The Best First Big Bikes
Stepping up to a full-power bike is a big moment. You want real performance without a savage power delivery. These approachable middleweights (roughly 60-100hp) are the perfect first big bike after your A2.
- 01Aprilia · sport
Aprilia RS 660
8.8The class-defining modern middleweight: a punchy 270° twin, sublime chassis, and superbike-grade electronics in a usable package.
Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Cycle World
- Price
- $11,549
- Engine
- 659cc
- Power
- 100hp
- Seat
- 820mm
- 02Triumph · modern classic
Triumph Bonneville T120
8.6A beautifully built, torque-rich modern classic that nails the retro brief with genuine quality and easy real-world pace, at a premium price.
Consensus from Cycle World · Motorcycle.com · MCN
- Price
- $12,895
- Engine
- 1200cc
- Power
- 78hp
- Seat
- 790mm
- 03Yamaha · adventure
Yamaha Ténéré 700
8.5The benchmark middleweight ADV for genuine off-road ability, simplicity, and value; the tall seat and basic kit are the only price of admission.
Consensus from RevZilla · Cycle World · Adventure Bike Rider
- Price
- $10,799
- Engine
- 689cc
- Power
- 72hp
- Seat
- 875mm
- 04Suzuki · naked
Suzuki GSX-8S
8.5An award-winning middleweight naked that punches above its spec sheet, with a torquey, characterful twin and a genuinely premium feel.
Consensus from MCN · Cycle World · RevZilla
- Price
- $8,999
- Engine
- 776cc
- Power
- 81hp
- Seat
- 810mm
- 05Suzuki · adventure
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
8.4A capable, well-priced middleweight ADV with a true 21-inch front and genuine off-road intent, held back only by its tall seat and modest electronics.
Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · MCN
- Price
- $11,599
- Engine
- 776cc
- Power
- 84hp
- Seat
- 855mm
- 06Triumph · naked
Triumph Trident 660
8.1Superb-value middleweight with a glorious Street Triple-derived triple; budget forks and a comfort ceiling are where the corners were cut.
Consensus from Bennetts · MCN · Cycle World
- Price
- $8,595
- Engine
- 660cc
- Power
- 81hp
- Seat
- 805mm
- 07Yamaha · sport
Yamaha R7
8.0A brilliantly balanced, featherweight-handling middleweight supersport and a genuine value, let down only by a willing twin that wants more top end.
Consensus from MCN · RevZilla · Cycle World
- Price
- $9,199
- Engine
- 689cc
- Power
- 73hp
- Seat
- 835mm
- 08LiveWire · naked
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
7.9Harley’s electric spin-off goes mainstream: a light, flat-track-styled naked with savage low-end punch and a price that finally makes sense.
Consensus from Cycle World · RevZilla · InsideEVs
- Price
- $15,499
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 84hp
- Seat
- 775mm
- 09Harley-Davidson · cruiser
Harley-Davidson Nightster
7.8A genuinely modern, punchy liquid-cooled Sportster with a low seat, divisive only on its cramped riding position and small tank.
Consensus from Cycle World · Motorcycle.com · Harley-Davidson
- Price
- $11,999
- Engine
- 975cc
- Power
- 91hp
- Seat
- 705mm
- 10Zero · adventure
Zero DSR/X
7.8Zero’s electric adventure flagship: 229 Nm from zero rpm, a tall comfortable stance and genuine trail ability, gated only by range and weight.
Consensus from ADV Pulse · Cycle World · Electrek
- Price
- $24,295
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 100hp
- Seat
- 832mm
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