Ten Most Popular Adventure Bikes of 2016

What is an Adventure Bike you ask? More functionally speaking, when today we talk about Adventure Motorcycles we are talking about a group of motorcycles ranging from upright street touring bikes to the formerly (and in some cases still) called enduro or dual purpose motorcycles.

A motorcycle type of street-legal designed for both on and off-road use. The terms all-road and dual-purpose are also used for this class of motorcycles.

The adventure class has dominated the motorcycle industry in recent years, and the competition is fierce. It's no surprise considering they're true all-rounder motorcycles that can be ridden across the desert, city or even taken to the track. Check out our top 10 adventure bikes of 2016.

1. Honda Africa Twin
The original Africa Twin had a cult like following world wide and since Honda re-launched the Africa Twin in 2015 it's reclaimed its place as the top adventure motorcycle for sale. Amidst all the 1,200cc and 1,300cc motorcycles in the adventure class, the compact 1,000cc engine in the Africa Twin is a breath of fresh air. The architecture of the parallel twin keeps the weight down low and contributes to its unmatched off-road performance, while 94 hp means it's no slouch on asphalt. The Africa Twin is a true everyday bike, whether your day entails crossing continents or cities, it'll do it with ease. Coming in at around $13,000, the Africa Twin is the best value for money 'big' adventure bike on the market and our clear winner.

2. Yamaha Super Tenere
Yamaha takes second place with their tried and tested Super Tenere. At the heart of the Super Tenere lies a 1,199cc parallel twin engine, sending its 109 hp and 84 ft-lb of torque to the rear wheel via a shaft drive, which helps to keep maintenance low. The engine mass is kept low, making it easy to keep your balance on the Super Tenere, even at low speeds. Extras like an adjustable windscreen and seat height and heated grips mean that no matter what far continent you find yourself exploring, you'll be comfortable.

3. BMW R1200gs
The BMW R1200GS led this class for many years and claims a respectable third place on our list. Whether you're tackling the Sahara desert, a holiday two up or just the daily commute the R1200GS will take it all in its stride. The list of extras on the R1200GS are nearly endless and determined by whether you choose the standard or premium package. 7.5 inches of travel up front and 7.9 inches of travel at the rear shock means the R1200GS can soak up whatever road you come across on your travels. The R1200GS exudes quality and will do 95% of what the R1200GSA will, but for less money.

4. Kawasaki Versys 650
Fourth place goes to the Kawasaki Versys 650, the only motorcycle from Kawasaki on our list. The Versys 650 rides like a dream, taking corner after corner in its stride thanks to its top notch suspension and chassis. The Versys 650's mile crunching ability and agile handling make it as competent a sports tourer as an adventure motorcycle. The 68 hp 649cc parallel twin engine is compact and delivers a nice punch high in the rev range while still offering low down and midrange pull. The Versys 650 features extras like a gear position indicator and a windscreen with 2 inches of adjustability, which keeps the wind off you should you hit the highway.

5. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS betters its bigger brother by one place on our list because it's just that bit more practical and, arguably, even better value. Coming in at just $8,549, the V-Strom 650 is the classiest looking bike on our list for this kind of money. The V-Strom's 650cc V-twin engine is free revving and very willing, especially for a V-twin, producing 68 hp and 44 ft-lb. The V-Strom 650 will take you to and from work every day and then whisk you off for the weekend two up, with no complaints. The V-Strom 650 ABS is one of the best value for money motorcycles, not just in the adventure class, but in any class.

6. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is a do it all motorcycle that just gets on with things. The 1037cc v-twin doesn't lead the class with its 100 hp but it has buckets of low down and midrange grunt, coming in between 4,000-6,000 rpm. The V-Strom 1000 is a good looking bike that handles well with its 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. Prices start at around $12,699 for the base model, making it one of the best value 'big' adventure motorcycles.

7. Triumph Tiger XCx
Triumph's Tiger XCx, introduced in 2015, is the premium version of Triumph's, already accomplished, Tiger. The Tiger XCx is loaded with electronic extras like ABS, cruise control, and a three-way traction control system. If that isn't enough tech, all the rider information you can think of is displayed on an LCD screen. The 94 hp 800cc inline triple delivers a smooth flow of torque and 65 mpg, helped by the Tiger XCx's ride-by-wire throttle system. The original Tiger was more suited to the road than dirt, but the fully adjustable WP suspension on the Tiger XCx makes it a truly capable motorcycle on any surface.

8. KTM 1290 Super Adventure
The 1290 Super Adventure is a colorful option in the adventure class from Austrian manufacturer KTM. A fire breathing 1,301cc v-twin powers the KTM 1290, producing 160 hp and 103 ft-lb of torque - class leading figures. This engine turns the 1290 Super Adventure into a ballistic missile and isn't for the faint-hearted. Four riding modes means the KTM 1290 Super Adventure can be easily set up for road or enduro riding. This is especially noticeable on the road, where the 1290 Super Adventure handles better than it has a right to, for a bike of its size.

9. BMW R1200GSA
The BMW R1200GSA is the big daddy of adventure bikes, with the stats to match. The 1,170cc twin-cylinder engine produces 125 hp and 92 ft-lb of torque. The boxer engine measures out the power evenly, making just about any trail manageable. Weighing in at 573 lbs (wet), the R1200GSA is planted in all conditions, and the 7.9 gallon tank means 350 miles between fill ups are possible - monster stats for a monster bike.

10. KTM 690 Enduro R ABS
The KTM 690 Enduro R ABS is the perfect machine for those who like to flex their skills off road. The 690 Enduro R weighs in at just 330 lbs (wet), making it the lightest bike in the class and amazingly nimble on dirt. The 67 hp 690cc single cylinder engine puts out 49 ft-lb of torque, which gives the light 690 Enduro R serious punch. Usually big singles vibrate like crazy, making long trips unbearable. Thanks to the 690 Enduro R's balancer shaft the usual big single vibes are gone but, thankfully, the punchiness remains.