Five best middleweight tourers for less than INR 10 lakh

Last week we got you a list of performance motorcycles below INR 10 lakh the fast machines that slice through the corners like a hot blade through butter. But performance motorcycling just does not cut it for some. All they want is to explore the lengths and breadths of the country on a capable, yet relaxed and easy to ride machine. The middle-weight sports/adventure tourer motorcycle market has come a long way since the launch of Kawasaki Ninja 650 and today we have nearly half a dozen offerings in the segment which would quench your thirst for touring. Here’s a list of the middleweight machines which we think offer the best blend between decent performance and touring capabilities.

Kawasaki Ninja 650

What is it?

The folks at Motoroids could not talk enough about the Kawasaki Ninja 650 when they test rode the first generation of this middle-weight adventure tourer back in 2012. There have been quite a few launches since then in the segment but we still believe that the Ninja 650 is one of the better big bike which could suit the Indian conditions better. The looks, with that offset rear mono suspension are impressive, the engine is a thoroughly bred, well-refined piece of equipment that offers a great low and mid-range performance. Topping the list is the relatively affordable price tag that beats most of the products in the segment. Our only gripe? The ground clearance could have been a bit better

What’s in it?

• Engine: 649 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve fuel-injected twin cylinder engine
• Power: 72.1 PS @ 8500 rpm
• Torque: 64Nm @ 7000 pm
• Price: INR 5.37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Honda CBR650F

What is it?

Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2014, the CBR650F was one of the most awaited middle-weights in the Indian market but the relatively heftier price tag turned the attention somewhat away from the motorcycle. But it’s only when you get astride the CBR650F is when you realise how beautiful this four-cylinder motorcycle actually is. As our colleague said in his review, the Honda CBR650F is one of the extremely few motorcycles available in the market today that needs to be looked beyond its price tag. It’s sharp, it’s fast and yet it lends itself for long distance touring so well with that amazingly compliant suspension and that balanced riding stance. We absolutely love this one.

What’s in it?

• Engine: 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine
• Power: 87 PS @ 11000 rpm
• Torque: 62.9 Nm @ 8000 rpm
• Price: INR 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Benelli TNT600 GT

What is it?

Benelli, along with its Indian partner DSK Motowheels, brought in some really tempting products to the sub-continent and the TNT600 GT was the one that was specifically placed in the touring segment. The motorcycle will soon be joined by the TRK 502 that will cater to adventure tourers but till then, the TNT600 GT is holding the battle against its competitors in the segment. The TNT 600 GT shares its engine withthe TNT 600 i streetfighterbut gets a reworked gearing to better suit the GT’s mile-munching aims.

What’s in it?

• Engine: 600cc liquid cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC inline 4 cylinder engine
• Power: 82. PS @ 11500 rpm
• Torque: 55 Nm @ 10500 rpm
• Price: INR 6.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Kawasaki Versys 650

What is it?

You may wonder why another 650cc motorcycle when Kawasaki already has the Ninja 650. But the Versys us a completely different motorcycle when compared to its middle-weight sports tourer cousin. The Versys leans towards the adventure tourer side of the segment. What the Versys 650 also gets over the Ninja 650 is the addition of ABS. The adventure tourer shares its 649cc parallel twin motor with the Ninja 650 although with a slightly different state of tune.

What’s in it?

• Engine: 649 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin cylinder engine
• Power: 69 PS @ 8500 rpm
• Torque: 64Nm @ 7000 pm
• Price: INR 5.37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Triumph Tiger 800

We had limited the budget to INR 10 lakh but if you can stretch that by a slight margin, you can lay your hands on the British tool for venturing off the tarmac, the Triumph Tiger 800. The three-cylinder motor is just the right mix while the motorcycle has been thoroughbred to be an adventure tourer.

• Engine: 800cc liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
• Power: 95 PS @ 7850 rpm
• Torque: 79Nm @ 7850 pm
• Price: Starting from INR 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

What we are, or at least I am, eagerly awaiting is the leading Dakar rally champion, KTM to bring in their adventure tourers in the Indian market. Won’t you agree? Share your views with us through the comments section below.