For most of my life, I’ve ridden motorcycle cruisers and touring bikes. My faithful 1993 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Manny, has been my companion for 25 years now, and most of my touring has been on Harley-Davidson Electra Glides, Road Glides and Road Kings. I like to ride long distances, and I appreciate comfort.
I have had a few experiences with adventure bikes, though, that have me thinking about a switch as I contemplate my next motorcycle purchase.
What is an adventure bike? Also known as a dual-sport, it’s the SUV of motorcycles, a hybrid of road bike and dirt bike, borrowing features and capabilities from each category. Like an SUV, some of these features are more for style than intent. Some bikes are designed more in one direction than the other, while the best all-around bikes balance on-road and off-road capabilities.
Dual-sport bikes generally feature an upright riding position with mid-set foot pegs, a flat seat and dirt bike-style bars. Many have ABS or plastic bodywork, fenders and gas tank, aluminum skid plates, reinforced ladder frame, wire wheels with knobby tires, brush guards and rugged panniers. Dual-sports usually have lots of ground clearance and long suspension travel. If you want to ride around the world, your journey will be made easier with a dual-sport motorcycle.
Dual-sports come in various sizes and styles. The gold standard of current big dual-sport motorcycles is the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, a remarkable bike with a powerful engine and a ton of technology. Other big bikes include the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Yamaha Super Ténéré and Triumph Tiger 1200. These big bikes are fantastic on the road, but require a bit more effort and muscle to manage on soft surfaces.
Mid-size bikes can hit the sweet spot for smaller riders and for riders who are less confident in the dirt. The Triumph Tiger 800 is one of my favorite all-around bikes. BMW’s F 800 GS, Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and Honda’s Africa Twin are also strong choices in the category.
Even lighter bikes can also enhance adventure riding. While they may not be ideal for long distance highway blasts, they can excel in challenging conditions, and are often simpler to maintain and repair on the road. The king of this category is the Kawasaki KLR 650, a bike that has proven to be nearly indestructible. Honda’s XR 650L is another proven-tough bike, and BMW’s G 310 GS provides a port of entry to the GS cult of adventure.
If you’re considering adventure riding, you’d be wise to pick up or polish your off-road riding skills. Luckily, the rising popularity of adventure riding has spurred a growth in adventure-riding schools and classes. Most of the manufacturers who offer an adventure bike also have links to a school, or sponsor a program that uses their bikes. Check with your local dealer to see what’s available in your area and through your brand.
Adventure riding, of course, opens up the need for additional motorcycle gear. Specialty helmets, jackets, gloves, pants and gloves cater to the specific needs of adventure riders – but to get started, your road gear will do, as long as it fits well, is adequately padded, and is appropriate for the weather you may encounter. Find and accumulate adventure-specific gear as you get more comfortable and familiar with the hobby – you’ll know what you need and what works with your riding style, and you won’t have to waste money and time on trendy gear that you don’t really need.
One of the best parts of owning an adventure bike is knowing that you can go anywhere on it, at any time. Much like the SUV owner who never leaves the pavement, you might just hold that capability in reserve – but you’ll get much more out of your bike if you expand your horizons, leave the pavement every once in a while and enjoy the great outdoors.