The once-loved 600cc sport bike class is no longer the powerhouse it once was. However, that doesn’t mean middleweight bikes are extinct. Instead, rider buying trends and the Euro5 have influenced an evolution in the middleweight class. Gone are the basic and boring 600cc bikes that tend to blend together no matter what manufacturer they come from. In its place are modern designs, new engines, and a ton of new technology. So, if you are ready to step up your ride game but aren’t interested in a 1,000ccc liter bike, consider one of these middle-weight sport bikes for the casual rider.
10 Triumph Daytona Moto2 765- 363 Pounds
Say hello to the next generation of Daytona motorcycles with the Triumph Daytona Moto2. It has everything that made the OG Daytona so great, including engine updates, higher-spec components, and improved handling. This makes it the perfect bike for a casual rider with plenty of money to burn. It has features you only see on high-end bikes, such as carbon fiber fairings and innovative technology. Use the shift assist quick-shifter to change gears without ever engaging the clutch. The 765cc Daytona engine delivers more power and torque than ever while the bike’s overall weight stays manageable.
9 MV Agusta F3 800 - 381.4 Pounds
The MV Agusta F3 800 is in a unique position on this list as one of the lightest middleweight bikes but also has one of the largest displacement engines. The team at MV Agusta refers to this bike as a motorcycle of extremes. It is easy to see why with its bold, bright red color and overly sculpted fairing profile. The 32-inch seat height and narrow saddle design make this bike a smart buy for shorter riders. However, casual riders can swing a leg over and turn heads on a weekend ride or occasionally take it out for a spin and get their heart racing.
8 Aprilia RS 660 - 401 Pounds
The Italian design of the Aprilia RS 660 is sleek and sophisticated. There is an elegant balance between respect for tradition and modern touches. Just look at the futuristic headlights placed into the sloping nose to see this in action. Aprilia engineers did more than create a rider position. They thought about handling and weight distribution for optimal performance and handling. Technology abounds in the operation of the bike, including multimap cornering ABS, five ride modes, and a race-inspired APRC system. Pair this with the torque-heavy 660cc engine, and you have a motorcycle that is chomping at the bit to race down the road.
7 Yamaha MT-07 - 406 Pounds
While many of the other bikes on this list are proper sport bikes, the Yamaha MT-07 is more of a naked roadster with attitude. Think of it like the dark side of Yamaha, sporting a serious attitude and plenty of performance. The compact 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine has a lot of low and mid-range torque, making it perfect for zippy through traffic on a casual Friday. In addition, the 2023 model has features that make riding enjoyable, like an improved TFT display, ABS brakes, and smartphone connectivity. Finally, you can’t miss the distinctive and eye-catching colors and graphics that give this bike an almost futuristic feel.
6 Yamaha YZF-R7 - 414 Pounds
There is a reason the R7 has such a strong following. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a lightweight, nimble sport bike that is fun to ride. The 689cc liquid-cooled inline-twin-cylinder engine is punchy and responsive. Punch the throttle, and you’ll feel the torquey pull rocket you around the curve of the street or track. A more slender chassis design and deep knee pockets allow for a tighter fit through the leg and a less bulky feeling beneath you. This pairs with the carefully developed rider position triangle that puts the rider into the perfect stance for comfort, confidence, and performance.
5 Suzuki GSX-R750Z - 419 Pounds
The Suzuki GSX-R750Z is the bike that seems to never go away, despite a distinct lack of redesign or upgrade in over a decade. Thankfully, the 2023 models come in new colors, which is a refreshing look. However, it still comes with the 750cc liquid-cooled inline-four. The GSX-R750Z offers casual riders simplicity and ride purity. There is no traction control, wheel mitigation, ABS, quick shifter, or ride-by-wire system. You are left with a performance-tuned engine with very little holding you back. Beginner riders may find this bike a bit intimidating, but experienced casual riders will appreciate the back-to-basics approach of this bike.
4 Honda CBR500R - 423.3 Pounds
Forget everything you knew about the old middleweight Honda motorcycles. The Honda CBR500R comes at you with a completely redesigned front end, upgraded brakes, new wheels, and a lighter swingarm. The result is a bike that looks modern while stopping faster and handling better. This is the bike for someone wanting that classic sport bike look with a complete set of fairings covering up the mechanical engineering underneath. The 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine has a lot of low-end torque, giving you plenty of power without having to wind the throttle out. So, swing a leg over, lean forward, and enjoy classic sport bike riding with a fresh new feel.
3 Kawasaki Ninja 650 - 423.3 Pounds
Unlike the Ninja ZX-6R, built for track performance, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a more chilled-out version. The rider position is more upright, creating more comfort. The 649cc parallel-twin engine is smooth and responsive. It is tuned to deliver mid-range power that is perfect for cruising. Even though the rider position is more relaxed, the bike’s styling is just as aggressive as the rest of the Ninja lineup. The windscreen is low but angled to provide more protection. The seat is shaped to contour your body and legs but is also thickly cushioned for increased comfort. When it comes to handling, the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) has two modes to tailor the bike’s performance to the rider’s preferences.
2 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - 429.9 Pounds
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R boasts a 636cc engine that engineers optimized for impressive performance on the street and track. The inline-four-cylinder engine emphasizes low-end power and torque while also optimizing the rpm range for smooth power throughout the band. In addition, it comes with a quick shifter, an intuitive instrument panel, and Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires. The redesigned aggressive styling brings plenty of attitude from the headlights throughout the bike to the taillights. Sit on the bike, and your body will naturally sink into the aggressive forward-leaning rider position. This middleweight bike is perfect for the rider looking to experience some weekend thrills on back country roads or occasionally test themselves on track day.
1 Honda CBR650R - 455.9 Pounds
What makes the Honda CBR650R stand out isn’t the design or colorway. Quite frankly, these are a bit boring. The transverse inline-four engine, a pioneer in the motorcycle world, makes this bike worth consideration. This is the bike for the casual rider who isn’t looking to show out but still wants an enjoyable ride. The motorcycle hits a sweet spot between being lightweight and performance-minded. The 649cc engine delivers smooth-revving and faster shifting, helping you to get up and go with a simple twist of the wrist. The seat is wide and cushioned, making it just comfortable enough for short or long rides.