All 20 ✔Mid-Size Adventure Bikes✔ for 2023 Compared (Buyer's Guide)

[@BigRockMoto]

⚡ BUYER'S GUIDE DOWNLOAD:⚡ bit.ly/3lkGTVa ⚡ USED ADV's:⚡ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHObm5ulqpmMrrs ⚡ AIM Expo: ⚡ kzbin.info/www/bejne/forCoJ-FispkkKs 🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING THESE LINKS! ⚠Rocky Mountain Store: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚠Revzilla Store: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚠Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚠Amazon Store: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚠Merchandise : big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/ ⚠Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia

[@bikedawg]

Exactly the kind of video i was looking for---thanks!!!!

[@minace37]

❤

[@marioaraujo74]

About the Vstrom meaning: V-Strom combines V, referring to the bike's V engine configuration (older one), with the German word Strom, meaning stream or current. DE means "Dual Explorer" 👍

[@jdavies]

Your buyers guide is a great concept. I would love to see you add bikes (CRF350L, KLX300, etc) and update the info.

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

I was disappointed there was not the Versys 650 on the list, sad.

[@kramr7012]

Big Rock Moto is in a class of its own! Exceptional research, professional presentation with unmatched commitment to supporting viewers! Thank you!

[@werewolfonwheels]

Great to see V85TT on here. Most reviewers don't even give it the time of day which is a shame because it's a great bike. I traded my 2017 AT for the V85 and don't regret it at all. I found the AT very capable but pretty boring overall. (Yes, I did ride it as intended. Plenty of woods and trail miles) but The V85TT has become my favorite bike I've ever owned. It just speaks to me and I find the more I ride it, the more I fall in love with it. So easy to maintain, so much character (cliche but true) and does pretty good off road if you aren't trying to get too gnarly. Thanks for including in this list.

[@andrewtreloar7389]

My brother bought one from new and had nothing but issues with it. They could not get the mapping right and it would surge and backfire constantly. He also said quality was so-so.

[@werewolfonwheels]

@@andrewtreloar7389 Mine is a 2022 also and I've had zero problems so far. Since you mentioned mapping, it sounds like a dealer issue or your brother got a lemon.

[@andrewtreloar7389]

@@werewolfonwheels I reckon he got a lemon to be honest.

[@bruceramseyramsey2605]

Ima pleased owner of the 2022 v85 with zero issues. Have had: Kawa, Yamaha , Harley, and a v65sp prior. Love the Guzzi. ZERO issues. Great sporty but comfy ride. Valve adjust is a one hour job. And, important to me; Its different. Im not a fan of "same as yours"

[@andrewtreloar7389]

@@bruceramseyramsey2605 I hear you Bruce, I like them to be honest and the shaft drive is a bonus (no chain adjustment or oiling!)

[@MotoDude1967]

Wow, that must've taken many hours to put together, thanks for all the hard work!

[@mfranquemont1884]

Time for a 2024 version!

[@JingxingWang]

As a Chinese, I'm quite sure that QJ motor is not trustworthy since it's notorious in the Chinese mainland, while the Kove and CF motor are better

[@RIDGIEDESIGNS]

I’m really interested in that kove rally

[@JingxingWang]

@@RIDGIEDESIGNS This has a good reputation in the Chinese Internet and it's the cheapest rally bike which can join the Dakar in China, but I think you need to consider about the after-sale service if you want to buy one in the US because that company is really young and small.

[@Marc-zf3xv]

How is Loncin reputation within China?

[@JingxingWang]

@@Marc-zf3xv Loncin's engine is good, maybe one of the best among Chinese motor corporations, but their motors as a whole are controversial these years.

[@victoriazero8869]

Among the most trustworthy "Chinese bikes" you can never fail with Haojue. They produce like 50% of entire Suzuki lineup lol. Same quality control too.

[@zjosi2994]

Thanks!

[@byronchesebro3125]

Thorough , excellent and consistent with my own experiences. Helpful to anyone in the market.

[@lukefish7562]

36:57 Yeeeah boy! Get mine any day now! Can’t wait! 🏍️💨 Thanks for another amazing video Ian!

