2009 Adventure Touring Buyers Guide

Perhaps dual-purpose is a more fitting name, as these bikes offer great performance and versatility, on and off road. With our country honeycombed with thousands of kilometres of dirt and bitumen roads, having a bike that can handle the dirt makes a lot of sense, and expands the horizons as tour planning no longer means skipping that interesting section of dirt road. Many of these bikes have their origins in Enduro and offer robust, off road handling, but savvy manufacturers have added rider comforts, and decent engines that provide good road going performance, for a complete on and off road package. Just as a 4x4 stands out in the traffic, adventure tourers generally provide an upright rider stance and just a hint of their off road/touring potential.

APRILIA PEGASO 650: With dirt origins this tourer is happiest on unpaved roads. Clever under seat storage compartment for touring. Engine: Liquid cooled single, SOHC, 4 valve; Power/Torque: 35kW @6000rpm /59Nm@ 5000rpm; Gears: 5-speed; Fuel capacity: 16L. RRP: $12,990

BENELLI TRE-K 1130 (AMAZONAS): Great looking bike, with flashy fairing, and high riding position. Engine: Liquid-cooled transverse triple, DOHC 4, Power/Torque: 92kW @ 9000rpm/112Nm @ 5000rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Tyres: 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear, Fuel capcity: 22L, RRP: from $17,990

BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE: Excellent package, with loads of accessories available from BMW. Bigger fuel tank and better protection than GS model. Engine: Air/oil cooled horizontally opposed boxer twin, 4 valves, Power/Torque: 77kW @ 7500rpm/115Nm @ 5750rpm, Gears: 6-speed, RRP: $25,470

BMW R1200 GS: As made famous by Ewan and Charlie, the GS is big, heavy, extremely capable and able to handle plenty of abuse. Engine: Air/oil cooled horizontally opposed boxer twin, 4 valves, Displacement: 1170cc, Power/ Torque: 77kw @ 7500rpm/115Nm @ 5750rpm, Gears 6-speed, RRP: $21,140

BMW F800 GS: Offers more of everything found on the F650. More power/torque, great versatility for touring. Engine: Liquid cooled parallel twin, 4 valves, Power/Torque: 63kW @ 7500rpm/ 83Nm @ 5750rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 16L, RRP: $16,750

BMW F650 GS: Detuned version of the F800, but don't tell anyone! First class beginner package with optional ABS. Engine: Liquid cooled parallel twin, 4 valves, Displacement: 789cc, Power/Torque: 52kW @ 7000rpm/75Nm @ 4500rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 16L, RPP: $13,650

BMW G650 X COUNTRY: Lightweight beginners bike with excellent trail capabilities. Engine: Liquid cooled single, 4 valves, Displacement: 652cc, Power/Torque: 39kW @ 7000rpm/60Nm @ 5250rpm, Gears: 5-speed, Fuel capacity: 9.5L, RRP: $12,300

BUELL XB12XT ULYSSES: The Buell V-twin tourer is a tidy piece of work capable of mixing it with the best. Strong torque and features. Engine: Thunderstorm air/oil cooled 45 V-twin, Displacement: 1203cc, Power/Torque: 70kW/103Nm, Gears: 5-speed, RRP: $16,495

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1100 (S): Classy 1100 L-Twin, with full adjustable suspension, provides individual tuning for dirt or road. 'S' features a number of racing components. Engine: Air cooled 90 L-twin, 2 valves, Displacement: 1078cc, Power/torque: 70kW/103Nm, Gears: 6-speed, RRP: $18,995

HONDA XL1000 V VARADERO: Funny name, but very versatile dual purpose motrocycle. Good seating, wide windscreen and long travel suspension. Engine: Liquid cooled 90 V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 996cc, Power/Torque: 69kW @ 7500rpm/98Nm @ 6000rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 25L, Gears: 6-speed, RRP: $17,995

HONDA XL700 TRANSALP: Modern and adventurous, the Transalp has a bigger engine and smooth all round ride. Engine: Liquid cooled 52 V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 680cc, Power/Torque: 44 @ 7750/ 60Nm @ 5500rpm, Gears: 5-speed, Fuel capacity: 17L, RRP: $13,990

KAWASAKI KLR 650: More like a dirt bike than a tourer, it nevertheless is a great value and versatile bike. Engine: Liquid cooled single, DOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 651cc, Power/ Torque: 15kw @ 45400rpm/40Nm @ 4000rpm, Gears: 5-speed, Fuel capacity: 22L, RRP: $8,499

KAWASAKI KLE 650 VERSYS: Corny play on the word "versatile", it actually is a very versatile dual purpose bike!
Engine: Liquid cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves, Displacement: 649cc, Power/Torque: 47kW @ 8000rpm/61Nm @ 6800rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 19L, RRP: $ 11,499

