These used do-it-all adventure bikes prove you don't need to buy new to buy right

What does ‘adventure bike’ mean to you? For some it’s getting wedged in ruts in a deserted sandy canyon, for others it’s comfortably exploring foreign landscapes with a pillion.

Fortunately the manufacturers know that we’re all fussy individuals and so there are go-anywhere bikes to suit all tastes. And, if you’re buying used, all budgets. Here’s our selection of big-displacement machinery.

Read on for our expert guide to secondhand adventure heroes!


Dakar heritage and real dirt skill, but also a superb road bike

KTM 990 Adventure details

Spec:

  • Power: 105bhp
  • Engine capacity: 999cc
  • Seat height: 890mm
  • Kerb weight: 209kg

KTM’s imposing V-twin is probably the best ‘pure’ adventure bike here, blending real off-road capability with proper on-road manners. The prototype won the 2002 Dakar, which speaks volumes. Launched in 2003, the KTM 990 Adventure swallows motorway slogs, entertains on back roads and relishes getting mucky. Unlike rivals it’s not a road bike in dirt-bike clothing but a real dual-purpose tool that’ll go wherever you want to. Later fuel-injected bikes are the ones to go for. Mega things.

KTM 990 Adventure used buying advice

  • Switchgear is robust, plastics shrug-off spills, the chassis copes with winter. Most of the 990’s build quality is nicer than current KTMs.
  • Look for chrome flaking off spokes (ugly rather than structural) and bent bits from low-speed falls – the 990 is tall, especially the R version with its towering 915mm seat height.
  • Clutch slave cylinders and clutch boosters pack up on earlier models.
  • The shaft seal on the water pump can cause issues too, and throttle bodies enjoy going out of balance. Oh, the V-twin eats camchain tensioners as well. None of it’s major, but make sure you inspect the bike properly.

2010 – 2021 Yamaha Super Ténéré – £4000 – £6390

Not glamorous, not shouty, just abso-bloody-lutely effective

Yamaha Super Ténéré

Spec:

  • Power: 100bhp
  • Engine capacity: 1199cc
  • Seat height: 850mm
  • Kerb weight: 261kg

A couple of years ago I used a Yamaha Super Ténéré through winter. Salted roads that never dry, lashings of road filth and farming by-product, the lot. The way that its finish laughed at the conditions (and my slack cleaning regime) was remarkable. The Yam also has an effortless parallel twin, steadfast handling, a great spec and wonderful comfort. Ride-all-the-time adventurers don’t get much finer.

Yamaha Super Ténéré used buying advice

  • Build quality is ace and the engine runs forever. But there was a recall on the updated 2015-on model to replace the cam segment of the gear shift mechanism. Check it was done.
  • The clutch cover on very early examples was too fragile and could crack, allowing a small leak. There are two spark plugs per cylinder and the bolts locating the plug retainer in place can be buggers to unscrew if the bike’s not been kept clean.
  • Rear brake plates can corrode and warp – feel for a pulsing brake pedal.

2016 – 2019 Honda Africa Twin – £5295 – £17,795

Capable, well respected, yet so affordable it’s almost a joke

Honda Africa Twin

Spec:

  • Power: 103bhp
  • Engine capacity: 998cc
  • Seat height: 850mm
  • Kerb weight: 232kg

You can bag a eight-year-old Honda Africa Twin with low miles and a sprinkling of desirable accessories for six grand. It’s because Honda’s wild discounts and super-cheap finance have knackered secondhand values, but as a used-bike buyer this is splendiferous news. It means you get a mega-quality twin with Dakar stance, sound and style that’ll work brilliantly on any road, turn its hand to anything, and not go wrong.

Honda Africa Twin used buying advice

  • Honda’s low-stressed engine and high-quality chassis won’t give you any significant problems. It’s solid.
  • Some early examples (2016-17) could suffer with corroding spokes. Ensure they were replaced under warranty, and also that the stand recall has been carried out.
  • Water can creep into the switches, especially on older bikes, affecting starting and causing glitches.
  • If it has dual-clutch transmission (DCT) then the shift should be silky; if not it could need ‘re-booting’.

2004 – 2012 BMW R1200GS – £2750 – £14,000

It’s a legend… but it’s also 18 years old, and that means cheap

BMW R1200GS

Spec:

  • Power: 125bhp
  • Engine capacity: 1170cc
  • Seat height: 850mm
  • Kerb weight: 238kg

With its belching boxer powerplant and load-separating Telelever front end, there are feelings from an R1200GS that aren’t initially to everyone’s taste. But then you spend time with one and realise all the gushing reviews you’ve read since its 2004 introduction are true. There’s simply nowt like a GS, from its surreal floating rear end and instant torque, to its ergonomics and eye-opening handling.

BMW R1200GS used buying advice

  • BMW’s reputation as a premium brand isn’t necessarily deserved. Pre-2010 bikes can leak oil from the end of the final drive shaft, and if it’s dribbling where the gearbox and engine meet you should walk. There were a total of six recalls as well.
  • ABS pumps can be troublesome. See if the ABS dash lamp stays on when you pull away (it should go off).
  • Early example with ESA? Check all of the three preload options work – you should feel the bike’s stance alter within a few seconds.

2013 – 2017 Aprilia Caponord – £4500 – £8000

There’s no better two-up distance bike – and it’s affordable too

Aprilia Caponord

Spec:

  • Power: 125bhp
  • Engine capacity: 1197cc
  • Seat height: 840mm
  • Kerb weight: 228kg

Aprilia pride themselves on tech and were early adopters of semi-active suspension. And the system used on their Travel Pack option (standard on Rally models) provides the greatest ride quality of any bike. Ever. It also has automatic preload so sets itself for your pillion or luggage. With its thrumming V-twin, fine ergonomics and reliability, the Aprilia Caponord makes crossing Europe truly effortless.

Aprilia Caponord used buying advice

  • Forget outdated Aprilia reliability rumours. The engine will do 100,000 miles with just routine servicing.
  • Check that the rear suspension’s sensor rod isn’t seized. While you’re there inspect for loose sprocket nuts.
  • Fuel level sender wires can get damaged – false fuel readings are probably this, not the pump, sender unit or display. Check E10 fuel isn’t making the tank swell (empty for a few days to regain its shape if it is).
  • Check the brake master cylinder recall has been carried out.