Adventure awaits! Pick your next ride and go after it.

So what’s an adventure bike (ADV), exactly? Whatever you say it is! Because in theory, you can ride from Fresno to Fairbanks on a 1975 Gold Wing, throttle a ‘99 Sportster sporting knobby tires from Colorado to Cabo, or even, as a YouTuber demonstrated, shred Moab on a Yamaha R6 supersport. And why not? Motorcyclists have famously forged their own paths over the decades.

But what if you’re just starting to explore on two wheels? Fortunately, the motorcycle market—highly nuanced these days with everything from baggers to scooters, and from trail bikes to tourers—boasts a ready-made adventure-bike segment. And happily, it incorporates easy-handling lightweight to middleweight machines that are ready for long-distance on- and off-road travel. To suit, they typically feature wind protection, optional luggage, improved ground clearance, longer-travel suspension, and sometimes larger fuel tanks.

Now, check out the 10 options below from a range of displacements, companies, and prices, then get out there and ride.

2024 Honda CRF300L Rally ABS

In 2013, Big Red kickstarted (or rather, electric-started) a fresh generation of lightweight dual sport Hondas with its inviting CRF250L. In subsequent years, this bred the CRF250L Adventure, which ultimately led to the CRF300L Rally. Think of it as the little brother to Honda’s globe-trotting Africa Twin and equally enjoyable Transalp (see below).

The CRF300L Rally distinguishes itself with a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine and matching six-speed gearbox, super long-travel suspension (10.2 inches front and rear), and a large 3.4-gallon fuel tank to extend distances between stops. In keeping with its adventure aspirations, it also has a useful windscreen and rally-inspired bodywork. Best of all, though, the bike weighs just 335 pounds, ready to ride. For 2024, the CRF300L Rally ABS retails for $6,499.

2025 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure ABS

A staple of free-spirited souls almost since the Pliocene Epoch, the KLR650 has excelled as a mechanism for budget-conscious traveling. Now further market segmentation yields the KLR650 Adventure ABS, with added-value features including side cases, fog lamps, frame sliders, and a tank pad. Meanwhile, a 12-volt DC outlet and a USB port support the use of portable electronics.

Sample the KLR and you’ll find plenty of power from the fuel-injected liquid-cooled 652cc single-cylinder engine, an affable personality, and the ability to haul a boatload of accessories, luggage, and gear. It’s all included for a low price of admission, too—$8,099 to $8,199 for the 2025 model. Within this group of motorcycles, the KLR falls right in the middle in terms of engine size with its 652cc single-cylinder engine. The KLR is by nature roomy (as well as plush-riding) for a big single—a real bonus when your stints in the saddle are long enough to empty the big 6.1-gallon tank.

For newer riders who happen to have a shorter inseam, Kawasaki also offers the KLR650 S with a lower 32.1-inch seat height at $6,899 to $7,249.

2024/2025 KTM 390 Adventure

Why would a motorcycle from a company with the slogan “Ready to Race” be right for new riders? In the case of KTM’s 390 Adventure, it’s not about racing so much as it’s about the fidelity and aptitude of the product. For instance, for its $7,599 MSRP (2024 model), the 390 Adventure packs 373cc into a lightweight chassis, providing a favorable power-to-weight ratio for a good balance of acceleration and handling. We do now know that KTM is about to update the bike with the new 399cc version of the LC4c engine, as it showed off this new model at the 2024 EICMA show.

The current chassis is anchored by a narrow-diameter steel-tube frame. More compact than the aluminum extrusions and castings used on some other bikes, they help create a compact cockpit, enhancing rider comfort. And while the current 2024 models utilizes wheels in 19-inch front and 17-inch rear diameters, the new model that we believe will be a 2025, will use a 21/18-inch combo. The new model will also get an updated frame, new rally styling with a high front fender and a taller rally-style windscreen, adjustable WP suspension, and a full-color TFT display.

And while KTM has yet to officially share any details of the new version despite releasing the units at EICMA, the fact that the 390 Duke (which shares the same platform) was already upgraded with the larger engine in 2024, we expect an announcement any day.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

When Royal Enfield released the Himalayan in 2016, with its air-cooled engine and bulletproof design, it retailed for a ridiculously low $4,499. That bike was a smashing success because it offered not only amazing value, but it was one of the coolest-looking models in the entry-level adventure market. But because of the low price, the original Himalayan also transcended categories, by attracting buyers of all skill levels who wanted a fun and affordable bike to add to their stable.

