What Size of ADV Bike is Best?

What would be the most fun new bike to buy, and then enhance for off-road adventure riding. This is not about brands or models so much at displacement. Each would be so different.

I decided to take on the argument for each size of bike and basically do a one-man debate. It would be cool if others offered their thoughts!

Micro-Adventure Bikes are The Best!

[250cc to 350cc]

The Top 5 Reasons!

  1. Smaller is better. In the Enduro world people are downsizing, working on skill, and doing more with less. The same logic applies here.
  2. These are powerful enough to get down the road to the trails, then ideally suited for the dirt. We all run knobby tires for a reason, right?
  3. Easier to turn around in tight spaces, easier to get unstuck, and easier to man-handle through tough sections.
  4. They’re fun for beginners through to advanced riders.
  5. Everybody can have fun on a little adventure bike – and with some extra fuel and a bit of light luggage you can go on sizeable adventures!

Mid-Sized Adventure Bikes are The Best!

[700cc to 900cc]

The Top 5 Reasons!

  1. The additional power and weight of these bikes makes them handle road sections more gracefully than their smaller counterparts. Add a small windscreen or navigation tower and you can throw down some respectable distances in relative comfort, and at some decent speed!
  2. When you hit the dirt, which is always the goal (right?), you have many of the positive attributes of smaller bikes. Proper enduro trails are within the realm of possibility, except perhaps the hardest stuff – unless you are truly gifted!
  3. If you get stuck, it won’t likely be too hard to get out of the situation, especially with your buddy’s help.
  4. When you hit something impassible, it’s not going to require too much exertion, or risk, turning around in a tight place. Well, that’s not entirely true, but it is easier than the heavy-weights!
  5. You can add all kinds of lighter storage options and fuel carrying systems to open up pretty sizeable overland trips, even remote overnight adventures!

Small Adventure Bikes are The Best!

[450cc to 500cc]

The Top 5 Reasons!

  1. These bikes are already monsters of the dirt, and with a few goodies that make them street legal, you can get into all kinds of terrain right from your driveway!
  2. When you hit the road or faster trail sections, simply twist the throttle and feel the thunder!
  3. With the addition of a small windscreen and a larger fuel tank, these bikes can be quite pleasant to ride at speed and over moderate distances.
  4. Although bigger than Micro-Adventure Bikes, they’re still light compared to anything larger.
  5. Going out for a ride with some hotshot enduro buddies? No problem, you have the right bike!

Large & XL Adventure Bikes are The Best!

[900cc +]

The Top 5 Reasons!

  1. The additional power and weight of these bikes makes them handle road sections more gracefully than their smaller counterparts. Add a small windscreen or navigation tower and you can throw down some respectable distances in relative comfort, and at some decent speed!
  2. When you hit the dirt, which is always the goal (right?), you have many of the positive attributes of smaller bikes. Proper enduro trails are within the realm of possibility, except perhaps the hardest stuff – unless you are truly gifted!
  3. If you get stuck, it won’t likely be too hard to get out of the situation, especially with your buddy’s help.
  4. When you hit something impassible, it’s not going to require too much exertion, or risk, turning around in a tight place. Well, that’s not entirely true, but it is easier than the heavy-weights!
  5. You can add all kinds of lighter storage options and fuel carrying systems to open up pretty sizeable overland trips, even remote overnight adventures!

What do you think?

We are keen to hear about your steel, actual or wish list.

Watch for sample builds of various ADV bikes of all sizes being added to the blog.

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