Everyone loves a good adventure (every now and then, at least) and there’s no better companion than a good enduro or adventure bike. And if you happen to find one that meets your needs, buying one of these amazing machines can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Although, there is a lot that goes into choosing a bike (even if it’s not your first. Misleading advertisements are designed to sucker in as many gullible buyers as possible, regardless of whether or not it would actually suit your riding desires. Which is why personal research is key to buying your very own enduro bike. It’s easy to claim that a motorcycle is fit for the wild off-road, but each and every one of these bikes has their own unique characteristics. With each bike, there will be a trade-off and if off-roading is your hobby then you have to make sure that your bikes flaws are worth it.
You’re about to get a peek at some of the best and worst off-roading bikes on the market. They may not fail you on a wet dirt road, but a few of the bikes on this list are just better at being adventure bikes than they are at off-roading. Yet, some are simply not made for challenging terrains in general. We understand that there’s a reason for labeling a bike as an ADV; typically, these are great tourers, which isn’t an area that enduro bikes typically excel in. It’s great to have a firm grasp of what you’re getting yourself into, rather than taking it from the ads and reviews that love to claim that the sky is the limit with the ADV flavor!
20 KTM 450XC-F (Best Off-Road)
As with many of KTM’s bikes, the 450XC-F has the DNA of a motocross bike but with all of those off-roading capabilities that we love. The engine and gearbox are the same setup that you’d find in the MX bikes, but the rear suspension is perfect for those technical areas that you’ll encounter in the wild off-road. Brembo brakes are a staple of KTM bikes and the 450XC-Fs are nice and strong. Many riders who have come off of other bikes claim that this one feels very good and is relatively comfortable for a dirt bike. Of course, there is the questionable reliability that comes with KTM and other non-Japanese brands, but they have improved their mechanics in the last few years and have even made it easier for riders to work on them at home.
19 Suzuki DRZ400S (Best Off-Road)
Overweight and underpowered, you’re probably wondering why this lug has made it onto the best off-roader list. There are many great bikes – most of which have been phased out due to emissions regulations – that are severely underrated, especially since many of them tend to have a higher price tag. The hidden beauty in the DRZ400S is the fact that it has great reliability and awesome torque, and, since it has a cult following, the aftermarket selection is incredible. The sky is the limit with the DRZ because anything and everything you can imagine has probably already been done to this big boy. If reliability is your largest concern and you’d like something you can make your own, then the DRZ400S is your golden ticket. While it is a carbureted five-speed, it’s simplistic to work on and the fifth gear is tall for highway use. It’s a classic that just won’t go away.
18 Sherco SEF-R 300 (Best Off-Road)
While Sherco’s more impressive SEF-R 450 may be a tempting rival, the SEF-R 300 is a satisfying bike for the woods and dirt trails. The SEF-R 300 excels in everything the 450 is meh for; it’s lightweight which allows it to get more air and makes it nimbler. In fact, the 300 can turn on a dime, making it ideal for technical areas. Overall, the 300 offers smooth power delivery and it handles well with aggressive mapping. Tight spaces are the 300’s strength, with excellent ground clearance off-road trails are fun and breezy. The only bone riders have to pick with this bike is its lack of a kick start and the heavy clutch. Though, the 300 more than makes up for this with its comfortable suspension and the endless thrills it has to offer.
17 Yamaha XT250 (Best Off-Road)
A bit unconventional than one might expect, the Yamaha XT250 has all of the modern mechanics of a proper dual-sport, including an air-cooled 250cc and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission. What many newbie buyers don’t really think to consider is the two-up abilities that some of these bikes have; the XT250 caters a bit more to this need than competitors. There’s something to be said about a bike that’s been in business since 1980. Yamaha has managed to make this bike accessible to all of those outliers out there; with a lower seat height (but ample ground clearance), frame-mounted passenger foot pegs, and a simple engine build. It may not be the bell of the ball with its less-than-comfortable seat – the cliché of every off-road bike – and its small engine displacement, but the XT250 answers to the needs of smaller riders or those who are more concerned with carrying a passenger than racing their bike.
