The thrill of middleweight sports bikes is far from fading, despite shifts in market trends. While the screaming 600s of yesteryear might be less prominent, the category is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, packed with exciting new models and reimagined classics. The likes of the Aprilia RS 660 and Yamaha R7 have redefined what a middleweight sports bike can be, and with fresh contenders like the Suzuki GSX-8R and Triumph Daytona 660 entering the fray, this class is brimming with both variety and excitement.
Here’s a countdown of the top 10 middleweight sports bikes of 2024, showcasing the best options available right now.
10. MV Agusta F3 800
MV Agusta F3 800 RR
Image: A sleek MV Agusta F3 800 RR in action, highlighting its premium design and sporty appeal.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £16,800 | 798cc | 147bhp | 65lb ft @10,100rpm | 186kg | 830mm | 16.5L |
The MV Agusta F3 800 stands as the epitome of premium in the middleweight sports bike segment. It’s a machine that is as captivating to look at as it is exhilarating to ride, both on the road and the track. Powered by a potent 798cc triple-cylinder engine, succeeding the 675cc version, the F3 unleashes a silky smooth 147bhp. This output outpaces many of its rivals and even allows it to contend with larger 1000cc bikes in terms of power. The robust torque adds to its spirited performance. While it might not possess the razor-sharp agility of the Aprilia RS 660, the MV Agusta F3 800 delivers an unmatched sense of exclusivity and thrill. Even with a price tag starting at £16,800, the F3 800 offers a unique and desirable riding experience.
9. Zero SR/S
Zero SR/S 2023.jpg
Image: The futuristic design of the Zero SR/S electric sports bike, parked and showcasing its full fairing.
| Price | Battery | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £20,700 | 17.3kWh | 110bhp | 140lb ft | 235kg | 787mm | 142 miles |
Energica might have initially paved the way for electric sports bikes, but Zero Motorcycles has solidified its presence with the Zero SR/S, offering a less intimidating entry into the EV sports bike world. This model is a sportier, more refined evolution of the established SR/F roadster. The Zero SR/S distinguishes itself with enhanced bodywork, though some might find the headlight area slightly dated in appearance. Despite initial impressions, the SR/S packs a punch with electric performance and boasts significantly lower running costs. However, with a price tag of £20,700, it sits at the higher end of this top 10 list, nearly £10,000 more expensive than some competitors. While the environmental benefits are undeniable, the considerable price difference compared to rivals like the Honda CBR650R and Kawasaki Ninja 650, which are around £16,000 cheaper, requires a strong commitment to electric mobility to justify the investment.
8. KTM RC390
KTM RC390
Image: A dynamic shot of the KTM RC390, emphasizing its racing DNA and sharp handling on a winding road.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £5,699 | 373cc | 43bhp | 27lb ft @7,000rpm | 166kg | 824mm | 13L |
KTM, a dominant force in MotoGP, returns to the sports bike scene with the RC 390, offering accessible thrills inspired by its racing pedigree. While the RC8 V-twin is no longer in production, the RC 390 (along with the RC 125) keeps KTM’s sporty spirit alive at the entry level. The latest generation RC 390 boasts refreshed aesthetics, drawing inspiration from KTM’s MotoGP team colors, and improved equipment. Underneath the updated fairings, the spirited 43bhp 373cc single-cylinder engine remains, housed in a nimble, lightweight chassis. Addressing previous criticisms of cramped ergonomics, the new RC390 offers a more comfortable riding position, making it a formidable and fun machine, especially on tight and winding roads.
7. Honda CBR650R
Honda CBR650R
Image: The Honda CBR650R showcasing its balanced design, a blend of sporty aesthetics and everyday usability, on a city street.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8,599 | 649cc | 94bhp | 46lb ft @9,500rpm | 208kg | 810mm | 15.4L |
The Honda CBR650R intentionally evokes the spirit of the classic CBR600F, renowned for its all-around brilliance and popularity in the 1990s. Designed as an approachable and affordable alternative to the more extreme CBR600RR, it successfully revived the essence of the original CBR600F by combining practicality, sporting capabilities, and affordability. The CBR650R has undergone several updates since its inception, including an engine upgrade to 650cc and further refinements in power and features. In 2019, it adopted the “R” designation and Fireblade-inspired styling, similar to the CBR500R, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Honda CBR650R has become a popular choice, blending Honda’s renowned engineering with a touch of Fireblade heritage, a smooth four-cylinder engine, and a reasonable price point. It’s not designed to overwhelm, nor is it intended solely for beginners. It occupies a sweet spot, offering a balanced and versatile riding experience within this top 10 selection.
