Top 5 BUDGET Adventure Bikes of 2023

[@onthebackwheel]

G'day everyone. I made an error with the Himalayan USA pricing, it is $5449, my bad. Also, USA pricing does not include taxes or registration so keep that in mind!

[@johnwillard6198]

No DR 650 ! I’ve loved mine since 08 I’ve owned over 50 bikes , it’s my choice for best all arounder . Riding since 1971 .

[@onthebackwheel]

Good bikes for sure. They are stopping selling them (everywhere bar the USA) was one of the main reasons i didn't put them in

[@craighellwege5330]

As owner of both the CRF300 Rally and the CFMOTO 800MT I can 100% confirm both of these are excellent value for money. As the big fella said, the CRF needs suspension work (YSS kit for a firmer spring in the front does the job - I lashed out for a new rear shock as well) and some Barkbusters, replacement bars, new tyres (once ready to replace OEM) and B&B protection, and is my dirt orientated light adventure bike. And it doesn't disappoint. The CFMOTO is the more two up road tourer with all the comfort farkles that will also perform well on dirt and forest roads. Doesn't really need anything else to do the thing on this bike, apart from a new set of shoes once the OEM ones need replacement (Pirelli Scorpion STRs are next in line). Curtis mate, I can't even tell you how happy I am to see the KLR get a guernsey in this list!

[@onthebackwheel]

Great comment and info mate. And yep, had to give the KLR its dues. I'm seriously considering the CRF for my next bike, I'll see where I'm at when the time comes

[@Nigriff]

Boycott China.

[@RedFox-i8i]

I've got a 300 Rally, only issue is you need to be high in the rev range. Roll off the throttle and roll back on and you need to drop a gear. Very forgiving though. A little more power (150cc's) and it would be perfect. Good choices by the way mate. I was looking at the CFMoto. It looks like a great value bike.

[@onthebackwheel]

Crf400 would be amazing, will never happen though 😢

[@RoadsOfOz]

Nailed it. The CFMOTO 800 MT is very good value. Was very close to buying one. They even come with hard cases on the runout models (2022).

[@onthebackwheel]

Looks like they are throwing in the cases again

[@AshKhung]

thought you was michael bisping for a moment there. great video btw

[@onthebackwheel]

He's English!

[@guggaaa1947]

Hahaha

[@connorwagstaff2348]

O MY WERD!

[@LooxJJ]

I think DR650, XR650L, and KLR are the best of the bunch. I would still hold off on CF Moto…Was offered ridiculously low price by a local dealer, but still I wouldn’t pick it up (it was almost half off). The unicorn on this industry is XR650R with larger fuel tank.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I wish we had more dealer options in my area. I’d love to check out the Benelli adv. These are great bikes. I’ve always wanted to try the crf rally, but I feel like my 235lbs (107 kg) would hold the bike back, which is why I went with the DR650

[@onthebackwheel]

She'd be sluggish that's for sure!

[@terryperrier2893]

My 2020 KTM 390 Adventure was a great budget bike. With proper tires (Bridgestone AX-41) this bike is very capable off-road in spite of the 19" frt/17" rear and relatively low ground clearance. At $7200CAD in Oct. 2020 it is definitely a budget bike. I added a few mods (ergonomics, high fender, luggage) for just under $1000. If I would have kept it I would have added the BDCW skid plate. Overall a great bike!

[@onthebackwheel]

This was one of the bikes I thought would be mentioned. All the owners seem REALLY happy with it

[@PA96704]

Its ugly though

[@graymangw6016]

Love my Himalayan, so stable, good gas mileage, easy to ride, and so cheap. The upgrades are pretty cheap too and now all in stock. I would have liked to get a 300 rally but i just can't find them for a decent price.

[@onthebackwheel]

Seems like you aren't alone in struggling to get a CRF

[@nl6049]

Is it really that slow bike? I see a lot of comments saying it a slow bike. Can you keep up the speed on highways?

[@graymangw6016]

@@nl6049 Yeah but depends on what you mean by slow. It gets up well enough for city traffic and unmodified it can hold 60 just fine. It will be less for steep hills but just plan your route. I have really enjoyed my Himalayan as my first bike and I have become a much better rider because of it. I think a lot of people me including want a forever bike as a first bike and that should not really be the idea. Get something you are comfortable practicing the basics on. The Himalayan is also a great try it all bike because it can go on the twisties, out exploring the back roads and do some light off road to start. Now if you really want to do off road I really recommend going with a lighter dual sport, TW200, xt250, crf250/300, klx300.

[@Bloggingidiot]

Currently 2000km around India on an Himalayan scram 411. So far so good. It’s raw and basic but just does the job. You would never know it’s only 411cc. I’m carrying panniers and an extra 20kg bag strapped on. It just keeps going. Less bells and whistles on the bike the better. I mean I only have a Speedo and that’s it

[@onthebackwheel]

Nice mate, can't beat simplicity. The new Himalayan looks good too

[@Bloggingidiot]

@@onthebackwheel Seen a few on the roads here. They look so much better than the photos.

