You’re through with riding mopeds to 250cc bikes and are now looking to upgrade to something with more power, or better handling, or a bike that could take you on long distances without revving its guts out.

Fret not because the market is very well segmented and there is a bike that’s perfect for those who step up or who want to jump into the big bike segment.

So here are the 10 best big bikes in alphabetical order. Please note that we are keeping the list to bikes from 500cc to no more than 700cc. We also grouped different models of the same platform to ease your choices.

1. Aprilia RS 660 (Price: RM TBA)

This bike is highly anticipated since its reveal at EICMA 2019, and launch in Europe. It has the great looks typical of Italian machines, besides all the nice chassis components. The parallel-Twin engine was derived from the company’s own RSV4 superbike but without the rear two cylinders. Aprilia claims that it produces 90 hp. It’s the sportiest of the lot with its seating position thus it’s the only true sportbike in this segement.

2. Benelli Leoncino 500 (Price: RM 27,999)

The Leoncino 500 is the bigger version of the Leoncino 250. As with most bikes in this category, it’s equipped with a parallel-twin engine which provides plenty of useable torque, while producing a lower 35 hp. Adding to that are decent-quality equipment such as upside-down forks and dual front disc brakes. It’s also the cheapest in this group.

3. Benelli TnT600 (Price: RM 32,990)

The TnT 600 has been around for some time, but if you want an inline-Four that truly howls at higher RPMs, then look no further. The electronics are quite spartan, but the suspension bits are quite good with an adjustable Sach shock at the back and upside-down forks up front. It’s not as fun to ride as the other bikes in this segment due to its weight and steering geometry but the new model (pictured) may just overcome these aspects. Standby for the new model’s arrival in Malaysia.

4. Honda CBR500R/CB500X/CB500F/Rebel (RM 34,999/RM 36,999/RM 33,999/RM 32,899)

Just like the CBR650R and CB650F, both bikes share the same engine and chassis platform – the CBR is the sportier edition; while the CB is the sit up straight standard bike type; the CB500F is the naked bike; and the Rebel is the cruiser of the quartet. The engine is a 471cc parallel-Twin which puts out 50 hp and 45 Nm of torque. That doesn’t seem a lot, but both bikes’ light weight and quick steering ensures that they are fun when ridden around in the city. You’ll also save yourself some money on the insurance road tax compared to the 650cc models.

5. Honda CBR650R/CB650R (Price: RM 45,499/RM 43,599)

Both these models are selling steadily in Malaysia, mainly due to their inline-Four engines, if nothing else. The engine produces the highest horsepower (94hp) among the sub-700cc category, ensuring plenty of poke on the highways. Honda had also wrapped the CBR650R in a bodywork styled akin their 2018/2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade superbike, while the CB650F roadster has a distinctive styling of its own. Add in Honda’s legendary build quality and you have a winner.

6. Kawasaki Ninja 650/Z650/Versys 650 (Price: RM 37,189/RM 33,597/RM 36,201)

Both these models share the same frame and engine platform. Although they evolved from the previous ER-6f/ER-6n/Versys 650, the engine and frame are entirely new. Howevever, the two-cylinder engine provides plenty of tractable low-down and midrange torque giving the rider plenty of fun to ride as a commuter or on twisty roads.

7. Suzuki SV650 (Price: RM TBA)

The SFV650 is the sleeper bike especially in the Malaysian market. It’s an easy bike to ride with a friendly handling and power characteristics ideal to new to riders and veteran riders alike. Adding to that accessibility is its low seat height. These factors add up to avert the “get it wrong and I’ll hurt you” intimidation element. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fast. The platform had been in production and refined since 1999 and continues to sell well in Europe, compared to its 1000cc brethren which had been phased out long ago.

8. Yamaha MT-07 (Price: RM 38,288)

The Yamaha MT-07 is an ever-popular bike due to its price point ever since its launch in Malaysia. The manufacturer kept up with refreshing the bike with new paint and graphic schemes and it now looks flashy compared to when it first came out. Its engine is a parallel-Twin but with a 270-degree crankshaft to mimic the firing order of a 90-degree V-Twin. It results in a roaring exhaust note. The MT-series is all about torque and styling attitude so this bike will jump ahead of many others at the traffic lights. It’s also an easy bike to ride. Yamaha has unveiled the 2021 model, so stay tuned for its launch.

9. 2021 Triumph Trident (Price: TBA)

The Street Triple began as a midrange bike but it’s gone into the performance end as engine capacity creeps upwards. Thus, the Trident is the sub-700c bike which caters to beginners or to those who are stepping up. The bike is based on the manufacturer’s expertise gain from the Street Triple in terms of its engine and chassis, while giving the market an affordable machine. However, affordable here doesn’t mean barebones, as the bike is equipped with Showa suspension and a class-leading TFT display, along with ride-by-wire throttle and ride modes. More importantly, its three-cylinder engine produces Triumph’s signature flat-torque curve which results in smooth and predictable power delivery – a boon to those who’re new to big bikes while keeping veterans entertained. The Trident may become the most popular midrange bike.

BONUS

10. KTM 690 Duke

The KTM 690 Duke is actually an outsider of this range as the 790 Duke has superseded it. However, it should be included as it was such a playful bike to ride. Its rasping “BRRAAAAP” exhaust note is enough to convince most. Light, quick on its contact patches , it’s up to the rider to trundle along or ride it like he just stole it. It’s not a true beginner’s bike, but one can learn lots on it. The single-cylinder engine punches out close to 70 hp against the twins in this category. You can find a number of new units or used ones.