A lot of things come together to give you the perfect road riding experience with adventure bikes. Unfortunately, even when they boast the most powerful engines, reliable motorcycles in this category are hard to find. To help you take your adventure riding to the next level, we’ll be pointing out the most reliable adventure motorcycles you can get today.
Not only will you discover the key features to look for in these types of vehicles, but we’ll also be pointing you in the right direction to find the best adventure bikes for beginner and experienced riders alike!
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How to Choose the Most Reliable Adventure Motorcycle?
When it comes to getting the best value for your money and an optimal driving experience with a motorcycle, there are several things you should consider. Luckily, spotting the most reliable adventure motorcycle for you becomes easy once you know what to look for.
Here is our list of the most important factors to consider:
1. Engine Capacity
Even with a dirt bike, motorcycle engine capacity is an important feature, so, understandably, that would also apply to an adventure bike.
Engine capacity can make or break your experience on the road, and we strongly recommend that you consider it when making a decision, as well as keeping in mind your riding experience level.
For people who’re just getting started in the adventure bike scene, going with one with an engine capacity of 1000cc or less is ideal. Any more than this and you may not be able to handle all that power safely.
Of course, more experienced riders can afford to look above this range.
Another key thing to consider here is how easy whatever you choose will be for you to maintain.
2. Level of Comfort Afforded
It’s not unheard of for even the best bikes to give you the most awful riding experience if you aren’t able to get comfortable aboard.
One of the key variables that determine your comfort level is the type of seat the bike has. While what suits your tastes may differ according to your preferences, the general rule of thumb is, that the lower the seat is, the better.
Either way, it helps to have some flexibility here which is why it’s always best if you go for bikes with adjustable seat heights. These will give you more latitude when finding that sweet spot.
3. Available Riding Modes
Most adventure motorcycles come with multiple ride modes, which can be a handy feature. However, some riding modes are more important than others, which is why you should always make sure you get a reliable bike with an off-road mode if nothing else.
This is because sooner or later you’re bound to encounter a rough patch of road or rough terrain. Whether or not your bike is equipped to deal with this situation determines how well you’ll do here.
4. Fuel Capacity Afforded
The larger the fuel capacity of your automobile, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your adventures at a stretch. As such, it’s always best to opt for adventure bikes with a more generous fuel tank size.
5. Presence of an Anti-Lock Brake System
Also known as road ABS, the presence of an anti-lock brake system enhances the level of safety you’re afforded while riding. What this feature does for your bike is ensure that its wheels never lock up.
While this feature is important for every rider, smart ABS is even more valuable for new riders who are yet to understand the intricacies of these road motorcycles.
Most Reliable Adventure Motorcycle (Our Top Pick 3 Best Adventure Motorcycles)
Here are some of the most reliable adventure motorcycles that meet the above requirements:
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Key Features
- Maximum power V-twin engine
- Six-speed sequential gearbox
- 5.3 gallons of fuel capacity
- 6.3-inch front adjustable suspension travel
- 6.3-inch adjustable rear suspension travel
On any terrain, you’ll want even a standard model bike to offer features like a comfortable seat, plenty of power, and maximum inches of ground clearance. Whether on smooth or rough terrain, the Suzuki V-Strom’s road performance proves to be a reliable bike.
This bike became the popular choice the moment we discovered it came at an affordable price that didn’t impair functionality on different types of terrain.
In fact, it does quite the opposite as it boasts amazing features like ABS, prime technology, a combined brake system, and even superior two-stage traction control – specs that are typically found on a more expensive or larger capacity bike.
This ABS model also goes on to afford its road rider maximum power with its V-twin, 1037cc, four-smooth beast of an engine.
One common concern that even experienced bikers have when opting for modern bikes that are so powerfully tricked out is that they can be difficult to maintain.
The Suzuki V-Strom is superior to many of its counterparts because the brand manufacturer has developed a notable reputation for producing motorcycles that can run for years without needing repairs.