[@marceloornelas5333]

Thanks for all the effort you put in your videos!! Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Ian, great job with the buyer's guide, must have taken a lot of work. One thing I can tell you from the UK is how excited the vast majority of journalists are who have tested the new Honda Hornet and Transalp, they have raved about the new 750cc Parallel twin engine in both bikes with 91 bhp, and a 270 degree crank. The naked hornet is £6.999 on road and the Transalp £9.499. They basically say on paper the Transalp is nothing special but in reality it's really really good, in fact only a little behind the Tenere 700 off road, and on road blows it into the weeds. Hope you get both bike's soon. Thank you.

[@nevangelos9277]

Τransalp 750 hands down.

[@paul_london]

Just bought TRK502 (road version). It is heavy and top heavy for sure. However, if you can get used to it it is a lovely machine for the price. It does deliver plenty of room for the rider, passenger and luggage. Ride is also quite smooth, wind protection is good.

[@RobBobMar]

As per usual, great informative video. One(sort of)negative - as a taller (6'6", 36 leg) rider, I get a little tired of references to shorter riders. It would be hugely beneficial if seat-to-peg length could be mentioned. I know I can get a raised seat, but it would be nice to how the bike comes standard

[@mfranquemont1884]

Well stated!

[@brucebogstrotter1796]

@@mfranquemont1884 Exactly, almost all road bikes are geared towards the vertically challenged. Give us something please!!!!

[@angrytuareg]

THE BEST ADV BIKE INFO.... ON THE TUBE

[@ioannismanousakis2056]

Very nice job. THANKS FROM GREECE ! I have a Africa Twin, just love this bike. My ratings for the Africa would be. Off Road 4, On road 4, Comfort 4, Fun factor 5 (all bikes have a 5 fun factor), Beauty 5, Eyes magnet 4, Womens Trap 5. Keep on the good work !

[@arisps17]

Are you sure that the women's trap factor in greece is 5? 95% of them are afraid to ride it and another 3% can t reach the foot pegs :D. Most will say they prefer a Hyundai atos over an africa twin :D

[@robRobblah]

Wow Ian! Thank you so much for this video and ESPECIALLY, the document! That's a lot of work to put together. Most appreciated!

[@thegmen99ify]

As someone who has been searching for months for the right bike I appreciate the detailed reviews. Not just these, but the specific bike views as well. Keep it up!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

So helpful. I also appreciate the info on things like changing the air filter. For those of us who don't live close to dealers, being able to do basic maintenance is vital. As an owner of an Africa Twin, I'm definitely going to put access to the air filter and battery as priorities for my next bike. And as a rider who only wants the capability of doing basic off-road, I'm not making the off-road capability as much a priority as the overall comfort and reliability.

[@govtfunded]

You are without a doubt one of, if not the most, thorough reviewer on KZbin. Thank you!

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

Great! You should update this buyers guide when you have testet some of these interesting models like the famous Transalp and also have updates on the pricing! (with a Part 2). It's a solid base line for discussions on what to buy or even how much off-road someone "needs". I really like that you didn't overhype the T7 as much as others do. As a V-Strom 650 XT rider I do also see it in the same league with the focus more in off-road with the T7 and in comfort with the V-Strom. And I have the feeling that many T7 buyers complain at the end of the day about missing comfort at a longer trip and seldomly go off-road although media is flooded with some few off-road cracks that do use the T7. But the majority don't ... and my "little" V-Strom holds up quite nice especially in light off-road which I do while traveling. I see a disconnect between the feelings and dreams advertised with that adventure bike hype (going off-road like with a dual sports machine or having like 170 hp) and the reality of average riders doing like 5K miles a years (tops!) with 95% on roads, which for me is also totally fine. ps. "DE" with the Suzi V-Strom 800 and 1050 stands for "dual explorer" which I understand as their interpretation of a dual sports and an explorer/ adventure bike mixture! DE for me is also funny because these are the initials in German for Germany (DE = Deutschland). To be honest: I think they should have also used their "XT" for this category since with the 650 it already is the more off-road focussed variant of the V-Strom. XT would have been the much more logical branding for me as "DE" is. p.p.s. I do see the AT a bit higher in ranking. It's very comfortable (more a 4 than a 3), especially compared to the T7, it brings more off-road capability to the table as the V85 TT and with that reliability and comfort the "fun factor" during traveling day after day should therefore be higher. Of course for many people the fun factor is the excitement on a short ride. But for me this factor shifts on an Adventure travel bike to "fun with riding another 250 miles after the lunch break". The clear "winners" of this list are the bikes with the most price/ performance ... meaning more points per 1000 dollars in a ratio. I bought my V-Strom used for about 6000 € which means more than 2 points per 1000 €. That transforms directly to fun, riding and actually using the bike as intended.

