“Go big or go home” has been the motto of the ADV motorcycle industry for decades. However, for some time now, the small-caliber revolution has been accelerating. The sub-500cc ADV class is currently brimming with options that represent the next big automotive revolution.
There are currently about 15 high-quality options for small adventure classes that make a lot of sense. When looking for an adventure bike, there are good reasons to choose something smaller.
Before we look at some of the options currently offered in the US in this segment, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why small-bore ADVs are such a big hit, starting with the most obvious: affordability. Sho.
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All else being equal, small-bore adventure bikes are considerably cheaper than larger bikes. For example, you can buy the CFMoto Ibex 450 for an MSRP of USD 6,499, or the Ibex 800 E from the same manufacturer starting at USD 10,299. For many people, this is enough to make the difference between owning a new bike and giving up on the idea altogether.
Next is running cost. Every bicycle requires gasoline. Larger ADVs require much more fuel than small-bore bikes. A perfect example is the KTM 390 Adventure’s fuel economy of less than 70 miles per gallon (3.37 L/100 km), while the KTM 1290 Adventure’s fuel economy of just 41.3 mpg (5.7 L/100 km), almost 2. Consumes twice as much fuel. , according to the ultimate specifications.
Next are the tires. Smaller bikes are lighter and less powerful, so you can use cheaper tires and still get plenty of grip and mileage. Each change can add up to hundreds. Additionally, there are options such as insurance, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and tune-ups, all of which tend to be less expensive for smaller calibers.
CF Moto
Another factor in the popularity of these machines is the balance between performance and reliability. Bikes under 500cc may lack the power that larger engines have to ease you down the highway without the stress, especially when riding on the highway, but this is an issue more than ever in the 2020s. Not. Modern water-cooled engine designs operate with much tighter tolerances, higher efficiency, and longer lifespans thanks to enhanced engineering, advanced alloys, and superior thermal management.
Additionally, manufacturers are cramming more electronics into small bikes. EFI is standard on nearly all motorcycles and can dynamically adjust fuel delivery to suit any terrain or altitude, allowing these small motors to constantly adjust for highway efficiency or off-road responsiveness. Masu.
And then there’s Rider Aid. Things like switchable ABS, traction control, and even quickshifters were reserved for high-end bikes just a few years ago, but with lower prices, they’re becoming the norm rather than the exception in this class.
honda
Next, let’s talk about the overall ride comfort. Small-bore bikes are lighter than full-size bikes, much easier to control, easier to step on, and less difficult to stop. And if you fall, and you’re properly out in the woods, you’ll fall, but a 450 will deadlift you out of a slimy puddle better than a 550-pound, 1250cc monster. It’s much easier…especially the 10th time that afternoon.
Power delivery is also usually much more predictable on adventure bikes under 500cc. This is especially important for beginners, but even experienced riders can enjoy a more relaxed throttle response, especially when transitioning from street riding to off-road riding.
The fact that the likes of Royal Enfield and CFMoto offer seat height adjustment in this segment is a huge blessing.
royal enfield
But most importantly, a small, lightweight adventure bike is just a barrel of monkeys. Working on a small scale encourages you to break the rules in a way. Even when riding hard, you don’t have to worry about the weight or size of a larger machine, which reduces tension. At lower speeds, there’s less mass flying around, so you have more opportunities and more fun. If something goes wrong, there will usually be less damage to both you and your bike.
So…which bike? There are many choices. KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, China-bred Benelli and CFMoto, among others, all offer bikes in this category.
My personal favorites in this class are the second generation Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and CFMoto’s Ibex 450. Both of these motorcycles are packed with the latest technology, provide a reliable platform, look good enough, and are especially good value for money. Himalayas.
Roz Blaine / New Atlas
Then there’s BMW with the lightweight and very affordable G 310 GS, the always reliable Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the mile-munching two-cylinder Honda NX500, and the upcoming Aprilia Touareg 457. there is. Discovered during pre-release testing.
And of course, the hugely popular 390 Adventure in Austria – KTM unveiled the updated 390 at EICMA last week. This should offer great performance and refinement for those who don’t mind spending a little extra.
Don’t forget the machines that sit on the border of the ADV and dual-sport bike categories. The Honda CRF 450RL, Suzuki DRZ400, Kawasaki KLX230, and Yamaha WR250R are all go-anywhere bikes that come with more luggage and higher mileage right out of the box, but with the help of aftermarket gear can be reliably lifted, and often costs less and weighs less than outdoor adventures. bike.
There’s never been a better time to be a lover of small-displacement adventure bikes. The industry is responding to the energy in this segment with some great new machines. As profits for powerful companies like Harley-Davidson and KTM parent company Perrier Mobility decline, manufacturers need to be nimble and responsive to stay relevant.
Source: CFMoto, Royal Enfield, Honda, Suzuki, KTM
