10 Best Go-Anywhere Motorcycles On the Market

10 Best Go-Anywhere Motorcycles On the Market

ADVRiderMag is the ultimate Australian dedicated adventure-riding journal.

These motorcycles will take you to infinity and beyond In the world of adventure riding, versatility is the key, and go-anywhere motorcycles are fundamentally designed to conquer any terrain with ease. These motorcycles are built inherently with the ability to be able to conquer any terrain that is thrown at them, whether it’s exploring rugged trails, embarking on long-distance journeys, or even navigating city streets.

In this article, we present the top 10 best go-anywhere motorcycles on the market, each offering a unique blend of off-road prowess and on-road comfort. From legendary brands like BMW and Honda to Ducati and Triumph, each of these motorcycles offers unique advantages and capabilities, catering to a wide range of riders seeking adventure and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a touring aficionado, these options will provide a rounded approach to the ultimate versatile bike.

10Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Kicking off this list with a Suzuki offering, and we have gone with 800DE from their V-Strom lineup. Now while there is the more powerful 1050 platform we could have picked, the 800DE offers the best of both worlds – a capable adventure motorcycle with a comparatively lighter frame and engine that can potentially take you anywhere.

Equipped with a powerful new 776cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers 83 horsepower and 57.5 pound-feet of peak torque, making it ideal for both off-road escapades and long highway rides. It comes with a capacious fuel tank and ample storage options, the V-Strom 800DE can prove to be a capable go-anywhere option for you.

Pros

• The capable, powerful parallel-twin engine

• A well-tuned ‘gravel’ mode

• A capacious 5.2-gallon fuel tank

Cons

• Not the lightest ADV out there

• Pricing will be an issue, especially because of how good its closest rivals are 

9Ducati Desert Sled First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the Ducati beauty is a scrambler and not a true-blue adventure motorcycle. But who said you ought to only have an ADV to be able to take it anywhere? Well, the Desert Sled certainly is an option for those who are looking away from the adventure motorcycle market.

It is a rugged scrambler designed to tackle the toughest terrain with style and ease. Boasting a 803cc L-twin engine, this bike offers plenty of low-end torque. It comes with a raised front mudguard, widened fender at the back, a handlebar with a variable cross-section and Kayaba adjustable suspension.

Pros

• One of the best-looking scramblers

• Long-travel suspension and high exhausts

• Modern rider aids, including riding modes and cornering ABS

Cons

• Higher price point compared to more trail-oriented competitors

• Limited fuel range for long-distance touring

• Ownership costs are on the higher side

8Triumph Tiger 900 Rally The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally is perhaps a more adventure-touring motorcycle than most others on this list. But if you look at its Rally trim that is equipped with the same brilliant 900cc inline-triple mill that promises 94 horses and 64 pound-feet of torque, but offers more adventure-focused features, you will realize it is a really, really enticing choice.

The long-travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, and the huge 5.2-gallon fuel tank make off-road excursions as comfortable as long-distance touring. With its comprehensive suite of rider aids, including optimized cornering ABS and traction control, the Triumph Tiger 900 checks all the right boxes to be a go-anywhere motorcycle.

Pros

• Responsive inline-triple engine with a wide power band

• Triumph Shift Assist quick shifter

• 5.2-gallon fuel tank

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some rivals

• The fit and finish on the sub-frame is a bit rough

• Expensive

7BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The big BMW ADV follows right after its arch rival, but unlike the 900 from Triumph, it is the biggest offering from the Bavarian giant that takes a slot on our comprehensive list of the 10 best go-anywhere motorcycles on the market. It is in no doubt an iconic adventure motorcycle with a powerful 1254cc Boxer engine that delivers some of the best numbers in its segment of 136 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque.

The bike features BMW’s ShiftCam technology, which optimizes power delivery across different engine speeds. With its electronically controlled suspension and multiple riding modes, the R 1250 GS Adventure can adapt to various riding conditions with ease.

Pros

• A potent, class-leading Boxer engine

• Electronically controlled suspension

• Comprehensive electronics package

Cons

• It is an expensive motorcycle

• Heavier weight may impact off-road agility for less experienced riders

• A newer 1300 GS is on the horizon

6Kawasaki KLR 650

If there is any bike that personifies true go-anywhere capabilities, it should be the Kawasaki KLR – an iconic dual-sport renowned for its durability and adventurous spirit. With a robust 652cc single-cylinder engine, it might seem a little lackluster compared to some of the heavyweights on this list.

