10 Midweight ADVs That Combine Big-Bike Comfort With Small-Bike Agility

Adventure motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, from towering heavyweight globetrotters like the BMW R 1300 GS to nimble little single-cylinder trail hoppers. But somewhere in the middle lies a sweet spot – the mid-weight ADV. These bikes manage to blend the comfort, range, and technology of big bikes with the lighter feel, lower cost, and agility of smaller machines. In short, they’re the “Goldilocks zone” of adventure riding.

These typically live in the 650–900 cc range, and they’ve become the category where most riders start, or even stay, for their adventure journeys. They’re not too heavy to wrestle on dirt trails, yet not so small that you feel underpowered on the highway. Add to that modern electronics, plush suspension, and enough luggage options to carry everything from a toothbrush to a tent palace, and you’ve got a bike that’s equally at home carving mountain passes as it is pounding out highway miles or exploring backroads.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from BMW Motorrad USA, Yamaha Motorsports USA, Suzuki Cycles USA, Kawasaki USA, KTM USA, Triumph Motorcycles USA, Honda Power Sports, Aprilia USA, Ducati USA and CFMoto USA. Whereas, the opinions are our own.

Ducati DesertX

Price: $17,995

The Ducati DesertX doesn’t mess around when it comes to adventure credentials. This bike looks like it came straight from the Dakar Rally, with its retro-inspired fairing, tall stance, and purposeful design. It packs Ducati’s Testastretta V-twin, which means plenty of horsepower for long highway stretches, but its 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and rugged frame geometry also make it one of the most dirt-friendly Ducatis ever built. Add in optional extras like an auxiliary fuel tank, and you’ve got a machine that’s just begging for multi-day expeditions in remote places. It’s one of the boldest bikes in this space, and it rides like that too.

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Price: $17,595

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is a proper middleweight ADV that doesn’t shy away from dirt. Unlike the GT version, the Rally is tuned for off-road performance, with spoked wheels, longer-travel suspension, and geometry that makes it confident on gravel and trails. The 888cc triple engine gives it a unique character that is smooth, punchy, and packed with midrange torque, all while still being easy to handle on long rides. Add in Triumph’s rider aids, comfortable ergonomics, and trademark refinement, and the Tiger 900 Rally becomes one of the most versatile choices in this segment, equally happy crossing deserts or chewing up tarmac.

KTM Adventure 890 R

Price: $15,799

If there’s one bike that screams “serious adventure,” it’s the KTM 890 Adventure R. Built with off-roaders in mind, the 890 R comes with long-travel suspension, a tall seat, and aggressive geometry that makes it almost feel like a big dirt bike with pannier racks. The parallel twin has plenty of torque down low, making it ideal for slow technical sections as well as blasting out of corners on the tarmac. The electronics are dialed for adventure, too, with off-road ABS and traction control that actually help rather than hinder. It’s not the most beginner-friendly option, but for hardcore riders, it’s a weapon.

Aprilia Tuareg 660

Price: $12,499

Aprilia took its sporty 660 parallel-twin platform and turned it into a lean, tall, and off-road-ready ADV with the Tuareg 660. Unlike some adventure bikes that lean more toward touring, the Tuareg was designed with trails in mind. It gets slim bodywork, 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and a weight figure that won’t intimidate the average rider. Yet, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The engine delivers a healthy mix of punch and smoothness, and the electronics suite keeps things friendly whether you’re cruising highways or sliding through gravel. With all of this going for it, this is a proper rally bike that you can actually live with day-to-day.

Yamaha Tenere 700

Price: $10,999

The Yamaha Tenere 700 quickly became a modern classic in the ADV world, and for good reason. Simple, rugged, and rally-inspired, it ditches excessive electronics in favor of pure riding feel. Powered by Yamaha’s CP2 parallel twin, the T7 is approachable yet capable, with enough grunt for the highway and enough toughness for real off-road adventures. The 21/18-inch wheel combo, tall stance, and slim profile make it feel more like a rally bike than a touring machine. This is a bike for riders who believe adventure should be about the ride itself, not the gadgetry.

BMW F 800 GS

Price: $10,925

The BMW F 800 GS has long been a staple in the middleweight ADV lineup, and its latest updates keep it relevant. Sitting below the bigger F 900 and R 1300 models, the 800 GS still carries BMW’s signature ADV DNA with an upright riding position, a solid electronics package, and that distinct GS versatility. It is lighter and easier to manage than its big siblings, yet it still feels stable on the open road. For riders who want BMW quality and touring chops but don’t need a behemoth, the F 800 GS hits the sweet spot. It is a dependable, do-it-all option that still holds the GS badge with pride.

CFMoto Ibex 800 E

Price: $10,299

CFMoto might not have the same long history as the European or Japanese brands, but the Ibex 800 E shows that the company is dead serious about competing. Powered by a parallel twin based on KTM DNA, the Ibex balances performance and value in a way that turns heads. It’s got a TFT dash, multiple riding modes, cruise control, and decent suspension travel for mixed riding. The real kicker? It delivers all this at a price that’s hard to ignore.

Kawasaki Versys 650

Price: $10,099

Kawasaki’s Versys 650 is a bit of an outlier in this list. More sport-tourer than hardcore ADV, but it has earned its place. The Versys has long been a go-to for riders who want upright comfort, long-distance ability, and everyday practicality, all without the intimidating size or cost of bigger machines. It is happiest on paved roads and twisties, but with its tall stance and adventure-inspired styling, it feels at home on light gravel too. Think of it as the practical, budget-friendly entry point into the ADV-touring world, with enough charm to win over riders who stick with it for years.

Honda Transalp

Price: $9,999

Honda brought back the iconic Transalp name with a modern twist, slotting it between the Africa Twin and smaller CB500X. The Transalp uses a new parallel-twin engine that’s both peppy and refined, making it great for long touring days without feeling dull when the road gets twisty. Its upright ergonomics and balanced chassis make it friendly for both new adventurers and seasoned riders looking for a versatile all-rounder. While it isn’t as hardcore off-road as some rivals, the Transalp nails the balance between comfort, reliability, and just enough dirt ability to keep things exciting.