New Bike Buyer's Guide: Best Adventure Motorcycles

The Africa Twin name is almost as iconic as the GS, even if the modern version carries less fanfare than some of its contemporaries. Dismissing it would be a mistake because, at $24,777 ride-away, it is arguably the best-value option in the 1000cc-plus adventure segment.

The price does rise if you step up to the Electronic Suspension (ES) or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) variants, but even the range-topping Adventure Sports ES DCT comes in at just $31,863 ride-away – still noticeably cheaper than much of its competition.

All versions are powered by a 75kW/112Nm, 1084cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin housed in a semi-double-cradle frame, although equipment levels vary between models. The base version features 21- and 18-inch wire-spoked wheels, fully adjustable Showa suspension, an 18.8-litre fuel tank, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, heated grips, an adjustable windscreen, multiple electronic rider aids and cruise control.

Showa EERA electronically adjustable suspension and DCT are optional on the base model and standard on the Adventure Sports. The flagship model also caters more to long-distance touring and accessibility, with a larger 24.8-litre fuel tank, a smaller 19-inch front wheel, a lower seat height and reduced suspension travel compared with the base bike.

Perhaps the only downside is that the larger 24.8-litre tank isn't available on the base model with the larger 21-inch front wheel and longer-travel suspension.

Regardless of which Africa Twin you choose, you can expect typical Honda reliability, smooth and tractable power delivery, and impressive off-road capability. It may not be regarded as the sharpest performer on sealed roads, but it remains one of the most versatile and affordable adventure bikes on the market.

Honda also offers a six-year warranty on Africa Twin models purchased on or after July 1, 2025, provided they are serviced at authorised Honda dealerships.

2026 Honda Africa Twin at a glance:
Price: From $24,777 ride-away
Engine: 1084cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin
Fuel capacity: 18.8L
Seat height: 850–870mm
Weight (wet): 240kg
Suspension: Showa 45mm USD fork (front); Pro-Link rear suspension with Showa shock (rear)
Rider aids: ABS, traction control, ride modes, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, electronic suspension (optional), DCT (optional)
Warranty: Six years (when serviced at authorised Honda dealerships)

It’s hard to compile a list of the top adventure bikes without including a GS. BMW essentially invented the adventure category in 1980 with the iconic R 80 G/S, and the formula has only improved over the past 46 years. The latest chapter in that legacy – the R 1300 GS platform – arrived in 2024 as a replacement for the R 1250 GS, debuting a new Boxer engine, chassis and electronics package. Early issues involving the gearbox and adaptive suspension surfaced, but have largely been resolved, with only isolated cases still reported.

The up-spec R 1300 GS Adventure (GSA) launched in early 2025, bringing a 30-litre fuel tank, longer-travel suspension and improved luggage capacity. It’s this model that arguably represents the pinnacle of the GS nameplate’s long-running success.

We tested the R 1300 GS Adventure in Triple Black trim at the beginning of 2025 and came away thoroughly impressed — enough to award it a rare 91/100 rating. With a starting price of $35,790 before on-road costs, it’s not the most affordable bike in its class, but the brilliant 107kW/149Nm Boxer twin, superb chassis balance and high-end componentry make a compelling case. It excels both on and off road while offering class-leading long-distance comfort and capability.

Across the trim levels, the GSA packs an extensive suite of technology. Standard equipment includes lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, multiple ride modes, Dynamic Brake Control, keyless ignition, heated grips and cruise control. Options such as Active Cruise Control, front-collision warning, lane-change warning and Shift Assistant Pro push it even further. Our test bike also featured the optional Adaptive Ride Height and Automated Shift Assistant, bringing the as-tested price to $38,525 plus on-road costs.

2026 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure at a glance:
Price: $33,750 ride-away (not including recommended options)
Engine: Air/liquid-cooled DOHC eight-valve flat-twin
Fuel capacity: 30L
Seat height: 870mm/890mm
Weight (wet): 269kg
Suspension: BMW EVO Telelever, 210mm travel (front); BMW EVO Paralever, 220mm travel (rear)
Rider aids: ABS, traction control, ride modes, Adaptive Ride Height (optional), Automated Shift Assistant (optional), radar cruise control (optional), cruise control
Warranty: Three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty

This was a genuine toss-up between the superb KTM 890 Adventure R and its new V-twin-powered big brother, the 1390 Super Adventure R. The 890 R is renowned for its off-road talent and is the cheaper option, but the new 1390 R represents such a significant step forward over the outgoing 1290 Super Adventure R that it couldn't be left off this list.

KTM's biggest gains come in the engine department. The updated V-twin now displaces 1350cc and introduces variable valve timing, dubbed CamShift by KTM. Power and torque have jumped to 171hp and 145Nm, putting the 1390 R at the very top of the performance charts in the 1000cc-plus adventure category.

