Let’s start with the crème de la crème of the heavyweight class. The biggest of the adventure bike market, with features and comfort packages rivalling that of dedicated tourers. These bikes, albeit on the weighty side still have some adventure and off road credentials. The likely hood being they will mostly only see tarmac, and thats okay, as they perform fantastically at that as well.
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Highlights: Incredible engine and power delivery / Real world rider aids and advanced electronics / Usability, grip and stability
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Specs: Engine size: 1158cc Power: 170bhp Weight: 240kg Seat height: 870mm
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Review: Ducati’s bid to become the class leader in the flagship big bike adventure class spawned the Multistrada V4 Rally based on the fourth generation and ever popular road orientated adventure bike the Multistrada V4S. Winning in the power bragging rights department, the Rally also gets a suite of rider aids filtered down from the other models and tailored to the Rally’s needs.
Heavyweight adventure
2023-on Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
2023-on Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
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Highlights: 1300cc, 143bhp flat twin / 12kg lighter than R1250 / New chassis design
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Specs: Engine size: 1300cc Power: 143bhp Weight: 237kg Seat height: 850mm
2022-on KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
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Highlights: Addictive low down grunt from the engine / Fully adjustable WP and PDS suspension / Strong road performance along with true off-road pedigree
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Specs: Engine size: Engine size: 1301cc Power: 160bhp Weight: 221kg (dry) Seat height: 880mm
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Review: “It’s one of the most unapologetic motorcycles I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding thanks to its ‘all-in’ 1301cc, 160bhp and 101.7lb.ft torque V-twin. It’s an absolute weapon, and it’s genuinely hard to keep the smile off your face whenever you open the throttle”.
2022-on KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
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Highlights: Modified engine internals give fewer vibes / Redesigned crank for better low speed running / Active Preload Reduction for push-button low seat height
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Specs: Engine size: 1160cc Power: 148bhp Weight: -kg Seat height: -mm
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Review: With a total overhaul in 2022 Triumph’s flagship adventure bike got more poke and put on a diet with less weight, full-spec features and a new frame, suspension, brakes and styling.
Middleweight adventure bikes
Moving away from the heavyweights and into the middleweight sector with bikes that stand now in a league of their own. The middle weight class of adventure bikes which is currently getting a lot of attention from bike manufacturers as they serve up their offering for the perfect adventure steed. Road presence, handling and pedigree on the black top and dirt. This selection of bikes can be packed up for a long tour with pillions whilst having the ability to explore that forest trail all the while keeping bike weight and cost down.
2024-on Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
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Highlights: New 776cc parallel-twin engine / Gravel mode and switchable ABS added for off roading / 21-inch front and spoked rims as standard
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Specs: Engine size: 776cc Power: 83bhp Weight: 230kg Seat height: 855mm
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Review: The V-Strom 800DE is the first version of Suzuki’s adventure bike to use a parallel-twin engine. The new motor uses a 270-degree crank to behave more like the previously-used V-twin and has a twin balance shaft design to minimise vibration. The 800DE is more off-road capable than its 650cc predecessor but it’s still predominantly a road bike – where it is excellent.
2024-on Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
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Highlights: Potent 91bhp, 755cc parallel-twin / Superb handling / Excellent value for money
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Specs: Engine size: 755cc Power: 91bhp Weight: 208kg Seat height: 850mm
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Review: Released shortly after the Suzuki V-Strom above and after years of speculation and spyshots, the Honda Transalp hasn’t disappointed. As with the V-Strom, the Honda is predominantly a road bike with some off-road capability but if you’re looking for a truly focused mud plugger then buy an enduro bike.
2024 BMW F900GS Adventure
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Highlights: 14kg weight loss / Best off-roader in BMW’s range / New suite of goodies
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Specs: Engine size: 895cc Power: 105bhp Weight: 219kg Seat height: 875mm
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Review: A leap forward down the muddy path for BMW as the new F900Gs couldn’t be more different than its predecessor F850GS. A bigger parallel twin engine, a new steel chassis, its lighter, more powerful and now a more dirt focused machine.