Every year we get a new ADV that promises to do more of everything, but realistically every ADV is a compromised, imperfect motorcycle that has to wear many hats. For those who want to use their bike for commuting during the week and for adventures on the weekend, a lighter middleweight is ideal. For the sake of variety, we have limited it to one bicycle per brand.
To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article is from authoritative sources such as Yamaha Motorsports, and Ducati. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.
Ducati DesertX
MSRP: $18,995
If budget isn’t really an issue, the DesertX offers an element of real luxury, with all its technical features. It’s actually on the border between a full-size and a mid-size ADV in terms of physical size and price, but it remains quite light. Of course, it will feel more at home on public roads – or on unpaved roads – but it is comfortable and offers different driving modes that ensure everything stays under control during the week.
BMW F900GS
MSRP: $13,495
On paper, the middleweight BMW seems like a bargain, but once you dig a little deeper you’ll realize that pretty much everything you want remains on the options list. It’s still a great option, and if you can resist the temptation to check too many boxes, it’s reasonably priced for what it is. This is a premium motorcycle with fantastic build quality. It’s not necessarily the best at one thing, but it’s such a good all-rounder that you probably won’t notice.
Aprilia Tuareg 660
MSRP: $12,499
We think the Tuareg is one of the very best off-road ADVs money can buy. KTM may have a thing or two to say about that, but what the KTMs solve with added complexity, the Aprilia (and Yamaha, but more on that later) solve with simplicity. The well-tuned suspension and added ‘lightness’ make it an off-road weapon. It also works great as a commuter, thanks to the comfort it provides.
Yamaha Tenere 700
MSRP: $10,999
Like the Tuareg, the Tenere solves the off-road problem by simply being lighter. It loses points to the Aprilia in suspension performance and comfort – it’s perhaps the least comfortable bike on this list – but it has a trick up its sleeve. That trick is the CP2 engine. Currently the most reliable motorcycle engine on the market, which is quite an important asset for a motorcycle that will potentially be used every day of the week.
Honda Transalp
MSRP: $9,999
Honda’s answer to the Tenere was in some ways flattered to deceive. It wasn’t as off-road oriented as most enthusiasts expected, but that was never the intention. The Transalp is pretty much everything you could want it to be. Although it’s cheaper than the Tenere, it’s priced accordingly, so you have room to add whatever features suit your needs. As a commuter it will definitely be more comfortable.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
MSRP: $9,299
The V-Strom 650 can certainly handle the odd dirt road with ease, but it’s not the most dirt-worthy bike on this list. As far as commuters go, this is desperately hard to beat thanks to the fun yet economical V-twin. Over the many years in production it has also proven to be incredibly reliable; it just won’t win a design prize anytime soon.
Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS
MSRP: $8,099
This outdated dual-sport has been given a new life as an adventure bike. It won’t be the best bike for long-distance touring, but it excels off-road, as it should, with its rugged and easy-to-use dual-sport nature. Although touring comfort is virtually non-existent thanks to the huge single, this is not nearly as much of a problem at low speeds. We’d even go so far as to say it’s a fairly comfortable commuter.
KTM 390 Adventure
MSRP: $6,499
The small KTMs have been hit the hardest by the now infamous tariffs. The 390 Adventure R is now a bit pricey for what it is. The $1,000 price increase for the 390 Adventure So while it may not be the bargain it used to be, you still get a lot of bike for the money, and it still compares favorably to the competition.
CFMoto Capricorn 450
MSRP: $6,499
Of all the bicycles coming from China, this has received by far the most attention. It’s also understandable why it’s gotten so much attention, because it really is “the unicorn they didn’t see coming.” When you look at it objectively, this is simply a great bike at a great price that can handle just about anything you throw at it off-road, and is a competent little commuter too. Unfortunately, it’s hard to look at it objectively, and while the prices for the bikes don’t seem to be changing, parts prices will certainly increase.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
MSRP: $5,999
With all the noise made about the Ibex 450, it is somewhat surprising that the Himalayan 450 continues to fly under the radar. While it is certainly slightly heavier than its direct competition, it is no less capable off-road and has proven to be a quite competent touring car. It’s also an accessible bike that’s great for new adventure riders.
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