There was a time when manufacturers valued the 600cc sports bike as much as their 1000cc larger brothers, and there were some really amazing versions available. Then, one by one, they started to go, and we all assumed that was the last of it due to a variety of factors, such as increased prices and insurance premiums, in addition to a general shrinkage of the sports bike market. On closer inspection, though, there are a sizable number of middleweight sports bikes.
10 Best Middleweight Sport Bikes
1. KTM RC 390
With the exception of the short-lived RC8, KTM has mostly avoided the faired sports bike market, focusing instead on incredibly harsh naked bikes like the 1290 Super Duke. The small RC390, however, which is much more efficient than a sub-400cc sports bike has any right to be, is frequently criminally ignored. Even though it falls into the lower middleweight category, the vehicle is nevertheless a tonne of fun thanks to its well-kept chassis, superb WP suspension, strong brakes, and powerful 44 horsepower, 375cc single-cylinder engine.
It appears that it will continue to exist for some time to come because KTM recently unveiled an upgraded second-generation model that, if it is actually more of a cosmetic update with greater ergonomics, still maintains all of its capabilities on tight roads, where it will scare the living daylights out of bigger bikes.
| DISPLACEMENT | 373.27 cc |
| MAX POWER | 42.9 bhp @9000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 37 Nm @7000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13.7L |
| PRICE | 3,16,163 |
2. Honda CBR 650R
Although the Honda CBR650R may not be as fiery as the older CBR600, it still has an inline four-cylinder engine and baby Fireblade aesthetics, making it the most true to the original idea of the 600cc sports bike. Like many Honda sports bikes, it is highly user-friendly and just plain fun to ride, not to mention superbly constructed and put together. Its 94 horsepower and 46-foot pounds of torque are not to be sneered at. But don’t think that means it’s dull; there’s still fire in its belly, and it’s now a lot more accessible to riders of all skill levels. Honda may have the most reserved reputation among Japanese automakers thanks to its focus on efficiency and deliberate design.
| DISPLACEMENT | 648.72 cc |
| MAX POWER | 85.82 bhp @12000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 57.5 Nm @8500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 230 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15.4L |
| PRICE | 9,34,816/- |
3. Kawasaki Ninja 400
The exciting ZX-4R, with its tiny four-cylinder engine, won’t be available for some time, but in the meanwhile, there is the Ninja 400, which, while less exciting than the ZX-4R, is still a fantastic little sports bike that is full of fun and ability.
The Kawasaki, a direct competitor to the KTM RC390, has a 399cc, 45 horsepower parallel twin engine set in a steel trellis frame and appears to be a scaled-down ZX-10R, which will be a major selling point for many. It’s a nice little bike in its own right, but it’s also a great stepping stone on the road up to 1000cc, and you wouldn’t need to trade up to anything bigger to get your thrills. It’s refined and surprisingly mild-mannered, with outstanding build quality.
| DISPLACEMENT | 399 cc |
| MAX POWER | 44.7 bhp @10000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 37 Nm @8000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 169 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 14L |
| PRICE | 5,23,985/- |
4. Kawasaki Ninja 650
The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is an improvement over the Kawasaki Ninja 400. While it may seem underwhelming in comparison to bikes like the Yamaha R7 or Honda CB650R, there is still enough to recommend giving it more than a casual look. Although the chassis lacks top-of-the-line name brands for suspension and brakes, it is well-balanced and incredibly user-friendly, being comfortable and easy to handle as well as entertaining when the going gets twisty.
