2022 ADVENTURE BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE

An adventure bike can be any motorcycle that allows you to escape, explore and experience new things. If that seems like a vague definition, good. There shouldn’t be an easy way to pigeonhole these bikes. Every rider sees the ADV world differently, so you shouldn’t be surprised that each manufacturer does, too. For this collection of bikes, prices and descriptions, we have gathered a wide variety of motorcycles from the big boys like BMW’s GS series, Ducati’s Multistrada and KTM’s Adventure series, and mixed in mid-sided bikes like the Kawasaki KLR650 and the Honda Rally. If you don’t know where to start on your quest to to learn about the complicated ADV market, you’ve come to the right place.

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: $19,499
The all-new Super Adventure R has revamped ergos, a lower center of gravity and totally reworked WP XPLOR suspension. The fork offers 220mm of travel with complete adjustability, and the PDS rear shock offers new valving and long travel. New adventure-specific Bridgestone tires are wrapped around Alpina aluminum spoked wheels, which can be run tubeless. It now features two separate radiators instead of the one-piece unit of its predecessor. With redesigned air ducts, the amount of hot air streaming towards the rider’s legs has been significantly reduced. It has a full complement of electronic aides and a new six-axis lean-angle sensor that filters information on the exact pitch and position of the bike and its behavior.

KTM 1290 SUPER AVENTURE S: $19,499
This is KTM’s more street-biased 1290, but it has been equipped with big changes for 2022. The chassis has better weight distribution and sharper cornering via a new steering head angle. The fuel tank is now keyless and holds 6.1 gallons. The new seat is two-tiered and adjustable by 20mm. Regulating the ride is the new generation of electronic aids with a less intrusive level of traction control in Rain, Street, Sport, Off-Road and an updated (optional) Rally mode. It’s fit with a new generation of WP APEX Semi-Active Technology suspension. The SAT boasts augmented damping, hanks to new valves, with a 6D lean-angle sensor.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 ENDURO: Starting at $22,095
Ducati’s Multistrada 1260 Enduro puts out 158 horsepower and gets its Quick Shifter, Hands-Free, Cruise and Multimedia system. It features Vehicle Hold Control, Traction Control, Ducati’s Cornering ABS/DTC and Wheelie Control. It has spoked wheels and a double-sided swingarm, and both suspension ends come equipped with electronic compression and rebound damping and DSS (Ducati Skyhook Suspension), which provides complete adjustability using an intuitive HMI interface that can be set to 400 different configurations.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 PIKES PEAK: $28,995
The Ducati Pikes Peak is a high-performance sibling to the 1260 Enduro. It makes 170 horsepower via a four-cylinder design and comes with a new Race Riding mode. It now features electronic Smart EC 2.0 Öhlins suspension tuned to the rider’s riding style and an EU-approved Akrapovic muffler. It makes considerable power via the double-variable valve timing and is managed with riding modes, power modes, ABS cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control.

BMW R 1250 GS: Base price $17,995
The more street-focused big-boy Beemer, the R 1250 GS, comes with three riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road), Dynamic Traction Control and Hill Start Control. It has a height-adjustable seat with optional seat heaters, cast aluminum wheels, ABS, an adjustable windshield and connectivity with the 6.5-inch TFT display. The lights are LED. It comes with a steering damper, has an enduro package available (engine protection, handlebar risers, sport suspension) and, as with the entire BMW line, there are available upgrades to just about every facet of the machine.

BMW R1250 GS ADVENTURE: Base price $20,345
This is the more dirt-focused of the BMW GS 1250 line. The GS Adventure 1250 has a 136-horsepower Boxer engine that’s a twin-cam, liquid-cooled six-speeder and is fit with a BMW ShiftCam variable camshaft control system and full LED lighting. The Adventure has a 7.9-gallon fuel cell, a 6.5-inch TFT display, three ride modes (with more available), 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 the BMW Paralever, WAD-strut rear suspension.

