Adventure bike buyer's guide, over 900cc

Large-capacity adventure bikes are ideally suited to Australian riding. Long distances, remote destinations and some pretty crappy road surfaces mean rider comfort, fuel range and robust hardware all come to the fore.

Add the convenience of satellite navigation and the benefits of an array of other technological niceties, and big-bore adventure bikes will see you lap up our vast continent in comfort and relative ease.

Of course – and as we've underlined many times here at bikesales – what sort of adventure bike is right for you all comes down to your definition of 'adventure'.

While there's nothing stopping you from heading off on single track on a big-bore adventure bike, these large-capacity motherships carry significant weight and are more of a handful in tighter going. And when proceedings head south, as they can and sometimes do, the results can be spectacular – and not necessarily in a good way!

Middleweight adventure bikes are generally lighter and easier to manage in technical terrain – check out our recent Middleweight adventure bike buyer's guide, 400 to 900cc for a full rundown on what's currently available – but if you're an experienced hand, or you simply want a comfortable, long-haul tourer, it's hard to beat a big-bore adventure bike.

The models we're presenting here span the full spectrum, from road-focused Adventure Sport models to harder-edged off-road weapons, and everything in between.

Adventure bikes inherently have roomy ergonomics and generally have pretty tall seat heights. Add in the hefty weight of bikes at this end of the spectrum, and they're not for everyone. But if you want to get off the bitumen and explore a little further, they're tailor made for the road less travelled.

There are hundreds of new motorcycle models on offer these days – over 750 of them, in fact, judging by the number of listing on bikesales' New Bike Showroom at the time of writing – so from time to time we'll present a summary of what's currently available in any one niche.

Of course models come and go and they receive updates and price changes along the way – the pricing listed below is current as of February 2021, but check with your local dealer to confirm this and the bike's latest specifications.

Related reading:
Adventure bike buyer's guide, below 400cc
Adventure bike buyer's guide, 400cc to 900cc
Advice: Adventure bike ride essentials
Advice: Bush-mechanic fixes for broken bikes

BMW

Engine: Air/liquid-cooled, 1254cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder Boxer flat-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 136hp/143Nm
Weight: 249kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/200mm
Seat height: 850mm/870mm (800mm/820mm with low suspension option)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: from $26,295 ride away (from $35,306 ride away)
Notes: Many would say the BMW R 1250 GS is the patriarch of the modern big-bore adventure bike niche, and not too many would argue. The model traces its roots back to the first R 80 GS of 1980, and on through many variants to the R 1100 GS, R 1150 GS, and R 1200 GS of more recent times. The R 1250 GS is the base model – it still has good off-road ability but isn't as focussed on the rough stuff as its harder-edged sibling, the R 1250 GS Adventure. There's also the '40 Years of GS Edition', an anniversary model available in a heritage bumblebee (Avus Black) colour scheme that piles on additional features and tech for an extra nine grand, in addition to Rallye, Rallye X, Triple Black and Option 719 variants.
Related reading: Updated BMW R 1250 GS Adventure gets 40th anniversary treatment
Visit the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Air/liquid-cooled, 1254cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder Boxer flat-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 136hp/143Nm
Weight: 268kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 210mm/220mm
Seat height: 890mm/910mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 30lt
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: from $28,365 ride away (from $36,851 ride away)
Notes: The pinnacle of BMW's off-road family. It's heavy, especially with a fully fuelled 30-litre tank, but the R 1250 GS Adventure is built for rugged terrain and covering massive distances – in comfort and with a heap of capability. Like the base model, the R 1250 GS also has a limited-edition anniversary sibling, which antes up for an extra $8486, along with Rallye, Rallye X, Triple Black and Option 719 variants.
Related reading: Updated BMW R 1250 GS Adventure gets 40th anniversary treatment
Visit BMW R 1250 GS Adventure in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 999cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder inline four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 165hp/114Nm
Weight: 226kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 150mm/150mm
Seat height: 840mm (790mm with low suspension option)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 17in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $27,975 ride away
Notes: BMW's flagship adventure sport bike, the S 1000 XR, has taken out the Adventure Sport category in our bikesales Bike of the Year mega-test four times – need we say more? Combine a stonking S 1000 RR-derived engine with sublime suspension and adventure-bike ergonomics and you have a recipe for superb mile eating. This is a tarmac-focussed bike, not an outback blaster, but as a point-to-point machine it devours distance with an insatiable appetite. Available in S 1000 XR, S 1000 XR Tour, and S 1000 XR Carbon Sport variants.
Related reading: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Finalist BMW S 1000 XR
Visit BMW S 1000 XR in New Bike Showroom

