This guide looks at the 10 best adventure motorcycles for beginners. As a motorcycle enthusiast and expert, I understand that choosing your first adventure motorcycle can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s important to do your research and find a bike that fits your specific needs as a beginner rider.
Introduction
When it comes to the best adventure motorcycles for beginners, weight and power are two crucial factors to consider. Adventure bikes tend to be heavier and more powerful than other types of motorcycles, which can make them intimidating for new riders. However, this added weight and power also make them well-suited for long trips, off-road riding, and handling rough terrain.
When looking for a beginner-friendly adventure motorcycle, there are several models that stand out, such as the BMW G310GS, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki V-Strom, KTM 390 Adventure, and Honda Africa Twin, to name a few. These models offer the perfect balance of power and versatility for new riders. They have a lower seat height, a powerful engine, and long-travel suspension, which make them great for longer rides. They also come with features such as traction control, ride modes, and rear suspension that can be adjusted to match the rider’s skill level.
In terms of price and brand, adventure motorcycles can range from entry-level bikes with a price point of around $5,000 to big adventure bikes with a price tag of around $20,000. it’s also important to note that the maintenance cost of these bikes is relatively high so you should consider the cost of maintenance.
When it comes to the best adventure motorcycles for beginners brands, Honda, BMW, Suzuki, KTM, and Kawasaki are all great choices for new riders. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality, beginner-friendly adventure bikes.
As a beginner rider, it’s important to consider your riding style and skill level when choosing an adventure motorcycle. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle both street and dirt roads, then a dual-sport bike is a great choice
Key Features to Look for in an Adventure Motorcycle for a Beginner
When it comes to choosing an adventure motorcycle as a beginner, there are 7 key features to consider to ensure that you are getting the right bike for your needs and skill level.
- Weight: The weight of the motorcycle is important because it affects how easily the bike can be handled. Look for a motorcycle that is not too heavy for you to handle. The lighter the motorcycle, the easier it is to maneuver and control. Adventure motorcycles can be heavy, but there are options for beginner-friendly models that weigh less.
- Engine size and power: Adventure motorcycles are generally more powerful than other types of motorcycles, but for a beginner, too much power can be overwhelming. Look for a motorcycle with an engine size and power output that is appropriate for your skill level and riding style. A smaller engine may have less power but it will be more manageable for a new rider.
- Suspension: The suspension of the motorcycle is important for how well the bike handles different types of terrain. Look for a motorcycle with a long-travel suspension, which helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This feature is especially important for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
- Traction control: Adventure motorcycles come equipped with traction control, which allows for better control of the bike on different types of terrain. This feature is especially important for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
- Ride modes: Many adventure motorcycles come with ride modes, which allow for different riding settings to match the rider’s skill level and riding style. This feature is especially important for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
- Rear suspension: Adjustable rear suspension can match the rider’s skill level and riding style, this feature is especially important for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
- Fuel injection and Display: Adventure motorcycles tend to come with fuel injection which allows for better fuel efficiency and performance, and TFT display which offers easier navigation and access to information such as speed, fuel, and distance.
When you consider these 7 key features, you can ensure that you are getting an adventure motorcycle that is appropriate for your skill level and riding style, and that will give you the best chance for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Price and Brand Considerations
When choosing an adventure motorcycle, price and brand are two important considerations to keep in mind.
Price: Adventure motorcycles can range in price from entry-level bikes with a price point of around $5,000 to high-end models with a price tag of around $20,000. It’s important to consider your budget when making your decision and to make sure that you are getting the most motorcycle for your money.
Brand: Popular brands that produce beginner-friendly adventure motorcycles include Honda, BMW, Suzuki, KTM, and Kawasaki. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable bikes that are well-suited for new riders. It’s important to do your research on different brands and models to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
When it comes to budget, adventure motorcycles tend to be more expensive than other types of motorcycles due to their added features and capabilities. It’s important to keep in mind that the maintenance cost of these bikes is relatively high so you should consider the cost of maintenance in your budget.
Another important consideration is aftermarket support if you plan to upgrade your motorcycle. Some brands have better aftermarket support than others. Some brands have more options for upgrades, accessories, and spare parts available for them than others. This can make a big difference when it comes to modifying your motorcycle.
