There are a lot of motorcycles for sale, promising many things to eager riders. Most are designed to do one thing very well, whether that’s cruising on the highway, slicing through city streets, blistering the track, or tackling dirt trails. But what if you want to do it all? That’s where adventure motorcycles, or ADV bikes, enter the stage. Jack of all trades and master of many, these all-around bikes are equally adept on pavement and dirt, delivering a thrilling yet comfortable experience.
Sales of ADV bikes have surged in recent years, so much so that the Motorcycle Industry Council is now tracking them separately from dual-sport bikes, which are more off-road oriented. We’re seeing more adventure bikes fly off the showroom floor as riders look for motorcycles they can wheel around the Bay Area during the week and then take to their favorite off-road or back-road spot on the weekend. If you’re in that camp, you may wonder which bike is best for you. Here are five cool ADV bikes to check out, whether it’s your first or tenth motorcycle. A few are industry icons, while others have gone below the radar, but each is a sweet two-wheeler.
Honda ADV160: An Adventure Scooter for the Big City
Adventure bikes are so popular they now come in scooter form. The Honda ADV160 was introduced in 2021 as an “urban ADV bike” that’s geared towards navigating metropolis mazes but can still handle an off-road trip or three. As you might expect, it’s not the beefiest bike, with the newest models carrying a 157cc one-cylinder engine. What it lacks in horsepower, though, makes up for in advanced design. Honda equips the ADV160 with a Showa 31mm front suspension and twin piggyback rear shocks with four inches of travel for supreme comfort. You get anti-lock front brakes, a Honda V-Matic continuously variable transmission, traction control, all-LED lighting, and other tech to keep you stable and safe.
A Honda ADV160 is also loaded with creature comforts and convenience. It has a 27-liter luggage compartment under the plush two-person seat plus a two-liter front compartment to pack everything for a day trip. The 30.7-inch seat height can accommodate almost any rider, and the bike is keyless with Honda’s SmartKey system. Other cool features include a tool-less adjustable windscreen, a phone charging port, and both center and side stands. Add the rugged style, and you have an ideal ADV bike for city dwellers or first-time riders.
Kawasaki KLR650: Reliable Fun on a Budget
One of the oldest adventure bikes around remains a strong option for riders of all levels. Introduced in 1987 and returning in 2022 after a brief hiatus, this bike has been called the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles for how well it adapts to everything from concrete to gravel. The Kawasaki KLR650 achieves this balance with dual-purpose tires, a giant 21-inch front wheel, and a Uni-Track adjustable single rear shock to dial the handling in. There’s also 7.9 inches of front travel and eight inches of rear travel to attack rough surfaces. The 652cc engine provides 40 hp and 39.1 lb-ft. of torque, enough to feel some speed. The large 6.1-gallon fuel tank lets you cruise for hours behind the large adjustable windscreen.
Beyond the base model, the KLR650 has two more variants. The KLR650S lowers the seat height by 2.2 inches, making it the pick for shorter riders. If you want a premium version of this bike, consider the KLR650 Adventure ABS. It has fog lamps, side luggage cases, a protective tank pad and frame slides, and a DC power socket to prepare you for getting away.
Yamaha Tenere 700: Getting Back to the Basics
Inspired by the rally circuit, the Yamaha Tenere 700, or Ténéré if you’re feeling fancy, has emerged as one of the leaders in the mid-level ADV bike class. Essentially, it is a smaller and less expensive take on the Super Tenere ES. We like to think of it more as the Happy Meal version because it will bring you plenty of smiles. It uses the same CP2 engine as the MT-07, generating 73 hp in a motorcycle designed to be lightweight and responsive. Yamaha turns to KYB for the preload adjustable front fork and monocross rear shock while developing a narrow steel cradle frame you can wrap yourself around.
The Tenere 700 is known as a “rider’s bike” that doesn’t bombard you with fancy electronics and rider assistance tech. Newer editions have made a few concessions to the modern rider with a chip-controlled throttle system, updated traction control, a 6.3-inch TFT display with Street and Explorer themes, and improved smartphone connectivity. Even so, it’s a bike that puts most of the control in your hands. You’ll get better at the fundamentals by riding this bike, making it an excellent stepping stone.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: A Modern Take on a Proven Design
If the performance of the Tenere 700 appeals to you, but you want a little more power and tech, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE might be your adventure bike. Introduced in 2023 as a halfway option between the beloved V-Strom 650 and the premium V-Strom 1050, this motorcycle certainly doesn’t feel like a compromise. The 776cc four-stroke parallel twin engine and six-speed transmission generate 83 hp in a bike that barely weighs over 500 lbs, effortlessly carrying you over any Pacific Northwest road. It’s also the most dirt-capable bike ever produced in the V-Strom series, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a high-travel suspension with fully adjustable front and rear coil springs, a big front wheel, Dunlop ADV tires, and adjustable ABS disc brakes.
This prime foundation is complemented by the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), a series of rider aids for those who want a hand (or several). Some SIRS highlights include a four-mode traction control system, a bi-directional quick shifter, low RPM assistance, electronic throttle control, and three selectable drive modes. The technology feast continues with a full-color TFT panel display, A USB charger, and all-LED lighting, including the V-Strom’s traditional dual headlights. This is a bike made to excel everywhere without costing everything you have.
CFMOTO IBEX 800: A Middleweight Bike That Fights Big
CFMOTO is making waves in American motorcycle circles, and the IBEX 800 series of adventure bikes is a big reason why. These are machines designed to punch above their weight class with excellent performance and even better value. Each CFMoto IBEX 800 has a 799cc modern parallel-twin engine giving you 94 hp and 57 lb-ft. of torque, enough to make the interstate feel like a launching pad. It also features a front and rear KYB suspension. The rear shock is rebound and preload adjustable, while the front inverted fork can also be tweaked for compression. The Bosch anti-lock brakes include traction control, cornering ABS, and even wheelie control.
For years, CFMOTO offered the baseline IBEX 800 S and the tricked-out IBEX 800 T that added luxury amenities like luggage racks, a quick shifter, and a heated seat. Beginning in 2025, CFMOTO combined them into a single bike, the IBEX 800 E. It’s the highest-end IBEX 800 yet, with J. Juan disc brakes, an advanced electronic throttle control system, all-LED lighting, six ride modes, an eight-inch TFT screen, and even onboard GPS navigation. Whether you get a new IBEX 800 E or seek something on the used market, you’re in for a treat when you hop on.
Find an ADV Bike at SF Moto
For more than 30 years, SF Moto has served Bay Area riders looking for new and used bikes. Our growing selection of adventure motorcycles includes entry-level, midrange, and premium bikes, so there’s something for everyone. Visit us Monday through Saturday to see what’s in stock, or browse our online catalog. We also have a full-service department and sell OEM parts and custom gear to make every adventure memorable.
