A major fallacy for non-motorcycle buffs is that all bikes are created equal. The truth is far different. Some bikes are stunning speed machines on a highway, but taking them into an off-road setting like a forest can be a disaster. Likewise, no one is picking a dirt bike for its high speeds but for how well they handle on a muddy track. Adventure bikes strike a great balance between being terrific machines able to hit top speeds on a road trip and handling off-road terrains like a dirt bike.

Obviously, not all are built alike, as some adventure bikes handle better than others. A few can be too large to handle the proper terrain and not enough power. The lighter ones are fine for off-roading yet lack the style for a fun road ride. The best of the bunch combine power, speed, and capability in a full package. Here are the ten best adventure bikes one can buy today to make a bike journey a fun experience.

10 BMW R1250GS Adventure

via Total Motorcycle

Living up to its name, the BMW R1250GS Adventure is capable of handling any conditions. Whether it’s a long ride on a summer road of off-roading in winter, the Adventure looks like a luxury machine yet boasts a stunning 1254cc engine for 116.9 hp and 921 lb-ft of torque.

This means zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds, along with some tremendous high-tech additions. For those wanting a real biking Adventure, this is a safe bet.

9 Triumph Tiger 800

Courtesy ADV Pulse

When a bike is named after the king of the jungle, it should back it up. The Triumph Tiger 800 does. The British brand provides plenty of adventure bike lovers with 800cc engine, low-ratio gear architecture, and smooth gearbox.

What helps it is the onboard computer keeping it all running smoothly at 95 hp. If anything, it succeeds because it’s not perfect as neither are the roads its meant for but the smooth suspension allowing it to ride a wilderness in style.

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8 Moto Guzzi V85 TT

autonovosti.com

Considering this is their first crack at the adventure bike model, the Moto Guzzi V85 TT is pretty impressive. An 853-cc motor with 79 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque sounds low on paper. But the fact the engine is air-cooled gives it an edge, and it feels much faster on the road with fantastic cruising range.

The low suspension also aids in off-roading. It can come in a stripped-down version or a “Travel” mode with additional storage space and an excellent debut by Moto Guzzi in adventure bikes.

7 Yamaha Super Tenere

rjperformance.com

Whether you’re commuting downtown or barrelling through forest roads, the Yamaha Super Tenere is the perfect machine. The 1199cc parallel-twin engine, six-speed gearbox, and twin-downdraft throttle body fuel injection combine into some terrific performance.

Helping is how the lower orientation keeps up the balance for rougher roads while cutting loose on a paved highway. It’s another reason Yamaha offerings remain the best for adventure bike lovers.

Related: 10 Ugly Off-Road Motorcycles That Are Great Fun

6 KTM 790 SuperAdventure R

m50honda.ie

The KTM 790 Super Adventure R may not be as big as its brothers but offers all the traits with a lighter package. The 1301cc V-twin engine can pack almost 150 hp, and the 4-speed gearbox allows smooth sailing on the road.

The addition of great technology also aids the performance which can handle dirt roads just as well as the open highway. For a reasonable cost, the SuperAdventure R is an exceptional offering.

5 BMW S1000 XR

press.bmwgroup.com

One expects some high power from a BMW of any type. Yet the way the S1000 XR moves, one would imagine it has a sports car's engine in a bike. Even if it's a "detuned" version of a SS bike, the 999cc inline four-cylinder can develop a whopping 162 bhp.

The ABS is cutting edge to huge corners tight so this baby can wow on a race track while still handling an outdoor drive with ease.

Related: The 10 Most Fun Performance Bikes To Get In 2020

4 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

There has to be at least one "scrambler" bike placed in a list on best adventure motorcycles and it might as well be a Triumph. The company boasts the 1200 XE is "the real deal" and it's not hyperbole.

The 1200cc parallel-twin can develop 88 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque for an off-road experience few bikes can touch. The frame is surprisingly tough to make this a true Triumph in every way.

3 Suzuki V-Strom 1000

V-Strom 1000 parked by the road
Via ultimatemotorcycling.com

The V-Strom has a few models, but the 1000 is the best for adventure bike lovers. The 1037cc liquid-cooled engine with 99 hp is a powerful beast, but the five-axis inertial measurement keeps it balanced on the road.

At just over 500 pounds, it’s light enough to take to off-roading well while handling an open highway at 125 mph. Add on the low fuel consumption and superior combustion, and the V-Strom’s tech makes it a superior bike to others on the block.

Related: These Motorcycles Are The Perfect Canyon Carvers

2 Honda Africa Twin CRFL 10000

Honda adventure bike
via Iamabiker

Since 1988, the Honda Africa Twin has been one of the best adventure bikes on the market. The CRFL 1000 is the epitome of the bike’s incredible performance and style. It’s not enough it boasts a fine 998cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin engine, but it’s also one of the few bikes where riders can control the torque level.

The improved long-ride suspension offers better protection, and the fuel capacity is one of the best in its class. In any nation, this is a terrific adventure bike.

1 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro

via: pinterest.com

Obviously, a Ducati is a must-get bike, but the Multistrada 1260 Enduro is epic even by their standards. The Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo allows amazing safety on the road to balance the DVT 1262cc engine's performance.

With the Bosch fuel injection system and six-speed gear shift, the Multistrada can reach almost 160 mph to make it an amazing ride in any environment. Plus, that unique style that only a Ducati can provide to make it as great to look at as to drive.

Sources: cycleworld.com, topspeed.com, ultimatemotorcycling.com

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