In recent years, adventure motorcycles have dominated the market, and it’s easy to see why.
These bikes are practical, usable, comfortable, the list goes on. However, not all adventure bikes are equal.
Some of them redefine the whole segment, such as the affordable entry-level models that tackle once-in-a-lifetime road trips and those with superbike-derived powerplants.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
KTM makes some of the craziest hooligan bikes out there. Even the Austrians’ touring-targeted versions are two-wheeled ballistic missiles — but they’re practical and comfortable missiles.
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has a 160-hp 1,301cc engine, and it’s just as home off the beaten path as it is on it. In fact, staying true to KTM’s DNA, it’s better off-road than on it.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS
Ducati’s Multistrada V4 RS is the perfect blend between a superbike and an adventure motorcycle, and what’s not to love about that? It’s powered by the same 1,103cc V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine found in the Panigale V4 superbike and delivers a mindblowing 180 hp, accompanied by a demonic soundtrack.
The Multistrada V4 RS can haul as much luggage as any touring bike, features all the tech and gadgets you’ll ever need, and comes loaded with high-end componentry. It’ll even hold its own around a racetrack!
BMW M 1000 XR
The BMW M 1000 XR may look like a sports touring machine, but it’s really a superbike in a more comfortable dress. It uses the same 999cc, inline-four-cylinder mill as the current S1000RR superbike, but with ten hp less. That means it still delivers 200 hp, which should be enough for road use, and it even has winglets to help keep the front planted when the throttle is wide open.
While the M 1000 XR rides like a proper superbike, it offers plenty of legroom, a comfortable, upright riding position, and all the gizmos and gadgets the sport-touring crowd can ask for. Modern touring machines are a different breed, and we like where things are going!
BMW R1300GS Adventure
Some believe bigger is always better, and in the motorcycle world, BMW’s R1300GS Adventure confirms those biases. This is the R 1250 GS Adventure’s successor, and following one of the most popular and best-selling large bikes is no easy task.
However, we think the latest addition to the GS family will do just great, as it’s an excellent all-rounder and one of the most capable bikes money can buy.
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro
Triumph hit the jackpot with its lineup of Tiger adventure bikes. They’ve even become the bike of choice for Hollywood star and motorcycle enthusiast Norman Reedus.
The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro is jam-packed with tech, it handles like a dream, and with 147 hp, it’ll keep up with BMW’s big GS without problems — at least on the road. Triumph knows a thing or two about fine-tuning the chassis and fueling, making the Tiger 1200 GT Pro a smooth and comfortable road tourer.
KTM 890 Adventure R
KTM got its start building off-road bikes, and once you swing a leg over the 890 Adventure R, you’ll realize the Austrians still know what they’re doing.
If you want a bike that can handle some serious off-road conditions for days on end, the KTM 890 Adventure R is the bike for you. Even with its off-road focus, it’s not an uncomfortable motorcycle to ride on the road. It may not offer the same power as the other bikes we’ve covered so far, but its 105 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque can scare the bejeezus out of you when you put it in rally mode and let it rip on loose surfaces.
Honda CRF300 Rally
So far, we’ve covered several adventure motorcycles with superbike performance, but big power isn’t the only way to redefine adventure riding. At the other end of the spectrum, small, affordable, accessible, easy-to-ride models are also redefining it, and Honda’s CRF300 Rally is one of the bikes leading the charge.
Even though the CRF300 Rally only has a 286cc single-cylinder engine producing 27 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque, it has a proven track record and can handle practically anything that’s thrown at it. There’s also a vast selection of aftermarket parts available.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Over the last decade, Royal Enfield’s popularity has soared thanks to its cheap and cheerful motorcycles, such as the Himalayan. The first-gen Himalayan was launched in 2018 with a 24-hp 411cc single-cylinder engine, but the new model has a 452cc unit producing 40 hp.
The R-E Himalayan still only costs $5,500, making it one of the most affordable adventure motorcycles out there. Don’t let the price tag fool you, though, as it’s extremely capable.
BMW G 310 GS
Everyone seemingly wants BMW’s large GS ADV bikes, but the entry-level, single-cylinder 310 has always been a bit underappreciated. However, the Bavarians know how to make great adventure bikes, and the G 310 GS is no exception.
Its 313cc engine produces 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque, and the 6-speed transmission even has a slipper clutch. It may not be the most powerful adventure bike, but it’s still a very capable machine.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure uses the same 373cc engine as found in the 390 Duke and RC 390, and its 44 horsepower is plenty for one-up touring. With tubeless spoked wheels and knobby tires, this little monster can practically go anywhere.
It’s easy to think of small adventure motorcycles as something for beginner riders, but saving tens of thousands on the purchase alone and spending less on fuel and maintenance means you’ll have more money for adventures.
