Adventure Bikes to Avoid for New Riders: 6 Heavy or Over‑Powered

Starting your adventure motorcycle journey can be exciting, but choosing the right bike, especially as a new rider, is crucial. While many successfully begin on larger bikes, there are specific models that are less forgiving for those new to off-road riding. This guide focuses on six adventure bikes that new riders, particularly those with limited off-pavement experience, should consider avoiding. The recommendations assume a desire to ride off-pavement at least some of the time.

Generally, it's advised to start with a smaller dual-sport bike to build skills and confidence before transitioning to a larger adventure bike. However, if you're determined to start with an ADV bike, here are the ones to steer clear of.

1. Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200

The Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 is a motorcycle that, despite its reliability, is not recommended for new adventure riders, and arguably, not for many experienced riders either.

• Weight and Power: It weighs a hefty 584 lbs, making it one of the heaviest adventure bikes on the market. Despite this, it only produces 112 horsepower. In comparison, a Triumph Tiger 1200 makes 147 hp, and even an older BMW 1200 GS produces 125 hp. This combination of high weight and relatively low power makes it feel underpowered.
• Cost: A new Super Ténéré 1200 costs around $16,000, which is considered expensive for what it offers, especially when better-performing bikes can be found for the same price or less.
• Intended Use: It's primarily seen as a touring bike, and even then, it's an overweight and underpowered one. While it is known for its reliability, there are simply better options available for both touring and adventure riding. It's only recommended if you find an exceptional deal and plan to stick exclusively to paved roads.

2. KTM 1290 Super Adventure (and 1390 Super Adventure)

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure, and its upcoming 1390 counterpart, are powerful machines that are ill-suited for new riders.

• Excessive Power: With 160 horsepower, this bike is incredibly fast, often described as a "rocket." While power can be good, this level of power is overwhelming for someone learning to ride off-road.
• Size and Weight: It features a tall 35-inch seat height and weighs 550 lbs. The combination of high speed, tall stature, and significant weight makes it challenging for new riders to manage, especially in off-road scenarios.
• Cost and Company Uncertainty: At $21,000, it's an expensive motorcycle. Furthermore, recent uncertainties surrounding KTM's future add another layer of consideration.
• General KTM Recommendation: For new riders, it's suggested to avoid any KTM adventure bike over 790cc, and even the 790cc model can be questionable for beginners.

3. BMW 1300 GS (and 1200/1250 GS)

The BMW GS series, while iconic and popular, is not a good choice for beginner adventure riders.

• Cost: A new 1300 GS starts at $19,000 and can go up to $27,000 with options. This is a significant investment for a bike that a new rider is likely to drop frequently while learning off-road skills.
• Weight: The 1300 GS weighs 522 lbs. Repeatedly picking up such a heavy bike is physically demanding and can be discouraging for a beginner.
• Difficulty for Beginners: While highly capable in the hands of skilled riders, the GS series is not easy to ride for novices. Its weight and complexity can lead to dangerous situations if a rider lacks the necessary skills. There are anecdotes of serious injuries occurring when these heavy bikes go sideways with inexperienced riders.
• Alternative Cost: For the price of one 1300 GS, you could purchase three brand new Suzuki DR650s, offering a more forgiving and cost-effective learning platform.

4. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 (and 1050)

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000, often mistakenly recommended for beginners, has several drawbacks.

• Weight and Power: It weighs 520 lbs and produces only 98 horsepower. This makes it heavy for its power output, similar to the Super Ténéré in that regard.
• Reliability (Compared to 650): Of the V-Strom models, the 1000cc version is generally considered less reliable than the 650cc. If you're looking for an inexpensive, high-mileage used adventure bike, the 650 is the better choice.
• Limited Ground Clearance: With only 6.2 inches of ground clearance, the V-Strom 1000 is not well-suited for off-road riding. It will quickly encounter limitations on rocky roads or trails with rain ruts.
• Overall Recommendation: While the V-Strom 650 is a better option between the two, neither V-Strom is a top recommendation for a new adventure rider.

5. Triumph Tiger 800 XC

The Triumph Tiger 800 XC is considered the "black sheep" of the Tiger family and is not recommended for new riders.

• Reliability: Unlike the highly regarded Tiger 900, the 800 XC has a reputation for being unreliable. Many owners reportedly get rid of them quickly.
• Power and Weight: It weighs 473 lbs and produces 82 horsepower. While not excessively heavy, its reliability issues are a significant concern.
• Market Perception: These bikes often appear on the used market at low prices, fully farkled and with low miles. This suggests a lack of demand and owner satisfaction, indicating that people don't keep them for long.
• Better Alternatives: For those seeking a cheaper, older bike, there are far better options available, including the V-Strom 650, which is still not a first choice but preferable to the Tiger 800 XC.

6. Yamaha Ténéré 700

Surprisingly, the highly praised Yamaha Ténéré 700, while an excellent bike for intermediate and experienced riders, is not ideal for true beginners.

• Tall Seat Height and Top-Heaviness: It has a 34.5-inch seat height, which, combined with its design and the high placement of the fuel tank (due to the tall engine and ground clearance), makes it feel very tall and top-heavy. New riders, especially those with shorter inseams, will struggle to get their feet down confidently, leading to anxiety and hindering skill development.
• Stiff Suspension: The stiff suspension contributes to the tall feel as it doesn't squat much, offering less "reach" to the ground.
• Lack of Rider Aids: A significant drawback for new riders is the absence of electronic rider aids beyond switchable ABS. There's no traction control, wheelie control, or specific riding modes (like rain or gravel mode). This means the rider needs to possess a higher level of skill to manage the bike's torque and power, especially on loose or wet surfaces.
• Skill Requirement: The Ténéré 700 demands more skill from the rider. While this is a positive for experienced riders who prefer minimal electronic interference, it can be intimidating and dangerous for beginners who are still learning clutch modulation and throttle control in challenging conditions.
• Learning Inhibition: When a new rider is constantly worried about dropping the bike or struggling with its height and weight, their brain is focused on fear rather than learning new skills. This can slow down their progress and confidence building.

In conclusion, while these bikes are capable in the right hands, their weight, power, height, cost, or lack of rider aids make them less suitable for someone just starting their adventure riding journey. Prioritizing a bike that allows for confidence building and skill development in a less intimidating package is key for new riders.