Ultimately, when it comes to price and brand, the most important thing is to do your research and find a bike that fits your specific needs as a beginner rider, and that falls within your budget. With so many options on the market, it can be a daunting task, but taking the time to research the different features and options available will help you find the best adventure motorcycle for you at the right price point and the right brand.
When it comes to choosing the best adventure motorcycle for a beginner, there are a number of important factors to consider. One of the most important features to look for is a low seat height, which makes it easier for shorter or smaller riders to reach the ground while stopped.
A bike with a low seat height also tends to be more manageable at lower speeds and can be a great choice for new motorcyclists. A great way to find the perfect bike for you is to test-ride different models and see which one feels the most comfortable for you.
Another important feature to consider is the suspension, particularly when it comes to adventure motorcycles. A long-travel suspension is a good choice for off-road riding, as it helps to absorb bumps and shocks.
This is especially important for adventure motorcycles as they are built to take on rough terrain. The BMW R models are known for their long-travel suspension, they make a good choice for new riders looking to get into adventure riding.
Another thing to consider is the brand and the price point. While it’s important to get a good quality bike, it’s also important to keep in mind your budget. The Suzuki V-Strom and the KTM 390 Adventure, for example, are great beginner-friendly adventure motorcycles that are also budget-friendly.
Adventure riding in recent years has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. It’s a great way to explore the world and see new places from a different perspective. This makes adventure riding a good choice for seasoned riders and new motorcyclists alike.
The Honda Africa Twin, for example, is a great choice for those who want to take on dirt roads and explore the beaten track. It comes with a parallel-twin engine, which provides a good balance of power and torque. It also comes with a slipper clutch which makes the transition from one gear to another smoother and more precise, even when on rough terrain. The best way to find out which adventure motorcycle is the right fit for you is to test-ride different models and see which one feels the most comfortable for you.
Best Adventure Motorcycles for Beginners
Honda CRF
The Honda CRF is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its versatility and durability.
• Powerful Engine: The Honda CRF comes with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power for both on-road and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain. Additionally, the Honda CRF is equipped with a rear suspension that is adjustable to match the rider’s skill level and riding style.
• Handlebar and seat position: The bike comes with a well-positioned handlebar and seat which gives a comfortable and upright riding position. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Traction Control: The bike comes with traction control which makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to handle the bike on different types of terrain.
• Fuel Tank: The Honda CRF comes with a large-size fuel tank which allows for longer rides before needing a refill.
• Durability: Honda is known for its reliability and durability, and the Honda CRF is no exception. This bike is built to last, making it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that will be dependable for the long term.
BMW G310GS
The BMW G310GS is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its reliable and efficient performance.
• Engine: The BMW G310GS comes with a 313cc engine which is relatively small as compared to other adventure bikes. This makes it more manageable and easier to handle for new riders. It has smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy, making it a great choice for long trips.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handlebar and seat position: The bike comes with a well-positioned handlebar and seat which gives a comfortable and upright riding position. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Traction Control: The bike comes with a traction control system which makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to handle the bike on different types of terrain.
• Durability: BMW is known for producing high-quality and reliable motorcycles, and the BMW G310GS is no exception. This bike is built to last, making it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that will be dependable for the long term.
• Brand Recognition: BMW is a well-known brand, and owning a BMW G310GS can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its off-road capabilities and its smaller engine size.
• Engine: The Royal Enfield Himalayan comes with a 411cc single-cylinder engine that provides enough power for long rides and off-road adventures. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handlebar and seat position: The bike comes with a well-positioned handlebar and seat which gives a comfortable and upright riding position. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Off-Road Capabilities: The Royal Enfield Himalayan is designed specifically for off-road riding, it is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, long-travel suspension, and a ground clearance of 220mm. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle rough terrain and off-road adventures.
• Fuel Tank: The Royal Enfield Himalayan comes with a large-size fuel tank which allows for longer rides before needing a refill.
• Brand Recognition: The Royal Enfield is a well-known brand, and owning a Royal Enfield Himalayan can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Suzuki V-Strom
The Suzuki V-Strom is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its versatility and reliability.
