Middleweight ADVs That Make 1,000cc Adventure Bikes Look Ridiculous
Adventure motorcycles are steadily climbing their way to becoming a fan favorite in the world of two wheels, and it’s easy to see why. Their versatility is hard to beat. You could pick up a wallet-friendly 250cc dual-sport or go all out with an adventure bike north of the liter class. But somewhere between these two extremes lies the middleweight category, which makes a compelling case for most riders by offering versatility and excellent value for money. Here’s a curated pick of machines ready for adventure, regardless of your bias—whether it’s tarmac, loose gravel, or somewhere in between.
10
Benelli TRK 702X
Price: $8,999
The most affordable motorcycle on this list comes from a Chinese-owned brand (who would’ve thought?). It’s the Benelli TRK 702X, the more adventure-oriented version of the standard TRK 702. Both share the same 698cc parallel-twin, producing 70 horsepower and 51.6 pound-feet of torque. Beyond that, there’s quite a bit that separates the two. The X takes a more balanced approach with its 19/17-inch wheel setup, longer rear suspension travel, and taller 32.9-inch seat height compared to the standard bike’s 31.1 inches. It also swaps the standard 702’s road-focused Pirelli Angel GT tires for Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber.
9
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
Price: $9,799
The V-Strom 650XT is the motorcycle equivalent of a classic denim jacket: old-school, dependable, and never really out of style. If you think touchscreens and endless electronic frills have no place on a motorcycle, this one’s right up your alley. It doesn’t have the latest tech or class-leading performance, but it gets the basics right. Its 645cc, 90-degree V-twin produces 70 horsepower, and the balanced 19/17-inch wheel setup makes it a capable all-rounder. It also gets tubeless-compatible spoked wheels, combining the flexibility of spokes with the convenience of tubeless tires. As mentioned earlier, electronics are basic, with ABS and traction control covering the essentials.
8
CFMoto IBEX 800 E
Price: $9,799
CFMoto is the Chinese manufacturer you might be a lot more familiar with these days, thanks to motorcycles like the IBEX 800 E. It’s exactly the kind of motorcycle that makes you wonder whether you really need to spend big on a flagship ADV. Its 799cc parallel-twin produces 94 horsepower and 57 pound-feet of torque, and it gets the same balanced 19/17-inch wheel setup we’ve seen on several bikes here. But this is where the value quotient really kicks in. The tech is fully up-to-date for 2026, with cruise control, an up-and-down quickshifter, and cornering ABS. You also get heated grips and an 8.8-inch touchscreen (V-Strom 650XT owners might not appreciate hearing about this).
7
Honda XL750 Transalp E-Clutch
Price: $10,199
If you’re keen on having a familiar and trusted Japanese name on the side of your tank and want something that’s approachable yet well-balanced, the Transalp E-Clutch deserves a look. Its 755cc parallel-twin produces 90.5 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque, while the 21/18-inch wheel setup and generous suspension travel make it well-equipped for hitting the trails. The Showa suspension offers 7.9 inches of travel up front and 7.5 inches at the rear, both with adjustable compression and rebound damping. The icing on the cake is Honda’s E-Clutch system. If you’re unfamiliar, it lets you pull away, stop, and shift gears without using the clutch lever, while keeping the traditional foot shifter and manual clutch lever available.
6
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Price: $11,799
Another entry from Japan, and the second Suzuki on this list, the V-Strom 800DE takes the adventure part of ADV seriously. Its 776cc parallel-twin produces 83 horsepower and 57.5 pound-feet of torque, while the 21-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel, and long-travel suspension give it a distinctly off-road-oriented setup. That’s what separates it from the standard V-Strom 800, which is more focused on tarmac. The DE also gets off-road-specific features like Gravel mode and switchable rear ABS, alongside Low RPM Assist, which helps prevent stalling at low speeds. So, while it’s comfortable on the rubble, it’s just as handy when navigating city traffic.
5
Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid
Price: $12,999
This is where we get into motorcycles you buy with the intention of riding on roads, gravel, rubble, and whatever else comes your way, rather than simply being capable enough when the situation arises. That’s the Ténéré 700, and the World Raid edition reminds you of something important: riding the trail is one thing, but getting to the trail is just as important. That’s why it gets a much larger 6.1-gallon fuel capacity, along with upgraded, longer-travel suspension and an adjustable steering damper. The electronics are more sophisticated, too, with an IMU enabling lean-sensitive rider aids, alongside selectable throttle maps and cruise control. The 689cc CP2 parallel-twin and 21/18-inch wheel setup remain unchanged.
4
Kove 800X Rally
Price: $12,999
Yet another Chinese motorcycle on this list, the Kove 800X Rally pushes the off-road side of adventure riding to an even greater extreme. Its biggest selling point is the power-to-weight ratio, with a 799cc parallel-twin producing 95 horsepower while the bike weighs just 364 pounds dry, according to Kove’s US website. How does it manage that? By keeping things relatively simple, with a basic TFT display and switchable ABS instead of a long list of electronic rider aids. Its five-gallon fuel tank sits low in the chassis, while fully adjustable suspension offers 10.6 inches of travel up front and 9.8 inches at the rear. It’s a proper dirt-focused package, although at the time of writing, the Kove USA store lists it as sold out.
3
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally
Price: $13,999
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally takes us a little away from the extreme off-road focus of the Kove, although it still leans heavily toward life beyond the pavement. Its 659cc parallel-twin produces 80 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque, while fully adjustable KYB suspension offers 9.4 inches of travel at both ends. Aprilia has also made some meaningful changes over the standard Tuareg, including tougher spoked wheels, a reinforced skid plate, and firmer suspension for more aggressive riding. But the coolest bit has to be the titanium SC-Project exhaust, which also helps shed a little weight.
2
KTM 690 Rally
Price: $14,199
Unveiled in September 2026, the KTM 690 Rally is the Austrian manufacturer’s take on a rally machine that could be accessible to more riders. Despite its sizeable 692.7cc displacement, it uses a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 78 horsepower and 53.8 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. It gets a proper off-road setup, too, with 21/18-inch wheels, long-travel WP XPLOR suspension, and a claimed weight of around 388 pounds with fuel. But the real quirk is its three-tank arrangement, which gives it a total fuel capacity of 5.28 gallons.
1
2020 KTM 790 Adventure R
Price: $6,500–$9,000 used
If you don’t mind a pre-loved motorcycle, the 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R is well worth a look. It’s a nicely balanced ADV that combines a punchy 799cc parallel-twin producing 95 horsepower and 65 pound-feet of torque with 21/18-inch wheels and fully adjustable WP suspension offering around 9.4 inches of travel at both ends. The 5.3-gallon fuel tank also gives it plenty of range for longer adventures. Used examples can be found for roughly $6,500–$9,000, depending on condition and mileage. From the 2021 model year, KTM replaced the 790 Adventure R with the larger 890 Adventure R, which brought more power and torque.
Sources: Benelli, Suzuki Cycles, CFMOTO, Honda Powersports, Yamaha Motor USA, Kove USA, Aprilia, KTM North America.
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