The hottest category in the car world is the sport utility vehicle, or SUV. In the United States, SUVs have overtaken sedans and coupes to become the best-selling configuration of vehicle. One of the primary appeals of the SUV is the promise of go-anywhere prowess. While it is questionable whether the majority of four-wheel drive SUVs ever leave the pavement, buyers demand the appearance of rugged capability. An equivalent development has emerged in motorcycling, and that’s the adventure bike – the SUV of the motorcycle world.
In theory, adventure bikes combine the abilities of two classes of bike – dirt bikes and street bikes – creating a motorcycle that can conquer both rough terrain and long stretches of superhighway with aplomb. They evolved from enduro bikes, which were off-road race bikes that were not street-legal, to dual-sport bikes, which tamed the enduro formula with street-legal headlights, turn signals and license-plate mounts. Adventure bikes add some wind protection, luggage mounts and/or luggage, and additional creature comforts. The line between dual-sports and adventure bikes is blurry and not important. What is important is that adventure bikes have the look, the high seating position, tall ground clearance, basic wind protection and stance that says “I can conquer the world – let’s go.”
There’s a good argument to be made that the BMW GS started the current adventure bike wave when it debuted as a 1980 model. Powered by a parallel-twin Boxer engine mounted in a rugged frame with tall clearance and long-travel shocks, the GS was a go-anywhere bike. Over the generations, the GS lineup evolved to multiple models, including the current G 310 GS and R 1250 GS. The BMW GS is the Cadillac of adventure bikes.
Kawasaki KLR 650 brought the adventure bike to the masses. It has been in production since 1987 with a redesign in 2008, and has developed a cult following and a vibrant aftermarket. A water-cooled, single-cylinder “thumper,” the KLR 650 is renowned for bullet-proof durability and great adaptability.
Between these two poles, a number of adventure bikes have sprouted from multiple manufacturers. Notable examples include the Yamaha Super Tenére, the Suzuki V-Strom, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the Triumph Tiger and the Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L. Harley-Davidson has announced that it will produce its first adventure touring model for the 2020 model year, so you know that there’s gold in them thar hills.
Like SUVs, adventure bikes vary widely in their capability to conquer both dirt and street situations. But even if you never take your bike to the dirt, the adventure bike setup has some great benefits for all-around riding. First and foremost, the tall, upright seating position is great for seeing and being seen on the road, and can be very comfortable for long rides. The adventure bike cockpit is generally very roomy, with lots of opportunities to shift positions and stay comfortable. Adventure bikes have lots of ground clearance and available lean angle, which comes in handy everywhere, along with substantial suspension travel. Many come with standard luggage or at least mounting points. Of course, adventure bikes can be a little top-heavy, and not all models are comfortable for riders with shorter inseams. Wind protection is generally minimal compared to dedicated touring or sport-touring rigs.
I have never owned an adventure bike, but I have covered a lot of miles on various models over the years. I’m eager to see how H-D’s version turns out (and how it will be priced), and I’m always on the lookout for an inexpensive used KLR 650 that hasn’t been abused. If you can only own one bike for all of your riding needs, an adventure bike just might be your ticket to… well, adventure.