10 best motorcycles with the most mileage

A long way. An iron butt. A walk. Whatever you call it, sometimes a rider crosses the boundaries of the road for several days in a row, looking for meaning on two wheels. The only limitations are the bike’s aerodynamics, power delivery and gas tank. Over time, several interested manufacturers have developed their own entries for this long-distance event, each worthy of a healthy Cannon Ball Run effort. Here are our favorite long-distance two-wheelers.

10/10 Kawasaki Versys

A picture of a red 2008 Kawasaki Versys

Originally codenamed KLE650 – Kawasaki Versys there was another use of the popular Ninja 650 V Twin engine in 2008 in the US. The Versys bridged the gap between the use of the 650 KLR650 engine and the Ninja class, which was later also used in the Vulcan 650 in the early 2010s. With its upright position, standard cargo shelves, and taller windshield, the Versys soon became a popular option for long-haul commuters, light long-haulers, and campers. The ER6n was also an iteration of the Versys 650 with a more stripped-down, minimalist look, but a similar silhouette and windshield. Modern versions include a TFT display, Bluetooth accessories, LED lighting, traction control and manual windshield adjustment. We recommend the upgraded LT version for light off-road use and the standard carrying bags that come with your purchase.

9/10 Honda CB500X

Honda CB500F action

With the rise in popularity of the two sports and long-distance riding in the late 2010s, Honda required an exit to compete with the Triumph Tigers and Kawasaki Versys in the motorcycle market. Instead of copying the base size of the 650 engine, the Honda team decided to trim the fat and apply their 500X engine to the category. At a staggering base retail price of $7,199, The CB500X comes with all the bells and whistles, such as an adjustable windshield, upgraded suspension, and great gas mileage, which include other offerings, but at a small price. The bike comes standard with a 4.7-gallon gas tank, 80 mpg and just 439 pounds of curb weight. It’s a great option for the smaller rider or the rider looking to cut weight for more fuel efficiency or cargo space. A crowd favorite among weekend travelers.

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8/10 KTM 1190 Adventure

Studio side profile shot of the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure

Long touted as the bike of choice for both the sport rider and commuter, KTM aims to compete with other entries on this list with the 1190 series of adventure bikes. This bike is well known to long-distance riders for its reliability and durability, with a particular focus on off-roading. This was a significant upgrade over the original 990cc engine. While the bike has a lower MPG rating, depending on how close the rider approaches open road sections during the ride, at just 40 MPG, the bike has a range of 250 miles due to the larger fuel tank, which is an advantage for most racers. Because of its higher power and high output, it requires 150 horses; it’s a great option for the rider with a need for storage and carrying capacity. If you want to keep up with your fellow Soverlanders and carry a double bed in the back of the passenger seat, look no further; KTM for you!

7/10 BMW R1200RT

Side view of the 2006 BMW R1200ST in blue

The BMW is a popular choice for long-distance riders, particularly in the ADV class, although it’s not as easy to fix in the field as some of the other options on this list. Regardless of this case, the 1200RT model (or Reise Tourer, Tourist Tourer in German) is an excellent choice due to its durability and shaft drive system. Due to its German engineered design and maintenance free drive system, the bike has had few problems and has been serviced since the day of sale. The only problem is that the solutions become expensive mechanically. If breakdowns happen later, mechanical solutions become expensive. This variant was a great choice in 2014 and 2015, setting the standard with standard luggage systems, functional road-oriented design and a clear commitment to the passenger, adding features specified for this purchase. That’s why you’ll usually see these bikes paired with crews driving a standard model Honda Goldwing for their long rides. We recommend this option to riders looking for passenger options to take a friend along for a long ride. Tell them to hold on tighter with 113 horsepower to the rear wheel, tell them to hold on tighter!

