[2021 Latest] 15 Recommended Adventure Bikes! From Small to Large, a Complete Guide!

What are the globally popular adventure bikes? 5 Features

Source: https://www.bmw-motorrad.jp/ja/experience/world-of-gs/gs-hub/02-whatsgs.html

Adventure bikes are a genre of motorcycles that have recently gained global popularity.

While adventure bikes may look similar to off-road bikes, they can be ridden in a wide range of conditions, from on-road (paved roads) to off-road (unpaved roads/gravel).

They are popular in Europe, where long-distance travel is common, because they can be used for various purposes, from demanding race environments like the Paris-Dakar Rally to personal touring.

In Europe, where riders often cross mountainous regions to neighboring countries and encounter alternating paved and unpaved roads, the changing road conditions are well-suited for adventure bikes, making them a popular choice for many.

Adventure bikes, led by their popularity in Europe, have also been gaining popularity in Japan in recent years. Let's explore what makes them so popular by looking at five key features.

5 Features of Adventure Bikes

Adventure bikes, capable of riding on both paved and unpaved roads, have the following features:

1. Diverse shapes
2. Outstanding off-road capability
3. Can carry a lot of luggage
4. Less fatigue on long-distance rides
5. Equipped with the latest electronic control systems

Let's look at each one in turn.

1. Diverse Shapes

Adventure bikes inherit the form of off-road bikes while incorporating on-road performance, resulting in a wide variety of shapes across different manufacturers.

All adventure bikes share common features such as high ground clearance and large tires.

Additionally, some models have a simple exterior with specific fairing shapes, while others feature a futuristic, mechanical appearance.

Because of the diverse shapes, it's easy to find a bike that matches your preference.

2. Outstanding Off-Road Capability

Adventure bikes possess excellent off-road capability, regardless of whether it's on-road or off-road.

Since they are based on off-road designs, they have sufficient ground clearance to navigate rough terrain.

The windscreen reduces wind resistance on highways, providing high stability.

Additionally, their excellent durability means that parts are less likely to break even in minor falls.

Adventure bikes offer high off-road capability, allowing you to ride anywhere, regardless of the road surface.

3. Can Carry a Lot of Luggage

Adventure bikes are designed for long-distance travel, so another feature is their ability to carry a lot of luggage.

They are built to easily mount bags and cases on the rear seat to accommodate more luggage.

Since they are designed to be ridden with a lot of luggage, stability is maintained even when loaded, and their high off-road capability remains unchanged.

Some large motorcycle models come standard with side cases, and due to their body size, they can accommodate larger cases and bags than mid-sized models, allowing for even more luggage capacity.

4. Less Fatigue on Long-Distance Rides

Adventure bikes are designed for long-distance riding, so they cause less fatigue even after prolonged use.

Many models are equipped with windscreens and half-fairings, preventing wind, a cause of fatigue, from hitting the body directly.

This is particularly effective when riding on highways, greatly reducing instability caused by wind pressure.

The high ride height provides a natural seating posture, and the design is engineered to minimize fatigue during long rides.

5. Equipped with the Latest Electronic Control Systems

Manufacturers are all eager to equip adventure bikes with the latest features.

Many models come with a full range of equipment, much like a manufacturer's flagship model.

Typical features include ABS, traction control, and quick shifters.

ABS

Adventure bikes, which can be ridden on both paved and unpaved roads, are equipped with ABS.

ABS is an electronic control device that intervenes to prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.

Particularly, if the front wheel locks up, many people are unable to recover, and the risk of falling increases dramatically.

ABS controls braking and reduces the risk of falling.

Traction Control

Traction control is a safety device that detects wheel spin during acceleration or takeoff and prevents it.

It prevents wheel spin by adjusting engine ignition timing or automatically controlling the throttle opening.

The traction control system equipped on the Honda 1100L AfricaTwin, for example, is even more advanced.

It features "Selectable Torque Control," which allows riders to choose from 7 levels of traction control effectiveness, plus an OFF setting, depending on the riding situation.

Quick Shifter

A quick shifter, also known as an auto shifter, is a feature that allows for clutchless upshifts.

More advanced quick shifters also support downshifts, a standard feature in racing.

They are mainly equipped on large models such as the BMW R 1250GS ADVENTURE and the Honda CRF1100L AfricaTwin.

Cruise Control

Cruise control is a feature that maintains a specified speed.

Also known as auto cruise, it maintains the set speed when activated.

It is particularly convenient on expressways and other controlled-access roads where there are no traffic lights and you can maintain a constant speed.

The cruise function is canceled when you apply the brakes or ease off the accelerator, so the bike will not continue to run indefinitely.

It reduces the number of times you have to operate the throttle, making it effective for long-distance touring, but it is safer not to use it when riding on winding mountain roads where speeds fluctuate.

How to Choose an Adventure Bike

Source: https://www.honda.co.jp/NC750X/

Adventure bikes are popular worldwide, with a wide range of models available, from medium to large sizes.

While the joy of choosing a bike is part of the appeal, the sheer number of models can make it difficult to decide which adventure bike to select.

Therefore, in this section, we will introduce how to choose an adventure bike.

Small Class (125cc-250cc) Recommended for Daily Use

If daily use is your main purpose, such as commuting to work or school, or simply wanting to ride a bike casually, then a small class (125cc-250cc) is recommended.

They are lightweight, making U-turns, navigating narrow alleys, and entering shops easy, so you can ride comfortably in urban areas.

Compared to large bikes, running costs such as fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are lower, making this class recommended for those who want to ride an adventure bike casually.

Mid-sized Class (400cc-750cc) Recommended for Weekend Leisure

The mid-sized class is recommended for those who enjoy leisure activities on weekends or go on tours.

While it is possible to tour on a small motorcycle, the comfortable engine and stability of a mid-sized bike will result in less fatigue than a small one.

Bikes over 400cc are heavier, so they might be a bit challenging for urban commuting due to maneuverability.

However, when riding outside of urban areas, the high stability and ample engine power provide a comfortable ride.

Large Class (750cc~) Recommended for Long-Distance Touring

Adventure bikes in the extra-large class, exceeding 750cc, are recommended for long-distance touring.

Since adventure bikes originally emerged from this class, their off-road capability and stability during long-distance rides are unparalleled compared to other classes.

Engine power is also excellent, providing superb acceleration, and many models are equipped with advanced electronic control systems such as traction control and ABS to handle high power more safely.

With features akin to flagship models from various manufacturers and high stability, this class is particularly recommended for those embarking on long tours.

【Small (125cc～250cc)】5 Recommended Popular Adventure Bikes

We will introduce recommended adventure bikes by class.

First, we'll introduce small adventure bikes in the 125cc-250cc class, which are the easiest to ride.

Please refer to them when choosing your adventure bike.

1. 【250cc】Suzuki V-Strom 250

Source: https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/lineup/dl250rlzm1/?page=style

The Suzuki V-Strom 250 is a bike that allows you to experience the high off-road capability of an adventure bike in a compact size.

With its large windscreen and the high running stability of its sturdy body, you can ride safely on highways.

It is recommended for those who want to ride an adventure bike casually and comfortably.

• Seat height: 800mm
• Weight: 188kg
• Max power: 24ps /8,000rpm
• Max torque: 22Nm /6,500rpm
• Price: 613,800 JPY (tax included)

2. 【250cc】Kawasaki VERSYS-X 250 TOURER

Source: https://www.kawasaki-motors.com/mc/lineup/versys-x250tourer/

The Kawasaki VERSYS-X 250 TOURER is an adventure bike equipped with the same engine as the Ninja 250 sports bike, offering exhilarating revving.