10 Adventure Bikes That Still Outperform Expectations 

With so many ADVs on the market today, across segments, it’s natural for a few models to steal the spotlight. They may do so for many reasons, whether it’s their loud engines, even louder designs, or simply a name tag that is already etched into motorcycling culture. Think Ducati Multistrada, KTM Super Adventure, or BMW GS. But the spotlight isn’t the only place to find incredible adventure motorcycles.

Look beyond the spotlight, and you’ll come across some seriously awesome motorcycles, which are underrated and overlooked by most riders. These adventure bikes don’t get the love they deserve, but they can still surprise you with their off-road prowess, long-distance comfort, or high-tech features. Here are ten such motorcycles that perform better than you’d expect and deserve far more attention than they get.

Kawasaki Versys 300

Starting Price: $5,699

Kawasaki

The Versys 300 is a dinosaur in the segment, not for its power, but for its age. Still, it remains relevant even in 2025. It’s powered by a free-revving Ninja-derived parallel-twin engine that’s butter-smooth and tractable. It’s a lightweight package with an upright seating position, wind protection, and an extended fuel range, making it an excellent commuter and adventure tourer. It’s a fantastic workhorse for beginners and returning riders looking for something simple, versatile, and reliable.

Performance Specs

CFMoto Ibex 450

Starting Price: $6,499

CFMoto

Practicality is beneficial, but if you’re looking for high-end fun with a bang for your buck, the CFMoto Ibex 450 is what you should consider. This big-bike-like ADV features a 270-degree parallel-twin engine with linear power delivery, ample low-end torque, and a V-twin-esque exhaust note. It also features fully adjustable KYB suspension, J.Juan brakes, ride modes, and much more. All of this while undercutting the likes of the KTM 390 Adventure and Honda NX500.

Performance Specs

Honda NX500

Starting Price: $7,399

Honda

Speaking of the NX500, do you want something that could be the only bike you’ll ever buy? Because that’s essentially what the NX500 is. This Honda ADV is more road-biased, with plush Showa suspension, neutral ergonomics, and excellent weight balance. More importantly, it’s powered by a bulletproof parallel-twin that delivers usable power across the rev range. While it may not be as fast as its rivals, it will most certainly outlive them with minimal maintenance. That’s what makes this underrated Honda ADV one of the most balanced bikes ever.

Performance Specs

Moto Morini X-Cape 700

Starting Price: $8,299

Moto Morini

Italian styling under $10,000 may seem hard to imagine, but not with the Moto Morini X-Cape 700, which offers premium Italian styling that’s clean and mature. Underneath the Euro design sits a parallel-twin engine that produces 18 percent more power than the X-Cape 650. It also features fully adjustable Marzocchi/Kayaba suspension, Brembo brakes, heated grips, and a segment-exclusive dashcam. The only downside is that its Chinese origin may be a gamble for you, depending on how far the closest Moto Morini service center is.

Performance Specs

CFMoto Ibex 800

Starting Price: $10,299

CFMoto

The CFMoto Ibex 800 is another bang-for-buck middleweight adventure bike that brings surprisingly upmarket features. It packs a powerful KTM-derived parallel-twin engine wrapped in a Kiska design, so you know it means business. It also features adjustable KYB suspension, a whopping 8-inch MMI screen, cruise control, heated grips and seats, and blind-spot monitoring. Fortunately, the Ibex 800 pairs its features and tempting price with the peace of mind that CFMoto has been in the US for many years.

Performance Specs

Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure

Starting Price: $10,999

Compared to the Ibex 800 and X-Cape 700, the old-school V-Strom 650XT Adventure may seem pale. For us, that’s part of its charm. It’s a surprisingly incredible motorcycle for what it is. For instance, the SV650-derived V-twin engine is reliable and versatile, paired with comfortable riding and low ownership costs. This variant also features aluminum panniers, an accessory bar, and mirror extensions. As a result, this Suzuki offers real-world usability that beats even some of the most popular modern middleweight ADVs.

Performance Specs

Kove 800X Pro

Starting Price: $10,999

Kove

Surprisingly, one of the most capable middleweight adventure bikes available today is also one of the most underrated. It’s the Kove 800X Pro, which features an impressive parallel-twin engine in an equally impressive curb weight of just over 400 pounds! Its lightweight chassis sits on fully adjustable KYB suspension, and the subframe-mounted fuel tank lowers the center of gravity. These features give the bike more off-road credibility than most of its rivals. And honestly, its rally-inspired design looks rally-ready.

Performance Specs

Moto Guzzi Stelvio PFF Rider Assistance Solution

Starting Price: $17,390

Moto Guzzi

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio tells a similar story of being an underrated gem, but with its advanced safety system and character, not off-road performance. This Italian stallion features the PFF Rider Assistance Solution, which uses a 4D radar to enable Blind Spot Information System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, and an optional Following Cruise Control.

Adding character is the unique transverse V-twin engine, complete with a distinctive character, side jolt, and V-twin power delivery. It’s paired with a single-sided swingarm and a maintenance-free shaft drive, along with adjustable suspension and a 19/17-inch wheel setup. It’s a solid, stylish Italian ADV that you’re unlikely to get tired of anytime soon.

Performance Specs

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Starting Price: $17,595

Triumph

Yes, the Triumph Tiger lineup is pretty well-known in the ADV circles, but the 900 Rally Pro is a model that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. It strikes a class-leading balance of comfort, off-road ability, and inline-triple character that’s hard to find in the segment. It’s a legit do-it-all adventure bike that can be the perfect stepping stone for intermediate riders and the all-rounder choice for a one-bike garage.

For starters, the engine is flexible, with controllable low-end, meaty mid-range, and an exhilarating top-end. Fully-adjustable Showa suspension and 21/17-inch wheelset are ready to take on plenty of off-road abuse, and the Brembo Stylema brakes bring things to a stop quickly. Finally, features such as a 5.2-gallon tank, heated grips and seats, and cruise control further make it an excellent all-rounder, with a knack for both off-roading and touring.

Performance Specs

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure

Starting Price: $17,799

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure stands true to the “still waters run deep” saying. On the surface, it seems like a basic full-size ADV that only gets the essentials right, without even trying to wow you with anything. Look a little deeper, and you’ll find an adventure bike that will last you a lifetime while keeping you happy, comfortable, and entertained.

The V-twin engine prioritizes a broad spread of torque and flexibility over outright performance, making the bike suitable for a wide range of riding conditions. Adding to its versatility is the long-travel suspension, 21/17-inch wheels, wide steel pegs, and a longer wheelbase than the standard 1050 ADV. The result is an adventure bike that does not demand attention but is always ready to take on whatever you throw at it, from commutes to cross-country adventures.

Performance Specs