KTM 690 ENDURO R: A low weight, maximum performance, robust off road Enduro style KTM. Thoroughbred off-road chassis, make this bike an all-rounder with phenomenal Enduro qualities and solid street riding behaviour. Engine: 654cc single, 4 valve Gears: 6-speed, RRP: n/a

KTM 990 ADVENTURE (R): Big bore bike, ready and able to handle big distance touring. When the road finishes, the KTM is ready to start. Engine: Liquid cooled 75 V twin, DOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 999cc, Power/Torque: 78kW @ 8250rpm/100Nm @ 6750rpm, Gears: 6-speed, RRP: $21,995

MOTO GUZZI STELVIO: Dual purpose Moto Guzzie, that is well finished and very able in demanding touring conditions. Engine: Air/oil coolded 90· V-twin, Displacement: 1151cc, Power/Torque: 77kW @ 7500rpm/108Nm @ 6400rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 18L, Dry weight; 214kg, RRP: $12,090

SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM: Suzuki say they invented the Sport Enduro Tourer with the V-Strom. Remains very popular. Power based on TL1000. Engine: Liquid cooled 90 V-twin, Displacement: 996cc, DOHC, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 22L, RRP: $7,790

SUZUKI DL 650 V-STROM: Top all round package, which obviously contributes to its huge local success. Also available with ABS. Engine: Liquid cooled 90· V-twin, DOHC, Displacement: 645cc, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 22L, RRP: $10,290

SUZUKI DR 650SE: Offers the versatility of hitting the highway or dirt without compromise. Lightweight frame delivers agile handling and comfortable ride. Engine: 644cc, 4-stroke, single, air cooled, Gears: 5-speed, Fuel capacity: 13L, RRP: n/a

SUZUKI DR Z400S: Cutting edge dual purpose bike, ready to tackle the world of super motard riding. Features a RM250 derived inverted fork, and 310mm fully floating front disc brake from GSX-R1000. Engine: Liquid coolded, DOHC 4 stroke, Displacement: 398cc, Gears: 5-speed, RRP: $7,990

TRIUMPH TIGER: Versatile dual sport bike, that has evolved into a great package. Plenty of power and nimble handling are appreciated. Engine: Liquid cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3 cylinder, Power/Torque: 85kW @ 9400rpm/100Nm @ 6250rpm, Gears: 6-speed, RRP: $16,590

YAMAHA TDM 900: All rounder that just gets better. Strange styling, but a versatile performer, especially on the on road. Engine: Liquid cooled parallel , DOHC, 5 valves, Displacement: 897cc, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 20L, Dry weight: 192kg, RRP: $13,599

YAMAHA WR250R: Featuring Yamaha's first fuel injected engine in an on/off road bike, this unit is ideal for short haul touring & day rides. Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC 4 Stroke Displacement: 250cc Power/Torque: 23kW @ 10,000RPM/24Nm @ 8,000RPM; Gears: 6 speed Fuel Capacity: 7.5L RRP: $9,999

YAMAHA TTR250: More at home in the dirt, this is a very user friendly bike suitable right down to the novice. Engine: Air cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Displacement: 249cc, Front suspension: Telescopic fork, Rear suspension: Swingarm link style, Brakes: hydraulic single disc, Gears: 6-speed, Ground clearance: 300mm, Dry weight: 120kg, RRP: n/a

BMW G650 X COUNTRY: The only local survivor of the G650X trio, the X Country is an amalgam of naked, motard and dual purpose. Engine: Air/oil cooled horizontally opposed boxer twin, 4 valves, Displacement: 1170cc, Power/Torque: 83kW/115Nm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 13L, Dry weight: 179kg, RRP: $ 28,400

BMW HP2 MEGAMOTO: Stripped back, the Megamoto is powerful and highly desirable. Engine: Air/oil cooled horizontally opposed boxer twin, 4 valves, Displacement: 1170cc, Power/Torque: 83kW/115Nm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 13L, Dry weight: 179kg, RRP: $ 28,400

DUCATI HYPERMOTARD 1100 (S): Impressive machine, with full length seat, wide handlebars and loads of grunt. Engine: Air cooled 90 L-twin, 2 valves, Displacement: 1078cc, Power/Torque: 66kW @ 7750rpm/103Nm @ 4750rpm, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 12.4L, RRP: $18,495

HONDA XR400M: Preceded by a huge dirt bike pedigree, the XR400 excels at supermotard racing. Engine: Air cooled single, SOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 397cc, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 9.7L, RRP: $9,990

HUSQVARNA SM610i: Street credible, with slightly less punch than its R cousins. Engine: Liquid cooled single, SOHC, 4 valves, Displacement: 576cc, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 12.5L, Dry weight: 124.5kg RRP: $12,995

HUSQVARNA SM 450R: Light and streamlined, delivers nimble handling in user friendly package. Improvements to exhaust and gearbox over previous model. Engine: Liquid cooled single, DOHC, 4 valves, Gears: 6-speed, Fuel capacity: 7.2L, Dry weight: 118kg, RRP: $12,995