If you happen to be one of those who has just obtained your B-Full license; looking for a first big bike that has decent amount of power, offers practicality for daily usage, yet doesn’t blow a big hole in your bank account, you’ve come to the right place, as we have a list of middleweights compiled for your reference.
Although the definition of a middleweight motorcycle may vary from one person to another, we have decided to refer to what the Japanese Big Four (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda) have agreed upon – that a middleweight bike should displace 500cc—800cc. However, not all bikes within this displacement range are suitable for beginners, as there are various models with different characteristics.
That said, here are 10 middleweight bikes in our market at the moment that are ideal for those looking for their first big bike.
1) Kawasaki ER-6N
You know that a bike is ideal for beginners when you see it being used by driving schools to teach B-Full license applicants the basics. Offered at a very competitive price, the Kawasaki ER-6N also deserves full credit for changing the big bike scene in Malaysia, becoming the first bike to make Malaysians believe that “now everyone can ride a big bike.”
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin, DOHC 8-valve
Fuel system: Digital Fuel Injection
Displacement: 649cc
Max power: 71hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM32,000
2) Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F
Capable of handling anything from daily commuting, weekend blasts, as well as long distance touring, the XJ6 Diversion F is the latest variant of the XJ6. The bike runs on a reliable 600cc in-line 4 cylinder engine and the compact chassis is designed to deliver agile handling and confidence-inspiring road holding. This all-rounder XJ6 Diversion F is equipped with smooth action suspension systems to ensure top class riding comfort.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Displacement : 600 cc
Maximum Horsepower: 77hp at 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 59.7Nm at 8,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 litres
Price: RM39,800
3) Honda CB500X
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders, the CB500X delivers plenty of performance, thanks to the thoroughly modern, torquey 471cc parallel-twin DOHC engine. Its upright handlebar, the shape and height of the seat, and the way the power is delivered accommodates a wide variety of riders, and gives riders a lot of freedom. The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-twin
Displacement : 471cc
Maximum Horsepower: 46.9 hp at 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 43 Nm at 7000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3 litres
Price: RM28,688
4) Kawasaki Versys 650
Kawasaki’s third-generation Versys 650 has grown into a serious entry-level sports tourer that is worth every sen it asks for. Despite all the upgrades that has been added, it is still perfect for the less experienced, as well as the veterans. However, due to the height of the bike, it is not suitable for small-sized individuals. On the brighter side, it is among the more powerful candidates in its class.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Fuelling: Fuel Injection
Max power: 68hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel capacity: 21-litres
Price: RM38,369
5) Suzuki Gladius 650
Launched during last year’s Malaysian MotoGP round, the Suzuki Gladius is a naked bike that is ideal for both daily riding and some occasional canyon carving. Featuring the same 645cc V-Twin engine that is fitted on its sibling – the V-Strom 650, the bike features fuel injection technology and SDTV system among other technology.
Specifications
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 645cc
Transmission 6-speed
Max power: 71 hp at 9000 rpm
Max torque: 63.1 Nm at 7600 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5-litres
Price: RM39,900
6) Kawasaki Vulcan S
Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than this. Never have we had a good looking 650cc cruiser with an asking price below RM30,000. No, it has no V-twin, and it doesn’t sound like a Harley-Davidson but it serves its purpose very well, both in town and on the highway.
Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 61hp at 7,500rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 6,600rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14-litres
Price: RM29,989
7) Honda CB650F
Made for those who want more than the 500cc offered by the CB500 range, the CB650F, which is powered by Honda’s completely new inline four-cylinder engine produces generous amounts of low to mid-range torque, making it a formidable bike in the city and during quick runs. However, the comfortable upright sitting position, ergonomically placed levers and pegs make it an ideal bike for long distance riding as well. In all, the CB650F is catered towards those with a thirst for torque.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 87hp at 11,000rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 8,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17.3-litres
Price: RM39,999
8) Ducati Monster 795
If Japanese bikes are not your thing, and you want something more exotic, Ducati Malaysia is here to make your day with the Monster 795. Priced below RM60,000, the Monster is so user-friendly that even female riders are loving it. But that doesn’t mean that the bike is not powerful. Powered by a 795cc engine, the Monster 795 is just as exciting as any other Ducatis in the stable.
