The Best Adventure Motorcycles: Reviews and Comparisons
Not all adventure motorbikes are created equal, some deliver exceptional performance on rough terrains than others do. Some can also provide better speed and handle sharper turns than others. Most adventure motorbikes feature a combination of these factors, providing you with a bike that you can use for long-distance journeys on any terrain.
The best adventure motorcycles come with a perfect balance of speed, control, comfort, and aesthetics. They also come with larger tank sizes, stronger frames, and purpose-balanced tires. In this guide, we will review some of the best adventure motorbikes on the market and guide you on how to pick the right option for your next adventure.
Top Pick
The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere is our number one pick because it comes with many great features to provide you with an amazing adventure experience. It features an amazing design and it comes with a powerful engine that delivers great performance. It also comes with an adjustable, comfortable seat.
Table of Contents
Here Are the Best Adventure Motorcycles:
1. Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
Yamaha is the one of the best motorbike brands in the world, and this company has been making world-class motorcycles for decades. The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere made it to the top of our adventure motorcycle comparison guide because of what it has to offer. It is one of the best adventure motorbikes on the market, and it delivers exceptional performance. This motorbike comes with advanced fuel injection, six-speed transmission, and tap traction control.
This motorbike is powered by a forward-inclined parallel 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 1,199cc. The maximum power of this engine is 82.4kW at 7,250 RPM while the maximum torque is 117Nm at 6,000 RPM. The fuel consumption is 6 liters per 100km and it comes with a wet, multiple-disc clutch.
This adventure bike also features an adjustable front and rear suspension system, allowing you to set the bike for any situation. You do not need any tool to adjust the rear monoshock for preload and rebound damping. It also comes with a very comfortable seat that you can adjust from 33.26 inches to 34.25 inches to suit your riding position and height.
The bike is lightweight and it features a low and central center of mass. The weight of the bike is kept low and central for agile handling. It features an even weight distribution to provide you with comfortable and smooth handling. This motorbike also features an intelligent unified brake system with smart ABS. The ABS predicts when the wheels are about to slide and intervenes smoothly. It also comes with a large fuel tank, with a storage capacity of 6.1 gallons while the oil tank capacity is 1.1 gallons.
Specs
Pros
Cons
Triumph is another highly reliable motorcycle brand, and the majority of their bikes will serve you for years without requiring repairs. The Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is an adventure motorcycle that is built for the road. Triumph designed this bike to provide you with all the power, speed, and comfort you need while going on adventures. It features a lightweight design that makes it ideal for new riders and professionals alike. This bike is ready for any adventure that comes its way, and it packs many great features to give you a smooth ride.
It comes with a very powerful liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12-valve, in-line 3-cylinder, 800cc engine. The engine delivers great speed and power, and it is ideal for beginners. This engine generates a maximum power of 95 Hp at 9,500 RPM and a maximum torque of 58 ft-lb at 8,050 RPM. With the “Off-Road Pro” riding mode of this adventure bike, you can ride it on even the toughest terrains.
In addition to delivering great performance, this motorbike also has a great look. It is one of the best-looking adventure motorbikes on the market. It has multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with a stainless steel 3 into 1 header system, side-mounted stainless steel muffler exhaust. This bike has a 6-speed transmission and a wet, multi-plate clutch.
The rear brakes consist of a single 10.04 inches disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, and switchable ABS. The front brakes consist of twin 12 inches floating discs, Brembo 2 piston sliding calipers, and switchable ABS. This bike comes with wide handlebars, with a width of 31.69 inches. It also features an adjustable seat, and you can adjust it from 33.07 inches to 33.85 inches. The dry weight of this bike is 450 pounds and it has a tank capacity of 5 gallons.
Specs
Pros
Cons
3. Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Next up is the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, and it is another great adventure motorcycle from a highly reliable brand. If you are looking for the best adventure motorcycle that will not empty your pocket, we recommend you go for this option. It comes with a pocket-friendly price tag with lots of great features. Despite its low price, this bike still delivers prime technology, including two-stage traction control and ABS.
