12 best off-road motorcycles on the market today

1. Honda Africa Twin

Its big engine comes with a high price tag, and it’s not for the novice. The Africa Twin starts at $14,499, and additional features can push that number higher. While there are other bikes that surpass it in power, agility, or luxury, few offer such versatility on nearly any terrain.

2. BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure

A mid-size adventure bike that’s more affordable than BMW’s R 1250 GSA, the F 850 ​​GS Adventure can take you on all fronts. It replaced the F 800 GSA in 2019, with an engine that’s been bumped up by around 50cc. The 90 horsepower is enough to propel the 244kg bike to a top speed of 120mph, while the electronically adjustable suspension ensures the bike is comfortable on all types of terrain.

The TFT display is easy to read and does a good job of staying connected on the road. The F 850 ​​GS Adventure isn’t the most capable or best-equipped bike on the market, but it’s a great alternative for anyone who wants something lighter and more affordable than the top-of-the-line models. Pricing for the 2023 model starts at $13,595, before destination.

3. Ducati DesertX

The $17,095 Ducati DesertX is an emerging BMW competitor set to go into production in 2022, with the original concept shown in 2019. It features the 937cc Testastretta engine also found in the Multistrada V2, with 110 horsepower and a redline of 10,000 rpm.

There are six riding modes to choose from: Urban, Sport, Touring, Wet, Rally and Enduro. The last two are the ones that off-road riders will be interested in. Enduro mode is equipped with ABS and traction control at a higher level to support less experienced riders. Sport mode will help you conquer the most extreme roads, and Touring prioritizes comfort on long trips. The off-road category is a relatively late arrival in Ducati's product line, but the Italian manufacturer seems to have done a pretty good job with its first launch.

4. Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

The 1050XT was a touring bike without the off-road capabilities, but the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE offers more capability and fixes some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. While not a top-of-the-line bike like the Honda Africa Twin and Ducati DesertX, the V-Strom is considered one of the best all-round Suzukis to date.

With a 1,037cc V-twin engine, it weighs 550 pounds, which is heavier than other competitors on the market. The 1050DE has the same 106 horsepower at 8,500 rpm as the 1050XT. The starting price of the bike is $15,999, before additional costs. It's certainly not the most advanced product on the market, but if you're looking for a versatile, reliable bike that can handle off-road situations, it's a worthy investment.

5. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

The 1290 Super Adventure is KTM’s biggest and best off-roader yet, with a powerful engine and the necessary kit for long-distance touring. It comes in two configurations: the S is designed for road riding, while the R is for riders who want to challenge themselves on off-road trails. The R starts at $20,299, making it one of the most expensive bikes on this list as well as one of the best performing.

The 1290 Super Adventure R is powered by the trusty LC8 engine, mated to a Pankl six-speed gearbox, and produces 158 horsepower. At 550 pounds, it’s a beast. Like any modern adventure bike, the KTM has a number of electronic adjustments, with four riding modes, road and off-road ABS, and stability control. That way, you can easily tweak the setup to your liking.

6. Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro

Triumph spent five years developing the 1200 and extensively testing it in all types of terrain and conditions. The result is a bike that is tough enough to take on off-road terrain with confidence, yet comfortable enough to ride on the road. Of course, with such top quality, it is at the high end of the price spectrum, with a starting price of $22,995.

Electronically adjustable Showa suspension and Brembo brakes give the rider confidence at high speeds. The 1160cc engine produces 147 horsepower, so you'll need to be careful with the throttle if you're new to these types of bikes. At 550 pounds, the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is as heavy as its rivals. In fact, it can compete with many other models in many important aspects.

7. Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is a great choice if you’re looking for a minimalist mid-size adventure bike that comes with some of the most premium options on the market. For 2023, Yamaha has updated the bike with a new 5-inch TFT instrument panel that replaces the old LCD, adding Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and ABS settings. This feature was already available on the Ténéré 700 World Raid, but front ABS on/rear ABS off is now available on lower-spec variants.

Depending on your options, the Ténéré 700 starts at $10,299. For that money, you get a 689cc parallel-twin that produces 74 horsepower. It has a wet weight of 450 pounds, making it more nimble than many of the other ADVs on this list. Aside from ABS, the Ténéré 700 doesn’t have many rider-assist features. But overall, few buyers will be disappointed with Yamaha’s best mid-range offering.

8. Ducati Multistrada V4S

While it’s more road-focused than many of its rivals, there’s no denying the Ducati Multistrada V4S’s strengths both on and off the road. First launched in 2021, the latest generation features significant updates over the outgoing model, including a new 1,158cc V4 engine that produces 170 horsepower. Another key highlight is a radar system that alerts the rider when vehicles enter the blind spot on either side of the bike.

It also enables adaptive cruise control, meaning the Multistrada V4S can automatically detect vehicles in front and behind and adjust its speed accordingly. Additionally, standard equipment includes phone connectivity, allowing you to use the optional navigation system and answer calls via the TFT display.

As mentioned earlier, this is not the best off-road bike in the segment, but with the revised chassis and suspension, it can tackle trails or more challenging terrain.

9. KTM 890 Adventure R

KTM has long been known for its affordable off-road bikes. The standout among them is the 890 Adventure R, which is designed to be used on both dirt and asphalt. It starts at $15,199 for 2023, competing with the likes of the Africa Twin and BMW F 850 ​​GSA. The Adventure R offers an additional mode over the standard 890 Adventure: Rally. This mode allows for various adjustments to the throttle response and traction control, which is useful when riding on constantly changing terrain.

Compared to the 890 Adventure R, the standard Adventure will provide a more comfortable and smoother riding experience on the asphalt. Therefore, the Adventure R is the model for riders who like to conquer challenging off-road roads.

10. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Throughout its long history of adventure motorcycles, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has been the benchmark in its class and one of BMW’s best motorcycles to date. The latest version was launched in 2019, with a more powerful engine and new equipment. The engine in question is a 1,254cc flat-four with 136 horsepower. A standard 6.5-inch TFT display comes with BMW’s top-of-the-line infotainment and connectivity setup.

On the road, the bike is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with an official claimed range of 380 miles. Its off-road performance is equally impressive. Even with a load of luggage, it will conquer sand, mud, gravel, and most obstacles you’ll encounter on the road. With a base price of $20,345 and optional extras, the 1250 GSA is a serious investment, but one well worth it.

11. Kawasaki KLR650

A far cry from BMW’s high-tech heavyweight flagship, the Kawasaki KL650 has all the essentials and none of the frills. Updated for 2022 after 14 years of no changes, the new generation still feels familiar to owners of the outgoing model. The biggest changes include the switch to electronic fuel injection, optional ABS, and improved performance. The chassis has also been redesigned for better rigidity, making the 2022 KLR650 more stable than its predecessor.

Unlike its high-end competitors, the Kawasaki doesn’t have a TFT display with connectivity options or a variety of customizable rider modes. It simply offers a solid build, a tried-and-tested 652cc engine, and minimal distractions on the road.

With simpler specs, the regular KLR650 without ABS starts at $6,899, and the KLR650 Adventure with ABS starts at $8,199. There are also additional options like side skirts, fog lights, and tank pads, so depending on how you intend to use it, you may want to consider upgrading.

12. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special