adventure bike the spectrum is ever-expanding, with more brands jumping into the fray and different power plants from 300 up to 1,300 cc. If you’re in the market, you’re probably looking at all the usual factors, like cost, comfort, electronics, and standard features, and that could be smart. However, sometimes intrusive thoughts triumph, and blinded by reason, we overlook pure aesthetics.
In the ADV world, the bike with the most aggressive looks is rarely ridden the most, but every forum has a hero and the rule always has exceptions. Throwing all the usual figures into the wind, we ask questions; What are the most beautiful adventure motorcycles on the market today?
Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition The Ténéré 700 launched in the US in 2019 and immediately established itself as a heavyweight in the midsize ADV market. It’s 452 pounds light, has excellent pure rock suspension, and a liquid-cooled 689 cc tandem engine (upgraded from the old FZ-07) delivers dependable 72-horsepower performance. force.
What Yamaha Tenéré 700 none, are most of the other things we usually see in the ADV segment. You get switchable ABS, but no traction control, no cruise control, rider mode, built-in GPS, etc.
In an age where spec sheets are often dominated by computers, lean sensors, and colorimetric displays, the Ténéré 700 is a breath of fresh air. Its approach is minimalist with a standard mountain bike shape that has nearly 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a 21F/18R wheel combination and standing ergonomics. Equipped with a larger 4.2-gallon fuel tank, sturdy skids, dual front discs and slim frame-mounted bibs, the Ténéré has enough power for long-distance all-terrain.
Finished in Yamaha’s classic red and white yellow and white wheels, the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition is an eye-catching homage to Yamaha’s Dakar history. The Rally version will cost you around $14,534—$1,500 more than the standard Ténéré. [Yamaha]
Husquvarna Norden 901 Sharp angles and lines are often found in the adventure segment, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of the classic aesthetic. Based on KTM’s proven 890 mechanism, Husqvarna Norden 901 is a slightly more refined everyday adventure machine with the textbook Husky character.
The majority of Norden nuts and bolts come from the KTM 890 Adventure, including the chrome trellis frame, the Bosch EMS, and the 103 hp, 889 cc tandem as a bearing member. Suspension is a point of contention, as both the KTM and the Norden 901 Expedition model are upgraded with WP XPLOR suspension, while the standard 901 still uses WP APEX.
With both bikes parked at the curb, though, I’m giving Norden an edge in terms of looks. Nothing against Team Orange, but I love that the Husky gets rid of the KTM’s angular bodywork and extraterrestrial headlights, in favor of flat planes, low front fenders, and high-mounted round headlights.
Finished with a large slide, tinted windshield and eye-catching slate finish, the standard Norden 901 is sturdy and efficient, with backing up. Its $14,499 MSRP is also quite competitive in the segment. [Husqvarna, KISKA Gmbh & Rudi Schedl]
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports There are few looks more synonymous with racing excellence than the combination of Honda’s HRC colorway, gold rims and Africa Twin inscriptions. Made famous in the late ’80s on the XRV650, this diagram continues to demonstrate off-road capabilities for the Red Team on 1,100 cc African double.
True to Honda form, Africa Twin occupies a unique position in the ADV market. Its 101hp, 1,084cc tandem engine isn’t particularly powerful in the over 1,000 cc segment, and its 529 pound weight is heavier than many midsize rivals. But Honda never skimps on quality, and recent improvements have taken the Africa Twin’s technological savvy and off-road ability to the next level.
The new Africa Twin has Showa active suspension integrated into the ride modes, delivering 9.1″ at the front and 8.1″ at the rear. The car also shed 10 pounds thanks to a new aluminum subframe and an optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission that offers selectable off-road and gearshift modes — if that’s your preference.
But hey, we’re here for aesthetics, and Honda’s frame-mounted bibs are sharp and purpose-built, not overly angular and angular. Across the different Africa Twin versions, the Pearl White Adventure Sports model is an outstanding product. It gets a taller windshield and a larger 6.5-gallon fuel tank, not to mention the classic HRC colorway and gold wheels. The Adventure Sports model will cost you $2,800 more than the standard Twin, at $17,299. [Honda]
Ducati desertX The Ducati desertX blends in with the ADV crowd a lot for being one of our favorites. From a distance, it looks like almost any other adventure bike — albeit with a sea of white plastic taped to the front — and the entire side panel is pretty plain and comes in two colors. However, the devil is in the details and when you add up the factors, the beauty of the Ducati is more than it looks.
The DesertX is built like many others in the multi-cylinder midsize ADV, featuring a steel trellis frame, dirt-friendly 21F/18R wheel combination, and long skidplates that cover the necessary parts. . However, things get bitter under the 5.5-gallon fuel tank, as that’s where the 937 cc Testastretta 11° V-twin engine is located. This sweet machine makes 110hp at 9,250rpm, a high in the class, and power can be fine-tuned to the terrain with six drive modes.
Off the beaten track, the DesertX will go as far as a multi-cylinder ADV bike wants to be pushed. Its manually adjustable KYB suspension absorbs noise and delivers 9.1 inches of travel at the front and 8.7 inches at the rear. It’s the type of terrain where you’ll want the off-road package, which includes improved engine protection, anti-collision bars, radiator shields, and hand guards—consider it Required if you are filling out the order form and want to be someone.
Sporting spoked wheels, tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, a superb engine and the right accessories, the appeal of Ducati’s DesertX is beginning to become apparent. It’s a functional beauty, includes all the right hardware, and eliminates the need for wild graphics or garish colors. But sometimes even functional beauty gets expensive, and the DesertX will set you back $17,695. [Ducati]
AJP PR7 Every rounding takes a wildcard and is just beyond the outermost edge of what you can Feasibility consider an adventure motorcycle, yes AJP PR7. It lurks in the unknown wilderness, hunting your desire to traverse the terrain. And while it’s not a touring car, you have to admit it’s the worst thing about the windshield.
Offering solo adventure from the successful Portuguese manufacturer of supermoto and enduro bikes, AJP takes a minimalist approach on the ADV scene. There’s no fancy electronics other than the gauge display and it’s powered by a 600 cc engine that makes an undisclosed amount of horsepower. But looking at the spec sheet, it’s hard to argue with Brembo brakes, ZF SACHS suspension, 364-pound wet weight, and under-seat fuel tank.
For most ADV customers, AJP is a bit too radical. Active suspension and minimal wind protection. You’re basically driving a modified enduro and that won’t be suitable for long road trips. But considering (at least one person) has logged over 50,000 miles on the PR7, I wanted to know what this machine had to offer.
A slightly more useful alternative to my CRF450L? I think maybe so. So, AJP, if you’re listening, I’m shipping one to northern Wisconsin, before winter arrives. [AJP Motorcycle]