16 Husqvarna FE501 (Best Off-Road)
Husqvarna (along with KTM) have figured out the world of dual-sport bikes, and the FE501 is a prime example of years of precision. It’s slightly more expensive than other bikes in its class, but it includes the hydraulic clutch and hand guards, which others don’t have. Husqvarna didn’t put much effort into making the FE501 comfortable for the road – it’s street-legal strictly for purposes of connecting trails – however, the off-road is another story. The FE501 dominates the trails with its long suspension, which makes it an especially better fit for a taller rider than something like the CRF450L. While the vibrations will be bothersome if you spend a lot of time on the road, the Husky is still a solid bike for the trails and does not disappoint (even if you choose to leave it primarily stock).
15 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS (Best Off-Road)
There’s a reason why the Suzuki V-Strom has been a popular enduro for many bike owners, but the 1000 ABS model balances everything that a rider could want: comfort, performance, and pure joy. The V-Strom 1000 has touched up the design of the transmission, giving the rider a smooth, high-performance experience. Adjustable suspension is always great for those that use the V-Strom for both on- and off-road reasons. Though, its motion-track ABS is probably the most notable upgrade. Its ability to detect when to apply the brakes on the rear (based on speed) makes those all-too-often underestimated curves much safer. Of course, what keeps drawing consumers back to this adventurous V-twin is its incredible price tag for a 99 horse loaded with modern features. Competitor manufacturers don’t have much on this bike.
14 KTM 350 XC-F (Best Off-Road)
The KTM 350 XC-F is not only a high-performance bike but one that has also made significant logical improvements to its design. For instance, KTM did away with the five-spring clutch – which had a prevalent issue of flaming out – and now they have a DDS clutch. The bottom end of the bike is made for motocross racing. It has the exact same motor as the motocross KTM bikes, but it’s still adaptable for the trails. The exhaust pipe is also a bit of an upgrade from the last model because you no longer have to pop off the shocks in order to access it. Much of the parts have been rearranged to make repairs much more efficient. In other words, there’s a huge emphasis on enduro racing with the KTM 350 XC-F, however, it’s a pretty well-rounded bike that’s been optimized for easier repairs (which is uncharacteristic of European bikes).
13 Yamaha WR450F (Best Off-Road)
If there was ever a bike that could be described as “adaptable,” the Yamaha WR450F sells itself on that very premise. With each new model comes even better capabilities, and the 2019 doesn’t disappoint. It’s built for the enduro racer and long-distance rider alike. The lightweight handling is complete with a compact, central chassis. The strong torque makes the 2019 much easier to control and high performer. With its wide-ratio five-speed transmission, the Yamaha WR450F doesn’t compromise in any setting. It performs well on flat dirt or when faced with more challenging obstacles. Yamaha has done everything in its power to save some weight on this bike; from removing the kickstart to a total redesign of the clutch to repositioning the lightweight starter motor. This bike has been optimized with the racer in mind, but it is also a good trail bike for anyone who may want to take on both worlds.
12 Honda CRF450L (Best Off-Road)
The off-road community wouldn’t be complete without the CRF450L, but the 2019 model is better than any of its kind before it. In every sense, the CRF450L is a well-designed off-road machine. Its wide ratio six-speed transmission is smooth and perfect for rough riding, while the crank mass is higher than the 450R. It also houses a wealth of appearance improvements including a digital-analog display, which is convenient as well as a sign of the modernization of current dirt bikes. It's also considered to be much more comfortable than most of the other enduros in its class. However, the CRF450L will probably require a suspension upgrade if you're a heavier rider or tend to be more aggressive. While the CRF450L may be Honda's first attempt at a dual-sport bike, its novice status doesn't show much, if at all.
