10 adventure bikes that will outlive their owners

Adventure bikes are quite technologically sound these days. And it is a requirement. They are over-engineered because not only are they expected to handle all kinds of situations and weather conditions, but they are also expected to handle vastly different loads, from just the rider to a rider, the passenger and the luggage. The type of use they undergo is also unique and varied.

However, it can be difficult to find an adventure bike that is wildly reliable, as a reputation for reliability can only be earned over many miles and years, and in the hands of its owners. Lucky for you, we’re happy to do the homework for all of you. So here are 10 such bikes that will keep you going no matter the terrain.

Honda CRF300L Rally

Price: $6,499

The CRF300L Rally is based on a dual-sport bike and does not aim for performance. In typical Honda fashion, it offers sensible performance and brilliant reliability. Considering the time it takes Honda to change models, it’s very likely that the CRF300L Rally will be around for a very long time, so spare parts availability and price won’t be an issue. Not that you’ll need them: there are minimal electronics on them. ABS can be switched at the rear and the instrumentation is an LCD.

HondaNX500

Price: $7,399

The NX500 is technically the CB500X, but Honda has given it more aggressive styling and a new name to differentiate it from the naked bike. This platform has been around for a long time and the engine is unloaded. It also happens to be one of the smoothest and most efficient you’ll ever encounter. Features include a 5-inch TFT seen on many other Hondas, traction control and ABS.

Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS

Price: $8,199

The KLR650 is one of the sustainability heroes of the automotive world. It is exactly the same as the Toyota Hilux and Honda Super Cub. It hasn’t changed at all since its launch way back when, apart from a few minor parts like fuel injection and ABS. The instrumentation is an LCD screen and the KLR650 Adventure version gets things like hard luggage, extra lighting, frame sliders, a 12V charging point and a fuel pad. It is not only stress-free and reliable, but also can be easily repaired if it breaks.

Kawasaki Versys 650LT

Price: $10,399

The Versys 650 LT is based on a popular middleweight platform. All four Kawasaki 650s share components, and they have been around for a long time. That’s why they offer the confidence they have in their reliability and longevity. A recent addition is a 4.3-inch TFT which, like the Honda unit, is present in many models in the manufacturer’s range. Electronics include three-level traction control, and features include a manually adjustable windshield and quick-release luggage.

Suzuki V-Strom 650XT

Price: $9,799

Suzuki’s 650 cc V-twin engine is a gem and has been around for a long time. On the V-Strom 650XT it offers traction control despite the throttle cable. The V-Strom is known for being reliable, and given its age, it has proven itself many times over. It’s not something you’ll want to take far off-road, with its 19/17 tubeless spoke rims and basic electronics. But it knows it’s a touring car, and with its analogue/LCD instruments it will last a very long time. However, change seems inevitable thanks to the tightening of emission standards.

Honda XL750 Transalp

Price: $9,999

The Transalp is a paradox. It was designed as a touring car, but has a spoke wheel size of 21/17 inches. So it can withstand dirt quite easily. Did we mention this is the most powerful adventure bike in the $10,000 price range? However, that doesn’t mean the engine is tuned within an inch of its lifespan. It gets familiar features like a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation, a standard two-way quickshifter, a by-wire throttle and switchable ABS. It’s missing a six-axis IMU, which only bodes well if you’re looking for longevity.

Yamaha Tenere 700

Price: $10,999

The Ténéré has always been designed to be the best middleweight off-road ADV, and it does so with simplicity and light weight rather than an overload of electronic assistance. There’s not a lot of horsepower, but the engine’s torque spread is great. It just got a by-wire throttle with riding modes, an optional two-way quickshifter and switchable traction control. You know a motorcycle wants to play seriously in the mud when you can disable the ABS on BOTH wheels – and the Ténéré lets you do that.

BMW F900GS

Price: $14,395

The top-spec F 900 GS may have a lot of electronics, in line with its positioning as a premium middleweight motorcycle, but it is also extremely reliable. This is a hugely capable machine with fully adjustable suspension, tubeless spoked rims and the ability to tailor it to what you want to do with it. This chassis and drivetrain also power a naked and crossover, and the base model has minimal electronics (a two-way quickshifter is an option), so this is a BMW that will last.

Honda Africa Twin

Price: $14,799

The Africa Twin’s 100 horsepower figure tells you everything you need to know about it. This is a full-size ADV that cares about one thing: getting you where you want to go in comfort, and without the fear of something going wrong. The engine has a huge amount of torque throughout the rev range, the chassis is a cradle frame and the suspension is not electronic in the US market. You can spec it with the six-speed DCT for $15,599, and you’ll still get the same unbreakable reliability, as this gearbox has been around for a long time and in several motorcycles.

BMW R1300GS

Price: $20,395

The flagship of the GS series made its mark some time ago as a machine that goes around the world. Every model since has had the same hard-nosed attitude to discovery, even though you might find it with feature-heavy features like electronic suspension and an automated manual transmission that pushes the price to $26,830. The R 1300 GS remains a GS flagship despite its variable valve timing and TFT display, meaning it continues long after the rider has given up.

Sources: BMW USA, Honda Powersports