As much as traveling on a motorcycle has never really gone out of fashion, we don’t think it has ever been more in fashion. The motorcycle industry has responded in kind, offering us a wide selection of versatile adventure bikes that really can do just about everything. From small beginner-friendly models to huge touring-focused monsters, there is an ADV for every occasion.
Every year, we get a new ADV promising to do more of everything, but realistically speaking, any ADV is a compromised, imperfect motorcycle, which needs to wear many hats. For those looking to use their bike as a commuter during the week, and for adventures over the weekend, a lighter middleweight will be ideal. For the sake of variety, we limited it to one bike per brand.
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 Yamaha Motorsports, and Ducati. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.
Ducati DesertX
MSRP: $18,995
If budget isn’t really a concern, the DesertX offers an element of genuine luxury, with all its tech features. It actually toes the line between a full-sized and middleweight ADV in terms of physical size and price, but it remains pretty light. Naturally, it will be more at home on the open road – or dirt road – but it is comfortable, and offers several ride modes that will help keep everything in check during the week.
BMW F 900 GS
MSRP: $13,495
On paper, the middleweight BMW looks like a bit of a bargain, but once you dig a little deeper, you will realize that just about everything you want remains on the options list. It is still a great option, and if you are able to resist the temptation to check too many boxes, it is reasonably priced for what it is. This is a premium motorcycle with fantastic build quality. It is not necessarily the best at any one thing, but it is such a good all-rounder you won’t likely notice.
Aprilia Tuareg 660
MSRP: $12,499
We think the Tuareg is one of the very best off-road ADVs money can buy. KTM might have a thing or two to say about that, but what the KTMs solve with added complexity, the Aprilia (and Yamaha, but more on that later) solves with simplicity. Its well-tuned suspension and added “lightness” make it a weapon off-road. It also works great as a commuter thanks to how comfortable it is.
Yamaha Tenere 700
MSRP: $10,999
Much like the Tuareg, the Tenere solves the off-road problem by simply being lighter. It loses marks to the Aprilia in terms of suspension performance and comfort – it might actually be the least comfortable bike on this list – but it has a trick up its sleeve. That trick is the CP2 engine. Currently, the single most reliable motorcycle engine on the market, which is a pretty important asset for a motorcycle that is potentially going to be used every day of the week.
Honda Transalp
MSRP: $9,999
Honda’s answer to the Tenere flattered to deceive in some respects. It was not quite as off-road oriented as most enthusiasts expected, but it was never meant to be. The Transalp is pretty much anything you want it to be. While it is cheaper than the Tenere, it is priced like this, so you have room to add all the features that suit your needs. As a commuter, it is certainly going to be more comfortable.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
MSRP: $9,299
The V-Strom 650 can certainly handle the odd dirt road shortcut with ease, but it is not the most dirt-worthy bike on this list. As far as commuters go, this is desperately hard to beat thanks to its fun yet economical V-twin. Over the many years it has been in production, it has also proven to be incredibly reliable, it just won’t be winning any design awards anytime soon.
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
MSRP: $8,099
This aging dual-sport has been given a new lease on life as an adventure bike. It is not going to be the best bike for long-distance touring, but it shines off-road, as it should, with its rough and ready dual-sport nature. While touring comfort is virtually non-existent thanks to its massive single, at low speeds it is not nearly as much of a problem. In fact, we would go as far as to say it is a reasonably comfortable commuter.
KTM 390 Adventure X
MSRP: $6,499
The small KTMs have been the hardest hit by the now infamous tariffs. The 390 Adventure R is now a little pricey for what it is. The $1k price hike for the 390 Adventure X is also significant, but you still get class-leading off-road ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and a TFT dash with smartphone connectivity. So, while it may not be the bargain it was before, you still have a lot of bike for the money, and it still compares favorably to the competition.
CFMoto Ibex 450
MSRP: $6,499
Out of all the bikes coming out of China, this has garnered by far the most attention. It is also understandable why it has gotten so much attention because it really is “the unicorn they didn’t see coming.” Simply looking at it objectively, this is just a great bike for a great price and will be able to handle just about anything you throw at it off-road and is a competent little commuter, too. Unfortunately, it is hard to look at it objectively, and while the prices for the bikes don’t seem to be changing, parts prices are sure to go up.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
MSRP: $5,999
With all the noise that has been made about the Ibex 450, it is somewhat surprising that the Himalayan 450 continues to fly under the radar. While it is certainly a little heavier than the direct competition, it is no less capable off-road and has proven to be a pretty competent tourer. It is also an approachable bike well suited to new adventure riders.