A new tablet-style TFT display and user interface also debut, both proving intuitive and easy to navigate. KTM has finally added a dedicated mode button, while the electronics package offers an extensive suite of rider aids for both on- and off-road riding.

Suspension travel from the excellent WP XPLOR components increases to a class-leading 240mm at both ends, with full adjustability. Fuel capacity remains at 23 litres, although the bike is 10kg heavier than its predecessor at 248kg fully fuelled. Even so, smart geometry and ergonomics help disguise much of its mass.

Priced from $35,995 ride-away, the 1390 R sits at the premium end of the segment, and some key features – including front radar, quickshifter and Rally mode – remain optional extras. Even with those fitted, it remains more affordable than equally-specced BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4 variants.

KTM has faced scrutiny recently, including financial challenges and reports of reliability concerns, although most appear to be isolated rather than widespread.

2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure R at a glance:
Price: From $35,995 ride-away
Engine: 1350cc V-twin
Fuel capacity: 23L
Seat height: 880mm
Weight (wet): 248kg
Suspension: WP XPLOR USD fork, 240mm travel (front); WP XPLOR PDS shock, 240mm travel (rear)
Electronics: ABS, traction control, ride modes, TFT display, cruise control
Warranty: Four-year warranty

It would be easy to dismiss the CFMOTO 800MT-X as simply a cheaper version of the dirt-focused KTM 890 Adventure R – and in many ways it is. But this bike deserves recognition in its own right, because, at a promotional price of just $14,990 ride-away, it is arguably the best value-for-money adventure bike currently on the market.

The 800MT platform launched in 2022 using the 799cc LC8c parallel-twin sourced from the KTM 790 Adventure. While the original 800MT proved popular, its off-road performance lagged behind many rivals.

That changed in 2024 with the introduction of the 800MT-X, a far more capable variant equipped with a 21-inch front wheel, increased suspension travel, a low-slung fuel tank and dual-sport tyres. Suddenly, CFMOTO had a machine much closer in character to the bike from which it inherited its engine, but at a dramatically lower price.

Of course, the MT-X achieves that lower price through meaningful component changes. KTM's premium WP XPLOR suspension is replaced by Chinese-built YU'AN units. While the YU'AN fork and shock represent a substantial improvement over the original 800MT, they don't quite match the WP setup for feel or outright performance. The same applies elsewhere, with J.Juan brakes and CST Ambro tyres helping keep costs down.

Even so, the 800MT-X is impressively equipped, featuring cruise control, a two-way quickshifter, tyre-pressure monitoring, three ride modes, a 7-inch TFT display, smartphone and T-Box connectivity, plus a six-axis IMU.

All told, the 800MT-X is exceptionally well specified for the money and genuinely capable on and off road. Purists may still gravitate towards KTM's offerings, but for the majority of buyers, its value is hard to ignore.

2026 CFMOTO 800MT-X at a glance:
Price: $14,990 ride-away
Engine: 799cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin
Fuel capacity: 21L
Seat height: 870mm
Weight (wet): 220kg
Suspension: YU'AN 48mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 230mm travel (front); YU'AN monoshock, fully adjustable, 230mm travel (rear)
Electronics: ABS, traction control, ride modes, quickshifter, cruise control, tyre-pressure monitoring
Warranty: Three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 was the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year winner, and for good reason. On paper, it shares much with the Yamaha Tenere 700, including similar proportions, engine capacity, seat height, fuel range and suspension travel. However, in practice the Tuareg manages to do almost everything the Tenere does, just a little better.

Off-road, it is arguably outperformed only by the KTM 890 Adventure R. The Tuareg features fully adjustable KYB suspension with 240mm of travel at both ends and rolls on 21- and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. The result is excellent compliance and confidence across rough terrain.

Its 659cc parallel-twin is another highlight, producing 58.8kW and 70Nm. Power delivery is smooth, predictable and exceptionally tractable off road, yet still engaging on sealed roads. It's an engine that perfectly complements the chassis.

Where the Tuareg truly separates itself from the Tenere is in technology. It offers customisable ride modes, switchable ABS and traction control, multiple engine maps, adjustable engine braking, a six-axis IMU and a crisp 5-inch TFT display.

Priced at $23,990 ride-away, it isn't the cheapest option in the middleweight adventure segment, but considering its capability, equipment and performance, it represents excellent value. There's also a Rally version that adds premium components and increases the price by just $1,000.

2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 at a glance:
Price: $23,990 ride-away
Engine: 659cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin
Fuel capacity: 18L
Seat height: 860mm
Weight (wet): 204kg
Suspension: 43mm KYB USD fork, fully adjustable, 240mm travel (front); KYB monoshock with progressive linkage, fully adjustable, 240mm travel (rear)
Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, engine braking adjustment, traction control, cruise control, four ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, 5-inch TFT display
Warranty: Three-year warranty

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