• Engine: The Suzuki V-Strom comes with a 645cc, V-twin engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handlebar and seat position: The bike comes with a well-positioned handlebar and seat which gives a comfortable and upright riding position. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Ride modes: The Suzuki V-Strom comes with different riding modes which allow the rider to adjust the power delivery, traction control, and ABS according to the riding conditions. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Fuel Tank: The Suzuki V-Strom comes with a large-size fuel tank which allows for longer rides before needing a refill.
• Brand Recognition: Suzuki is a well-known brand, and owning a Suzuki V-Strom can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its lightweight, nimble handling and sporty performance.
• Engine: The KTM 390 Adventure comes with a 373cc, single-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handling: The KTM 390 Adventure is lightweight, with a dry weight of just 143 kg, this bike is known for its nimble handling, making it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to maneuver and control.
• Ride modes: The KTM 390 Adventure comes with different riding modes which allow the rider to adjust the power delivery, traction control, and ABS according to the riding conditions. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• TFT Display: The bike comes with a TFT display which provides information about the speed, fuel level, trip meter, and other useful information.
• Brand Recognition: The KTM is a well-known brand, and owning a KTM 390 Adventure can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Honda Africa Twin
The Honda Africa Twin is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its versatile performance and durability.
• Engine: The Honda Africa Twin comes with a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handling: The Honda Africa Twin is known for its versatile handling, making it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to maneuver and control.
• Traction Control: The bike comes with a traction control system which makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to handle the bike on different types of terrain.
• Slipper Clutch: The Honda Africa Twin comes with a slipper clutch that allows the rider to downshift smoothly, this feature is particularly useful for off-road riding.
• Brand Recognition: The Honda is a well-known brand, and owning a Honda Africa Twin can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Kawasaki Versys-X
The Kawasaki Versys-X is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its versatility and comfortable riding position.
• Engine: The Kawasaki Versys-X comes with a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handling: The Kawasaki Versys-X is known for its comfortable riding position, which makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Fuel Tank: The Kawasaki Versys-X comes with a large-size fuel tank which allows for longer rides before needing a refill.
• TFT Display: The bike comes with a TFT display which provides information about the speed, fuel level, trip meter, and other useful information.
• Brand Recognition: The Kawasaki is a well-known brand, and owning a Kawasaki Versys-X can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Triumph Tiger
The Triumph Tiger is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its powerful engine, advanced technology, and excellent build quality.
• Engine: The Triumph Tiger comes with a liquid-cooled, inline-triple engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Handling: The Triumph Tiger is known for its advanced technology and refined handling, which makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy to handle and control.
• Ride-by-wire: The Triumph Tiger comes with a ride-by-wire system that allows the rider to control the power and torque more precisely, this feature is particularly useful for off-road riding.
• Build Quality: The Triumph Tiger is known for its excellent build quality, this motorcycle will last long even in harsh conditions, and will provide a reliable and smooth ride experience.
• Brand Recognition: Triumph is a well-known brand, and owning a Triumph Tiger can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
Kawasaki KLR
The Kawasaki KLR is a popular adventure motorcycle for beginners, known for its reliability, durability, and versatility.
• Engine: The Kawasaki KLR comes with a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding. This makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of riding styles and conditions.
• Suspension: The bike comes with a long-travel suspension that helps to absorb bumps and shocks while riding on rough terrain. This makes it a great choice for new riders who may not yet have the experience or skill to navigate challenging terrain.
• Durability: The Kawasaki KLR is known for its reliability and durability. This motorcycle will last for a long time, even in harsh conditions. It’s a great choice for new riders who want a bike that will provide a reliable and smooth ride experience.
• Fuel Efficiency: The KLR is known for its fuel-efficient engine, this feature makes it a great choice for new riders who want a bike that is easy on the wallet and can go longer before needing a refuel.
• Brand Recognition: The Kawasaki is a well-known brand, and owning a Kawasaki KLR can give a sense of prestige and satisfaction.
General Guide on Bike choice and Biker Skills
When it comes to choosing an adventure motorcycle, it’s important to consider not just the features of the bike, but also your own riding skills and training.
