Best Adventure Bikes Under $10,000

When you are window shopping for a new ride, you might notice that the adventure bike segment often costs a few hundred or even thousand dollars more compared to the other motorcycles. The amount of engineering, technology, and brand image that comes with a bike can inflate its price tag. This is particularly true for adventure bikes. Many of them feature high performance engines to support long haul rides. They also have high-end technologies to ensure the rider’s comfort and safety day and night. Not to mention, brands who release adventure bikes are often reputable with decades of engineering experience.

There are a lot of things that make the value of adventure bikes on par with your life savings. But, interestingly enough, the adventure bike market continues to grow despite intimidating price tags. However, there are plenty of affordable options if you look around. Here you might find the right adventure bike under $10,000 that is right for both you and your budget.

Related: 5 Adventure Bikes To Buy (And 5 To Avoid)

10 CFMoto Ibex 800 S: $9,499

This is how the Ibex 800 S looks like

The Ibex 800 S is suitable for those who are not a beginner anymore and want to try something bigger without throwing too much money at it. The CFMoto Ibex 800 S features a transmission optimized with a CF-SC slipper clutch. The twin cylinder engine offers plenty of power. CFMoto complemented the Ibex 800 S with a heap of features. For instance, CFMoto outfitted this bike with a ride-by-wire throttle system and cruise control. Suffice to say, for $9,499, the Ibex 800 S is a steal, and if you are willing to pay a little bit more, the Ibex 800T is also an option which features spoked wheels, heated grips and seat, and a quick shifter for a little over $10,000.

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9 Suzuki V-Strom 650: $9,104

Pearl Vigor Blue 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 static front quarter shot

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a versatile and affordable adventure bike for those who love Suzuki’s reliability. The V-Strom 650 takes the SV650’s engine and adjusts it for adventuring purposes. Suzuki impressively includes many features on the engine alone. The engine has dual-spark technology to help efficiency in combustion and improve power production. Suzuki also integrated low-friction resin-coated pistons and SCEM-coated cylinders to ensure the bike will last a lifetime. To top it off, the V-Strom 650 has traction control, low rpm assist feature, and ABS. The reliability and features make it a solid choice for those looking for a middleweight adventure bike. As per 2023, you can purchase the base variant for $9,104. Suzuki also offers the V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 650XT Adventure variants for $9,599 and $10,799 respectively.

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8 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure: $7,899

A rider on a Kawasaki KLR650 kicking up dirt on a dirt road in the countryside

In the middleweight class, Kawasaki offers the KLR 650 Adventure as a dependable and classic choice. Kawasaki released the first version of this bike way back in 1987. The bike itself is really closer to the dual-sport category. But, with factory installed fog lamps and side cases, the KLR 650 Adventure is appropriate for you to take on a long off-road journey. Additionally, its 6.1-gallon fuel capacity ensures fewer stops for gas. You can have the KLR 650 Adventure for $7,899 or pick other variants starting from as low as $6,899.

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Related: Why The Kawasaki KLR 650 S Is The Ultimate Dual-Sport Motorcycle

7 KTM 390 Adventure: $7,399

Orange 2023 KTM 390 Adventure parked on the kickstand

KTM is well-known for making fun and energetic bikes. From the RCs and the Dukes, and the Adventure lineup is no exception. The KTM 390 Adventure is a gateway for many to the world of adventure bikes. Do not be fooled by its small single cylinder engine. For a lightweight adventure bike, the 390 adventure does pack a punch. Its aggressiveness transcends into its design. From headlights to taillights, the KTM 390 adventure is full of sharp angles that further pronounce the menacing look. The bike’s design is not merely just for looks. The design provides plenty of room for movement to help riders overcome difficult terrain. All in all, this bike is an ideal lightweight adventure bike. You can own this beast bike for $7,399.

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6 Honda CB500X: $7,299

Grand Prix Red 2023 Honda CB500X parked in the desert

When talking about affordability, Honda can pretty much have an answer in every segment. Its modern and attractive design make its price tag seems too low. Honda decks out this bike with a new fuel tank and engine cowl components which all intensify its purposeful stance. In terms of performance, you can expect plenty of power and torque from the engine. The Honda CB500X costs only $7,299, half the price of some premium bikes, what is left in the budget can go towards your next long trip.

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5 Benelli TRK 502X: $6,399

Benelli TRK502X in grey, facing right

The TRK 502X’s 500 cc engine guarantees more power than most beginner adventure bikes out there without emptying your pockets. If you are feeling even more thrifty, you can grab the TRK 502, without the X, for an even more affordable price. It is essentially the same bike, but the TRK 502X puts heavier emphasis on the adventuring aspect. The TRK 502X comes with a 19-inch front wheel and wind tunnel-designed fairing and windshield to better protect the rider. The Benelli TRK 502X costs $6,399 while the more street oriented TRK 502 only costs $5,999, the TRK 502X offers a lot of adventure for the money.

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Related: The 10 Best Chinese Motorcycles

4 Kawasaki Versys 300: $5,899

Sideview of the Kawasaki Versys X 300

Most people would probably take the bigger version of the Versys line to the tarmac. However, the Kawasaki Versys 300 is unique due to its adventure ready nature. Kawasaki engineered the Versys 300 to be a nimble and lightweight adventure bike. This bike might be one of the most approachable adventure bikes out there. The 388 lbs weight and 32 inches seat height allows riders to easily control the bike on muddy or rocky terrain. Additionally, the engine offers forgiving power delivery which guarantees new aspiring adventure riders not to lose control. The Versys 300 has a capable adventure look, complete with durable, lightweight spoked wheels and a tall windshield. With only $6,199 you can grab one with integrated ABS and the non-ABS version costs even less at $5,899.

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3 Honda CRF300L Rally: $6,149

Honda CRF300L going on a dirt road

Honda produces the CRF300L Rally for people who love to do more off-road riding. This bike takes Honda’s rally racing history to the masses. To be more specific, it takes influences from the CRF 450 Dakar racer. The dirt bike platform, additional windshield, and a fuel tank with 3.4-gallon capacity complement the bike’s capability to keep you yearning for a ride to the middle of nowhere.

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2 BMW G 310 GS: $5,695

Action shot of the BMW G310GS 

What if you take a BMW R 1250 GS, take what makes that bike so popular, and put a smaller engine on it? You would get the BMW G 310 GS. The 310 GS derives its adventure nature from the flagship BMW, the 1250 GS. As a lighter bike, the 310 GS promises agility on the tarmac with its ride-by-wire and slipper clutch features. You can maneuver between traffic as nimble as when you hit the dirt. This bike costs only a third of the 1250 GS at $5,695 for the base model. The performance and cost of the BMW G 310 GS make it worth your money.

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1 Royal Enfield Himalayan: $5,449

The 21-inch, 17-inch setup on the Royal Enfield Himalayan has been the perfect match for the bike 

Royal Enfield, with its affordable bike lineup also answer the demands for adventure bikes. Royal Enfield first introduced the Royal Enfield Himalayan in early 2016 as a capable small adventure bike. Nowadays, it has a reputation for being one of the most affordable adventure bikes. The bike offers excellent performance especially on the dirt. Its low seat height helps make the bike feel lighter than its actual weight. The Royal Enfield Himalayan comes with a switchable ABS on the real wheel. The Royal Enfield Himalayan costs only $5,449 in 2023.

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