Adventure motorcycle hire on a budget
Adventure motorcycle hire on a budget
Budget Adventure: Touring Scotland on the Benelli TRK 702 or CFMOTO 650MT
Planning a budget adventure touring Scotland then consider hiring the Benelli TRK 702 or CFMOTO 650MT as one of the smartest decisions a rider can make in 2026, and here's a figure that proves it: budget self-guided motorcycle tours in Scotland typically range from just £350 to £1,200 depending on accommodation choices, meaning the biggest variable you can control is your bike rental cost. Pairing the right, value-focused machine with Scotland's most iconic roads means you get every bit of the adventure without paying a premium for it.
We offer motorcycle hire Glasgow from our collection point close to Glasgow Airport, making it straightforward for riders flying in to collect their bike and head straight for the open road. Delivery to other parts of Scotland is also available at an extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- Two great value bikes: The Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT are both genuinely capable, budget-friendly adventure tourers ideal for Scotland's diverse terrain.
- Convenient collection: Our motorcycle rental fleet is based close to Glasgow Airport, with delivery options available across Scotland.
- NC500 ready: Both bikes handle the variety of tarmac, single-track, and coastal roads found throughout Scotland with confidence.
- Fuel efficient: Both machines return strong real-world fuel economy, keeping your running costs low on a long tour.
- Accessible seat heights: Both bikes offer approachable ergonomics, making them suitable for a wide range of rider heights and experience levels.
- Great value rental: Choosing either of these bikes through our motorbike rentals in Glasgow means you get a well-maintained, properly equipped touring machine without overspending.
- Luggage capable: Both bikes are compatible with top box and panniers, each with soft inner bags, essential for multi-day touring of Scotland.
Why a Budget Adventure Bike Is Perfect for Touring Scotland
Scotland's roads are famously unpredictable. One moment you're cruising smooth, sweeping tarmac along the Moray Firth; the next, you're picking your way along a narrow single-track lane in Wester Ross with passing places every 200 metres.
For a route like the NC500, which covers approximately 516 miles of Highland roads, you don't need a flagship bike with a touchscreen and radar cruise control. You need something reliable, comfortable over long days, and easy to manage when the going gets tight. That's exactly where the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT shine.
Both bikes sit in the mid-weight adventure category, with parallel-twin engines that deliver smooth, predictable power. Neither will intimidate less experienced riders, and neither will bore seasoned tourers either.
As a bonus, choosing one of these bikes through our motorcycle rental Scotland service means your daily hire rate is genuinely affordable, leaving more of your budget for regional produce, seafood, a comfortable bed and perhaps a wee whisky at the end of the day.
Motorcycle Hire Glasgow: How We Make It Easy to Start Your Tour
Our collection point is based close to Glasgow Airport, which is ideal if you're flying in from elsewhere in the UK or from Europe. You can collect your bike, load your gear, and be on the A82 heading north towards Loch Lomond within the hour.
If you prefer to start your tour from a different point in Scotland, we offer delivery at an extra cost. Whether you want the bike waiting for you in Edinburgh, Inverness, or anywhere else, we can arrange it.
Our motorcycle hire Glasgow process is straightforward. We walk you through the bike, cover the controls and any quirks specific to the model, and make sure you're comfortable before you leave. We want you confident on day one, not figuring things out as you go.
Browse our full range of available machines, including both the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT, on our motorcycle rental page.
Budget Adventure Touring Scotland: The Benelli TRK 702 in Detail
The Benelli TRK 702 has become one of the most talked-about mid-weight adventure bikes in 2026, and for good reason. It offers a combination of touring comfort, genuine off-road capability, and an accessible price point that is difficult to match.
For riders tackling Scotland's varied roads, it ticks almost every box. The upright riding position reduces fatigue on long days, the engine has enough mid-range grunt to feel effortless at motorway speeds, and the chassis is confidence-inspiring when things get technical.
