Adventure bikes are hard to define, but you know one when you see it. These are motorcycles designed to cover vast distances and don’t care if the road is paved or not. For 2025, this segment  was late to solidify because of unsold 2024 inventory, so deals are out there. Also, many of these manufacturers don’t always assign a specific model year to their offerings. The prices shown are subject to change and do not include destination, set-up, taxes or dealer mark-up.

BMW R1300GS ADVENTURE: $22,745

BMW’s horizontally opposed twin has become an adventure bike icon. That motor was completely redesigned in 2024, becoming more compact and more powerful. The Adventure version has increased range over the standard version as well as numerous upgrades. It includes a redesigned chassis with the Evo Telelever and Paralever suspension systems, 7.9-gallon aluminum tank, full integral ABS, traction control and HSC. Standard are four riding modes, Matrix LED headlights, a 6.5-inch TFT display, Dynamic Cruise Control, heated grips and Intelligent Emergency Call.

BMW R1300GS: $18,895

Powered by the 145-horsepower ShiftCam boxer engine, the standard version of the 1300 has a recently redesigned frame with the Evo Telelever and Evo Paralever suspension, and a weight reduction of 26 pounds. Standard equipment includes full integral ABS Pro, traction control, MSR, HSC, Dynamic Cruise Control, a 6.5-inch TFT display and Intelligent Emergency Call. Optional features include Riding Modes Pro, Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, adaptive vehicle height control, heated seats and advanced lighting systems.

The Multistrada has been redesigned for 2025, but it’s still powered by an iconic 90-degree V-twin engine configuration. It displaces 990cc, produces 115 horsepower and features variable intake valve timing. Over 30 pounds has been shaved off the bike, partially due to the redesigned motor and partially because of the new monocoque aluminum frame. The electronic portfolio has five riding modes that include Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro and Wet. The V2S model is shown.

KTM 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S: TBA

The Adventure S was planned as a 2025 model but might be delayed until 2026. It shares the 1350cc, LC8 V-twin engine (170 horsepower, 107 pound-feet) with the upcoming R-model, but targets more road-focused riders. It features semi-active WP APEX suspension (7.9-inch travel front, 7.5-inch rear) and cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear). Brembo brakes with a 267mm rear disc and dual 320mm discs in front. Electronics include adaptive cruise control, road-specific ride modes, traction control and a 7-inch TFT display. KTM dealers report that they still have 2024 1290 Adventures to clear out.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250: $19,999

Harley’s take on adventure riding features a 1252cc, Revolution Max V-twin engine producing 150 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. The lightweight frame integrates the engine as a stressed member. Fully adjustable Showa suspension provides 7.5 inches of travel. The Adaptive Ride Height option lowers the seat height until the bike is underway. Brembo brakes provide the stopping power. Advanced electronics include ABS Cornering, traction control, ride modes, and a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO PAN AMERICA: $28,399

H-D’s premium edition elevates the standard platform with numerous upgrades and aluminum luggage cases. Powered by the same 1252cc, Revolution Max V-twin engine (150 horsepower, 94 pound-feet), it adds refined suspension tuning, Brembo Stylema calipers, and Adaptive Ride Height as standard equipment. The chassis integrates lightweight components, while advanced electronics include ABS Cornering, traction control, adaptive ride modes, and a larger 6.8-inch TFT display with enhanced navigation and connectivity.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY: $30,595

This is the current horsepower king of the adventure world. It features a 1158cc, V4 Granturismo engine producing 170 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque, paired with a sixspeed gearbox and Ducati Quick Shift. It boasts semi-active Skyhook Suspension EVO with 7.9 inches of travel, Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 330mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc, plus full-LED cornering lights. Advanced electronics include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Detection, riding modes and a 6.5-inch TFT display.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER/GT PRO: $21,895

The GT Explorer and GT Pro feature a 1160cc, T-plane triple engine delivering 148 horsepower. The GT Explorer has a 30-liter (7.9-gallon) tank, while the GT Pro has a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) tank. Both models include Showa semi-active suspension, Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes, and Optimized ABS Cornering. Technology includes a 7-inch TFT screen with My Triumph Connectivity, six riding modes, Triumph Shift Assist and keyless ignition.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY PRO/EXPLORER: $22,995

Triumph’s signature feature is the three-cylinder T-plane engine. The 1200 displaces 1160cc and produces 148 horsepower at 9000 rpm. The Explorer has a 7.9-gallon tank, the Pro has a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) tank, both have 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, and Showa semi-active suspension. Key technologies include 7-inch TFT with My Triumph Connectivity, six riding modes, Triumph Shift Assist, Optimized Cornering Traction Control with IMU, keyless system, and adaptive cornering lights.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1100 SE LT ABS: $19,499

Kawasaki’s ADV mother ship is one of the more highway-oriented bikes in the liter class. It’s powered by a 1099cc, inline, four-cylinder engine delivering 133 horsepower. It features a six-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch. The steel frame and aluminum swingarm are supported by a 43mm Showa fork and Showa BFRC Lite rear shock. Equipped with Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension with Showa Skyhook EERA technology providing real-time suspension adjustments. Additional features include Quick Shifter, smartphone connectivity, Traction Control, Cornering Management Function and ABS.

HONDA AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORT ES: $17,599

The Adventure Sport version of the Africa Twin is defined by greater range with its 6.6-gallon fuel tank. It features a 1083cc, liquid-cooled, Unicam parallel-twin engine with advanced Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension offering five modes. It includes a 6.5-inch TFT display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and cornering lighting. The bike is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), IMU detected lean angle when braking and a G-Switch for better off-road performance. The Dual-Clutch Transmission is an $800 option that shifts for you.

HONDA AFRICA TWIN: $14,799

This is a more dirt-oriented model than the Adventure Sports, with a smaller fuel tank, longer suspension travel and a 21-inch front wheel. It has the same 1083cc, liquid-cooled, Unicam parallel-twin engine as the Adventure Sport ES model, which can be paired with a six-speed manual or an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with off-road functionality and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Rolling on a semi-double-cradle steel frame and Showa suspension, the Africa Twin offers adjustable seat height and dual LED headlights.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050: $15,299

The base platform of the V-Storm 1050 has spoke wheels and a slightly more pavement-oriented disposition. The 1037cc V-twin engine is designed to offer improved horsepower, strong low-end torque and good fuel economy. It includes the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with cruise control, bi-directional quick shift and Motion Track Brake System. The bike also has a 5-inch TFT display, USB port, durable twin-spar aluminum frame, 19-inch front wheel and fully adjustable suspension with four-piston brake calipers.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE: $16,199

This platform was new in 2020 when it replaced the V-Strom 1000. The 1037cc V-twin engine is designed to deliver improved horsepower, strong low-end torque and fuel efficiency. Key highlights include the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with Gravel mode, rear ABS deactivation and Quick Shifter. It sports a 5-inch TFT display, a USB port, an aluminum twin-spar frame, spoke wheels with a 21-incher in front, Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires and fully adjustable suspension with radially mounted four-piston brake calipers.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE ADVENTURE: $17,799

The Adventure edition has a longer wheelbase, more relaxed steering geometry and includes Suzuki’s ADV-style, 37-liter aluminum panniers. The V-twin engine powers a twin-spar aluminum frame and is now paired with a longer, more rigid swingarm for improved ground clearance. It rides on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels fitted with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour Adventure tires. It features a bi-directional Quick Shift system, Gravel mode and switchable rear ABS for off-road use.

DUCATI DESERTX: $19,995

This version of the DesertX has KYB suspension. It still features a 937cc, Testastretta, 11-degree twin-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox, and Ducati Quick Shift. Its steel trellis frame supports fully adjustable suspension with 9.1 inches of travel. Brembo M50 calipers handle braking with dual 320mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc. Advanced electronics include six riding modes, ABS Cornering, traction control and a 5-inch TFT display.

DUCATI DESERTX RALLY: $23,395

Alex Smith rode this bike in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally Race against 450cc off-road race bikes and finished second overall. His bike had a long list of special features, but the stock version is pretty special as well. It features fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with 9.1 inches of travel, and Brembo Stylema calipers on dual 320mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc. The DesertX is powered by a 937cc, Testastretta, 11-degree twin-cylinder engine delivering 110 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a six-speed gearbox and Ducati Quick Shift. Electronics include six riding modes, traction control, ABS Cornering and a 5-inch TFT display.

MV AGUSTA ENDURO VELOCE: $21,998

MV Agusta is a historic brand with an incredible racing heritage. The controlling interest of the company recently was  passed from Pierer Mobility Group to Art Of Mobility, but is fully independent and remains in Italy. A high-revving, 931cc, inline three-cylinder engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft delivers 124 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. It offers four riding modes, eight levels of traction control, two engine brake settings, Cruise Control, Launch Control, and tire-specific ECU mapping. A 7-inch HD TFT display supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and MV Ride app integration for navigation, trip data and customization.

MV AGUSTA LXP ORIOLI: $28,998

When we first saw this as a concept bike, it bore the “Lucky Explorer” emblem that Edi Orioli brandished in his glory years of Dakar racing. Now, it bears his name, with only a hint of the tobacco-related branding remains. It has numerous upgrades over the standard Enduro Veloce, but only 500 units will be offered. It still has four riding modes, ABS Cornering, Brembo Stylema front calipers with 320mm discs and a two-piston caliper with 265mm disc rear. The MV Ride app enables smartphone connectivity for navigation and data sharing. Mobisat anti-theft device with geolocation is standard.

HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901: $14,899

As a member of the greater Pierer Mobility family, most Husqvarna models have a close twin in the KTM line. The Norden, however, has a more touring-oriented disposition than its brother in orange. It’s powered by a 889cc, parallel-twin engine producing 105 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. Its steel trellis frame is complemented by fully adjustable WP APEX suspension with 8.7 inches of travel. Braking includes J.Juan calipers with 320mm/260mm discs and ABS Cornering. Electronics include ride modes, traction control, cruise control, a 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity.

HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION: $16,499

This is the biggest, most expensive motorcycle to bear the Husqvarna name. It shares its motor with the KTM 890, but almost everything else is different. The Expedition version offers upgraded WP XPLOR suspension with 9.4 inches of travel for advanced off-road performance. Powered by the same 889cc parallel-twin engine (105 horsepower, 74 pound-feet), it features a steel trellis frame, J.Juan brakes with 320mm/260mm discs and ABS Cornering. Expedition-specific additions include a taller windscreen, heated grips, rider seat, and panniers. Electronics include ride modes, traction control and a 5-inch TFT display.

BMW F900GS: $12,995

Last year this bike replaced the F850GS and is considered a middleweight by BMW aficionados. The motor is a 105-horsepower, 895cc parallel twin producing 68.6 pound-feet of torque at 6750 rpm. It includes a lightweight plastic fuel tank, Akrapovic rear silencer and over 30 pounds of weight reduction. Suspension travel is 9.1 inches with fully adjustable rebound, compression damping and preload. Ergonomic design, and multiple seat height options ensure adaptability across diverse terrains and rider preferences.

BMW F900GS ADVENTURE: $14,495

When BMW lends the “Adventure” suffix to a model, it’s all about range. The F900GS-A has over 6 gallons of fuel capacity, with a more robust subframe to support a greater luggage payload. All the bodywork is different from the standard model as well. The base model might be hard to find on dealer showrooms, as most have premium packages that include features like Ride Modes Pro and Dynamic Suspension adjustment. Under it all is the 895cc parallel twin that was introduced last year.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 RALLY PRO: $17,395

The first three-cylinder motorcycle bearing the Triumph name dates back to 1968. When the brand was reborn in 1990, the triple configuration was the first feature resurrected. Designed for off-road performance, the Rally Pro features adjustable Showa suspension with 240mm (9.5-inch) front and 230mm (9-inch) rear travel and tubeless spoked wheels (21-inch front). It includes six riding modes, including Off-Road Pro, ABS Cornering, traction control, heated seats and grips, and Triumph Shift Assist. Additional features include a 7-inch TFT screen, adjustable seat height, modular frame and Brembo Stylema braking system.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT PRO: $16,895

Building on the GT, the GT Pro adds electronically adjustable Marzocchi rear suspension, Triumph Shift Assist, heated seats and tire pressure monitoring. It retains the 888cc three-cylinder engine, ABS Cornering, five riding modes, and cast alloy wheels with 7-inch front and 6.5-inch rear travel. Additional features include a 7-inch TFT display with My Triumph connectivity, adjustable seat height, and Brembo Stylema brakes.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT: $14,995

The 888cc three-cylinder engine received major updates resulting in claimed power gains of 13 percent over its predecessor. It puts out 106.5 horsepower, and is equipped with a Marzocchi, 45mm, USD-adjustable cartridge fork; and the rear suspension unit offers manually adjustable preload and rebound damping (7-inch front, 6.5-inch rear travel). It has cast alloy wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear), and includes ABS Cornering, traction control, five riding modes, 7-inch TFT screen, and adjustable seat height.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY: $21,499

This is one of the most dirt-worthy adventure bikes on the market. The motor is a 889cc parallel twin delivering 105 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The Rally edition is defined by its premium suspension components. It has WP XPLOR Pro suspension offering extended travel (10.6 inches) for rugged terrain. The brakes are Brembo components with dual 320mm front and 260mm rear discs. On-board electronics include rally-specific ride modes, traction control, ABS and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R: $15,799

The Adventure R shares the 889cc parallel-twin engine (105 horsepower, 74 pound-feet) with the Rally, but has WP XPLOR suspension with 9.4 inches of travel for mixed terrain. That results in a lower seat height and targets the bike for less aggressive off-road riding. One of the most distinctive features is a wrap-around fuel cell, which carries its weight as low as practical. The R-model features a durable steel chassis, Brembo brakes and electronics including ride modes, traction control, ABS Cornering, and a TFT display with navigation and smartphone integration.

