Best adventure motorbikes of 2023

Let’s clear the air before we start; any motorbike can be used to go on an adventure. This page, however, will concentrate on the adventure bike market sector that covers mostly middle and heavyweight machines with at least some off-road capability and a nod to comfort over distance.

The obvious king of the sector is the BMW R1250GS – and, of course, the previous versions all the way back to the original top dog of the ‘big trailies’, the R80GS of 1980.

Over time, adventure bikes got bigger, heavier, more expensive and more tarmac-focused and this is where the middleweight versions came into play. These include the 2022 MCN adventure bike of the year-winning Ducati DesertX, Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 890 Adventure, Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the latest models on the scene – the 2023 Honda Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.

• Related: Best adventure motorbike clothing

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Spec: 776cc / 83bhp / 230kg / 855mm seat height

Price: £10,655

The V-Strom 800DE is the first version of Suzuki’s adventure bike to use a parallel-twin engine. The new motor uses a 270-degree crank to behave more like the previously-used V-twin and has a twin balance shaft design to minimise vibration.

The 800DE is more off-road capable than its 650cc predecessor but it’s still predominantly a road bike – where it is excellent.

• Suzuki V-Strom 800DE review

Honda XL750 Transalp

Spec: 755cc / 91bhp / 208kg / 850mm seat height

Price: £9499

Released shortly after the Suzuki V-Strom above and after years of speculation and spyshots, the Honda Transalp hasn’t disappointed. Chief road tester Michael Neeves gave it a maximum five stars overall and was really impressed by the lively engine and excellent road handling.

As with the V-Strom, the Honda is predominantly a road bike with some off-road capability but if you’re looking for a truly focused mud plugger then buy an enduro bike.

• Honda Transalp review

More of the best adventure bikes in 2023

• Triumph Tiger 900
• KTM 790 Adventure
• Yamaha Ténéré 700
• BMW R1250GS Adventure
• Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport
• Honda CB500X
• Honda NC750X
• Ducati Multistrada 950 S
• Triumph Tiger 800 XC
• KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

2020 Triumph Tiger 900

Spec: 888cc / 94bhp / 201kg / 850mm seat height

Price: £12,000 (used) – £13,100 (new)

For 2020, Triumph replaced their 800cc Tiger range with a new 900cc family of bikes. The Rally and Rally Pro models are the off road versions while the GT and GT Pro are for tarmac-based excersions. The new bike uses an innovative T-plane crank design in its three-cylinder engine to emulate the firing order of a V-twin for low and mid-range grunt without sacrificing top end power.

Not only did the new Tiger receive a five-star review from MCN, the Rally Pro model also took the 2020 Bike of the Year crown in the MCN Awards.

• Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro review

2019 KTM 790 Adventure

Spec: 799cc / 93.8bhp / 189kg / 850mm seat height

Price: £9500 (used) – £11,099 (new)

No motorcycle manufacturer has a better off-road pedigree than Austrian specialists KTM and, following the success of its big bore V-twin adventure bikes, its new middleweight parallel twin has enhanced its reputation further. With the lively engine from the 790 Duke, sophisticated electronics and quality spec including full colour TFT dash it’s a quality offering befitting its price and with off-road ability few rivals can match.

• Latest news: KTM launch 890 Adventure range

Two versions are available: the base, more road-orientated Adventure and the more hardcore, off-road R with top spec longer suspension, one-piece seat, low screen, high mudguard and extra Rally riding mode for £900 more. Both are brilliant, but if off-roading’s less important there are cheaper options.

BUYING ADVICE So new (it was launched in 2019), few used examples are out there but we’ve seen ex-dealer demos already for as little as £9500. 790 Duke powertrain has no scare stories and KTMs are generally solid but watch out for off-roading scars.