Ducati

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 937cc, four-stroke, Desmodromic four-valves-per-cylinder Testastretta 90-degree L-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 113hp/94Nm
Weight: 204kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/170mm
Seat height: 840mm (860mm and 820mm options)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,500 ride away
Notes: The entry point to Ducati's Multistrada range, the road-biased Multistrada 950 still comes with plenty of standard gear including Cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes, self-cancelling indicators and a hill hold feature. Available in any colour, so long as it's red.
Related reading: 2018 EICMA: Ducati Multistrada 950
Visit Ducati Multistrada 950 in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 937cc, four-stroke, Desmodromic four-valves-per-cylinder Testastretta 90-degree L-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 113hp/94Nm
Weight: 204kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/170mm
Seat height: 840mm (860mm and 820mm options)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $24,000 ride away
Notes: The Ducati Multistrada 950 S builds on the base model with additional features including electronic suspension, quickshifter, full LED lighting with DRLs, TFT instrumentation with Bluetooth connectivity, electronic cruise control and backlit handlebar controls, all for a $2500 premium. A wire-spoked wheel option is also available (add $900), for those who favour dirt in their on-road/off-road mix.
Related reading: 2018 EICMA: Ducati Multistrada 950
Visit Ducati Multistrada 950 S in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1158cc, four-stroke, four-valves-per-cylinder Granturismo 90-degree V4
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 170hp/125Nm
Weight: 240kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 170mm/180mm
Seat height: 840mm/860mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 22lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $28,990 ride away
Notes: Ducati's next-generation adventure model, complete with fire-breathing 'Granturismo' 90-degree V4 engine. Ducati promises this fourth-generation Multistrada will be its most versatile yet, while the model is set to reach Australian showroom sometime in the first quarter of 2021. The base-model Multistrada V4 will be joined by a mid-spec Multistrada V4 S (from $33,490 ride away) and flagship Multistrada V4 S Sport (from $36,790 ride away). Watch this space…
Related reading: 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 unveiled with pricing;
A closer look at Ducati's new Granturismo V4 engine
Ducati Multistrada V4 coming soon to New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1262cc, four-stroke, Desmodromic Variable Timing, four-valves-per-cylinder Testastretta DVT 1262 90-degree L-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 158hp/128Nm
Weight: 254kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 185mm/185mm
Seat height: 860mm (840mm and 880mm options)
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 30lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $32,700 ride away
Notes: Ducati's adventure king, or at least until the Multistrada V4 arrives. Comes with a long-range 30-litre tank, spoked wheels, and plenty of electronic goodies like Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, electronic suspension, TFT instrumentation, quickshifter, electronic cruise control, riding modes, hill holder – the list goes on. Powered by Ducati's Testastretta DVT 1262 L-twin engine, as opposed to the Granturismo V4 in the incoming new model.
Related reading: Ducati Multistrada Enduro gets 1260 boost
Visit Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro in New Bike Showroom

Honda

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1084cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 100hp/105Nm
Weight: 226kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 204mm/220mm
Seat height: 870mm (850mm option)
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 18.8lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $22,320 ride away
Notes: Honda's base-model big-bore adventure bike has serious off-road capability, with long-travel suspension, spoked wheels and a 21-inch front rim. It's lighter than several rivals too (and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports variants), but comes with the smaller 18.8-litre tank (24.8lt on Adventure Sports variants), a shorter screen, and less techno wizardry than its higher-spec siblings, although you still get electronic cruise control and TFT instrumentation with Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Honda Africa Twin was crowned bikesales Bike of the Year in 2016.
Related reading: 2020 Honda Africa Twin Launch Review
Visit Honda Africa Twin in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1084cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 100hp/105Nm
Weight: 238kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 204mm/220mm
Seat height: 870mm (850mm option)
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 24.8lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $26,070 ride away
Notes: For a $3750 premium, the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports builds on the base model with a larger (and height adjustable) screen, larger fuel tank (extra 6lt), auxiliary charging plug, heated handlebar grips, large engine sump guard, aluminium rear carrier plus tubeless wheels and tyres.
Related reading: 2020 Honda Africa Twin Launch Review
Visit Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1084cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 100hp/105Nm
Weight: 248kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 204mm/220mm
Seat height: 870mm (850mm option)
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 24.8lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $27,097 ride away
Notes: Stepping up another grand gets you onto the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT, which has all the same features as the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports but with the addition of Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for fully automatic or manual pushbutton gear changes.
Related reading: 2020 Honda Africa Twin Launch Review
Visit Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1084cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 100hp/105Nm
Weight: 250kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 204mm/220mm
Seat height: 870mm (850mm option)
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 24.8lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $29,254 ride away
Notes: At the top of Honda's adventure-bike tree lies the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT ES, which for roughly $2150 more adds Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) electronic suspension. The system delivers a choice of five preload settings – hard, medium, soft and off-road, along with customisable 'user' setting. This electronic suspension variant is only available on the Adventure Sports model with DCT dual clutch transmission.
Related reading: 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT ES Review
Visit Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT ES in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1043cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder inline four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 120hp/102Nm
Weight: 257kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 150mm/152mm
Seat height: 840mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 17in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 21lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $21,833 ride away
Notes: The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was our Adventure Sport contender in the 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year but for 2021 this all-singing, all-dancing road-focussed model has been replaced by the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S, with manual instead of electronic suspension. The price has dropped accordingly, by around $2500 from the SE, yet the S still boasts a heap of features including TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, ride modes, cornering ABS, and a quickshifter, among many others. For long-haul highway touring, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is fast, smooth, and comfortable; it's a heap of bike for the money.
Related reading: 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist: Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE
Visit Kawasaki Versys 1000 S in New Bike Showroom