6. Kawasaki ZX-4R
2024 Kawasaki ZX-4R.
Image: The Kawasaki ZX-4R, highlighting its aggressive styling and modern sportbike features, parked against an urban background.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8,699 | 399cc | 79bhp | 29lb ft @13,000rpm | 189kg | 800mm | 15L |
Kawasaki, like several other manufacturers, initially scaled back its middleweight sports bike offerings as demand for four-cylinder 600cc models waned, primarily focusing on the Ninja 650. However, Kawasaki has made a striking return with the ZX-4R range, including RR and SE variants, alongside the ZX-6R. The ZX-4R, with its 400cc four-cylinder engine, may not be a complete return to the classic 600cc era, but it delivers a significant 79bhp and, importantly, recaptures the exhilarating soundtrack that enthusiasts missed from older middleweight supersports bikes. While the ZX-4R might not lead in torque or fuel efficiency, its competitive price of £8,699 makes it a compelling option, offering a thrilling and engaging riding experience that’s hard to fault, especially for the price.
5. Suzuki GSX-8R
2024 Suzuki GSX-8R
Image: The Suzuki GSX-8R in motion, showcasing its sporty stance and modern design on a winding road, emphasizing its riding dynamics.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8,899 | 776cc | 82bhp | 60lb ft @6,800rpm | 205kg | 810mm | 14L |
The Suzuki GSX-8S made a splash in 2023, alongside the V-Strom 800 DE, introducing an entirely new engine from Suzuki, a notable event in itself. The torquey nature of the new 776cc 270-degree parallel-twin engine in the GSX-8S was well-received, particularly for its low to mid-range performance. This characteristic is expected to be a significant advantage for the Suzuki GSX-8R. While a personal review of the 8R is pending, its foundation in the well-regarded 8S suggests that this new Suzuki sports bike is poised to be a top contender in the middleweight category. Priced at £8,899, it also stands competitively against its rivals, making it an appealing option on paper.
4. Yamaha R7
Yamaha R7
Image: The Yamaha R7, parked and highlighting its sleek, modern sportbike silhouette and signature Yamaha styling.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8,910 | 689cc | 72bhp | 49lb ft @6,500rpm | 188kg | 835mm | 13 L |
The Yamaha R6, a legend in the supersport class, is no longer in production, but the spirit of Yamaha’s ‘R’ series lives on through the Yamaha R7. Initially resisting the trend that led to the discontinuation of rivals like the Suzuki and Triumph 600s, Yamaha eventually retired the R6 in 2020, transitioning it to a track-only RACE trim. The R7 serves as its effective successor in the lineup, though it’s more of a “warm” sports bike compared to the high-strung R6. With a 682cc engine producing a manageable 72.3bhp, the R7 prioritizes user-friendly performance and engaging riding dynamics over outright power. While its performance figures and design might evoke nostalgia for the R6, the Yamaha R7’s price of £8,910 – significantly cheaper than the R6 – makes it a practical and attractive option for riders seeking the ‘R’ series experience without the premium price tag.
3. Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Image: The Kawasaki Ninja 650 on a scenic road, emphasizing its approachable nature and sporty-touring versatility.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £7,599 | 649cc | 67bhp | 47lb ft @6,700rpm | 193kg | 790mm | 15 L |
The Kawasaki Ninja 650, a twin-cylinder, beginner-friendly middleweight sportster, might not boast the headline figures of some of its competitors, but it offers exceptional value and a genuinely enjoyable riding experience. Regular updates have kept the Ninja 650 fresh, and the 2023 model, priced at £7,599, remains a high-quality machine. Its 67bhp 649cc twin-cylinder engine provides ample performance, living up to the Ninja lineage. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, complemented by a well-balanced chassis that, while not as track-focused as the ZX-6R, delivers entertaining handling on twisty roads. The Ninja 650 is a testament to the fact that a top-rated sports bike doesn’t need to be the most powerful or expensive to deliver an excellent riding experience.