MOTO GUZZI V85 TT: $14,190

Moto Guzzi is an iconic Italian make that has been rediscovered by a new generation. The V85 is defined by its traditional, 90-degree, transverse V-twin motor. Even though the 850cc air-cooled engine has a distinctly old-school look, it’s actually very modern with titanium intake valves, variable timing and Ride-by-Wire fuel injection. The advanced electronics package leverages a six-axis inertial platform, integrating ABS Cornering and traction control. Four selectable riding modes—Road, Sport, Rain and Off-Road—allow for various riding conditions. It has a seat height of 32.6 inches and suspension with 6.6 inches in travel.

BMW F 800 GS/GS ADVENTURE: $10,495

The “800” designation is misleading on this model. The motor is a detuned version of the one in the F900GS and actually displaces 895cc. Considered more of an entry-level adventure bike by BMW, it delivers 87 horsepower and 67 pound-feet of torque at 6,750 rpm. I comes with a trellis steel frame, two riding modes (Rain and Road), ABS Pro, DTC, full LED lighting, a 6.5-inch TFT display and heated grips. Additional equipment includes standard hand protection, a luggage carrier for Vario cases and an adjustable shift lever for off-road use.

CFMOTO IBEX 800 E: $10,299

CFMoto’s partnership with KTM has resulted in some shared technology. The Ibex 800 has a strong resemblance to the KTM 790 Adventure. Featuring an 8-inch MMI touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth-and CFMoto RideSync connectivity, it includes blind spot monitoring, six ride modes, and a bi-directional Quick Shift. Fitted with electronic throttle control for claimed precision. Braking components include J. Juan 320mm dual-disc front brakes with radial calipers and a 260mm rear disc. Comes with a full LED lighting system including headlights, taillights and indicators.

KOVE 800X PRO: $9999

Kove is a very aggressive company out of China that is imported stateside by USA Motortoys out of Utah. It features a 799cc, DOHC parallel-twin engine producing 95 horsepower with a Bosch EFI. Weighing 408 pounds, it offers off-road capability with a low center of gravity. The 5-gallon tank provides a 250-mile range, while dual 310mm front discs and an adjustable ABS system ensure reliable stopping power. KYB suspension and a 21-inch front, 18-inch rear spoked wheel setup complete this legitimate ADV bike. An upgraded version called the 800X Rally weighs 364 pounds and sells for $11,999.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800: $9899

Introduced just one year ago, this is the newest and most advanced motorcycle that Suzuki has produced in a very long time. The V-Strom moniker is no longer restricted to V-twins; the 800 features a 776cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree firing order. It has a steel frame, aluminum swingarm and Showa SFF-BP fork. Equipped with Dunlop D614 tires and cast-aluminum wheels, the bike includes the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), multi-mode traction control, bi-directional Quick Shift, TFT display, LED headlights, and a height-adjustable windscreen.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800 TOURING: $10,499

As the name implies, this is a more touring-oriented version of the V-Strom 800 with a standard top case and 19/17-inch cast-aluminum wheels. It features a 776cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree firing order and Cross Balancer for smooth operation. It includes a Showa SFF-BP fork, gas-charged shock and Dunlop D614 tires on cast-aluminum wheels. The bike offers the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with bi-directional Quick Shift, TFT display, LED headlights, 35-liter top case, and modern electronics like Ride-by-Wire throttle and an adjustable windscreen.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE ADVENTURE: $13,049

This version of the V-Strom 800 comes equipped with Suzuki’s ADV-style 37-liter aluminum panniers, mounted on durable, powder-coated stainless steel carriers. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and suspension travel—the most in the V-Strom lineup—Showa-supplied fork and rear shock. It rides on spoke-style wheels and comes with a 21-inch front. Advanced tech includes a bi-directional Quick Shift, Ride-by-Wire throttle, a bright TFT color display, and an adjustable windscreen.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE: $11,599

Powered by a 776cc parallel-twin engine. Its steel-frame, aluminum swingarm account for the longest suspension travel in the V-Strom lineup with 8.7 inches of suspension travel and ground clearance, complemented by a 21-inch spoke-style front wheel. The bike includes traction control with Gravel mode, rider-adjustable ABS, bi-directional Quick Shift, Ride-by-Wire throttle, TFT display, and mono-focus LED headlights.

TRIUMPH TIGER SPORT 800: $12,495

Powered by the iconic 800cc triple engine, the Tiger delivers 114 horsepower at 10,750 rpm. It features a Showa 41mm fork with rebound and compression damping adjustment, and a Showa monoshock with rebound damping and remote preload adjuster. Equipped with Optimized ABS Cornering, traction control, Triumph Shift Assist, three riding modes, and cruise control, it offers enhanced performance and control. A 32.8-inch seat height, 5-gallon fuel tank and My Triumph connectivity support long-distance riding.

KTM 790 ADVENTURE: $10,990

The original version of KTM’s middleweight was reintroduced to the line after a short hiatus. It is now assembled by CFMoto in China in order to achieve a reduced price. All of the components are manufactured elsewhere, mostly in Austria. Powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 95 horsepower and 64.6 pound-feet of torque. Its steel trellis frame is paired with WP Apex suspension offering 7.9 inches of travel for versatile performance. Braking is handled by dual 320mm discs up front with ABS Cornering. Electronics include traction control, ride modes, a 5-inch TFT display, and optional turn-by-turn navigation, catering to both on- and off-road adventures.

HONDA TRANSALP: $9999

The Transalp name dates back to the ’80s, before the adventure bike class was even a class. Honda brought it back last year for this 755cc parallel twin. It has integrated Throttle-by-Wire (TBW) technology, offering five riding modes, and advanced electronics like Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and wheelie control. A lightweight steel diamond frame ensures agile handling, complemented by a Showa 43mm SFF-CA inverted fork and Pro-Link rear suspension. A 5-inch TFT display provides intuitive system management, while full LED lighting enhances visibility across diverse conditions.

HONDA NC750X: $9499

Although it’s been accused of being the world’s biggest scooter, the NC750X is reasonably capable of light adventure rides. It features a 745cc parallel-twin engine with a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) for those who want to go shiftless. Throttle-by-Wire (TBW) and a refined exhaust system produce punchy performance in the low to midrange. The chassis boasts a steel diamond frame, Showa suspension with 4.7 inches of travel and ABS. Advanced electronics include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), fine-tune traction and an LCD dash.

YAMAHA TENERE 700: $10,999

Yamaha’s T7 has already developed a cult following in the short time since its introduction in 2022. It features a compact 689cc engine, a double-cradle steel frame with a 62.6-inch wheelbase and 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It boasts rally-inspired styling with quad LED headlights and a flat seat. It includes a 6.3-inch vertical TFT display with selectable themes, Ride-by-Wire throttle with two maps, revised 43mm KYB adjustable front fork, redesigned air intake, adjustable ergonomics, smartphone connectivity, and a new clutch cover for improved legroom.

APRILIA TUAREG 660: $12,299

Still somewhat rare in the U.S., Aprilia has created quite a stir in the ADV community with the Tuareg. Powered by a 659cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with 80 horsepower at 9250 rpm. It includes a steel-tube frame with cast swingarm pivots, an 43mm adjustable Kayaba fork (9.4-inch travel), Brembo brakes with two-piston slide front calipers with 300mm front discs and rear single-piston caliper, and 260mm disc with ABS. The wheels are 21-inch/18-inch spoked aluminum. The APRC electronics offer adjustable off-road mode and rear ABS deactivation. Wet weight is 450 pounds.

TRIUMPH TIGER SPORT 660: $9695

This model is Triumph’s gateway drug to its three-cylinder adventure bike line. It’s designed to provide all the technology present in the larger Tigers and come in under $10,000. For 2025, the price is unchanged, but Triumph has added features. One of the most significant is the connectivity module, which allows you to connect to the My Triumph smartphone app. In the past, this was an option that was $300 extra. It also has more sophisticated traction control and the inclusion of Triumph Shift Assist.

KAWASAKI KLR650: $6899

If any bike defines adventure riding on a budget, this is it. The KLR650 lineage can be traced back to the ’80s. It’s still powered by a DOHC, liquid-cooled, 652cc single, but these days it has EFI. The massive 6.1-gallon fuel capacity and frame-mounted fairing are two of the main keys to its longevity. There are several variations, with and without ABS. The KLR650 S has a lower seat height than the standard version, and the KLR650 Adventure ABS comes with factory-installed side cases, LED lights, engine guards, and ABS.

MOTO MORINI X-CAPE: $7999

Moto Morini is a brand that goes back almost a century and is still based in Milan, Italy. The manufacturing is done in China today, and that enables Morini to concentrate on offering value as well as legacy. The X-Cape features a 649cc parallel-twin engine, Bosch EFI and 60 horsepower. It has a 7-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, a Marzocchi fork and a KYB rear shock. Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS, Pirelli Scorpion tires and tubeless spoke wheels ensure excellent control. Additional features include a 4.8-gallon fuel tank, heated grips, and optional luggage and guards.

SUZUKI V-STROM 650: $9299

Suzuki was one of the first Japanese companies in the adventure bike pool, and this was the bike that got them started. The V-Strom 650 is still ubiquitous at adventure gatherings all over the world with its iconic 645cc V-twin engine. It’s getting a little long in the tooth these days, but still offers reliability and reasonable performance. The standard version has cast aluminum wheels, while the XT version features gold-anodized aluminum rims and spoke wheels with tubeless dual-sport tires, handguards, and a lower engine cowl. The XT sells for $9799.

SUZUKI V-STROM 650XT ADVENTURE: $10,999

This upgraded version of the original V-Strom comes equipped with 37-liter waterproof aluminum side cases mounted on durable, powder-coated stainless steel carriers. A handlebar cross-brace is for mounting accessories like a GPS. Comes with a rugged accessory bar, handguards and a protective lower engine cowl. Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tires are fitted to 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. Powering it all is a liquid-cooled, 645cc, 90-degree V-twin engine.

HONDA NX500: $7399

The NX500 was formerly called the CB500X. It’s a price point-oriented model manufactured in Honda’s Thailand factory for street riding and light adventure. The NX features a 471cc parallel-twin engine, selectable torque control and a six-speed assist/slipper clutch for smooth performance. It also comes with a customizable 5-inch TFT display, a lightweight steel diamond frame, a Showa SFF-BP fork with 5.2 inches of travel, an adjustable rear shock, Nissin brakes, LED lighting and 4.7 gallons of fuel capacity.

KOVE 450 RALLY: $9299

This is a legitimate rally bike and is the basis for Kove’s effort at the Dakar Rally. The newly homologated street-legal version is powered by a single-cylinder, 449cc DOHC engine. It has dual radiators and an external oil cooler. The steel frame is a semi-perimeter design with three fuel tanks that combine for over 7 gallons of capacity. The bike is equipped with a fully adjustable 49mm KYB fork and matching shock, and 12-inch suspension travel. Kove has several versions, including one with a lower seat height. There is also a competition version.

BMW G310GS: $5695

This is BMW’s response to those who say their bikes are overpriced. The G310GS is powered by a 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a backward-tilted cylinder and reverse head. It delivers 34 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 21 pound-feet of torque at 7500 rpm. The bike features a tubular steel frame, a six-speed gearbox, 7 inches of suspension travel, an upside-down front fork and a diecast aluminum swingarm. Standard equipment includes ABS and a multifunction display.

HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $6499

The CRF300L Rally is based on the CRF300L dual-sport bike, but has a frame-mounted fairing and increased range. It has a liquid-cooled 286cc engine with smooth low rpm throttle control and a six-speed transmission. It features a 3.4-gallon fuel tank for over 250 miles of range, lightweight components and a slim rear cross-section for better rider mobility. The bike is equipped with a 43mm inverted Showa fork, Pro-Link rear suspension and hydraulic brakes, with ABS that can be turned off for off-road use.

KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 300: $6199

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS utilizes a compact, 296cc, twin-cylinder, DOHC DFI engine that it shares with the 300 Ninja. The riding position is more spread out than that of the Ninja, but it still has a reasonably low seat height. The suspension is more off-road-oriented, and it has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels for stability on rough roads. It comes ready for long rides with a rear carrier, a tall windshield, and rider-friendly features like Clutch Assist and Positive Neutral Finder.