11 Kawasaki KX450F (Best Off-Road)
The KX450F is a high-powered off-road bike and isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re a little timid on the throttle, then this may not be a great bike for you to start out on. However, the KX450F is a stellar bike for the more experienced and aggressive rider. The latest model even comes with launch control, allowing the timing to hesitate, which is particularly useful in areas with bad traction. Its handling and overall comfort are satisfying for a modern-day dirt bike. Still, when something seems too good to be true, it probably is, and the KX450F has a significant flaw of its own: it stalls fairly easy. It’s an especially negative flaw considering that the KX450F is a kick-start. If you can overcome that major setback, then the KX450F is all-around a great bike.
10 Suzuki DR650 (Made For The Road)
Choosing a bike requires you to make cold, hard decisions on your riding priorities between street or off-road. In the case of the DR650, it handles much better on the street than many of its enduro competitors, but that also comes with a price. The DR650 isn’t exactly a supermoto but it can handle mediocre trails. If you’re looking for a commuter with an off-road tinge, then the DR650 is your bike. It’s also not bad as an ADV that you can load with gear and tour for a good distance. You’re guaranteed to have fun on this bike unless you’re an aggressive off-roader; it’s a bit heavier than a true enduro. It may be packaged as a genuine off-roader, but it's short suspension and low clearance speaks louder.
9 BMW R 1200 GS ADV (Made For The Road)
A standard GS comes with Rallye stickers but lacks the Rallye suspension that would seem inherent in its DNA. Which would have been a helpful upgrade since the Rallye suspension is longer, therefore, offering better ground clearance and able to tolerate more aggressive handling (which is standard in off-road riding). The last model of the 1200 GS is truly the latest and greatest, as it has taken on several improvements, including a smoother gearbox and improved clutch. It’s a beautiful bike and will doubtlessly offer a fun ride, but you’ll have to pay extra cash to upgrade it if you’re truly planning on off-roading. It’s overpriced for what you’re actually able to get out of it; it’s more like a free trial off-road than it is an adventure.
8 KTM 1090 ADV R (Made For The Road)
If you don’t know anyone who has personally taken the KTM 1090 for a ride, then you may be misled about what these bikes are all about. In spite of its popular reception, any adrenaline junky will find the 1090 to be an underwhelming ride. KTM claims that the 1090 is their entry-level enduro, however, it’s better fit for a more skilled or seasoned driver who is a little timid about a lot of power. Clumsy drivers who are used to an expensive bike (or a true dirt bike) won’t transition well into the KTM 1090. Most of these bikes absorb most rough riding habits, but the shoddy suspension on the 1090 won’t deliver this type of performance. Little things like a lagging gear indicator are also a common annoyance of the 1090, but you can’t expect much out of such a cheap ride. It’s not the worst bike on the market, but it’s certainly not going to fulfill any serious rider’s thrills.
7 BMW F800GS ADV (Made For The Road)
Have you ever owned something that went out-of-style seconds after you bought it? That’s pretty much how the ownership of an 800GS ADV feels. Design elements such as the instrument cluster and non-adjustable windscreen are archaic. But, the F800GS has a bigger problem with its lack of gear for the off-road scene. Simple (but important) things such as a headlight guard, radiator guard, crash bars, and even the kickstand won’t survive even basic trail rides. None of the ‘protective’ bars actually fulfill their purpose, and the kickstand sinks into any soil. Forget the outdoors, the BMW F800GS adventure bike caters to those who want the off-roading ‘image’ without having to leave the pavement.
6 Honda Africa Twin 1000 (Made For The Road)
You can barely call the Africa Twin 1000 a thrill, even if it does have 10 horsepower on the BMW F800GS. While the Africa Twin outperforms many of the bikes in its class, it’s a bit heavy for more than a rural backroad. Though the biggest complaint that many Africa Twin owners have are the tubed tires, these are actually more of a con for on-road driving but it’s inconvenient for just about any scenario since you’re left stranded if one of the tubed tires pops. The only feature that is made for winter riding is the heated grips, which is a bit of a letdown for anyone that genuinely wants to have an all-year adventure bike. Additionally, the lack of cruise control can also be a deal breaker for potential buyers. Few are willing to put out much cash for this supposed adventure bike since it requires so many upgrades and is at the top of its price range compared to competitors.
