With the advances in motorcycle technology, mid range engines will now do just about anything the normal motorcyclist wants. The popularity of the 500cc to 750cc area of the market is proof of this. Unless you’re riding two up with most of the household goods packed, or towing a large trailer, the mid range engine will deliver enough power and torque to keep you and a pillion happy - and it usually does it a lot less expensively.

Aprilia’s Pegaso is a good example of today’s mid-ranger. Classified as an ‘Adventure Tourer’, the Pegaso will handle most dirt roads that are thrown at it. The suspension travel is adequate but only the rear is adjustable for pre load. However, this is not the sort of machine you would be using to attack those gnarly trails.

The Pirelli Scorpions fitted to the test bike did the job well on both gravel and tarmac - mud would require some caution.

The real benefit of the Pegaso is its ability to comfortably cope with the collections of undulations and pot-holes that pass for secondary roads in Oz. I found the factory suspension settings just right for my weight and the easily adjustable pre-load knob makes setting up for a pillion a breeze.

The seating position and seat padding indicate that this would be an easy machine to tour while the wide handlebars give excellent feedback in both tar and dirt. The frame/suspension set up provides a very stable, easy to ride motorcycle.

Instruments are clear and easy to read. Back lighting will sometimes give the idiot light bezels a bit of a glow. Okay once you’re used to the phenomenon. Controls are light, and the paws are well protected behind hand guards - the mini-fairing and screen offer some protection to the lower body.

On the road, the 650cc fuel injected motor delivered smooth power while the relatively light 161 kg dry weight produced a package that was very easy to throw around. The addition of a 65kg pillion didn’t have a negative effect and the single disks, front and rear, delivered more than adequate stopping power. The fuel capacity of 21ltrs (5 ltr reserve) would get you around 400ks at normal touring speeds.

The bonus for 2004 is that the Pegaso comes standard with factory panniers and a very substantial carry rack. The panniers are well made, permanently attached, and are sized so that even the most dedicated over-packer shouldn’t be able to exceed the recommended carrying weight of the Pegaso.

The Aprilia Pegaso 650ie is a great,all road, mid-range touring package, whether two up or solo. Its manageable weight, suspension and tractability make it a great choice for the person who doesn’t take all their worldly possessions on tour, and would suit both the novice and the old hand. The only limiting factor for the newbie, as with all dual purpose machinery, could be the 815mm (32 1/2”) seat height.

With the integrated luggage, this versatile machine is excellent value for money at $12,500. plus on roads. If you’re not into land barges, the Pegaso is well worth a look.

John Miller