10 Adventure Bikes Built For Endless Highways And Rugged Trails

When you dream of taking on the world on two wheels, you need a bike that can handle everything. Riding through different countries and their landscapes, you’re bound to encounter some harsh riding conditions, with broken roads being the least of your worries. Think long trials through forests, sandy expanses of deserts, and long ribbons of highways. For this, you need an adventure bike that is comfortable for long hours in the saddle and capable enough for off-roading.

Fortunately, ADVs have come a long way, and it’s easy to find such highly capable motorcycles across all segments and riding styles. Whether you’re looking for a light off-roader with a windscreen, a reliable bike that will last for years, or something top-of-the-line, you have many options. Here are ten of them that stand out with their highway comfort and off-road performance.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Ducati, Kawasaki, and Honda Powersports. The models are listed based on their starting prices, from lowest to highest.

Kawasaki KLR 650

Starting Price: $6,899

Old tools may no longer be shiny, but their age is a testament to their dependability. Such is the case with the good ol’ KLR 650. For what it’s worth, the KLR 650 is a big-bore dual-sport in ADV clothing, standing as the most road-worthy option among the three Japanese 650 dual sports. That already tells you how capable it is for off-roading, thanks to its long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and a thumper engine. But this old-school ADV also works pretty well on the road, with a strong mid-range and wind protection. Just don’t expect it to be as quick as its modern rivals, but you can expect it to outlast them easily.

Performance Specs

KTM 390 Adventure R

Starting Price: $6,999

The KTM 390 Adventure R puts the adventure dream in the hands of new motorcyclists, thanks to its accessible (yet fun) engine performance and a range of features. In its latest avatar, the engine is more tractable, too, making it easy to ride on trails and in the city. It also features WP Apex adjustable suspension on both ends, which can be tuned for the occasion, while the comfortable saddle and wind protection take care of its long-distance comfort. KTM also offers a cheaper, more road-focused 390 Adventure X, which comes with a 17-inch front wheel, non-adjustable suspension, and basic tech.

Performance Specs

Yamaha Tenere 700

Starting Price: $10,999

As good as the KLR 650 may be, it’s still outdated for most bikers, and that’s where the Yamaha Tenere 700 comes in, often considered the former’s spiritual successor. It features the CP2 engine that’s known for its accessible yet fun power delivery and superb reliability, which is shared with the MT-07 and R7. It is paired with long-travel, fully-adjustable KYB suspension and a light chassis. As a result, it shines on trails so much that it has even bagged a couple of hard enduro races!

Performance Specs

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure

Starting Price: $13,159

Despite being an underrated option in the segment, the V-Strom 800DE Adventure is one serious contender that’s ready for everything you throw at it. It is built on the standard V-Strom 800DE, featuring a flexible engine, off-road-ready suspension, and 21-inch wheels. It then adds more touring-friendly kit, including side cases, crash bars, and a skid plate. Though it may not be as powerful or as light as some of its competitors, like the BMW F 900 GS, it’s a terrific no-nonsense option that promises to be friendly and reliable.

Performance Specs

Aprilia Tuareg Rally 660

Starting Price: $13,799

Like the Tenere 700, the Tuareg 666 is another do-it-all ADV with a focus on off-roading. It features a parallel-twin engine derived from the RS 660 sports bike, now tuned for a punchier mid-range, as well as a rally-inspired design that’s suited for off-roading and long-distance travel. In its Rally avatar, it’s even more off-road ready, thanks to its under 440 pounds curb weight, Kayaba suspension with one of the longest travel in the segment, and plenty of off-road protection. With the SC Project titanium slip-on, it’s sure to sound amazing, too. It’s a terrific ADV that can put even bigger motorcycles to shame.

Performance Specs

Honda Africa Twin

Starting Price: $14,799

One of the best bang-for-buck full-size ADVs you can buy today is the Honda Africa Twin. It ticks all the essential boxes that make for an incredible do-it-all ADV, starting with a tried-and-tested, reliable parallel-twin engine. The bike is known for its dependable, linear performance, which is only made better with its low center of gravity, 21-inch front wheel, and rally-inspired design. To make matters easier, Honda also offers a DCT version of the Africa Twin. For those wanting a similar package for the road, Honda offers the Adventure Sports ES variant, too, which features semi-active Showa EERA suspension and a road-biased wheel setup.

Performance Specs

Ducati DesertX Discovery

Starting Price: $19,995

Ducati is not known for being half-hearted or cutting corners, and the DesertX is a testament to that. With its 21/18-inch wheel setup, fully adjustable KYB suspension, and a punchy Testastretta 11-degree L-twin engine, it’s one of the most capable options in the segment. The Discovery trim adds a touring windscreen, turn-by-turn navigation, aluminum cases, heated hand grips, and engine protection, making it more touring-friendly. Not to forget, it’s a total looker that’s going to steal glances everywhere it goes.

Performance Specs

BMW R 1300 GS Adventure

Starting Price: $23,645

The flagship GS has been the gold standard for ADVs for decades, and the current-gen only builds up on that reputation. Still featuring the versatile boxer engine and its low center of gravity, it adds more modern comforts, like keyless ride, heated grips, Dynamic Cruise Control, and Electronic Suspension DSA as standard. You can even outfit it with radar-enabled Riding Assistant, enduro wheels, and adaptive height control. Given its big price and proportions, just don’t expect it to be super easy to ride off-road, nor easy to pick up. Finally, don’t be fooled by the base model’s low price tag; BMW is notorious for selling its models with expensive optional packages.

Performance Specs

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer

Starting Price: $24,895

When you want to take the fight to the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, you need something special, and that’s exactly what the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is. This flagship Tiger comes with semi-active Showa suspension, adaptive cornering lights, blind spot radar, and much more. It even has a 50 percent better fuel range than the Rally Pro variant. Like the flagship Beemer ADV, even this one is a luxury off-roader that can take you around the world in comfort and handle a bit of off-road along the way.

Performance Specs

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Starting Price: $30,595

If opulence and all-rounder capability are what you’re after, nothing beats the Multistrada V4 Rally. The bike’s highlight is its versatile V4 Granturismo engine. It produces unmatched levels of power for the road and can be tamed down for off-roading with a dedicated Enduro mode. For the city, rear cylinder deactivation keeps the rear cylinder bank cool, so it doesn’t cook your thighs, either. Then there’s the one-of-a-kind monocoque chassis sitting on semi-active Ducati Skyhook EVO DSS suspension that constantly adapts to road conditions.

Adding a final dash of Parmesan to this Italian exotica is a laundry list of rider aids and electronics, including radar-enabled cruise control and blind spot detection. Unlike motorcycles that focus on nailing the basics, the Multistrada V4 Rally takes the extravagant route by offering everything Ducati can realistically cram into this bike. The result is a no-compromise globetrotter that can do everything while keeping you comfortable and entertained.

Performance Specs