Adventure bike guide

Best Adventure Motorcycles

Looking for the best adventure motorcycle? Whether you want a big GS-style tourer, a middleweight adventure bike or something more manageable for everyday riding, we’ve picked some of the best used adventure bikes to consider.

What makes a good adventure motorcycle?

A good adventure bike should feel comfortable, practical and confidence-inspiring. The best options give you an upright riding position, strong road presence and the flexibility to handle commuting, touring and weekend exploring.

Adventure-ready feel

Adventure bikes usually offer a taller stance, upright position and plenty of confidence on mixed roads.

Touring practicality

Many adventure bikes work well with panniers, top boxes and luggage for longer trips.

Comfortable position

An upright riding position can make longer journeys, town riding and daily use easier to manage.

Running costs

Fuel, servicing, tyres and insurance all matter when you’re choosing a used adventure motorcycle.

Best adventure motorcycles to consider

These used adventure motorcycles cover big-capacity touring bikes, middleweight adventure options and more approachable everyday choices.

Best overall adventure bike

BMW R1250GS

The BMW R1250GS is one of the most recognised adventure motorcycles around. It’s comfortable, capable and well-suited to long-distance touring, weekend rides and everyday use.

Shop BMW R1250GS
Proven used adventure bike

BMW R1200GS

The BMW R1200GS remains a strong used adventure bike choice. It offers the classic GS feel, a comfortable riding position and plenty of touring practicality.

Shop BMW R1200GS
Adventure touring favourite

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is a strong choice for riders who want adventure styling, touring comfort and the flexibility to take on a wide range of routes.

Shop Honda Africa Twin
Best middleweight adventure bike

Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a popular middleweight adventure motorcycle with a more focused adventure feel. It’s a good option if you want something less bulky than a larger touring bike.

Shop Yamaha Tenere 700
Adventure all-rounder

Triumph Tiger 900

The Triumph Tiger 900 offers a strong mix of comfort, manageable size and adventure-bike practicality. It’s a great choice if you want a confident, upright bike without going too large.

Shop Triumph Tiger 900
Practical adventure option

Suzuki V-Strom 1050

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is a practical adventure touring bike with a comfortable riding position and straightforward feel. It’s well-suited to riders who want everyday usability and touring ability.

Shop Suzuki V-Strom 1050
Accessible ADV option

Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Versys 650 is an approachable adventure-style motorcycle that works well for commuting, weekend rides and longer journeys. It’s a strong choice if you want an upright bike without stepping into the biggest capacity options.

Shop Kawasaki Versys 650
Performance-focused ADV

KTM 890 Adventure

The KTM 890 Adventure is a more performance-focused adventure bike with a purposeful feel. It suits riders who want a sharper, more adventurous option for mixed riding.

Shop KTM 890 Adventure
Premium adventure bike

Ducati Multistrada V2

The Ducati Multistrada V2 is a premium adventure-style bike with a sportier edge. It’s a good fit for riders who want comfort, road presence and a more engaging ride.

Shop Ducati Multistrada V2
A2-friendly adventure-style bike

Honda CB500X

The Honda CB500X is an approachable adventure-style motorcycle that’s popular with riders wanting something manageable and practical. It may suit A2 licence riders, but suitability should always be checked before buying.

Shop Honda CB500X

Compare adventure motorcycles

Not sure which adventure bike suits you? Here’s a simple comparison to help narrow it down.

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Bike Best for Riding position Touring ability Adventure feel Suitable for newer riders?
BMW R1250GS All-round adventure touring Upright and commanding Excellent Strong No, better for experienced riders
BMW R1200GS Used adventure touring Upright and comfortable Excellent Strong No, better for experienced riders
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure touring Tall and upright Very good Very strong No, better for confident riders
Yamaha Tenere 700 Middleweight adventure riding Tall and focused Good Very strong No, better for confident riders
Triumph Tiger 900 Adventure all-round use Upright and comfortable Very good Strong No, better for experienced riders
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Practical adventure touring Upright and relaxed Very good Moderate to strong No, better for experienced riders
Kawasaki Versys 650 Accessible adventure-style riding Upright and manageable Good Moderate Could suit more confident newer riders
KTM 890 Adventure Performance-focused adventure riding Upright and purposeful Good Very strong No, better for confident riders
Ducati Multistrada V2 Premium road-biased adventure riding Upright and sporty Very good Moderate No, better for experienced riders
Honda CB500X Approachable adventure-style riding Upright and manageable Good Moderate May suit A2 riders, subject to checks

Which adventure bike is right for you?

If you want a big adventure touring bike, the BMW R1250GS, BMW R1200GS, Honda Africa Twin and Suzuki V-Strom 1050 are strong options. If you want something more manageable, the Yamaha Tenere 700, Triumph Tiger 900, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Honda CB500X are worth considering. For a more premium or performance-focused feel, look at the Ducati Multistrada V2 or KTM 890 Adventure.

Other motorcycle guides

Still comparing? These pages can help you find the right bike for your riding style, licence and budget.

Best Touring Motorcycles

Comfortable bikes for long-distance rides, weekends away and motorway miles.

View touring bikes

Best Commuter Motorcycles

Practical bikes for daily riding, city routes and longer commutes.

View commuter bikes

A2 Motorbikes

Browse bikes that may suit A2 licence riders, subject to checks.

View A2 guide

Browse used adventure motorcycles

At SuperBike Factory, stock changes daily. Browse over 2,000 used motorbikes and find an adventure bike that works for your journeys, budget and riding style.

Shop used motorcycles

Best Adventure Motorcycles FAQs

What is the best adventure motorcycle?

The best adventure motorcycle depends on your riding style, budget and experience. The BMW R1250GS, BMW R1200GS, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere 700, Triumph Tiger 900 and Suzuki V-Strom 1050 are all popular used adventure bikes.

What should I look for in an adventure motorcycle?

Look for a comfortable riding position, manageable weight, luggage options, touring ability, sensible running costs and a riding position that suits your height and confidence level.

Are adventure motorcycles good for touring?

Yes. Adventure motorcycles are popular for touring because they usually offer an upright riding position, comfort over distance and plenty of luggage options.

Are adventure bikes suitable for newer riders?

Some adventure-style bikes can suit newer riders, especially lighter and more manageable options. Larger bikes like the BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin and Suzuki V-Strom 1050 are usually better suited to experienced riders.

What is the difference between a touring bike and an adventure bike?

Touring bikes are usually more focused on long-distance road comfort, while adventure bikes tend to have a taller riding position, more rugged styling and more flexibility for mixed routes.

Where can I buy a used adventure motorcycle?

You can browse used adventure motorcycles at SuperBike Factory, with stock changing daily across a wide range of makes, models and budgets.

Don't just take our word for it

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