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At one time, BMW was the Kleenex of the adventure bike world. Starting with the R800GS and moving through subsequent boxer twins of regularly increasing displacement, BMW maintained its status as the archetype all-surface travel bike. For years, the rest of the motorcycle industry looked to BMW to define that entire segment. In all that time, there has never been a complete reboot like this; the latest BMW R1300GS is totally new. It arrived early in 2024 to replace the R1250GS. That bike was substantially redesigned in 2018, but the 1300 has virtually no part numbers that have been carried over. This is BMW’s attempt to assert itself and redefine the adventure bike segment yet again.

BMW made its flagship adventure bike lighter and more compact. The list of electronic features is immense.

THE BOXER LIVES

In very broad terms, the 1300 retains most of the iconic features that have become its hallmarks. It’s still a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder motor. It still has Telelever front suspension and a driveshaft with the Paralever rear suspension. Every one of those components is new for the 1300, starting with the motor. It has more displacement (measuring 1300cc on the dot) with a large bore and a comparatively short stroke. The six-speed gearbox has been relocated under the longitudinal crankshaft. That allows for a longer single-sided swingarm.

Years ago, BMW devised a linkage system to deal with the torque reactions that are peculiar to shaft drives. That’s what the Paralever system is. The original R800GS had torque reaction so severe you could actually bunny-hop the rear wheel using nothing but throttle. The Evo Paralever system has been reworked with a rear shock that has variable rates. In the front, the Telelever front suspension uses a front swingarm and a centrally located front shock. That, too, has BMW’s new variable rates. The shock actually has two different springs so you can electronically alter the overall spring rate. That means you are no longer restricted to damping changes alone to tailor the bike to your needs.

The changes go on and on, but the bottom line is that the R1300Gs is a smaller, lighter bike than the one it replaces. The engine alone lost 8 pounds, the chassis is narrower and more compact. Total curb weight is said to be 522 pounds, which is around 27 pounds less than the 1250, depending on the option package.

PICK A CARD, ANY CARD

There are options, packages and configurations galore with all BMW motorcycles. The base price of the bike alone is $18,895, but virtually none are sold like that in the U.S. The one we have is the R1300GS Triple Black package (+$975) with the Premium package (+$3985), an Akrapovic double muffler (+$995), cross-spoke wheels (+$500), and other miscellaneous bits and pieces to bring the MSRP up to $26,705. It’s worth far more than the truck we loaded it into.

The list of individual items in the Premium package is very long, but the two items worth noting are ride modes Pro and Dynamic suspension adjustment. Ride modes can be selected through a dedicated button on the right, and they include basic Eco, Rain and Road, plus Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro. Each has its own pre-settings for throttle response, traction control, anti-lock braking and suspension. If you want to further tailor your configuration, it requires a deep dive through one of the most convoluted menu systems imaginable. If you own the bike, you’ll get it eventually. In our time with our test bike, however, we struggled to find what we wanted on the fly. In one case, we flagged down another BMW rider to help. He struggled as well. On your initial rides, it’s best to configure your bike beforehand. Later, when you’re a BMW pro, you will have an easier time fine-tuning your bike as you travel.

Our test bike did not have some of the items that many off-road guys would like. Number one on the list was proper tires. We had Michelin Anakee Adventures, which are considerably less aggressive than the Anakee Wild models. We also would have preferred the flipdown rear brake platform and wider footpegs that come on the Trophy package.

BIG AND PROUD

One of the great appeals of the big GS-series bikes might be a little hard to understand from the outside. They are great, big, enormous motorcycles that handle misleadingly well in the dirt. There’s something very satisfying about riding along with your dual-sport buddies and then following them on dirt roads and two-trackers without making them wait. It’s like the Queen Mary racing buoys with jet skis.

The new 1300 takes that concept to a whole new level. You can still follow your dual-sport bike friends on dirt roads, but then, when the road straightens out and traction is good, you can unleash 145 horsepower and warp the earth’s crust. That’s right, the R1300GS is insanely fast. Weirdly, it doesn’t seem insane when you ride it. It goes fast when you open the throttle, but it’s not frightening at all. Exhilarating, yes. Thrilling, certainly. Scary, no. That’s probably because of the way that the boxer twin makes power. It’s done with torque rather than rpm.

Horsepower, by definition, is a measurement of work done in a certain time frame. If you have enough strength (torque), you don’t need repetition (rpm). You feel the 1300’s 109 pound-feet of torque from the first moment you get on the bike, and it gives you excellent control over traction. Of course, traction control and throttle response can help in that regard. In the past, we have been less than thrilled with BMW’s take on traction control. It seemed like a controlled engine miss. In this case, we don’t mind. There are four levels, and two of them are useful off-road, allowing you to drift the rear end slightly, but keeping things from getting too far out of hand. When you have this much torque, you can give plenty away and barely notice. We feel the most effective means to control traction is to adjust throttle response, which has three levels. You really don’t need full boost in the dirt unless you have unusual psychological needs. A doctor’s prescription should probably be required.

The Akrapovic double-exhaust system is a fully approved accessory from BMW and can be ordered at the dealership. You can get carried away choosing performance

TIGHTLY WRAPPED

As we mentioned, the new R1300GS is more compact than ever before. It’s narrow, it has a very low center of gravity, and the wheelbase is only an inch longer than that of a 450 motocross bike. That gives you more confidence than ever before. That said, it’s much more fun to go up the mountain than down. Going up, you are only limited by traction. Going down, regardless of how nimble and light the BMW feels, gravity asserts itself. You have to allow lots of distance for braking, especially with the stock Michelins. There are three levels of ABS, and the least intrusive level is useful for off-road riding, but discretion, as always, is the best form of anti-lock.

Another factor that can encourage you to get carried away is the versatility of the BMW’s suspension. Electronic suspension adjustment has finally come of age. The base level is all about comfort. That’s what you use for street rides and highway trips. It’s one of the most comfortable bikes ever made. It also has settings for riding two-up and with luggage. The Telelever front suspension, if you’ve never experienced it, is unlike anything else. Its most distinctive characteristic is that it has very little dive under braking. That allows the bike to remain level and absorb bumps even as you are coming to a stop. In the past, the trade-offs for this were noticeable—mostly draggy steering and front-end weight. Now, you hardly notice anything unusual about the steering. You do notice a very level cushy ride on the road, which makes you leery about what happens when you get to the dirt. It’s no problem. You can switch modes to Enduro or Enduro Pro, and you actually feel the suspension change as soon as your finger leaves the button. The 1300 then rides higher in its stroke and is much more resistant to bottoming.

When you get into sand or really technical riding, there’s no denying the 1300’s sheer mass. Regardless of how much smaller it is this year, it’s still big. Expecting anything else would be silly. The seat height is reasonably low, which is helpful for those situations when you just give up and use your feet like a caterpillar to get through a section. We all do it, and if we’re lucky, no one shoots any video.

The R1300GS now has 145 horsepower. You don’t have to use it all if you don’t want to.

FEATURES AND MORE FEATURES

This is a bike designed to spend the overwhelming majority of its time on pavement, where it’s wonderful. The 1300 is comfortable, powerful and emotionally satisfying on long, interstate highway trips. The wind protection is much more extensive than anything this side of a Gold Wing, vibration almost nil, and you never, ever have to downshift in order to pass traffic. With all that street cred, it’s fascinating that BMW has devoted so much engineering and technology to improving its offroad performance, where the bike will spend about 1 percent of its life. That tells us that BMW takes its role as the father of adventure seriously and wants to maintain a technical edge. The new 1300 is a big step forward on every front—from technology to performance to manageability. It is, in every way, a machine worthy of the heritage and reputation that BMW brings to the table.

The post BMW R1300GS ADVENTURE BIKE TEST appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

2024 DIRT BIKE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE // Searching for that perfect gift

Are you shopping for that two-wheeled enthusiast that has everything or do you just need some ideas on getting that special someone something different this holiday season? Look no further, because the Dirt Bike staff has teamed up with a bunch of industry-leading motorsports companies to make gift-giving extremely easy this holiday season.

ASV HOLIDAY PRO PACK

The Holiday F4 Series Pro Pack includes a forged-aluminum brake and Pro-model clutch lever that includes an ASV-designed Pro perch with an ASV rotator clamp, dust cover, on-the-fly cable quick adjust, and sealed bearings at the perch pivot point. Available in a variety of colors for just about any popular off-road application

Price: $225

Contact: asvinventions.com

WISECO FORGED RING-COMPRESSOR SLEEVES

Have a DIY mechanic in your life? Chances are you do, so you know having the right tools for the job is everything. Not only does Wiseco forge their pistons right here in the USA, but they also forge their own ring-compressor sleeves to help make that top-end rebuild go a bit smoother. Available for a wide range of bore sizes, these sleeves are tapered and hard anodized for an easy pistoninto-cylinder install. Find these stocking stuffers at Wiseco.com.

Price: $34.95

Contact: www.wiseco.com

REKLUSE EXP 4.0

Available in upgrade kits for existing Rekluse 3.0 auto clutch systems or as part of brand-new RadiusX and RadiusCX clutch systems. The EXP 4.0 is Rekluse’s latest generation of the auto clutch technology providing more direct power delivery, rider-focused tuneability and enhanced longevity.

Price: $449.00 and up

Contact: www.rekluse.com

JE PRO SERIES PISTONS

With over 75 years in the game, JE is among the leaders in forged pistons. Working with builders like Twisted Development and Pro Circuit, JE has fine-tuned its line of Pro Series forged pistons to offer something for every top-end rebuild job—from a reliable replacement to an all-out race engine. JE’s complete selection of USA-made forged pistons is available at JEpistons.com.

Price: Starting at $239.99

Contact: www.jepistons.com

SCOTT PROSPECT 2.0

The Prospect 2.0 is the second generation of Scott’s flagship goggles that feature the quick-release lenslocking system, proprietary molded lens technology, new styling, NoSweat face foam, articulated outriggers and available in three different price points. Available with a variety of lens options and with tear-off capabilities, or the popular Works Film System.

Price: $109.95, Prospect 2.0; $124.95, Prospect 2.0 AMP; $114.95, Prospect 2.0 WFS

Contact: www.scott-sports.com

PROX DRIVE CHAINS

Available in X-ring and standard configurations, ProX is a great option for a high-quality, Japanese-sourced drive chain without breaking the bank. These chains have been tested extensively in various off-road and motocross settings, and have proved to be durable on all counts.

Price: Starting at $104.95

Contact: www.pro-x.com

GET MINI JUMP-STARTER

Available through InnTeck USA, the GET Mini Jump-Starter is a multi-functional mini starter that allows you to restart any bike (and many other vehicles). Light and compact, the Mini Jump-Starter even has an LED light for nighttime emergencies. It can also act as a power supply for your electronic devices, thanks to the USB output port. It is extremely easy and safe to use, as it is provided with a special protection against over-voltage and inversion of its power-supply polarity.

Price: $79.99

Contact: www.innteck-usa.com

6D ATR-3 HELMET

Building off the success of its predecessor, the brand-new ATR-3 off-road helmet from 6D features their fifth-generation Omni-Directional Suspension and unique rebuildable design. The ATR-3 is engineered to provide superior energy management during a crash. Available in five different design options and a variety of colorways—from X-small through XX-large. Also available in youth sizes.

Price: $759.95

Contact: www.6dhelmets.com

EKS LUCID SIGNATURE SERIES GOGGLES

The new Lucid Carson Brown Signature-series goggles have a Pacific Northwest-style strap with the proprietary XDO (Extreme Definition Optics) lens technology, along with a DYAD sonic-welded hard outer frame, which holds the lens in place and creates defense against flying debris and heavy roost. This hard outer is bonded to a soft inner frame made of exclusive Polyflex, face-forming ethyl carbamate material and 3D-designed, 17mm face-forming foam, allowing the goggles to form to nearly every face shape and create a seal and fit while eliminating any pressure points.

Price: $99

Contact: www.eksbrand.com

RIDE ENGINEERING TRIPLE CLAMPS

The 23.5mm offset triple-clamp system from Ride Engineering for the 2023–’25 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas 125cc–450cc motorcycles was designed to improve overall handling and provide a more comfortable feel through increased stability. Available with a one-piece, anti-twist handlebar mounting system and in a variety of color combinations.

Price: $799, triple clamp; $99, bar mount

Contact: www.ride-engineering.com

EXCEL ONE RIMS

Excel One rims were developed for enthusiasts and weekend warriors looking for a good value for their money! Best for OEM replacement, Excel’s new Excel One rims are an economical alternative to the premium Takasago and Excel A60 rims offered. Available in 21×160, 19×1.85 and 19×2.15 sizes.

Price: Starts at $129.95

Contact: www.rkexcelamerica.com

MOTION PRO DIGITAL TIRE GAUGE

The 0–60-psi digital tire-pressure gauge from Motion Pro features a billet-aluminum trapezoid body, billet-aluminum air chuck, ergonomically shaped bleeder button, large digital lightup display, 15-inch-long high-pressure hose, anti-shock protective gauge cover, four selectable measuring scales, and is backed by a two-year warranty.

