Expert guide to used middleweight touring motorbikes

Published: 27 February 2025

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Traditionally, touring bikes tend to be big and heavy but there is no set rule that says you need a big capacity model to rack up the miles, especially if you plan on doing it solo. Middleweights make fantastic tourers that are more than happy to be loaded up with luggage and aimed towards Europe.

And, best of all, they are light and manageable, making them far less intimidating when it comes to loading on and off a ferry, parking up on a gravelstrewn scenic viewing point or enjoying along an Alpine pass.

Read on for our expert guide to middleweight touring heroes!

MCN Recommended: 2019 – 2022 Yamaha Tracer 700 GT – £4999 – £6999

MCN’s Best Buy

Spec:

• Power: 74bhp
• Engine capacity: 689cc
• Seat height: 835mm
• Kerb weight: 197kg

The GT version of Yamaha’s bestselling Tracer 700 middleweight adds a touring screen, comfort seats and colourmatched 20 litre panniers to the Tracer’s already excellent base. Fun to ride and powered by the punchy CP2 parallel-twin motor, the GT version is a genuine lightweight tourer that is more than up for either commuting or exploring Europe. Although it is a bit lacking in tech (you only get ABS), in many ways the Tracer’s slightly basic nature adds to its appeal.

Yamaha Tracer 700 GT used buying advice

• After launching the GT in 2019, Yamaha updated the Tracer 700 in 2020 but waited until 2021 to give the GT the same upgrades. The main changes are more adjustability in the suspension.
• Check what extras have been added to the bike and be wary of poorly wired-in electrical accessories such as phone charging cables, heated grips, etc which may cause relibility issues.
• Inspect exposed metal as the finish can be poor and corrosion can set in if not cleaned and treated.
• If the bike fails to start, check the starter solenoid as it can stick.

2013 – 2016 BMW F800GT – £3000 – £5500

Bavaria’s parallel-twin all-rounder is a touring bargain

Spec:

• Power: 90bhp
• Engine capacity: 798cc
• Seat height: 765mm
• Kerb weight: 213kg

With a bigger fairing than the F800ST, more spacious riding position and luggage facilities, the F800GT is a better mile-muncher than the ST and also generally cheaper. An easy-going bike that has lots of practical details such as a belt drive, centrestand and more, the GT will record 60mpg thanks to its smooth parallel twin and boasts a solid reliability record.

BMW F800GT used buying advice

• Check the spec. ABS was standard fitment but ESA (electronic suspension adjustment on the shock), ASC (traction control), heated grips etc were extras.
• Inspect the belt. It should be changed every 24,000 miles alongside the pulleys but can wear out earlier and costs roughly £500.
• 2017-on models have ride-by-wire, a new dash and power modes.
• Go online for tips on strengthening the headlight bulb clips, they are weak and lead to bulbs blowing.

2022 – Current Kawasaki Versys 650 GT – £5500 – £9899

Get yourself fully-loaded and ready to tour

Spec:

• Power: 66bhp
• Engine capacity: 649cc
• Seat height: 845mm
• Kerb weight: 219kg

With panniers (28 litres each), a topbox (40 litres) as well as fog lights, a USB outlet and more, the Kawasaki Versys 650 GT is a very tempting tourer. Its parallel twin has good midrange and the 17in wheels make it handle well. Able to be restricted to A2 if required, the 2022-on version has a high spec level with TC and connectivity. If you don’t want the topbox, the Tourer model only has panniers.

Kawasaki Versys 650 GT used buying advice

• If you aren’t fussed about traction control or a TFT dash, the 2015- 2021 Versys has most of the 2022 model’s features and also comes in GT form. Prices start at £3500.
• Check out deals on 2024 pre-reg models, they are discounted by up to £1000 and have low-rate finance.
• The brake calipers are prone to sticking sliders/pistons if not looked after. Check all is well and that the discs aren’t warped.
• Run an HPI check to ensure there is no outstanding finance.

2017 – Current Suzuki V-Strom 650 – £3999 – £8399

An overlooked middleweight do-it-all

Spec:

• Power: 70bhp
• Engine capacity: 645cc
• Seat height: 830mm
• Kerb weight: 216kg

While there was never an official GT version of the V-Strom 650, lots of bikes come with full luggage. Big, roomy and powered by the spirited and bullet-proof SV650 V-twin engine, you get traction control on the 2017-onwards models as well as ABS and an adjustable screen. It may be somewhat old-school in its design and style but the V-Strom 650 is a really underrated bike with a bargain price.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 used buying advice

• If you want a bit more of a rugged look, the XT comes with spoke wheels and a bit of crash protection but is otherwise identical.
• Ensure the preload adjuster isn’t seized, they don’t like winter!
• Spark plugs need changing every 8000 miles (valve clearance check is at 15,000 miles), which is costly as accessing the rear cylinder involves removing lots of components.
• Check out the deals on preregistered bikes, which can be had for under £7000.

2006 – 2015 Honda NT700V Deauville – £2000 – £5000

Sexy? Not exactly. Practical? Most definitely

Spec:

• Power: 64bhp
• Engine capacity: 680cc
• Seat height: 815mm
• Kerb weight: 257kg

The Honda Deauville has just about every box ticked when it comes to hasslefree mile-munching. Panniers, a shaft drive, adjustable screen, the Honda has them all and also brings an almost unblemished reputation for reliability. Deauvilles simply don’t break, they run and run and owners love them. This V-twin mid-sized tourer is dependable, comfortable, economical and easy-going.

Honda NT700V Deauville used buying advice

• ABS was an extra, check the bike’s spec to see if it is fitted.
• The combined brakes are prone to sticking pistons, so check all is well at both ends. The Deauville comes with a centrestand as standard!
• The only real blot on the reliability record seems to be electrical issues, so check everything is working.
• Inspect the panniers’ catches and locks, they are quite fragile.
• The exhaust tends to rust, so check it for leaks. If it looks bad, also inspect the studs.