There is no easier or more independent off-road adventure in the world than riding a motorcycle.
The point is that you can bypass the restrictions associated with traveling to places inaccessible by car and truck and also remote for hiking. Ask any avid motorcyclist about their time on one of these nimble demons and they'll simply smile, knowing that it's a challenge you'll need to tackle on your own and you'll need first-hand experience to understand.
But here's the thing about touring bikes: they're wildly varied and come with a variety of benefits and configurations to suit any rider. They can range from devices with relatively small engines of 250 cubic centimeters to real conquerors of continents with engines five times larger in volume. It all depends on your intentions. Weekend warrior or wanderer. The choice is yours. Luckily, we're here to help you discover one of the three best dirt bikes around the world.
This doesn't mean that the choice is limited to just this number of motorcycles, but we'll just take a quick look at the various offerings in the field of touring on the iron horse. Just don't forget to take saddle bags, stock up on food and fill the tank full. It's a big world. Let's hit the road.
An excellent option for those with more experience in the motorcycle touring arena, the KTM 640 is a lightweight and virtuoso machine from the Austrian manufacturer. The motorcycle boasts of a 625 cc carbureted single-cylinder engine producing 54 hp at 7,000 rpm. This creation is something between an off-road and a classic motorcycle.
The rear swingarm suspension travel on the KTM is 320 mm, the front suspension travel is 270 mm. It handles well on loose sand or on trails, and is also capable of highway driving (though highway trips of more than two hours are not recommended due to the seat). However, with a range of over 480 km on a full tank, the KTM is a great companion for those long off-road trips to remote regions.
Built for hard hits, the Kawasaki KLR650 has one of the strongest suspensions ever, with springs that are 40 percent stiffer than its predecessors. Same thing in the rear: same Uni-Trak arrangement, but 63 percent stiffer spring and 80 percent higher damping. All this suggests that this motorcycle is ready for even the most difficult off-road conditions.
The motorcycle is powered by a 651cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine and it can easily maintain standard highway speeds. The device weighs 196 kg, has a fuel reserve of 400 km and functions as an excellent option for a first and reasonably priced find for an inquisitive motorcyclist.
Ducati doesn't fall behind even when it comes to adventure bikes. Take for example this unit with a Ducati L-Twin engine of 1198 cubic centimeters with a power of 160 hp. This motorcycle reaches great heights in the field of travel on two wheels, putting all the power and adventurous spirit on you.
Not all motorcyclists buy two-wheeled vehicles in order to ride on good roads - many are attracted to off-road trails and forest clearings, which are ideal for active recreation on a weekend. In addition, motorcycles are also purchased for purposes in which it is not always necessary to ride exclusively on asphalt surfaces. Therefore, many people are interested in how to choose a good dirt bike. It must have balanced power and weight indicators, and also have good geometric maneuverability. In this article, we will look at the best off-road motorcycle models.
One of the best motorcycles that are adapted for off-road driving is the Honda Transalp 650. The main advantage of such a vehicle is its relatively low weight, which goes well with a powerful V-twin engine. The performance of the power unit of 52 horsepower is enough to drive at speeds of up to 180 km/h on hard surfaces or 120 km/h off-road. Of course, such a motorcycle cannot be called the most powerful, therefore, when fully loaded, its top speed drops by approximately 20 km/h in any driving mode.
The main advantage of the Honda off-road motorcycle is its unpretentiousness. A simple carburetor engine proved itself in the sands of the Sahara, and in the snow-covered forests of Siberia, and on high mountain plateaus. It can be repaired or reconfigured in the field without the need for complex tools and electronic equipment. With proper care, the Transalp 650 power unit lasts up to 300 thousand kilometers without major repairs, so those who wish can easily go on a trip around the world on a motorcycle.
There will be no difficulties when repairing off-road equipment. Honda Transalp 650 motorcycles are quite common in Russia and many other countries, so it will not be difficult to find spare parts for them. And if you set a goal and spend a little time, you can find used components with a good residual life. Unfortunately, the model is currently out of production, but you can always buy a used vehicle with low mileage for 350-400 thousand rubles.
An excellent option for off-road riding is an enduro motorcycle from BMW. Its main positive feature is the perfectly tuned suspension, which can withstand impacts when driving off-road at speeds of up to 100 km/h. At the same time, you should not be afraid of damage to the motor after jumping from the next springboard - its crankcase is protected by a powerful steel frame that will withstand any load. In addition, the advantage of German technology is greater power. In-line two-cylinder engine with a performance of 80 hp. With. allows you to reach speeds of more than 200 km/h even at full load.
Another advantage of the German off-road motorcycle is the wide range of settings for the seat, footpegs and handlebars. Thanks to this, two-wheeled transport will be convenient for people with a height of 160 to 190 centimeters. There are no questions regarding the reliability of the engine - it is capable of traveling more than 250 thousand kilometers without requiring serious maintenance.