Price: $119.99

Contact: www.motionpro.com

FASST COMPANY FLEXX HANDLEBAR

Complementing the original Fasst Company Flexx handlebar is the recently released Low Bar, which is designed for the rider looking for the lowest possible overall bar height. At 68mm tall, the low bar perfectly complements our 92mm and 116mm bars. The Low Bar is ideal for offsetting added height from a damper or lowering your setup in general. It fits bikes, quads, adventure bikes and everything in between. It’s available in 10-, 12-, 14- and 15-degree backsweep.

Price: $399.99

Contact: www.fasstco.com

CRUZ TOOLS

The Switchback toolkit from Cruz Tools is developed specifically for the woods or enduro rider who explores trails away from the trailhead. It’s lightweight at 1.7 pounds, super compact at 2×2×7 inches, and is capable of handling most trailside repairs and adjustments. The collapsible T-handle driver makes for fast work turning sockets, hex and Torx bits. The kit also includes a 5-in-1 screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, mechanics wire, cable ties and a durable zip-up pouch.

Price: $64.95 and up

Contact: www.cruztools.com

USWE LERA OFF-ROAD RIDING GEAR

USWE designed the Lera offroad riding gear to provide heavyduty protection while still being comfortable to wear. The pants offer a pre-curved, race-fit, large knee area; full-grain leather inner knee panel; and four-way stretch panels. The jersey features a micro-mesh body fabric with fourway stretch panels, low-profile neck, TPU vinyl logo, bonded hems and sublimated openeyelet mesh side panels under the arms for maximum ventilation. When designing the 0 BS gloves, USWE wanted to produce a high-performance race glove that feels like a second skin. They feature an ergonomic, pre-curved, perforated palm; an embossed cuff with Velcro adjustment; and a Spandexmesh back-of-the-hand fabric providing protection and freedom of movement.

Price: $239.99, pants; $79.99, jersey; $49.99, gloves

Contact: www.uswe.com

BUDDY 150 TROLLEY BAG

The Buddy 150-liter Trolley bag is a premium-quality trolley made to withstand heavy-duty usage by the off-road community. The bag is developed to carry a full riding kit (clothes, protection, boots and helmet) to the races. This beast of a bag comes with four huge compartments and a tough yet lightweight molded base to handle all the abuse.

Price: $399.99

Contact: www.uswe.com

GPX TSE300

The TSE300 is GPX’s newest flagship two-stroke model. It’s designed to rival the features, performance and reliability of the best enduro 300s on the market today with a completely unrivaled price! Whether you’re riding first-gear singletrack or open desert, the TSE300 powerplant is designed to produce plenty of torque and power to match the task! The balancer shaft reduces vibration, resulting in less rider fatigue. Also included with every TSE300 is a hydraulic clutch, handguards, cooling fan, billet triple clamps, billet hubs and an LED lighting system.

Price: $6899

Contact: www.gpxmoto.com

ARAI HELMET VX-PRO4

Arai VX-Pro4 is designed for MX, enduro and off-road use. Standard for every Arai helmet, the basic and simple organic shell shape is based on the R75 shape concept. It’s a visual demonstration of our commitment to maintaining the integrity of the shell with real-world impact performance.

Price: $759.95

Contact: www.araiamericas.com

ARAI HELMET XD-5

The XD-5 is a completely redesigned helmet packed with many new features. As with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. And, this new model brings us ever closer to the ideal Arai shape for protection.

Price: $949.95

Contact: www.araiamericas.com

MAGURA HYMEC

This Hymec hydraulic-assist sealed system replaces the clutch perch and clutch cable with a small, lightweight hydraulic system that is designed to improve overall clutch control. Providing an easier clutch pull and smoother actuation while eliminating cable adjustments altogether.

Price: $329

Contact: www.magurausa-shop.com

JOE HAULER E-BIKE CARRIER

For over 30 years, Joe Hauler Motorcycle Carriers has specialized in manufacturing durable and reliable hitch haulers. Their new e-haulers are designed to be both strong and lightweight, offering a practical solution for transporting e-bikes. The Single E-Bike Joe Hauler weighs 24 pounds and can carry bikes up to 160 pounds, with a wheel-channel size of 4 inches wide and 63 inches long. The Double E-Bike Joe Hauler weighs 41 pounds and can transport two bikes with a combined weight of up to 320 pounds. For added convenience, loading ramps are available, and there is a designated spot on the carrier to store the ramp during transport.

Price: $579 and up

Contact: www.joehauler.com

MOTOREX MOTO SHINE

Motorex’s MS1 is for that factory finish or detailing touch after cleaning your bike. This high-gloss formulation protects and enhances plastics, carbon fiber, rubber, and graphics. MS1 provides a durable coating that repels mud and water when sprayed on a surface and left wet, or leaves an additional anti-static film when allowed to set up and buffed to a long-lasting sheen. It leaves the perfect finish to looking factory fresh and staying cleaner longer.

Price: $13.99

Contact: motorexusa.com

PRO BUD’S TIRE PASTE

Pro Bud’s Tire Paste is the ideal tire-mounting compound for off-road moto and woods riders. With dead-on accurate application, peerless lubrication that’s ideal for spooning the tire on by hand and a tacky final dryness that helps keep the tire in place, it makes tire changes a breeze. Apply with the supplied pad.

Price: $17.99 and up

Contact: www.pro-buds.co or Amazon

POWER PLUS FUEL FRAGRANCE

Power Plus Fuel Fragrance goes in your fuel and comes out of your exhaust, eliminating unpleasant exhaust odors, and the eye, nose and throat irritations associated with harsh fuels. It’s safe for all two- and four-stroke applications, including carbureted and injected vehicles, and is trusted and been used for over 30 years. Try all 20 popular scents!

Price: $4.95 and up

Contact: powerpluslubricants.com

MAXIMA CASTOR 927 PRE-MIX

Used by a variety of top two-stroke engine builders in the industry, Maxima’s Castor 927 is castor-based, ester-fortified two-stroke engine oil designed to ensure maximum performance while providing maximum protection under the most severe conditions.

Price: $13.99, 16 ounces

Contact: Your local dealer or www.maximausa.com

DENAGO POWERSPORTS MX-1

The MX1 offers a semi-automatic transmission, meaning you have a foot shifter but no hand-activated clutch. Other performance features include a 107cc, air-cooled four-stroke engine with a stainless steel exhaust, adjustable suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a manually adjustable throttle limiter to ensure you can learn at your own pace. Convenience features include an electric start with a backup kick-starter, folding adjustable front brake lever, color-matched comfort top grips, and a handy kickstand.

Price: $799

Contact: www.denagopowersports.com

2025 FXR CLUTCH PRO

FXR’s Clutch Pro motocross collection is meticulously engineered to offer riders specific features to fit their needs. Combining a mix of breathable Omni-Stretch materials and full-grain leather knees all designed with durability in mind, the FXR Clutch Pro line is designed to deliver an outstanding, premium, entry-level product line for the everyday rider.

Price: $49.99, jersey; $129.99, pants

Contact: www.fxrracing.com

FMF TURBINECORE 2.1 SILENCER

The Turbinecore 2.1 uses the exclusive Turbine Dampening System. This top-notch product is designed for two-stroke applications and has well earned its U.S. Forest-legal status. The straight-through design of the spark-arrestor canister, and the performance-flow stainless steel end cap ensures strength, durability and, most importantly, track- and trailproven unrestricted power and performance.

Price: $269.99

Contact: www.fmfracing.com

MOOSE ALPINESTARS TECH 7 BOOTS

Moose Racing has teamed up with Alpinestars to produce the allnew Tech 7 and Tech 7s Moose Racing-branded boots. Both boots will feature all the technology from Alpinestars that’s trusted by the pros and are available in two exclusive Moose Racing colorways and designs.

Price: $439.95, Tech 7; $249.95, Tech 7s

PRO CIRCUIT UMBRELLA

Everyone knows Pro Circuit makes performance aftermarket products for dirt bikes, but they offer much more, too. Pro Circuit’s umbrella comes in two styles, the classic logo and the “We Race” slogan. A good, stylish umbrella is hard to find, so whether you’re trying to block yourself from the sun on a hot day at the racetrack or looking to fight off the downpour, Pro Circuit literally has you covered.

Price: $25

Contact: www.procircuit.com

NITROMOUSSE PLUSHIE FOAM INSERT

Specifically made for slow, tight and technical extreme-enduro-type riding, the all-new Nitromousse Plushie foam insert is all about traction and eliminating the possibility of a flat. The Plushie is designed to mimic the feel of a standard tube with 6–8 pounds of pressure with having 100-percent flat-proof technology. These are a favorite of top professional riders like Cody Webb, Destry Abbott, Cooper Abbott and Quinn Wentzel.

Price: $134.95 each (comes with one tube of Nitrolube)

Contact: www.nitromousse.com

MAXXIS MX-SI MOTOCROSS TIRES

Developed with seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath, the all-new Maxxis MX-SI tires offer the MX line’s best traction for soft terrain, with the new tread pattern, and compound delivering consistent grip in rough conditions and under acceleration exiting corners. The redesigned, state-of-the-art tread pattern on the front tire is designed to provide outstanding lean-angle grip, stability and predictability.

Price: $97, 80/100/21 front; $117, 120/80/19 rear

Contact: www.maxxis.com

“BAJA: THE ADVENTURE” BOOK

“Baja: The Adventure” is a new book written and photographed by Jon Ortner that details the 2023 SCORE Baja 1000 race from start to finish. Following the 400X Pro Moto team sponsored by Baja Bound/ TBT Racing/Liebelt Inc., this book gives the reader a unique view of the demands of the race and the people of Baja. This hardbound and oversized coffee-table book would be a fine addition for any moto or off-road motorcycle enthusiast.

Price: $99 and up

Contact: bajatheadventurebook.com

CCR SPORTS HYBRID MOTO RACK

The Hybrid Moto rack can help secure just about any two-wheeled recreational vehicle imaginable. Designed to mount to your pickup’s front bulkhead to van partition walls, van seat bases (with their seat-base mounts) and trailers. Constructed out of 6063, American-made, aircraftgrade extruded-aluminum track with textured black powder coating, the Hybrid Moto Rack features heavy-duty tie-down loops, an exclusive X-nut fastening kit, and Moto Vise wheel chocks with built-in positional-width adjustments.

Price: $299.99 w/ free shipping

Contact: www.ccrsport.com

KOVE USA MX250

The Kove MX250 is the perfect small-bore, moto-leisure four-stroke. An excellent blend of affordability and performance, the MX250 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a blast on the track! Electric start, EFI, quality components and a six-speed DOHC powerplant all come together with an MSRP that hasn’t been seen on a 250F motocross bike for nearly 20 years. Give the MX250 a try, and you’ll be surprised how much fun, performance and quality you can have for under $6000!

Price Starting at: $5,999

Contact: www.kovemotousa.com.

KOVE 450 Rally

The Kove 450 Rally is the ultimate lightweight ADV bike that you have been dreaming of! What’s extra special about this bike? It’s streetlegal in all 50 states! Regardless of where you live, you can take the Kove 450 Rally anywhere you dare to ride! Kove has finally struck the perfect balance—lightweight agility and off-road suspension meet distance-friendly ergonomics and rally-raid styling. The 450 Rally is not simply rally-inspired, it’s rally-bred! It’s designed from day one as a rally motorcycle with an 8-gallon fuel capacity, frame-mounted tower, integrated windscreen and switchable ABS. It’s available in two seat heights—low and tall—to fit any size rider!

Price Starting at: $9,499
Contact: www.kovemotousa.com.

KOVE 800X Adventure

The new Kove 800X is ready to rewrite the rulebook on what an adventure bike can be. With more power on tap, it also has a dry weight hovering around 100 pounds less than the most popular bikes on the ADV market. The center of the 800X is the 799cc, DOHC parallel twin that churns out 95 horsepower. The fork is the same 49mm Yu-Ann from the 450 Rally, but sprung and valved for the 800. It is held in place by a billet triple clamp that also houses a steering stabilizer. Rear suspension duties are handled by a linkage-equipped Yu-Ann piggyback shock. Rounding out the package is a 5-gallon fuel tank, which can deliver up to 250 miles of range on a single fill-up.
Price Starting at: $11,999

Contact: www.kovemotousa.com.

The post 2024 DIRT BIKE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE // Searching for that perfect gift appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

Good news: the KTM 790 Adventure is back! Back in 2020 it had a base price of $12,699, which was only about 10 percent higher than a 500 dual-sport bike. Then it morphed into an 890, with more features and a bigger price tag. For 2024, the 890 is still available, but so is the 790, only this time the price is $10,990. That’s about 10 percent less than a 500 dual-sport. How is that possible? The bike is now assembled at the CFMoto factory in Hangzhou, China. We know the place well–we actually toured the factory a few years ago. It’s as modern and sophisticated as anything in Europe or Japan. It does, however, have cheaper labor costs and that’s what allows the 790 to come in with a lower price and compete with bikes like the Honda Transalp and Yamaha T7. Only the assembly is done in China; all the parts are shipped there.