As your dual sport bike of choice, you won’t have to stop too often to refuel the Suzuki V-Strom’s 5.3-gallon fuel tank size as it’s commendably fuel-efficient. With its impressive array of off-road and on-road abilities, you’ll be sure to love spending time on this amazing bike.
Why We Like It
- Available at an affordable price range.
- The inches of suspension travel afforded for the front wheel and rear wheel makes it ideal for off-road and on-road mode movement.
- It comes with a powerful brake system.
- It offers increased traction control.
- It’s durable and easy to maintain.
What to Remember
- While comfortable, the seat is not adjustable.
- The suspension travel of the Japanese bike doesn’t rival that of a dirt bike.
The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere
Key Features
- Six gallons of fuel capacity
- Six-speed gearbox
- Two-cylinder, four-valve, four-stroke, 1199cc engine capacity
- 7.5 inches of suspension travel for the front wheel
- 7.5-inch rear suspension travel
Even people who’ve never ridden a bike in their lives know the name, Yamaha. That’s one testament to the level of quality you can expect from their adventure motorcycles.
And, as far as the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere goes, with its six-speed gearbox, tap traction control, six-speed gearbox, and state-of-the-art fuel injection technology, it’s as good as any reliable bike can get.
At full throttle, the liquid-cooled, four-valve, four-stroke engine on these adventure motorcycles can give you a maximum power of 82.4kW at 7250 RPM. Its 86.3 ft of torque offers a maximum 117 Nm at 6000 RPM.
With amazing specs like this, this dual-sport bike effectively makes you the king of the road.
But it gets even better!
These adventure bikes come with long-travel suspension capabilities for the front and rear wheel that makes road riding in different types of terrain safer and smoother. The inches of suspension offered are particularly impressive because you can easily adjust the steering damping and preload without any tools!
As a road ABS model, it further enhances the feel of a smooth ride with its unified brake system that kicks in fluidly in every condition it was tested in.
The fuel tank size is decent as well as it offers a cool 6.1 fuel capacity. The only reason it isn’t sitting at the top of this list is that it commands a high base price, even used.
Why We Like It
- It has an impressive smart road ABS feature.
- It comes with an easily adjustable suspension setup.
- It offers plenty of power and increased traction control.
- The adjustable seat heights for enhanced rider comfort.
- It has a decent gallon fuel tank size.
What to Remember
- Unlike lighter bikes in the same category, it isn’t ideal for beginners.
- It commands a high base price.
The Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro
Key Features
- Powerful L-twin Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine
- 7.9 gallons of fuel capacity
- Six-speed sequential gearbox
- Spoked wheels and LED lights
- Ducati Skyhook Suspension
- Multiple ride modes and enhanced cruise control
While it has no impact on reliability or functionality, many beginner and experienced riders understandably want their motorcycles to look as beautiful as possible. The Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro manages to meet this demand while still offering impressive operational prowess on the road.
It lets you experience adventure riding in its purest form thanks to its L-twin, four-valve, 1262cc engine capacity, large fuel capacity, and wealth of electronic systems.
With four different riding modes, superb cruise control, and unparalleled road ABS, you’ll barely hear more than a whisper from this bike, thanks to its well-set-up exhaust system.
And, through it all, you’ll be sitting in complete comfort as you can set the adjustable seat heights to meet your specifications. For us, this road motorcycle gets an A++ on every level!
Why We Like It
- It has an aesthetically pleasing design.
- It comes with a super-powered yet reliable engine set.
- It has a comparatively lesser noise output.
- It’s perfect for navigating different types of terrain.
- It comes with all the bells and whistles like spoked wheels, a Full-color display, and auto-off indicators.
What to Remember
- It’s only available in regions where Euro 4 emission standards apply.
Other Reliable Motorcycles We Considered
- Suzuki DR-Z400S
- Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure
Final Words
We hope that you now have a better idea of how to pick the most reliable adventure motorcycle and enjoyed hearing about some of the best models at the moment! You just need to make a decision that will be right for you, and you’re set for your grand adventure!
Don’t forget that attire can play a huge role in your comfort on the road too, so make sure you have the best riding jeans!