BMW R 1250 ADVENTURE EDITION 40 YEARS GS: Base price $22,145
For four decades the GS has represented a longing for adventure. The R 1250 GS Adventure in the 40 Years GS edition celebrates this spirit and pays homage to the GS history. Wrapped in striking black and yellow, it is reminiscent of the iconic R 100 GS “Bumblebee” and impresses with its state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Standard is a TFT color display, full LED headlight, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS, three ride modes and, of course, the ability to upgrade with a host of options.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY PRO: Starting at $22,500
The Tiger Rally Pro is more dirt-oriented and features the all-new, 1160cc, in-line, three-cylinder engine; 6-speed gearbox; shaft drive; and long-travel Showa suspension. The bike comes with Triumph’s adaptive cornering lighting to deliver dynamic enhanced visibility, along with the new angle-adjustable, full-color TFT instrument display; all-LED lighting; ergonomic, backlit switchgear incorporating updated cruise control; Triumph shift-assist for clutchless up and down gear changes; a seamless, keyless ignition, plus hand guards and engine protection.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER: Starting at $24,200
The Tiger Rally Explorer is also dirt-oriented but has a larger, 7.9-gallon fuel tank. It features the all-new, 1160cc, in-line, three-cylinder engine; six-speed gearbox; shaft drive; and long-travel Showa suspension. The bike is equipped with Triumph’s Blind Spot radar; adaptive cornering lighting to deliver dynamic enhanced visibility; a new, angle-adjustable, full-color TFT instrument display; all-LED lighting; an ergonomic, backlit switchgear incorporating updated cruise control; Triumph shift assist for clutchless up and down gear changes.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT/GT PRO/GT EXPLORER: $19,100/$21,400/$23,100
The Tiger 1200 GT range is Triumph’s adventure machine line that targets a more on-road ride approach to adventure riding. The all-new, 1160cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline, three-cylinder engine is a six-speed shaft drive. It puts out 147 horsepower and has Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control. It’s fit with cast wheels, Brembo brakes, a 7-inch TFT instrument pack and Showa suspension with 7.87 inches of travel. The GT Explorer is fit with Blind Spot radar.

YAMAHA SUPER TENERE ES: $16,299
Yamaha’s 2022 Super Tenere is powered by a 1199cc parallel twin and is a shaft-drive six-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 and has Cruise Control and Traction Control with three modes to match conditions. Push-button, electronically adjusted KYB suspension has four preload settings and three damping presets.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050: $13,399
Powered by a 90-degree, 1037cc V-twin, the 1050 V-Strom has four modes of traction control, three modes of power delivery and Suzuki’s easy-start system. The aluminum twin-spar frame controls flex and optimizes handling. The suspension is KYB, and this model is fit with cast-aluminum wheels, Bridgestone Battlax tires and Suzuki’s legendary handling.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050XT: $14,849

The XT version of the V-Strom 1050 is upgraded with spoke wheels and SIRS, with is Suzuki’s suite of electronic aids. It is powered by the same 90-degree, 1037cc V-twin The aluminum twin-spar frame controls flex and optimizes handling. The suspension is KYB, and Suzuki offers a large selection of aftermarket parts to customize the bike to your taste.

SUZUKI V-STROM 1050 XT ADVENTURE: $17,049
This is Suzuki’s high-end adventure machine fit with a generous number of electronics, including a traction control system with four modes of adjustment, and the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) that lets the rider choose from three different engine power delivery characteristics. Included are Suzuki’s adventure-style, 37-liter aluminum panniers that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Built to be waterproof with rubber-sealing lids, these panniers have powder-coated interiors that prevent aluminum stains on cargo.