But what it might lack in its numbers, it more than makes up for it in its practicality. Its long-travel suspension, rugged chassis, and large 21–17-inch spoke wheels ensure a controlled ride on diverse terrain. Its simplicity and reliability have earned it a loyal following among adventure riders worldwide, and there is hardly a better choice if you’re looking for a bike that will last longer than you yourself do.

Pros

• Proven reliability and durability

• Ease of maintenance

• Affordable price point

Cons

• Limited electronic rider aids compared to modern bikes

• Not everyone appreciates its raw, tractor-like feel

• Outdated design and tech

5Ducati Desert X

The only manufacturer that has not one, but two offerings on this list. And it is an ever bigger surprise considering the famed Strada didn’t make it to this list. Instead, we went ahead with another Desert in Ducati’s books, the Desert X.

This is a true adventure machine designed to tackle the most challenging off-road conditions with ease compared to the more road-focused Multistrada. And although it is powered by a significantly smaller 937cc Testastretta engine, what makes this bike special is its Dakar-inspired abilities. Long-travel suspension, knobby tires, and high ground clearance coupled with a raw, rally-inspired design and rugged features make for a Ducati experience like no other.

Pros

• Striking rally-inspired design language

• Dual fuel tank design for extended range

• Ample ground clearance and long-travel suspension

Cons

• The higher seat height may be a challenge for shorter riders

• No color options

• High maintenance cost

4KTM 890 Adventure

This was a tough one. Choosing which of the KTM ADVs makes the cut – the 1290, the 890 or the smaller 390. We went with the middle child. The 890 Adventure is a versatile adventure bike designed for ultimate off-road capabilities and long-distance touring. Equipped with a 889cc parallel-twin, it comes with the usual ADV suite – a lightweight chassis, adjustable suspension, and a host of rider aids.

It acts as a great trade-off between the heavier 1290 and the lighter 390, providing the best of both worlds in terms of performance and overall heft. KTM Adventure bikes have always been a top choice for riders seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences, and the 890 is no different.

Pros

• Excellent power-to-weight ratio

• Adjustable suspension and multiple riding modes

• Great ergonomics

Cons

• Doesn’t come cheap

• Reliability has always been a concern for the 890

• The seat comfort isn’t the most ideal

3Husqvarna Norden 901

It seems a bit unfair to include bikes with identical engines on this list, but the Husky is in all truth, is really a different bike. Yes, it is powered by the same 889cc parallel-twin KTM engine we just talked about, but the Norden 901 feels like a completely different machine compared to the KTM middleweight.

Firstly, the styling cues are retro in most departments. The excessive use of circular elements looks swell on the Norden. It features a minimalist design, unlike most ADVs nowadays. Couple its versatile capabilities with cutting-edge tech, the Husky makes for an exciting choice for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

Pros

• The good old 889cc parallel twin from KTM

• The chassis is one of the best in sub 1000cc bikes

• Minimalist design with practical features

Cons

• Limited information available on specific electronics and rider aids

• The slightly higher seat height may be a challenge

• Limited dealer network

2Honda Africa Twin 901

It is simply not possible to create this list without the Honda Africa Twin as it is an adventure motorcycle renowned for its reliability, versatility, and exceptional off-road performance through years and years of presence. It comes with a potent 1084cc parallel twin that breathes a lot of life into the motorcycle.

And although it looks like a bike that may be as heavy as if not more, as most heavyweight adventure bikes, it is surprisingly nimble for its size. Then there are the comfortable ergonomic features like DCT and an adjustable windshield that make it an excellent choice for explorers and adventurers. If that’s you, go for it!

Pros

• Excellent low-end torque

• Comfortable ergonomics

• It’s a Honda

Cons

• Slightly on the heavier side

• The monochrome LCD is just plain abysmal

• The higher seat height

1Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a lightweight adventure bike powered by a 689cc mill. And while it seems small, it delivers ample power and torque for spirited off-road riding. Another motorcycle with a nice, minimalist design that emphasizes practicality and versatility over frills.

Yup, we could have picked the bigger, fancier Super Tenere instead. But what good is a heavier, beefier Tenere when the whole conversation is about going anywhere? The 700 will just about take you to the moon if you want.

Pros

• Lightweight and agile design

• Affordable price point

• Easy to fix and maintain

Cons

• Limited wind protection with the stock windshield

• Basic electronics package compared to competitors

• No color options

Continue exploring the article at this link : https://www.topspeed.com/best-go-anywhere-motorcycles-on-the-market/#husqvarna-norden-901

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