10 Japanese Bikes That Redefine Versatility

As consumers started gravitating towards more versatile motorcycles, Japanese brands were quick to respond. The big four Japanese brands welcomed this shift with open arms. All of them moved away from the more specialized designs that dominated the industry in previous decades and worked on developing more modular platforms.

We are now truly spoiled for choice, with a host of versatile middleweight bikes to choose from. We call out the middleweight segment in particular because this is where we find the best balance of performance, weight, and cost. While versatility can mean different things to different people, anything heavier than 500 pounds can become a little cumbersome to use as a commuter.

10

Yamaha Tracer 9

MSRP: $12,599

Yamaha

The CP3 is one of the most versatile platforms currently on the market. Yamaha even used it for the recently released R6 replacement. The R9 is good, but we feel that the CP3 really shines here in the Tracer 9. Along with its trademark midrange, it adds a dash of fun to this middleweight tourer. A host of features – including luggage – makes this a difficult package to overlook for those looking for a commuter bike that can also be ridden (at speed) across the country come the weekend.

Specifications

9

Yamaha Tenere 700

MSRP: $10,999

Yamaha

If going off-road is more important than long-distance touring, then the Tenere 700 is certainly worth considering. A few minor updates have also kept this impressive ADV relevant, and its CP2 might well be the most reliable motorcycle engine ever put into production. It must be said that comfort, even over short distances, is not its core strength.

Specifications

8

Suzuki V-Strom 800

MSRP: $10,109

Suzuki

It took Suzuki a fair bit of time to get the ADV into production, and the sad reality is that now that it is here, nobody seems to want it. By arriving last to the middleweight party, everyone expected more from the brand. Unfortunately, the specs are not flattering, as it is not the most powerful, nor the lightest. It is still a very good option, especially the base model, which still gets all the latest tech. You just miss out on the spoked wheels and long-travel suspension, which are not expressly necessary for a more touring-friendly ADV like this.

Specifications

7

Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS

MSRP: $10,099

Kawasaki

Over the years, the Versys 650 has become the default choice in this middleweight touring space. It might not be as powerful as the bigger tourers, but it is no less comfortable and is nimble enough to be used as a commuter. Pretty much everything aside from the kitchen sink comes as standard equipment on this high-spec LT model.

Specifications

6

Honda Transalp

MSRP: $9,999

Honda

When the Transalp first came out, everyone was disappointed to find out that it was not quite as off-road focused as the aforementioned Yamaha Tenere 700. What people did not realize was the fact that this wasn’t just built to take on the Tenere, it was developed to take on every motorcycle in the segment. The Transalp is one of the most versatile bikes in an already very versatile part of the market, with an aftermarket that will help you transform it into pretty much whatever kind of ADV you want it to be.

Specifications

5

Honda NC750X

MSRP: $9,499

Honda

As a lightweight tourer, the NC750X is a great option, but where it comes into its own is as a commuter. It shares a platform with a couple of exceptional maxi-scooters, so even though Honda seems pretty keen on convincing the world that this is an ADV, it is much closer to a scooter. This is not a bad thing. It has heaps of built-in storage, wears its weight down low, and offers plenty of midrange grunt for riding in the city.

Specifications

4

Suzuki V-Strom 650

MSRP: $9,299

Suzuki

As good as the modern V-Strom is, we still have a soft spot for the old 650. Even though it might be well into its twilight years, it remains relevant, largely thanks to its incredible versatility. It’s able to offer a semblance of off-road ability – more if you choose the XT – and more than a little touring comfort. Its wonderful little V-twin is also well worth the price of entry alone.

Specifications

3

Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS

MSRP: $8,099

Kawasaki

Kawasaki has been slow to react to the desire for a genuine middleweight ADV, but this aging dual-sport has been filling the void for quite some time now. For $8,099, you get virtually every kind of adventure-related farkle attached to the bike. Nobody will question its off-road capability. Seriously, it is still a dual-sport. But, you will need to be open-minded when it comes to touring… comfort is a relative term here.

Specifications

2

Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS

MSRP: $7,899

Kawasaki

Between all the ADVs and touring bikes, we have this little cruiser. On the face of it, it might seem like an odd pick, but Kawasaki’s ergo-fit system helps tailor the bike to just about any size rider. This feature is mostly marketed towards new riders, but if comfort is a priority, then this is something well worth looking into, no matter your level. Commuting will be its core strength, but if you want to do a bit of touring, all you need is some saddlebags, and you will have a nice little bagger on a budget.

Specifications

1

Honda NX500

MSRP: $7,399

Honda

In a segment teeming with fantastic options, it is pretty easy to forget that the NX500 exists. This bike is often written off as a beginner bike, and while beginner-friendly, it offers any level rider an affordable way to travel. It might not be as feature-rich as some of the other ADVs on this list, but it is incredibly reliable, economical, and most importantly, comfortable both on and off-road.

Specifications