[@kee7678]

I spent 2 years researching and testing and ended up with the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. ON road it's 95% of the GT and off road, can go places above my skill level but I'll get there. Many Baja trips now and soon starting BDRs. I love this bike even more that I thought. The display irritates me a bit but small price to pay for the fun and adventure and comfort and performance!

[@podunkman2709]

Terribly expensive

[@kee7678]

yep...but many are more expensive.@@podunkman2709

[@JDSFLA]

BIG thank you for putting this together, and giving your viewers the ability to print it for free. Hands down the best site I go to for off-road motorcycle reviews.

[@davidlamb155]

Great video as always Ian!! Thanks!!

[@jakestewart7079]

VStrom's are amazing bikes for the money. I'll be taking a hard look at the 800de when they're available.

[@SB-fe4gt]

Now that you have tested the Honda Transalp, how would you rate it for "Off Road", "On Road", and "Comfort"? Thank You

[@SB-fe4gt]

For me, the transalp is too big and heavy for any off road except a good dirt road. Comfort and riding on pavement would be very good.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Another great data driven summary. Few moto-journalists have owned as many bikes to produce content and I appreciate that. I'm not one that can decide if I like a bike or not off a short test ride. It takes me time, like months, to decide. Of course that complicates the decision process for those of us that can't switch bikes as often as you do but your content does a lot to bridge that gap. Keep up the great work and know it's appreciated. Thanks....

[@MrTechTime]

Holy moly buddy big thanks for the buyers guide. Bloody lot of work went into that. It was something that I wanted to do myself as a new purchaser when I saw that I subscribed instantly. What a legend you are buddy!

[@imopn]

Awesome vid mate and thanks for the guide.

[@asamacres]

I love when you nerd out like this! Great job!

[@henkvanzyl4659]

as always, best on the internet

[@peter.knupffer]

🤯🤯🤯🤯 Wow, what an effort! Great review!

[@joet2303]

Fantastic stuff, thanks! I picked up my 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R, and can confirm the wind buffeting is fixed with the new windscreen.

[@jimwood1068]

Fantastic Ian. Thanks. I'm looking for a mid weight, saw you'd done this and just felt confidant that the info would be relevant and honest and informative. I knew it! Can always trust you. Thanks. Jim, UK.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rayurlich]

Thank you Ian. This is awesome. The channel is awesome. You're awesome! Cheers. 😊✌

[@JGKohlenberg]

Incredibly useful to your subscribers Ian. This was a lot of work and I appreciate it ! ✌️

[@BERZERKERSV4]

Once again Ian, great informative video…. After a lengthy demo ride on the CFMoto 800T 2 weeks ago in Daytona and being a GSA owner for the last 10 years and 65+k miles…I can unequivocally say that the 2023 GSA is not worth nearly 3x the price of the 2023 800T… But after a rough calculation of the dealer F.U Fees for the CFMoto, it’s OTD price will be dangerously close to that of the base KTM 890 translating into a hard sell for CFMoto….We look forward to your future review of the CFMoto… kudos As a side note , we subscribers truly appreciate your time ,effort and production value of your reviews….

[@andrewtreloar7389]

CFMoto 800MT here in Australia is AUD$14,500 ride away. That's $8,000 cheaper than the Tuareg with less features and less horsepower. The Tuareg is not an $8k better bike, especially on-road

[@sjoerddz]

great video, the added buyers guide is a great touch!

