Proof that middleweight adventure bikes could be the best way forward...
Looking at the current crop of big-capacity adventure bikes, I have a concern about history repeating itself. Let me explain, in the early 2000s sportsbikes suddenly experienced a huge hike in performance as the litre class exploded into action.
Overnight, power figures leapt up by around 30bhp as the new breed arrived and then, as is always the way, the figures continued to rise as manufacturers tried to outdo each other, leading to where we are today – too much performance for road use and sales at rock-bottom. Not to mention models such as the iconic R1 being dropped as a road bike.
*WITH £2340 RIDE PRO PACK *PLUS £200/£300 FOR PAINT OPTIONS
Could the big-capacity adventure bike market mirror this boom and bust cycle due to headline-grabbing performance and tech taking precedent over common sense?
It is a worry because with both also comes cost and realistically, you are already looking at the thick end of £20k to buy a big-capacity adventure machine in 2024. So what’s the answer? Well, how about dropping in size?
Visually at least, there is very little to suggest that the latest BMW F900GS Adventure and Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro are anything less than full-on adventure bikes. Both have stacks of presence and look physically big and purposeful. In fact, everyone who saw the GSA during this test assumed it was a big-capacity boxer, until they noticed it lacked two huge cylinder heads hanging out either side... and when you glance at their spec list (it is worth noting our GSA also has the £2340 Ride Pro pack fitted), you are not left feeling that you’ve been forced to compromise by selecting one of these smaller-capacity models.
Both bikes have heated grips as standard (the Rally Pro also has heated seats) and they both have angle-responsive TC and ABS, cruise control, variable power modes, connectivity, height-adjustable screens, crash protection, brush guards, fully-adjustable suspension (with a semi-active shock on the GSA), spoke wheels, an up/down quickshifter, centrestand and even auxiliary lights. Plus the BMW also boasts pannier mounts and keyless ignition. And all for under £15k.
So, if you are in the market for an adventure bike, why wouldn’t you seriously consider a middleweight option? But what about