Riding Skills: Adventure motorcycles are generally more powerful and heavier than other types of motorcycles, which can make them more challenging to ride. It’s important to have a good understanding of basic motorcycle operation and control before you ride an adventure motorcycle. if you are new to riding, it’s important to take a motorcycle safety course to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a motorcycle safely.
Training: Motorcycle safety courses offer riders the opportunity to learn the basics of motorcycle operation, as well as advanced riding techniques for different types of riding conditions. This is important when it comes to adventure riding, as it will give you the skills and confidence necessary to navigate rough terrain, inclement weather, and other challenges.
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You will learn to handle braking, turning, and emergency maneuvers that will help keep you safe while you ride. Depending on where you live and ride, you can choose from a variety of riding training programs that are tailored to your specific needs and skill level.
Other Training: Adventure riding requires a special set of skills, such as off-road riding, navigation, and trip planning. If you’re serious about adventure riding, it’s a good idea to consider taking an advanced off-road training course or guided tour to improve your skills and gain experience in the type of riding you’ll be doing. This can help you develop the confidence and knowledge you’ll need to safely navigate challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions.
When it comes to new riders looking for their first adventure motorcycle, one great option is the BMW G310GS. This bike is a dual sport motorcycle, meaning it’s designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. It comes equipped with features like traction control, which allows for better control of the bike on different types of terrain, making it a great choice for new riders.
One of the great things about the BMW G310GS is that it has a small cc engine, which makes it more manageable for new riders. This makes it a great choice for new riders who are still developing their skills and learning how to handle a motorcycle. Additionally, it has enough power to go on long trips, making it a great choice for those who want to explore the open road.
Another great option for new riders is the Honda CRF250L, it’s a dual sport bike, which makes it well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding, and it’s a great choice for new riders who want a versatile bike that can handle a variety of riding styles. The CRF250L also has a smaller cc engine, which makes it more manageable for new riders, and it comes equipped with features like traction control to help new riders handle the bike better on different types of terrain.
Another great option for new riders is the Royal Enfield Himalayan, it is designed specifically for off-road riding, and it has great suspension and a front wheel that is well-suited for navigating rough terrain. It is also equipped with a single-cylinder 411cc engine that provides enough power for long rides and off-road adventures.
When it comes to the best adventure motorcycle for new riders, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a great choice because of its off-road capabilities and its smaller engine size. This bike is a great choice for new riders who want to learn the ins and outs of off-road riding and get a feel for what it’s like to take on challenging terrain.
The key when it comes to choosing the best adventure motorcycle for new riders is finding a bike that is manageable, has enough power for long trips, and comes with features like traction control that will help new riders handle the bike on different types of terrain. With the Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G310GS, and Honda CRF250L, new riders have options for entry-level bikes with a powerful engine and great suspension that can handle long distances and rough terrain making them a great adventure machine.
Check our previous guide on The Ultimate Adventure Travel Bucket List: 50 Top Picks
Conclusion
In conclusion, when looking for an adventure motorcycle as a beginner, there are a number of key features to consider, including weight and power, suspension, handling, and technology. Each of these features affects the suitability of a motorcycle for new riders, and it’s important to choose a bike that fits your individual needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ve discussed some of the top adventure motorcycle models for beginners, including the Honda CRF, BMW G310GS, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki V-Strom, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Kawasaki Versys-X, Triumph Tiger and Kawasaki KLR. Each of these bikes has its own unique set of features and benefits, and is a good choice for new riders in different ways.
When it comes to choosing the best adventure motorcycle for a beginner, ultimately it depends on personal preference and intended usage, but we highly recommend the Honda CRF, BMW G310GS, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki V-Strom, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Kawasaki Versys-X, Triumph Tiger and Kawasaki KLR as a great starting point. It is important to take a test ride and see which bike feels best for you.
Lastly, owning an adventure motorcycle is a great way to improve your riding skills, but it is important to remember that riding any motorcycle, whether it is a beginner-friendly model or not, always requires practice and a commitment to improving your skills. So, take your time, research, test ride and choose the one that fits your needs, budget and preferences. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!