Top 10 ADV Touring Motorcycles

Most Popular in 2023

Post contributed by: Viking Bags

In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, the adventure segment is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. More riders are seeking versatile machines that can handle diverse terrains while delivering an exhilarating experience on the road. The adventure motorcycle market has become a dynamic arena, witnessing innovations and advancements that cater to the evolving tastes of riders worldwide. Whether it’s the call of the open road, a desire to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, or simply a yearning for a robust, all-encompassing riding experience – adventure motorcycles are answering the call. As we delve into the current landscape, let’s explore the top ten adventure bikes dominating the market, each promising a unique blend of performance, versatility, and sheer riding pleasure. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey to discover the trailblazers in the adventure motorcycle realm.

1. Aprilia Tuareg 660

One of the most beautiful-looking adventure touring bikes, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a masterpiece in the middleweight ADV category. The Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Aprilia, got extremely lucky as this ADV bike turned out to show great class and creativity when it comes to performance and design. You will find this bike always topping the charts of most successful adventure touring bikes due to providing the best value for the money. Being a 660 cc bike, it suits almost all types of riders looking for the most amazing experience on multiple terrains.

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 houses the same iconic Aprilia engine that powers the RS 660 sports bike and the semi-naked Tuono 660. However, there are certain tweaks and adjustments made in the engine to ensure a distinctive persona and performance characteristics. The tweaked and new camshaft profile helps in providing a comparatively better grunt in the low rev range with a slight comprise with the peak power output. This small jump in the peak torque available at a lower rpm level makes the Aprilia Tuareg 660 punchier on the road. This bike has a taller stature thanks to the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.

Photo Credit: Rider Magazine

2. BMW F 850 GS Adventure

Photo Credit: Driving

BMW produces one of the best-selling and immensely capable ADV touring bikes that feels the smoothest on both paved and rough terrains. You get the sheer class, quality, trendy look, and utmost performance capabilities if you are buying the BMW F 850 GS Adventure. Though it is a highly advanced ADV bike, you have to spend a good amount of money if you want to own it.

The BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a great alternative if you find the award-winning R 1250 GS Adventure out of your budget. It does not feel low on power at all with a peak horsepower capacity of 90 hp and an equally-impressive torque of 86 Nm. The best thing about the middleweight BMW F 850 GS Adventure is that you will get the best standard tech package and to further improve your riding experience, the optional premium features package enables a more exclusive performance.

3. Ducati DesertX

Before the Ducati DesertX was introduced in 2019 to the motorcycling world, the company previously had an average off-roader and adventure bike lineup. The Ducati Multistrada and the Scrambler lineup were designed for mild off-roading, they were originally on-road motorbikes. However, the Ducati DesertX has earned a reputation of a true off-road capable adventure bike. Despite being a powerful ADV bike with an engine displacement of 937 cc, this bike boasts a slim silhouette. As the name suggests, the Ducati DesertX is born to maneuver and overcome almost every kind of dirt riding condition. Ducati knows exactly how to create a nearly perfection machine that is capable of doing what is claimed and expected from it. If you can afford an ADV touring bike which starts at $17,695, you may not find a better dual-purpose ADV touring bike than this. What makes it an exclusive and top-of-the-line ADV touring bike is its distinctive off-roader look, unmatched off-roading performance, and premium standard features, including multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, engine brake control, quick shifter, wheelie control, and much more.

Photo Credit: Cycle World

4. Harley Davidson Pan America 1250

Photo Credit: Ultimate Motorcycling

To break the stereotypes and transform the company’s conventional brand image, Harley Davidson completely shifted its production strategy and introduced the Pan America ADV tourer. The company is well-known for its top-selling old-school style touring bikes and cruisers. Introducing the Harley Pan America was a big gamble as it was expected not just to make room for itself in the market share, but also to perform well and live up to the expectation. The Pan America 1250 competes with the top models in the heavyweight ADV touring bike category, particularly the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure which is ruling the sales charts for a long time now.

Undoubtedly, the Pan America 1250 is successful in making a mark in the ADV bike market. The 76.4 cu in Revolution Max 1250 engine, 150 hp of power output, 94 lb-ft of peak torque, and 5.6 gal of gas tank capacity make this ADV bike stand out from the rest in its category. Though being a high-priced ADV touring bike, the Harley Pan America 1250 ensures a good value for your hard-earned money. It has everything that you expect from a luxurious bike, including a complete infotainment system and a variety of standard rider safety enhancements.

5. Honda Africa Twin

Another top-quality and most durable ADV touring bike is the Honda Africa Twin. It is an extraordinary adventure bike and holds a separate identity in the market. It combines the performance capabilities and features of both middleweight and heavyweight ADV touring bikes. It is undoubtedly punchier and packs more power than a middleweight adventure bike but if you compare it with a heavyweight category, it lacks the power figures and grunt. You may find the abrupt power delivery and top-end grunt missing on the Honda Africa Twin when compared to a high-end adventure bike, but the overall ride quality, smoothness, on-point on- and off-road performance, and durability are top-notch.

Photo Credit: The Honda Shop

6. Husqvarna Norden 901

Photo CreditBike Sales

Despite being owned by KTM, Husqvarna builds a completely different motorcycle lineup with probably only a slight resemblance between the two brands. Though the company has been successful in making its name in dirt bike riding, it has also impressed skilled adventure riders with the Husqvarna Norden 901. Apart from exceptional build quality and off-roading performance, this bike is undoubtedly the best-looking ADV tourer with a slightly retro vibe thanks to its round-shaped headlamp. It is a cool-looking bike with an 889 cc engine, 105 hp of power output, and 74 lb-ft of torque, making it a great overall ADV bike. The suspensions come from WP Xplor and are fully adjustable with Bosch ABS and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, to make it one of the best on off-road trails.