The post 2024 KTM 790 ADVENTURE BIKE VIDEO TEST: BACK WITH A SMALLER PRICE TAG appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

LUCKY 13 PALA MOTOCROSS NATIONAL EXPERIENCE MAY 24-25
The Lucky 13 Pala experience will feature two jam-packed days of bucket-list adventure. Great riding on twisty two-lane road with limited dirt transfer sections (street tires are acceptable), unrivaled vistas, hanging out and riding with motocross legends Ricky Johnson and Jeff Ward and a one-off VIP experience at the Pala National MX.

FRIDAY MAY 24
• 8:00 a.m. Ride starts at Blackmore Ranch with coffee and snacks
• 9:00 a.m. Stands up and 76 miles to lunch
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch at the Lumber Mill in Idyllwild
• 1:30 p.m. Stands up and 100 miles to Rancho Bad Boy
• 4:30 p.m. Check in Stanlunds Hotel Borrego Springs
• 5:30 p.m. Van pick up for Rancho Bad Boy
• 6:30 p.m. Dinner and fire pit at Rancho Bad Boy

SATURDAY MAY 25
• 7:00 a.m. Breathing exercise, coffee and snacks
• 8:30 a.m. Stands up for ride to Pala MX
• 10:30 a.m. Pala National MX, VIP package including entry, pit pass, deluxe viewing area, track tour and joining RJ as he presents the Hero Award to decorated Military Special Forces Jeff Benrud
• 5:00 p.m. Ride from Pala back to the Blackmore Ranch

NEED TO KNOW INFO
-Bring your own bike or rent through Eagle Rider
-Riders must have protective gear (Helmet, boots) as well as suitable weather gear
-Cost $2,400.00 per rider, meals, lodging and passes included

Contact: https://www.rickyjohnson.com/

Our mission is to provide premium adventure bike tours featuring skill building for all
levels, incredible destinations, and one-of-a kind VIP experiences.

OUR TEAM

NAME: Ricky Johnson
RELEVENT EXPERIENCE: Multi-time AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion, multitime off-road truck champion, TV announcer, 20 years’ experience coaching military,
police, and professional motocross and off-road motorcycle training.

NAME: Mike Webb
RELEVENT EXPERIENCE: Motorcycle magazine editor, OEM development rider, factory
race team manager, military and police instructor.
NAME: Scott Cox
RELEVENT EXPERIENCE: Marketing/advertising with Ducati, KTM, Husqvarna.

WHERE WE ARE

We have two locations in Southern California, our shop facility in Lake Elsinore and our
desert base location in Ocotillo Wells.
WHERE WE GO
Our tours take place in the desert and mountains of California, Colorado, Nevada, and Baja
Mexico.

WE’RE DIFFERENT

Ricky Johnson Adventure Tours feature skill building courses combined with incredible tour destinations, VIP Supercross and Motocross experiences, and one-of-a kind Baja journeys. Our instructional concept is based on 20 years of experience training military, police, and professional racers. Adventure bikes offer the joy of both on and off-road riding and our skill building techniques allow riders to truly enjoy the sport with safety and confidence. We train each rider at their level; this is why we keep a low student to teacher ratio. This unique concept of instructional, adventure, and VIP tours is what sets us apart.
TOURS
• Multi-day destination tours with asphalt and dirt instruction included meals,
transportation and lodging provided.
• Select Supercross and Motocross races serve as tour destinations with VIP tickets
and amenities provided.
• Multi-day Baja adventure tour gets you inside the Baja Trophy Truck experience.
• All tour groups are 10-20 participants per event.
2024 SCHEDULE
• MAY Lucky 13 Celebrity Experience AMA National Motocross Pala, Ca.
• JUNE Lucky 13 Celebrity Experience AMA National Motocross Denver, Co.
• SEPT Lucky 13 Baja Team Experience Baja Mexico
• OCT 2 Day Adventure Bike Instructional Tour Ocotillo Wells, Ca.
• DEC 2 Day Adventure Bike Instructional Tour Ocotillo Wells, Ca.

The post RICKY JOHNSON ADVENTURE RIDE: FOX NATIONAL MX appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

You gotta admit, Italians understand sexy. The Moto Morini X-Cape is a motorcycle that’s positively electric with sex appeal— from its expensive-looking finish to its Ferrari Red color. The irony is that the X-Cape isn’t expensive or Italian. This is an entry-level adventure bike that’s manufactured in China. What sets it apart from the other Asian bikes that seem to materialize on a weekly schedule is that its origin, concept and heritage come from Milan. It was simply put together elsewhere.

THE MORINI IN YOU

If you don’t know what a Moto Morini is, that’s forgivable. It’s an Italian brand that was a very big deal in Europe back in the day, but never had much of a U.S. presence. They were the very definition of exotic, with bikes like 350 and 500cc V-twins. In the late ’80s, Moto Morini became a part of the Cagiva group, along with Husqvarna, Ducati and MV Agusta. Subsequently, it went through a number of ownership changes to eventually end up as part of an Asian investment group called Zhongneng. Now, the company maintains its design headquarters in Milan while manufacturing is in China. How much is Italian and how much is Chinese? Hard to say. The motor itself has been seen elsewhere. It’s made by CFMoto and is said to be inspired by—if not a copy of—a Kawasaki 650. It’s a 649cc twin with offset crank pins. It has a Bosch fuel-injection system and a 6-speed gearbox. The chassis and styling are what make the Morini special; it wouldn’t look out of place in a Ducati dealership. The frame is steel with a trellis layout and an aluminum swingarm. The price is your first big clue that it’s no Ducati.

The X-Cape has a suggested retail price of $7,999. Right now there’s a deal for $1,000 off. That puts the Morini in the same range as a Kawasaki KLR650, and it’s much more of a motorcycle. It has first-rate components—Brembo triple disc brakes, a fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and a KYB shock. The 17-/19-inch wheel combo has spoked rims with double walls that can accept tubeless tires. The tires themselves are Pirelli Scorpion Rally semi-knobs with excellent off-road capability. The cockpit has a 7-inch tablet as its primary instrument, along with two USB ports and an adjustable windscreen. Our bike had an accessory aluminum skid plate.

RIDE SOMEWHERE

This is a bike that needs a destination; you can’t just go out on a lunch ride with something like the X-Cape. It deserves a real adventure, like a La Paz run or at least a Backroads Discovery Route. On the road, it’s comfortable for long hauls. The seat and riding position are spread out, and sixth gear is tall enough to allow low revs at highway speed.

When you take the bike off-road, it’s a gas. The power is smooth and seamless. It’s not the most powerful adventure bike. It makes about 60 horsepower, which is plenty in the dirt. Right now, the adventure world is full of preposterously powerful motorcycles that need traction control and various ride modes just to be manageable. The X-Cape occupies that middle ground where sophisticated riding aids aren’t especially useful. It still makes enough power to walk away from KLR650s and Japanese 600cc dual-sport bikes with ease, but it won’t challenge a KTM 690 Enduro or a Husky 701. All of those bikes are singles, of course, and weigh considerably less.

In the world of twins, the only two bikes we’ve tested in this range are the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Benelli TRK502. The Suzuki has slightly more power than the Morini, which has noticeably more than the Benelli. Both the Suzuki and the Benelli are much more street-oriented than the X-Cape. The Morini reflects some real off-road engineering. The layout allows you to stand easily, and the suspension isn’t half bad. It feels pretty cushy at low speeds, although it’s set up a little too soft for a fast pace. It does have a certain range of adjustability, far more than you would expect for a bike in this price range. Overall, it handles surprisingly well. The front end sticks, and the rear end slides smoothly and predictably. The fact that it comes with excellent off-road tires is awesome. Like most adventure bikes, you have to stand up to weight the front wheel properly, but even if you don’t, good rubber makes a very big difference.

At that price, you gotta give up something. In this case, the electronic package is bare bones. It has handlebar controls that allow you to select an off-road mode, but it does little other than give you a cool knobby-tire graphic on the TFT display. There’s no modification to the power delivery or suspension. You can disable the rear-wheel anti-lock brake system in that mode, but you have to remember to do it again every time you start the bike.

We will say that the Morini’s ABS isn’t necessarily a bad thing in the dirt. It’s not that invasive. Still, most experienced off-road riders don’t like anything between them and the rear brake.

There are only a few other flies in the Morini ointment. The Bosch EFI mapping isn’t perfect. On downhills, the throttle response can be jerky, plus there’s a little popping. The cable clutch can be spongy, and there’s a little engine vibration that works its way up through the bars. On the flip side, the hand controls and footpegs are excellent. The attention to detail is surprisingly good everywhere.

COVERING GROUND

The greatest part about the X-Cape is that it doesn’t scare you, physically or financially. The obvious flaw with high-dollar adventure bikes is that you don’t want to push the edge—not with a fat, hungry payment book at home. The X-Cape sells for the price of a 125 motocross bike, so you can afford to get a little loose. The aforementioned $1,000 off will probably remain in place until all the 2023 models are sold out. The company gives you the option of taking that discount or a luggage set, which normally retails for $1,480. The luggage set consists of beautifully made aluminum saddlebags with a top case, which is an easy choice for anyone who wants to use the Morini for travel. There’s very little left aside from choosing when, where and how far to go.

The post MOTO MORINI XCAPE ADVENTURE BIKE: FULL TEST appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

What, you might ask, is a rally bike? Good question. At this point, no two answers are exactly the same. Honda, KTM, Triumph and other manufacturers use the term freely for wildly diverse models. For now, we like Kove’s definition best. The bike you see here is a machine you could enter in the Dakar Rally and, with a little luck and $100,000 for support, maybe even reach the finish. This is more than a dual-sport bike cast in the image of a rally racer; it’s a motorcycle made with that purpose in mind. Two of them finished Dakar in 2023, and Mason Klein is on one for the 2024 edition of the event.

THE KOVE CONNECTION

Mason Klein’s Kove is, of course, a factory-level works bike. But, at its core, it’s a production bike made in China. According to FIM rules, a rally bike must have a single-cylinder motor with a displacement limit of 450cc. For practical purposes, it has to be a real dirt bike that’s capable of going very far and very fast. It seems odd to us that no one else is offering a bike like this. KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas only make limited runs of semi-factory bikes that sell for about $35,000. Honda’s Dakar bikes are complete works bikes, and so are the Hero Dakar bikes.

What really makes the Kove Rally special is the price. It has a suggested retail price of $8,999. The Kove Rally is made in China, but it clearly has a very strong western influence. The motor is a double-overhead-cam, four-valve 450 with a 6-speed gearbox. The bottom end was from an earlier model, but everything from the base gasket up was developed for this bike. The fuel system is pretty wild. There are three tanks with a combined capacity of 7.4 gallons. It all feeds automatically to the left front tank, so there are no fuel-management issues. The bike has a small frame-mount fairing, a down-swept exhaust, a massive carbon fiber skid plate and instrumentation that includes a small tablet behind the windscreen. It has full lighting and equipment for street use. Currently, the Kove meets Euro 5 emissions requirements and is undergoing the process for approval in the U.S. For now, it falls into that gray area where it can be licensed in some states but not the more uptight ones (e.g., California). It even has anti-lock brakes, which can be disabled. The suspension comes from a company called Yu-An, the brakes are Taisko and the tires are CST. The components don’t look like typical Chinese parts. All are well finished, compact and perfectly modern.

GO FAR, GO FAST

Despite how nicely finished the Kove is, we were fairly cynical going in. We expected it to be broken within a few days or even hours. Carson Brown came down for our first few days of testing, and he can usually break a bike at will. He tried. Nothing broke. Beyond that, he really enjoyed it! The suspension, in particular, exceeded all expectations. Carson was hitting logs and leaping off rocks as if it were a 125. Admittedly, most of that is because of who he is. The bike is narrow and well proportioned, but it isn’t light. On our scale, it’s 334 pounds without fuel. We don’t know how heavy Ricky Brabec’s works Honda is, but we do know that if you put all this rally stuff on a Honda CRF450RL dual-sport bike, you would end up with the same basic weight. Regardless of that, we rode it everywhere we would take a regular dual-sport. In tight, rocky canyons, it felt big but not unmanageable. And, at the other end of the spectrum, it was outstanding. When the Kove is at speed on a fire road or two-track, it’s perfectly stable, fun and comfortable.

The motor is decent, but nothing to get excited about. Remember, this model has full-emission equipment and a super-quiet exhaust. It feels fairly plugged up. It makes decent power in the middle but doesn’t rev very far; KTM and Husky dual-sport bikes aren’t much better. The motor still has very clean EFI mapping with no dead spots and very little popping. It has a number of peculiar characteristics, such as very little engine braking. We learned to like it. We even took the bike around Glen Helen’s National track, where it was fine, just not fast.

