Adventure motorcycles rank high in desirability with their impressive go-anywhere abilities. Most ADVs balance on-road and off-road capabilities with equal vigor, without compromising performance, comfort, or technology. This vibrant bunch includes ten such motorcycles, ranging from flagship to middleweight ADVs, with cool tricks up their sleeves that make them worth the extra mile. For easier understanding, this list is organized in descending order of price, from the most expensive to the most affordable ADVs that are worth every extra mile.
The standard Ducati Multistrada V4 is already a capable, feature-packed all-around flagship ADV. The Rally takes things up a notch by extending its luxurious do-it-all capabilities to the roads less traveled. Power comes from the 1,158 cc, 90-degree V4 that produces 170 horsepower at 10,750 RPM and 91 pound-feet of torque at 8,750 RPM. This reaches the wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox with a standard quickshifter.
On-road and off-road comfort is equally catered to, thanks to its adaptive underpinnings. It gets a cast aluminum monocoque chassis that uses the engine as a stressed member. It rides on electronically adjustable suspension at both ends. A slew of top-spec technology features further enhances the Ducati’s appeal. Notable features include multiple riding modes, traction control, and ABS. It also gets standard front and rear radar technology, which adds features like adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, and even blind spot detection.
This is a beefed-up version of the already versatile BMW R 1300 GS. The GSA adds more touring potential with one of the largest fuel tanks on a motorcycle and more all-around comfort. For reference, its 7.9-gallon fuel tank can help this Beamer easily do 350 miles between gas stops. At the heart, meanwhile, remains the famed 1,300 cc boxer-twin engine. This liquid-cooled mill gets variable valve technology to produce 145 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 110 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM.
It sits on a unique diamond frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The chassis is suspended on BMW’s patented Duolever and Paralever setup. This go-anywhere ADV is further souped up with top-spec technology features. Notable ones include four riding modes, dynamic traction control, engine drag torque control, linked braking, cornering ABS, and hill hold assist. BMW also offers an Automated Shift Assist that eliminates the need to engage the clutch manually.
This underrated flagship ADV makes luxury feel value-packed. At the heart of the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro sits a very dependable inline-three engine. The 1,160 cc liquid-cooled mill produces 147 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 95 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 RPM, fusing the low-down grunt of a twin with the top-end rush of a four-cylinder engine. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual with a shaft drive.
The engine is complemented by rugged underpinnings. This Triumph Tiger sits on a tubular steel frame, with Showa semi-active suspension for rider-selectable damping. The rear monoshock has automatic electronic preload, too. Tubeless spoked wheels and top-shelf Brembo brakes complete the package. Electronics include a 7-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, six riding modes (including Off-Road Pro), adaptive cornering lights, hill hold, and an optional tire pressure monitoring system.
This flagship ADV is as hardcore as it gets without compromising on comfort. An explosive yet refined V-twin engine powers the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R. The 1,350 cc liquid-cooled mill gets variable valve timing and produces 170 horsepower at 9,500 RPM and 107 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual coupled to a slipper clutch.
The underpinnings are super-durable, thanks to a steel trellis frame that balances weight and rigidity. The chassis sits on a capable WP XPLOR suspension setup that does most of the heavy lifting on off-road runs. It comprises 48 mm inverted front forks and a rear monoshock. Both ends offer full adjustability and 9.45 inches of travel. Notable electronic features include a portrait-style TFT touchscreen, lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, and multiple riding modes, including an optional Rally mode.
Honda’s flagship ADV offers the best of all worlds. It is powered by a seasoned 1,084 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 100 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 82 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch and a two-way quickshifter. However, Honda also offers an automatic gearbox: a six-speed DCT.