[@papertiger795]

Thank you! I'm sure I'll watch this 10 times between now and my planned 2024 move into this segment from my entry level bike.

[@danielpalmberg3371]

There might always be opinions on subjective thoughts, even on facts... I dont care - You are, hands down, the best motorcycle reviewer I have seen! Thank you for all the work you put into your youtube channel!

[@SethJayson]

Thanks Ian. These are invaluable for bike shoppers. Same with your spreadsheets. Before I discovered yours I was making my own. What a pain! I am still on a waitlist for a CRF300 rally b/c I really think that light weight will work for me. If it doesn't show by riding season, I'm seriously considering just moving up to the Tuareg. Is that nuts for a returning rider?

[@geekstar2937]

I moved from CRF250L to Tuareg and 2000 km later I'm pretty much just as confident on Tuareg as I was on the Honda off-road. No need to be scared, it's a nice and friendly bike.

[@jnano2071]

This is completely incredible, thank you so much. I’ll look up if you’ve made a video about lightweight advs

[@marcready6369]

This is EXCELLENT work - thanks Ian. Saved

[@rdintennessee702]

As an owner of a Tiger Rally Pro, I can attest to it’s all around goodness. Key thing is to read the owner’s manual for suspension set up. You are instructed to remove all preload in the rear and stiffen up the front for off road riding. That makes a big difference on calming the twitchy off road behavior. Yes it’s expensive, but as they say, you get what you pay for, in spades in this case.

[@williammahaffy4642]

Got a Benelli 502 (non-X) in 2021. There wasn't much inventory at that time and this was an unexpected option. Did 12,000+ miles in 14months throughout New England, Blue Ridge, Dragons, OBX, etc. Not a SINGLE HICCUP! Comfortable, smooth, MPG was >50 routinely and a coupe of stretches up to 60mpg. The weight wasn't noticeable at speed as it would tip in easily and held a line nicely (with upgraded rubber to Michelin Road6). I intentionally went for the weight/power ratio as a returning rider and it didn't let me get in over my head. Even though I had the road-biased version, it handled a few intentional off-pavement sections (and a couple of Oh-shit-where-am-I navigational errors). Excellent value for the $$ but not going to get your adrenaline pumping if your looking for huge power and torque. A solid performer. Will instantly get the 702 as soon as they reach this continent.

[@motoboy37]

I've been watching your vids for a couple months so I finally subscribed. Even if I'm not that interested in a bike, I'll watch your vid about it because of your production and honest review quality. I see only the mid-weight bikes on your PDF, no light- or heavy-weight listings. :( Keep up the good work!

[@1MarkBevans]

Great work and honest evaluation on all models. Thank you for putting all of this in one place

[@jdocster]

That's just awesome! I can't believe you created these downloads for us. Thank you so much! Love your content. Keep going! I was so impressed! I just bought one of your t-shirts 🙂

[@sebastian.nechifor]

I own a Benelli TRK 502 X for about a year and I am happy with it. I'm also doing off road with it, and it's fun. Many times I was able to overpass riders with bikes more capable off road then the TRK. Even though it's heavy, having the crash bars going out sideways prevent the bike to fall flat on the ground, and it's easy to lift it up.

[@ReviewsOfThingsWeLike]

Have a 2021 TRK502X and it is a great bike. Yes, heavy, but bang for buck hard to beat, use mainly on road. Bought mine with 1100km 3 months warranty left and shad cases on rode for AUD$7000 second hand. Comfortable, plenty of room and smooth gears and motor. Also have a 2020 Himalayan for the bush. Ian, get one, like to see your thoughts mate.

[@steelbob3]

Another awesome video. I've got handwritten spreadsheets comparing most of these. I've got a lot of road experience, but just getting into adv. Since I am vertically challenged, I'm leaning toward the KLR 650S. That lower seat makes a huge difference for me. Thanks for the information.

[@UncleWally3]

I don’t agree with all the opinions but, in terms of content and format, extremely well done!