Specifications
Engine: L-Twin, 2 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 87hp at 8,250rpm
Max torque: 78Nm at 6,250rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15-litres
Price: RM59,900
9) Kawasaki Z800
Ever since it was launched in 2012, the Kawasaki Z800 has gained massive popularity, becoming arguably the most popular middleweight on our roads today. Among the factors that contributed towards the Z800’s success include its competitive price, fierce design, and of course, the generous dose of power.
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 806cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 113hp at 10,200rpm
Max torque: 83 Nm at 8000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM47,989
10) Triumph Bonneville
Different riders have different preferences. Some potential first bike owners might have a soft spot for modern classics. If you fall under this group, the Triumph Bonneville is here to make your day. As much as the Bonnie looks like a classic, it rides and feels just as modern as any other new bike out there. Ideal for both daily usage and long distance cruising, the Bonnie is among the best modern classics out there in the market, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Specifications
Engine: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval
Displacement: 865cc
Transmission: 5-speed
Max power: 68hp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 68Nm at 5800rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16-litres
Price: RM53,900
English riders Jonathan Rea and Chaz Davies reigned supreme during race 1 and 2 respectively at the Pirelli Malaysian Round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship in Sepang last weekend.
Race 1
In the beginning stages of race 1, it looked like Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Time) was on his way to the chequered flag as he was ahead of Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK Team) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) by approximately 3 seconds, Sykes’ tyres gave way with 4 laps remaining, allowing Davies and Rea to overtake him.
The battle between them lasted all the way until the last corner, where Davies managed to overtake Rea, only to get overtaken again right before the finishing line. In fact, the pair swapped places three times on the final lap before the last corner. The victory at Race 1’s marked Rea’s 10th win this year.
The winners aside, the closest on track fight was between the Aprilia pairing of Leon Haslam and Max Biaggi who were dicing for 5th and 6th.
Wildcard entry Max Biaggi, who represented the Aprilia Racing Team on the other hand finished third, claiming a historic 71st podium finish, extending his own record of being the oldest rider to ever stand on a WorldSBK podium.
Sylvain Guintoli also claimed a season best 4th after his Pata Honda appeared to be kinder to its tyres while Poleman Sykes dropped to 5thafter setting a blistering pace that saw him shatter the lap record in the early stages.
Alex Lowes was 6th aboard the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki ahead of Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team), Althea Racing pairing Matteo Baiocco and Niccolo Canepa, and Jordi Torres (Aprilia Racing Team) who dropped from what looked like a safe 4th to 10th in the final few laps.
David Salom (Team Pedercini), Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Roman Ramos (Team Go Eleven) and Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) completed the point scorers.
Race 2
In Race 2, it was drama at the first corner itself as Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) crashed out of contention. The next drama occurred when former champion Tom Sykes crashed at Turn 9 with ten laps to go. This was a big blow to Sykes as it ended his championship ambitions for 2015.
Up front, the battle this time was once again between Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea. Thanks to his consistent pace until the end, Davies was able to secure his 3rdvictory in four races, moving into 2nd overall in the championship standings. Jordi Torres of the Aprilia Racing Team finished third, claiming his second podium finish of the season.
Sylvain Guintoli (Pata Honda) scored another 4th position, his best weekend of the season ahead of team mate Michael van der Mark who made up for his race one retirement with a fine 5th.
Leon Haslam was 6th on his Aprilia Racing – Red Devils machine, finishing a tenth behind the Dutchman.
David Salom (Team Pedercini), Alex Lowes, Matteo Baiocco (Althea Racing) and Roman Ramos (Team Go Eleven) were 7th to 10threspectively with Niccolo Canepa (Althea Racing), Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), Tom Sykes and Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing) completing the points finishers.
After the action in Sepang, the race for overall title has gone all wrong for Tom Sykes, who was almost 90 points ahead of the closest competitor last week. Well, looks like he has nobody else to blame except himself, or maybe his tyres.
The overall leader now is Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing Team with 452 points, followed by Chaz Davies of Aruba IT Ducati team with 308 points. And then we have Tom Sykes with 295 points.
The next round will be taking place at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain, on September 20th.
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