For most of us, owning more than one motorcycle just isn’t an option. So it stands to reason that we would naturally gravitate to something relatively versatile. But, versatility means different things to different people. Every motorcycle is inherently compromised in some way. If you want a bike that you can ride for a track day, you will either sacrifice comfort or track performance.
If you want to ride across the country, and take the odd dirt road shortcut, you will either sacrifice comfort, or off-road performance. You get the idea. While all the bikes listed here are flawed, they will perform admirably as the only bike in your garage, depending on your use case. In the interest of fairness, we limited it to one bike per brand.
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
10
CFMoto Ibex 450
MSRP: $6,499
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
449 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
44 HP |
6-speed |
386 lbs (dry) |
CFMoto Ibex 450 Specifications
CFMoto has been on something of a roll, but just like the marketing says, “it is the unicorn” and we certainly didn’t see it coming. At this price point, it should theoretically be compared to the KTM 390 Adventure R or the Honda NX500, but some go as far as comparing this to the Yamaha Tenere 700. It really is that good, offering impressive road manners and scarcely believable off-road capability. It is naturally far from perfect, and it is proudly made in China. But, for adventure enthusiasts longing for a unicorn ADV, it already exists.
9
Suzuki V-Strom 650
MSRP: $9,299
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
645 cc V-Twin, liquid-cooled |
69 HP |
6-speed |
476 lbs |
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Specifications
Like most of Suzuki’s product lineup, this is a little on the dated side. But, if you are looking for a reliable commuter that can double up as your travel companion over the weekend, this might be your best bet. It might not look like much, but its V-twin is fantastic, and way more fun than the spec-sheet would suggest.
8
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
MSRP: $9,695
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
660 cc Inline-3, liquid-cooled |
81 HP |
6-speed |
456 lbs |
Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Specifications
If riding on fire roads is not your thing, and you prefer something a little sporty to tour on the Tiger 660 is a fantastic option. The triple you find here, and in both the Daytona 660 and Trident, is a reworked version of the old Dayton 675 sports bike engine. In this state of tune it has a much broader torque curve, which is ideal for a motorcycle like this that is going to spend most of its life on the highway.
10 Touring Motorcycles That Are Capable Off The Roads As Well
These touring bikes have it all, comfort as well as clearance
7
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS
MSRP: $10,099
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
649 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
69 HP |
6-speed |
483 lbs |
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS Specifications
The middleweight Versys offers tremendous value with a host of modern features usually reserved for bigger, more expensive motorcycles. The only criticism ever leveled at it is the fact that it is a little “boring” compared to its rivals. It doesn’t have the lovely V-twin of the V-Strom, or the unusual triple of the Tiger, but when “boring” means reliable, comfortable, and unbelievably practical, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all.
6
Honda NT1100
MSRP: $11,899
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1,084 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
101 HP |
6-speed DCT |
547 lbs (dry) |
Honda NT1100 Specifications
It is rare that a new motorcycle inspires as much confidence as the NT1100. While most new motorcycles often have some teething issues, this is not a completely new bike and has been on sale for a few years in other markets. This actually represents the first update for the platform, so any minor niggles that may have been there have now been taken care of. At this price, you just won’t find a more practical motorcycle.
5
Aprilia Tuareg 660
MSRP: $12,499
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
659 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
80 HP |
6-speed |
450 lbs |
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Specifications
Aprilia was once infamous for making some of the least reliable bikes. Today, that has really changed, and the brand seems to have finally gotten a handle on quality control. The 660 is arguably the best middleweight platform on the market. The adventure bike version is simply sublime, with a host of features coupled with impressive off-road capability. It is the ultimate all-rounder.
10 Adventure Bikes That Get Surprisingly Good Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient adventure motorcycle on this list is a city-friendly bike with an automatic gearbox and an under-$9,500 price tag.
4
Yamaha Tracer 9
MSRP: $12,599
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
890 cc Inline-3, liquid-cooled |
117 HP |
6-speed |
483 lbs |
Yamaha Tracer 9 Specifications
While the Tenere 700 usually steals all the headlines, the Tracer 9 is actually a far better travel companion for slightly less adventurous riders. Its proven CP3 engine can now be found in all sorts of different motorcycles. It is, in so many ways, the ideal engine for a street bike thanks to its impressive midrange performance. A host of rider aids and comfort features only add to its versatility.
3
GasGas ES 700
MSRP: $12,699
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
693 cc Single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
74 HP |
6-speed |
325 lbs (no fuel) |
GasGas ES 700 Specifications
Although it wears a different name, this flies the flag for KTM. Its potent LC4 engine has been around for decades now and while imperfect, it is perfect for off-road riding. For enthusiasts looking for a bike that can handle the weekday commute and the weekend trail, this has to be the ideal motorcycle. It certainly is not the most comfortable, but its fun factor makes it well worth considering.
2
BMW F 900 GS
MSRP: $13,495
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
895 cc Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled |
105 HP |
6-speed |
482 lbs |
BMW F 900 GS Specifications
Although the R 1300 GS has become the default choice for the adventure community, it is a very expensive, very heavy motorcycle that isn’t designed for commuting. If you want a BMW that can do it all, the smaller F 900 GS makes a pretty good argument. This parallel-twin has proven to be pretty reliable over the years and has more than enough power for a middleweight. The latest 900 is also a fair bit lighter than the previous model. All the modern amenities are there, and naturally, with it being a BMW, there are several options to choose from, too.
10 Bikes That Are Great For Daily Commutes But Handle Like Sports Bikes
The most powerful commuter bike on this list is 650cc Royal Enfield
1
Ducati Multistrada V2
MSRP: $15,995
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
890 cc L-Twin, liquid-cooled |
115 HP |
6-speed |
439 lbs (no fuel) |
Ducati Multistrada V2 Specifications
In the past, the mere suggestion that a Ducati could be reliable was tantamount to treason within the motorcycle community. This is a little different, though. Ducati’s latest crossover doesn’t have a reworked sports bike engine, but rather a V-twin specifically designed for multi-platform use. It has conventional valve springs, and very modern variable valve timing in place of the high-maintenance desmodromic system. It promises to be the ultimate bike for a one-bike garage, but it isn’t exactly cheap.