15 Best Off-road Motorcycles for Your Next Adventure

Best Off-road Motorcycles
Image Credit: Pixabay

The best off-road motorcycle market has developed significantly in recent years, with more manufacturers entering the field, providing more alternatives.  

Although every manufacturer has entered the adventure bike industry, most have chosen a more road-oriented platform.

They are trying to appeal to buyers who will spend most of their time on the highway, logging hundreds of miles at a time.  

Additionally, a few companies also have an off-road alternative in their stable, bikes that can go on the highway but prefer to be off it, and in some cases, no road at all.

These are the fifteen most fantastic off-road motorcycles you can ride safely off-road. 

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Himalayan was introduced in 2016 as a rugged yet rudimentary, back-to-basics take on a modern ADV bike.  

A simple air-cooled single-cylinder engine housed in a half-duplex split cradle frame replaces the tech-laden big-bore multi-cylinder engines found in most models in the segment.  

Despite the thumper’s displacement, the Himalayan is still suitable for interstate use but lacks technology. This fact is reflected in the low MSRP.

It does come with Royal Enfield’s new Bluetooth-connected “Tripper” onboard navigation aid and system. 

2. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is one of the best off-road motorcycles. It’s an off-road beast with plenty of traction on the pavement.

The adventure motorcycle has a 1301cc engine that produces 148 horsepower and gives absolute power in almost any terrain. Top-shelf suspension and customizable fuel tuning are also included. 

3. Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere

Despite not being associated with adventure bikes, Yamaha created a classic with the Super Tenere. This Yamaha touring bike is a true champion on and off the road.  

Thanks to its six-speed transmission, innovative fuel injection, and superior traction control.

And also a tiny two-cylinder engine with eight valves. Furthermore, it’s, to put it mildly, very comfortable. 

4. Yahama Yenere 700

The popular MT-07’s off-road variant comes with a stacked LED headlight, bash plate, Brembo brakes, handguards, long-travel suspension, a flat seat, a unique LCD dash, and a redesigned tubular frame to house the engine.  

Meanwhile, it was so popular that Yamaha released the £10,450 Rally Edition in 2020, including a custom paint job and most of the components catalog.  

Additionally, for 2022, the World Raid version with dual 11.5-liter tanks, new higher suspension, an Ohlins steering damper, additional protection, and 3-level ABS is available if you need the extra range. 

5. Honda CRF450R

The Honda CRF450R is one of the best off-road motorcycles right now.

The Honda CRF450R is one of the most powerful, premium, and capable dirt bikes in the company’s long and illustrious history.

This is the machine to utilize if you want to blast the trails or the track. The bike has been revamped for the 2021 model year, and it’s not just a minor facelift.

It boasts a new chassis, suspension, bodywork, and a complete engine refurbishment.  

Furthermore, the 449cc Unicam liquid-cooled four-stroke engine is housed in a much more robust frame and around a pound and a half lighter than the previous generation bike.

Additionally, the CRF450R weighs only 244 pounds when fully equipped with fuel and fluids. 

6. Kawasaki KX250

The KX250 is Kawasaki’s entry into the 249cc dirt bike class. Unlike some other 250cc bikes, the Kawasaki is a super-premium machine whose important goals are racing and spectacular performance.  

It’s a fantastic combination of what makes smaller motorcycles appealing and the luxury components and racing DNA that make larger machines so exciting.

Furthermore, for the 2021 model year, the engine has been redesigned to include fuel injection and plenty of power.  

Moreover, it has a lightweight lithium-ion battery, an aluminum frame, an adjustable front fork, a Uni-Trak rear shock with compression/rebound damping and adjustable preload, and a novel coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch.

Another significant advantage of the KX205 is its lightweight, which weighs over 226 pounds. 

7. KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 390 Adventure is next on our list of best off-road motorcycles. After years of requests from the motorcycle community for an adventure version of KTM’s 390 chassis, the Ready To Race brand finally released the 390 Adventure.  

It features more than 170mm of front and rear suspension travel, a skid plate, and stylish Kiska-designed adventure-style bodywork—additionally, a slipper clutch, WP suspension, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, off-road and cornering ABS.  

Also, several ride modes, including a customized off-road map, are among the additional high-end features included on the 390 Adventure.

While it isn’t the cheapest option, finding a better entry-level ADV motorcycle isn’t as easy as the KTM 390. 

