11 Best Budget Adventure Motorcycles
If you select one of these, the least costly adventure bikes on the market right now, a filthy weekend away doesn’t have to be a pricey event. Take a closer look at these models if you’re seeking to buy a brand-new adventure motorbike and want to get the most motorcycle for your money.
It is simple to understand why adventure motorcycles continue to be one of the most popular motorcycle classifications.
Due to the increasing popularity of adventure bikes over the past few years, a huge variety of models are now available. These machines, which were previously out of reach for novice or aspiring riders, are now more accessible than ever thanks to the entry-level motorcycles that have now joined this market. The very definition of freedom is embodied by adventure motorcycles, which provide us a way to escape from it all in a world when doing so has never been more difficult.
They are the best option if you want a vehicle that can travel, accommodate a passenger, have a luxurious, high specification, offer adequate performance for the majority of users, and even drive off-road. Why else would they be called “two-wheeled Range Rovers”?
There is a drawback to all of that, though. After all, a Range Rover is anything from inexpensive, and the same can be said about its two-wheeled sibling. The most popular BMW R1250GSA starts at roughly $15,000. However, if you start adding extras from BMW’s renowned list, the price may easily exceed $18,000. Triumph’s Tiger 1200 frequently costs more than £15K, while Ducati’s top-of-the-line Multistrada, the 1260 S Grand Tour, won’t cost you much more than £19,000.
Even if these are the pinnacle models showing the newest technology, if your budget doesn’t allow for it, you may still get a high-quality motorbike that will satisfy most, if not all, of your personal requirements.
Now that there are so many adventure machines available, there are also more and more affordable, albeit smaller capacity, alternatives available, some starting at little over £4K. What are the best options available, then? Here is our current list of the best cheap adventure bikes available in the UK, listed by price.
Royal Enfield Himalayan (from £4599)
Indian-made Royal Enfields have received their fair share of derision over the years for their outdated, 1950s-style styling and rudimentary build, but if you’re looking for a “fresh new classic,” they actually have a lot to offer. The all-new, twin-cylinder 650 Interceptor and Continental GT, on the other hand, have rightfully become big successes thanks to their exceptional value while still offering better performance.
The Himalayan, which was released in 2018, sits in the middle of the two stools and yet provides a tantalizing taste of the adventurous experience while still being reasonably priced. A larger version of the original design, its 410cc air-cooled single engine produces just 24bhp, which is hardly adequate for fast roads.
While its specification is, to put it mildly, rudimentary, the brakes and soft suspension suffer as well. But since it’s so straightforward, light, and somewhat durable, you can drive it off-road; it can cheerfully go for miles with luggage; and it has a timeless, practical appeal that’s hard to equal.
If that sounds appealing, you won’t be let down by just over £4K.
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Kawasaki KLR650
The storied dual-sport has, in fact, remade itself as a cost-effective adventure bike. This mountain goat of a bike is unrivaled in terms of off-road capability.
Unfortunately, neither the KLR nor mountain goats move very quickly. Even though they tried their best to reduce some of the single cylinder vibrations, they may still be felt. It is rather hefty for its 40 hp, making lengthy highway drives difficult.
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Sinnis Terrain 380 (from £4850)
This arrival is something to cheer about. Chinese-built Sinnis have a long history of producing basic, inexpensive, but good lightweights in the UK, and they broke the mold when they dared to introduce their first “Terrain” model in 125 configuration.
That bike was a breath of fresh air in the learning class since it was a full-sized adventure with optional baggage in a class usually reserved for little roadsters and sportsters, despite the fact that it was naturally constrained by possessing only 11.5 horsepower. Now, the company is following that bike up with a 380cc version, which will be available from the end of October.
The new Terrain 380 has an eight-valve, liquid-cooled, SOHC parallel twin engine that generates a respectable 36 bhp at the crank, which is well within the A2 license category. Additionally, the Terrain 380 has contemporary styling, LED headlights that are reminiscent of the R1250GS, crash protection, full-size proportions, and a sleek LCD dash, all for less than £4500.
Is there a brand-new line of authentic budget ADVs from some of the more reputable manufacturers simply waiting in the wings between this and the Royal Enfield?
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Royal Enfield Himalayan
Although the Himalayan is theoretically less powerful than the KLR, it is more sophisticated and has a track record of being similarly dependable.
The bike is built with a very particular budget in mind, yet it delivers far more value than people realize and can withstand just as much damage as any Japanese bike.
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Benelli TRK 502 (from £4999)
The Benelli TRK 502 delivers a full-size adventure riding experience (although without the 100bhp+ horsepower) for commuter bike money. It is another Chinese-made machine with Italian pedigree.
The 2017-released TRK 502 is available in two versions: the base model and an improved, more off-road-oriented “X” trim with wire wheels, increased crash protection, etc. for an additional £300. But both are present.