[@torquer9669]

Ian! great video, just what I needed, ty. You must put in an extraordinary amount of work. Always top-notch content and thoughtful.

[@jamesbruder4529]

Nice piece Ian thanks for the summary info! I hate to be a critic but I think while including the KLR650 makes sense, if you should also include other big singles like the KTM690 Enduro R. I’m fortunate enough to own both and there is simply no comparison. As I think one of your other videos explains the 690 is arguable the closest thing available to a unicorn/hybrid dual sport and light adventure bike. Set up with some soft panniers and tail rack I’d take that for a 2 day more offroad biased ride over bigger adventure bikes in my stable. Plus if you didn’t limit it to 20 bikes and went to 2 pages the font size would be large enough for us old guys to read when printed! Keep up the great work!!

[@antoniorios3856]

Easily some of the best videos on motorcycles and best source of quick info.

[@tomg6284]

Holy Cow! You did lots of work. Thank you. Amazing. Massive thanks.

[@brettroman3218]

Stellar job Bud.Lotsa work.Thank you.

[@walt7518]

Good work compiling this, thanks.👍 Can I suggest if you do another one you include max payload. This often causes me to rule bikes out because I like to take them out two up with camping kit as well. The triumphs are often very good on this, but it's never easy finding out max payloads.

[@SCOTTMEISTER007]

OMG! That is so informative and just so helpful! It must have taken you ages to put together and is much appreciated!.....Do you have one for the lightweight bikes??

[@jmart4005]

Thank you for the great video.... nice sideburns!

[@crnamrlja]

Hats off for the effort and ranking all these bikes. Great work!

[@kinlam6113]

Well done Ian; like it!!

[@SwedBear1]

You're the man! This is so damn good, thank you for all your effort! The spreadsheet is perfect, smart move to divide it into different categories since last time around and great layout.

[@ciribyte]

Hi Ian, really great job as usual. I was wondering if it could be useful to add a passenger's comfort vote in your detailed reviews. Keep it up. Lamps from Italy

[@Omidism1]

Great review! I also very much appreciate the download file. Thank you!

[@prvilela]

I really enjoy your content Ian! Keep up the great work. Greetings from Brazil!

[@daveheagy3278]

Thanks Ian. Very thorough and well thought out.

[@ryboslybo2627]

Your videos are awesome. Very valuable and informative information as I’m researching these bikes and looking to get into the ADV riding class. Thank you!

[@ricklieberson5576]

PLEASE don't give the CCP and Chinese knock off motos any airtime. Appreciate all the hard work you put into the channel.

[@Nigriff]

Amen

[@steveh545]

great vid. so happy when you switched to PIP., it seemed much more professional (?) that way. I was going to say you could just do a voice over, but i didn't mind looking at your mug while you talked. But PIP (OBS?) worked great. I think "fun factor" is one of those YMMV things. A Himalayan might be more fun for someone than a Ducati. No pressure, feet on the ground, can be comforting. Not crazy power can be fun. i.e. not intimidating, can be fun. As you said, rating are subjective, and really depend on the rider, experience, and intended use.

[@augustbrante8117]

Great vid!

[@markg7834]

Excellent program. Love your work!

[@MotorDanko]

i'm on my second TRK 502 X, i had the first version and now i have the second version but Euro4, not the Euro5, it has everything except the Euro5 tune... i was owner of some previous bikes before and between the two TRK 502 X's i have, i had a 2013 KLR 650, 2008 1200 GSA, a 2014 Ducati MS 1200, a Honda Varadero 1000... between the first and the second TRK i also had a KTM 790 Adventure. The Benelli is very very confortable for the road and capable enough for a 7k$ and 240kg bike... the suspension is correct, the sitting position is confortable, the engine gives you all the torq from 2000rpm so you always have power, the engine is smooth enough... i compare it a lot with the KLR 650 because they are almost in the same category, i say a lot that is like the KLR 650 of Europe, simple, easy, reliable, i have friends with over 60-70k miles on stock internals and the engine sounds and feels like mine with only 16k miles... you can ride 2 up and the bike doesn't feel upset about the weight, the rear suspension is good, you have 3 way adjustable and benelli replace all shocks with a stronger unit back in the day. the 500 engine from the benelli is something that you don't see on other chinese bikes, there is no other bike like the 500cc from benelli... is not a cb500 copy cat, is a propietary design with 360° crankshaft that makes it feel like a slower boxer, or a slower f800.