Behind this powerful adventure bike is a liquid-cooled, V-twin, 1037cc, 4-stroke engine. The engine delivers superb performance and it is very easy to maintain. This brand has a track record of making highly durable motorbikes, and you can use this bike for years without it requiring any sort of repairs. It also comes with the new 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, which provides special information to the innovative Motion Track Anti-lock and Combined Brake System.
This baby comes with loads of features that you will love. You can take this bike almost anywhere, as it delivers exceptional on-road and off-road performance. With this bike, you do not have to blow your budget or compromise on performance. The height of the seat is 33.5 inches, and it is designed to support good sitting positions.
The capacity of the fuel tank is also large, as it can contain up to 5.3 gallons of fuel. The curb weight of this bike is 511 pounds and it comes with a 12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty. It features a six-speed constant mesh transmission with a wet, multi-plate clutch.
Specs
Pros
Cons
4. Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro
The Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro is one of the most reliable adventure motorbikes on the market. This is a stylishly designed adventure motorbike that delivers great performance. The Multistrada 1260 Enduro expands the concept of adventure with its powerful Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262cc engine. It comes with a Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262, 4-valves, L-twin, liquid-cooled, 1,262cc engine. The engine delivers an impressive output of 158.3 Hp at 9,500 RPM with a maximum torque of 94.4 lb-ft at 7,500 RPM.
This bike comes with Bosch electronic fuel injection system and 56mm elliptical throttle bodies with a Ride-by-Wire system. The exhaust system comprises a stainless steel single muffler, two lambda probes, and a Catalytic converter. This adventure bike also comes with some drool-worthy features such as ABS, dual spark ignition, semi-action suspension, and four different ride modes.
It features six-speed transmission with up/down Ducati Quick Shift. This bike also comes with a wet, light action, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. You can adjust the height of the seat from 33.8 inches to 34.6 inches with a high seat accessory and you can bring it down to 33.1 inches with a low seat accessory. The seat of this bike is very comfortable and you will not experience any back or waist pain while riding on it.
One of the most interesting features of this motorbike is its large fuel capacity. It boasts one of the largest fuel capacities on the market, with a fuel capacity of 7.9 gallons. This adventure bike has two seats and it comes with a 24-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Specs
Pros
Cons
BMW is one of the big boys when it comes to luxurious and eye-catching automobiles. The BMW 2019 G 310 GS is one of the most beautiful adventure motorbikes on the market. However, this motorbike did not just make it to our adventure motorcycle reviews because of its look. It made it to our list because it delivers exceptional handling and performance. This is a budget-friendly adventure motorcycle as it comes with a very low price tag compared to other bikes on this guide.
If you are a new rider looking for a highly reliable and powerful adventure bike, this is one of the best options to consider. This bike comes with a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with a displacement of 313cc. It comes with a small, yet powerful engine that is very easy to control. The maximum output of the engine is 34 Hp at 9,500 RPM with a maximum torque of 21 lb-ft at 7,500 RPM.
The bike features a rambunctious orientation and futuristic design that separates it from many adventure bikes out there. It comes with a lightweight tubular steel frame and a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. The maximum speed of this bike is 89 mph with a fuel consumption of 71 mpg. It comes with a mechanically operated multi-plate wet clutch. The front-wheel suspension consists of a 41mm upside-down fork while the rear wheel suspension consists of a solid die-cast aluminum Swingarm, adjustable preload, and directly hinged monoshock.
It comes with cast-aluminum wheels that deliver excellent performance on different types of terrains. This motorbike also comes with BMW Motorrad ABS, which is an advanced safety feature you should look out for, especially if you are a beginner. It comes with an adjustable seat that you can adjust from 32.3 inches to 33.5 inches. The ready-to-use weight of this bike is 374 pounds while the permitted total weight is 761 pounds. The fuel storage is pretty small, at 2.9 gallons.
