The 8 Cheapest Adventure Bikes That Can Cross The Country Without Falling Apart
Traveling across the country on a motorcycle is not a new idea. People have been doing it for decades now, but the kind of motorcycle people use has most certainly changed. In the past, it was common for people of all shapes and sizes to use smaller-capacity motorcycles, but the desire for more long-distance comfort has seen touring bikes grow in size.
Naturally, these bigger, more comfortable bikes cost more. They are also limited in what they can do. This is one of the main reasons why so many riders have turned to more versatile adventure bikes, which offer a modicum of off-road capability. Some ADVs have also gotten pretty expensive, but the bikes on this list can all get you to your destination in one piece for under $10k. Although, comfort is most certainly a relative term here …
8
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650
MSRP: $9,299
The ever-reliable V-Strom has already technically gone out of production, but is still available, and still a top choice if you want a comfortable lightweight adventure-tourer. It may not be much to look at, but its characterful V-twin makes it far more fun to ride than most people would have you believe.
Like any Jack of all trades, it is not particularly good at any one thing, it can just do a bit of everything. It is also relatively sparsely equipped when compared to some of the bikes on this list, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you plan on riding in far-flung areas where being able to connect your smartphone to your bike loses its meaning.
7
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
MSRP: $8,199
While the V-Strom could easily be confused for sport tourer, the KLR sits at the other end of the spectrum. Technically, it is just an old dual-sport that has been converted into a budget-friendly adventure bike, so long distance comfort all but goes out the window in favor of off-road capability.
Over the years, people have taken these bikes quite literally everywhere, including the Darien gap! They won’t ever let you down, but they are a commitment to doing everything a little slower. The best feature these bikes come with isn’t really any of the ADV farkles, but the built-in community that will help you out of a jam in a heartbeat.
6
Honda NX500
MSRP: $6,899
The NX500 has been around for quite some time now (previously known as the CB500X) and it has proven more than capable of racking up over 100,000 miles. Like pretty much any Honda, it is reliable, but it is also surprisingly comfortable even though it is a relatively small ADV primarily targeted at new riders.
The truth is, the NX500 is a great bike for any level rider looking for an affordable, reliable motorcycle that has the potential to go pretty much anywhere. While it is not the most off-road capable bike from the factory, a good set of knobby tires will make a pretty big difference.
5
Kawasaki KLE500 ABS
MSRP: $6,599
While all the other major manufacturers rushed one ADV after another into the market, Kawasaki took their sweet time to get this into full production. Even after seemingly taking their time about it, the final product left several adventure enthusiasts a little underwhelmed thanks to the platform’s limited off-road potential.
But, what it lacks in off-road capability (it is still pretty competent, by the way) it more than makes up for in touring potential. In reality, it is very much on brand with its Ninja-derived engine and sporty steel trellis chassis. The decision to go with a 21/17-inch wheel combination is a little odd, though.
4
KTM 390 Adventure X
MSRP: $6,499
KTM offers both this and the more off-road oriented Adventure R, but as good as that model is, it is a little pricey for a 400-class bike. At this price, the X actually offers a lot of value to the right buyer thanks to its class-leading off-road ABS system (which actually works), nimble chassis, and punchy single.
Unfortunately, that punchy single which makes it fun to ride also vibrates a fair bit. So, after a few hours in the saddle, every part of you that needs to touch the bike will be completely numb. Subjectively speaking, it is also a rather awkward looking bike thanks, in part, to the fact that it makes use of a street bike chassis.
3
CFMoto Ibex 450
MSRP: $5,999
For those that have been burned by one of the many fly-by-night Chinese operations, this inclusion might be contentious. But, CFMoto is not a fly-by-night operation, it is a huge manufacturer that has been around for a long time now. They offer a wide range of motorcycles that all offer a lot of value.
The Ibex 450 is arguably their most famous model thanks to how affordable and capable it is. Other bikes that offer the same level of specification cost thousands of dollars more, and while we certainly don’t think it will fall apart on you, question marks remain around the long-term reliability of this 450cc lump.
2
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
MSRP: $5,999
The Himalayan 450 is one of the many entry-level adventure bikes getting overshadowed by the aforementioned CFMoto. While it certainly offers a more simplified riding experience, it still has a lot to offer at this price point. Just like the CFMoto, it is a proven performer off-road, but will require a certain level of commitment to the cause when touring.
The old model had a certain charm to it thanks to its authentic retro design and a never-say-die attitude. A new, more powerful liquid-cooled engine was always going to be necessary if they wanted to compete with the other bikes in this segment, but we feel Royal Enfield may have missed a trick by changing the design quite as much as they did.
1
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
MSRP: $5,799
Rather surprisingly, the Versys X-300 is still here, selling alongside the KLE500. Although they might have very different names, they are actually quite similar, and there is little doubt that the old Versys will steal a few potential sales away from the new bike thanks to how much cheaper it is.
With just 39 horsepower, it is the least powerful bike on this list, but not by much (the KLR only has 40). It is also relatively light, with a wet weight of just 386 pounds, and is ideal for budding explorers looking for an affordable, reliable ADV that can also double up as a commuter.
Sources: Various manufacturer websites
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