8. Suzuki V-Storm 650XT Adventures

Suzuki’s V-Strom 650 XT Adventure edition is a well-equipped mid-sized adventure bike.

It has a full skid plate, crash bars, aluminum panniers, brush guards, auxiliary lighting, and gold-anodized tubeless spoked rims with bare spokes and nipples.  

It has an adjustable windscreen and a Champion Yellow race livery inspired by the Japanese moto brand’s DR-BIG rally bike.

Furthermore, the mid-sized Strom includes Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist and Easy Start technologies and enhanced traction control and ABS.  

Although it lacks the power of its liter-sized competitors, the V-Strom 650 XT Adventure is a genuine do-it-all adventure bike that’s ready to ride right out of the box. 

9. Triumph Tiger 800 XCx

The Triumph Tiger 800XCx, with its triple-cylinder engine and lightweight construction, is ready for any adventure you can throw at it.  

Additionally, this stable stunner boasts up to 95 hp and 58 ft-lbs of torque. And ABS, traction control, and an ‘Off-Road Pro’ riding mode for all those insane off-road adventures. It is one of the most attractive adventures touring bikes available. 

10. Honda Africa Twin

Honda African Twin is also one of the best off-road motorcycles in the market.

It doesn’t get much better than this for adventure motorcycles. After just one look, you’ll fall in love with the Honda Africa Twin.  

Some perfect performance figures and loads of power lurk behind the sleek, eye-catching chassis.

An 8-valve parallel twin motor produces 94 horsepower at 7500 rpm on this top adventure touring motorcycle.  

Add in some desirable ground clearance and a capable suspension system.

You’ve got an adventure bike that can handle dirt and tarmac, whether crossing the Simpson desert or cruising down George St.  

Furthermore, this adventure motorcycle from Honda, a brand known for its durability and dependability, is designed for serious riders. 

11. Aprilia Tuareg 660

We finally got a few genuine world reviews after months of waiting, and it appears that the wait is almost over for those who have been waiting since Aprilia unveiled the teasers last year. Additionally, we now have a clear notion of what to expect.  

Although in a pre-production version. It will be a direct competitor to the Tenere, with around the same power output (not the expected 100 horsepower). 

12. Suzuki V-Storm 1000 ABS

The Suzuki V-Strom is one of the best adventure motorcycles for the money. It’s pretty much everything you want it to be.

Despite its low price, the bike nevertheless comes with many high-tech features, including ABS and two-stage traction control. 

Oh, and did we mention the 1037cc 90-degree V-twin engine, which is four-stroke and liquid-cooled? Or how about the new five-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, which talks about the Motion Track Anti-Lock and Combined Brake system? Yes, this one is loaded. 

Furthermore, you can take the bike anyplace and expect it to work brilliantly.

In addition, it is one of the best off-road touring motorcycles available without breaking the bank or sacrificing on-road performance. It is also one of the best off-road motorcycles in the market.  

13. Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro is something out of a motorcycle enthusiast’s wildest dreams.

One of the bike’s major selling points is its 1198cc V-twin engine, which produces a mind-boggling 152 horsepower.  

Furthermore, the drool-worthy features include the ABS, four different ride modes, dual spark ignition, and semi-active suspension.

Meanwhile, when you put it all together, you’ve got a sleek, small, cutting-edge adventure bike. 

14. Kawasaki Versys

The Kawasaki Versys is up to the task of long-distance road trips. The popular adventure touring bike is slim, upright, and versatile, with a 649cc parallel-twin engine, changeable windscreen, and dependable suspension. 

Stick to the highway, and you’ll never be disappointed, although off-road terrains may vary in mileage.

Some experts refer to this motorcycle as an adventure-themed bike rather than a genuine adventure motorcycle.  

There are, however, far worse ways to get to work or go on a road trip. A reasonable price point seals the deal. 

15. BMW R1200 GS Adventures

Last on our list of best off-road motorcycles in the market right now is the BMW R1200 GS Adventure.

The BMW R1200 GS Adventure lives up to its name with 125 horsepower and a 400-mile range.

Adjustable ABS, superior traction control, and a stunning body that embodies the brand are also included.

Additionally, this top adventure motorcycle is the stuff that high-speed dreams are made of: dynamic, powerful, and highly useful. Plus, who can say no to a BMW? 

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