Top Ten Adventure Bikes Over 800cc in 2023

The adventure category of the motorcycle industry has been the high-end model for all major manufacturers for many years. Why is it clear to see? Adventure bikes are a combination of several motorcycles. With comfort, speed and agility, they can handle any road. There’s an adventure bike with your name, regardless of your brand affiliation. Even Harley-Davidson has joined the celebration. But some are better designed than others for those who want bigger bikes with more displacement and premium equipment. And if you’re experiencing the world on two wheels, nothing less than great will do.

Top Ten Adventure Bikes Over 800cc in 2023 – Top Rated

10. Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition

When Husqvarna unveiled a concept version of the Norden a few years ago, the ADV world was abuzz. It took some time to sort out the issues and bring it to market. However, with the arrival of the Norden, Husky has started expanding its capabilities by introducing the Expedition version. The most obvious difference is the integrated soft luggage panniers on this model. Additionally, it has a larger skid plate, a longer windscreen, and a better suspension that is fully adjustable. With these modifications, the Norden is slowly transforming into the adventure bike it was designed to be.

9. Triumph Tiger 1200

Another example of Triumph outdoing itself is when a new generation of vehicles is released. While the previous generation Tiger 1200 was good, the new one is much better. The engine produces 148 horsepower while delivering incredible low-end torque and roaring top-end power. The front wheels on the GT and Rally variants are cast alloys and measure 19 and 21 inches respectively. The Tiger 1200’s shaft final drive is as maintenance-free as the BMW but lacks mass where it shines. The BMW R1250 GS looks and feels noticeably heavier. Triumph has also increased the fuel capacity without significantly widening the tank.

8. Harley-Davidson Pan America

I have the utmost respect for Harley for not only stepping out of their comfort zone but building a great adventure bike from the ground up. In addition, it brought self-lowering rear suspension, a new piece of technology, to the class. When you stop, it can lower itself by up to 50mm, solving the seat height issue for many riders. The Pan America will be everything the casual adventure rider will ever need, not to mention its ability to cover long distances comfortably. All it takes is patience and a determination to do the job right, as Harley-Davidson has shown in a scrimmage. There is no secret to building a decent adventure bike.

7. BMW R 1250 GS

BMW has spent over 40 years perfecting an idea created in the early 1980s, resulting in an adventure bike with amazing capabilities and unrivaled build quality. While progress never stops, BMW has been pushed to new limits in recent years to fend off KTM’s onslaught, and overall it’s been successful. With liquid cooling, variable valve timing, a balance shaft that reduces vibration, and a robust 136 horsepower, the traditional boxer twin has evolved to heights BMW’s original engineers in 1923 could never have imagined.

6. Triumph Tiger 900

The Tiger 900 saves some weight and bulk while losing very little performance compared to its 1200cc sibling. This bike is brand new from the ground up. While nothing is wrong with the old 800, the 900, in classic Triumph form, is far superior in every way. The firing order within the engine was changed from 1, 2, 3 to 1, 3, 2, and a T-Plan Crank was added, giving the engine a tighter feel and sound.

5. KTM 1290 Super Adventure

While many would argue that 160 horsepower is excessive for an adventure motorcycle, KTM has paired it with one of the most responsive chassis in the sport. There isn’t much to distinguish the KTM from the BMW in terms of both on- and off-road prowess, yet perhaps the KTM has an advantage while the BMW has an advantage in terms of build quality. There are two versions, a road-oriented S and an off-road R model, like most bikes on this list. Both are more than 50 pounds lighter than the BMW. Compared to the BMW, the KTM is a tougher off-road vehicle for the experienced rider.

4. Ducati Multistrada V2

Over the years, the Multistrada has undergone several changes. However, with the V4 at the top, there was an opportunity to develop a smaller-engined model using the reliable V-Twin engine, which Ducatisti has greatly loved worldwide. The 937cc Testastretta V-Twin engine, now known as the Multistrada V2, has been used in some Ducati models over the years. If we’re being sincere, the Multistrada has very few off-road pretensions and is more of an on-road adventure tourer/sports vehicle.

3. KTM 890 Adventure R

The 890 Adventure model is the culmination of all KTM knowledge. While it’s clear that the 890 isn’t that small, it’s the 1290 in miniature. Again, this is a competent adventure bike, complete with all the positives and negatives of its bigger brothers. The most important difference, though, is that it’s smaller, lighter, and more agile off-road. Because it’s so soft and has low-mounted pannier gas tanks that lower the center of gravity significantly, it’s even stiffer than the 1290 Super Adventure versions.

2. Honda Africa Twin

The Africa Twin may seem like a compromise, but upon closer inspection, it offers everything needed to handle any route. Although the 1084-cc Africa Twin engine only produces 104 horsepower, how often will you need more power, especially when riding off-road? The balance, proportions, size, weight, and engine combination provide a unique riding experience.

The dual-clutch gearbox, or DCT, which can be set to be fully automatic or with gears changed using buttons on the left side of the handlebars, is one aspect that has divided people. While it is true that the earlier iterations of the technology had some flaws, most of them have been fixed in recent iterations.

1. Ducati DesertX

If the Multistrada V2 from Ducati isn’t your cup of luxury tea, the gorgeous DesertX might be a better option. The 937cc Testastretta engine is identical to that of the Multistrada V2, but after that, the similarities end, and the dirt track begins. Off-road capability comes with 10 inches of ground clearance, a 21-inch front wheel, and the most durable chassis you could ask for. Brembo brakes, KYB suspension, comprehensive electronics, and a tough exterior complete the package. This last point might not be crucial, but this Ducati is undoubtedly for all the rough roads you plan to travel.

Top Ten Adventure Bikes Over 800cc in 2023 – Top List