Driving around town or while cruising the interstate, you may see a motorcycle that looks like a cross between a street bike and something meant to be racing the Dakar Rally. It will have high riding suspension, a bulbous fuel tank, and a compact windscreen that looks ready for mile after mile of inclement weather. There will be semi-knobby tires and probably neatly packed storage cases near the rear fender. In other words, it looks like a bike made for adventure.
The adventure bike category, long dominated by BMW with their GS series motorcycles, has been growing in popularity as riders seek out new ways to explore different places, whether on the highway or dirt roads. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, dual-purpose motorcycle (street-legal bikes that can go off-road) sales grew by 22% from 2019 to 2020.
Harley-Davidson capitalized on this trend by releasing their Pan America adventure motorcycle in 2021, giving a uniquely American take on the category long dominated by European brands.
Let's explore what makes adventure bikes so fun and functional and why they continue to grow in popularity.
The Ability To Go Anywhere
Riding a motorcycle is all about fun. Being out on the open road and feeling the wind as the miles go by is a pastime enjoyed by many. With the engine out in the open and the cylinders ticking over right in front of you, it's a more visceral mechanical experience than driving a car.
But when the highway ends, on most motorcycles, you'll have to turn around and head back. Those sticky tires that work so well on asphalt are of little use on gravel roads or rocky trails. But if you're on an adventure motorcycle, the ride continues wherever you please as its tailored suspension, and all-purpose tires eat up whatever lies ahead.
Take a look at the bikes used in the famed Dakar Rally, and you'll see where today's adventure motorcycle designs draw their inspiration. Using aerodynamic fairings, large fuel tanks and suspension reminiscent of a motorcross bike, Dakar motorcycles are designed to cross long, punishing routes in a test of both human and mechanical endurance.
And just the same, the everyday motorcyclist can map out their own adventure, whether it be over road or trail, and be assured that their adventure motorcycle will be able to tackle whatever they encounter.
Adventure Bikes Provide Long Distance Comfort
As cool as many of today's motorcycles are, a lot of them fall short in long-distance comfort. That cafe racer or sportbike that looks so stunning in photographs or buzzing down the road isn't a great companion for all-day rides. It's a trade-off of less comfort in exchange for style and performance and one that many riders are willing to make.
But when it comes to a long day in the saddle or a multi-day trek across different states and terrains, it's hard to beat an adventure motorcycle. Just like the riders who endure the Paris Dakar Rally, a motorcyclist on an adventure bike is well-equipped to handle mile after mile no matter the conditions.
Encounter a rough patch of pavement? No problem. Need to ride for long stretches without refueling? With the large tank, you can go for hour after hour before taking a break. Need to pack clothing and essentials for a long trip? The sleek luggage that attaches to the bike is up to the challenge.
All in all, today's adventure motorcycles are versatile machines that will take a rider wherever they want to go.
They Have A Functional Design
When you analyze the design of an adventure motorcycle, every element is about function. From the aerodynamic fairing that blocks the wind to the upright riding position that reduces fatigue, adventure motorcycles are designed to cover any road over long distances.
If you look at other types of bikes, like cruisers or standards, compromises are made in the name of style that may increase visual appeal but end up hurting performance. The naked, no-fairing look of a standard may look cool on the boulevard, but riding down the highway it isn't very comfortable. Or those miles of chrome on a cruiser may shine bright in the sun but add untold extra weight that saps performance.
The ride shown above, the Honda Africa Twin, has been in production for over 30 years. The first Africa Twin was a replica of the four-time Paris Dakar-winning NXR 750. Though years have gone by and different versions have appeared, with any models launched, the focus has been on a rally-derived, purely functional motorcycle.
The Honda Africa Twin is a good example of why adventure bikes are so alluring to riders who need a reliable machine to take them places far and wide.