Best Affordable Adventure Bikes of 2023

If you think about the most fun, highly maneuverable, and versatile motorcycle category, adventure bikes will immediately come to your mind. Adventure bikes are undoubtedly the most amazing modern machines with the capability to maneuver on both on- and off-road terrains. They are agile and nimble, offering you the most adventurous riding experience if you want to enjoy motorcycling to its core. Due to their versatile nature, cool looks, and high demand, adventure bikes are mostly expensive. However, if you want to experience the thrill of riding on mountains, gravel, dirt roads, trails, roads, and tarmac, this article brings you the best affordable adventure bikes available in 2023 that will keep your bank strong.

The most affordable adventure bike on this list is the 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan, designed by one of the oldest British motorcycle manufacturers. If you talk about the ride quality, reliability, and off-road performance at a price tag of $5,499, this motorcycle is one of the best available options in the market. The 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan is well-equipped, delicately engineered, and has a well-balanced design. This motorcycle has a decent fit and finish despite its low price tag.

The 411 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine may seem underpowered, but it offers a decent horsepower of 24.3 hp at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 32 Nm at 4,000-4,500 rpm, allowing you to overcome gravel and obstacles, and that too in a slick fashion thanks to its long wheel travel suspensions. The 41 mm telescopic front forks offer a 7.87 in (200 mm) wheel travel, and the rear mono-shock provides a wheel travel of 7.08 in (180 mm). The Royal Enfield Himalayan is comparatively heavier than most entry-level motorbikes. A 4-gallon fuel tank capacity and an impressive 8.6-inch ground clearance help you to enjoy longer rides on versatile terrains. The Royal Enfield Himalayan also comes with a standard dual-channel ABS, which can be switched off while off-roading depending on your preferences.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a retro-inspired look with a round headlamp, wide and round side mirrors, a small windscreen, luggage rack, and an overall slimmer geometry.

BMW is most popularly known for its high-end and high-powered motorcycles. However, in the adventure bike category, the company introduced a beginner-friendly motorbike in 2016 to attract novice riders. The BMW G 310 GS was produced in collaboration with BMW and TVS Motor Company in India. After being successful, it was delivered to Germany for testing.

Despite being an entry-level motorcycle, the BMW G 310 GS has a modern design and a bulky look inspired by the high-powered BMW adventure bikes. It has sharp and aerodynamic bodywork. The stock parts include a windscreen, luggage rack, and separate rider and passenger seats. The BMW G 310 GS is a modern motorcycle with a few premium features, including adjustable clutch and brake levers, electronically controlled ride-by-wire throttle, and ABS.

The 2023 BMW G 310 GS is one of the cheapest motorcycles in the BMW lineup, with a price tag of $5,890, along with the BMW G 310 R, based on the same engine. Due to being low-priced and having the BMW badge on the fuel tank, this motorcycle is not as good as a German-built BMW motorcycle should be due to being basic.

The 313 cc engine produces a horsepower of 34 hp at 9,250 rpm and a torque of 27.12 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The 8.66-inch ground clearance is adequate to maneuver on off-road terrains without damaging the belly. Both the 41 mm inverted front forks and the preload-adjustable rear shock provides a decent wheel travel of 7.1 inches, ensuring a perfect riding experience on both on- and off-road.

Another basic, lightweight, simple, and beginner-friendly adventure bike by one of the big four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers is the Kawasaki Versys X-300. Despite being low-powered, this motorcycle offers impressive handling and maneuverability, especially while riding on challenging, low-traction terrains. The Kawasaki Versys X-300 is not only good for learners, it is a great adventure bike to enjoy adventure rides for riders with all skill levels.

The 296 cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine produces a steady and mild power, ideal for beginners. This motorcycle produces 39 hp of horsepower and 26 Nm of torque. The Kawasaki Versys X-300 performs well on both on- and off-road terrains. The Kawasaki Versys X-300 is a taller motorcycle with a seat height of 32.1 inches and a decent ground clearance of 7.1 inches. Like most adventure bikes, it also comes with adequate wind protection and a luggage rack.