• Read MCN’s full review of ther KTM 790 Adventure

2019 Yamaha Ténéré 700

Spec: 689cc / 73bhp / 205kg / 880mm seat height

Price: £8199 (used) – £8399 (new)

Yamaha’s new-for-2019 take on the middleweight adventure bike theme follows a similar path to KTM’s 790 Adventure in being an off-road-focused machine derived from a road middleweight twin; in this case Yamaha’s brilliant MT-07. Rally styling apart, though, the Yamaha’s a less sophisticated, more affordable option, free of electronics and fancy TFTs but still with engaging road performance and even better off-road ones. If you want an adventure bike with which to genuinely explore off-roading there’s nothing better.

BUYING ADVICE Like its KTM rival, the Ténéré 700 is so new there are few used examples on offer yet… although we have seen a handful. MT-07 mechanicals are proven but watch out for evidence of novice and off-road mishaps.

• Read MCN’s full review of the Yamaha Tenere 700

2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure

Spec: 1254cc / 134bhp / 268kg / 890-910mm seat height

Price: £16,400 (used, loaded) – £14,415 (new, basic)

The big GSA should need little introduction: The first 1150, in 2002, set the big tank/off-road enhancements ‘adventure’ template and found fame via Ewan and Charley’s Long Way Round. It’s been a best-seller ever since, was updated in 2006, 2010 and 2014 and for 2019 gains an extra 84cc, 11bhp and BM’s clever, performance-boosting ShiftCam technology, along with classy colour TFT screen, LED lights and more. A big, comfy, sporty, flexible and classy all-rounder, the improvements are enough to keep it on top – but it is big and, depending on spec, can be pricey, too.

BUYING ADVICE BMW’s famed residual values, owner profiles and dealer experience means used GSAs are a popular (and wise) used buy. If cosmetics are good, there’s little to fear but options are huge so be sure to find one with the spec you want.

• Read MCN’s full review of the BMW R1250GSA

2019 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Spec: 998cc / 94bhp / 243kg / 900mm seat height

Price: £8750 (used) – £12,599 (new)

The return of Honda’s famous Africa Twin after over 20 years in 2016 was largely a success and, with its 94bhp twin, genuine on/off-road ability and slightly more middleweight proportions compared to some, proved a refreshing, well-positioned option. For 2019 this new Adventure Sports option gave it more presence, range and style thanks to a bigger tank and improved, longer-travel suspension, even if it still lacks some of the electronics and luxuries of some rivals. If you like Honda refinement, quality and the Africa Twin backstory and want a genuine dual-purpose adventure bike, it doesn’t disappoint.

BUYING ADVICE More already available than you might expect – although many are Honda’s clever ‘DCT’ auto version. Quality and mechanicals are class with no concerns, extras such as luggage are always welcome. Don’t forget there’s a new Honda Africa Twin for 2020, too…

2014 Honda CB500X

Spec: 471cc / 47bhp / 197kg / 830mm seat height

Price: £2750+ (used) – £6069 (new)

First introduced in 2013 as the adventure-style variant of Honda’s all-new, A2-focused, 47bhp CB500 twin (the others being the CB500F roadsters and CBR500R sports), the X was the taller, more upright option, but still a doddle for novices. A refresh came in 2015 followed by a further update this year, including larger 19in front wheel, new bodywork, engine tweaks and smart new clocks. Although no off-roader, it remains probably the best starter adventure bike out there and is affordable, reassuringly easy and unintimidating to ride and decent quality.

The CB500X took MCN’s sub 500cc Bike of the Year Award in 2020, too.

BUYING ADVICE Simple, understressed and with no mechanical horror stories in its six-year life, the CB500X is also popular so there’s plenty to choose from. They tend to be looked after but watch for novice-style neglect and possible damage.

• Read MCN’s full review of the Honda CB500X

2014 Honda NC750X

Spec: 745cc / 54bhp / 229kg / 830mm seat height

Price: £3600 (used) – £6879 (new)

First introduced as the NC700X in 2012 then facelifted and enlarged into 750 form in 2014, the NCX is an adventure-style commuter with more than a little scooter DNA. Novel design gives a luggage compartment in the false tank while a scooter-style twist-n-go DCT automatic version is also available. With just 54bhp it’s not the most exciting adventure bike, admittedly, but it’s effective, charming, easy to ride and impressively cheap to buy and run.

