10 Motorcycles Built For Riders Who Want One Bike For Everything

The single bike garage is usually born of necessity, but it can also be a very practical solution to a problem. Many bikes mean more maintenance, and that, in turn, means more oil changes without you actually using the bike, which is harmful for the environment. Having a single bike also means you bond better with the machine, because you go through many more experiences with it.

If you want just one bike for everything, though, which is a good choice? There are so many different motorcycles available today that it can be difficult to choose. To help with this, we’ve listed ten motorcycles built for riders who want one bike for everything. We’ve spread the choices over different budgets, styles (cruisers, nakeds, ADVs… they’re all here), and brands so that we have something for everyone.

Kawasaki KLE500

Price: $6,599

Kawasaki has re-entered the adventure bike segment with the KLE500. It uses the driveline of the Ninja 500/Z500, which means it should offer around 50 horsepower if Kawasaki leaves it in a similar state of tune. It gets a trellis frame, an adjustable windshield, and that all-important 21-inch spoke front rim, which makes it a true option for those who want a modern Kawasaki ADV that can go off-road. There will be an SE version as well, which will get a TFT color display, LED indicators, a taller windshield, metal-reinforced handguards, and a larger skid plate for $900 extra.

Honda NC750X DCT

Price: $9,499

The NC750X is a scooter under the skin, but Honda has turned it into an extremely practical touring motorcycle. The rider triangle will keep you comfortable for hours, while the efficiency of the engine and automatic gearbox will ensure that you can keep going for hours, even with the small-ish underseat fuel tank. This leaves room for a full-face helmet in a lockable storage compartment where the fuel tank usually is.

Honda CRF450RL

Price: $10,099

The CRF450RL is a rare type of 450 cc dual sport: one that is docile enough that you can ride it daily. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have some great tech; it has a titanium fuel tank, aluminum twin spar chassis, and a lithium-ion battery. In addition, it makes a very respectable 53 horsepower, so when you want to do highway miles or bomb down your favorite fireroad, it is more than up to the task.

Honda Rebel 1100 DCT

Price: $10,399

The Rebel 1100 is one of the most versatile cruisers in the game today. It is approachable enough for beginners, but has enough performance and handling to keep an experienced rider entertained as well. The driveline is extremely reliable, being the Africa Twin driveline with a lower power output. The same rule applies to the automatic gearbox – and it makes life extremely simple. Additionally, it gets a 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth and navigation, so long rides are also easy on the big Rebel.

Yamaha MT-09 SP

Price: $12,699

The MT-09 doesn’t get talked about a lot, but it quietly remains one of the best middleweight nakeds available today. At its heart lies the CP3 crossplane engine that has since gone on to power a touring bike and a sports bike. It is also equipped with a six-axis IMU, a 5-inch TFT display, and a chassis that comes ready to play any day of the week. Add roughly $1,800, and you unlock the SP version with the fully adjustable Ohlins and Kayaba suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, keyless ignition, more adjustability in the electronics, and additional display modes.

Ducati Multistrada V2

Price: $16,595

The Multistrada V2 is a very different animal from the old V-twin-powered Multi. It offers less power but with less weight, making it easier to live with. The engine also has a conventional valvetrain, eliminating the expensive and frequent Desmodromic valve inspection and adjustments. You get a full electronics suite and an extremely fun adventure bike that not only is always ready to play, but remains an Italian exotic. Bluetooth and navigation are optional extras.

Zero DSR/X

Price: $22,995

The DSR/X claims to be the world’s first electric adventure bike. Since ADVs require large ranges, this product usually gets ignored. However, Zero does make a strong case for the DSR/X. Spec it with the optional power tank batteries and let the ‘overcharge’ feature kick in, and you can eke out a maximum of 260 city miles from its liquid-cooled electric motor. The high price also nets you Showa suspension, ride modes, cruise control, a 5-inch TFT display, a combined braking system, and hill hold assist.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST

Price: $23,999

The Low Rider ST sits at the peak of Harley-Davidson’s cruiser range, with the most advanced version of the Milwaukee Eight 117 engine. This is the one designated ‘High Output’ and has the water-cooled cylinder heads despite its pushrod design. You also get a frame-mounted quarter fairing, hard luggage, and twin front brake discs. An analog instrument cluster belies the fact that this has a six-axis IMU and all the safety that H-D can provide.

BMW R 1300 GS Automatic

Price: $26,830

The R 1300 GS is possibly the most complete full-size adventure bike today. Sure, there are options, but none of them offer the GS’s combination of reliability and sheer ability to deal with various conditions. The new 1,300 cc engine offers great torque thanks to the variable valve timing, and an automated manual gearbox is an optional extra. This makes the clutch lever redundant, and the R 1300 GS far more usable in the city. The shaft drive, single-sided swingarm, and double wishbone front suspension all make it unique in its class.

Ducati XDiavel V4

Price: $28,995

The XDiavel V4 was always a very versatile motorcycle, but it has become even more so thanks to the new engine. The V4 is lighter than the twin it replaces, makes more power, and has features like a counterrotating crankshaft and twin pulse firing order for better torque spread. The rear cylinder bank can shut off to save fuel and reduce heat. Of course, it has all the electronics you’d expect from a premium motorcycle, and it looks like nothing else on the road, in a good way.

Sources: Honda Powersports, Ducati USA