The Long Haul. The Iron Butt Challenge. The Walkabout. Whatever you call it, sometimes a rider pushes the limits of the road for days on end, searching for meaning on two wheels. The only limitations are the aerodynamics of the bike, the power delivery, and the gas tank. Over time a few interested manufacturers developed their entries into this long-road competition, each worthy of a healthy Cannon Ball Run attempt. Here are our favorite long-range, two-wheeled machines.
Kawasaki Versys
Codenamed the KLE650 initially, the Kawasaki Versys was another application of the popular Ninja 650 V Twin engine in 2008 in the USA. The Versys bridged the gap between the KLR650 application of the 650 engine and the Ninja class, later also used in the Vulcan 650 in the early 2010s. Because of the upright positioning, standard cargo racks, and higher windshield, the Versys soon became a popular option for long-range commuters, light-use long-range trips, and campers. The ER6n was also an iteration of the Versys 650 with more of a naked minimalistic look but a similar silhouette and windshield. Modern versions include the TFT display, Bluetooth accessories, LED lighting, Traction Control Systems, and manually adjustable windshield. We recommend the upgraded LT version for minor off-road usage and standard carrying saddlebags accompanying the purchase.
Honda CB500X
With the popularity of the dual sport and long-range riding sprouting in the late 2010s, Honda needed an entry to compete with the Triumph Tigers and the Kawasaki Versys of the motorcycle market. Instead of copying the 650 base engine sizing, the team at Honda decided to trim the fat and apply its 500X engine to the category. Coming in at an astonishing $7,199 base MSRP price tag, the CB500X comes with all the bells and whistles, like the adjustable windscreen, upgraded suspension, and high gas mileage that the other offerings include, yet at a fraction of the price. The bike comes standard with a 4.7-gallon gas tank, 80 MPG, and a mere 439-pound curb weight. This is an excellent option for a smaller rider or a rider seeking to trim the weight for more extended fuel efficiency or cargo space. A crowd favorite amongst the hobby weekend trip rider.
KTM 1190 Adventure
KTM, long touted as the bike of choice for the dual sport rider and the trail commuter, seeks to compete with the other entries on this list with its 1190 adventure bike series. This bike is well known for longer-range riders for its reliability and durability, with a heavy off-road focus. This was a significant upgrade from previous generations' original 990 cc engine size. While the bike has a lower MPG rating, depending on how the rider approaches the open spreads of the road on the trip, at only 40 MPG, the bike has a 250-mile range due to its larger fuel tank, a preference for most riders. Due to its larger power output and high horsepower, it claims 150 horses; this is an excellent option for the rider with a need for storage and cargo capacity. If you want to keep up with your overlander buddies and carry a twin bed on the back of your passenger seat, seek no further; the KTM is for you!
BMW R1200RT
BMW is a popular choice for long-range riders, specifically the ADV class, although not as easily fixed in the field, similar to some other options on this list. Regardless of this case, the 1200RT model (or raise tourer, travel tourer in German) is an excellent choice for its durability and shaft-driven drive system. Because of the German-engineered design and a low-maintenance drive system, the bike had minor issues and upkeep from the day of sale. The only problem is that solutions become costly mechanically. If breakdowns happen down the line, solutions become costly mechanically. This option was a great pick in 2014 and 15 setting the standard with stock luggage systems, a road-focused functional design, and an evident dedication to the passenger, adding features specified for this purchase. This is why you'll usually see these bikes paired with the crews running the standard Honda Goldwing model for their long-range walkabouts. We recommend this option to the rider seeking passenger-ready opportunities to bring a friend along for the long haul. Tell them to hold on tight with 113 horsepower to the rear wheel, tell them to hold on tight!
