There were many new models this year in the competitive Adventure Motorcycle category. KTM brought the 1190 Adventure to the U.S. and introduced the new off-road oriented 1190 Adventure R model. BMW released two new adventure models, the F800GS Adventure and R1200GS Adventure, and Suzuki released a completely new V-Strom 1000. Yamaha’s Super Ténéré received major updates with the ES model release and Kawasaki improved both off-road performance and comfort of the KLR650 with the New Edition model.

After a year of testing and analyzing every bike in the class, Cycle World magazine has announced the KTM 1190 Adventure as the winner of the Best Adventure Bike of 2014. The magazine already claimed the KTM 1190 Adventure was the best all-around motorcycle earlier this year, so for some this award may come as no surprise.

Cycle World cited the versatility of the bike as the primary factor for the award. They were impressed by the KTM 1190 Adventure’s ability to perform well over a variety of terrain including highway, fire roads, or even single track trails. As a street bike, it offers impressive handling on twisty asphalt and the ability to reach 150 mph, while comfortable ergonomics provide all-day comfort. KTM never lost site of its roots though and maintained its ability to go anywhere in the dirt. Much of the bike’s versatility can be attributed to the advanced electronics package, which allows the bike to be ridden by riders of many different skill levels on more types of terrain.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.