HONDA AFRICA TWIN: $14,399/ DCT MODEL $15,199 (2021 model)
The Honda Africa Twin got increased power last year via a new 1084cc engine spec with a 6.4mm-longer stroke. This makes for better power and torque. The 2021 Africa Twin gets cruise control and a full 9.1 inches of front travel through Showa suspension. The frame lost 4 pounds of weight, and the bike features a 6.5-inch, touch-panel LCD multi-information dash display. The DCT tranny is Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

HONDA AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORTS ES: $17,199/17,999 DCT (2021 model)
The larger, 1084cc Africa Twin Adventure Sport not only received a power increase last year, the frame and subframe are lighter, and the Showa suspension is electronically controlled (Showa EERA-5 damping settings: hard, medium, soft, off-road and customizable). It has a new saddle, windscreen and a taller tapered aluminum handlebar. The Africa Twin’s Throttle-by-Wire system gives access to Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 SE LT: $18,399
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT + features Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS), integrated riding modes, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), electronic cruise control and a TFT color meter. It’s fit with a slipper clutch, KIBS intelligent braking, and has two power modes, electronic cruise control, Kawasaki quick shifter 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 DESERTX 950: $16,795
The DesertX is the first modern Ducati with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear, long-stroke suspension and a new frame designed specifically for off-road. The 937cc V-twin pumps out 110 horsepower. It has six ride modes plus four Power Modes that adjust throttle response and power output. The DesertX’s ABS also has three levels with the cornering function, plus Enduro and Rally, which defeat the cornering utility. The KYB fork is a 46mm inverted unit with 9.1 inches of travel, while the KYB piggyback-reservoir shock is link-less and has 8.7 inches of travel.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950 S SPOKED: Base price $17,895
The Ducati Multistrada 950 S has the basics to handle the adventure world. Powered by a liquid-cooled twin, 937cc powerplant with 113 horsepower, the Multistrada 950 S version (spoked wheels) is equipped with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), Ducati direct link, Load and Riding modes, Ducati Quick Shifter up and down (DQS), full-LED headlight with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), a high-resolution color TFT display, hands-free cruise control, and backlit handlebar controls.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT/GT PRO: $14,700/$16,700
Triumph’s 900 GT is definitely a road-oriented machine. The 900cc triple uses a unique 1-3-2 firing order, makes 94 horsepower and comes fit with a torque-assist clutch, four riding modes (five modes in the Pro), and Marzocchi suspension fore and aft. The Pro features electronically adjustable rear suspension. The brakes are Brembo. The Tiger 900 holds 5.28 gallons of fuel. The GT uses a 5-inch TFT multi-functional instrument pack.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 RALLY: $15,400
The Tiger Triple 900 Rally most definitely targets the more dirt-oriented adventure rider via the spoked (21/17-inch) wheels and adjustable Showa suspension (9.44-inch front and 9.05-inch rear). It has optimized cornering, ABS, traction control, Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires, heated grips and four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) that help focus the 94 horsepower that the triple produces.

TRIUMPH TIGER 900 RALLY PRO: $17,100
The Rally Pro features everything that the Rally has along with My Triumph connectivity and a Bluetooth module enabling phone calls, music, turn-by-turn navigation and GoPro control. It also comes fit with Triumph shift assist (quick clutchless gear changes) and six riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro and Rider Programmable), along with a heated seat and LED lighting. The suspension is Showa with over 9 inches of travel.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE R: $14,599
KTM’S 890 Adventure R has an off-road persona and pumps out more horsepower than last year’s machine. The suspension is a WP XPLOR fork with 240mm of travel. At the rear end, a WP XPLOR shock has adjustable damping and preload. It is fit with ABS and MTC, and ride modes are there to assist in a variety of conditions. MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) is KTM’s lean-angle-sensitive traction control system that reacts to the rotational speed of the rear wheel.

KTM 890 ADVENTURE: $13,399
Tagged as KTM’s gravel traveler, the 890 Adventure has improved power, new electronics and suspension adjustability. The clutch is called the PASC, which is a slipper clutch that reduces hard forces during shifts. The wheels are 21/18, spoked, laced to anodized hubs and are tubeless. The bike is equipped with dirt-worthy WP dampers, a steering damper and a tall windscreen. The saddle is height adjustable, and there is a 5-inch TFT display and LED lighting. The 890 has a six-speed sequential gearbox and a compact parallel twin.

