It’s hard to be beat a great midsize bike. Bikes from 650cc to 800cc deliver most of the power you need without the weight or high price tag of larger bikes. That means you can get a great commute and a great weekend companion in the canyon. Sure, you won’t see a level of MotoGP performance from (most) these bikes, but that’s not the point of a great midsize bike.
In 2023, many manufacturers updated their bikes or introduced new bikes. It seems like the mid-weight area is where a lot of people are focusing their attention in 2023.
Aprilia 660
We know Aprilia RSV4 is a great bike. However, not all of us want the 230 horsepower and performance of a racing bike. So Aprilia has launched the 660 twin-cylinder sport bike, with a capacity of 100 horsepower. It competes very well with inline four-cylinder rivals, thank you. It also has a suite of driver aids, a spacious cockpit for on-road comfort and cool Italian styling that makes it stand out.
New for 2023, Aprilia launches the Extrema, the sportiest version of the RS 660. The new bike weighs just 365 pounds, or 166 kilograms, but it makes 100 horsepower, giving it a power-to-body ratio. extremely large weight. The Extrema also ditches the passenger compartment for a single-seat rear end and comes with software that lets you set up quick gearshifts in an upside down configuration so you can play Moto GP racer whenever you want.
Ducati Scrambler Icons
Ducati launched the new Scrambler in 2015 and quickly realized that it was a success. Since then, the bikes have grown slowly. For 2023, the 803 cc engine in the Scrambler makes the same 73 hp, but it has more torque than last year’s model. Speaking of the engine, for 2023 it’s lighter and features a new eight-disc clutch that’s thinner and mounted in a lighter trellis frame, which should improve the already quick handling of the car. It.
Like the others on this list, the Scrambler Icon comes with new technology and you can connect your smartphone to manage the bike’s apps and also add a quick shifter, although Ducati allows up and down gearshifts without a clutch. Tuners take note: the rear subframe is now easily removable!
Honda CB650R
Every other bike on this list falls short of the Honda CB650R by at least one cylinder. This mid-size naked bike is equipped with a 649 cc, in-line 4-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled. That sounds like sports car stuff, and in some ways it is. It makes a respectable 82 hp and stops thanks to two 310 mm fully floating discs.
The Honda is a bit heavier than the others on this list, but its engine-ready makes it feel a bit lighter – though don’t expect it to perform like the RS 660. Honda calls this style the “Neo-Sport Café”, but to our eyes it is more of a standard. However, it comes with a cool four-in-one exhaust that reminds you of the 1970s CB500 and CB350 Fours.
Kawasaki Z650 and Z650RS
Kawasaki and Yamaha both enjoyed success with midsize streetfighter bikes, and both are now in production Classic version of those bicycles. The Z650 has a sleek modern look, while the Z650RS has the best impression of a 1970s UJM. Both bikes make enough power, 67 hp, to get you up to speed on the highways. speed and more.
Both bikes come with anti-slip clutch and traction control, however the Z650 comes with a modern TFT display while the RS comes with a more traditional gauge cluster. However, you pay more for the coolness of the RS. It’s about $1,500 more than streetfighter.
Royal Enfield 650 pairs
Royal Enfield has made a name for itself by making bikes that look like they’ve come from the 1970s, so it’s no surprise it 650 . range of the twins, there are no major updates for 2023. In most of the world, the 650 is known as the Interceptor, but since Honda owns the Interceptor name in the US the bikes here are simply referred to as the INT. 650.
Royal Enfield bikes have quickly gained popularity due to their low prices and fun, neutral handling. The company has significantly improved the build quality compared to older machines. The Continental GT version comes with an interesting set of coffee accessories, including a single seat and a grip handlebar. Unlike the others on this list, the 650s are completely devoid of most modern electronics.
Suzuki GSX-8S
Suzuki GSX-8S is now available at dealer showrooms. The new bike slots are on the SV650 and GSX-S 750 (both continue), but have a different take on it. The new 8S owns a 776cc parallel 2-cylinder engine, using a 270-degree crank, with a balancer, for a strong torque curve. It also has a new two-way quick-shifter system that lets you shift or downshift without a clutch.
While the SV and GSX-S are starting to look a bit long, the new 8S shows Suzuki is pouring some R&D money into the burgeoning midsize segment.
Triumph Street Triple 765
It’s not clear to us why the Triumph’s triple engine makes such a hum, but it’s a mesmerizing sound when you swing your right hand toward the pavement. For 2023, special editions of the Street Triple line will get all the attention. Triumph has upgraded the R and RS versions, and now it has added the Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition, which brings Moto2 racing equipment.
The R and RS versions now feature a more aggressive riding posture, as well as new electronics and brakes that let you control 120hp in the R or 130hp in the RS and Moto2. Now every Triple gets a new transmission with a shorter gear ratio and factory-improved exhaust.
Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700
Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700 are two versions of the same platform. If you like the modern streetfighter style, choose the MT, while the traditional bike fans will choose the XSR700. Both bikes come with Yamaha’s 689cc tandem engine making 73 hp.
Fans of 1970s XT500s will love it Dedication, adds a dash of disco-era enduro flavor to this street bike. These cars have been slightly overhauled for 2022, adding larger brakes and a return fork. For 2023, the MT-07 features new smartphone connectivity and electronics that allow you to install the Yamaha Quick Shift System.
