The world of adventure motorcycling covers a wide spectrum of bike types. One of many important factors to consider when selecting a bike for ADV riding is whether it is designed for mainly street or dirt use. Understanding what modifications (if any) need to be done to suit your needs beforehand can go a long way towards picking the right bike, saving both time and money. Although there are obviously many other good new and used models on the market, ADVMoto has selected eight motorcycles in four size categories we believe are a good representation of the ADV motorcycle spectrum. 

• Small Bikes

• Honda CRF250L

This is the easiest bike to ride in our line-up with a low seat height of 34.7-inches and a feather light clutch. It’s well balanced in slow, tight situations. Aggressively styled after its CRF motocross brethren (the name is the only thing they share), the CRF250L in its stock form is actually suited more for street commuting rather than off-road excursions. The little CRF is quickly becoming one of the most popular entry-level ADV bikes because of its user-friendliness, low price, and Honda reliability.

The CRF250L’s fuel economy makes driving a Prius to save gas look like a joke. Honda says to expect upwards of 77mpg while riders are reporting about 65mpg on average, making this the most fuel efficient bike in our line-up. The CRF seems happy revving from stop sign to stoplight, making cakewalk out of city commuting. However, the freeway is where the little CRF really struggles. The bike feels wound-out at highway speeds and doesn’t offer much acceleration for passing.

If taken off road, suspension is the major drawback on the CRF250L. It bottoms out easily, even with a 150 lb rider. It will do fine cruising down dirt and gravel roads, but don’t expect it to stay composed after catching some air. It’s geared too high for any serious backwoods riding. Race-Tech has solutions to make this bike a trail worthy machine. MSRP: $4,999.00 Powersports.Honda.com Similar Bikes to consider: Kawasaki KLX250S, Suzuki DR200, Yamaha XT250

• Yamaha WR250R

The WR250R is a high-tech dual-sport that offers the most versatility in the small bike segment. A tall seat height of 36.6-inches automatically disqualifies some riders. Fully adjustable suspension and an eager motor make performance a top priority for this bike.

The motor on this bike loves to rev and keeping up with traffic is easy. The WR is top heavy and isn’t as well balanced as the Honda CRF250L requiring a bit more skill when weaving through parking lots. The on/off throttle transitions can be abrupt. Like the CRF, the highway isn’t where this bike wants to be. The stock seat is hard and uncomfortable on long rides and there is no wind protection.

The WR250R is the most dirt worthy factory street-legal, Japanese 250cc dual-sport on the market. In stock form it’s ready to hit the trails. Take the time to adjust the suspension for your weight, gear it down a little bit and you’ll be surprised at how capable the bike is in single track loops. MSRP: $6,609.00 YamahaMotorsports.com Similar bikes to consider: Suzuki DRZ400S

• Medium Bikes

• Suzuki V-Strom 650

The chassis and engine of the V-Strom 650 are derived from Suzuki’s SV650, a very popular sportbike. This bike excels as a street bike offering ample wind protection and a punchy motor. The 19-inch front wheel gives it some ability to travel off road, although tire selection is key. A cult following has proven its reliability and for the money, this is the most balanced street bike in our line-up. Revised in 2015, the older models are just as good although they come with cast wheels.

The Wee-Strom is fun to ride especially through twisty mountain roads. It handles great and its V-twin torque shoots it out of corners. The seat is comfortable for the rider and passenger. Adjustable windscreens do a fair job managing wind and a giant 5.3-gallon gas tank is convenient for the long distance commutes.

The V-Strom feels heavy in the dirt, especially towards the top of the bike. The suspension is too plush for anything other than cruising gravel and smoother dirt roads. Spoked wheels on the new XT model are more rugged and shave weight. The exhaust and oil filter are low and expose so a skid plate is essential. If taken off-road, consider filling the gas tank only half-way to help keep the weight down. MSRP: $8,499.00 SuzukiCycles.com Similar bikes to consider: Kawasaki Versys 650, Honda NC700X

• Honda XR650L

This used to be the dual-sport standard. Racing heritage, beefy long travel suspension, reliable, easy to maintenance motor, the XR650L is technologically the oldest bike in this lineup but still able to hang with the young guns. If you’re on a tight budget this might be the best way to get a good bang for your buck. The current model year model is the exact same bike they produced back in 1993. Valve services are simple and regular checks can be done in 15 minutes. Many pre-owned bikes already have the necessary mods—larger gas tank, comfy seat, higher handlebars, etc. This bike is a prime example of Honda reliability.

The XR650L is a gas guzzler and the small 2.8 gal. tank doesn’t help, resulting in frequent gas stops. The seat is wider and plusher than most dirt bikes. The seat to foot peg distance is short, cramping-up taller riders. Ironically, because it takes a taller person to mount the 37-inch high seat. The big XR will sustain highway speeds for extended periods of time, but the lack of wind protection creates helmet buffeting and the rider takes a windblast to the chest.

Off road the XR650L feels light and nimble for its size, and many bikes in this category weigh 100 lbs. more. Riding-up on the gas tank in a corner and roosting around a berm feels natural on this bike, a feeling that’s missed on bigger bulkier ADV bikes. Great throttle response and eleven inches of suspension travel help the big XR hold its own in the trails against newer, younger, prettier models. MSRP: $6,690.00 Powersports.Honda.com Similar bikes to consider: Suzuki DR650S, Kawasaki KLR650, KTM 690 Enduro R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro

If you're looking for more power or just want to haul all the comforts of home on your ride the large bike category has you covered. These bikes range in size from 800cc-1200cc. Their weights range from 480 to a better bring a buddy 584lbs. The extra weight can be a hindrance to inexperienced riders attempting more technical off road riding but this is offset by the comfort afforded while hitting long stretches of pavement. 

