Top 5 mid-capacity bikes in Malaysia - Details, specs, price and more

The mid-capacity segment is spread over various genres, and it is said to have gained a lot of momentum over the past few years. Now, with COVID-19 hitting the world economy hard, the automotive industry is bearing its heat too. The sales have plumped, but experts believe that with time people will move towards private/personal vehicles and avoid sharing services. While for cars, hatchback and crossover segment is said to churn maximum numbers, for the two-wheeler market, this particular segment is said to be the focal point. However, here we have covered options both for a budget-oriented buyer and an enthusiast with ample cash.

So, if you are interested in buying a new bike hailing from the mid-capacity segment then check out for the following options -

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Price: RM 36,800 (excluding insurance and road tax)

The Royal Enfield Himalayan was launched by the company's local distributor, RE Motorcycles, in 2018 and is available in two color options - Snow and Granite. It is powered by a 411cc single-cylinder L410 SOHC engine with liquid/air-cooling and fed by EFI. The power is sent to the wheels via a five-speed gearbox and chain. The said motor can cruise at 100 kmph all day, but past that, it losses its steam. The Himalayan is designed to travel both on and off-road, all thanks to its long-travel suspension - 200 mm with 41 mm diameter front fork and 180 mm rear monoshock. Also, the bike's high ground clearance makes sure the rider overcomes most of the obstacles. Further aiding its off-road prowess are is spoked wheels - 21-inch at front and 17-inch at the rear, all wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. The bike weighs 191 kg, which a rider may take time to get used to, but once everything sets in, it's a smooth ride after that.

Equipment on offer: LED taillight, digital compass, combined analogue/digital instrument cluster, and windscreen.

KTM 390 Duke

Price: RM 28,800 (including GST, but excluding registration and insurance)

Looking for a power-packed performance bike on a budget, well, there's seems to be no better option than the KTM 390 Duke. This motorbike looks absolutely stunning no matter how we put it, the engine offers plenty of power, and its chassis offers lightning-quick reactions. Also, the premium mechanicals help pushes the 390 Duke to its absolute limit. The 373.2cc single-cylinder engine pumps a maximum power of 44 hp at 9,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The said unit is coupled to a six-speed transmission. The suspension duties are taken care of by 43 mm WP Suspension upside-down forks and rear monoshock with adjustable preload. The bike comes with two-channel ABS with three modes - Supermoto, Off, and Normal. Additional updates include a padded seat, a ride-by-wire throttle, CANBUS system, Euro 4 emissions rating, Metzeler M5 Interact tyres, and a broader rear-view mirror.

Equipment on offer: Multi-function TFT LCD colour display, LED lights all around, ride-by-wire throttle, and a quick-shifter.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Price: RM 29,998 (exclude road tax, registration and insurance)

The new Ninja 400 sport model is Kawasaki's latest addition to the already competitive arena. Showcasing modern Ninja styling, the Ninja 400 SE ABS comes with an all-new engine and chassis that is more powerful and significantly lighter, respectively. Compared to its predecessor, the new Ninja possesses more than just high performance, it takes the winning formula that drove the Ninja 250 R to success and amplifies it further. So, apart from the stunning, high-quality looks, the Ninja 400 SE ABS light, predictable handling, strong engine performance, and relaxed & sporty riding position makes it fun and easy to ride. It has all the tools that make it a perfect beginner's bike. With a curb weight of only 164 kg, the Ninja 400 SE rides on a 399cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine making 45 PS and 38 Nm. Sending power to the ground is a six-speed transmission.

Equipment on offer: Anti-lock Brake System, assist & slipper clutch, economical riding indicator, ergo-fit, twin LED headlamp, high-grade cockpit

Modenas Dominar 400

Price: RM 14,615 (including GST, excluding road tax, registration, and insurance)

The Dominar 400 is based on KTM Duke 390 and is the brand's first attempt in the 'big' bike market. In case you aren't aware, Dominar 400 is the result of a joint venture between Bajaj and Modenas that previously saw the introduction of Pulsar RS200 and NS200, and the V15 cruiser. The bike runs on a 373cc engine that's been derived from the KTM 390 powertrain, fed by EFI. Here in Dominar 400, it produces 35 PS at 8000 rpm along with a peak torque of 35 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The power gets to the wheels via a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch. Part of its standard kit is a two-channel ABS that uses a single 320 mm diameter disc with a dual-piston calliper at the front and 230 mm diameter disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. The suspension on Dominar uses a 43 mm telescopic front with a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear.

Equipment on offer: Instrument panel with monochrome LCD panel, LED headlight and taillight, dual-tone wheels, and twin-barrel exhaust.

Benelli TRK 502

Price: RM 29,714 (include GST, but exclude road tax, registration and insurance)

Tapping our way into the adventure touring segment, we catch hold of the Benelli TRK 502 that gives a decent amount of performance along with a big bike feel. It is considered as a perfect traveling companion for cross-town or even country commute. With its efficient and powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, capable suspension, and fantastic wind and protection - each day can be a different adventure. Powering the TRK 502 is a traditional Benelli steel frame wrapped 500cc twin-cylinder four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection. The unit develops a maximum power of 48 PS at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm at 4,500 rpm of peak torque, so perfect response in all conditions. The suspension offers max comfort to both the rider and passenger, thanks to an adjustable upside-down front fork and swingarm, with monoshock at the rear. Overall, safety, precision, and stability are the hallmarks of this Benelli. Its sweet-sounding motor and excellent road presence make it a go-to bike, even for beginners.

Equipment on offer: Tall windscreen for touring, 17-inch wheels with road-going tyres.

So, these are the top five mid-capacity bikes on our list. In case you have more suitors in mind, do mention them in the comment section.

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