Both are propelled by a contemporary, 47 horsepower, A2-compliant parallel twin, somewhat rougher in delivery than Honda’s CB500X. Although the clocks and some of the decor are a touch simple and crude, these flaws can be overlooked considering the vehicle’s rock bottom price. The chassis is full-sized, the bodywork is reminiscent of Ducati’s Multistrada, the handling and braking are also good.
We doubt there is a greater value for a middleweight that performs admirably and can handle anything. It’s no accident that this motorcycle just surpassed all others in sales in Italy.
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Honda CB500X
The 500X may be the perfect bike for you if you are a novice, new to adventure biking, or vertically challenged.
The KLR is still rather tall for most riders, and the Himalayan is also fairly hefty. However, compared to those two, the Honda is much more road-oriented, so if you really want to tackle the trails, you should check out the booming aftermarket.
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BMW G 310 GS (from £5100)
BMW started releasing its new, Indian-built, small capacity, A2-compliant, single cylinder G310, family in 2016 in an effort to draw new customers into the BMW fold. This was done through a partnership with massive TVS, which now also owns Norton.
The cleverly designed G310R roadster appeared initially, followed the following year by the adventure-styled GS model, and it also performs adequately. A reasonable, straightforward 33.5bhp is produced by the innovative, reverse-cylinder single. It is easy to control, light, and suitable for beginners.
It certainly has a professional appearance, borrowing features from its larger R1250GS sibling, and given the badge, it offers fantastic value as well. The build quality isn’t nearly as good as the company’s huge bikes produced in Berlin, the ride is a little soft, and the specs are a little basic.
Overall, though, you won’t be worried if you’re a beginner, and as a way to start owning a BMW with all the benefits of a professional dealer experience and the brand recognition that comes with it, there’s nothing better.
Oh, and if you do want more, BMW is now making a limited-edition “40 Years of GS” model as well for £5515 for 2021.Suzuki V-Strom 650 (from £7049)
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Kawasaki Versys X-300 (from £5149)
Despite the fact that it continues to be so inexpensive and that its closest Japanese rival, Suzuki’s V-Strom 250, has since been discontinued, Japan’s entry-level model in this class has somehow managed to “fly under the radar” and remains mostly unrecognized.
The smallest Versys from Kawasaki was unveiled in 2017 and is built around the outdated Ninja 300 296cc parallel twin motor but has been modified to comply with the most recent Euro regulations. With 36 horsepower, it is both willing and A2-compliant. It is also carried in a wide, sleek, and light chassis, making it both a capable (though slightly breathless) two-up vehicle as well as a respectable off-road vehicle.
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It is the most affordable of the Japanese/European alternatives right now, can comfortably go at 80 mph, looks excellent, has adequate equipment, and is definitely worth a look.
On the down side, it’s not as good as its fantastic, larger 650 brother and can get buzzy and vibey at speed. It’s also a little bit anonymous. You won’t be let down if this is all you can afford, though.
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Triumph Tiger
The quality offered more than makes up for the price, which first may seem a bit excessive.
The Tiger will always offer the ideal amount of power, whether you want to make a modest jump on a trail or reach the apex of a turn. It is also excellent off-road and has tons of available torque.
KTM 390 Adventure (from £5499)
We’re starting to take this seriously now. It was only a matter of time before Austrian off-road experts KTM created smaller, more affordable versions as well, especially since it already had Duke roadster and RC sportster 390s. KTM has built its reputation on world-beating adventure bikes, particularly with larger capacity, truly dirt-capable equipment like the 1090 and 1290 Adventures.
A 390cc single-powered Adventure followed the 790, twin-cylinder Adventure in 2020 and received high praise for its off-road prowess. And the wait was well worth it with a powerful 44 horsepower.
It’s oddly more road-oriented than other KTM Adventures, mostly since it’s also a motorcycle designed for beginners. However, it still handles a mild green lane well, has more dynamic road manners and performance than other vehicles in its class, and has many high-quality details.
Even while it’s not exactly the long-legged, off-road expert all-arounder its name may indicate, it has enough of appeal as a beginner bike with the “KTM Adventure” badge, especially for the price.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 (from £7049)
The last two bikes on display are, in most ways, a class above all those that came before them. They are also the only vehicles on display that cost more than £7K. They are, nonetheless, so excellent and well-liked as a consequence that, if you can afford it, they are really worth a look.
Suzuki’s already outstanding SV650 novice-friendly roadster was initially introduced as the V-Strom in 2004, with an adventure-styled design. Even while it never truly had any off-road potential, it shared that bike’s powerful and eager 70bhp V-twin with a more upright, spacious adventure chassis.
Since then, it has undergone several updates and continues to be a fantastic budget all-arounder with more performance and adaptability than you may anticipate. In fact, although slightly aged now, you might wonder why you’ll ever need a larger bike. It truly accomplishes everything.
Oh, and for £300 extra, you can upgrade to the wire-wheeled, more rugged-looking XT version for a little bit more spec and flair.