Specs
Pros
Cons
6. Honda XR650L
The Honda XR650L is not one of the most flashy adventure motorcycles on the market, but it is one of the best in terms of performance. This legendary adventure motorbike is another pocket-friendly option that packs a lot of power. This motorbike has won many overland races in its heydays. It has one of the most traditional designs in the motorcycle industry.
When it comes to performance, you can rely on this motorcycle because it comes with a powerful motor and advanced technology. This bike comes with a 644cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, dry-sump, 4-stroke engine. The valve train is SOHC; 4-valve RFVC. It also features a five-speed transmission with an O-ring sealed chain.
The rear brake consists of a single disc while the front brake consists of a single disc with a twin-piston caliper. The wheelbase of this bike is 57.3 inches with a seat height of 37 inches. The seat is pretty high, but it promotes a comfortable and proper sitting position. This is another great option for beginners, as it is very easy to handle on all terrains. The weight of this bike is 346 pounds and it comes with wide handlebars for easy controls. The fuel capacity is just 2.8 gallons, which is small.
Specs
Pros
Cons
7. KTM 790 Adventure R
We have another wonderful adventure motorcycle on our list – the KTM 790 Adventure R. This is another very powerful adventure motorcycle that is ideal for use on almost any road. KTM is a popular motorbike brand, and this brand has a reputation for making high-performance motorbikes. This bike is incredibly fast, and it comes with a powerful engine that is ideal for all levels of riders.
This bike comes with a reliable parallel-twin, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 799cc engine. The engine delivers a maximum power of 94 Hp. It uses an electric starter and it comes with forced oil lubrication with two oil pumps. It also comes with other great features such as ABS and Bosch EMS. The motorcycle comes with a six-speed transmission and a durable Chromium Molybdenum steel frame. It also features a WP-PDS monoshock, allowing you to navigate the toughest terrain across the globe without having any issues.
The bike is also great for new riders, thanks to its proprietary additions such as off-road ABS, Traction Control, and cornering ABS. It also features Electronic rider aids to provide you with an enhanced riding experience. This machine also has other ride modes such as off-road ride mode and rally mode. You can also connect your smartphone to the bike, allowing you to receive phone calls, use the navigation app, and listen to music.
There is also a 5-inch TFT display to show you all the system settings. It comes with aluminum-tapered handlebars that provide maximum control and comfort while riding. You can also mount the handlebar in six different positions. It features a single-piece seat that is designed to keep you comfortable while riding. There is also a windscreen for additional protection.
Specs
Pros
Cons
8. Yamaha Tenere 700
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a no-compromise, lightweight adventure motorbike with outstanding reliability. Only a few adventure motorbikes have gotten the hype as much as this machine has. The hype around this bike is so strong and we found it to be one of the best adventure motorcycles on the market today.
It features a stylish design that distinguishes it from other adventure bikes on the market. It also has three different color variants to choose from. When it comes to performance, this machine comes with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 689cc, 8-valve engine. This engine offers a lot of power and fun. It is an average weight adventure bike that can take on almost any task.
The bike comes with a flat seat, narrow-body, and slim tank design that make it easy to grip the motorbike with your knees while standing. It also offers many options for aggressive tires, as it comes with a 21-inch front wire-spoke and 18-inch rear wire-spoke. This bike comes with a switchable ABS to provide you with safety while riding. The tires and design of the bike also make it great for off-road adventure. The seat of this bike is 34.4 inches high from the ground, and it is ergonomically designed to provide you with maximum comfort and stability while riding.
It weighs 452 pounds (wet weight) with a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons. This bike also comes with a one-year limited factory warranty. The Yamaha Tenere 700 is also known for its durability, and you can use it on the hardest terrains without any issue.
