Are you in the market for a brand new middleweight adventure bike but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? With 2024 bringing a range of exciting models, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best offerings from the major manufacturers in price order, helping you decide which bike suits your riding style.

I am sharing my favorite picks based on my own research and 100+ hours of reading reviews on the internet. Let’s dive in!

1. Honda XL750 Transalp

Price: £9,699

Honda’s XL750 Transalp offers a budget-friendly entry into the world of adventure bikes, but don’t let the price fool you—this bike delivers a lot for the money. The engine is a 755cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, giving it a characterful exhaust note and a lively, free-revving feel. It produces just over 90 horsepower, providing enough grunt to keep things interesting on both highways and backroads.

• Engine Performance: Borrowed from the Honda Hornet, the engine offers a good balance of power and economy. It’s smooth, responsive, and has a respectable top-end punch.
• Chassis and Suspension: The chassis is slightly more road-biased than some of the other adventure bikes on this list, with a bit less suspension travel. It has 200mm of travel at both ends and a manageable seat height, making it a good option for riders who prioritize comfort on long road trips over hardcore off-road capabilities.
• Riding Experience: Thanks to its refined road manners and predictable handling, the Transalp is well-suited to those who spend most of their time on tarmac but want the option of tackling light off-road trails.
• Styling: The Transalp’s design is classic Honda—functional, but with a touch of flair. The tri-color option with gold rims adds a bit of visual excitement, but some may find the headlight design a bit conservative.

2. Suzuki V-Strom 800

Price: £10,999

At the same price point as the Honda, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 brings a different flavor to the middleweight adventure segment. Powered by an 800cc parallel twin, this engine focuses on mid-range torque, making it ideal for riders who want a bike that’s both punchy and easy to ride. The V-Strom is known for its silky smooth throttle response and impressive refinement.

• Engine Performance: With a torquey mid-range, the V-Strom 800 feels strong in the lower revs and delivers smooth, linear power. This makes it particularly well-suited for long-distance touring, where a relaxed, less rev-hungry engine shines.
• Two Models for Different Riders:
  • The RE version comes with cast aluminum wheels and is more street-focused, with a 19-inch front wheel and 20mm less suspension travel than its sibling.
  • The DE version is the more rugged option, offering spoked wheels (21-inch front and 17-inch rear) for better off-road capability. It also has more suspension travel and ground clearance for tackling rough terrain.
• Comfort Features: The RE version now features a wider windscreen, providing better wind protection for touring, and its color options have been refreshed for 2024. The DE version, meanwhile, adds off-road versatility and a more commanding riding position.

3. Aprilia Tuareg 660

Price: £9,850

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is designed for riders who prioritize off-road performance but don’t want to compromise on-road comfort. It’s powered by a lively parallel twin engine, shared with the Tuono 660 and RS 660 sport bikes. This engine delivers 80 horsepower, giving the Touareg plenty of punch both on and off the road.

• Off-road Focused Chassis: The Touareg is a serious off-road machine, with a lightweight frame, a tall 860mm seat height, and 240mm of suspension travel at both ends. Its 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are equipped with spoked rims, providing excellent off-road capability.
• Lightweight Design: At just 204 kg wet, the Touareg is one of the lightest bikes in this class, making it easy to maneuver off-road. The long-travel KYB suspension is fully adjustable, giving you the ability to fine-tune the bike’s setup to match the terrain.
• On-road Performance: While the Touareg is more focused on off-road riding, it’s still a capable road bike. The engine delivers smooth, usable power, and the bike is stable at higher speeds, though it may not feel as planted on tarmac as some of the more road-biased competitors.
• Tech Features: The Touareg 660 comes with a suite of modern electronics, including selectable ride modes, traction control, and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity.

4. Yamaha Tenere 700

Price: £10,000+

Yamaha’s Tenere 700 has earned a reputation as one of the most capable adventure bikes on the market. Powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel twin engine, it’s a simple, reliable, and versatile machine that excels off-road. The engine’s torque-rich, linear power delivery has made it a favorite among adventure riders who appreciate its no-nonsense approach.

• Off-road Capability: The Tenere 700’s chassis is purpose-built for off-roading. With a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear, long-travel suspension, and a narrow, lightweight design, it’s ready to tackle difficult terrain.
• Multiple Editions:
  • The Explore Edition lowers the seat height and comes equipped with luggage racks for road-focused touring.
  • The Extreme Edition takes things in the opposite direction, adding top-shelf suspension components for even better off-road performance.
  • The Rally Edition comes with additional protection, including a sturdy bash plate, making it the most rugged version.
  • The World Raid adds a 23-liter fuel tank for long-distance rides, ideal for adventurers heading far from civilization.
• Minimalist Approach: The Tenere 700 is known for its simplicity. It lacks some of the flashy tech features of more expensive models, but this is part of its charm. Recent models have added a TFT display, but the bike remains focused on delivering a solid, no-frills riding experience.

5. Moto Guzzi V85 TT

Price: £10,300+ (2023 models discounted)

Moto Guzzi’s V85 TT stands out in the adventure segment thanks to its unique transverse V-twin engine and retro-inspired styling. The air-cooled, 853cc engine is a nod to the brand’s heritage, offering a more traditional, low-tech experience compared to the competition. Despite this, the V85 TT is still a capable and enjoyable adventure bike.