KTM

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1050cc, four-stroke, four-valves-per-cylinder 75-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 125hp/109Nm
Weight: 207kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 220mm/220mm
Seat height: 890mm
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $24,795 ride away
Notes: KTM's heritage lies off-road and it shows in bikes like this 1090 Adventure R. It's been around for a little while now but KTM says the 1090 Adventure R is its most off-road capable adventure model, and all at a lower price point than its 1290 siblings (below). Niceties include off-road ABS and traction control, riding modes (including off-road mode), and self-cancelling indicators, among others.
Related reading: 2017 KTM Adventure Range Launch Review
Visit KTM 1090 Adventure R in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1301cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder 75-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 160hp/138Nm
Weight: 220kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 200mm/200mm
Seat height: 849mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $29,195 ride away
Notes: With a more even split of on-road/off-road performance, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S comes with cast-alloy rims and more a conservative 19in/17in wheelset. Details listed here are for the 2020 model – a 2021 model is due in April, and boasts a significant tech upgrade with TFT instrumentation, adaptive cruise control, and much more (pricing TBA).
Related reading: Smarter KTM 1290 Super Adventure S revealed for 2021
Visit KTM 1290 Super Adventure S in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1301cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder 75-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 160hp/140Nm
Weight: 217kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 220mm/220mm
Seat height: 890mm
Wheels: Spoked, 21in front/18in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $29,995 ride away
Notes: The harder-edged, more off-road-ready brother of the 1290 Super Adventure S, with spoked wheels and a 21in/18in wheelset. The R also scores a bit more torque (up 2Nm) and all the electronic fruit, including tyre pressure monitoring, self-cancelling indicators, and TFT instrumentation.
Related reading: 2017 bikesales big-bore adventure bike comparo: KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
Visit KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in New Bike Showroom

Suzuki

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1037cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder 90-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 106hp/103Nm
Weight: 236kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 160mm/160mm
Seat height: 855mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $17,990 ride away
Notes: Suzuki overhauled its long-serving V-Strom 1000 in 2020 and the result was the V-Strom 1050. With a bit more power and torque, new LCD instrumentation, ABS and a choice of ride modes, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is a road-focussed adventure bike that packs healthy long-haul touring ability and performance into its fairly modest purchase price.
Related reading: Pricing announced for delayed Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050XT
Visit Suzuki V-Strom 1050 in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1037cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder 90-degree V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 106hp/103Nm
Weight: 228kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 160mm/160mm
Seat height: 850mm/870mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front /17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $20,990 ride away
Notes: With a stronger focus on off-road performance than the road-biased base model, the headline grabber for the Suzuki 1050XT is its Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which packages two-level Cornering ABS with three-level traction control, electronic cruise control, and three ride modes, among others. The suspension and rim sizes are unchanged but the XT is equipped with spoked wheels, while the XT also scores a centrestand, crash bars, a height-adjustable screen, handguards and a lower engine guard. This bike packs in a lot of gear and performance for those on a more modest budget.
Related reading: 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Review
Visit Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT in New Bike Showroom