• Large Bike Category

• Triumph Tiger 800XR

The Triumph Tiger 800XRX is a light tourer. Its triple-cylinder engine is its most defining characteristic and it feels just as exhilarating as it sounds. There are multiple Tiger 800's in Triumph’s line-up and this one is suited for carving twisties, comfortable commuting, eating-up rough roads and light off-road work. The XR model includes road and off-road modes, auto-canceling turn signals, cruise control, a center stand, hand guards, adjustable windscreen and an extra 12-volt power socket.

If you’re looking for a daily commuter with a lot of character this could be it. The hair-raising sound of the triple winding out never gets old. A low stock seat-height of 32.6-inches helps most riders flat-foot both feet on the ground and an even lower 31-inch seat is available through Triumph.

The Tiger 800XRX can handle light off road work. Tires will determine greatly where it can go (as with every motorcycle). Riders should be mindful of the cast wheels which are prone to bend or break during hard impacts. If off roading is more important to you, consider the Tiger XC’s. MSRP: $11,499.00 Triumph.com Similar bikes to consider: Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Kawasaki Versys 1000

• Honda Africa Twin

The Honda Africa Twin is a new highly anticipated ADV bike for 2016. While many thought it would be competition for the ADV behemoths—BMW’s R1200GS and KTM’s 1190R, according to the spec sheets the bike has a more similar power-to-weight ratio and price compared to the Triumph Tiger 800XC and BMW F800GS. Packed full of technology and the first ADV worthy bike available with an automatic transmission, Honda has created a truly versatile machine in the large ADV segment.

The current Honda street bikes are all heavy when compared to their competition. That being said, they are masters of hiding their weight behind balance and mass centralization. The same goes for the Africa Twin as it’s user-friendly and very responsive on the road. The DCT automatic transmission option is an inexpensive upgrade and a sensible choice for commuters.

Honda designed this bike around an off-road platform. Consider it a giant enduro bike made to be comfortable while on the street and while touring. The Africa Twin is most at home on faster off-road terrain and the DCT automatic transmission works very well on and off the tarmac. Check out ADVMoto's exclusive first ride of the Africa Twin here MSRP: $12,999.00 Powersports.Honda.com Similar bikes to consider: Triumph Tiger XC, KTM Adventure 990R, F800GS

• Heavyweight Bikes

• Yamaha Super Ténéré

This is the most comfortable bike for long distance touring in our line-up, as long as a majority of the route is paved roads. The suspension is designed to withstand carrying loads of extra weight so if you’re riding with a passenger, extensive cargo, or both, you can expect the Super Ténéré to be very stable. Tipping the scales at 575 lbs., it’s the heaviest bike in our group.

The Super Ténéré is a cargo freight train. If your goal is to get from point A to point B, carrying as much as you can in the shortest amount of time, the Yami is up to the task and won’t disappoint. With technologies such as selectable traction control, cruise control, adjustable windshield and ABS, the S10 gets down the road comfortably, swiftly and safely.

The Super Ténéré is equipped with spokes and a 19-inch front wheel that will roll over small roots, rocks and eats up potholes. The Ténéré can get you to the scenic views, but will make you work for it. The weight is a lot to manage off-road and picking the bike up in slippery situations may require teamwork. If your adventure route gives you an option between a scenic byway or an off-road short-cut through the woods, consider the long-way-round. MSRP: $16,190.00 YamahaMotorsports.com Similar bikes to consider: KTM 1190 Adventure, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, BMW R1200GS, Triumph Tiger Explorer

• KTM Adventure 1190R

The current flagship of big ADV bikes, the KTM Adventure 1190R packs a lot of performance. Advanced Bosch lean-sensitive ABS, multi-level traction control, power modes, the electronics work well on this bike on-road and off. It produces V-twin superbike power and suspended by fully adjustable WP suspension. KTM offers a bunch of orange accessories for the bike to increase comfort or performance.

The KTM 1190R is quite balanced and easy to handle at slow speeds. KTM have done a stellar job tuning throttle response and clutch engagement, making the bike extremely user friendly where modulating clutch and throttle need to be precise. Big V-twin power and torque give it sportbike-like acceleration and the ABS system doesn’t stand the bike up while trail braking into tight corners. The R model offers ample wind protection at lower highway speeds with an adjustable windshield, while the standard 1190 Adventure comes with a taller windshield that can be easily swapped on. If your ADV riding requires less off-road performance and more on-road comfort, consider the standard 1190 Adventure.

This is the only bike in the XL Category equipped with a 21-inch spoked front wheel. Combined with beefy suspension and well tuned electronics the 1190 Adventure R is the most capable XL bike in the dirt. It feels nimble and thin despite its size and the traction control system can help less experienced riders feel more confident. With a skilled rider, this bike can handle almost most anything off road. MSRP: $16,999.00 KTM.com Similar bikes to consider: BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Ténéré, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Multistrada Enduro

Conclusion

All things considered, with enough time and money, most bikes can be modified to go almost anywhere. If you’re in the market for a new (or used) bike hopefully we’ve helped narrow your search or at least given you some ideas of what to look for. Remember that a bike is simply a tool that contributes to the limits of where we can go and what we can do with the ultimate limiting factor being our own skills.