Specs
Pros
Cons
9. Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
The last on our adventure motorcycle reviews is the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. This motorbike also made it to our list because of the amazing features and bonuses it has to offer. If you are looking for a strong adventure bike for off-road exploration, this is a good option to consider. This motorcycle comes with some real muscle, making it a genuine off-roader.
It comes with a full suite of modern connectivity and electronics features. There are also different ride modes for different riding occasions. It also has other great features such as cutting-edge traction, a lifted suspension, and ABS. Powering this machine is a liquid-cooled, SOHC, 8-valve, 270-degree, parallel-twin 1200cc engine.
The maximum output of the machine is 89 Hp at 7,400 RPM while the maximum torque is 81.1 ft-lb at 3,950 RPM. It comes with a multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with a brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system. The motorcycle has a six-speed transmission and a wet, multi-plate assist clutch. The frame is made of tubular steel with an aluminum cradle.
It features advanced suspension systems to provide you with a smooth and safe ride. The handlebar is 35.6 inches while the seat height is 34.2 inches. The fuel tank can contain fuel up to 4.2 gallons. In all, this bike is designed to provide you with comfortable, smooth, and safe rides.
Specs
Pros
Cons
Adventure Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide
Engine
When buying any motorbike, one of the first and most important things you need to consider is the engine. The engine of the bike is very important, as it is the heart of the machine. When it comes to adventure motorcycles, you need to opt for an engine that is best suited for your intended use. If you want to explore unpaved and harder terrains, you want to make sure the bike has enough power to pull you through.
When deciding on the engine power to settle for, you should also consider your experience level. If you are a beginner or new rider, we recommend you go for a machine that will be easier to control. For new riders, we recommend you go for 1000cc engines and below.
Most of the motorbikes on this adventure motorcycle comparison are ideal for beginners. 1,000cc engines and above are ideal for professionals, as they are more powerful and weightier. As such, you should opt for an option that provides you with all the power you need and you can control. You should also go for an engine that is easy to maintain.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is increasingly becoming popular in motorcycles and vehicles because of the safety it offers. On motorbikes, an anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels of the motorbike from locking braking situations.
The ABS works with wheel speed sensors that inform it when to adjust the pressure of the brake fluid to keep traction when decelerating to avoid accidents. This feature is important and you cannot afford to miss it on your adventure motorbike. To enjoy smooth, comfortable, and safe rides, you should go for only adventure bikes that come with this feature. ABS is a must-have feature if you are a new rider.
Comfort
With the best motorbike, you can have a terrible adventure if you are not comfortable while riding. Your comfort is of utmost importance, as you cannot ride far or enjoy your ride when you are uncomfortable.
Many factors contribute to your comfort on a motorbike; one of them is the seat. When it comes to adventure bike seats, the lower the better. You should look for a bike with a seat height of 35 inches and lower. Anything higher than that might be a little bit discomforting.
The best seat options are those that you can adjust. Adjustable seats allow you to adjust the height of the seat to suit your sitting position or height. In all, you should go for a motorbike with a very comfortable seat that also promotes a proper sitting position.
Different Riding Modes
Most adventure motorcycles come with different riding modes. While other ride modes are great, one vital ride mode you should look out for in an adventure bike is an off-road mode. When you are on an adventure, you are more likely to explore unpaved and rough terrains. As such, you want a bike that is designed to handle such terrains.
Fuel Capacity
The last thing you want is to be running out of gas too often while enjoying a wonderful tour. To avoid this, you should go for an adventure motorcycle with a large fuel capacity. The majority of adventure bikes on this guide come with a generous fuel storage capacity.
Final thoughts
On your quest for the best adventure motorbike, you will stumble upon many options. Nevertheless, knowing what you need will help streamline your decision-making process. With the guide and reviews of the most recommended adventure bikes, picking the right option for your next adventure should no longer be an issue.
While all the bikes on this guide are great, the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere is our top recommendation because it is from the best motorcycle brand and it is designed to provide you with a memorable and unforgettable adventure experience.