Triumph

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 888cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 84hp/82Nm
Weight: 192kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: N/A
Seat height: 810mm to 803mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $17,890 ride away
Notes: A newcomer to the Triumph Tiger range, the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is a road-focussed adventure bike based on the new Tiger 900 platform (see our Middleweight Adventure Bike Buyers Guide, 400cc to 900cc). Think an upright and comfy ride position, up-to-date electronics, and punchy performance – it's a modern incarnation of the ageing 1050cc Triumph Tiger Sport.
Related reading: New Triumph Tiger 850 Sport arriving in 2021
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport coming soon to New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1050cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 123hp/106Nm
Weight: 218kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 140mm/155mm
Seat height: 830mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 17in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $19,800 ride away
Notes: Based on Triumph's 1050cc triple first introduced in the Triumph Sprint ST in 2005, the Triumph Tiger Sport has been the Brit brand's flagship Adventure Sport machine in one form or another since its arrival in 2006. It hasn't changed since an update in 2016 and while it's low on tech by today's standards, the star of the show is that lusty triple. With the arrival of the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport (see above) this model's days may be numbered, but it's a grunty, capable road-going tourer at a more affordable price point.
Related reading: 2016 Triumph Tiger Sport Launch Review
Visit Triumph Tiger Sport in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 244kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm (790mm to 810mm low seat option available)
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $26,600 ride away
Notes: This is the base-model variant of Triumph's Tiger 1200 range, as opposed to the all-the-bells-and-whistles Tiger 1200 XRt and the more off-road biased XC models. Big, roomy and packed with gear, this is a bona fide mile muncher in its own right, and it's still entirely happy on decent dirt roads too.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger range review
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 XRx in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 242kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $27,250 ride away
Notes: A limited-edition variant based on the more road-oriented Triumph Tiger 1200 XRx, the Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition features a titanium Akrapovic silencer, bi-directional quickshifter, 'metallised' SE radiator badges, Snowdonia White colour scheme and Alpine Edition graphics.
Related reading: Triumph Tiger 1200 special editions break cover
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 243kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $29,990 ride away
Notes: This is the flagship version of the more road-oriented side of the Triumph Tiger 1200 equation. In addition to the standard features of the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRx, the Triumph Tiger 1200 XRt scores a bi-directional quickshifter, LED adaptive cornering lighting, a titanium and carbon-wrapped Arrow silencer, an extra customisable ride mode, heated seats, electric screen adjustment, LED auxiliary lights, and an extra three TFT instrumentation styles.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger range review
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 XRt in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 248kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $28,200 ride away
Notes: The base model of the more off-road-oriented half of the Triumph Tiger 1200 family, with spoked wheels (but the same rim sizes and suspension travel). Features include an 'Off Road Pro' riding mode, engine bars, radiator guards, and an alloy bash plate.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger range review
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 246kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $28,750 ride away
Notes: This is the limited-edition version of the more off-road-oriented Triumph Tiger 1200 XC range, in the same way that the Alpine Edition is based on the more road-going XR family. Extras include 'Sandstorm' paint scheme, Desert Edition graphics, titanium Arrow silencer, bi-directional quickshifter, and 'metallised' SE badging on the radiator guards.
Related reading: Triumph Tiger 1200 special editions break cover
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition in New Bike Showroom

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1215cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 12-valve, inline three-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 139hp/122Nm
Weight: 248kg (dry)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/193mm
Seat height: 835mm to 855mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 20lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $31,990 ride away
Notes: This is the burger-with-the-lot off-road variant, with spoked wheels, LED adaptive cornering lighting, LED auxiliary lighting, a titanium and carbon-wrapped Arrow silencer, bi-directional quickshifter, six riding modes including 'Off-Road Pro', heated grips and seats, billet machined footpegs, and an extra three TFT instrumentation styles.
Related reading: 2018 Triumph Tiger range review
Visit Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa in New Bike Showroom

Yamaha

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1199cc, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin
Transmission: 6-speed
Output: 112hp/117Nm
Weight: 257kg (wet)
Susp. travel front/rear: 190mm/190mm
Seat height: 845mm/870mm
Wheels: Spoked, 19in front/17in rear
Fuel tank: 23lt
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: From $25,199 ride away
Notes: While the Yamaha Tenere 700 may have been basking in the limelight since its release in late 2019, Yamaha's Super Tenere ES is the big boy, with a load more comfort and long-distance touring potential. The big twin was launched in 2010, so it's been around for long enough to iron out any foibles, while features include electronic suspension preload and damping settings, linked brakes with ABS, multi-level traction control, a fuss-free shaft final drive, and monster torque.
Related reading: 2016 Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200ZE
Visit Yamaha Super Tenere ES in New Bike Showroom