Elsewhere, the Africa Twin gets a semi-double-cradle frame that offers superior off-road stability and durability. It is suspended on fully adjustable suspension at both ends. It also offers electronic automatic damping adjustment to elevate riding comfort on all surfaces. The technology features are comprehensive too. Ride-enhancing features include a by-wire throttle, a six-axis IMU, seven levels of traction control, cornering ABS (switchable), six riding modes, three levels of switchable wheelie control, and cruise control. For under $18,000, this ADV packs serious value.
This Ducati ADV makes every ride feel thrilling, thanks to its nimble dynamics and superior off-road durability. This is also one of the most value-packed ADVs in its segment, even more affordable than its arch-rivals from KTM, BMW, and Triumph. The DesertX V2 is powered by the lightest Ducati V-twin engine. The 899 cc mill produces 110 horsepower at 9,250 RPM and 67.9 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM via a six-speed manual gearbox.
The underpinnings are hardcore, with the DesertX V2 getting a lightweight monocoque chassis, a rare sight in this segment. It rides on fully adjustable, long-travel KYB suspension with 9.1 inches of travel up front and 8.7 inches at the rear. It also looks great, with a retro-inspired design that strongly reminds us of the Cagiva Elefant 900. Technology features are wholesome too. Notable ones include six riding modes, eight levels of traction control, four levels of wheelie control, and four levels of cornering ABS.
The KTM 890 Adventure R undercuts flagship offerings by a lot without any major trade-offs. This middleweight hooligan is powered by an 889 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine—an evolved version of the engine on the 790 Adventure. On the 890, it produces 103 horsepower and 73.8 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Weight saving is its strength, as the 890 Adventure R has a wet weight of 474 pounds. Coupled with its rugged underpinnings, this translates into a nimble machine, regardless of the terrain. While at it, you’ll enjoy the 48 mm XPLOR inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, both offering 9.4 inches of travel. It gets adjustable ergonomics and electronics that prioritize dirt riding. Notable technology features include off-road ABS mode, a five-inch TFT, traction control, and multiple ride modes (including Off-road and Rally modes).
This is arguably the most confidence-inspiring adventure bike in its class. The Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660 punches well above its weight off-road. It is powered by a highly versatile 659 cc parallel-twin engine, also used on the RS660 sportbike. On the Tuareg, it produces 80 horsepower at 9,250 RPM and 51.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch and a two-way quickshifter.
Underpinning this hardcore off-roader is a steel trellis frame suspended on a long-travel Kayaba suspension setup—inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Its APRC electronic suite is quite impressive for the price. Notable features include by-wire throttle, a six-axis IMU, four ride modes, cornering traction control, cornering engine braking, switchable cornering ABS, and cruise control.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 leads its class, and the World Raid model adds more with superior off-road performance. This souped-up Tenere 700 still runs on the famed CP2 parallel-twin engine. The 689 cc mill produces 72 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 50 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox.
It differs from the standard Tenere 700 by focusing more on long-distance riding and comfort. It gets a much larger 6.1-gallon dual-fuel tank, advanced technology, and additional components for improved steering stability. The windscreen is also taller for added riding comfort. Its underpinnings balance on- and off-road riding. It uses inverted front forks and a rear monoshock. Both ends offer full adjustability and long travel. Technologically, it stands out with features like slide control, three ride modes, traction control, and a cool Raid display mode.
This is the newest kid on the block and is a smashing package that can do it all. The CFMoto Ibex 950 is value-packed and is powered by a licensed version of the KTM LC8c parallel-twin engine. The 946 cc mill produces 112 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 77.5 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 RPM. Power goes to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
A tubular steel frame and an aluminum swingarm enhance its rugged appeal. It is suspended on long-travel KYB suspension offering full adjustability at both ends. Its electronic features are comprehensive, including a unique 8-inch vertical TFT, switchable ABS, three-step adjustable traction, heated grips and seat, TPMS, and multiple ride modes.
Sources: Yamaha Motorsports, Triumph Motorcycles, BMW Motorrad, Honda Powersports, KTM, CFMoto, Aprilia, and Ducati.
No Comments