7 Best Middleweight Adventure Motorcycles For 2025

2025 has brought a new range of upgraded bikes in the adventure motorcycle category. ADV bikes are an innovative form of motorcycle. They are constantly upgraded to make them the best for extreme motorcycle adventures.

When it comes to the sheer adventure capability of ADV bikes, middleweight adventure motorcycles are at the top of the list. Unlike heavyweight top-end ADV bikes, they are more flexible, nimble, maneuverable, and adventurous. The middleweight ADV motorcycles offer a perfect blend of weight and power to overcome all odds that come their way.

If you are planning to become an adventurous soul, 2025 is the right year, as it has brought so many of the best options to choose from. Continue reading this article to learn about the seven best middleweight adventure motorcycles for 2025.

The best middleweight adventure bike that remains on top of the list is none other than the Yamaha Ténéré 700. It is not only the best-selling bike in this category but also a very practical one. This bike is termed as one of the most perfect adventure bikes because it delivers the best off-road performance.

Unlike most adventure motorbikes, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is the perfect off-road bike. Though it is quite basic and not the most powerful option on the list, it still manages to sell successfully. There is no better ADV bike than the Ténéré 700 when it comes to extreme off-roading. It is the most fun and thrilling ADV bike on dirt tracks. It is not only good for dirt and gravel, but you can also throw almost all kinds of off-road challenges, and it will not disappoint you.

The 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 has received a few modern upgrades this year, making it more suitable for extreme off-roading. In North America, we are likely not to get the Rally model, which is a pure off-road machine.

• The 2025 model has received certain new styling elements.

• There is a slight change in the look of this bike.

• The chassis design has been revised.

• The ground clearance is increased (9.4 inches).

• The upside-down front forks are now fully adjustable with improved wheel travel.

• The seat height is lowered.

• Footpegs are also now a bit wider.

• The rear mono-shock is also improved.

• The exhaust mounting bracket and the sidestand kill switch are relocated.

• The headlight has also been redesigned for the 2025 model.

• The gas tank has also been revised and reloaded for better mass distribution.

• An updated 6.3-inch vertically mounted TFT screen display.

If you have ever ridden a KTM bike, you know it is quite an agile and robust bike. KTM adventure bikes are known to be the most fun bikes for adventures. Whether tarmac or gravel, KTM adventure bikes prove to be the best in both worlds.

The 2025 KTM 790 Adventure is one of the most attractive options in the middleweight ADV bikes category. The engine, design, and chassis all add up to make this bike one of the favorites of ADV riders.

The best selling point of this point remains the low-hanging fuel tank on either side of the bike. This helps keep the center of gravity low, making adventure riding easy and unintimidating.

The 2025 KTM 790 Adventure is equally worthy on off-road terrains. You can confidently take this bike for off-road adventures. Another great feature of this bike is the in-house WP suspension by KTM, making it a top-ranked option in the midweight ADV motorcycle category.

If you want more power, you can also choose to buy the KTM 890 Adventure. Also, for superior off-roading performance, the KTM 890 Adventure R (Rally Version) ensures a more dedicated dirt riding performance and more tech features.

KTM has been suffering from a severe financial crisis for a long time now. These top KTM models have also faced consequences. We can only hope that KTM doesn’t shut down, as we will lose one of our favorite KTM adventure bikes.

Another best of both worlds adventure motorcycle is the Honda Transalp 750. It is a very successful and popular adventure motorbike by Honda after the Africa Twin. However, it is a perfect middleweight adventure bike, offering a light and more maneuverable option on both paved and unpaved terrains.

Unlike the Honda NC750X, which is a road-biased ADV bike, the Honda Transalp 750 is geared more towards better off-road performance. Nonetheless, it is equally good on tarmac. It offers a perfect balance.

The extra power, smooth handling, and responsive suspension allow for better road-biased and off-road performance.

• The suspension technology has also been updated for the 2025 model for better on-road and off-road performance.

• The suspension upgrade ensures better bump absorption.

• It also makes riding with a passenger feasible and comfortable.

• You can now install more luggage on the 2025 Transalp 750.

• There are a couple of new paint jobs available for the 2025 model year.

• The headlight has been redesigned for 2025, giving it a more premium touch.

Aprilia, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, only makes a few models, but it does best when it comes to producing middleweight adventure, naked, and sports bikes. If you want one of the best midweight adventure bikes for off-roading, there is nothing better than the Aprilia Tuareg 660.

