Best ✔ BEGINNER ✔ Adventure Motorcycles for 2022 👍

New to Adventure (ADV) Riding? Looking for your first ADV bike - or maybe starting your riding career on an ADV? Here are the 7 best beginner ADV bikes for 2022. These adventure bikes are great also for short riders!

JOIN ME AT THE UPCOMING REVZILLA GET ON ADV RALLY IN THE MOJAVE DESERT OF CALIFORNIA APRIL 21-24:

00:00 Intro/Background
06:30 KTM 390 Adventure
09:13 Honda CB500X
11:43 Royal Enfield Himalayan
14:32 Kawasaki Versys X-300
18:01 BMW F750GS
21:10 Kawasaki KLR650
24:42 BMW G310GS
26:52 Final Thoughts

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[BigRockMoto]

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[johneaches]

I really think the crf 300 rally should be on that list, it truly is a great bike.

[cck_loach]

What a coincidence you just made this video. I am an experienced rider on/off road. I just bought myself last week a versys x 300 for an unconventional adv build. I bought a 2017 with 1900 miles. Parts on the way, seat concepts tall seat, full skid plate, crash bars, shinko 804/805, led pods, unbreakable levers etc. Total build price finished will be under $5k. With fuel mpg/range there's alot of room for adventure to be had at this price.

[thumpersquid]

I purchased the CRF300 Rally and think it should have its own class Adventure/Dual Sport. The fairing and windshield function perfectly for road trips yet its dual sport DNA can rip any trail if you're so inclined. Not really a highway bike but it's way more comfortable than any dual sport on the road that I have experience with. I did upgrade the suspension and customize the bike for my wants and needs. I love your channel!

[got_to_roll]

I owned a 2013 V-strom650 for 3 years and 32, 000 miles. I dare say it's a better mid sized adventure bike than anything on this list. Just enough power to keep it interesting, but not overwhelming for a beginner. Arguably more reliable with lower ongoing costs than anything on this list. I rode mine enthusiastically, occasionally at triple digit speeds, lots of gravel forest roads, countless days over 350 miles. It's fuel injected, 6 gears, long range with good mileage and a large fuel tank, one of the highest cargo capacities of any bike, good wind and weather protection, good 2up, smooth engine and transmission, comfortable, easy and inexpensive to maintain. I am a very big guy (6'4" 255#), the weight and height of the V-strom were never an issue for me. I loved my KLR650, but at 80mph it got blown around and was about tapped out. The KLR650 felt like a toy compared to the V-strom650 on the freeway. If you're over 5'10" and shopping adventure bikes, not dual sport, the V-strom should be at the top of your list. No it's not for hardcore dirt riding but it's fantastic for exploring gravel forest service roads and long days on the highway or playing on backroads.
*your experience may vary. I'm on a Super Tenere now for shaft drive, electronic suspension and cruise control.

[wizardmoto]

My little brother started on a 2017 Versys-X 300, and I *WISH* I had access to that as a first bike.
Its small enough to toss around trails, but large enough that cruising at 75 on the freeway is no problem.
For the price it is a fantastically capable machine, highly recommend.

[mototurkey]

The Suzuki Vstrom always flies under the radar. I would consider it as capable as any of these bikes when on paved roads and it is arguably just as capable off road as several of these. Inexpensive, reliable, as easy to work on. A great community of StromTroopers to assist in maintaining the bike is a KLR-like experience as well. Sure it’s pretty heavy at 470lbs, but it’s powerful at 70hp (69nm torque). With a seat height of 32.7” it is a very approachable bike. Its budget friendly, powerful, and more highway ready than several of these you mentioned. I think it’s a good entry level adventure touring bike with lots of upside. No Suzuki love even on Valentine’s Day… staying under the radar again I guess VStromers!!!

[govinda]

Love my 2020 X300. Simple front sprocket change, bike hums at 70mph and still gets over 55 MPG. .

[PapaDougsAdventures]

I think the bike Itchy Boots is riding(CRF300Rally) in her current videos going from South America to Alaska should be included.

[jwaller]

Can't say enough good about the Versys X-300. I got one for my daughter and can ride it any time I like (if she's not riding it!). Riding it convinced me I didn't need a KLR any more, because it will do anything a KLR will do and do it easier. Yeah, not as much suspension travel, but the suspension it does have isn't as mushy. It's not as smooth on the dirt and gravel roads, but it has more feel and less heft, making it more confidence inspiring. I'd recommend it over the KLR. The only thing I think the KLR has going for it over the X-300 is maybe slightly easier servicing (valve adjustment being the main thing, if you're doing it yourself) and the larger road presence when riding in urban or suburban traffic.

[joestrangio]

Thank you for the excellent video and I'm glad you included my Kawasaki Versys X-300. I bought my Versys in September 2020 brand new. I put 5400 miles on it in two years. Just two weeks ago, because of fuel prices, I decided to ride it from my home in Tucson AZ to Modesto CA. I had only been on the Interstates a couple of times in the past mostly sticking to AZ State highways. I was pleasantly surprised at my X-300's performance. It was traveling mostly between speeds of 68 and 78 mph. Smooth as silk and with my 4.5-gallon tank I had a range of well over 200 miles, though I refilled at an average of 160 miles taking only 2.5 gallons at the pump. This motorcycle on my first overnight trip exceeded my expectations. I am only 5'4' and the seat height was a big factor when I bought it. I covered 1742 miles on this trip. I can only sing the Kawasaki's praises. This is the perfect bike for me and I am glad I bought it.

