Bikes below 1000cc and middle weights

[maxredline]

What is a middle weight motorcycle? Arguably, its displacement of 450 to 750 cc maybe 850cc.
For me a 900cc to 1000cc is not a middleweight but if the horsepower is around 100 then I am game.

Within the segment there are some incredible machines. Some are laser focused while others more all rounders.
I am in search of a machine that is more of an all rounder that is comfortable, relatively light weight with 2 or 3 cylinders.
So far in the running in no particular order are;

Ducati monster, SP model would be nice. Sat on one, it felt small but not tiny $$$
Yamaha MT 09, SP model would be the only way for me. sat on one and it felt good but hate the look $$
Triumph 660 sport, probably makes the most sense $$
Honda CB500F or X $
Honda Hornet 750 $
KTM 890, sat on one and it felt tiny, like it could be blown around on the hwy. $$
Suzuki 850 gsx-8s $$
Ducati Multistrada 950 $$$

Your thoughts?

[MrVvrroomm]

We just recently purchased two KTM. My wife bought a new '22 Duke 890 GP, I bought a new '23 Duke 890 R.

These were purchased after me riding Phil's KTM Duke 890 R for about 30 minutes. We've owned ours for about 3 weeks now.

None of the rest of those on your list interest me. Triumph Speed Triple is quite a bit more bike than the 660 Sport.

[VelasquezRider]

Had the opportunity to ride some of those bikes in the past 2 years
Street triple RS, tiger sport 660, mt09 sp 2022, aprilia RS 660

Enginewise I love the character or the mt09 
Street triple deserve my 5 out 5 rate thought, the brakes, chassi, they way that handles on the road is something else imo
Tiger 660, for the price I dont think that there is better on the 600 to 800cc category. Right below the tracer 900 on the scale.
Aprilia rs660 a joy to ride on mountain roads, you can trash it and it will provide a hard time to bigger bikes 

But of course, it will depends what you searching for. Naked? No upright sport touring bike?

Ah, i have a cb500f. I only recommend if you want to go slow, low torque, low consumption and its not very confortable, good commute and that's it.

I will vote for something between 75 to 100 hp 

[Becksy]

If you are looking for a middleweight upright touring style bike, what about BMW F900XR?

[runnerhiker]

Your comments were about "mechanical" things: engine, weight, size, etc.

I give a lot of importance to modern electronics: cruise control, electronic suspension, heated grips, quick shifter, etc. Would this be a part of your selection criteria?

[maxredline]

Your comments were about "mechanical" things:  engine, weight, size, etc.

I give a lot of importance to modern electronics:  cruise control, electronic suspension, heated grips, quick shifter, etc.  Would this be a part of your selection criteria?

Yes, but some of the lower displacement bikes are not of the premium spec. 
All of the above electronics are nice. The only thing that is a must being heated grip, and Oxfords will do.
A test ride will weed out undesirable qualities. Of course as we all know bikes are a compromise.
I'll stick to 2 and 3 cylinders , if my but or hands go numb from vibration that is a deal breaker, as does excessive heat off an engine.
I am going to take some time before I make a move.

[maxredline]

If you are looking for a middleweight upright touring style bike, what about BMW F900XR?

Possibly but a bit hefty. I have to ride one.

[runnerhiker]

If you are looking for a middleweight upright touring style bike, what about BMW F900XR?

Possibly but a bit hefty. I have to ride one.

The F900XR probably has the worst power/weight ratio of all the bikes mentioned here so far.  It would be competitive in every other respect.  You definitely have to test ride this one to see how its low performance fits your taste. I have been given the F900 as a ride while maintenance was done on my bikes, on a couple of occasions, and was always underwhelmed.

[Grumpy Goat]

The F900XR probably has the worst power/weight ratio of all the bikes mentioned here so far.  It would be competitive in every other respect. ...

It also doesn't help that it has the S1000XR as a "big brother" so the expectations may be higher to begin with ...

[maxredline]

Going to check out a mid 2000 KTM 990 for fun.
A lot of bike for little money. I might just have to buy it until
I figure out what I really want  .
Nope, after seeing some owner reviews the 990 is out.
What killed the idea for me? A twitchy throttle with massive engine braking making riding always a chore (no ride modes), clutch pull too hard and plastic tank swell problems.

[maxredline]

Update, I have money down on a 85 Honda interceptor. My did had one that I loved.
Great handling bike at the time. Now the insurance here is "collectable" meaning in great stock shape,
not driven to work = cheap insurance.

[Grumpy Goat]

If it is looking like that one, that will be one beautiful machine. When do you think you might get it?

[Liteitup]

Nice, welcome to 1985, I picked this up last year. Had an 84, my first new bike, first bank loan, etc.



For me, it wasn't all I remembered.

[Motorhead1977]

Update, I have money down on a 85 Honda interceptor. My did had one that I loved.
Great handling bike at the time. Now the insurance here is "collectable" meaning in great stock shape,
not driven to work = cheap insurance.

VF500F was the best of the VFs. Light weight and lots of V4 power and torque. I've also had: 82 V45 Sabre (750S), 83VF750F, 84VF1000F and a 85VF1000R. My V4 addiction was in full swing and I enjoyed every minute of it (and I still have a 87VFR400R (NC24) which is even more crazy fast and light). Keep us posted as you enjoy the bike.

[maxredline]

Very disappointed! The guy delivered the bike, which I did not ask for and then wanted to charge me after I told him I didn't want it. He totally misrepresented the bike via communications and photo (posted pic from interweb). I told him I didn't want it which took over a half an hour for his brain to register. He then dropped the price by over $1k but I told him I didn't want it even at a parts bike price.
Lesson learnt, when the bike is out of town ask for many quality pictures from many angles.
I have my eye on another which is more expensive.
I may just get a newer VFR with fuel injection and larger tire choices. I have had 2 already.

[maxredline]

Nice, welcome to 1985, I picked this up last year. Had an 84, my first new bike, first bank loan, etc.



For me, it wasn't all I remembered.

My dad had one of these. Honda almost had it right. The shaft effect on this model as I remember it was not great and a drum brake in the back...never the less I always liked the look.

[Grumpy Goat]

Very disappointed! The guy delivered the bike, which I did not ask for and then wanted to charge me after I told him I didn't want it. He totally misrepresented the bike via communications and photo (posted pic from interweb). I told him I didn't want it which took over a half an hour for his brain to register. He then dropped the price by over $1k but I told him I didn't want it even at a parts bike price.
Lesson learnt, when the bike is out of town ask for many quality pictures from many angles.
I have my eye on another which is more expensive.
I may just get a newer VFR with fuel injection and larger tire choices. I have had 2 already.

He took a gamble knowing the condition of the bike he was testing to flog. Many people are easier swayed when they have something in front of them, especially if there is some nostalgia in the mix. When I first saw your post with this bike I wondered why a stock photo was used. As soon as I see that I smell a rat; looks like bait and switch.

If initiating the purchase online, I ask for actual pictures and try and get some inclination as to the vintage of the photos they send. If the photos are crap then the deal is off the table. I trust no one I don’t know. Glad you dodged that bullet.