• Engine and Performance: While the V85 TT doesn’t have the outright power of some of the other bikes on this list, its 76 horsepower is plenty for relaxed, enjoyable riding. The characterful V-twin delivers its power in a smooth, manageable way, making it a great bike for riders who value a more laid-back riding experience.
• Retro Styling: The V85 TT’s styling harks back to adventure bikes of the 1980s, with dual headlights and bold paint schemes. It’s a bike that stands out from the crowd, both visually and in terms of its mechanical design.
• Variants for Different Riders:
  • The standard V85 TT is a great all-rounder.
  • The Strada version is more road-oriented, with cast wheels and street tires for better pavement performance.
  • The Travel version is equipped with touring accessories like luggage and wind protection, making it ideal for long-distance trips.

6. KTM 790 Adventure

Price: £12,999

KTM’s 790 Adventure is a budget-friendly alternative to the highly regarded 890 Adventure. Built in collaboration with CFMoto in China, the 790 Adventure offers much of the same performance and capability as its bigger sibling, but at a more accessible price point. The 799cc parallel twin engine delivers 94 horsepower, providing plenty of punch for both road and off-road riding.

• Off-road Focus: The 790 Adventure retains KTM’s signature off-road capability, with a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and rugged construction. It’s designed for serious adventure riders who want a bike that can handle rough terrain with ease.
• Build Quality: Despite being built in China, KTM has ensured that the 790 Adventure meets its high standards of quality. The bike feels well-built and solid, and initial impressions suggest that it will be just as reliable as its Austrian-built counterparts.
• Great Value: The 790 Adventure offers a lot of bang for your buck, making it a great choice for riders who want a capable, off-road-oriented adventure bike without breaking the bank.

7. BMW F900GS

Price: £14,900

BMW’s F900GS is a significant upgrade from the outgoing F850GS, with more power, less weight, and a sleeker design. The 2024 model features an 895cc parallel twin engine, producing 105 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful bikes in this segment.

• Improved Off-road Capabilities: The F900GS has been designed with serious off-road riding in mind. It features a more aggressive stance, a slimmer tail section, and a lighter chassis, making it more nimble on challenging terrain.
• Road Performance: Despite its off-road capabilities, the F900GS is still a great road bike. The engine’s increased power and torque make it a blast to ride on twisty mountain roads, and the bike’s refined suspension keeps it comfortable on long highway stretches.
• Technology: BMW has packed the F900GS with tech, including a new TFT display, traction control, multiple riding modes, and optional electronic suspension, giving you the tools to fine-tune the bike’s performance for any terrain.

8. Triumph Tiger 900

Price: Tiger 900 GT: Starts at £12,195 

• Tiger 900 GT Pro: Starts at £13,895
•  Tiger 900 Rally Pro: Starts at £14,495

The Triumph Tiger 900 continues to impress with its unique triple-cylinder engine, offering a blend of torque and high-revving fun that sets it apart from the twin-cylinder competition. The 900cc engine produces 94 horsepower, making it a versatile bike for both road and off-road riding.

• Engine Performance: The triple engine provides a smooth, linear power delivery, with a nice balance of low-end torque and top-end power. It feels lively on twisty roads and offers plenty of grunt for off-road adventures.
• Three Variants:
  • The GT model is more road-focused, with a lower seat height and cast wheels.
  • The GT Pro adds electronic suspension for increased comfort and versatility.
  • The Rally Pro is the most off-road capable version, featuring spoked wheels, long-travel suspension, and additional protection for tackling rough terrain.
• Tech Features: The Tiger 900 comes loaded with modern features, including cruise control, traction control, and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity.

9. Husqvarna Norden 901

Price: £10,699

The Husqvarna Norden 901 shares its platform with the KTM 890 Adventure but features its own distinctive design. Powered by an 889cc parallel twin engine, the Norden delivers 105 horsepower, providing strong performance both on and off the road.

• Design and Ergonomics: The Norden 901 features a more minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired design compared to the KTM’s angular look. Its ergonomics are slightly more relaxed, making it a comfortable choice for long-distance touring.
• Off-road Capability: With long-travel suspension, a 21-inch front wheel, and rugged construction, the Norden is ready to tackle challenging terrain. It’s a great choice for riders who want a bike that’s both capable off-road and comfortable on long rides.
• Technology: Like its KTM sibling, the Norden 901 comes packed with tech, including selectable ride modes, cornering ABS, and traction control, ensuring that you can confidently handle any terrain.

10. Ducati Desert X

Price: £15,999

The Ducati Desert X is the most premium bike on this list, and it’s worth every penny. Powered by Ducati’s 937cc Testastretta V-Twin, it produces 110 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful bikes in the middleweight adventure class. The Desert X is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds—performance and luxury.

• Engine Performance: The Testastretta engine delivers a smooth, refined power delivery, with plenty of torque down low and strong acceleration at the top end. It’s a joy to ride both on and off the road, and its V-Twin engine provides a distinctive exhaust note that sets it apart from the competition.
• Off-road Prowess: The Desert X is arguably the best off-road handler in its class. It features long-travel suspension, a 21-inch front wheel, and an 18-inch rear, all mounted on spoked rims. Ducati has also equipped the Desert X with a high-end electronics package, including cornering ABS, traction control, and multiple ride modes to help you tackle even the most challenging trails.
• Design and Features: The Desert X’s retro-inspired design is a nod to the desert racers of the 1980s, with round headlights and a tall, aggressive stance. The bike is finished with Ducati’s signature attention to detail, making it as beautiful as it is capable.

From the affordable and versatile Honda XL750 Transalp to the premium Ducati Desert X, there’s a middleweight adventure bike for every type of rider in 2024. Whether you’re looking for a road-focused touring machine or a serious off-road weapon, these bikes offer the perfect balance of power, capability, and adventure. Take your pick and get ready to explore the world on two wheels!