THE REAL DEAL

Riding the Kove on a motocross course was mostly to satisfy our own curiosity. We know that no one is going to buy a 450 Rally for motocross or for Dakar or anything like that. What it’s really for is long dual-sport adventures. This is a bike that could be the foundation for a cross-country dream ride. There are a number of resources designed to help dual-sport/adventure riders take long rides that are mostly off-road. RideBDR.com is the most refined. It offers routes in 13 regions with track logs and services all organized. TransAmTrail.com has maps that will get you from West Virginia to Utah using a predominately off-road path, and GPSKevinAdventureRides.com has elements of both. The one thing they all have in common is that they are confined by fuel-range limitations. It’s hard to get more than 200 miles out of most bikes. With 7.4 gallons, which we measured, the Kove can do twice that. Filling all three tanks adds 45 pounds, changes the weight bias and alters the handling characteristics of the bike in weird ways, so that’s a last resort. You can just use the front two tanks and still get 250 miles of range. Many riders, we are told, actually disconnect the rear tank from the fuel system and use it for water storage. You will have to make that call when the bike is new, before you ever put a drop of gasoline in that rear tank.

Regardless of how much fuel you have on board, the bike is comfortable and smooth for the long haul. The wheels are well balanced, there’s very little vibration and wind protection is decent. Even the seat is comfortable when you’re planted semi-motionless for hours, crossing state lines. On the highway, you will notice that the bike is only a 450. It has power typical of a dual-sport bike, but it suffers by comparison to big adventure bikes that have 100 horsepower ready to go. Is that the competition for the Kove? In truth, we don’t know. This bike exists in a one-bike class. If you’re the long-distance dual-sport kind of guy, the only real comparison is a heavily modified dual-sport bike, and even that won’t give you the range of the Kove—and it will cost thousands more.

There’s more to unpack here. Kove is a very ambitious company with big plans for other models. There is a full-dirt model called the Rally Pro, which does away with all the restrictions and makes about 10 horsepower more. There’s also a 50-state-legal version coming soon. For now, the fact that the Kove Rally exists at all is the biggest news. We feel it sets a new high mark for Chinese motorcycles.

The post 2024 KOVE RALLY ADVENTURE BIKE appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

What, exactly, is an adventure bike? That’s no easy question, but for the purposes of this collection, we like using the phrase “full-size dual-sport bikes.” These are bikes that are street bikes first and foremost, but designed to be capable on off-road excursions. Some, clearly are more street-oriented than others. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it will give you a broad overview of the class, with photos, descriptions and prices. Those prices are MSRPs and do not included dealer fees, taxes or destination changes.

BMW R 1300 GS TROPHY: TBA
Packing 145 horsepower in the air/liquid-cooled Boxer engine, the R 1300 GS Trophy is BMW’s ultimate adventure machine. It has a 34.25-inch seat height, the suspension is BMW’s EVO-Telelever central shock absorber. Out back, there’s a cast-aluminum, single-sided swingarm with EVO-Paralever and a central WAD spring strut that’s spring preloaded and fully adjustable with travel at 7.5 inches in the front and 7.9 inches in the rear. The wheels are spoked, with 19 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear. In standard trim it has DTC, ABS Pro, four riding modes, HSC, dynamic brake control, cruise control and heated grips. BMW’s list of optional equipment is staggering—from electronic suspension with load control and spring rate adjustment to forged enduro wheels and an Enduro Pro package.

BMW R 1300 GS: $18,895 (BASE)
Boasting BMW’s new chassis, mated to the monocoque rear subframe, the R 1300 GS is fit with a new EVO Telelever front end, the rear EVO Paralever suspension that can be equipped with DSA (Dynamic Suspension Adjustment), and the optional adaptive-vehicle height control. The innovative modular frame makes seat-height adjustments easy; lighting is an LED Matrix unit and the windscreen is adjustable. The machine totes 5.0 gallons of fuel and weighs in at 523 pounds full of petrol. They offer a vast array of optional upgrades.

HARELY-DAVIDSON PAN-AMERICAN: $19,999

Harley Davidson got into the adventure game in a big way with the Pan American. The 1250cc Revolution Max motor is the newest and most sophisticated powerplant in the company’s history with 150 horsepower and a six-speed gearbox. It has 5 ride modes and adaptive suspension which allows you to lower the seat height when you come to a stop.  The CVO Special comes with spoke wheels, upgraded suspension and full luggage. It sells for $28,399.

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: $20,999
The 1290 Super Adventure R has been fit with a new frame with a repositioned steering head for improved cornering, while the front engine mount has been rotated forward to help under hard acceleration. WP suspension has new valving for improved off-road action, along with a WP steering damper, adjustable footpegs, Brembo brakes, and a new 6.1-gallon fuel tank with an electronically controlled gas cap and a storage department. The twin cylinder is chain-driven, with a Pasc slipper clutch, advanced electronics and a new muffler. It’s Ride-by-Wire and features the Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) package with multi-mode combined ABS and multi-mode traction control (MTC), including Sport, Street, Off-Road and Rain settings to allow the rider to fine-tune the power application in any situation. There’s an adjustable 7-inch TFT dash, adjustable windshield, and cruise control and stock items.

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S: $20,999
KTM’s more street-biased 1290 uses alloy wheels that are lightweight and fit with a 19/17 combo using Mitas Terra Force-R tires. In the suspension department, WP’s Semi-Active Technology with electronically controlled magnetic values for dashboard adjustability. The screen is a 7-inch TFT display and is equipped with Ride-by-Wire, features Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) package with multi-mode Combined ABS, and multi-mode traction control (MTC), including Sport, Street, Off-Road and Rain settings. It has separate seats for the rider and passenger, the front being adjustable.

BMW R 1250 GS ADVENTURE: $20,745 (BASE)
BMW’s R 1250 GS is the more dirt-oriented of the BMW R GS line. The 1250 GS Adventure has the 136-horsepowered Boxer engine that’s a twin-cam, liquid-cooled 6-speeder that is fit with BMW’s ShiftCam variable camshaft control system and full LED lighting. The Adventure has a 7.9-gallon fuel cell, a 6.5-inch TFT display, pro ride modes, which has up to seven with new dynamic engine brake control, ensuring optimum control on any terrain. The standard Eco mode gets more range out of every tank of fuel, spoked wheels, a steering damper, 8.3 inches of travel out of the BMW Telelever central spring strut front suspension, and 8.7 inches from the single sided swingarm with BMW Paralever, WAD-strut rear suspension. Like the entire BMW line, there are many upgrade options available.

YAMAHA SUPER TENERE ES: $16,299 (2023 MODEL)
Yamaha’s Super Ténéré ES is powered by a 1199cc parallel twin and is a shaft-drive 6-speed that uses a twin-downdraft throttle body for control and acceleration. It has a two-position Drive mode, allowing the rider to adjust mapping for conditions, has cruise control and traction control with three modes to match conditions. Push-button electronically adjusted KYB suspension has four preload settings, three damping presets, and an additional seven fine-tuning damping adjustments and an adjustable saddle height.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY: $29,995
A very customizable machine, the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is powered by an 1158cc V4 Gran turismo engine that delivers 170 horsepower (125 kW) at 10,750 rpm. In the Enduro riding mode with Off-Road power mode, it drops to 115 horsepower for a more dynamic, direct response and a reduction in consumption and emissions. It’s fit with a new 7.9-gallon aluminum tank and new Ducati Skyhook Evolution semi-active suspension. The Skyhook DSS EVO suspension has increased travel (7.9 inches), auto-leveling, minimum preload and a suspension lowering kit. The V4 Rally has front and rear radar, along with adaptive cruise control.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE: $16,199
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure has a longer rake and wheelbase than the base V-Strom 1050, along with longer-travel suspension. This makes it palatable on gravel roads and off-road excursions. It comes with spoked wheels that are fit with Dunlop ADV tires, and the 5-inch TFT panel shows off Suzuki’s SIRS settings, which include five modes for traction control, including the new Off-Road Gravel mode. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1037cc, 90-degree, V-twin engine uses a Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle system, has adaptable ABS and a quick-shifting feature.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE ADVENTURE: $17,799
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure rides in a new chassis with better ground clearance and all-new longer-travel suspension. The spoked wheels are fit with aggressive Dunlop ADV rubber, and the 5-inch TFT panel shows off Suzuki’s SIRS settings, which include five modes for traction control, including the new Off-Road Gravel mode. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1037cc, 90-degree, V-twin engine delivers more horsepower with the same level of torque and fuel economy. It uses a Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle system, has adaptable ABS and a quick-shifting feature. The Adventure version adds aluminum panniers and LED fog lights.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 SE LT: $18,899 (2023 MODEL)
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT is a well-equipped adventure touring machine. It features Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS), integrated riding modes, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), electronic cruise control and a TFT color meter. The four-cylinder 1043cc engine is fit with a slipper clutch, KIBS intelligent braking, plus it has two power modes, electronic cruise control, Kawasaki Quick Shift and an Eco mode for fuel conservation. The 1000 has a 5.5-gallon fuel tank, heated grips, a large adjustable windscreen and a KQR 28-liter saddlebag system.

DUCATI 950 DESERTX. $17,995.00
The Ducati DesertX is fit with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, long-stroke suspension, and a new frame designed specifically for the off-road experience. It’s powered by a 937cc, liquid-cooled twin that makes 110 horsepower. Updated gear ratios and multiple riding modes help off-road functionality, and the big news comes in the KYB suspension; a 46mm, 9-inch travel fork; and a tune-able KYB rear damper with similar travel. Beefy Brembo brakes with ABS and spoked wheels equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tubeless tires. The DesertX tips the scales at 492 pounds with the 5.5-gallon fuel tank topped off.

DUCATI DESERTX RALLY $22,995
Ducati’s DesertX Rally offers an additional 20mm of suspension travel, 250mm at the front and 240mm at the rear. Both the 48mm closed-cartridge front fork (Kashima coated outer, DLC inner) and 46mm rear shock are produced in collaboration with KYB. It’s equipped with an Ohlins steering damper, dedicated wheels, six riding modes, uses a 5-inch color TFT display and has full LED lighting. Power shouldn’t be an issue, as it makes 110 horsepower.

MV AGUSTA LXP ORIOLI: TBA
Graphically based around rally star Edi Orioli and his Lucky Explorer machine from the ’90s, the MV Agusta LXP is a limited-edition luxury machine that has strong off-road character and class-leading technology. The engine is a new 950 triple that puts out 124 horsepower. The frame is steel, the swingarm is aluminum, it uses 21-/18-inch wheels and long-travel Sachs suspension (8.3- front/8.3-inch rear). It has a TFT 7-inch full HD dashboard, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, cruise control, launch control, and eight levels of traction control. The exhaust is titanium and part of the kit, including Agusta-branded aluminum side cases.

NORDEN 901: $14,899
Husqvarna’s Norden 901 is powered by a torquey, 889cc parallel-twin engine fit with a 6-speed gearbox, along with Easy Shift and a power-assist slipper clutch. It comes with four ride modes: Street, Rain, Off-Road and Explorer. Throttle response, traction control and peak power are set up differently in each mode. The Explorer mode gives the rider full control over all functions. WP Apex suspension can be found fore and aft, with 220mm of fork travel and 215mm of travel in the rear. It has handguards, a windshield, LED lights and a steering damper.

NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION: $16,499
The Norden Expedition shares the same parallel-twin engine as the 901, along with the adjustable Ride modes. The big differences come in suspension, along with the technical accessories for the serious explorer. The fork and shock are WP XPLOR units and the 48mm fork has 240mm of travel, which is mirrored by the XPLOR shock. Being more off-road-minded, the Expedition has a beefy skid plate, a center stand, heated grips and saddle, and integrated side bags that tote 36 liters of packable gear.

MOTO GUZZI V85 TT: $12,190–$13,990
The classic Moto Guzzi V85 TT has an air-cooled, 853cc, fuel-injected V-twin motor with 76 horsepower with enhanced low and medium power this year. It has five riding modes, making it easier to manage traction, ABS and pickup via the Ride-by-Wire handlebar control. Cruise control and a color TFT instrument panel come as standard. The fuel tank holds a little more than 6.0, gallons, the wheels are spoked, and a 19-inch front, 17-inch rear combination. Moto Guzzi has several styles, including the VTT Travel- and Adventure-specific models.

