The 9 Best Beginner Adventure Motorcycles: Best Entry-Level ADV Bikes for New Riders (2023 Edition)

Finding the best beginner adventure motorcycle for you can be a difficult task. There are a ton of entry-level ADV bikes to choose from and they have widely varying engine sizes, capabilities, and features. In my opinion, the most important factor when choosing the best beginner ADV bike is confidence. A new ADV rider needs to feel like they are going to be able to handle both the bike and the terrain, and that's why I recommend starting with a small or medium sized adventure motorcycle or even an adventure-style dual sport motorcycle.

I've compiled a list of my 9 favorite entry-level ADV bikes for beginners. Now, entry-level ADV bike doesn't mean crappy or not fun to ride. Skilled riders can still enjoy all of the awesome adventure motorcycles on this list, but these 9 best beginner adventure bikes are the most confidence-inspiring and easy to find choices out there, so these are the beginner ADV bikes I recommend.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Best Beginner ADV Bikes
01:08 Consider a Dual Sport Instead
01:20 Why These Are Good Beginner Adventure Bikes
02:32 Suzuki V-Strom 650
03:47 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
05:43 Honda CB500X
08:01 Dual Sport Bikes That Are Also Adventure Bikes
08:26 Kawasaki KLR 650
10:44 Suzuki DR650
12:53 Honda CRF250L Rally/Honda CRF300L Rally
15:00 Royal Enfield Himalayan
16:40 Honorable Mention: KTM 390 Adventure
17:15 Honda Africa Twin

Beginner ADV Bike videos mentioned in this video:

SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:

Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.

[DorkintheRoad]

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:

[John_Ridley]

I think the "reliability concerns" for Royal Enfield are only historical. FortNine did a study of oil at break-in change a year or two ago and found that the engines were cleaner out of the factory than ANY other maker including BMW and Japanese bikes. I have not heard of actual reliability issues from their modern bikes. I actually hear more people having trouble with KTM than RE.

[SenorGato]

I ride a Himalayan, some off roading, camping, and BDR, but I also daily it for my work commute. I can say it's just as reliable, and easy to work on, as the KLR. Only changes I have made and recommend are: new mirrors, bar guards (Bark busters), soft bags, and a lower pipe (to keep the pipe off the bags, not necessary otherwise). It is an absolute tractor, and can be had new for $5-6.5k.

[riksavering]

62 years and 41 motorcycles later I have to say the BMW G310GS is a pretty excellent all ‘rounder. Spoon on some Bridgestone AX 41’s and stiffen up the suspension a bit and it is a highly capable ADV bike. I’ve got over 10K miles on my 2021 and so far I’m a pretty happy camper 😊

[tvh]

IMO, the beauty of the DR650 is it's simplicity and super easy maintenance. No coolant, screw adjust valves clearance, etc.
Also, being unchanged since 1996 makes for a huge aftermarket and a well documented list of it's known problems.

[Randolini]

I bought a 2017 Versys 300X 2 years ago for $4K. I'm 76, so it's my size. Grew up in the 70s on dirt bikes.

[sassedmany]

Had the 500X & the DR650. Either one could run forever. The Honda is a no-drama machine

[midtennmoto]

I’ve owned my 14 VStrom 650 for 6 years and have put nearly 70, 000 miles on it. I have the options of numerous other bikes ranging from tourers, sport tourers, cruisers and modern classics. The VStrom is my go to, favorite of everything in the garage. Absolutely love it. Dead reliable.

[kong]

I'm 74 been riding all kinds for 55 years. I have noticed time and again especially in Adv riding that many folks are not slipping there clutch and increasing their rpms when picking their way throuhh..up an obstacle strew trail. Saw a close up of itchy boots hands during her crash. This is a technic I had to teach my family extended of 12 people and friends. Thx

[JoeImburgia]

I love my KLR. It’s my first motorcycle. It’s a great choice for a bigger guy like me learning to ride

[digmanm]

The most important part of the KLR 650 is the community around that bike.

[ParallelCamper]

I belong to the DR650 cult. It is a great choice. I am an old school guy. Thanks for this video.

[matthewkopf]

KTM 390 is a great choice and should have been near the top. Offers a great size and weight for a new rider or someone that wants a lighter ADV. Look how much punishment and miles ADV MATT has put on his and not major issues. Mine, with cast wheels has seen some pretty rough roads and single track without issue, and now they have the Spoked wheels model from the factory this year. That alone should silence most of its critics. Thanks for the video, but just because it’s a Japanese brand doesn’t make or break reliability. Everyone makes winners and losers.

[MichaelWhite-cxho]

Hey Dork! Love your videos. Just bought a Himalayan and received a sizeable year-end discount. Always good discounts at year's end. Loving the bike so far! Easy to work on and huge variety of aftermarket parts, many direct from India and at very fair prices. I'd love to own every bike on your list! Much respect from me to you for jumping into motorcycling in such a passionate and informative way! I have a little carbureted 2023 Honda XR150l on order for my daughter. I will lower it for her, and it will be her first bike. Hoping she gets the cycling bug as bad as I have it! It's my "therapy, " and your advice and shared experiences have helped my adventures in many wonderful ways! God bless and thank you!

[antoineboily]

Just bought my vstrom 650 2010 as a second bike at the end of last summer ! Cannot wait to go camping, gravel roads and go on longer rides than on my naked !
Thanks for the videos man, love em

[SticksAandstonesBozo]

Put thousands and thousands of miles on my KTM 390 adv. Never had a single issue. It has more features than just about any bike on your list and cost less lol.

[graymangw]

Having done a test ride on a cb 500x, and a Versys 300x, as well as owned a 2022KLR, and now a Himalayan, I think the cb 500x takes it for all around best. The 300x is nice and was fun to ride but it was weird to rev it out so much. I personally didn't like the KLR, for me it was a bad fit with the suspension. Though I have a short inseam and I am pretty light. I would recommend it if you are taller or heavier. I have really enjoyed my Himalayan but it definitely has some quirks. If you want to get involved with bike service it's awesome because it's easy to work on. The Himalayan sounds great too if you like a vintage single cylinder sound. To be honest though I also regret not getting a cb500x as my first motorcycle.

[InformalGreeting]

Of all the videos that could have popped up this morning, I'm glad it was this one. I am not up to date on dual sport bikes, at all. Glad to see the DR 650 on the list. My first motorcycle, about 45 years ago, was a DR. It was an 80cc dirt bike- I picked it because it had a headlight like a “big boy” motorcycle. Makes me happy to know the name is still going strong. Kind of sad that now I want to dual sport bike when I just started looking for an adventure bike.

[assistantweb]

Ben, really enjoy your channel. Probably one of the best "reality-oriented" ADV channels. I bought a 2013 BMW G650GS new. 10 riding seasons later, after all kinds of trips from a 6 mile work commute to a 3000 mile trip to Hyder, AK (Stewart, BC), I highly recommend this bike for new riders. Low seat height, 65mpg, tons of accessories available from Touratech & Altrider and many others. Good on the road, good on PNW dirt roads, not really a BDR bike. I ride with all the camping gear loaded in 35L panniers and a dry bag and feel like I'm riding in style. Have watched the market come back towards mid-sized bikes. They just make sense.

[urbanadventurer]

I bought a 2022 Versys X-300 about a month or so ago and I love it. Once you get used to how to manage the engine and shifting, it’s hard to find many flaws for a starter bike. I am 5’6” though so it fits my body perfectly. There are also lots of aftermarket items out there too if you want to spruce it up for more technical terrain. ADV Pulse did a build in 2019 you can find online and use as a blueprint. Great bike so far.