Engine
698cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valves
Maximum Power
Approximately 70 hp at 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Approximately 68 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity
20 litres
Seat Height
790mm (highly accessible for a wide range of riders)
Wet Weight
238 kg
Suspension
48mm upside-down front forks, rear mono-shock with preload adjustment
Brakes
Dual 320mm front discs, single 260mm rear disc, Bosch ABS
Riding Modes
Road and Rain modes standard
Luggage Compatibility
Aluminium Top box and Panniers with soft inner bags
The 790mm seat height is a genuine practical advantage to those with shorter legs when riding on Scotland's roads. When you're stopping frequently on single-track lanes to let oncoming traffic pass, being able to put a foot down confidently makes a real difference.
Did You Know?
The Benelli TRK 702 delivers a maximum touring range of approximately 270 miles (435 km) on a single 20-litre tank, making fuel stops on the remote roads like the northwest sections of the NC500 far less stressful.
A 270-mile range is genuinely impressive for this class of bike, and it's particularly relevant in remove areas where refuelling opportunities are limited. The TRK 702's tank capacity means you can ride without fuel anxiety spoiling the experience.
Budget Adventure Touring Scotland: The CFMOTO 650MT in Detail
The CFMOTO 650MT is the other compelling option for riders looking to explore Scotland on a budget. CFMOTO has firmly established itself as a brand that delivers genuine quality at a price that makes adventure touring accessible to a much wider audience.
The 650MT sits lower than many adventure bikes in its class, which works particularly well on Scotland's tighter roads. Its parallel-twin engine is smooth and refined, producing power in a way that feels manageable and confidence-inspiring rather than aggressive.
Engine
649cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valves
Maximum Power
Approximately 71 hp at 8,750 rpm
Maximum Torque
Approximately 62 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity
17 litres
Seat Height
820mm (low-medium for the adventure class)
Wet Weight
215 kg (noticeably lighter than many competitors)
Suspension
41mm inverted front forks, rear mono-shock
Brakes
Dual 300mm front discs, single 240mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS
Riding Modes
Road, Sport, and Rain modes
Luggage Compatibility
two panniers and top box, each with soft inner bags
The 650MT's lighter 215 kg wet weight is one of its strongest points for Scottish touring. When you're maneuvering a loaded bike at low speed on a remote Highland track, or should you have the misfortune to drop it then picking the bike up after such a moment, that lower weight is something you'll notice and appreciate.
Its sportier engine character also makes it genuinely fun on the more flowing roads of Perthshire and the Cairngorms, where you can open it up a little more freely.
Budget Adventure on the Benelli TRK 702 or CFMOTO 650MT: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we've looked at both bikes individually, let's bring them together and consider how each performs across the key factors that matter on a Scottish tour.
Touring Comfort Over Long Days
Both bikes offer an upright, adventure-oriented riding position that reduces upper body fatigue. The Benelli TRK 702 has a slightly more relaxed, highway-oriented feel, while the CFMOTO 650MT sits slightly more forward, which some riders find more engaging over a full day's ride.
For back-to-back 200-mile days, both are genuinely capable. We'd call this one a draw, with the edge going to whichever riding position suits your personal preference. Although note the Benelli has heated seat and heated grips that are lacking on the CFMOTO.
Fuel Range and Running Costs
The Benelli TRK 702's 20-litre tank gives it a clear range advantage. For the remote sections of the NC500 between Ullapool and Tongue, that extra range is more than a convenience; it's peace of mind.
The CFMOTO 650MT compensates with outstanding fuel economy, however. At up to 65 mpg in real-world conditions, its smaller 17-litre tank still delivers a respectable range, and the lower fuel consumption keeps your tour costs down over a week-long trip.
Handling on Scottish Roads
Scotland's roads vary enormously. The CFMOTO 650MT's lighter weight makes it more nimble on tight technical roads, while the TRK 702's extra planted weight provides more stability in the high crosswinds you'll encounter on exposed coastal sections.
Both are excellent choices. If you're planning a route that includes rougher tracks or more technical passes, the lighter CFMOTO has a slight edge. If your tour is primarily on tarmac with emphasis on confident, stable cruising, the TRK 702 rewards that style.
Accessibility for Different Riders
The TRK 702's 790mm seat height makes it one of the most physically accessible adventure bikes available in 2026. The CFMOTO 650MT at 820mm is still reasonable for the class, but taller riders may actually prefer it for that reason.
