Which Bike Is the King of Adventure?

When it comes to adventure motorcycles or adventure touring bikes, bikers often ask, “Which Bike Is the King of Adventure?” It is not that simple a question, considering countless top adventure bikes are available in the market today. Whether you are a beginner or an expert ADV rider, there is a best-suited ADV bike.

Whether you are searching for the best adventure bike on Reddit or you are discussing in your biker group, you will get hundreds of suggestions. However, you will only see one legendary ADV bike on top of the search results when you type in “Which bike is the King of Adventure?” We will disclose it later in this article.

With countless options to choose from, it is difficult to decide which adventure bike I should buy. Also, which is the best bike for adventure? Continue reading this article to explore what makes a bike worthy to be crowned the King of Adventure.

“BMW R 1250 GS Adventure”

off-roading performance, adventure bikes are good in both worlds. Nonetheless, there are only a few ADV bikes that are superior in every aspect. However, the bike that is also known as the “King of Adventure” is none other than the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is an all-in-one bike for comfortable cruising down highways, city traveling, overcoming off-road challenges, or long-distance touring. This bike perfectly fits both the ADV Motorbike and Adventure Touring Bike categories.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a very familiar name in the world of ADV motorcycles. It is a very popular and desirable adventure bike made by a German manufacturer. It is equally popular all over the world.

Let’s get into the details of why the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is considered to be the King of Adventure.

There are countless reasons why the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is the King of Adventure. Let’s highlight the top qualities and brilliant features of this BMW ADV bike, which makes it the King of Bikes:

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is more than just an adventure bike. It is an ideal cruiser and a touring bike for comfortable long-distance rides. This bike is perfect for on-roading, and if you are an experienced rider with the ability to manage a heavyweight bike, it seems to be an ideal off-road bike.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is considered to be the best all-round ADV bike for all purposes. There is nothing that you can’t do on this bike if you are skilled.

Being an Adventure Touring Bike, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a highly comfortable bike. More than an ideal off-road bike, it is known to be the Adventure Tourer. The long-distance touring capability offered by the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is unmatched.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ensures an upright ride position with easy reach to the handlebars. Though the foot controls are not forward-mounted, they are decently placed for a flexible riding position, especially while off-roading.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is well-known for being a highly durable bike thanks to its robust build. This bike looks quite rough and tough for both on- and off-roading. It looks like it is made for all sorts of adventures without breaking down. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is made to withstand harsh terrains and weather conditions.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features the iconic 1,254 cc air/liquid-cooled Boxer-Twin engine. The Boxer engine delivers great overall performance on all terrains.

The 1,254 cc engine generates 136 hp of horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. This engine is renowned for its splendid torque delivery across the whole rev range, making rides more fun in all gears. The power delivery is also very smooth, even at low speeds.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure’s large fuel tank capacity of 7.9 gals makes it a perfect ADV tourer. Considering the size of this ADV bike and its engine capacity, it ensures a decent fuel mileage of around 42-44 mpg. These top-end figures make the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure a best-suited ADV touring option for long-range travel.

Being a premium adventure motorbike, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure comes fully loaded with top-end tech features. This bike offers a perfect blend of both dynamic and seamless operation on multiple terrains.

Starting with the safety features, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has an Integral ABS Pro, which is also lean-sensitive. The Dynamic Traction Control System allows for three different ride modes, including Road, Rain, and ECO. Due to being a heavyweight ADV bike, it also comes with the Hill Start Control (HSC).

Riders can also charge their mobile phones and other devices using the USB charging socket. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features one of the most brilliantly designed TFT color displays, providing easy-to-read information along with connectivity options. This bike also comes with a full LED headlight for maximum brightness.

The stock suspension technology installed on the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is ideally designed for most riding conditions. The front BMW Motorrad Telever suspension offers an 8.3-inch (210 mm) of wheel travel. On the other hand, the rear BMW Motorrad Paralever suspension has a wheel travel of 8.7 inches (220 mm).

