Once upon a time, 600cc sports bikes were as important to motorcycle manufacturers as their bigger 1000cc siblings. These smaller machines offered spectacular performance and thrilled riders with their agility and speed. However, rising costs, insurance premiums, and a contraction of the sports bike market led to their decline. Despite this, a closer look reveals that the middleweight sports bike segment is still alive and kicking, offering brilliant performance and dynamics in a more user-friendly and affordable package. Sometimes, less truly is more. Let’s explore some noteworthy middleweight sports bikes:
KTM RC390:
KTM is known for its brutal naked models, but they did create the RC390, which stands out among sub-400cc sports bikes. The RC390 may be at the lower end of the middleweight class, but it packs a punch with its well-sorted chassis, impressive WP suspension, and powerful 375cc single-cylinder engine, producing 44 horsepower. Its nimble nature makes it a joy to ride on twisty roads, and KTM recently unveiled an updated second-generation model, ensuring its presence in the market for some time to come.
MV Agusta F3 800:
Exuding pure Italian exotica, the MV Agusta F3 800 is a sublime middleweight sports bike. Its 798cc triple-cylinder engine delivers a breathtaking 147 horsepower, rivaling even 1000cc sports bikes. The chassis is beautifully balanced, enticing riders to seek out corners and revel in the bike’s handling capabilities. While it may not match some larger bikes’ ultimate top speed and acceleration, the MV Agusta F3 800 is a desirable and capable machine.
Honda CBR500R:
Honda’s 500 platform, from which various models have been derived, shines particularly well in the CBR500R sports bike. With a parallel-twin engine producing 47 horsepower, the CBR500R may seem less powerful on paper, but its lightness and superbly nimble handling make it incredibly fun to ride through corners. Drawing from its Fireblade heritage, this bike exhibits Honda’s quality and attention to detail.
Aprilia RS660:
With Italian flair, the Aprilia RS660 is a brilliant lightweight sports bike that lives up to the anticipation surrounding it. Its 660cc parallel-twin engine generates 100 horsepower and 50 foot-pounds of torque, offering an almost perfect balance. The chassis is exceptionally capable, and Aprilia’s focus on creating a user-friendly platform makes it a delight for riders of all skill levels. The RS660 is a true testament to Italian engineering.
Suzuki GSX-R750:
Despite being the “old man” of the group, the Suzuki GSX-R750 remains a force to be reckoned with. Even without the latest electronics, this bike’s inline four-cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower, and a well-designed chassis offer an exhilarating ride. Weighing in at 418 pounds, the GSX-R750’s power-to-weight ratio contributes to its incredible handling, making it easy for riders to experience pure joy on the road.
The middleweight sports bike segment may have experienced challenges but is far from extinct. These motorcycles continue to impress with their performance, handling, and user-friendliness, proving that sometimes, choosing a smaller bike can lead to big thrills on the road. As manufacturers continue to refine and innovate their middleweight offerings, riders can look forward to exciting options that strike the perfect balance between power and maneuverability.
