The 10 Most Reliable Adventure Bikes For Riding Into The Middle Of Nowhere
Adventure bikes continue to capture the imagination around the world, even while pretty much every other motorcycle segment seems to be struggling. We currently live in the golden age of the dual-purpose motorcycle, with something on the market for just about every kind of rider, but they do not come without their drawbacks. Like any versatile vehicle, versatility comes at the cost of specialization.
None of these bikes will be the ultimate tourer, and none of them will ever be the ultimate off-road bike. They will always be a bit of both. Each bike simply offers a little bit more of one, and a little less of the other. But if you are going to go out and explore, the one thing that is often taken for granted is reliability. The bikes on this particular list have all proven to be reliable performers, and won’t leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
10
Honda Africa Twin
MSRP: $15,199
For a long time now, the Africa Twin has sat between the full-sized and the middleweight classes. Technically, while it boasts a displacement of over 1,000cc, the base model in particular is both lighter and cheaper than some of the middleweight alternatives. This offers riders the best of both worlds in terms of off-road performance and long-distance comfort, and so far, the platform has proven to be as reliable as any other Honda product. For those that want more tech or power, a new version is set to be released next year, and it might be worth waiting for.
9
BMW F 900 GS
MSRP: $14,395
Even though the middleweight BMW GS comes loaded with a lot of tech, it has proven to be a reliable performer so far. It offers a lower weight and slightly more power than the aforementioned Honda, but you do lose some level of long distance comfort here. The only real downside here is that it is a BMW, so you will want at least one of the many expensive options (possibly a color other than black?) and maintenance costs will eventually add up if you actually use the thing for its intended purpose.
8
KTM 690 Rally
MSRP: $14,199
KTM finally caved and gave us the off-road oriented ADV we all wanted. With it essentially being a factory-modified 690 dual-sport, long distance comfort all but goes out the window, but once you do get off-road nothing in this segment compares. Much is made of the reliability issues other KTM models have, but this is not one of those models. The LC4 has proven to be exceptionally reliable over the years, and won’t leave you stranded out in the middle of nowhere.
7
Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660
MSRP: $13,999
Some will balk at the mere thought of an Italian bike being considered reliable, but times are changing. While this engine had a little wobble in the first year of its production (in the RS 660), it has since proven reliable, specifically in this more mild state of tune. For those looking to go out exploring, we think the additional $1,500 outlay for the Rally model is well worth it once you see what you get for your money.
6
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure
MSRP: $13,249
In some respects, Suzuki’s 800cc adventure bike has flattered to deceive. It is slightly heavier, and marginally less powerful than its cheaper rivals. But, the adventure model with all the additions you get rolled into one ready-to-explore package does offer good value to the right buyer. It is the kind of bike you buy if you just want to get on and ride, and don’t have quite as much interest in personalizing the vehicle.
5
Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid
MSRP: $12,999
All the bikes on this list are reliable, but none of them are as reliable as the Tenere 700. Yamaha’s CP2 engine has proven to be one of the most reliable large capacity engines ever produced. The World Raid demands a $2,000 premium over the base model, but the added value you get with the model far exceeds that additional outlay. Unfortunately, none of those additional features really address its lack of comfort.
4
Honda Transalp E-Clutch
MSRP: $10,199
What is most surprising about the Transalp is how comfortable the bike is. While it will never be quite as capable as the Tenere off-road, no matter how much money you throw at it, it more than makes up for any shortcomings in that department with its superior long distance comfort. The latest bike also adds a layer of convenience with the E-clutch that acts as a quickshifter, or twist-twist-and-go automatic, depending on how you feel.
3
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
MSRP: $8,099
Just like the aforementioned KTM, this is essentially a factory-modified dual-sport. The key difference being the fact that this makes half as much power as that bike, for around half the money. When it comes to overall value, the old KLR is hard to beat, but you will need to commit to a more sedate pace.
2
Kawasaki KLE500 ABS
MSRP: $6,599
So much was made of the KLE500’s lack of ground clearance that nobody even bothered to look at the bike objectively. Objectively speaking, it is actually a great little entry-level ADV that is far more comfortable, not to mention sprightly, than any of its direct rivals. Its proven powertrain, lifted from the Ninja 500, promises unerring reliability, and it won’t leave you stranded, unless you get beached on a big rock, or a log or something …
1
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
MSRP: $5,799
The Himalayan 450 never quite captured the imagination like its retro-themed predecessor, and the fact that a couple of Chinese bikes have since come out that offer even more value certainly didn’t help its cause. But, that shouldn’t detract from the fact that it is actually a great little bike that proves you don’t really need a big, expensive ADV to get out and explore. It also promises proven reliability, something the Chinese bikes can’t offer just yet.
Sources: Various manufacturer websites
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