The ABS version comes at an affordable price of $6,199 and is equipped with dual throttle valves, assist & slipper clutch, and an ergo-fit feature to easily adjust the riding ergonomics.

The 2023 Honda CRF300L Rally is among the lightest and most reliable entry-level adventure bikes. The Honda CRF series includes good-quality dual-sports bikes. However, the Honda CRF300L Rally is an exception having more resemblance with the adventure bikes. This motorcycle is more versatile when it comes to on- and off-roading performance. With a stronger dual-sports background, the Honda CRF300L Rally performs exceptionally well on dirt trails. The off-road capable 43 mm front forks and the spring-preload adjustable rear shock provide exceptional wheel travel of 10.2 inches. The Honda CRF300L Rally is an exceptionally tall motorcycle with a seat height of 35.2 inches, making it unsuitable for shorter riders. However, being a taller motorcycle, the ground clearance is also exceptionally high, reaching 10.9 inches.

The Honda CRF300L Rally has a taller front end, knobby tires, a windscreen, a compact engine design, and a dirt bike-inspired slim seat. The 286 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine ensures smooth power delivery. A horsepower of 27 hp at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 26.57 Nm at 6,500 rpm, along with a six-speed transmission, makes it an ideal off-road adventure bike.

The Honda CRF300L Rally is not only an affordable adventure bike, but it is also one of the most reliable motorcycles in the list that is easy and cheap to maintain.

Talking about the best-quality and highly maneuverable and versatile adventure bikes, KTM is well-known for its top-end adventure bikes lineup. The company has also released a few models to attract young and beginner riders, looking for a versatile adventure bike. The KTM 250 Adventure is the smallest adventure bike with a 250 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine capable of delivering a horsepower of 29.63 hp and a torque of 24 Nm. This motorcycle is one of the lightest adventure bikes on the market with a dry weight of 156 kg. The weight can be further reduced by removing the subframe connected to the main frame for passengers and luggage-mounting. Despite being a low-powered version, the KTM 250 Adventure is not quite affordable when compared with a more powerful sibling, the KTM 390 Adventure, which costs only $7,399.

The KTM 250 Adventure also comes with a standard switchable ABS feature that can be turned off during off-roading. This motorbike has a 33.66-inch seat height, a 3.83 gal fuel tank capacity, and a 7.87-inch ground clearance.

The Honda CB500 X is a popular adventure bike model and an affordable one with several good features. To start with, the 471 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine makes it a powerful motorbike suitable for both beginners and intermediate riders. The Honda CB500X has a wet weight of 439 lbs (199.13 kg), ensuring a power-to-weight ratio of 0.11 hp/lb, which is quite close to the power-to-weight ratio of the Honda NC750X (0,12 hp/lb). The same 471 liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine is used in several Honda models, falling in the middleweight category. The engine produces a horsepower of 46.9 hp at 8,600 rpm and a torque of 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The Honda CB500X has a seat height of 32.8 inches, a fuel tank capacity of 4.7 gal, and a ground clearance of 7.1 inches. The wheel travel offered by the Honda CB500X’s suspension is not quite impressive. However, the front and rear suspensions are adequate for a decent off-road riding experience. Despite being an adventure bike, the Honda CB500X is a good daily commuter due to its better on-road riding capabilities and upright riding ergonomics. Like every modern Honda motorcycle, this motorcycle also comes with a programmed fuel injection system. The ABS now comes standard on both wheels on the Honda CB500X. You can buy the 2023 Honda CB500X at an affordable cost of $7,299.

Another KTM adventure bike in the list with a more powerful engine and still within the affordable range is the KTM 390 Adventure. The KTM 390 Adventure is almost similar to the low-powered KTM 250 Adventure with only a bigger 373.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. If you are a beginner or even an intermediate rider and love to go on adventure rides, the KTM 390 Adventure can keep you entertained while off-roading.