MOTO GUZZI V85 TT: TBA
The classic Moto Guzzi V85 TT has an air-cooled, 853cc, fuel-injected V-twin motor with 76 horsepower and enhanced low and medium power this year. It has five ride modes, making it easier to manage traction, ABS and pick-up 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. Moto Guzzi has several styles, including the VTT Travel- and Adventure-specific models.

BMW F 850 GS ADVENTURE: Base Price $13,545
BMW’s more off-road-oriented 850-class adventure machine, the new 850 GS Adventure generates 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-incher preferred by the experienced off-road rider. The windshield is adjustable. There are two ride modes (Rain and Road), ABS, and dynamic traction control, and it comes with a rack and engine guards for protection.

TRIUMPH TIGER 850 SPORT: Base price $11,995
This model is more road-focused and features their triple-engine configuration. It makes 84 horsepower and comes with Marzocchi suspension fore and aft. It has an adjustable windscreen, two seat heights and a 5.2-gallon fuel tank with electronics that offer switchable traction control and ABS.

MV AGUSTA 9.5: TBA
At the EICMA show, MX Augusta announced a new machine designed for the Adventure rider, the MV 9.5. It was designed to be a dirt-focused adventure machine that is compact and has strong off-road character and class-leading technology. The engine is a new 950 triple that puts out 123 horsepower. The frame is steel and the swingarm is aluminum. It uses 21-inch and 18-inch wheels and long-travel suspension (8.6 inches front and 8.3 inches rear). In addition, the bike’s wet clutch will come in two versions—standard and an automatic Rekluse.

BMW F 750GS: Base price $9995
The BMW F 750 GS muscles 77 horsepower out of the parallel-twin engine. It uses a slipper clutch and has ABS braking and an on-board computer. Being more street-oriented, it is fit with cast wheels using a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear. There are several saddle options, including the rally seat and the new extra-low seat height. It has an LED headlight and selectable ride modes (Rain and Road), along with a host of options.

HONDA NC750X: $8699/$9299 DCT
This machine showcases versatility but leans more towards street than off-road. It’s a SOHC, eight-valve parallel twin with two-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and is available with the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The suspension is Showa (though the travel is a paltry 5.5 inches). It uses cast-aluminum wheels, Ride-by-Wire and four selectable power modes. The 3.7-gallon tank resides under the seat for centralized mass.

URAL GEAR UP: $18,999
Ural’s Gear Up is a dirt-oriented, 750cc, opposed-twin sidecar motorcycle. It has two-wheel drive, reverse and a spare tire. It now offers Keihin fuel injection. The gearbox is a four-speed that produces 41 horsepower, and it’s shaft-driven. The sidecar is lockable, and the Gear Up has high-end Heindenau tires. New for ’22 is a two-into-one exhaust, Brembo rear brakes, a forged aluminum swingarm and a new center stand.

HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO: $12,099
The Husqvarna 701 Enduro runs right in between a naked adventure machine and an overcharged dual-sport. It features a 74-horsepower engine that uses advanced electronics, 50mm Keihin fuel injection, Ride-by-Wire throttle, and a six-speed gearbox (fit with Easy Shift for seamless shifting without using the clutch). 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 with a 250mm-travel XPLOR fork and identical rear-wheel travel.

2021 YAMAHA TENERE 700: $10,299
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is powered by a 689cc, liquid-cooled, inline twin derived from the MT-07. The six-speed transmission “stacks” the gearbox and the crankshaft in a triangular layout to keep the overall engine size shorter front to back, which optimizes engine placement in the frame for proper weight balance. It has switchable ABS and 8.3 inches of fork travel with 7.9 inches out back.

KTM 690 ENDURO R: $11,999
The 690 Enduro R’s LC4 single-cylinder engine features reduced vibration (two balancer shafts), Ride-by-Wire to allow changeable ride modes, and traction control. The electronic systems 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 off-road absorption.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 ABS: $8899–$9099
The Versys 650 comes equipped with a new front cowling, LED lights and a new four-way-adjustable windscreen. The 649cc parallel-twin engine has a six-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. It carries 5.5 gallons of fuel and weighs in at 476 pounds with all the fluids (including gas).