8. KTM 890 Adventure R

When it comes to off-roaders, the Austrian motorcycle brand, KTM adventure bikes stand on top of the list of most authentic and realistic off-road performers. Out of all the brilliantly designed KTM ADV lineups, the KTM 890 Adventure R is the most practical as it covers the most market thanks to its wide spectrum of performance capabilities. It is one of the best in terms of maneuverability, handling, off-roading, and flickability. If you want to unleash a true off-roading experience, the KTM 890 Adventure R is a great contender by Team Orange. The 889 cc engine generates a thumping power output of 77 kW and a peak torque of 100 Nm. The rally-style bodywork, off-road capable knobby tires, and off-road-inspired power plant make the KTM 890 Adventure R a tough competitor in the middleweight ADV bike market.

Photo Credit: Bikes Republic

8. Suzuki V Strom 800DE Adventure

Photo Credit: Two Wheeled Texans

To bridge the gap between the 650 cc and 1050 cc ADV lineup, Suzuki introduced the V Strom 800 DE Adventure to attract a wide range of customers looking for the trendiest middleweight ADV category. Recently introduced in 2023, the Suzuki V Strom 800DE Adventure houses a freshly built 776 cc power plant and has borrowed modern electronics from the bigger sibling, the V Strom 1050. Suzuki has finally ditched the V-Twin engine platform and adopted the trend of the most popularly-installed engine in the dual-purpose ADV bikes, parallel twins. Apart from the 83.1 hp of peak power output and 78 Nm of peak torque, the Suzuki V Strom 800 DE Adventure has gained a reputation as one of the highly reliable ADV bikes with a smooth adventure touring performance that is on par with several high-end dual-purpose bikes.

9. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

A top contender in the middleweight ADV tourer category from the British marque, the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is the most exclusive in the Tiger 900 series. Being the premium variant, Triumph has fitted almost every luxury item and accessory on this bike which makes it a highly suitable ADV touring bike, especially if you want to take it on a long-haul journey. Almost everything is adjustable, including the seat heat, heat level on the heated seat, and windscreen. Though being heavier due to being fully equipped, the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro is categorized as one of the most comfortable ADV touring bikes available in the market. Apart from its remarkable adventure riding performance, you can confidently take this bike on long-haul motorcycle tours as it is built for versatile use. Though Triumph is usually known for its conventional-style modern bobbers and cruisers, the Triumph Tiger 900 ADV bike has made a huge impact in the global middleweight ADV market.

Photo Credit: Cycle News

10. Yamaha Ténéré 700

Photo Credit: Motorcyclist Online

The most sophisticated and basic middleweight ADV touring bike, yet one of the most efficient and popular models, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is all about performance and reliability. This ADV bike only has switchable ABS in terms of technical equipment; however, you will be dazzled once you take a ride and use this bike. One of the most balanced adventure bikes for city traveling and off-road adventures. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is best for both worlds, (On- and Off-Road), but being a basic model, it has certain limitations. This bike is not an ideal touring bike for long-haul rides. The 689 cc engine installed in this bike holds the reputation of being one of the most brilliantly designed, durable, and capable of providing the most exciting riding experiences.

Intrepid Moto’s Top Pick in 2023

Hunter Maverick (MV500)

Although you may have never heard of Hunter Motorcycles, the company that originally started building bikes in Australia is now quickly climbing the ranks in the the adventure riding category here in Indonesia with its 500cc Maverick ADV Tourer. The Hunter MV500, (also known in some regions as the Kove 500X, an original design by ZF-KY), at first glance makes an impression as an adventure motorcycle reminiscent of the BMW GS series, particularly drawing inspiration from the BMW R1200GS. However, once you get a little closer the differences, and dare we say advantages of this amazing middleweight machine start to become apparent. Boasting a robust twin-spar chassis, this adventure bike is equipped with features like an adjustable windshield, a digital-analog instrument panel, 12V and USB power outlets, and LED lights. Tailored for flexible handling, a comfortable riding position, and exuding a distinct personality for adventurers, the MAVERICK 500 is designed for exploration in diverse terrains, ensuring reliability and durability. With a rider-friendly seat height of 820 mm suitable for both large and small riders, and a front inverted adjustable fork lift measuring 180 mm, coupled with a weight of 178 kg, ABS brake stability, LAD optics, and a 19-inch front wheel, this motorcycle is extremely well balanced and promises an exhilarating and unforgettable riding experience.

Photo Credit: Bezu Max

Wrap-Up

The craze and desire to own an ADV touring motorcycle is increasing with every passing day as they are becoming trendier. The dual nature of these motorcycles is what makes this category more popular and useful in every sense. Apart from their usefulness and versatility, ADV touring bikes are also the most mesmerizing when it comes to their look, and performance-wise, these bikes have no match. Whether it is smooth and paved roads or rugged uneven dirt trails, you can confidently ride an ADV touring motorcycle on most terrains. If you are planning to buy an ADV touring bike, this article brings you the list of the top 10 most desirable ADV touring motorcycles of 2023.

Afraid to go on an ADV motorcycle tour alone? Book our services at Intrepid Moto’s website to enjoy a group adventure ride with our experienced riders to enjoy the most mesmerizing scenic views of Bali. We offer multiple ADV tour options depending on your schedule, including half-day, full-day, overnight, and grand tours.

Looking to upgrade your ADV bike to make it more capable of long-haul adventure journeys, Viking Bags offers you good-quality ADV luggage options, including ADV touring luggage bags, tank bags, side cases, tail bags, and backpacks.