BMW F 900 GS/900 GS ADVENTURE: TBA, GS/$17,295, GS ADVENTURE
All new for 2024, the middleweight F 900 GS and GS Adventure feature an updated and larger engine, upgraded electronics, new suspension, and a weight loss. The new tank is plastic and shaved off 10 pounds, the new exhaust is lighter, and the GS model is 31 pounds lighter. Both models get a new 6.5-inch full-color TFT display and LED lighting. They have two ride modes: Rain and Road, and ABS and DTC. The machines get all-new suspension highlighted by the 43mm, 9-inch-travel Showa fork.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT/GT PRO: $14,995, TIGER 900 GT/$16,895, GT PRO
Triumph’s 900 GT and GT Pro have been on the receiving end of more power, torque and comfort for 2024. The 900cc triple makes 13 percent more power with 9 percent better fuel economy. Both have enhanced braking and an emergency deceleration warning system. Each of the 900s receive the new 7-inch TFT display. The GT comes with a Marzocchi 45mm USD fork with a manually adjustable rear shock. The GT Pro has an electronically adjustable preload and rebound damping with the rear shock. Travel is 180mm in front and 170mm in the back. The brakes are Brembo, while the wheels are cast alloy.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 RALLY PRO: $17,395
The Rally Pro has My Triumph connectivity and a Bluetooth module that are accessed via the new, intuitive 7-inch TFT display. It also comes fit with Triumph shift-assist (quick clutch-less gear changes) and six riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro and Rider Programmable), as well as LED lighting. The suspension is Showa at over 9 inches of travel, and it has heated grips and a heated seat. This mates to a big power increase, Brembo brakes, spoked (21-/17-inch) wheels, Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tires, a 20mm adjustable saddle, a 20-liter fuel tank and a five-way-adjustable windscreen.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY: $21,499
A limited-edition model, the 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally is fit with race-spec WP XPLOR Pro suspension, heavy-duty rims and a lightweight Akrapovic slip-on exhaust. As for electronics, it comes with Tech Pack. Motor Slip Regulation, Cruise, Quickshifter and the latest Rally mode are in the package. This allows adjustable wheel-slip, deactivates anti-wheelie mode and allows for three levers of throttle response. For the off-roader, it has wider pegs, Mitas Enduro Trail rubber and a steering damper.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R: $15,799
KTM’s 890 Adventure R leans towards off-road with its Dakar look, reworked WP suspension, WP steering damper, spoked wheels and Mitas Enduro Trail designed for versatile adventure riding. The machine makes serious power, comes with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch in the compact parallel twin. It is fit with Cornering (On and Off-Road) ABS and MTC ride modes, which are there to assist in a variety of conditions. The brakes are Brembo, while the tires in the spoked wheels are Mitas Enduro Trail designed for versatile ADV riding.

BMW F 850 GS ADVENTURE: $13,595 (2023 BASE MODEL)
BMW’s more versatile 850-class adventure machine, the new 850 GS Adventure, has 90 horsepower out of the parallel-twin water-cooled engine. The fuel tank holds 6.1 gallons, the wheels are cross-spoked, and the front is a 21-inch (preferred for off-road). The windshield is adjustable, there are two ride modes (rain/road), ABS, Dynamic Traction Control, and it comes with rack and engine guards for protection. The F 850 GS Adventure offers 9.1 inches of front suspension travel and 8.5 inches of rear suspension travel, and as an option you can get Dynamic ESA, which is electronic suspension adjustment.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE: $11,599
The V-Strom 800DE features their parallel-twin, 776cc, DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder engine; a steel frame; long-travel, 8.7-inch Showa suspension; a rear shock that has a hydraulic spring preload adjuster; and the most ground clearance of any V-Strom model ever. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) includes traction control with a trail-oriented Gravel mode, plus rider-adjustable ABS with two levels of sensitivity and the ability to switch off the rear-wheel ABS when riding off-road.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE ADVENTURE: $13,049
The Adventure version of the 800DE uses the parallel-twin, 776cc, DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder engine; a steel frame; long travel, 8.7-inch Showa suspension; a rear shock that has a hydraulic spring-preload adjuster; and the most ground clearance of any V-Strom model ever. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) includes traction control with a trail-oriented Gravel mode, plus rider-adjustable ABS with two levels of sensitivity. The V-Strom 800DE Adventure is equipped with quick-release, black-anodized, 37-liter aluminum panniers, plus a rugged accessory bar and aluminum skid pan for true off-road touring capability.

BMW F 800 GS: TBA
This is considered BMW’s more entry-level big-boy ADV bike, and the F 800 GS puts out 87 horsepower from the inline two-cylinder engine, has dual riding modes (Rain and Road), Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro. Like its brothers, the color display is a 6.5-inch TFT unit, it has heated grips, LED lighting and hand protectors.

KTM 790 ADVENTURE: $10,990
The 2024 KTM 790 Adventure is powered by a 790cc parallel twin, has a reworked clutch and more crankshaft weight for smoother power. The electronics package includes ABS, MTC and ride modes, while the suspension is fit WP Apex dampers front and rear with 200mm of travel. The fork is an open-cartridge unit with split-function technology. Spoked wheels are fit with Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, the brakes are Brembo and rally-inspired bodywork with a wider saddle for improved comfort.

HONDA TRANSALP: $9,999
Honda has brought back the Transalp. In its new form, the machine is powered by a 755cc twin, uses a high-pressure fuel injection (better response) and has quick shifting. The Transalp has five separate riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and Rider Custom, along with HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control); you can choose the level of wheelspin in the ride mode. Both suspension ends are Showa, the 43mm fork has 7.9 inches of travel, and the Pro Link rear end has a stroke of 7.5 inches. The dashboard is a 5-inch LCD unit, and the gas tank holds 4.5 gallons of fuel.

HONDA NC750X DCT: $9,499
For 2024 the NC750X comes equipped with Honda’s automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission. You basically shift with the push of a button, or go full auto and it shifts itself. This machine showcases versatility, but leans more towards street than off-road. It’s an SOHC, eight-valve parallel twin and has two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The suspension is Showa, with the travel at 4.7 inches in the front and 4.2 inches in the back. It uses cast-aluminum wheels, Ride-by-Wire and four selectable power modes. The 3.7-gallon fuel tank resides under the seat for centralized mass.

URAL GEAR UP: $21,999 (2023 MODEL
Ural’s Gear Up is a dirt-oriented, 749cc, opposed-twin sidecar motorcycle. It has two-wheel drive, reverse and a spare tire. They now have Keihin fuel injection. The gearbox is a 4-speed with a reverse gear, produces 41 horsepower and is shaft-driven. Front suspension is an IMZ leading-link system, with Sachs handling the rear end. The sidecar is lockable, and the Gear Up has high-end Heidenau tires. It has a two-into-one exhaust, Brembo rear brakes, Heidenau tires, a forged-aluminum swingarm and a center stand. They offer several options, including the Expedition model, which comes with more luggage space, tougher bike and sidecar protection, matching windshields and upgraded suspension mated to a much higher price tag.

HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO: 12,999
The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is most definitely an overcharged dual-sport machine. It features a 74-horsepower engine, has two power modes, optional front ABS, 50mm Keihin fuel injection, Ride-by-Wire throttle and a 6-speed gearbox that uses an APTC (Adler Power Torque Clutch) that allows for greater speeds in corners, enhanced grip and less braking chatter. It’s wrapped around a trellis frame and a rear subframe that houses a 13-liter (3.4-gallon) plastic fuel tank. The suspension is WP, a 250mm-travel XPLOR fork and identical rear-wheel travel, which exploits its dirt worthiness, and the dry weight of 321 pounds is a boon for the off-road-worthiness of the 701.

YAMAHA TENERE 700: $10,799
The Ténéré 700 features a fuel-injected, 689cc, liquid-cooled, inline, twin-cylinder engine that is counter-balanced for smoothness. New for 2024 the Ténéré 700 offers three-mode selectable ABS, allowing riders to choose their preferred level of braking intervention. Long-travel suspension (43mm fork with 8.3 inches in the front, 7.9 inches in the rear) is adjustable. Braking is handled with triple discs, the wheels are spoked, a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear with Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires. The wet weight is 452 pounds. It features Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, which is viewed through a new 5-inch color TFT display.

GASGAS ES 700: $12,699
GasGas ADV ES 700 is dirt-oriented (for an Adventure bike) and has the same basic motor and chassis as the KTM 690 Enduro and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro, but has its own bodywork. It features Ride-by-Wire and electronic systems with three modes—Off-Road, Street and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)—while the ABS system offers an optional Off-Road mode. A trellis frame is fit with machined triple clamps and WP XPLOR suspension. It has a 13.4-liter gas tank located under the rear subframe.

KTM 690 ENDURO R: $12,999
Honestly, the 690 lacks some of the bells and whistles the normal ADV may want, but it’s very dirt-oriented with enough performance to make the tarmac rider smile. The 690 Enduro R’s LC4 single-cylinder engine features two balancer shafts, Ride-by-Wire and an electronic system that feature switchable modes—Off-road and Street and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)—while the ABS system offers an optional Off-Road mode. A trellis frame is fit with machined triple clamps and WP XPLOR suspension with new settings for better offroad absorption.

SUZUKI V-STROM 650XT: $9,699
The 2023 V-Strom 650XT has a liquid-cooled, 645cc, 90-degree, V-twin engine, and is fit with Suzuki’s traction control and their patented throttle body that stabilizes engine idle speed and lowers emissions. The XT comes with handguards and engine protection. It also has traction control, ABS braking and tubeless Bridgestone Battlax radial tires with spoked wheels in a 19-/17-inch combination.

SUZUKI V-STROM 650 XT ADVENTURE: $10,899
The V-Strom 650XT Adventure focuses on rider comfort and a versatile performance package. The V-twin electronics use Suzuki’s advanced traction control system, easy-start system, low-rpm assist feature, plus ABS technology. It has spoke-style wheels with blue-anodized aluminum rims that carry tubeless radial dual-sport tires, handguards and a protective lower-engine cowl. It comes fit with a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, has a three-way-adjustable windscreen, a 43mm fork, plus a set of Suzuki’s aluminum panniers, an accessory bar, a handlebar cross-brace and mirror extensions.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 LT: $10,099
The 649cc, parallel-twin engine has a 6-speed gearbox and sealed chain driveline. Cast-aluminum 17-inch wheels, ABS braking with dual rotors up front and just under 6 inches of travel target the adventure side of touring. The Versys 650 LT comes equipped with a set of hard saddlebags featuring KQR mounts and an integrated mounting system that utilizes the ignition key for simple saddlebag unlocking and removal. The LT version is also fit with handguards. It has an adjustable windscreen, TFT color instrumentation with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC).

KAWASAKI KLR650 ADVENTURE: $8,199
Little has changed with the KLR 650 Adventure. The bodywork has a rally look, the engine is fuel-injected, a 5-speed and is chain-driven. It has an LED headlight; the fork is a conventional, non-adjustable 41mm fork; and a Uni-Trak shock is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. Disc brakes utilize ABS. The KLR650 Adventure is their elite of the KLR-based machines equipped with factory-installed side cases, engine guards, tank pad, LED auxiliary light set, DC power outlet and USB socket.

MOTO MORINI X-CAPE: $7,999
The Moto Morini X-Cape is powered by a DOHC, 649cc parallel twin that puts out 60 horsepower. It has full LED lighting and a 7-inch TFT color dash, with Bluetooth calls, music and maps. The fork is a 50mm inverted Marzocchi damper, and out back the X-Cape uses a KYB damper. Braking is handled by Brembo. It uses spoked wheels that are wrapped with Pirelli Scorpion STR Rally tires, and it comes equipped with an adjustable windscreen.

HONDA CB500X: $7,299 (2023 MODEL)
The Honda CB500X is fit with a 41mm (5.9-inch travel) inverted Showa fork and a rear Pro Link system with 5.3 inches of travel. It favors street touring as the 471cc twin makes good power, is fuel-injected, and has received some performance updates that improved the torque of the machine. A revamped intake tract and fuel injection mate to a slipper clutch with a lighter pull and smoother downshifts. The front wheel is now a 19-inch model, and it gets ABS brakes as standard equipment.

CSC RX4 ADVENTURE: $4,695 (2023 MODEL)
The RX4 has a 450cc fuel-injected DOHC motor with a 6-speed gearbox that makes just over 40 horsepower. The fuel tank holds 5.3 gallons, it comes equipped with an adjustable windscreen, a 7-inch TFT display, ABS, LED lighting, dual disc brakes, plus the RX4 comes with molded side cases and a tall rear box. Competitively priced, the company sells its products online and offers a one-year warranty.

ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN: TBA
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has been completely reworked for 2024. The air-cooled, 411cc single has been replaced with a liquid-cooled, 452cc single with DOHC and four valves. They claim 39.5 horsepower, while the air-cooled version had 24 horsepower. It’s a 6-speed (formerly a 5-speed), and the engine is now a stressed member of the frame. All new is the suspension, with a 43mm Showa fork and a linkage rear shock with travel at 7.9 inches fore and aft. The wheelbase is longer, the gas tank is larger and the Himalayan has a new 4-inch TFT display in a round gauge. It will be available in several colors.

KTM 390 ADVENTURE: $7,599
This 373cc, single-cylinder travel adventure machine has a 3.8-gallon fuel tank, a sturdy windshield and ergonomics that allow for easy stand-up riding. An LED light, TFT display, ABS and MTC traction control allow the rider to adjust the performance to the terrain. It’s fit with a slipper clutch and Ride-by-Wire on a dual-overhead cam engine with a 6-speed gearbox. A trellis frame, reworked WP Apex suspension, cast wheels and ABS highlight the 390.

KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 300: $6,199
The Versys-X is Kawasaki’s most economical entry-level machine designed for adventure touring. Power flows through a 296cc parallel twin, which gets fuel via a digital fuel-injection system. The Versys engine is fit with a slipper clutch, and the disc brakes have ABS. It comes equipped with a telescopic fork with 5.1 inches of travel, a 19-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel, front cowling, a tall windshield, and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank that is good for a long exploration ride.

