Adventure bikes are popular globally, and they are gaining popularity in India as well, as connectivity and lifestyle have improved over the years. People are willing to travel more and explore new places. To do that, nothing beats a full-blown adventure motorcycle and that brings one name — the R 1300 GS.
However, there are more options than the BMW R 1300 GS in India and here are our top five adventure-ready motorcycles that won’t break a sweat to travel the globe.
Best full-size adventure motorcycles
BMW R 1300 GS
This is my personal favourite, and having ridden GS’ across various generations, the R 1300 GS is a massive step up. It is built around an all-new platform, is narrower than before, lighter, has more power, and is loaded to the brim with tech. Priced at Rs 21.20 lakh, ex-showroom, the R 1300 is powered by a 143bhp boxer twin engine. And for those looking for more, the Germans also offer an Adventure version with a larger fuel tank.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
If you’re looking at Austrian horsepower, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is the pick. Although more road-biased, one will run out of talent way before the motorcycle runs out of capability. Powered by a fire-breathing 158bhp twin-cylinder engine, the Super Adventure S is also loaded with tech and is priced at Rs 22.73 lakh, ex-showroom.
Ducati Multistrada V4
Then there’s a dose of Italian madness, the Ducati Multistrada V4. The switch to the V4 platform has given birth to new motorcycles and in recent times, the reliability issues have also been sorted by Ducati, making the Multistrada V4 a compelling choice in the category. Similar to the R 1300 GS and the Super Adventure S, the Multistrada is loaded with tech, gets a powerful 168bhp engine, and a big price tag — Rs 21.48 lakh, ex-showroom.
Triumph Tiger 1200
How about some British engineering? The Triumph Tiger 1200 has also seen a massive redesign and its primary competitor is the R 1300 GS. The Triumph Tiger is the first motorcycle on the list to have more than two cylinders, and like its German and Austrian rivals, it gets a host of tech in the form of rider aids, safety features, and comfort. The Triumph Tiger 1200 comes in multiple variants and the range starts at Rs 19.38 lakh, ex-showroom.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
If the Europeans don’t charm you, perhaps a Harley-Davidson would. The Pan America is Harley’s first take at an adventure motorcycle and the company has got it right. Priced at Rs 24.63 lakh ex-showroom, the Pan America also gets a host of electronic aids, along with adaptive suspension that lowers itself for easier seat access. In terms of power, the Harley uses a 1250cc V-twin that makes 150bhp.
Kawasaki Versys 1100
If your answer so far is none of the above, then the Japanese may have an answer, the Kawasaki Versys 1100. Being a road-biased tourer, the Versys keeps everything simple, with just enough tech to keep the rider safe and nothing more. It even skips out on a TFT dash. However, what it does offer is a creamy smooth 1100cc in-line four-cylinder engine that makes a healthy 133bhp. And the cherry on the cake is the pricing — Rs 12.90 lakh ex-showroom.
