Mind the Gap: The Mid-Weight Motorcycle Dilemma

What happens when you jump from a 30-horsepower beginner bike straight into the deep end of the performance pool? For many riders, the gap between entry-level displacements and high-powered machines is a massive transition that isn't always easy to manage.

In this episode of The Flying Talks, we break down how motorcycle manufacturers manage different performance segments. We discuss why Triumph's attempt to bridge this divide with the Street Triple 765 didn't go exactly as planned. Moving from a manageable 30 to 35 horsepower option—like a KTM 390—up to an intense 80 or 90 horsepower machine represents a major cultural and mechanical leap for everyday consumers.