[@chapusa100]

I choose the CFm Moto!! Thanks for sharing!

[@onthebackwheel]

It's definitely a good bike, enjoy!

[@orwellianyoutube8978]

The Beneli and the CFMoto are my favourites. Best bang for your buck and they look really good.

[@onthebackwheel]

They are doing a great job. Good to have competition

[@orwellianyoutube8978]

@@onthebackwheel The consumer wins, I hope they both sell like crazy and don't fall for the obvious anti-china bias. Other brands need to be put on notice for their crazy prices on entry level bikes with zero options add ons.

[@Stiltz15]

I've been researching bikes for years trying to get away from my gen 1 KLR, and nothing compares. It's so much lighter than the new one and just keeps chugging. I'm on my 2nd one, 95k and counting with a new piston and rings. Rode a buddy's 690 and the suspension was amazing, but no wind protection and terrible seat for longer trips. KLR is king.

[@onthebackwheel]

Gen 1 is hard to beat

[@TheCallMeCrazy]

Thoughts on Honda's NC750X? The current model is $9400 with ABS and Honda's DCT, and can be kitted out with LOADS of storage thanks to the trunk. Fits solidly into the "dirt roads and campsites" brand of ADV riding.

[@onthebackwheel]

Never personally ridden one but owners are very happy. It would be fine on basic dirt roads and gravel, but very road biased and not what I'd call a true adv bike

[@crispinleslie]

A shout out for the KLR- the Gen 3 is great value, alll day comfortable and super capable. ( although I can’t make it do what Curtis can do with his 🤣

[@onthebackwheel]

Got to love the KLR!

[@solastro5595]

Which version do you think is best the; adventure, the S or the regular?

[@onthebackwheel]

@@solastro5595 the base model for sure

[@tomtom8552]

Sure hope you can get your hands on a Moto Morini X-Cape 650 for a long term review. While its 19" front/ 17" rear isn't ADV spec, I'd love to see how capable it is as a potential first bike, ADV budget bike. Cheers.

[@onthebackwheel]

I don't believe they are selling them in Aus 😢

[@tomtom8552]

@@onthebackwheel Shame, maybe someday soon you'll get the opportunity.Looking foward to it.

[@billcotton1551]

I agree with every choice on this list Curtis.

[@onthebackwheel]

Good to hear I'm not completely full of shit

[@gregpinard7054]

Great video! I'm a little surprised you did mention the 800MT's little brother, the CF Moto Adventure 650.

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers. It's more of a tourer to me

[@alexandrecosta990]

Amazing work! 👏

[@onthebackwheel]

Thanks!

[@FrancoisTX1974]

I got the KLR because impossible to have a CRF rally. Happy with it but heavy. Himalayan is 5499 $ in US matte.

[@onthebackwheel]

Thought it was too expensive, I'll put a note. Why is it impossible to have a CRF?

[@FrancoisTX1974]

@@onthebackwheel nobody has one available. You cannot place an order, dealers don’t know when they receive one and of course sale it to the one who’s ready to pay 30-49% above MSRP…a KLR was way cheaper. One dealer offered me a CRF300 not rally 2022 at 8600$ …MSRP is 5300$…

[@onthebackwheel]

@@FrancoisTX1974 that's ridiculous. In saying that, I've never seen one in stock here either

[@Danziman78]

I'm thinking of a 800mt as an all roads tourer but being in west Oz we don't have many dealer's . I hope that changes.

[@onthebackwheel]

🤞

[@JoshSinnott97]

I'm coming from a 4wd background but am looking to get my motorbike license to potentially replace my car as im sure a bike will still be able to take me the same places my car does. What are your thoughts on the Suzuki vstrom 250sx? From everything I've seen, this bike looks like it would be the best pick for riding at 100 kph as the more off road focused bikes either only have 5 gears or aren't ideal for doing those long distance rides as comfortably. Ive owned a dirt bike in the past but that was honestly years ago so im sure I'll be limited offroad by my skill level and not the bike, but do you think this could be a bike you could learn on and keep forever like i hear some people talk about the cbr300l? That would be my pick but i think to ride that daily would be too much of a compromise if it would mainly be used on the road Like i said earlier, im still trying to learn and am happy to take your advice on board. Thanks for an in depth video, much appreciated

[@onthebackwheel]

G'day Josh. The V Strom is much more street leaning. No doubt it could do some basic off road work but it has very limited suspension travel. It is more of a street bike that can go on gravel or dirt roads as part of a trip. If that's you're after, great! You certainly won't have it forever if you want to get more adventurous. The Versys X 300 is a slightly more off road option, then you've got the KTM 390 and then CRF 300 rally

[@JoshSinnott97]

