Adventure motorcycles offer an ideal solution for riders who enjoy both paved roads and dirt terrain alike, and want the ability to change up their ride in both arenas. These machines were made to cover it all.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a full-sized ADV that utilizes the 689cc parallel twin engine first seen on the FZ/MT-07 to offer real off-road capability at an unbeatably reasonable price.
The BMW R1200GS
Since its first generation, BMW’s GS Adventure has been an affordable travel enduro designed for world travelers looking for an immersive travel experience. Capable of handling everything from asphalt roads and gravel tracks to rugged dirt bike trails with ease.
The GS Adventure shares its chassis with its counterpart – using robust tubular steel spaceframe and torsionally resistant tubular steel tube chassis, yet features an updated cylinder head to increase power output and rideability, with longer spring travel front and rear for increased off-road capabilities.
Other premium features include adjustable gearshift and brake levers as well as extra wide rider footrests to provide comfortable off-road riding experience.
The Yamaha XTZ660
Yamaha’s XTZ660 adventure bike is one of its best-selling models. Thanks to its durable dual purpose design, which boasts ruggedness and go-anywhere capability, this adventure bike has earned itself a solid reputation of reliability when faced with harsh off road terrain.
This bike comes equipped with an assortment of high quality accessories to further expand its capabilities, such as side cases and top cases, engine guards, tank bags and hand guards.
Although not intended as an entry level bike, the KTM Duke 390 Adventure motorcycle is an excellent way to enter adventure motorcycling without breaking the bank on expensive BMW or Honda flagship models.
The Honda CRF1000L
The Honda CRF1000L ADV motorcycle is a stylish yet rugged ADV designed to take on rugged terrain. Equipped with long travel suspension, a large tank capacity and Throttle By Wire with three ride modes to meet different conditions.
Contrasting with road-oriented Yamaha Super Tenere and street-oriented Suzuki V-Strom 650/Kawasaki Versys 1000 bikes, this 999cc twin offers true go anywhere/do anything capabilities. Additionally, its light design provides on-road handling expected of large ADVs without feeling cumbersome or cumbersome.
We took it out on Africa and some gravel roads to put its capabilities through rigorous scrutiny, and found it an impressive performer both on the road and dirt terrain. A worthy successor of its namesake.
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure
Suzuki’s V-Strom is their take on BMW GS and Ducati Multistrada bikes, boasting an inline 90deg V-twin that provides incredible low and midrange torque while being tuned specifically to accommodate different road surfaces.
It’s easy to see why the V-Strom is such a beloved adventure bike: It is reliable, affordable, and great fun to ride.
Ergonomics are also outstanding, featuring a comfortable seat and well-placed handgrip triangle. Plus, the side-mounted cases can fit full-coverage helmets – making this bike suitable for short commutes as well as weeklong excursions.
The Ducati Multistrada V4
The Multistrada V4 is an exquisite synthesis of extreme performance, market-leading practicality and unmatched levels of sophistication. Featuring radar-enabled adaptive cruise control with blind spot detector, a potent V4 grandturismo engine, Ducati’s remarkable up-down quick shifter, Sky-Hook semi-automatic suspension, cornering-compensated ABS brakes with wheelie control capability as well as adjustable ride modes – its sophistication cannot be rivaled.
Ducati has taken an intriguing route with their latest machine: it provides more rider aids without detracting from the experience and thrill of riding, yet has managed to build one with a smooth, grunty powerplant which effortlessly devours motorway miles while carving its way along B-roads like a freight train. Plus its 19in front wheel gives it newfound off-road agility!
The Aprilia Pegaso 660
The Aprilia Pegaso 660 is designed as both an enjoyable ride and adventure bike. At a slightly reduced cost than its BMW and Yamaha counterparts, this bike makes an attractive option for newcomers or riders with tight budgets.
This 660cc liquid cooled four valve single cylinder engine features an advanced electronic fuel injection system to deliver exceptional performance with reduced fuel consumption. Paired with its diamond-shaped steel frame and spoked wheels equipped with medium knobbly tyres, giving the Pegaso unparalleled rideability.
The Strada and Trail models from Aprilia excel at long distance touring thanks to superior comfort, an advanced new engine, and features designed to increase versatility. Their race-winning single cylinder motorbike heritage can also be found here.