Adventure bikes are highly popular for their versatility and do-it-all character. Most of these ADVs shuffle between on-road and off-road capabilities. We mostly see these ADVs pack road-focused performance for cozy high-speed runs, alongside long-travel suspension. But here we are doing things differently.
We’re flipping the script by curating ten adventure bikes that offer a combination of meaty low-end torque and a feisty performance curve to tackle challenging off-road situations, along with underpinnings that give it a more civilized side, allowing it to cover many miles on the tarmac. From Harley‘s first-ever ADV, which has turned out to be a smashing hit, to the most affordable ADV available for under $6,000 with adjustable seat height, this list is a vibrant one.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including Aprilia USA, Yamaha Motorsports USA, Royal Enfield USA, CFMoto Motorcycles USA, KTM USA, Triumph Motorcycles USA, Honda Powersports USA, Harley-Davidson USA, Ducati USA, and BMW Motorrad USA. This list is organized in decreasing order of pricing, from the more expensive to the most affordable adventure bikes that shine equally on both tarmac and off-road.
Here Are The Most Expensive Adventure Bikes From All Popular Brands
With the rise and rise of the adventure bike segment, all the major manufacturers have something high-end on offer
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
Price: $19,999
The first-ever Harley ADV is also the only H-D that perfectly blends off-road and on-road finesse. Its 1,252 cc Revolution Max V-twin is tuned to be an eager one, ready to stir up dust. It produces 150 horsepower and 95 pound-feet of torque, which peak at 8,750 RPM and 6,750 RPM, respectively.
It has a meaty torque curve that should aid the Pan America 1250 in its urge to climb mountains. Other notable features include electronically adjustable suspension with 7.5 inches of travel, switchable ABS with a cornering function, linked brakes, and hill-hold assist.
Ducati DesertX
Price: $18,495
The most affordable Ducati adventure bike is also the most capable off-roader from the marque. With lightweight packaging and a meaty V-twin engine, this Ducati balances on-road and off-road capabilities like a boss. It is powered by a 937 cc V-twin engine that produces 110 horsepower at 9,250 RPM and 68 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM.
Couple that with its relatively low curb weight of under 500 pounds, and this Ducati exudes a nimble and punchy appeal even through dense dunes. Further strengthening its capabilities are features like fully adjustable KYB suspension and knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs wrapped around laced wheels.
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Price: $17,595
This is evidently the most balanced of the Triumph Tiger 900 lineup. Hence, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is renowned for its versatile character. It features a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination with fully adjustable long-travel suspension.
Complementing its off-roading capabilities is a robust 888 cc inline-3 engine that produces 106.5 horsepower and 66.4 pound-feet of torque. Peak torque surging in early helps this Triumph ADV ace any challenging terrains. Its on-road appeal is enhanced by comfort, thanks to an adjustable seat height, a relaxed rider triangle, a low curb weight of 503 pounds, and a total riding range of over 230 miles.
10 Cheap Used Adventure Bikes Under $5,000 That Are Perfect For Off-Roading
The best off-road adventure bike is the one you don’t mind scratching, dropping and getting dirty
Honda Africa Twin DCT
Price: $15,599
The Honda Africa Twin has made a name for itself with its versatility, boasting a 1,083 cc parallel-twin engine that is also shared with a cruiser bike and a forbidden café racer. It produces 100 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, commendable numbers for an ADV that weighs 535 pounds.
A clever and adjustable suspension, knobby dual-purpose tires, and 9.8 inches of ground clearance help it excel in off-roading. The highlighting feature of this Honda, however, is its 6-speed automatic transmission, which elevates the riding appeal to a whole new level.
BMW F 900 GS
Price: $14,275
While the BMW R 1300 GS is worthy of all the rave and fame it gets, the F 900 GS is the underdog that rarely gets the recognition it deserves. It is an adventure bike designed to strike a perfect balance between on-road and off-road capabilities. Its tall riding stance, slim design, and sit-stand rider triangle.
That comes together with a rugged suspension setup with 9.05 inches of travel up front and 8.46 inches at the rear. Under the skin is a versatile 895 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 105 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet of torque. This engine is also found on the F 900 XR sports tourer and the F 900 R streetfighter.
Aprilia Tuareg 660
Price: $12,499
This is a lesser-appreciated arch-rival to the Yamaha Tenere 700, and that speaks volumes about what this Aprilia is capable of. The Tuareg 660 is an all-rounder, a rally-bike-inspired do-it-all ADV that features serious long-travel suspension, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and knobby dual-purpose tires.
Its 659 cc parallel-twin engine is a tweaked version of the same mill that powers the RS 660 sports bike. It produces 80 horsepower and 51.6 pound-feet of torque, the torque of which is substantial and strong in the mid-range, helping the Tuareg rally effortlessly even over challenging terrain.
Yamaha Tenere 700
Price: $10,999
This adventure bike is renowned for its exceptional off-roading capabilities, thanks to Yamaha’s innovative design and clever combination of hardware, which is designed to withstand considerable abuse. Powered comes from the popular CP2 parallel-twin engine, which is well-seasoned with 72.4 horsepower and 50.2 pound-feet of torque.
Despite having a commendable 9.4-inch ground clearance, knobby dual-purpose tires, and long-travel suspension, the Tenere 700 excels on the tarmac too. The latest update also brings some much-needed tech to help it take on its rivals and become better value for the money.
Here Are The Cheapest Adventure-Touring Bikes From All Popular Brands
There is an adventure-touring bike for every purse and purpose, and these are the most affordable from all the leading manufacturers
KTM 390 Adventure R
Price: $6,999
The latest generation of KTM’s popular entry-level adventure lineup has put its best foot forward. With a bumped-up 399 cc single-cylinder engine, the 390 Adventure R produces 44 horsepower and 28.7 pound-feet of torque. This engine, also utilized on the track-ready KTM RC 390, is tuned to feel at home on dirt with the Adventure R.
This is further strengthened by its adjustable suspension setup, which offers over 9 inches of travel at both ends. Other cool technology features, such as switchable ABS, traction control, a quickshifter, and ride modes, help keep this unruly KTM composed on the tarmac.
CFMoto Ibex 450
Price: $6,499
CFMoto Ibex 450 is one of the most value-for-money adventure bikes available today. It is powered by a versatile 449 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 44 horsepower and 32.5 pound-feet of torque. It offers ample muscle for tarmac duties and also helps the Ibex 450 take flight when on the trails.
Elevating its do-it-all appeal further are features such as fully adjustable suspension, adjustable seat height, a fairly high ground clearance, and a relaxed rider triangle. Other than this, the MSRP puts it in a strong position amongst its European and Japanese rivals.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Price: $5,999
This is the most affordable ADV that excels in the do-it-all category. Keeping and amplifying Royal Enfield’s “Himalayan” legacy, the 450 glides over challenging trails thanks to a capable and long-travel suspension setup. The chassis is also designed to take considerable beating.
The 452 cc single-cylinder engine is all-new, producing 40 horsepower and 29.5 pound-feet of torque. This is also Royal Enfield’s first-ever liquid-cooled mill that revs to over 8000 RPM. Notable technology features include switchable ABS, two ride modes, a by-wire throttle, and a fabulous circular TFT display.