2. Triumph Daytona 660
A sport bike being ridden along a canyon road
Image: The Triumph Daytona 660 in its natural environment, carving through canyon roads, highlighting its sporty handling and riding posture.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £8,595 | 660cc | 95bhp | 51lb ft @ 8,250rpm | 201kg | 810mm | 14L |
The Triumph Daytona 660, highly anticipated and recently unveiled in early 2024, is based on the Trident 660 and shares its acclaimed 660cc three-cylinder engine. Leveraging the strong foundation of the Trident 660, which is known to compete effectively with models like the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650, the Daytona 660 is expected to make a significant impact in the middleweight sports bike category. While a test ride is still awaited, the Trident 660’s performance and handling suggest the Daytona 660 will be a strong contender. Offering 95bhp at a price of £8,595, the new Daytona 660 is a compelling option that cannot be overlooked in this class, promising a blend of performance and value.
1. Aprilia RS 660
Aprilia RS660 riding up Alpine mountain road
Image: The Aprilia RS 660 ascending a winding Alpine road, showcasing its agility and sporty character in a picturesque setting.
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £9,550 | 659cc | 100bhp | 49lb ft @ 8,500rpm | 183kg | 820mm | 15L |
The Aprilia RS 660 has generated considerable excitement in recent years, and upon its release, it lived up to the hype. Uniquely positioned, the RS 660 deviates from the shrunken superbike formula of models like the ZX-6R and R6, yet it offers a more potent and premium package than 650-class bikes like the Ninja 650 and CBR650R. With 100hp and a lightweight build of just 183kg, it strikes an impressive balance of power and agility. The Aprilia RS 660 carves out its own niche, potentially influencing other manufacturers to adopt its philosophy of low weight, responsive power, and exceptional handling. Aprilia further elevates the RS 660 with advanced technology derived from its RSV4 superbike. The RS 660 is not just a standout model; it’s a pivotal bike for Aprilia, forming the basis for a family of models including the Tuono and Tuareg, and it may well have revitalized the entire middleweight sports bike class, making it the top-rated sports bike in this segment.
Top 10 Middleweight Sports Bikes of 2024 | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison
| Price | Engine | BHP | Torque | Weight | Seat Height | Fuel Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | MV Agusta F3 800 R | £16,800 | 7988cc | 147bhp | 65lb ft @ 10,100rpm | 186kg | 830mm |
| 9 | Zero SR/S | £20,700 | 17.3kWh | 110bhp | 140lb ft | 235kg | 878mm |
| 8 | KTM RC390 | £5,699 | 373cc | 43bhp | 27lb ft @ 7,000rpm | 166kg | 824mm |
| 7 | Honda CBR650R | £8,599 | 649cc | 94bhp | 46lb ft @ 9,500rpm | 208kg | 810mm |
| 6 | Kawasaki ZX-4R | £8,699 | 399cc | 79bhp | 29lb ft @ 13,000rpm | 189kg | 800mm |
| 5 | Suzuki GSX-8R | £8,899 | 776cc | 82bhp | 60lb ft @ 6,800rpm | 205kg | 810mm |
| 4 | Yamaha R7 | £8,910 | 689cc | 72bhp | 49lb ft @ 6,500rpm | 188kg | 835mm |
| 3 | Kawasaki Ninja 650 | £7,599 | 649cc | 67bhp | 47lb ft @ 6,700rpm | 193kg | 790mm |
| 2 | Triumph Daytona 660 | £8,595 | 660cc | 95bhp | 51lb ft @ 8,250rpm | 201kg | 810mm |
| 1 | Aprilia RS 660 | £9,550 | 659cc | 100bhp | 49lb ft @ 8,500rpm | 183kg | 820mm |