But as RE continues to thrive and grow internationally, the writing was on the wall that the Indian company was going to have to update its powertrain not only to meet market demands, but also to adhere to strict new emission standards like Euro 5+.

So for 2024 Royal Enfield announced an all-new Himalayan powered by the company’s first-ever liquid-cooled engine. This 452cc single is totally modern in design, featuring double-overhead cams and four valves, and a fuel-injection system with ride-by-wire control. The result is a massive 65 percent increase in horsepower and 25 percent bump in torque compared to the 411cc air-cooled engine in the previous model. Power is now a claimed 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm with 29.5 lb.-ft. of peak torque arriving at 5,500 rpm.

The chassis is all-new as well, with a new frame, Showa suspension at each end, with a 43mm inverted SFF fork with 7.9 inches of travel upfront and a monoshock with identical travel at the rear. The Himalayan now has four ride modes, which are controlled through the brand-new Tripper dash, which is a round 4-inch full-color TFT display that also offers smartphone connectivity, media controls, and full-map navigation with a Google-based navigation engine. The best news? Even with a total overhaul, the bike remains the best deal in the adventure market, starting at just $5,799 and peaking at $6,099 with tubeless wheels.

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure

When veteran literbike riders confide privately that their favorite touring bike is actually the V-Strom 650, that should tell you something about Suzuki’s middleweight legend. (Ask around, V-Strom 650 love is real.) Unsurprisingly, the V-Strom 650XT Adventure, which retails for $10,999, is further refinement of the excellence.

The burliest bike in this group of ADVs, the V-Strom 650XT Adventure is powered by a 645cc 90-degree V-twin—liquid-cooled and sporting electronic fuel injection and traction control—spinning through a six-speed gearbox with an overdriven top gear for efficiency. Defining this popular middleweight are a touring fairing with a three-position adjustable windscreen, multifunction instrumentation, and aluminum side cases. Admittedly much larger than most of its single-cylinder competitors, the V-Strom 650XT Adventure is more for road than trail. But long dirt or gravel roads on the horizon? They just might be this bike’s sweet spot.

2024 BMW G 310 GS

For those short of stature and or truly new to motorcycling, an intimidating and tall adventure motorcycle with a ton of power is sure to ruin the fun in a hurry. BMW’s smallest adventure model attempts to reduce that anxiety with a low 32.8-inch seat that can be dropped down to 32.3 inches with the low option, and a fun but nonintimidating engine. The 313cc liquid-cooled engine produces 34 hp at 9,250 rpm and 20 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.

The chassis features a steel-tube frame, while an inverted fork and preload-adjustable shock provide 7.1 inches of travel at each end. The cast aluminum wheels point to the bike being more street oriented than dirt worthy, as do the more asphalt-biased tires in 110/80-19 front and 150/70-17 rear sizes. The braking system features a single radial-mount four-piston caliper at the front and single-piston caliper at the rear, both controlled by ABS. With a 90 percent full 3-gallon fuel tank, the bike weighs a manageable 386 pounds.

Included standard equipment highlights are LED headlights, taillights and indicators, adjustable brake and clutch levers, and a luggage carrier. While available options include the Low seat, a High seat, top case, heated grips, and 12V USB socket.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S

Adventure bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best tool for the job is a bike that comes from a different classification altogether. That could surely be the case with Suzuki’s brand-new DR-Z4S dual sport machine, which replaces the long-serving DR-Z400S. For those who want a really lightweight bike for exploring back roads and don’t care about long-distance comfort on the highway, the DR-Z4S could be a great solution.

Powered by a brand-new liquid-cooled 398cc DOHC four-valve single making 38 hp and sporting a slipper clutch there is plenty of power for exploring the backcountry. A 42mm throttle body and 10-hole injector feed air/fuel mixture to the engine, while higher lift cams and titanium valves help provide the improved performance. The bike features modern electronics with multiple ride modes, traction control, and switchable ABS, bringing the bike into the modern era.

Of course there is an all-new chassis with a twin-spar steel frame and aluminum subframe. Upfront is a 46mm inverted KYB cartridge fork with compression and rebound adjustment, while at the rear is a KYB shock with provisions for compression, rebound, and preload adjustment. Travel measures 11.0 inches at the front and 11.6 inches at the rear. All-new bodywork and styling round out major changes. Pricing has yet to be announced.