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 LT: $9999
The Versys 650 LT shares the engine and chassis specs of the standard model but 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 fit with handguards. It has an adjustable windscreen, TFT color instrumentation with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC).

SUZUKI V-STROM 650/ 650XT: $8904/$9399
The 2022 V-Strom 650XT comes in a new Pearl Vigor Blue and has a strong V-twin engine, Suzuki’s traction control and a patented throttle body that stabilizes engine idle speed and lowers emissions. The XT version comes with spoke wheels, handguards and engine protection. It also has traction control, ABS braking and tubeless ADV tires.

HONDA CB500X: $6999/$6999 ABS model (2021 model)
The Honda CB500X is comfortable, leans to the street side and has just under 6 inches of suspension travel, a tall windscreen, and comfortable seating. 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: $4995
The RX4 has a 450cc, fuel-injected, DOHC motor with a six-speed gearbox. The 5.3-gallon fuel tank gives it a range of around 300 miles. It comes equipped with an adjustable windscreen and a 5.3-gallon tank, plus the RX4 comes with molded side cases and a tall rear box. The company sells its products online and offers a two-year warranty.

ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN: $5295
Royal Enfield has been making motorcycles since 1901; first in Great Britain, now in India. The bike is powered by a 411cc, SOHC, air-cooled single that is fit with a counterbalancer. It is fuel injected and has a five-speed gearbox. The suspension is semi-long-travel with 7.9 inches and has switchable ABS disc brakes. The Tripper navigation system is powered by Google Maps and the Royal Enfield app. The bike has a friendly price and a low 31.5-inch seat height.

KTM 390 ADVENTURE: $6599
This compact, single-cylinder travel-enduro machine has a sporty feel, along with some good adventure features. New for ’22 are electronic features in Street and Off-road modes for traction control. It’s fit with Bybre brakes and Ride-by-Wire on a dual-overhead-cam engine with a six-speed gearbox. A trellis frame, WP Apex suspension, stronger cast wheels and ABS highlight the 390.

BMW G 310 GS: $5945
BMW’s 310 GS is their entry-level machine. The single-cylinder engine is liquid-cooled, 34 horsepower, has a six-speed gearbox and makes peak power at 10,500 rpm. The frame is tubular steel and is fit with an upside-down fork with 7.1 inches of travel. It comes with ABS braking and a 19-inch cast front wheel mated to a 17-inch cast rear. It weighs 386 pounds fully fueled up.

BMW G 310 EDITION 40 YEARS GS: Base model $6195
Inspired by the R 100 GS and nicknamed the “Bumblebee,” its black/yellow look is truly striking. The single-cylinder engine is liquid-cooled, puts out 34 horsepower, uses a six-speed gearbox and makes peak power at 10,500 rpm. The frame is tubular steel and is fit with an upside-down fork with 7.1 inches of travel. It comes with ABS braking and a 19-inch cast front wheel mated to a 17-inch cast rear. You can get heated grips and a taller or lower saddle as an option.

KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 300 ABS: $6099
The Versys-X is Kawasaki’s most economical, entry-level machine designed for adventure touring. Power flows through a 296cc parallel twin that gets fuel via a digital fuel-injection system. It comes equipped with a 41mm Showa fork, a 19-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel, a windscreen and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank that is good for long exploration rides.

HONDA CRF300L RALLY: $5999/ABS model $6249
Honda’s CRF 300L Rally gets the factory look of a true rally racer. The steel perimeter frame might not look that new, but everything has been revised. It’s more compact and less rigid. The lower triple clamp is aluminum rather than steel, and the swingarm has been completely redesigned for less rigidity. Between all that and new bodywork, the overall weight is down.

HONDA CRF300L: $5249/ABS model $5549
The Honda CRF300L replaces the hugely popular 250L, a machine that looked great but was lacking power. The stroke was increased by 8mm to arrive at 286cc. It got new camshafts, a new airbox and exhaust, and a tighter-ratio six-speed gearbox. The clutch is new and has Slip Assist. The chassis has been updated. Some weight has been carved, and it has updated suspension. The big news is more power, which equals more fun.