Are Adventure Bikes Good For Beginners?


An adventure bike is perfect for beginners since the lighter, easier, and simpler to handle the motorcycle, the easier you will learn how to ride and be an excellent rider. You do not want to go for the most sophisticated motorcycles as a beginner. Only get the simple to handle and learn because you are still fresh.

You can purchase some simple adventure bikes, such as the Honda CB500X, as it is easy to cut through city traffic, carry sufficient luggage for long trips, and can be used as a daily bike for errands. As you progress in the adventure bikes field, you could adjust the parts to make them more powerful and complex to handle any terrain.

Ultimately, as a beginner, all you need is a simple adventure bike to get you started.

What Adventure Bikes are Good for Beginners and Why?

Adventure bikes are different depending on your specifications. Road-biased touring machines come with long suspension, while others may be perfect for hitting the off-road and rugged terrains. However, it is crucial to understand that these adventure bikes will easily explore gravel tracks and unmade roads.

Every bike is unique and comes with outstanding capabilities. The following bikes may not be the very best in the market, but for a beginner, they are ideal. That is because they will encourage you to keep pushing yourself and explore more lands rather than intimidate you.

Yamaha XT660Z Tenere 2008 โ€“ 2016

Yamaha XT660Z may have a dry weight of around 185kg and a tall seat height, but these should not put you off. The skinny bike is easy to ride at low speeds. It bears a perfect weight distribution, light clutch, and wide bars to help anyone who is just starting on adventure bikes. It also comes with a single-cylinder motor with ironed glitches to offer the rider a tractable and smooth delivery.

Even though it is comfortable, long touring trips are not advisable on this bike. Its motor and other parts are made for off-road itineraries giving you confidence for any adventure. Look for this bike if you are starting out and looking for a bike that can conquer tough terrains while making you comfortable.

BMW G310GS 2017 โ€“ current

[https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2018-BMW-G-310-GS-5018501814]

This particular bike may be one of the smallest BMW adventure bikes but offers the best service to off-road beginners. Even though the bike is cheaper and third the capacity of other BMW bikes, it is more fun than you may think. The German brand has discovered that less of the parts and power could still be fun for smaller and new riders.

This motorcycle is manageable because of its low set height and weight. The bike is also less risky in case of an off-road spill. That means your expenses will be low, and it will let you push yourself to explore and discover new grounds. BMW G310GS comes with a single-cylinder motor, but you can expect it to clock speeds up to 90mph. Its suspension is well-balanced between off and on-road. It is perfect for beginners since it is inexpensive, light, and has the ideal off-road ability.

Suzuki V-Strom DL650 2011-current

[https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Suzuki-V-STROM-650-5017995332]

Even though the older models of this Suzuki bike are not as expensive, we recommend models from 2011 onwards to adventurous newbies. Even though its seat is somehow higher than the angular original, it is still some inches lower than the BMW, king of adventures. The Suzuki V-Storm is perfectly made for dual-purpose and quite smooth for newbies.

It comes with usable lower gears and a weight of 213kg. The bike has a sumptuous and soft suspension to make the rider as comfortable as possible. Understand that the bike is more oriented toward the road than dirt off-roads. Beginners will love this bike because of the aftermarket bolt-ons and a smooth gearbox and motor.

Honda CB500X 2013-Current

[https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2013-Honda%C2%AE-CB500X-5018606025]

This bike has been a favorite for dispatchers and novice riders for a long time now. It comes with a parallel twin-cylinder motor, and it is very user-friendly to the users. The honda has evolved over time, and of course, it is ideal for beginners.

Honda CB500X is more road-biased but comes with neutral and easy handling. It also has long-travel suspension, which means it can easily tackle sun-baked roads and goat tracks. The bike entails 17-inch wheels, which are impressive as long as you do not ride in too much mud. If you are a new rider looking for commuting manners and adventure styling, this is the best bike.

The low seat makes it comfortable and much easier for a newbie when riding. Honda CB500X is perfect for beginners because of the fuel economy, its handling, and the build quality.

Suzuki DR-Z400S 2001 โ€“ 2008

[https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2007-Suzuki-DRZ400S-5020314840]

Even though this Suzuki bike is more of an old-school motorcycle model than modern bikes, it will easily handle green lanes. It has a 400cc motor, making it ideal for beginners because of the fuel economy. It also has great handling and stability, which means you will not easily fall off.

If you are looking for a reliable bike that will handle rugged terrain and cruise the wilderness like a 4ร—4, even if you are a newbie, then consider the Suzuki DR-Z400S.

Triumph Tiger 800 XRx LOW 2016-Current

[https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2016-Triumph-TIGER-800-XRX-LOW-5019371653]

Triumph tiger is a full-fat adventure motorcycle with a useable motor and a capable chassis. It also comes with a low seat that ensures comfortability and stability for the new riders. However, the seat is adjustable and quite lower than most adventure bikes. This bike is focused on the road, but that does not mean it cannot hit the off-road.

Triumph tiger will hit the farm tracks and gravel fire roads at very high speeds. It also comes with wind protection and a comfortable saddle that will ensure you ride for long without getting tired. If you love smooth rides or soften things as you ride in wet conditions, look for the triumph tiger.

How Do You Ride an Adventure Bike?

Riding an adventure bike can be quite tricky, especially if it is your first time. You need to learn some crucial hacks and techniques to make a great rider. Here are some of the things to do to ride perfectly.

Practice Your Balance

Adventure motorcycles are quite heavy and tall. Knowing how to balance will enable you to ride efficiently. You will have better control. Stand next to your bike and hold it upright by the handles with no stand. Try to hold the windscreen from the top and balance the bike using one hand. You will be shocked at some point you will balance the bike with almost no effort.

Check Where You Are Riding

As you start your favorite sport, ensure you are mindful of where you ride. As a beginner, it is not advisable to try the too rugged or tough terrain since you are not experienced. As you progress, you can try out the more agile terrains, but look for simpler terrain as a newbie. Avoid muddy roads lest you want to fall off or spoil the bike.

Be Careful When Taking Corners

This is another crucial hack you need to keep in mind. As a beginner rider, you do not want to take sharp bends at high speeds as professionals do. These skills you have to practice over time. As a newbie, always slow down at sharp ends and take corners the right way.

Learn How to Stand While On the Bike

This is much more common as you may have come across bikers standing on their bikes. Usually, they do not stand to stretch but rather shift their center of gravity to the footpegs. Maintain a relaxed and comfortable position as you move to enjoy the ride. Standing while riding also allows you to see right in front of you to help avoid any obstacles.

How Can I Be A Better Adventure Rider?

Becoming a better rider entails lots of practice and exercise. Here are some tips to help you out.

Use Front Brakes

You may have occasionally used the front brakes to slow down, but few riders use it. In a low traction environment, do not apply the front brakes, especially when turning corners. However, if you are traveling in a straight line, apply the front brakes to come to a halt. Switch off your ABS while riding in the dirt to enable the bike to stop.

The Rear Brake Should Steer

Top riders already know that the rear brake is used for steering the bike and not for stopping. Use the rear brakes during sharp bends and corners. Tug the handlebars and stomp the rear brake to make the bike skid as you take the corner. Practice this several times to become a top rider in your crew. However, as you try this, you need to switch off ABS or switch to off-road ABS.

Final Thoughts

Adventure bikes are great, and the experience becomes even more awesome if you know all about these bikes. This guide has some of the stunning adventure bikes for beginners and some tricks to help you become a better rider. Use them as you learn other hacks too.

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