5 KTM 990 ADV (Made For The Road)
KTM specializes in off-road bikes with terrible fuel mileage. Naturally, the 990 would be able to take you on the trails only so far. The KTM 990 is so poor that it will feel like it only rivals a gas-guzzling Land Cruiser. This bike may be marketed for being able to handle rough roads but it is better kept in highway conditions and for your stereotypical coffee run. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a KTM bike and it can handle a beating, but you’re better suited grabbing one of their bigger bikes if you’re a true off-road enthusiast. Buying the 990 is not a detrimental error for the less daring, but it could prove to be a bore to just about anyone else.
4 Honda CRF250L Rally (Made For The Road)
The Honda Rally is anything but what it claims to be. While it certainly has the features of a true rally bike – the narrow frame, an excess of stickers, and a controversial windscreen – but it’s not really what it’s cracked up to be. Don’t let that high-set seat fool you, the 250 Rally is a decent bike to take on the pavement. Its suspension isn’t well-equipped to take on challenging terrain but is great for streets with the occasional pothole. Its styling leads you to believe that it’s an enduro bike, but anyone seriously interested in an off-road ADV will be disappointed. The 250 Rally is a bit awkward for a clogged city – as you’ll find yourself constantly revving the engine to avoid bigger vehicles – but it can be great for the backroads or places that you wouldn’t take a supersport.
3 Kawasaki KLR650 (Made For The Road)
Dreadfully slow, the Kawasaki KLR650’s main flaw is its lack of excitement. The KLR650 truly has the DNA of an off-road bike; it’s very plain and offers tech that is more competitive with a 60’s enduro than a modern-day equivalent. The top speed is around 108 mph and can be considered a bit underwhelming to an experienced rider, but it offers a decent amount of space for growth that could be great for a beginner. Exceptionally dated with its blocky headlights and mirrors, the KLR650 may speak more to any lover of all things retro. It’s great for long distances and backroads, but as far as off-roading is concerned, the KLR650 would probably need a few upgrades to meet the needs of most.
2 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 (Made For The Road)
It’s sad when a bike with so much potential (and build-up) moves at the pace of a ‘powerful’ scooter. We’re not trying to knock the Tenere, it has its fair share of strengths that can make it a great bike for someone out there. It just appears to be a different than what the general perception seems to lean toward. For one thing, the Tenere fares well as a tourer but, despite what many believe, it’s not necessarily great for aggressive off-roading. The comfortable suspension absorbs potholes and other small obstacles with ease, though, you have to be more cautious of clearances than you would on a dirt bike; the suspension isn’t made with rough riding in mind. If the Super Tenere is used as a tourer on novice dirt roads, loaded down with camping gear, it will be a perfect bike. If you’re looking for anything rougher than that, look elsewhere.
1 KTM 1290 Super Duke (Made For The Road)
As far as comfort goes, the KTM 1290 does not disappoint! The 1290 has a well-cushioned seat that is atypical for any sport bike. Even though the bike is less powerful than originally advertised, it’s still an intimidating machine. One feature that many riders have come to dislike is the inability to adjust traction control or ABS, which is unavailable unless you’re willing to cough up another $300 to get KTM’s track pack. Many argue that these are features that come standard on most sport bikes, but if you want the wheelie disabler unlocked then that’s the route you’ll have to take. As you can imagine, this can be particularly annoying if you plan on taking it out on a track. And, that’s sort of the point; the KTM 1290 Super Duke is an awesome bike…if you’re keeping it on the pavement. In spite of what some may believe, its suspension and handling is better equipped for a firm road.
Sources: Dirt Bike Magazine, The Bike Show