As the adventure biking world continues to evolve, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the often-overlooked gems that have left their mark on the road less traveled. While some adventure bikes have become household names, there are those that remain hidden gems in the world of motorcycling. These underrated marvels might not have gained the same attention as their more famous counterparts, but they offer unique qualities that deserve equal, if not more recognition.
Some were classified as ahead of their time, and some were ignored because the bigger, fancier brands had far better marketed offerings. While they might not have garnered widespread acclaim back, these bikes have qualities that make them stand out even today. Let’s delve into the history of motorcycles to explore the 10 most underrated adventure bikes ever.
10 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord
The Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord is a great, albeit imperfect, big off-road motorcycle that performs incredibly well on the tarmac. It came with an excellent 1000cc V-twin engine, which although limited down to roughly 88 horsepower, still provided enough torque for adventure shenanigans.
Its class-leading aluminum beam frame should have made ripples in the segment, but soft forks leading to jerky ride quality and occasional niggles in its build quality prevented that from happening. The Italian brand has since come far in its end-product quality, but the Caponord has to go down as a missed opportunity.
9 Benelli TRK 1130 Amazonas
The Benelli TRK 1130 Amazonas boasted a powerful triple engine and robust build, which made it suitable for both on-road and off-road adventures. Despite its impressive performance, the Amazonas struggled to gain traction in the adventure biking scene. It had some real adventure-focused hardware and although it didn't have the high-end electronics package that the BMWs and Ducatis had at the time, it was still a worthy all-rounder motorcycle back in its day.
8 Moto Morini Granpasso
Back when the famed BMW R 1200 GS was at the peak of its powers, this was Moto Morini's response. Another stunning Italian-made vehicle, this one was powered by a huge, rumbling V-twin engine that was capable of 118 horsepower on the run. Yes, it didn't have big 21-inch front wheels back then, but the 19-inch wheels nevertheless provided adequate off-road performance and an expansive riding position.
The GranPasso had rapid acceleration similar to big supermotos of the day, and with its stiff, premium suspension, it was agile and stable enough in the corners. Granted, it wasn't the most comfortable ADV, but there's no denying that back in its heyday, it was not only the coolest-looking but also the most enjoyable adventure bike you could buy.
7 Moto Guzzi Quota
It is raining Italian motorcycles one after another. This one is courtesy of Guzzi, who is still one of the most premium motorcycle manufacturers today. The Quota was quite possibly the most infamous and ridiculous Dakar-lookalike adventure motorcycle ever. By the late 1980s, almost every manufacturer had been drawn to Dakar-inspired styling regardless of how inappropriate their finished products were. The most notable of these was undoubtedly the weirdly named Guzzi ADV, which came with a massive 1000cc transverse V-twin with long suspension, off-road wheels, and an enormous fairing. Unfortunately, it was branded too tall, too awkward, too heavy, and too cumbersome to ride. Still, it was one heck of a looker!
6 Yamaha XT660 Tenere
It was the 90s when the Yamaha Tenere XT660 was at the peak of its fame. It was an excellent adventure bike with significant off-road potential and was quite affordable at the same time compared to the mainstay competition. It boasted a rugged design - something you can still say for today’s trims.
But global expeditions weren’t really on the cards for the XT660 because the 407-pound-dry weight of the Tenere was difficult to haul with its vibrating single-cylinder mill. Yet, it was capable of distinguishing itself from the competition with practical features like sturdy crash bars and a front towing hook - something almost no other ADV comes with as stock, even today.
5 Triumph Tiger 900
Another one of those Dakar-inspired renditions, the Tiger 900 also known as ‘Steamer’ back in 1993 was a variation of the brand's versatile three and four-cylinder bikes that were designed courtesy of then newly-legalized plastic fuel tank with integrated fairing, long travel suspension with MX bars and off-road-focused tires with knobbies.
It was an excellent motorcycle thanks to its torquey, 85 horsepower triple and Triumph's customary good handling characteristics. This is the bike that kicked off the Tiger 900 series after all. This lineup did eventually oversee advancements in technology and design over time, yet it sometimes remains overshadowed by bigger models in the Tiger lineup.
4 Honda XRV750 Africa Twin
Although the CRF1000L Africa Twin may have brought the Africa Twin name back to life, the original XRV750 Africa Twin should not be forgotten. The Africa Twin, which Honda produced between 1989 and 2003, has a cult following. The 750cc Africa Twin replaced the original 650cc twin, which was essentially a completely new design. It also got a second front disc that improved braking, and a bigger engine that produced five more horsepower. However, the 750 wasn't quite as elegant or rare as the preceding 'HRC' 650 because it was a more mass-produced machine. But now in 2023, we can say with some certainty that it was an underrated adventure motorcycle. Funny how time works.
3 KTM 990 Adventure
The 990 Adventure might as well win the prize for being the best in its class, even though the fancier BMWs and Triumphs were cozier and more easygoing. When in production, riders would often find its throttle response to be overly aggressive. That was more down to production niggles than anything.
There is no doubt that it was a fantastic bike and a true globetrotter, not a pseudo-tourer pretending to be ADV. Its 999cc of V-twin delivered 105 horsepower and was capable of reaching the 123 mph mark. No wonder so many people were devastated when KTM stopped its production in 2013.
2 BMW R 1150 GS
The BMW R 1150 GS is what gave birth to the GS effect. It gained enormous fame despite not being significantly different from its 1,100cc predecessor. It handled considerably better than a bike with such a large, imposing stance should, and it was also exceptionally comfortable and capable - but isn’t that true even today for its current trim?
A 1130cc engine gave life to the bike that was capable of 85 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque. The R 1150 GS was so popular that many people own one to date and have even logged significant miles, whether from adventure trips or just going about their daily lives in the city.
1 Kawasaki KLR 650
Topping this list is a bike that is still in production - the mighty Kawasaki KLR 650, which has a legacy of reliability and simplicity, and yet it often stands in the shadow of newer, fancier adventure models. Factors such as evolving rider preferences and the amalgamation of unnecessary fancy tech on competitor offerings have contributed to its underappreciated status.
Even today, its raw, tractor-like feel is something that reminds you of the days gone by, a time when motorcycles were simple, yet effective. The KLR 650's proven durability and straightforward design are worthy of the underrated status, and it for one is a bike for adventure riders seeking a no-nonsense approach to exploration.