If you are looking for a more premium ride experience on the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, you can install the Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) optional equipment. This will allow for a more dynamic, comfortable, and flexible ride experience on all terrains.

Considering its large size and stature, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure can hold massive luggage for long-distance touring. Being a comfortable ADV touring bike, you’d love to take this bike on long journeys, and for that, you will be required to carry essentials. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has many luggage mounting options.

You can easily find and install the below luggage options on your BMW R 1250 GS Adventure:

• ADV touring side cases

• Top cases

• Panniers

• Luggage system

• Tank bags

• Duffel/Tail bags

• Tool bags

• Backpacks 

The BMW GS motorbike family has been around for 45 years. The first BMW GS dual sport bike was introduced in 1980. Since then, the BMW GS adventure bikes have seen many changes and developments. As of today, the BMW GS bikes have become among the most advanced and tech-oriented ADV bikes with large front wheels, long wheel travel suspensions, upright riding position, and tough looks.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a tall bike built ideally for taller riders. In its standard form, the seat height reaches around 35 inches. It also features an adjustable seat height option that can be switched to a taller option of 35.8 inches. The taller seat height of the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ensures a top performance on off-road terrains.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure also has a manually adjustable windscreen. The height of the windscreen can be easily adjusted using the knob installed beside the handlebars.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is though designed for adventure touring purposes, but it is a powerful and robust bike with the ability to achieve a top speed of around 130 mph (209 kmph). This bike feels adequately quick and has smooth overall performance. Talking about acceleration, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure can run from 0-60 mph in only 3.36 seconds. 

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a heavyweight bike with a wet weight of 591 lbs ( 268 kg ). This makes it one of the heaviest bikes in its category. It is not common for such a top-class, versatile adventure bike to be this heavy. However, considering its heavy weight, it is suitable only for experienced riders who can skillfully handle such weight even on off-road terrains.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a premium adventure touring bike available at a base MSRP of $20,745 (2024 Model Year). Modifications, including side cases, top cases, handguards, engine guards, frame guards, etc., can cost you somewhere around $25,000. 

Engine Displacement Size: 1,254 cc

Engine Type: Air & Water-Cooled, Flat Twin Boxer Engine (Twin Cylinder) with Double Overhead Camshaft, One Balance Shaft, and Variable Engine Timing System BMW ShiftCam.

Engine Stroke Size: 76 mm

Engine Bore Size: 102.5 mm

Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

Fuel Delivery System: Electronic Intake Pipe Injection

Peak Horsepower: 136 hp at 7,750 rpm

Peak Torque: 105 lb-ft / 142.36 Nm at 6,250 rpm

Top Speed: 130 mph

Fuel Mileage: 42-44 mpg

Gearbox: Constant Mesh Six-Speed Gearbox with Helical Gear Teeth

Final Drive: Shaft Drive

Clutch: Wet Clutch With an Anti-Hopping Function, Hydraulic Activation

Frame: Two-Section Frame, Front- and Bolted on Rear Frame, Load-Bearing Engine

Swing Arm: Cast Aluminium Single-Sided Swing Arm

Front Suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; Stanchion Diameter 1.5 inches (37 mm), Central Spring Strut

Front Wheel Travel: 8.3 in / 210 mm

Rear Suspension: BMW Motorrad Paralever; Wad Strut (Travel-Related Damping), Spring Pre-Load Hydraulically Adjustable (Continuously Variable) at Handwheel, Rebound Damping Adjustable at Handwheel

Rear Wheel Travel: 8.7 in / 220 mm

Front Brake: 305 mm Dual Disc Brake with Floating Brake Discs and Four-Piston Radial Calipers

Rear Brake: 276 mm Single Disc Brake with Dual-Piston Floating Caliper

ABS: Standard

Front Wheel: 3.00 x 19" Cross Spoke Wheels

Rear Wheel: 4.50 x 17" Cross Spoke Wheels

Front Tire: 120/70 R 19

Rear Tire: 170/60 R 17

Seat Height: 35 in / 35.8 in (890 mm / 910 mm) (Adjustable)

