Adventure bikes are quite technologically sound nowadays. And it is a requirement. They are over-engineered because not only are they expected to deal with all kinds of situations and weather conditions, but they are expected to deal with them bearing wildly different loads, from only the rider to a rider, pillion, and luggage. The kind of usage they go through is also unique and varied.
However, it can be difficult to find an adventure bike that is hugely reliable, because the reputation for reliability can only be earned over many miles and years, and in the hands of owners. Lucky for you, we like to do the homework for you all. So here are 10 such bikes that will keep you going, regardless of the terrain.
Honda CRF300L Rally
Price: $6,499
The CRF300L Rally is based on a dual-sport bike, and it doesn’t chase performance. In typical Honda fashion, it offers sensible performance and brilliant reliability. Given the time Honda takes to change models, it is quite likely that the CRF300L Rally will be around for a very long time, so spares availability and pricing will not be a concern. Not that you’ll need them: there are minimal electronics on it. ABS is switchable at the rear, and the instrumentation is an LCD.
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Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
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Displacement |
286 cc |
|
Max Power |
27 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
19.6 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Honda NX500
Price: $7,399
The NX500 is technically the CB500X, but Honda has given it more aggressive styling and a new name to help differentiate it from the naked bike. This platform has been around for a long time, and the engine is an unstressed one. It also happens to be one of the smoothest, most efficient ones you’ll ever come across. Features include a 5-inch TFT that you’ll see on many other Hondas, traction control, and ABS.
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Engine Type |
180° I2 |
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Displacement |
471 cc |
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Max Power |
46.9 HP @ 8,600 RPM |
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Max Torque |
31.7 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
Price: $8,199
The KLR650 is one of the longevity heroes of the automotive world. It is right up there with the Toyota Hilux and Honda Super Cub. It hasn’t changed at all since its launch a long time ago, other than a few small bits like fuel injection and ABS. The instrumentation is an LCD, and the KLR650 Adventure version gets things like hard luggage, aux lights, frame sliders, a 12V charging point, and a tank pad. Not only is it unstressed and reliable, but it is also easily repaired should it break down.
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Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
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Displacement |
651 cc |
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Max Power |
42.1 HP @ 7,000 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
34.7 LB-FT @ 5,000 RPM |
10 Affordable Adventure Bikes That Refuse To Break Down
Adventure bikes need to be more reliable than other type of motorcycles, and we’ve got ten that will go the distance, but on a budget
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
Price: $10,399
The Versys 650 LT is based on a popular middleweight platform. All four of the Kawasaki 650s share components, and they have been around for a very long time. That is why they offer the confidence they do in their reliability and longevity. A recent addition has been a 4.3-inch TFT that, like the Honda unit, is present in many models across the manufacturer’s range. The electronics include traction control with three levels, and the features include a manually adjustable windscreen and quick-release luggage.
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Engine Type |
180° I2 |
|
Displacement |
649 cc |
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Max Power |
67 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
44 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM |
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
Price: $9,799
Suzuki’s 650 cc V-twin engine is a gem and has been around for a very long time. On the V-Strom 650XT, it offers traction control despite its cable throttle. The V-Strom has been known to be reliable, and with its age, it has proven itself many times over. It isn’t something that you’ll want to take far off-road, with its 19/17 tubeless spoke rims and basic electronics. But it knows it is a tourer, and with its analog/LCD instrumentation, it will last a very long time. Change seems imminent, though, thanks to tightening emission norms.
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Engine Type |
90° V-twin |
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Displacement |
645 cc |
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Max Power |
70 HP @ 8,000 RPM |
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Max Torque |
46 LB-FT @ 6,400 RPM |
Honda XL750 Transalp
Price: $9,999
The Transalp is a paradox. It is designed to be a tourer, but has a 21/17 inch spoke wheel size. So it can handle the dirt quite easily. Did we mention that this is the most powerful adventure bike within $10,000? However, that doesn’t mean that the engine is tuned to within an inch of its life. It gets familiar features like a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation, a standard two-way quickshifter, a by-wire throttle, and switchable ABS. A six-axis IMU is missing, which only bodes well if you’re looking for longevity.
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Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
755 cc |
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Max Power |
90.5 HP @ 9,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
55.3 LB-FT @ 7,250 RPM |
10 Used Motorcycles That Are Still As Reliable As New
If you are shopping on a budget, it is well worth considering one of these reliable used bikes
Yamaha Ténéré 700
Price: $10,999
The Ténéré was always designed to be the best off-road midweight ADV, and it does that with simplicity and light weight instead of a surfeit of electronic assistance. There isn’t much horsepower, but the torque spread from the engine is great. It has just got a by-wire throttle with ride modes, an optional two-way quickshifter, and switchable traction control. You know a motorcycle is serious about playing in the dirt when it allows you to switch the ABS off at BOTH wheels – and the Ténéré allows you to do that.
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Engine Type |
270° I2 |
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Displacement |
689 cc |
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Max Power |
72.4 HP @ 9,000 RPM |
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Max Torque |
50.2 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
BMW F 900 GS
Price: $14,395
The top-spec F 900 GS might have a bunch of electronics, in line with its positioning as a premium middleweight motorcycle, but it is also extremely reliable. This is a hugely capable machine with fully adjustable suspension, tubeless spoke rims, and the ability to be customized to suit what you intend to do with it. This chassis and driveline also power a naked and crossover, and the base model has minimal electronics (a two-way quickshifter is an option), so this is a long-lasting BMW.
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Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
895 cc |
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Max Power |
105 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
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Max Torque |
68.6 LB-FT @ 6,750 RPM |
Honda Africa Twin
Price: $14,799
The Africa Twin’s 100-horsepower figure tells you all you need to know about it. This is a full-size ADV that cares only about one thing: getting you wherever you want to go in comfort, and without the fear of something going wrong. The engine has gobs of torque across the rev range, the chassis is a cradle frame, and the suspension isn’t electronic in the US market. You can spec it with the six-speed DCT for $15,599, and you’ll still get the same unbreakable reliability, since this gearbox has been around for a very long time and in different motorcycles.
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Engine Type |
270° I2 |
|
Displacement |
1,084 cc |
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Max Power |
100.5 HP @ 7,500 RPM |
|
Max Torque |
82.6 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM |
10 Used Motorcycles That Have Earned Their Legendary Reliability
These bikes offer years of service in exchange of regular maintenance.
BMW R 1300 GS
Price: $20,395
The flagship GS series has earned its stripes as a round-the-world machine some time ago. Every model since then has had that same tough-as-nails attitude to exploring, even though you might find it with a lot of features like electronic suspension and an automated manual gearbox that drives the price to $26,830. The R 1300 GS remains a flagship GS despite its variable valve timing and TFT display, which means that it will keep going long after the rider has given up.
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Engine Type |
Boxer twin, intake VVT |
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Displacement |
1,300 cc |
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Max Power |
145 HP @ 7,750 RPM |
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Max Torque |
110 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
Sources: BMW USA, Honda Powersports