The 373.2 cc engine produces a horsepower of 42.9 ho and a torque of 37 Nm. The KTM 390 Adventure has a dry weight of 161 kg, a fuel tank capacity of 3.83 gal, and a ground clearance of 7.87 inches. Regardless of the low price, the KTM 390 Adventure features a standard cornering ABS that can also be disengaged while off-roading and a lean-angle sensitive traction control to ensure safety in case the rear wheel speed becomes disproportionate due to a sudden change in the traction. The smart traction control system slows down the motorcycle to avoid losing control and stability. Behind the windscreen, there is a 5-inch TFT color display that provides all the useful information to the rider.

One of the most reliable dual sports-style adventure bikes that has been in production for more than three decades is the Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure. The ABS version costs $8,199, which may sound slightly more expensive than other entry-level adventure bikes. However, it features a more powerful and bigger 652 cc single-cylinder engine and a larger fuel tank capacity of 6.1 gal. Being equipped with heavier parts, this motorcycle weighs around 482.7 lbs. The 652 cc engine delivers a horsepower of 37 hp at 6,080 rpm and a torque of 53 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

The Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure received several upgrades in 2022, including a rigid frame and chassis design for improved handling and stability, a revised suspension setting, an upgraded intake and exhaust system, and the introduction of the fuel injection system.

The Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure has a slightly wider front fairing, auxiliary fog lamps toward the front, hand guards, a windscreen, a luggage rack, and hard saddlebags. To ensure better protection for the engine and mechanical parts, the Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure is also equipped with frame sliders.

Italy’s one of the most popular and best-selling motorcycles, the 2023 Benelli TRK 502 X ensures a good value for the money. The look of this motorcycle is inspired by the BMW and Ducati adventure bikes and the performance is also top-notch. The 500 cc liquid-cooled, dual-cylinder engine guarantees an impressive horsepower of 46.93 hp at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Apart from powerful performance specs, this motorcycle is a perfect middleweight adventure bike with 213 kg of wet weight, 33.86 inches of seat height, 5.26 gal of fuel tank size, and 8.27 inches of ground clearance.

The Benelli TRK 502 X is on par with other notable adventure bikes built by giant motorcycle manufacturers. Regardless of being slightly heavier, this motorcycle feels nimble while maneuvering on tough terrains, making it a better off-roader. The Benelli TRK 502 X is also one of the most stable adventure bikes with smooth ride quality and little to no vibrations at both slow and high speeds. The stopping power is improved by the standard ABS feature. Even though this motorcycle has several good features and performance characteristics and is available at $8,500, the 2023 Benelli TRK 502 X is comparatively more expensive than other motorcycles on this list.

The most high-priced beginner-friendly adventure bike on this list is the 2023 Suzuki V Strom 650XT with a price tag of $9,599. It is also one of the most reliable and versatile motorcycles, popular among all riders with different skill levels. It does not matter if you are a beginner, intermediate, or even expert rider, the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT can keep you entertained on every adventure tour thanks to its 645 cc liquid-cooled, 90° V-Twin engine, capable of generating a horsepower of 70 hp and a torque of 62.37 Nm. The weight of this motorcycle is slightly on the higher side, weighing almost 476 lbs (215.91 kg), which can be slightly problematic for novice riders. However, if you have a little know-how of riding a motorcycle, you can hop on it and enjoy the best riding experience. For long adventurous rides, the Suzuki V Strom 650XT comes with a 5.3 gal fuel tank capacity. A 6.7-inch of ground clearance is also adequate for off-roading and it has an approachable seat height of 32.9 inches. The ABS is also a standard feature.

Adventure motorcycles are considered luxurious and bulky bikes due to their versatile on- and off-road functionality. These multi-purpose motorcycles can be easily ridden on smooth roads, and challenging terrains, and can be used for adventurous long-distance rides. Apart from their top-of-the-line maneuverability and agility, adventure bikes are also capable of carrying loads of luggage options if you want to go on a motorcycle tour.

Due to being one of the exclusive motorcycle categories with a highly versatile nature, adventure bikes are usually expensive. However, if you want to own one, this article has picked for you the best adventure bikes of 2023 in the market that are beginner-friendly and affordable. Despite being beginner-friendly, these adventure bikes can serve you for years before you move on to the next one due to being reliable and powerful.

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