Wet Weight: 591 lbs / 268 kg

Ground Clearance: N/A

Wheelbase: 59.2 in /1,504 mm

Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.9 gallons

Width (Over Hand Guard): 38.6 in / 980 mm

Length (Over Mud Guard): 89.4 in / 2,270 mm

Height (Over Windshield): 57.5 in / 1,460 mm

Steering Head Angle: 65.1°

Caster: 3.8 in / 95.4 mm

• Integral ABS Pro (Lean-Sensitive ABS)

• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

• HSC (Hill Start Control)

• 3 Riding Modes (Road, Rain, ECO)

• Full-LED Headlight

• USB Charging Port

• TFT Color Screen Display with Connectivity

Apart from the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, there are other notable contenders as well that are equally top-rated and popular. Each of these top-rated ADV motorbikes has some unique performance, strength, and flavors, making them top contenders in the adventure category. These include:

Those adventure enthusiasts who are familiar with the KTM know the brand is famous for its adventure and naked bikes. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is a beast in the ADV bike category. It is renowned for its dominant on- and off-road performance, incredible power output, and high-tech electronics. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is a favorite ADV bike of many adventure seekers.

The Honda Africa Twin is a highly versatile ADV motorbike with superior off-road ability. Its lightweight and narrow build makes it one of the most premium ADV bike options for best-of-both-worlds performance. The Honda Africa Twin is among the most approachable and dependable premium ADV bikes with a strong legacy. It is also a highly suitable bike for ADV touring.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 is another top-end luxury adventure bike featuring a sport bike DNA with off-road abilities. The sleek Italian ADV bike design makes it a versatile ADV bike for extreme off-roading. Being made by Ducati, the Multistrada V4 packs a powerful engine and a high-tech electronics package.

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is an exception. It is not just an ADV bike; it is a rally-style ADV bike with certain features that resemble a dirt bike. The Tenere 700 is quite decent, simple, and basic, with only ABS as a standard feature. It is also among the most affordable rally-style ADV bikes. The Yamaha Tenere 700 is more inclined towards superior off-road performance, unlike any other ADV bike.

The title: “King of Adventure” may attract you to buy the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure. However, considering its size and weight, it may not be the best fit for many adventure riders. Before you look into the ADV bike market, you must find out what size adventure bike is right for you.

Adventure bikes are usually heavier than dual sport bikes. This makes them less accessible to most riders looking for adventure bikes for off-roading. Therefore, you must consider the below tips to know which adventure bike you should buy:

Before you invest in a premium ADV bike, you must first determine your riding style. If you are into pure off-roading experience, you may consider a dual sport bike for better off-roading and light on-roading as well.

However, for extreme off-roading, you may consider a dirt bike or an enduro. The difference between an ADV bike and other off-road bikes is the weight and size. ADV bikes are substantially heavier compared to dual sport and dirt bikes. If you are a beginner, it is better to go with lightweight ADV bikes or dual sport bikes.

Go for the ADV bike if you prefer better on-road performance and decent off-roading ability.

While buying an ADV bike, you must consider your budget, as most top-end ADV bikes are quite expensive, especially for a beginner. ADV bikes are expensive because they are usually well-equipped. The ‘King of Adventure’ bike and other notable top contenders are not within the reach of budget-conscious riders.

If you are a beginner or new to adventure motorcycle riding, it is better to start with a lightweight, affordable or used ADV bike.

Adventure bikes are mostly tall, with taller seat height for a better ground clearance. They are also quite heavy for most new riders who are not used to handling such heavyweight bikes. Therefore, it is recommended to take a rest ride before investing in an adventure bike.

Always consider the size and weight while purchasing an adventure bike. The King of Adventure bikes, like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, may seem to be perfect, but they are quite tall and heavy. Such large ADV touring bikes may not be a good option for you if you are looking for extreme off-roading performance.