The Top 10 Best Adventure Motorcycles of 2024

The adventure bike class is bigger than ever for 2024 with additions such as the new BMW R1300 GS joining recent additions such as the Honda XL750 Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE.

There is a huge degree of variety, too, with capacities (of genuine, mid-to-full-size models) ranging from 689 to 1300cc, configurations from parallel and V-twins to inline triples and V4s, specifications including the latest sophisticated electronics and radar-guided riding aids and prices from under £10,000 to well over £20k.

But which are the best all-rounders that can genuinely do it all? Which can be both great two-up tourers and also invigorating sunny Sunday rides? Which can grind out motorway miles in comfort yet also be credible off-roaders? And which gets the Visordown seal of approval? Read on to find out. 

10. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE burst onto the scene at the beginning of 2023, boasting an all-new engine and chassis platform for the V-Strom range. With heavily reworked styling compared to the previous V-Strom 650XT, the new 800DE offers riders a fresh-looking take on mid-weight Suzuki adventure touring.

And it isn't just a new look, engine, and chassis - the new 'Strom also gains a host of electronic upgrades over the previous 650, with a V-Strom 1050-derived TFT, full riding modes, adjustable traction control, and an off-road specific Gravel mode.

With prices starting from a very affordable £10,999, the new 800 DE has been worth the extended wait with the new twin proving brisk and refined on the road, while Suzuki put some thought into its dirt ability to make it the most off-road-capable V-Strom yet.

What’s more, you’re not likely to do much off-roading you can go for the more asphalt-oriented Suzuki V-Strom 800 RE or more touring, pannier-equipped 800 RE Tour instead.

Visordown Review | Suzuki V-Strom 800DE [2023]

9. Honda XL750 Transalp

Honda returned to the mid-capacity ADV category with the Honda XL750 Transalp in 2023. It is a model that both propels the Japanese giant into the future while harnessing the good names of its past.

Following the trend set by the Honda CB750 Hornet, with which it shares its underpinnings, Honda's new mud-slinger revives the fondly regarded Transalp moniker, but gives it a new lease of life with a motorcycle that - bravely - forges its own path.

It's reasonable to assume Honda has crunched the numbers on a model of this ilk and it seems the results show buyers are seeking a road-oriented, excellent value, well-appointed and built motorcycle... because that is exactly what the XL750 Transalp is.

The asphalt-biassed set-up makes the XL750 Transalp noticeably more involving to ride on the smooth stuff, while the frisky new 755cc twin-cylinder engine punches above its size with a competitive 91bhp. As with all Hondas, fit and finish are second to none, it's brimming with simple but clever gadgetry, and it’s both comfortable and practical. We even think it's handsome, if understated.

On the slight downside, it’s probably the least dirt-capable machine here, although it is more than capable of some gentle gravel tracks, but for us it’s still more than worth its place here for its great touring and road ability, decent style and quality and, above all, a very tempting price.

Visordown REVIEW | Honda XL750 Transalp [2023]

8. KTM 890 Adventure

If you put ‘conquers mountains, breaks rocks and never backs down from a challenge’ at the top of your motorcycle wishlist, then the KTM 890 Adventure is the motorcycle for you.

With all of its off-roading experience and know-how distilled into the middle child of KTM’s Adventure line-up, the 890 Adventure and the hardcore, more off-road £13,999 Adventure R are the Bear Grylls of motorcycles.

A 2023 update to the 890 Adventure smoothed off some of the rougher edges and featured new styling plus internal and electronic updates, and it is shaping up to be a bit of a weapon. 2023 also saw the KTM 790 Adventure return to the range, coming in with similarly good looks and comparable capabilities to the 890, but from an even more considerable price of £10,499. While if you fancy something a little less, well, er, ‘orange’, sister company Husqvarna’s impressive Norden 901 is effectively a re-clothed Adventure 890.

Visordown Review | KTM 890 Adventure [2021]

7. Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Tenere 700, a middleweight, off-road capable adventure bike based on the hugely popular roadster MT-09 parallel twin has been one of motorcycling’s success stories since its launch in 2019, so much so that it’s now available in six distinct flavours.

There is a lot to like about the Tenere 700, which focuses on doing the basics very well. It’s an excellent companion off-road, proving chuckable and easy to handle, while it gives the KTM 890 Adventure a run for its money in the rough stuff.

It’s a peppy performer on the road, too, with the 689cc crossplane two-cylinder engine feeling brisker than its modest 72bhp might have you believe on paper.

Better still, having been criticised for its limiting 16-litre fuel tank in standard trim, Yamaha has not only listened to its customers, it went to lengths with its response, the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid, which comes with a vast 23-litre fuel tank, more sophisticated suspension and multi-functional GPS tech.

If that's not enough, the Dakar Rally-inspired Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally Edition [pictured above] is targeted at more serious off-road riders with its alloy skid plate, radiator protectors, re-designed seat and torque-aiding Akrapovic slip-on, while the Yamaha Tenere 700 Explore Edition leans into Tracer category with its longer range and luggage kit.

Then there is the Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Edition, a stripped-down enduro-style variant that appears to be the lovechild of the Tenere 700 and the YZ450F.

There are certainly more desirable and cutting-edge options out there but with prices starting at just over £10,000 going up to £13,000 for the bells-and-whistles World Rally, the Yamaha Tenere 700 is a great option.