BMW G 310 GS: $5,695
BMW’s G 310 GS is their smallest ADV machine powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 34-horsepower engine fit with a 6-speed gearbox and makes peak power at 10,500 rpm. It’s equipped with Ride-by-Wire and a slipper clutch. The frame is tubular steel and fit with an upside-down fork with 7.1 inches of travel. It comes with ABS braking. and a 19-inch cast front wheel mates to a 17-inch cast rear. It weighs 386 pounds fully fueled up.

HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $6,149 (2023 MODEL)/$6,499, WITH ABS
Honda’s CRF300L Rally gets a factory look of a true rally racer. The tall windscreen; the extra-coverage fairing and side panels; and the blended, frame-mounted bodywork all come from rally DNA. It features a steel-perimeter frame, and the suspension is handled with a 43mm fork with 10.2 inches of travel with the rear Pro Link receiving the same. It has front and rear disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon tank and weighs in at 331 pounds.

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Suzuki can stake a legitimate claim as co-creator of the adventure bike genre. Back in 1988, Suzuki Europe had the appropriately named “DR Big,” which was a 727cc single with a massive range and styling that paid tribute to the Paris-Dakar Rally. Over here, the V-Strom 650 sold in massive numbers starting in the early 2000s.

That’s why the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE makes perfect sense as a cutting-edge adventure bike—only it’s 10 years overdue. The 800 picks up where the first V-Stroms left off. It isn’t a V-twin, though, and has no mechanical relationship to the existing V-Strom 1050 or 650. The motor is a 776cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank. And, unlike the other V-Strom models, this one can take on the best in the adventure bike world.

A NEW TAKE ON AN OLD IDEA

Even though Suzuki was one of the first in the game, the V-Strom line had grown stale as far as true off-road capability goes. For Suzuki, the adventure bike title was code for any street bike with a relaxed riding position. Now, the biggest news is that the company is suddenly showing more commitment to off-road riding with a bike that’s new from the ground up in both design and concept. The motor was created to be used both in the V-Strom and in the GSX-8S naked street bike. The frame is like no previous V-Strom. It is constructed of steel rather than aluminum. The Showa suspension has more travel and more adjustability, the bike has more ground clearance and the electronic features show that Suzuki is paying attention. The V-Strom 1150 has had traction control since its introduction, but it was completely ineffective once you got off the pavement, acting more like a governor to prevent aggressive behavior. The 800, on the other hand, has three levels of traction control, plus “Gravel” mode that is configured to actually help you ride dirt roads more effectively, which is a complete 180 in philosophy. The bike’s electronic portfolio also offers options for the Suzuki Drive Mode System (SDMS), which is another way of saying power output. It has three levels: “A” is the most aggressive and “C” is for rain. And then there’s the anti-lock brake menu, which has two levels and “Off.” Even when Off is selected, some front-wheel anti-lock is noticeable, but only in a good way.

The Showa shock has adjustable compression and rebound, plus a hydraulic preload adjuster. If you want to stiffen it up for off-road riding, you don’t have to get out a hammer and punch; you just twist a knob by hand. The fork is fairly sophisticated compared to other bikes in this price range, with both adjustable compression, rebound and limited preload. It connects to a 21-inch front wheel with spokes and tube-type tires.

BIG ADVENTURE AND DAILY LIFE

The Suzuki is a comfortable bike. This is why adventure bikes like this have become popular for mainstream street riding; it’s spread out and puts the rider in a fairly upright riding position. And, there’s just enough wind protection to make that position workable at faster speeds on the street. The overall height is reasonable by adventure bike standards, too. A drop in the seat allows most riders to touch the ground flat-footed. When you get in the dirt, of course, that riding position can be awkward if you remain seated. You’re too far behind the big tank to properly weight the front wheel, which is why you must stand most of the time. That’s all normal adventure operating procedure. What sets the V-Strom apart is how well it fits in both environments. Once you’re standing, the riding position is perfect. The front wheel sticks, and the rear end breaks loose when you want it to. We have to confess that we never installed proper off-road tires in our time with the V-Strom. We stuck with the stock Dunlop TrailMax tires, which are 90 percent street-oriented. That meant we couldn’t get too wild in the dirt, but we were impressed by just how much we were able to get away with.

Our test bike is technically a 2023 model, but it’s mechanically identical to the 2024 version, which sells for $11,599.

The main attraction is the motor. The power on the Suzuki is great—smooth, long and revvy on top. Without a back-to-back comparison, it’s hard to say how well it compares to the BMW F850GS or the KTM 890 Adventure, but Suzuki claims 85 horsepower at 8500 rpm, which is a bit less than either of those but considerably more than a Yamaha T7 or the new Honda Transalp 750. It’s plenty, especially in the dirt. Without traction control, it’s fun to light up the rear wheel, but you don’t really go anywhere. The Gravel mode allows you to drift the rear wheel a little, but you also get decent drive. When you roll on the throttle, it smoothly limits wheelspin without any abrupt engine cut-out. When you choose higher levels of traction control, the motor seems to just slow down rather than cut out. That’s a huge step forward for Suzuki. This kind of traction control, as we mentioned, is actually designed to help you ride in the dirt rather than discourage you from even trying.

Any adventure bike is going to have to make compromises somewhere when it comes to suspension. Suzuki aimed the 800DE a little more towards the street side of the universe. That means it is a little cushier than either a KTM 890 or Yamaha T7. It’s more comfortable on the road that way, but when you find yourself going fast in the dirt, the front end will dive on braking more than you want, and you can use almost all the suspension in G-outs and washouts. Conversely, the Suzuki is more manageable at lower speeds, because it has a lower seat height and a lower center of gravity than either of those machines. It’s not light, by any means, but the crankshaft is reasonably low in the chassis compared to similar bikes. It gives up about 2 inches of ground clearance to the KTM and the Yamaha, but has more than the Honda Transalp.

Overall detailing is quite good on the 800DE. The foot controls have enough adjustment to work for both worlds. Even the footpegs have excellent grip once you remove the rubber inserts. The handlebar is oversize aluminum, it has good handguards and the fuel range is above average with its 5.3-gallon fuel tank.

The 800DE’s motor is a parallel twin with a 270-degree crank that mimics the pulse of a V-twin.

OFF-ROAD TOURING

There’s a sliding scale that we take for granted in the adventure bike world. On the far end we have full street bikes that are claimed to have mild off-road capabilities. The previous V-Strom offerings fell into that category. On the opposite side, there’s the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally Edition with its towering seat height and high-end suspension. The Suzuki falls right in the center. It’s more street-oriented than the Yamaha T7 and a little dirtier than the new Honda Transalp. We’re glad that Suzuki is back in the game, and especially impressed that it’s landed among such good company.

The post SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE: FULL TEST appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

Grand adventures come easily to the wealthy. These are the people who can afford the Himalayan trip of a lifetime with chase trucks and caravans every single summer. They don’t blink at $30,000 motorcycles and satellite phones. We do, though. Luckily, there are adventures that aren’t restricted to the elite and their checkbooks, and they come aboard bikes like the new Honda XL750 Transalp.

The Transalp is a bike designed with the solitary goal of opening up modest adventure rides to people who work for a living. It’s all about the price; the Transalp has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $9,999. That’s actually less than the CRF450RL dual-sport bike. It’s still a 749cc parallel twin that puts out around 80 horsepower and offers a number of electronic riding aides. It’s the type of bike that you ride to your adventure and then ride home afterwards.

ADVENTURE THEN AND NOW
The Transalp name is recycled from a very similar bike that was offered in 1987. That was a 600cc V-twin with a concept that baffled most Americans. We saw it as a tribute to an obscure stage race that started in Paris, France, and finished in Dakar, Senegal. No one knew it was an adventure bike—that term hadn’t been coined yet. That bike quietly disappeared in the U.S. but remained in Europe, morphing through several configurations. Now, it’s a different world. Honda estimates that the market for adventure bikes grew 400 percent in the last five years. It isn’t necessarily because street riders found a new love for riding in the dirt. Most of the ADV bikes in the real world present riders with a comfortable means for touring and commuting. They buy into the image and the maybe-one-day possibility of adventure rides.

Today’s Transalp is designed to appeal to that rider, and then if and when maybe-one-day arrives, it can deliver on the promise. It has an inline two-cylinder motor with a single overhead cam using Honda’s Unicam configuration. The crank pins are offset at 270 degrees for the purpose of providing an uneven pulse, similar to that of a V-twin. The suspension is Showa with adjustable preload and just under 8 inches of travel. What really sets the Transalp apart from other adventure bikes in this price range is its electronic portfolio. The bike has four predetermined “ride modes.” A handlebar switch allows you to cycle through Standard, Sport, Rain and Gravel settings. Each has its own levels of power output, traction control, engine braking and antilock braking. In addition to those user-defined position where you set your own values. The power setting doesn’t actually adjust peak power as much as throttle sensitivity. Traction control has five levels to choose from, engine braking has four, and there are three ways to set ABS: road, off-road and off. Even when turned off, front wheel anti-lock remains active.

Honda gave the Transalp a fairly sophisticated electronics portfolio. The motor has a sweet nature, even without any electronic intervention.
PA WILDS
Honda’s press department introduced the Transalp in a particularly blue-collar manner. They planned out a Backroads Discovery Route in rural Pennsylvania called the “PA Wilds BDR-X.” In case you don’t already know about Backroads Discovery Routes, this is the perfect means to make epic rides accessible to virtually anyone. BDR is a non-profit organization that posts track logs and resources for dirt rides all over America. There are over a dozen point-to-point rides posted with gas stops and mileages all figured out. There are also a few loops that begin and end in the same location. These are called “BDR-X” routes, and PA Wilds is one of those. It wasn’t quite the alps, but we did it in October and got the very best that autumn in Pennsylvania has to offer.

If anything defines an adventure bike, it’s the rider position. The Transalp positions you more or less upright, with your knees just past 90 degrees and your heels well in front of your hips. You sit in a pocket to keep the seat height down, but that limits mobility for off-road riding. Very typical of the breed, and all the more reason to stand up when you get into the dirt. Once you get your butt off the seat, the layout feels about perfect. The bars are reasonably high, and the foot controls are all positioned well (once you remove the standard footpeg rubbers).

The dirt roads on PA Wilds range from perfectly smooth and level to sections of two-track with rocks and hills that would be challenging for a full-fledged dirt bike. Even without any of the electronic aides in play, the Transalp has a smooth power delivery that starts just above idle. At superlow speed, the bike doesn’t chug or stall. It has excellent torque and is perfectly happy running at low rpm for long stretches. Then, when the road straightens out, it has plenty of power all the way up to over 10,000 rpm. To dirt bike guys, the Transalp might as well be a top-fuel dragster. It has all the power that you would ever need off-road. By street bike standards, though, it’s actually pretty modest. A 750 sport bike has a peak output around 40 horsepower greater and revs a good 3,000 rpm higher. No one wants that in the dirt.

With such an even, smooth power delivery, the need for any electronic means to control it, frankly, isn’t that big of a deal for even an intermediate rider. If you have a fair amount of experience, then the best setting for most situations is to go into the user-defined settings and turn power up, traction control down and antilock braking off. Toning down the throttle sensitivity is only useful in rolling, loose rocks, but the Honda has such a pleasant nature that you might not even notice. Traction control is a more complicated subject. It’s primarily designed to keep inexperienced riders out of trouble. In its most aggressive state, it makes the motor stumble any time it senses wheelspin. That’s useful on wet pavement, but can actually cause you to lose valuable momentum off-road. If you turn it down to one-third power, it’s more effective. In that setting it will actually let you drift the rear end slightly. Still, it’s not effective at low speeds where you are simply trying to maintain forward movement. For that, the best setting is to turn it all the way off. You can only do this in the user-defined settings, and even then, it resets if you turn off the key. It needs to be set up again every time you start. Same goes for turning off the rear-wheel anti-lock.

Of the four predetermined maps, the best for off-road riding is Sport. That turns down traction control and engine braking, turns up throttle response, and leaves anti-lock in full street mode. Gravel mode has too much traction control and not enough throttle response. Rain mode is only for the very worst weather. Our advice in that situation is to find a McDonald’s and wait it out.

One electronic feature that Honda couldn’t offer in this price range was suspension adjustability. The Showa suspension is what it is with only preload adjustment. It’s actually very good for low-speed rock sections. It’s cushy and doesn’t do anything weird. When you get on fast roads around 40 mph, you have to keep your eyes open. If there’s a big ditch or a rut, the Honda will take it, but it’s not pretty.

ADVENTURE
Most of the dark adventure that comes on adventure rides is unnecessary and the result of poor planning and set up. If you are going to go on real off-road trips, you will have to get a number of accessories. Our bike was equipped with non-stock tires—Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross front and rear. It also had Honda’s accessory skid plate and engine guards. To come in at this price, the Transalp is basically stripped, and you have to make it a little more dirt-worthy on your own. That’s appropriate, but Honda will sell a ton of these to those weekenders who are waiting for that maybe-some-day ride. Whether or not that day comes, the Transalp is perfectly willing and capable.

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