Expert guide to used middleweight touring motorcycles

Middleweight tourers are going through a resurgence as riders are starting to turn to these more manageable machines over heavier full-dress models.

Light yet content to sit at 70mph with panniers stuffed full of essentials, they are the ideal choice for anyone looking for a practical day-to-day bike that is also more than happy to be loaded up and aimed towards Europe.

Their smallish size means that touring is best seen as a solo pursuit but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

MCN Recommended: 2016 – 2019 Yamaha Tracer 700 – £2500 – £5500

Light, manageable and fun parallel-twin

Spec:

• Power: 73.8bhp
• Engine capacity: 689cc
• Seat height: 835mm
• Kerb weight: 196kg

The Tracer 700 followed up on the Tracer 900’s success by offering riders a lightweight sports-tourer based around the popular parallel twin MT-07 platform. Effortless to ride and more than happy to devour touring miles, the Tracer is fairly basic in its tech but it ticks every practicality box and aside from slightly spongy suspension is a joy to ride. A popular model, the used market is full of examples and it’s not hard to find a good one with full luggage for under £5000.

An enhanced platform

The Tracer 700 is based on the MT-07 platform but its chassis has several modifications to allow it to perform better in its sports-touring role. The subframe is reinforced to deal with the extra weight of a pillion and luggage; the swingarm is 50mm longer for enhanced straight-line stability at speed; the suspension has different damping rates; and the fuel tank is 17 litres which is three larger than the MT-07’s. ABS is standard fitment.

A European influence

The first CP2 model, the MT-07, was decidedly Japanese-inspired and followed the wild ‘dark side of Japan’ theme that was introduced by the MT-09. The subsequent CP2-powered bikes, the XSR700 and Tracer 700, were both European designed and developed with Japan taking a back seat in their evolution. In fact, the Tracer was actually built by MBK, which is Yamaha’s French production facility. Yamaha’s Dutch-based design house GK Europe styled the Tracer 700 and it was developed by the Italy-based European R&D team with input from all of Yamaha’s European subsidiaries.

Yamaha Tracer 700 used buying advice

• The Tracer 700 was updated in 2020 when it received upgraded suspension, small engine tweaks, a re-style, new clocks and handguards. In 2021 it was renamed the Tracer 7 but was physically unchanged until 2023.
• The 24,000-mile service includes the valve clearances, which will set you back roughly £550.
• If not cared for, Tracers can look tatty. Check for corrosion around the engine and inspect the paint on the wheels.
• Find a used one with panniers already fitted, it is cheaper than sourcing luggage separately.

2015 – 2021 Honda Crossrunner – £4000 – £8000

Long-legged VFR sibling is a class act

Spec:

• Power: 104bhp
• Engine capacity: 782cc
• Seat height: 815/835mm
• Kerb weight: 242kg

A bike that deserves far more praise than it receives, the Crossrunner is a VFR800F made into a tall rounder (it sits 25mm taller on its suspension) and is a brilliant do-it-all. Ideally avoid the first gen (2011-2014) and buy the updated model as it not only looks better, it is much nicer to ride. Comfortable, practical and surprisingly sporty, the V4 motor is a peach and build quality is excellent.

Honda Crossrunner used buying advice

• Loosen the pinch bolt and check the eccentric adjuster on the swingarm moves freely.
• Inspect the exhaust for cracks, especially where the rear cylinder bank’s pipes meet. While new systems are fairly cheap, swapping them can be a nightmare.
• Early bikes require a valve clearance check at 16,000 miles but this was extended to 25,000 miles on 2017-onwards models, which also feature a two-stage adjustable screen.

2009 – 2016 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F – £2000 – £4499

Cheap, cheerful and practical motorcycling

Spec:

• Power: 77bhp
• Engine capacity: 600cc
• Seat height: 785mm
• Kerb weight: 216kg

A bike that deserved to sell far better than it did, the Diversion F is the fully faired model in Yamaha’s short-lived Divvy family and as such is more practical than the naked XJ6 or half-faired S. Powered by a heavily re-tuned R6 motor and with a redesigned clutch to make it more progressive, it is effortless to ride thanks to its extremely compliant nature. Prices are low.

Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F used buying advice

• Check behind the fairing for corrosion because build quality is a touch low. Also, inspect the exhaust for cracks (it’s a one-piece unit), the swingarm for rust, and the radiator for damage or rot caused by grime getting stuck in there.
• The XJ6 range was updated in 2013 but it was limited to slight cosmetic changes.
• ABS is standard on the F but the two-piston calipers are prone to sticking on their sliders, leading to the pads dragging.

2017 – Current Suzuki V-Strom 650 – £3000 – £7749

A ready-to-rock road adventurer

Spec:

• Power: 71bhp
• Engine capacity: 645cc
• Seat height: 835mm
• Kerb weight: 213kg

Although there have been several generations of Suzuki’s excellent road-biased adventurer, ideally you want the 2017-onwards model as it has two-stage traction control and ABS. A physically big and roomy machine, the V-Strom shrugs off miles thanks to its large 20-litre fuel tank while its narrow waist means getting both feet on the floor is simple, making it reassuring.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 used buying advice

• The XT model adds spoked wheels for a slightly more rugged look but is otherwise identical. Some owners have found that the spokes rust.
• Check the condition of the front cylinder, looking for badly rusted exhaust nuts and corrosion on the spark plug/stick coil, which can lead to a misfire. It’s worth fitting a fender extender.
• New V-Stroms are £7749 but you can get pre-reg models for as little as £6499 with the option of an extended seven-year warranty.

2013 – 2019 BMW F800GT – £2000 – £5999

Germany’s middleweight touring option

Spec:

• Power: 90bhp
• Engine capacity: 798cc
• Seat height: 800mm
• Kerb weight: 213kg

Building on the ST, the BMW F800GT adds a larger fairing alongside the option of an ESA shock as well as improved luggage facilities and a more spacious riding position. A good tourer that has some great options for helping the miles pass in comfort as well as a maintenance-free belt drive, the GT’s tank is a touch small at 15 litres but you can generally get 180 miles before it needs filling.

BMW F800GT used buying advice

• Check the condition of the belt drive. It should be changed at 24,000 miles but both the belt and pulleys are easily damaged if a stone gets trapped in there. Replacing it all will set you back roughly £600.
• Check the spec. ABS is standard but ASC, ESA, heated grips, centrestand, etc are all extras.
• The GT gained a ride-by-wire throttle in 2017 alongside variable power modes. Cruise control didn’t become an option, so don’t let it sway your buying decision.