[@damerowr]

I am not really in the market for an addition, but you are doing such a great job with your videos, and your buyer's guides are excellent!

[@vitaliypenkov]

Good review! 2024 brought some good opinions to the market

[@Omar_Bfit]

Love this review!

[@wbochonko6574]

A top job comparison of mid-size ADV bikes. Narrowed down my next ride between KTM 890 ADV or Tiger 900 rally.

[@martinwebster3588]

Very comprehensive guide thanks 👍

[@jeffschanick6369]

Love your channel

[@BradB6910]

Great reviews, most appreciated, great work. Enjoy your channel!

[@AF-O6]

You have a pretty brilliant and unique format here.

[@mgma2005]

Many thanks for the PDF Ian, keep up the good work, you're content is always great to watch!!!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@jackreece6303]

Excellent video. I can’t imagine how much time and effort that went into making this video. Thanks for the detailed analysis and information.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neonsamurai1348]

Great video, I would love to see the same for the heavyweight category as that is what I am looking at.

[@chrisvito007]

Keep up the fantastic work Ian!

[@smled9256]

Appreciate the effort. Very helpful. Subscribed

[@dbmiller5881]

A huge effort Ian, very informative overall! Thanks!

[@straightup1234]

Looking fwd to the honda transalp review 👌👌

[@flexywing]

These vids are really great 👍 thanks

[@garybrunette9645]

Great video. Thanks.

[@manuel_tp]

Hi, Africa Twin 1100 fanboy here! I don’t feel it slow at all.

[@escapeorion3741]

One of my favorite videos thank you ! Just left me with more questions. I’m logon a bdr bike Mostly the least vibration in handle bars. I’ve narrowed down to Ktm 890,desert x, or 900 gs Aprilia dealer is like walking into a coffin seller, they ignore you. I’m not convinced that they’re there. Dealer for service after the sale. Same with triumph dealer, they charged me $85 just to change out front tire that was labor that was me being in the wheel to them,insane. Thank you again for the video Minerals

[@chiptaxfree]

Wow you really put the time in thank you. Definitely using your links.

[@MilosevBosko]

Loved the video, everything was on point brother.

[@sandwolf11]

Thank you for that extremely helpful video! :)

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Thanks Ian. Great breakdown of what's available.

[@SJW82]

Great video mate…. The video flew by, didn’t feel like it was 45mins at all

[@tomarcher7520]

Good information, and unbiased review as usual Ian. I would like to see a couple more categories added to the scoring, some of which you mentioned, all which are based on riding characteristics. For me, those are just the start, several other factors are equally or more important 1) Ease of maintenance/maintenance intervals - this is a big one for me. I want to spend my precious time riding and not wrenching and I hope others do too! 2) Dealer network/availability of parts - this is a factor with more than one of the bikes in this category. 3) Cost of operation - this may be hard to pin down but for some of us, it's a real factor. 4) Availability of aftermarket parts/modifications - for those of us doing real adventuring with these bikes, this is a big one. As an aside, I believe the Ducati is recommended to run on premium fuel only. That's a non-starter for me. I visited several gas stations in remote areas last year that didn't have premium fuel.

[@arisps17]

It s biased as hell excluding KTM 790 which is easily the best.

[@glennmcgown5814]

Outstanding (as always). Love your work Ian 👍

[@SemiDad]

Now rate the 439lb Honda CB500X 👍 Also, please add seat height in future. BTW, for me anything over 500 lbs is a heavyweight and anything below 400 lbs is lightweight 🤪

[@jaronard1]

FWIW, the 890 is actually broadly quoted as 474 lbs wet. The 790 with its slightly smaller engine is 468 lbs wet. Great rankings though. I think you got it pretty spot on.