The 67 horsepower from the 649cc parallel twin is more than enough for the 420-pound all-in weight. This bike justly bears the Ninja brand, and one may anticipate the customary excellence.
| DISPLACEMENT | 649 cc |
| MAX POWER | 67.3 bhp @8000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 64 Nm @6700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 210 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 7,16,000/- |
5. Honda CBR500 R
Honda’s 500 chassis, which has been transformed into a variety of flavors, has 150cc less than the CB650R but is so capable in sports bike form that it would be our choice. Compared to the 650’s inline four engine, the CBR500R’s engine is a parallel twin, but what it loses in cylinders more than makes up for in weight and incredibly agile handling. On paper, 47 horsepower might not sound like much, but in practice, it is more than plenty and complements the chassis superbly, making this a blast to throw through turns. Once more, it looks like a Fireblade, and given that it costs less than the CB650R, it might end up being the superior option.
| DISPLACEMENT | 649 cc |
| MAX POWER | 67.3 bhp @8000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 64 Nm @6700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 210 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 7,16,000/- |
6. Aprilia 660
It’s a truly great lightweight sports bike and more Italian flare. If there was a lot of anticipation, it didn’t let anyone down in any way. The 660cc parallel twin produces 100 horsepower and 50 foot-pounds, which is as close to perfection as you can get, and the chassis is excellent. Even without the remarkable technology directly borrowed from the larger RSV4 models, Aprilia has concentrated on developing an incredibly competent chassis that might be the best handling motorbike available. It is uncompromising without sacrificing any usability and will complement any rider, regardless of ability level.
| DISPLACEMENT | 659 cc |
| MAX POWER | 98.63 bhp @10500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 67 Nm @8500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 230 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 13,39,000/- |
7. Triumph Street Triple RS
The Street Triple 765 line from Triumph Motorcycle has been made public for the global market in 2023. The three models in the 2023 lineup are the R, RS, and Moto2 Edition. However, only the R and RS models will be available in India.
A 15-liter fuel tank, a gullwing swingarm, radiator cowls, a sharper-looking twin-pod LED headlight, an aggressive body design, and visual improvements to the bodywork are all included in the 2023 Triumph Street Triple RS. The pillion seat cowl and belly pan of the RS model are body color, and the lower chain guard and pillion seat are replaceable. Three color variants for the RS version have been made available internationally: Silver Ice, Carnival Red, and Cosmic Yellow.
| DISPLACEMENT | 765 cc |
| MAX POWER | 128.2 bhp @12000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 80 Nm @9500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 220 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 12,06,973/- |
8. Aprilia Tuono 660
Piaggio has launched the Aprilia Tuono 660 in India to meet the expanding demands of Indian consumers. The Tuono 660 fits in well with the rising interest in the middleweight division.
The Tuono 660’s stylistic accomplishments are due in large part to the Tuono V4’s older sibling, which served as the Tuono 660’s design influence. It still manages to appear fairly sporty despite being a street bike. The bike has a single-piece handlebar that has been raised slightly out of the way. A small windscreen is also present to block high-speed windblast.
| DISPLACEMENT | 659 cc |
| MAX POWER | 93.87 bhp @10500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 67 Nm @8500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 230 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 13,09,000/- |
9. Moto Guzzi V85 TT
The Moto Guzzi V85 TT, which complies with BS6, has entered the Indian market. The revised model is powered by an 853cc, 90-degree V-twin engine that complies with BS6 standards and produces 82Nm of maximum torque at 5,000 rpm and 75bhp of maximum power at 7,500 rpm. The manufacturer of two-wheelers asserts that the motor produces more torque at low and medium speeds.
| DISPLACEMENT | 853 cc |
| MAX POWER | 75.09 bhp @7500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 82 Nm @5000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 165 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 23L |
| PRICE | 15,40,000/- |
10. Ducati Hypermotard 950
The Hypermotard 950 RVE and Hypermotard 950 SP are the two varieties of the new Ducati Hypermotard that are offered in the Indian market. The 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11-degree V-twin cylinder, liquid-cooled engine included in both versions of the new Hypermotard complies with BS6 standards and generates 112.4bhp at 9,000 rpm and 96Nm of maximum torque at 7,250 rpm. The gearbox has a six-speed motor attached to it.
| DISPLACEMENT | 937 cc |
| MAX POWER | 112.4 bhp @9000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 96 Nm @7250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 316 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 14.5L |
| PRICE | 15,60,000/- |