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6/10 Kawasaki KLR 650

5/10 Suzuki DR 750

Suzuki DR750 side view in blue

The DR750 is an older option on this list that dates back to the 80s and looks like a copy of the KLR 650. Since leaving the public market, this bike has become a collector’s item and a holy grail among extreme dual sport riders. Due to the increased displacement of the engine and the aesthetics of the motorcycle, this bike is a Big Bertha to ride, with a strong emphasis on power and comfort for the rider. Even now, current owners of these bikes report minimal maintenance, and extant models still sell for the bike’s current entry-level prices. With an air-cooled 727 engine, the bike produced 52 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and still has a place in the hearts of buyers. Although the company has moved on to the 650 and 400 categories, focusing mainly on dirt and road bikes rather than a combination of the two, the DR750 is still remembered among riding enthusiasts. On the subject:Crate Fresh 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Can Destroy Suzuki Hayabusa Even After 13 Years

4/10 Honda ST1300

Three-quarter front view of the red 2014 Honda ST1300 Pan European

Due to the popularity of the Goldwings among retirees and beyond (Easy, racers), Honda has been keen to offer different iterations to appeal to riders looking for something new and unique. The Honda ST series started with the ST1100 and later shaped the need for it ST1300 with the popular Honda Goldwing. This bike, even in 1992, offered standard ABS brakes, a 7.4-gallon gas tank, 300 miles of range, and a maintenance-free V4 driveshaft. Unlike most bikes, this one also had a generator under the hood to power the various accessories, with a recommendation to use heated clothing and auxiliary lighting. The ST1300 can be used by many police departments for highway patrol as it offers ample space for radar accessories and cargo options. Although the bike has been recalled several times due to its weave instability mode, the company has addressed the rumors and checked the design errors.

3/10 KTM 640 Adventure

Image of the orange 2008 KTM 640 Adventure Traveler’s Edition

Most people would think of this bike as a regular bike, but we at TopSpeed ​​understand that it is popular with people who love off-roading. Following the popularity of the BMW Dakar Series, KTM was looking to get into racing with the 640 Adventure. Moving on from the DR series, KTM has expanded the Adventure series with smaller engine displacement options. The 620cc four-stroke engine offered 54 permanent horses to the rear wheel and gave the whole package a pared-down look, looking more dirt-worthy than roadworthy. Thanks to programs like Long Way Down and Long Way Round, the transcontinental route has become more popular. USA and this bike fit this need very well, accompanying many riders off the asphalt and into the mountains for months of camping and riding from the hills of America.

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2/10 BMW R1200GS

Long known as the perfect embodiment of the touring bike that everyone needs
The GS1200 is a great choice for the serious rider.
Because of its long-distance durability and excellent engine durability, it will be hard to find at a reasonable price or find other than a dealership. This bike was 66 pounds lighter than its big brother, the R1150GS, and produced 100 horses, a 19 percent increase over previous generations. The bike came with standard ABS and automatic traction control, an upgraded exhaust system and aggressive off-road tires. The bike was available in 4.4, 8.7, and 7.9 gallon fuel tank configurations, depending on the rider’s needs, and had roll bar options, special skid plates, and engine covers to increase its durability. In 2014, the bike came standard with a quickshifter, keyless ignition and anti-theft security systems. The R1200 GS is the obvious choice among all the bells and whistles.

1/10 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 into the GS series of BMW bikes. GS stands for the German word Gelande/Strabe, which means off-road/on-road, indicating the motorcycle’s functionality. It was the first large-volume multi-sport motorcycle on the market when it was introduced 40 years ago. An obvious upgrade from the previous generation R65, the R80 offered electric ignition, a single swing arm and a single shock absorber. As time went on, the bike was quickly used in motorsport, ending up in the hands of Gaston Ryers in the 1985 Dakar, as well as in Ed Culberson’s land-only Pan American cross-country race. Soon the market was looking for larger displacement bikes to meet their horsepower desires and the bike was phased out, replaced by the R100 GS and later the R65 650cc variant. With great respect, we thank the R80 for setting an example in this segment of motorsport.