With a taller stature, beefier forks, tall wire-spoked wheels, and plenty of ground clearance, the Tuareg 660 kills it when it comes to off-roading. The race-inspired, Euro 5+ parallel-twin engine features ride-by-wire technology. It generates enough power for the best adventure rides.

What sets the 2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 apart is its adventure-biased chassis, lightweight design, long wheel-travel suspensions, and top-end rider aids. The APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package makes it a worthwhile modern contender in the middleweight ADV bikes category.

The 2025 Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660 model is a specialized off-road adventure bike. This special Rally model features:

• Upgraded suspensions

• Gold-finished front forks

• Better belly protection

• Beefed-up wheels

• SC Project exhaust for a more aggressive riding style.

The 2025 Tuareg Rally 660 edition also has a very attractive paint job option that looks even better with the gold-finished front forks. If you are an off-road adventurous soul, the 2025 Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660 is right for you.

The more powerful, more premium, and more modern the Ducati DesertX is, the better and refined midweight ADV bike it is. It provides the perfect balance between both worlds, including on-road and off-road. We also have the Multistrada by Ducati, but it is a more road-biased ADV bike for adventure touring.

Meanwhile, the Ducati DesertX is for extreme off-road riders who want aggression and off-road capability at its peak. It is among the most premium middleweight ADV bike options on the list. However, the top-end tech package, features, and premium design are all worth it.

The 2025 DesertX is also among the most powerful ADV options in this list, considering it features a 937 cc L-Twin engine. It handles pretty well on both paved roads and dirt tracks. More than a high-performance adventure bike for both on- and off-roading, it is a great-looking bike.

There is a more specialized off-roading rally variant of the DesertX, called the DesertX Rally. The bike features highly off-road-biased knobby tires, a high-mounted rally-style mudguard, and a rally-style seat.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 is always there on the list of most capable and popular mid-sized ADV motorcycles. However, it is widely known for its smooth road performance. Like most Suzuki models, the V-Strom 800 is also quite simplistic and basic when it comes to the tech package. However, there is no match in terms of reliability and performance.

Though it is perfect for road performance, if you are riding the V-Srorm 800 DE, you can take it for light off-roading. The DE version features a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, offering a higher ground clearance and suspension wheel travel. It offers a good 8.7-inch suspension wheel travel for both front and rear. Such features allow for a decent off-roading performance, along with its brilliant on-road ability.

The V-Strom 800 may not deliver the most powerful figures in the category, but it is a well-balanced adventure tourer. Geared more towards better on-road performance, the V-Strom 800 DE can be used for comfortable long road travels. The engine is quite smooth, and the chassis feels very responsive, making riding easy.

The Husqvarna Norden 901 is another, very capable adventure motorbike from the sister brand of KTM. Due to being made by the same parent brand, both the KTM 890 Adventure and the Husqvarna Norden 901 feature quite similar features. The engine technology, suspensions, and the low-hanging gas tank design are almost the same in both bikes.

Nonetheless, the Husqvarna Norden 901 has something very unique about its styling, paint job, and retro-style headlamp. This bike attracts a lot of adventure riders, looking for a middleweight ADV bike. More than its look, the Norden 901 also performs exceptionally well on both paved roads and dirt tracks.

The Norden 901 may not be the most exceptional off-road capable mid-sized ADV bike. However, you can go for the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition variant if you want more suspension wheel travel and soft luggage bag options.

All the best 2025 middleweight adventure motorcycles listed in this article provide riders with excellent versatility and innovation. Most of the ADV bikes mentioned also ensure superior performance features for off-road adventures and decently comfortable on-road travel.

Each adventure bike option in the list, including Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 790 Adventure, and Honda Transalp 750, has its own unique characteristics. Both the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and its Rally edition lead the market when it comes to off-road agility.

The 2025 Ducati DesertX, especially the Rally variant, stands as the premium option for traveling through off-road terrain. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE provides the most reliable ADV bike option with comfortable on-road ability. Meanwhile, Husqvarna Norden 901 combines Austrian design aesthetics with extreme ADV exploration abilities.

Your best ADV motorcycle selection will depend on your riding preferences and your budget. Your riding style also matters a lot, alongside your preferred terrain. This is because not all ADV bikes are good for both on-road and off-road use. Ensure to make your selection carefully and wisely. We have listed down bikes that have adequate off-road capability. If you want more long-distance, road comfort, and better search for the best adventure tourers.

Better technology, lightweight build, and advanced ability make 2025 a perfect year for adventure bike riders who want to explore both paved roads and dirt. The right choice of ADV motorbike will lead you into exciting adventures.