Both bikes are suitable for riders on A licences with at least some touring experience. Neither demands the physical management of a heavyweight adventure bike.
Did You Know?
The CFMOTO 650MT achieves a real-world fuel economy of up to 65 mpg (4.3L/100km) when running on 95 RON fuel, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options for budget-conscious riders completing the full NC500 loop.
Motorcycle Rental Scotland: Planning Your Route
There are several plotted routes in Scotland some are mentioned in our other pages but the North Coast 500 is by far the most popular. It starts and ends in Inverness, but most riders beginning their motorcycle rental Scotland journey from other parts of the UK and for hire Glasgow is a good place to start. You could ride the A9 north to join the route, but we would suggest exploring other options and taking a bit more time. The shortest route adds roughly 100 miles each way, making a full trip from Glasgow and back closer to 720 miles in total.
Both bikes handle this distance comfortably. Your daily mileages could be moderate if you take extra time to actually stop and take in the scenery rather than just riding through it.
A side-by-side comparison of the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT for a budget-conscious Scotland road trip. See which bike offers the best value on diverse Scottish terrain.
Motorbike Rentals Glasgow: What to Expect When You Collect
Our motorbike rentals Glasgow service is designed to be as straightforward as possible. When you collect your Benelli TRK 702 or CFMOTO 650MT from our location near Glasgow Airport, we make sure you're fully briefed before you leave.
Here's what the collection experience typically looks like:
- In advance of your hire we confirm your licence and provide a draft rental agreement. This speeds up the process at collection.
- We walk you around the bike and note any pre-existing marks for the rental record
- We brief you on the specific controls, riding modes, and any model-specific quirks
- Tyre pressures, fuel level, and chain tension will all have been checked before handover.
- We answer any questions about your planned route, fuel stop locations, or local road conditions
If you'd prefer the bike delivered to your starting point elsewhere in Scotland, just let us know when you book. Delivery to locations across Scotland is available at an extra cost, and it's a popular option for riders who want to start their tour directly from the likes of Inverness.
Our motorbike rentals Glasgow fleet is maintained to a high standard. Both the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT are serviced regularly and come with full insurance documentation for your trip.
Which Bike Should You Choose for Your Budget Scotland Adventure?
The honest answer is that you can't go wrong with either. Both the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT are well-suited to the demands of a week-long Scottish tour, and both represent outstanding value in the context of motorcycle rental Scotland.
That said, here's a simple way to think about it:
- Choose the Benelli TRK 702 if: You want a longer fuel range for remote sections, prefer a lower seat height for easier footing, or prioritise a stable, planted feel on exposed Highland roads, and consider that heated grips and seat would be beneficial.
- Choose the CFMOTO 650MT if: You want a lower price and lighter bike that's easier to handle at low speed, prefer a sportier engine character on flowing roads, or are a slightly taller rider who prefers the higher seat position.
Both bikes are genuinely great value for what you get. The mid-weight parallel-twin adventure format is arguably the ideal format for Scottish touring: enough power for motorway sections, light enough for technical lanes, comfortable enough for long days, and efficient enough to keep fuel costs reasonable.
Whatever your choice, our motorcycle hire Glasgow team is here to help you get on the road with confidence. We want you to have a brilliant trip and come back with stories worth telling.
Conclusion
A budget adventure touring Scotland on the Benelli TRK 702 or CFMOTO 650MT is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Scotland's wider road network. Both bikes deliver genuine capability, strong fuel efficiency, and real touring comfort without the cost of a flagship machine.
Our motorcycle rental Scotland service, based close to Glasgow Airport, makes it easy to collect a well-maintained, properly equipped bike and head straight into some of Europe's most spectacular riding. With delivery options available across Scotland, you can start your adventure wherever suits you best.
If you're ready to plan your Scottish tour, check availability for the Benelli TRK 702 and CFMOTO 650MT and get in touch with our team. Whether you're riding the full NC500 loop or exploring the Cairngorms and West Coast at your own pace, we'll make sure you have the right bike under you for every mile of it.