However, the motorcycle has a rather complex design - just look at the engine with electronic injection and a lot of sensors responsible for synchronizing the operation of all systems. Therefore, it will not be possible to repair it “in the field,” which was the reason why the first place went to the Honda motorcycle. If you are going on a long journey, be sure to take care of the means of communication and the possibility of removing the damaged motorcycle, since service centers servicing such equipment are located only in large cities. The downside is the cost of the motorcycle, which reaches a million rubles when purchased at a showroom or 500-600 thousand if you purchase a vehicle produced in 2005-2006.
It must be said that the Austrian company took more care of the off-road qualities of the motorcycle than of its convenience. In terms of cross-country ability, it is not inferior to a classic one with a 500 cc engine - this is facilitated by the relatively low weight for this class of motorcycle equipment, as well as huge suspension travel. So if you're not into mini motorcycles, the 990 Adventure is the perfect choice for off-road adventures.
Among the advantages, it is worth noting the incredibly powerful 1-liter engine, whose performance reaches 110 horsepower. On good surfaces, the speed is limited to 220 km/h, and on off-road conditions it depends only on the driver’s skills and ability to hold the vehicle while driving at a fast pace. However, you need to prepare for a not entirely pleasant sensation, since the seat is excessively rigid.
It is also worth noting the fact that the KTM motorcycle welcomes an aggressive riding style - its powerful engine and well-tuned suspension force the biker to choose above average speed. Competitors will love it, but over long distances the overly harsh reactions become tiresome. Interestingly, a motorcycle with such outstanding characteristics does not require emptying the family budget - a new KTM two-wheeler will cost 800 thousand rubles, and a used one can be purchased for up to 500 thousand.
If you are interested in which motorcycle is best for off-road use, but do not intend to use it in the most extreme conditions, the Yamaha enduro is the best option for you. Its main feature is the “asphalt” suspension settings, which include relatively small strokes and significant rigidity. However, the motorcycle handles various bumps quite well, maintaining a stable trajectory and allowing the driver to maintain control in any situation. Although on large pits the rider may be shaken, so it is better to slow down in front of them.
This motorcycle is not suitable for moving through swamps, wet dirt roads and forest clearings. However, it will be ideal for:
- Off-road track trips on weekends;
- , in which the asphalt road surface alternates with dirt;
- Driving on country roads with large potholes.
The downside is its poor adaptability to serious off-road conditions, but not every motorcyclist needs it. The two-cylinder engine with a power of 86 horsepower is enough for movement in any conditions - the weight of the motorcycle is relatively small thanks to the widespread use of aluminum in the manufacture of the frame and other large components. The maximum speed reaches 220 km/h, and driving at a speed of “over two hundred” will not be particularly uncomfortable.
The great popularity of Yamaha TDM motorcycles allows you to find spare parts for them even in relatively small cities. Of course, the injection intake system is also quite complex, but repairing it is much easier than on a BMW¸ since there are many more specialists in Japanese motorcycles in our country. The cost of the vehicle is also low - you can buy it for 350-400 thousand, choosing equipment produced in 2005-2007.
Difficult choice
Most motorcycles from the enduro class have considerable power and good cross-country ability. But you need to select a two-wheeled vehicle not only based on these parameters, but also on convenience in various situations and reliability. The benefits of a powerful motor will immediately lose value if it breaks down on the road and cannot be repaired on your own. Therefore, for off-road use you should choose fairly simple motorcycles that will not upset you with serious breakdowns along the way - a good example is the Honda Transalp 650.
Enduro motorcycles, suitable for off-road and cross-country use, are divided into several subcategories, depending on their technical characteristics. An important role in choosing an off-road motorcycle is played by the experience and preparedness of the driver himself.
Motorcycles for off-road use only
The most technically simplified, and therefore suitable for any type of off-road, are sports “enduro”. There are no unnecessary parts in these motorcycles, everything is maximally protected from dirt, moisture and dust, however, sports motorcycles are only suitable for cross-country riding.On an ordinary road, even with little traffic, riding motorcycles of this subspecies poses a danger to the driver and others. Sports enduros are difficult to drive and are intended for drivers with extensive cross-country driving experience. Motorcycles of this class include: Yamaha TT250R, Kawasaki KLS250, Suzuki DR-Z400, Yamaha VR, etc.
Universal motorcycles
An easier and more popular class of motorcycles is “soft enduro”. Such motorcycles are suitable both for off-road use and for riding on asphalt and concrete surfaces, but the cross-country speed of representatives of the class is much lower than that of purely sports models.A large number of well-known and widespread models belong to the “soft-enduro” class. Among the budget ones, the most popular are the Yamaha TT-R 230 and Honda XL 250 Degree: both motorcycles have good cross-country ability, can easily overcome rough terrain and have a simple, undemanding engine. More powerful enduro-soft models have an engine capacity of 400 and 600 cc. cm.
"Heavy Enduro" bikes are designed not just for off-road riding and cross-country conditions, but also for traveling long distances. Such models combine the convenience of choppers (a wide seat, the ability to ride with a passenger, the ability to install a trunk under luggage) with classic off-road features: the ability to drive on any off-road, parts protected from moisture and dirt, and the ability to reach high speeds.
The "heavy enduro" class is also intended for experienced riders with good physical shape and strength, as the models are heavy. The best representatives of the subspecies are the Honda NX 600 Dominator, Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere and Suzuki Freewind. They cope well with any type of off-road, from sand to swamps, and at the same time have enviable reliability.
