Over the last few years the Adventure bike market has grown substantially, with more manufacturers entering the fray there are more options than ever before.
Although every manufacturer has entered the Adventure bike market, the vast majority have stuck with a more road oriented platform. Looking to attract buyers that are going to spend most of their time on the highway, soaking up hundreds of miles at a time. There are a few who also offer a more off-road option in their stable, bikes that can go on the highway but quite frankly prefer to be off it, at times, no road at all will even suit them better. These are the ten coolest Adventure bikes you can take off-road with confidence.
10 KTM 690 Enduro R
Even by looking at the name you can tell it is marketed more as an enduro, but in truth the 690 platform, which has been around for a while now, is well suited to long distance riding.
It won’t be the most comfortable on the highway, but not the least either. Off-road is home, it embodies all the best attributes from the Austrian manufacturer who have more or less perfected their dirt bikes.
9 BMW F 850 GS
For years the 1200 GS has been the staple for any Adventure rider, in recent times it has been tested by its rivals but remains the number one choice, even for those doing a lot of miles off-road.
It plainly isn’t all that good off-road though, it is just too heavy, no matter how capable. So BMW answered the call, filling a hole in the middle weight segment. It retains all the good attributes of its big sister, but sacrifices a little power for a lot more off-road capability.
8 Honda Africa Twin
Although like the big GS and the larger displacement KTMs it is a little unwieldy at low speeds, especially for shorter riders, if you are tall enough to flat foot the bike it is a great all-rounder.
It actually isn’t that much heavier than the old 600cc enduro bikes, and is something a more skilled off-road rider can quickly get used to (unlike the GS).
7 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
Although the Husky is very similar to the KTM, one could argue the few cosmetic differences actually make it the better option.
Other than the fact that the plastics look more modern and the color palette is more tasteful, there are precious few differences, which isn’t exactly all that bad because they are both extremely capable.
6 Kawasaki KLR650
If you wanted a budget touring bike, the KLR was for a very long time your only real option. That is no longer the case, but the old KLR still has a lot to offer, especially if your primary concern is budget.
It is quite literally half the price of the aforementioned Husqvarna and by extension the KTM. It certainly isn’t half the bike and will dominate off-road, sadly once you back on the highway you will certainly feel the lack of power and comfort.
5 Triumph Tiger
One of the more capable true Adventure bikes has to be the Tiger, especially if you opt for the more off-road oriented tires.
It is an excellent tourer, with great comfort and more than enough power. Where it surprises is just how easy it is to ride on trails, the bike is not the lightest, but it is significantly lighter than similarly powerful bikes on the market. It is very agile and comfortable to stand on.
4 KTM 790 Adventure R
How ugly is too ugly? Frankly that is the only negative thing you can say about the KTM, if you are one of the few that like the polarizing looks it is the bike to have.
It is an absolute beast off-road and doesn’t feel at all compromised on road, it has it all really, just not the looks.
3 Husqvarna Norden 901
Finally, we are getting a few sneak previews, this is good news as the machine promises to be class leading, but don’t expect it to be around before 2022.
If you are willing to wait, it seems worth it. It will get the KTM power plant which has already proven to be a decent upgrade compared to the 790, the Norden will likely be priced a little above the 890 but for the sheer capability of the 890 in a much, much better looking package it will surely be a winner.
2 Aprilia Tuareg 660
After many months of waiting, we finally got a few real world reviews and for those who have been waiting since the teasers Aprilia released last year, it seems the wait is almost over.
Albeit a pre-production version, we now have a clear idea of what to expect. It will be a direct competitor to the Tenere, it will have more or less the same power too (not the expected 100 horsepower).
1 Yamaha Tenere 700
Undoubtedly the best off-road ready Adventure bike is the Tenere, it is also one of the most affordable bikes on this list too.
It has more than enough power to keep you entertained on the tarmac, then comes into its own off of it. It isn’t the best at anything, it just does everything really well, unlike most other bikes like this that feel compromised in certain areas.