5. Yamaha Super Ténéré ES

Wet Weight: 584 pounds – Source: Yamaha USA
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gallons
Engine: 1,199cc inline two, 112 hp, 86 lb-ft torque

Yamaha’s entry into the big adventure bike class was last updated in 2014. The S10 is often praised for its reliability in the field. The electronics aren’t as tunable as some of the other European bikes on this list, but it still has traction control, electronically-adjustable suspension, fuel map settings and cruise control. It also comes with tubeless spoke wheels that offer strength and convenience. One minus is that it is not easy to disable the bike’s ABS system for off-road work.

4. Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX

Wet Weight: 598 pounds – Source: Moto Guzzi USA
Fuel capacity: 8.5 gallons
Engine: 1,15cc V-twin, 105 hp, 83 lb-ft torque

Named after one of the greatest motorcycling roads, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio is a different take on adventure bikes. The main attraction is the torquey V-twin that makes its power inches from your kneecaps. There is nothing else quite like the feel of a Moto Guzzi. While not as high tech (or high priced) as some of the others on this list, it is a comfortable, stable and a surprisingly capable off-road mount. Plus it has the biggest tank in the class.

3. Triumph Tiger Explorer XCa

Wet Weight: 602 pounds * – Source: Triumph USA
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gallons
Engine: 1215cc inline three, 139 hp, 90.7 lb-ft torque

The Triumph is another bike that has been substantially updated for 2016. In this case, the updates are in the form of electronic controls and settings aimed at making it more usable on a wide variety of surfaces. Riders can now manipulate suspension settings, engine output, traction control, ABS and throttle response. Also notable is the segmentation of the Explorer line into 5 separate models that group varying degrees of equipment options. The XCa is the bells-and-whistles model in the Explorer line, sporting a 19-inch spoke front wheel and built to tackle all terrain. If you want to shed some pounds, the other models in the range offer up to a 31-pound weight savings.

*Estimate based on official dry weight.

2. Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally

Wet Weight: 606 pounds – Source: Aprilia Denmark
Fuel capacity: 6.3 gallons
Engine: 1197cc V-twin, 125 hp, 84.8 lb-ft torque

Although the Caponord has been around since the early 2000s, it was only last year that Aprilia got serious about giving its big touring bike some off-road chops. The Rally sports a 19-inch front wheel, revised frame geometry, dirt-oriented traction control and ABS modes, and semi-active suspension that adjusts things for you on the fly. It also comes standard with crash guards, auxiliary LED lights and a skidplate, the true mark of any bike that isn’t confined to the pavement.

1. Honda CrossTourer VFR 1200X DCT

Wet Weight: 633 pounds – – Source: Honda Canada
Fuel capacity: 5.7 gallons
Engine: 1,237cc V-four, 127 hp, 93 lb-ft torque

We round out the list with a bike that just reached American roads but has been available in Europe for several years now. The CrossTourer is built around Honda’s silky smooth V-4, and features wire-spoked wheels with a 19-inch front. That doesn’t mean it would be wise to take it on aggressive dirt trails, but you can comfortably explore the occasional fire road. With Honda’s super slick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, its a great two-up tourer as well. If you want to shed some weight, you can opt for the standard transmission model that weighs 611 pounds.

Author: Bob Whitby

Bob has been riding motorcycles since age 19 and working as a journalist since he was 24, which was a long time ago, let’s put it that way. He quit for the better part of a decade to raise a family, then rediscovered adventure, dual sport and enduro riding in the early 2000s. He lives in Arkansas, America’s best-kept secret when it comes to riding destinations, and travels far and wide in search of dirt roads and trails.