Thanks for the reply mate, I just finished watching your video about why you bought the 800 so I appreciate there being no brand bias in your recommendation. The versys was on my list too, like the idea of it having a slightly bigger fuel tank and looks to be the 1:1 competitor to the sx. I've looked intuitive the other bikes you recommend but wasn't sure if another bike would suit the freeway. I'm in WA so sometimes I need to drive forever to go camping so being comfortable at 100 will take priority over offroadability, although I'd like to learn to push it off road and keep up with 4wds. Maybe I'm looking for a unicorn aha. Thanks for the reply anyway, I appreciate. I'll definitely look more into your recommendations

[@onthebackwheel]

@@JoshSinnott97 haha yep, makes it tricky. From what you are saying, the Suzuki might not be enough for you. The CRF rally will cruise along at 100, it certainly isn't quick though

[@JoshSinnott97]

I think it's about time I booked myself some motorbike lessons aha. Once I'm riding and get my license I can start test riding them and I'll hopefully know what suits me best. I did hear that the ktm 390 will be getting a new model soon so hopefully there's some new options on the market by the time I'm ready to pull the trigger 🤞

[@onthebackwheel]

@@JoshSinnott97 have a look at the CF Moto 450mt. It's a little heavier but could be what you are after

[@Sketchr_]

Really, really hope that one day they bring the klr to Europe

[@onthebackwheel]

Don't think it's going to happen sadly

[@charlespratt8663]

If I was going the long way round on a budget it would be on a KLR 650.

[@onthebackwheel]

Solid option for sure

[@theOutbackBerean]

Go the mighty 800MT 🍺

[@onthebackwheel]

Thought you'd like that one

[@theOutbackBerean]

I can’t wait to get up there 🍺

[@Spandex08]

why didn't you pick the tenere?

[@onthebackwheel]

It's not budget here in Australia, over 20k now

[@Spandex08]

@@onthebackwheel then you should have named your video the top 5 budget adv bikes of 2023 in australia. australia being a country thats about 3% of the population of europe or 10% of the population of usa, i think you should mention that you are taking such a limiting criteria when making this list

[@onthebackwheel]

@@Spandex08 first up, I'm Australian, it's not a limiting list at all and even based off the overseas prices I wouldn't consider the Tenere budget. It's on the cheaper side for sure, but not budget

[@Spandex08]

@@onthebackwheel then wouldn't it make more sense to pick the voge 300 rally instead of the honda rally in the lightweight section ?

[@onthebackwheel]

@@Spandex08 its a bit cheaper, but still unproven. There are just so many parts out there for the CRF too

[@triot2127]

New Suzuki v-strom 800de is coming out this year too.

[@onthebackwheel]

Keen to check them out when they are released

[@nikoniannikonian9531]

CRF300 Rally a budget bike ???

[@onthebackwheel]

Yeah id say it is (depending on your country etc)

[@nikoniannikonian9531]

@@onthebackwheel CRF300 Rally- 7.500 VS Voge 300 Rally - 4.600 in Europe

[@onthebackwheel]

@@nikoniannikonian9531 for sure. You've got to weigh up that Japanese reliability and mods though (even if it's made in Thailand...)

[@nikoniannikonian9531]

So from your point of view, all hondas are cheap, regardless of price. Interesting

[@onthebackwheel]

@@nikoniannikonian9531 I never said anything remotely like that

[@Nigriff]

The Kawasaki Versys X-300 has the same power as the XLR 650 and is lighter and cheaper.

[@onthebackwheel]

The klr650? Yeah, very different bikes though

[@shone8866]

Suzuki Vatrom 650XT

[@onthebackwheel]

Good bike!

[@eljuano28]

Here's an extra comment for Al Gore's Rhythm.

[@onthebackwheel]

Love ya work

[@middlehot]

V85tt guzzi?

[@onthebackwheel]

Doesn't fall into the budget category at $22k, but on my list to ride for sure

[@middlehot]

@@onthebackwheel i paid 15k with all 3 alu box very good with shaft

[@onthebackwheel]

@@middlehot great buy. Was that AUD?

[@middlehot]

@@onthebackwheel in canada qc

[@alexk.6022]

When a bike has the same motor like a KTM then I think it couldn't be reliable.

[@onthebackwheel]

They certainly don't have the best reputation

[@nicholaslabrecque]

stay away from the KLR 650 its a lawn mower on two wheels.

[@onthebackwheel]

They are pretty agricultural. Reliable as a hammer though

[@alozborne]

2022/2023 Honda CB500X - a better bike than a KLR 650, for not much more $

[@onthebackwheel]

More of a tourer, but I know people who do more road work swear by it

[@djarovh]

Micheal Bisping look a like funny

[@onthebackwheel]

I'll pay that

[@tomg6284]

KLR=top heavy

[@onthebackwheel]

I didn't find that. It's heavy overall, I wouldn't say top heavy though

[@AbdulBasit-eh6pb]

Cb500x😢

[@onthebackwheel]

Good bike, but a little too road biased IMO

[@dappwp4387]

7 grand aint cheap

[@onthebackwheel]

Unfortunately it is in the bike world now days

[@MadDog-65]

Definitely wouldn’t consider anything Chinese.

[@onthebackwheel]

Fair enough mate, I get it