When it comes time to choose a two-wheeled vehicle, the variety of motorcycles can play a cruel joke. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to choose the ideal option, but it may also turn out that the choice will be painful. Therefore, first you need to figure out what requirements a motorcycle must meet.
Two classes
There is a boom in sportbikes, and more and more people are imbued with the romance of distant ones, and those who like extreme sports are fond of motocross. To choose an off-road motorcycle, you need to decide what tasks will be assigned to it first. If these are comfortable trips, then you should choose from the “enduro” class. If extreme trips are required in areas without asphalt, the choice will be a cross-country motorcycle. There are also models that include elements of both classes.
Crossbike
It may not always be clear to a beginner how a motocross motorcycle differs from an enduro motorcycle. This is due to the fact that cross-class models often contain the word “enduro” in their names. In fact, the differences are quite large. A motocross motorcycle is intended only for motocross riding, so it does not have turn signals, headlights, panniers, in a word, everything that easily breaks and falls off when dropped. Such a motorcycle can be registered as sports equipment and does not require the pilot to have a category A license, however, it cannot be ridden around the city, and it must be transported to the motocross using another vehicle.
Sports equipment
If the crossbike has all the necessary documents, you can ride it around the city, having previously installed all the missing parts. However, such motorcycles have a narrow seat, so riding long distances is very tiring. It is difficult to drive it for more than a couple of hundred kilometers, besides, large treads on the tires lead to excessive vibrations of the steering fork when driving on asphalt, which, in turn, loads the driver’s hands.
The Chinese IBRIS TTR motorcycle is an excellent option for a beginner. Although these inexpensive models require some modification (usually replacing some parts with similar ones made in Japan). It could also be BaltMotors Enduro 250. Other global manufacturers also have many models for motocross. As a motorcycle for off-road and city use, for example, the Honda CRF250L, which feels great both on the highway and on difficult sections of the road, or the 250 cc Kawasaki KLX250S.
For comfort when traveling
If you choose for off-road, enduro is the best choice. As a rule, such a motorcycle is more massive compared to a cross-country motorcycle, especially if you take into account the huge zip-on panniers, which will contain everything you need, from food supplies to a tent and sleeping bag. Although an off-road motorcycle is intended for other purposes, it will be quite capable of covering various areas without asphalt, although it is unlikely to be able to ride, for example, on wet clay. An off-road touring motorcycle (photo below) traditionally has a comfortable seat that can accommodate two people, which is also important for long trips.
The main qualities of a touring motorcycle
Firstly, this is the diameter of the wheel. If the route is to be taken exclusively along highways or compacted dirt roads in good weather, this parameter is not so important. However, if the hiker knows that there will be rocky areas to overcome, it is better to have a wheel larger than 21 inches (53 cm).
The presence of an electric starter is also important. If the motorcycle stalls in a puddle, ditch or on a hill, starting it from the kickstarter will be very inconvenient, especially if the traveler is riding alone. Weight also matters, so unless you have a personal preference, it's best to opt for an air-cooled model. In addition, it is easier to maintain, and this is important, because you often have to repair an off-road motorcycle with your own hands, being in extreme conditions. Therefore, it must be as reliable as possible, and the driver’s task is to thoroughly know his equipment and its capabilities.
Engine and tank
People's opinions may differ regarding the optimal cubic capacity for a tourenduro. Some claim that they feel great on 250cc, others say that more traction is needed, because a loaded enduro with a small engine capacity does not “pull” when moving uphill. However, medium-sized (from 600 m 3) enduros are considered universal. They perform well on the highway, in the city, and off-road.
The nature of the intended trip also determines the size of the fuel tank. If refueling is required every 100-200 km, such a motorcycle will not be suitable for long-distance travel. A large tank is a guarantee that you will not have to be left without gasoline anywhere, although in any case it is useful to carry an additional canister with you.
Motorcycles that use dry sump lubrication are considered more reliable. During sudden stops, when the motorcycle falls or overturns, such a lubrication system eliminates “oil starvation” of the engine and a drop in pressure, so overheating will not occur.
An excellent choice would be one based on the racing XLV750R and the Transalp model. The KAWASAKI KLE500 is also loved by travelers, especially since its price on the secondary market starts at 80 thousand rubles. The YAMAHA XTZ750 Super Tenere, a multiple Dakar winner, can also be an excellent vehicle for both long-distance travel and rally entertainment.
Final decision
Can be divided into two types. The former feel great in off-road conditions and cope excellently with any conditions on the road, but are less comfortable when driving on the highway. The latter, on the contrary, are comfortable, but can fail in difficult areas.
There is always some dualism in choosing such a motorcycle. As a rule, almost any route consists mainly of driving on the highway, and only some, although often the most beautiful places, will have to be driven off-road, which may turn out to be quite passable under normal weather conditions. Therefore, you should decide what is better: to endure inconvenience during the main route, but easily pass difficult places, or to drive comfortably along the highway and “sweat” through difficulties.
However, there is a third option: traveling with a large group. The optimal option is 5-6 people, including a spare driver.