Visordown REVIEW | Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid [2023]

6. Triumph Tiger 1200

Revived British brand Triumph has been gunning for the adventure sector’s best-selling bike, BMW’s GS, ever since 2012 when it launched its first three-cylinder, shaft-drive Tiger 1200 Explorer. That bike didn’t quite hit the mark, but a series of revisions since, most significantly in 2022 when it became lighter and pokier than ever, pretty much brings it on par.

There are now two models – the more road-orientated GT with cast wheels etc and the more off-road Rally, with wires – both of which come in basic Pro or fully laden, big 30-litre tanked Explorer trim, the latter now costing a whopping £19,695 (although deals can be had).

Either way, they’re punchy, characterful performers with typically great Triumph handling, all the gizmos and equipment you might want and, in Rally trim, surprisingly good off-road, as well.

5. Ducati DesertX

Considering the segment’s popularity and the success of its increasingly off-road-inclined Multistrada range, it is surprising it took until 2022 for Ducati to join the adventure mud fight.

So is the Ducati DesertX better late than never, without a doubt. Indeed, Ducati - being Ducati - has taken its ‘proper’ adventure debut very seriously, going to the lengths of developing an all-new chassis and frame around the well-proven 937cc Testastretta twin.

Far from betraying its novice status in the rough stuff, the DesertX is a convincing first stab at a trail bike, while it is packed to the brim with riding modes for every occasion.

Naturally, Ducati hasn’t abandoned its sporting DNA on the road either with the 110bhp engine feeling frisky, while the DesertX handles with eagerness. We also love the simple, modern-retro design that pays homage to the Ducati-engined, Dakar Rally-winning Cagiva Elefant.

Visordown REVIEW | Ducati DesertX [2023]

4. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally was so capable off-road, it was even the motorcycle of choice among baddies in the James Bond flick No Time To Die.

Fortunately, you don’t need to work for an international criminal to enjoy what the new and updated for 2024 Tiger 900 Rally Pro has to offer. In fact, far from it being ‘baddie’, it’s really rather good.

On paper, the update looks fairly low-key. But it doesn’t take long to start to feel the extra low and mid-range grunt over the old model, and it’s hard to complain about that.

It’s also much smoother than the previous generation, and it’s hard to believe that all of that smoothing out has been achieved by only the addition of rubber-damped bars. The vibes through the bars, and the bike in general, have been reduced massively, and that aforementioned power upgrade also comes with what Triumph is claiming as a nine per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The Rally Pro, with longer-travel, fully adjustable suspension from Showa at both ends, off road wheels, modes and more, is the most truly versatile of the bunch but if you’re less bothered about the loose stuff, there is also the more affordable, road-biased GT (£12,195) and upspecced GT Pro (£13,895).

Visordown Review | Triumph Tiger 900 [2024]

3 – KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Austrian off-road experts KTM shook up the ‘big trailie’ category forever when it launched its first 950cc V-twin Adventure in 2004, which proved that adventure bikes really could impress off-road.

That bike’s successors, first 990, then introducing a raft of electronic rider aids with the 2013 1190, right up to this latest 1290, have been snapping at the heels of the likes of the BMW GS ever since – in fact, now with 160bhp, class-leading electronics and great off-road ability (and even more in £18,199 ‘R’ spec), it’s for some the better bike.

Sure, it doesn’t have the heritage or premium image of a BMW, but the 1290 Super Adventure is phenomenally capable, impressively versatile, enviably equipped and thrilling fun. But it is pricey, its reliability reputation isn’t the best and not everyone wants the KTM ownership experience.

2 – BMW R1300GS

BMW’s all-new successor to its all-conquering and best-selling R1250GS is bold, controversially styled and measurably better in virtually every respect than its predecessor… even if some GS die-hards are proving slow to convince.

It’s all new boxer twin adds 9bhp; its clever ‘shell’ frame contributes to the whole bike being much lighter and more compact; it’s conspicuously punchier, more nimble and more dynamic both on and off-road and it boats a raft of updated tech while remaining loyal to BMW’s familiar 6.5in TFT dash, scrolling switchgear and more.

Ride one and, even though the ‘big old 1250’ still has plenty of friends, you’ll be in no doubt about the improvements. And, if all that’s not enough, there’s also now an (imminent), equally controversially styled, big-tanked Adventure version – although as we write it’s yet to go on sale and the old, enormous (but wonderful) R1250GSA remains on sale.

1 – Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

When originally launched in ‘second generation’ form in 2010, the then V-twin 1200 Multistrada proved a game-changer by introducing switchable riding modes and bringing superbike performance to the adventure bike category – but it was never a credible off-roader.

The all-new V4 version which arrived in 2021, complete with 170bhp, fabulous tech including radar-guided cruise and proximity warners, raised the bar yet again, but it was only when this Rally version arrived in 2023, complete with off-road wire wheels and suspension, 30-litre (aluminium) tank, extra comfort and more, that it could truly lay claim to being the best all-round adventure bike of all.

Whichever way you look at it, the Rally is a phenomenal performer – superbike fast, all-day touring comfort, off-road credibility and the tech to match any rival. But there is, of course, a hefty price to pay for all that, too. But if you want the best…