10 Used Adventure Bikes That Still Offer Incredible Value

Adventure motorcycles have significantly grown in popularity in the recent past. And for good reason. They can handle highway touring, weekend outings and even your boring grocery runs. However, the added off-road capability is what makes them a truly versatile machine. Today, there is no dearth of options if you are looking for a new adventure motorcycle, irrespective of your budget. On the affordable side of things, you have the KTM 390 Adventure R or CFMoto Ibex 450. Meanwhile, on the more expensive side of things, you can get iconic ADVs like the BMW R 1300 GS.

Like most modern motorcycles, manufacturers equip their new ADVs with sophisticated hardware and electronics. This naturally drives up the price of the motorcycle. Thankfully, the popularity of adventure bikes means we now have plenty of options in the used market. This list brings together 10 used ADVs that offer the best bang for your buck. If the previous owner has used their adventure motorcycles as intended, it is better to set aside some amount for any maintenance surprises that might pop up during your time with the bike.

10

2020 KTM 390 Adventure

Price Range: $3,500 – $5,770

KTM – photographer credit: @francescmonterpophoto

The first-generation model of the 390 Adventure may not have been as hardcore as the present-day model, but it was still a capable entry-level ADV. It was essentially a 390 Duke on stilts with taller suspension, a different sub-frame and longer wheelbase for better highway stability. Powering the motorcycle is a 373.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that churns out 44 horsepower and 27.2 pound-feet of torque. Like its naked sibling, the motorcycle is underpinned by a steel-trellis frame suspended by 43 mm WP Apex inverted forks up top and a monoshock at the rear. In terms of electronics, the ADV comes with a 5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity, cornering ABS and traction control with off-road modes.

Specifications

9

2019 Honda CB500X

Price Range: $3,000 – $4,500

Honda

This is one of the best options to pick if you are looking for a simple, understated, refined, and efficient entry-level adventure motorcycle. The CB500X was first launched in 2013 and has received multiple updates over the years. As part of the 2019 update, the CB500X got an updated look with a new headlight design and restyled shrouds. The overall styling has aged quite well and the 2019 model doesn’t feel out of place even today, except for the conventional front forks. The CB500X uses a 471cc parallel-twin engine that delivers linear power with excellent refinement. Being a Honda, reliability shouldn’t be an issue either.

Specifications

8

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro

Price Range: $14,000 – $16,000

Ducati

2019 was the year when Ducati upped their game in the adventure touring segment. It did this by making the Multistrada 1260 Enduro, which was more powerful and capable at off-roading compared to its predecessor. For the price of a new Multistrada V2, you can get a used Multistrada 1260 Enduro, a full-sized ADV with top-of-the-line features like traction control, ride modes, a six-axis IMU, and electronic suspension as standard. You may not be very fond of how much it weighs when you ride off-road. However, you’ll certainly appreciate the 158 ponies on offer while riding on the tarmac.

Specifications

7

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT

Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000

Suzuki

The V-Strom 1000XT was Suzuki’s flagship adventure touring motorcycle pre-2020. While the motorcycle might look intimidating at first glance, its narrow seat design makes it easier for an average-sized rider to flat foot. The 90-degree liquid-cooled V-Twin powering the motorcycle has a short-stroke design and produces close to 100 horsepower and 76 pound-feet of torque. Speaking of the underpinnings, the XT comes with a twin-spar aluminum frame suspended by 43 mm KYB inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, and a 19/17-inch front/rear wheel setup.

Specifications

6

2017 Honda Africa Twin

Price Range: $9,000 – $11,000

Honda

This is one of the safest options if you want a do-it-all used adventure motorcycle. The reason being the simple and rugged construction of the Africa Twin. It is powered by a 998cc parallel-twin that has bullet-proof reliability, giving you the extra peace of mind. The modest output figures of 94 horsepower and 73 pound-feet of torque should suffice for most of your needs. Additionally, Honda even offered an optional DCT automatic with this motorcycle, which should come in handy when riding on crowded streets or highways. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup should help you ride over most off-road obstacles.

Specifications

5

2017 Kawasaki KLR 650

Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000

Kawasaki

When it comes to the KLR 650, everything is simple and purpose-built. It is a dual-purpose motorcycle which has some ADV styling cues like a front fairing with a clear windscreen mounted on top. Kawasaki built this motorcycle to take on rough terrain, and its frame, rims and suspension are designed accordingly. The motorcycle is powered by a 651cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with an oversquare configuration that delivers good low-end torque to help you get out of any sticky situation. The rugged underpinnings of the KLR 650 consist of a semi-dual cradle frame with a 21/17-inch wheel setup, and conventional forks and monoshock to take care of the suspension duties.

Specifications

4

2015 Triumph Tiger Explorer XC

Price Range: $9,000 – $11,000

Triumph

As its name suggests, the Tiger Explorer XC is built to take on well-laid-out tarmac, off-road trails and everything else that lies in the middle. Standard protection bits like the engine protectors, metal sump guard and fog lamps give the impression that the ADV is ready for exploration, waiting for your command. To help it do that with ease, Triumph made use of beefed-up components for the chassis, spoke rims, and chunky 46 mm Kayaba inverted forks and rear monoshock with an average suspension travel of 7.5-inches on both ends. The 1,215 cc liquid-cooled inline-three power mill packs in enough performance to take care of your touring needs. For on-road convenience and safety, the Tiger Explorer XC comes equipped with cruise control and traction control as standard.

Specifications

3

2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R

Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000

KTM

By 2015, KTM had established itself as a dominant force in the Dakar Rally with around 15 consecutive wins. Naturally, the lessons from the motorsport event are reflected in its production vehicles, like the 1190 Adventure R. This ADV was one of the most capable off-roaders in its segment with its 1190cc liquid-cooled V-twin delivering close to 150 ponies. KTM equipped the 1190 Adventure R with fully-adjustable suspension boasting 8.6 inches of travel on both ends. The massive 6-gallon fuel tank should ensure you have ample fuel capacity to engage in touring or off-road exploration without having to worry about running out of gas. In terms of technology on board, the 1190 Adventure R comes with ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, lean-sensitive traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and a lot more.

Specifications

2

2014 BMW R 1200 GS

Price Range: $11,000 – $13,000

BMW

It is impossible to have a conversation about adventure motorcycles without the BMW GS‘ name popping up. After all, the motorcycle has attained an iconic status among adventure motorcycle fans despite its rather intimidating looks. In 2014, BMW introduced liquid-cooling to its boxer twin engine, powering the R 1200 GS. In this generation model, the engine pushed out 125 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of peak torque.

With the sophisticated hardware and tech on board, the R 1200 GS is capable of traversing through any kind of terrain. For touring fans, BMW offered a ‘TE’ variant with convenience features like cruise control, hearted grips and tire pressure monitoring system. Meanwhile, the ‘Adventure’ variant added a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank, 0.8 inches of more suspension travel and a few changes to the engine to make it more off-road capable.

Specifications

1

2012 Yamaha Super Tenere

Price Range: $6,000 – $8,000

Yamaha

The styling on the Super Tenere might seem utilitarian but it more than makes up for that with its impressive on-road and off-road performance. At its heart is the 1190cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine mated to a six-speed transmission. It comes with a 270-degree firing order that gives it a V-twin-like rumble and strong low-end performance. As for the underpinnings, it makes use of a steel main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Suspension duties are handled by 43mm fully-adjustable inverted forks in tandem with preload adjustable rear monoshock. Electronics on board consist of a ride-by-wire throttle and traction control.

Specifications