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Kawasaki KLR 650
Old reliable, almost guaranteed on most lists on this site, the KLR650 is a cult classic for the rider seeking a budget option and an applicable vehicle. The KLR650 excels in a little off-road adventure, but can easily be modified for more road-focused trips. With its stock skid plate, easily added luggage systems, and standard accessory assortment on the front fairing, the KLR 650 is a capable entry-level machine for the entry-level rider. I have owned this bike and found it an excellent option for a commuter, even in fall conditions, and a very customizable bike for anyone who likes accessories and comfort. The newer options have moved away from the classic styling of KLR 650s in the early 2000s, adding new sleek paint jobs and a cleaned-up front fairing. Still, the silhouette remains, and we believe its bulletproof reputation remains untarnished.Suzuki DR 750
The DR750 is an older option from this list, originating from the 80s and looking like a carbon copy of the KLR 650. Due to its exit from the public market, this bike has become a collector's item and the holy grail among dual severe sport riders. Due to its elevated engine size and dirt bike aesthetic, the cycle is a Big Bertha of a ride, with a heavy focus on power output and comfort for the rider. Even now, the current owners of these vehicles have reported minimal upkeep needed, and surviving models are still selling at current entry bike sales prices. With the 727 Air Cooled engine, the bike produced 52 BHP at 6600 RPM and still holds a spot in buyers' hearts. Although the company has moved toward the 650 and 400 categories focusing mainly on dirt bikes and road bikes rather than a combination of the two, the DR750 is still spoken of with fond memory in the riding community.
Honda ST1300
Due to the Goldwings' popularity among the retired and more (Easy, riders), Honda sought to offer different iterations to capture riders seeking something new and unique. The Honda ST series started with the ST1100 and later formed the need for the ST1300 with the popularity of the Honda Goldwing. This bike, even in 1992, provided a standard ABS braking system, a 7.4-gallon gas tank, 300-mile range, and a low-maintenance V4 shaft drive train. Unlike most bikes, this also had an alternator under the hood to power various accessories, with a recommendation for using heated clothing and auxiliary lighting. The ST1300 can be used by multiple police departments for highway patrolmen, as it offers ample space for radar accessories and cargo options. Although the bike had a few recalls regarding its weave instability mode, the company addressed the rumors and tested out the bugs in the design.
KTM 640 Adventure
Most people would see this bike as a mere dirtbike, but we at TopSpeed realize its popularity with the off-road-focused crowd. Following the popularity of the Dakar BMW Series, KTM sought to enter its horse in the race with the 640 Adventure. With the transition from the DR series, KTM expanded the Adventure series for smaller engine size options. The 620cc, four-stroke engine offered 54 constant horses to the rear wheel and provided a stripped-down look to the whole package, looking more dirt worthy than roadworthy. Due to the programs like Long Way Down and Long Way Round, the transcontinental trail became more popular. The USA and this bike fit that need quite well, accompanying many riders off the pavement and into the mountains for months camping and riding off the hills of America.
BMW R1200GS
Long known as the perfect embodiment of the touring motorcycle bike everyone needed, the GS1200 is a great choice for the serious rider. Due to its long-range durability and excellent engine longevity, it'll be hard to find at a reasonable price or find one other than in a dealership. This bike was 66 pounds lighter than its older brother, the R1150GS, and produced 100 horses, a 19-percent increase from the previous generations. The bike came with a standard ABS and Automatic Stability Control Traction System, an upgraded exhaust, and aggressive off-road knobby tires. The bike came in 4.4-, 8.7-, and 7.9-gallon gas tank configurations, depending on rider's needs, and also had options for crash bars, custom skid plates, and engine covers to add to its long-term durability. In 2014, the bike started to come standard with a quickshifter, keyless ignition, and security antitheft systems. The R1200 GS is an obvious pick for all the bells and whistles.BMW R80
Last but not least, we look back at the beginnings of Adventure Biking with the Grandfather of the sport, the BMW R80. The BMW R80 debuted from 1980 to 1987, the first entry to the GS series of BMW bikes. The GS stands for the German word Gelande/Strabe, which means offroad/onroad, a nod to the bike's functionality. This was the first large displacement multisport motorcycle on the market when introduced 40 years ago. A clear upgrade from the previous generation R65, the R80 offered Electric Ignition, a single swingarm, and a single shock absorber. Over time, the bike was quickly used in motorsport, finding its way to Gaston Rahiers hands in the 1985 Dakar races, as well as Ed Culbersons cross-country Pan American Highway Ride, only riding on land. Soon the market sought higher displacement bikes to fill their horsepower wishes, and the bike was retired, replaced by the R100 GS and later the R65 650cc option. With great respect, we thank the R80 for its example in this motorsport segment.