• Latest news: Honda unveil 2021 NC750X

BUYING ADVICE Under-stressed, low-revving twin is solid and frugal, rest of bike is simple and they’re the sort of bike that tends to attract mature, careful owners. Popularity again means there’s plenty out there. Go for the DCT option if you’re feeling brave.

• Read MCN’s full review of the Honda NC750X

2019 Ducati Multistrada 950 S

Spec: 937cc / 111bhp / 230kg / 840mm seat height

Price: £13,000 (used) – £13,355 (new)

There’s no argument that Ducati’s latest, range-topping Multistrada 1260 S is phenomenally capable and quick, but with 160bhp and a £17k price tag it’s also too much for some. The new 950 S has all of its big brother’s electronic brilliance (including multi modes and semi-active suspension), composure and class but with its 111bhp Hypermoto engine and £13k price is within reach of more. The ‘Strada is arguably the best road performing and sophisticated adventure bike of all. In this 950 S trim it’s more accessible than ever.

The Ducati Multistrada 950 S also took the best adventure sport category in the 2020 MCN Bike of the Year Awards.

BUYING ADVICE So new we’ve yet to see any used examples but the 937cc engine’s proven on the Hypermotard and the rest of the chassis and cycle parts on other ‘Stradas. Condition and proper servicing is key.

• Read MCN’s full review of the Ducati Multistrada 950 S

2010 Triumph Tiger 800 

Spec: 800cc / 94bhp / 205kg / 840-860mm seat height

Price: £6700 (used) – £9200+ (new)

Although a three-cylinder adventure bike sounds odd, the Tiger 800 is a brilliant all-rounder and, in XC (cross-country) rather than XR (road) trim makes a reasonable off-roader, too. Triumph triple is a charismatic gem, handling is typically-triumph good and versatility is peerless. What’s more successive updates, most recently with improved modes, TFT screen and more in 2018 have kept it up to date plus the options list is immense. Get one with the spec you like and you won’t want for anything more.

• Latest news: Triumph unveil new entry-level Tiger 850 Sport model

BUYING ADVICE The Hinckley Tiger has now been around since 2010 and has proved hugely popular and shown up virtually no problems. High mileages are not unusual as they’re a popular commuter but check cosmetics. Quality extras can be a bonus.

• Read the full review of the Triumph Tiger 800 XCA

2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure 

Spec: 1301cc / 160bhp / 217kg / 890mm seat height

Price: £9500+ (used) – £14,899 (new)

The Austrian endure experts adventure bike flagship has it all: 160bhp performance, class-leading electronics, genuine off-road ability – and the whopping price tag to go with it. As a result it can do it all, too – tour, scratch and go off-road. Whether you actually need all that is a different matter and it certainly lacks the reassurance and residuals of BMW’s GS but if you can handle (and afford) it, the 1290 Super Adventure is surely some kind of ultimate.

BUYING ADVICE There’s a variety of versions (T, S, R), KTM residuals can’t match BMWs and oil leaks and warped discs have been known with hard use. Find a good used one, though, and you could grab yourself a ballistic bargain.

• Read MCN’s full review of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure

Do I need to be an expert rider to manage an adventure bike?

Although admittedly some adventure bikes are imposing and expensive, today there’s a wider variety of sizes, types and prices than ever, ranging from budget A2-licence-compliant offerings to a new breed of off-road-centric middleweights such as Yamaha’s exciting new Ténéré 700 to luxurious, fully-laden heavyweights such as BMW’s new, ‘ShiftCam’ R1250GSA. They don’t need to be bank-breaking to buy, or indeed to insure.

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What about buying a used adventure bike?

It’s possible to get your hands on a bike with with serious capability without breaking the bank, and there are plenty for sale on the MCN website too. For starters, check out our best adventure motorbikes for less than £3000.