2024 Honda Transalp

If you’re looking for an incredibly versatile ADV-style machine that you won’t soon outgrow, Honda’s Transalp should be a consideration. At its core is the new 755cc parallel-twin engine that made its debut in the European market with the Hornet 750. It features a single-cam Unicam design and four valves per cylinder and is fed by a high-pressure fuel-injection system that is controlled by throttle-by-wire, which enables five selectable ride modes.

The chassis is definitely ADV friendly with wire-spoke wheels in traditional off-road sizes of 21-inch front and 18-inchj rear, allowing a wide range of knobby rubber for dirt exploration. Upfront is a 43mm Showa SFF-CA fork with 7.9 inches of travel, while the Pro-Link shock provides 7.5 inches of cushion. The bike has 42 degrees of steering lock to help maneuverability off-road. Fully fueled the bike weighs a claimed 459 pounds, while the standard seat height measures 33.7 inches (an optional low seat brings that down to 32.6 inches).

In addition to the aforementioned ride modes, the Transalp has Honda Selectable Torque Control, a quickshifter, a USB-C charging port, and large 5.0-inch full-color TFT display. At $9,999 the Transalp provides a great introduction into adventure riding without breaking the bank, while also being versatile enough to be an everyday commuter, or weekend corner carver. For 2025, the Transalp has been updated in various areas, but the US-spec bike has yet to be announced, so look for that information in the coming months.

2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700

One of the most popular and affordable motorcycles in all of adventuredom has just been updated. The Ténéré was already a great option for a wide range of riders, but there were a few things that needed updating for quite a while now. For 2025, Yamaha has addressed almost all of the bike’s shortcomings, while retaining the bike’s overall value and capabilities.

The single largest area that needed to be addressed was adding rider aids to the electronics package, which previously only allowed the rear ABS to be turned off. The new 2025 model is now updated with Yamaha’s advanced Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) ride-by-wire system. This change introduces a pair of rider-selectable throttle maps including Sport and Explorer. Additionally, a new traction-control system allows riders to turn off the system depending on the terrain they are tackling. In order to navigate the necessary menus, there is a new vertically oriented 6.3-inch full-color TFT display that offers smartphone connectivity, and options to allow the rider to make and receive calls, and access turn-by-turn navigation through the Google Maps app.

The bike’s suspension was the next area of improvement that Yamaha tackled, a new 43mm inverted KYB fork has revised settings including a new preload adjustment knob atop the fork tube. Provisions for compression and rebound damping remain, while front-end travel measures 8.3 inches. At the rear is a revised KYB shock providing 7.9 inches of travel and provisions for preload through a remote adjuster and also rebound damping.

The Ténéré 700′s CP2 parallel-twin engine is a big part of what makes this machine appeal to such a wide range of riders. New riders won’t be intimidated by its smooth delivery, while expert riders still have enough performance at their wrist to enjoy a wide variety of terrain. The 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 will hit dealers in February for $10,999, which is only a $200 increase over the 2024 model.

2025 Aprilia Tuareg Rally

Perhaps the most high-performance model on this list, Aprilia’s new 2025 Tuareg Rally is still considered a middleweight machine, meaning that a wide range of riders will find it a great ADV option. And while the 659cc parallel-twin engine makes a claimed 80 hp, multiple ride modes allow the output to be tailored to a wide range of levels. For those with a bit more experience, the new Rally version uses an exclusive map that grants a more aggressive throttle response. The Tuareg Rally also receives a special titanium SC-Project exhaust system.

The standard model already came equipped with a very versatile and capable chassis, but upgrades on the Rally include uprated suspension with a 43mm inverted Kayaba fork offering 9.4 inches of travel, yet the overall package comes in a full 11 pounds lighter than the standard model. And while the bike gets more travel, that also means the seat height jumps up three-quarters of an inch to 34.6, which may or may not be a barrier to those shorter in height.

But if you want one of the most capable ADV machines in the middleweight class, that isn’t nearly as intimidating as many of the big-displacement options, the Tuareg Rally might be a bike that you can grow with for years to come. Pricing on this new variation has yet to be released, so stay tuned for updates in the new year.