[choerenz]

So wanted to add my own personal perspective. I started out my motorcycling with a Honda CB500X. Its a fantastic bike. For a new rider actually still feels a bit heavy but manageable. from there i upgraded to a BMWF700GS. Felt about the same as the honda weight wise (low tank = low center of gravity) but also a heavy bike. Then I purchased a Tiger 900 RP, which I still have. I've taken both the Tiger and the BMW F700 offroad and they are both ok but heavy. I'm not an overly experienced offroad rider and I'd say that your list is heading in the right direction. I recently added a BMW G310GS with full Rally Raid treatment. This bike was transformed by the RR kit, but even without it, looking back at my choices now I should have started with something lighter like the 310GS. I now feel like through a lot of trial and error, I have the right solution - the Tiger is great for longer trips, mostly road, and easier off road sections. As soon as it gets technical it can get downright intimidating. The BMW G310GS Rally Raid inspires so much more confidence, its great offroad, and it does well enough on the hwy to get me to where I want to go.

[Thirsty_Fox]

For me, the CB500X and Versys 300 are the top picks (rider size and cost being the deciding factors). Incredible reliability and long (500km) fuel range are top priorities for me in the back country which these two meet. The 500X did get suspension and brake upgrades this year which should make it even better. Every bike has compromises and you need to determine which characteristics you want to prioritize. I'm hoping we'll see more small to midsize adventure bikes as even at nearly 6ft tall, I find most of them feel massive.

[mollygrubber]

Yes I listened to your caveat about picking strictly "ADV" bikes, HOWEVER I will also cast my vote for the CRF300L Rally.
Very capable offroad, easily does 70mph in comfort all day on the highway, big fuel tank, decent wind protection, and it's CHEAP to operate insure & maintain (and purchase, usually).
Sure it has some cons, don't they all - but for a beginner (a taller one, granted) it's a really valid choice - much moreso than the big GS IMO (and I put 95, 000km on an F800GS and 65, 000km on an F650GS). I'd happily ride the 300 anywhere on the planet, I'll never go back to the big ADV's.

[GeezerWheels]

Another great vid, Ian!!! I have owned a Versys X300 for several years and still love this little machine. I have added T-Rex crash bars and skid plate (very tough - happy with them). Also lowered the foot pegs one inch and added 2 inch Rox pivoting bar risers (I stand a lot and at 6'3" these mods are a game changer). Also added Givi luggage racks and wider foot pegs. I've ridded a number of Jeep trails where I live in SW Colorado and also part of the TransAmeria trail, even Ophir Pass, on the X300. Yes, the suspension is limited, but slower speeds and standing solve most of that (and I weigh 210 lbs). Highway at 75 mph is not a problem, just not much passing power left at that speed. I added Mitas E07 tires and it does surprisingly well on some steep, dirt hills. I own and ride a Husaberg FE390 for serious dirt, and a 2017 Vstrom 650XT for more travel oriented work. Thought I might sell the X300 after buying the Vstrom, but it's such a balanced bike that handles so well I chose to keep it. ALSO, I routinely get over 70 mpg around the county roads and I easily get over 300 mile range. Youtuber Ryan Fortnine in Canada loves this bike -- one of the best in its size, power, price range. Thanks for including it, hope you get to ride one soon.
Husageezer (I'm 73!).

[stevelarson]

Good overview of the small ADV bikes. I bought a new CB500X in 2020, and been very pleased with it. Such a fun bike on the pavement, and still has decent capability off-road, when you add a skid plate & crash bars.

[LibertyEver]

I thought you were going to dis the G310GS but you saved the best for last. 🙂

I wish BMW made an $8000 version that was 400-450cc for better highway cruising, a 5-6 gallon fuel tank, keep the weight light, and spoke wheels with tubeless tires, aluminum bash plate, crash bars and upgraded suspension. I'd generally like the entire market to stop treating smaller displacement ADV bikes as intro bikes or bikes for the Asian market. I thought I'd like it to be built in Germany but I honestly can't find any complaint about the quality of this bike that was built in India to a budget. I paid $4920 out the door for a new 2019 G310GS just before the 2021 model release, which was a heck of a deal on a bike with a 3 year factory warranty.

The 313 cc engine putting out 34 HP in a bike weighing 374 pounds is actually ideal for me even though I'm a big guy. It'll go on the highways but it's wound out. It doesn't seem to mind but it's a bit buzzy and it gets blown around because it doesn't weigh much. I don't mind because in my 60s, I ride secondary roads, gravel roads, dirt roads, and easy off road. The G310GS is perfect for that. The only time I ride highways is when I need to get home and I'm running late after "a little more adventure than I had planned." :-)

[serious_in_seattle]

Good video. I think Honda’s NC750X deserves a mention even though it’s heavily biased towards roads. They are good on gravel roads and trails, however. Low center of gravity makes them feel light. And, very convenient and comfortable.

[rickdelmonte]

I am not a new rider, but I am a new dirt rider. I bought a Honda CRF 300L Rally to learn dirt riding, but I think it would be a great bike for any new rider. It has the lightest clutch pull I have ever felt and a great transmission. This is good because with a very low 1-3 gears you will be shifting A LOT! This is one of the basic skills you need to learn as a new rider, and it doesn't get easier than this. It is not intimidating on either the road or dirt, a greta way to learn both. Finally it is a Honda and very cheap to run, plus you will not outgrow it.

[peteb]

I didn’t start riding motorcycles until I was 52 years old.. bought a 2016 KLR 650.. dropped it the brand new bike the first day I got it.. I learned so much on that bike.. 20k miles on it now .. absolutely no problems except the electric fan I wrecked in one of my drops before I put on the motor guard. I replaced the doohickey also just because it was recommended.. I learned a lot on this bike and built confidence.. just put a down payment on a 1250Harley
Pan America Special .. but I’m keeping my KLR forever