks and a new dash in 2021. Although slightly better handling, the bare bones are unchanged so it’s not a drama if you want to save a few quid and opt for the older bike.
● The CBR650R replaced the CBR650F, which ran from 2014 to 2018. The F model isn’t as good looking, lacks HSTC and isn’t as sporty but prices start at £3000 and it has a 1.9-litre bigger tank.
● Owners report few issues.

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2021-on Yamaha R7 – £6500-£7499

Evocative name for this fun and easy parallel twin.

Spec:

• Power 72bhp
• Engine capacity 689cc
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 188kg

Based around the MT-07, it has a few tasty components to give it enhanced handling and looks. Featuring fully-adjustable inverted forks and twin radial brakes, not to mention sportier geometry, lighter wheels, clip-ons and a TFT dash, the Yamaha R7 is quite sports-focused but its beautiful CP2 parallel twin engine ensures it never feels aggressive or demanding.

Yamaha R7 used buying advice

● Although the finish is quite good, the underslung exhaust can look quite tatty very quickly, especially around its welds. Aftermarket units are common (the original is a onepiece unit) so if one is fitted, check it isn’t offensively loud.
● There are lots of cool accessories available for the R7, but the most popular is the £164 ‘plug-and-play’ up-only quickshifter.
● Always perform an HPI check on an R7 to see if there is any outstanding finance.

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2007-2016 Suzuki GSX650F – £1500-£3999

A budget-friendly sporty middleweight option.

Spec:

• Power 84bhp
• Engine capacity 656cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 245kg

Very much aimed at the budget end of the market, the Suzuki GSX650F is effectively a Bandit 650 with a full-fairing fitted to give it a dash of sex appeal and the rider better weather protection. The GSX-F is cheap to buy, comfortable and also very reliable. It may not win many beauty contests but with a 19-litre tank and economy figures in the mid-50mpg region easily achievable, what it lacks in visual appeal it more than makes up for in terms of practicality.

Suzuki GSX650F used buying advice

● Finish is a weakspot and the chassis can look tatty quite quickly if not cared for. Always check the steel chassis tubes (especially at the front) for rust as stone chips can leave it exposed to corrosion.
● By now the OE exhaust may well be starting to rot. Check the area directly under the engine, which is particularly prone to rust.

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2020-on Aprilia RS660 – £6999-£9999

A mini-Italian delight making it onto the used market.

Spec:

• Power 99bhp
• Engine capacity 659cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 183kg

Aprilia’s fairly serious middleweight RS660 has far more tech than its rivals and as a result is a pricier option. Alongside angle-responsive TC and ABS, you get an up/down quickshifter, cruise control, power modes and a TFT with connectivity, while the chassis boasts Brembo brakes and fully-adjustable suspension. There are deals to be had on both new and used models.

Aprilia RS660 used buying advice

● Stories of oil leaks with early RS660s aren’t uncommon. Generally they can be traced back to incorrectly tightened bolts on the covers or nipped gaskets but always check for any signs of oil weeps after a test ride.
● Several owners have had issues with the RS660’s fuel cap with fuel leaking out from the overflow common. Usually it can be traced back to a blocked vent line, which can be unclogged quite easily.