I hope you’re enjoying yourself! Over the last five years of motorcycle riding (I started in 2020), I’ve had the chance to learn a lot about bikes. And what really fascinates me is the older generation of motorcycles that still dominate the trails, some of which date back to the 1980s. As an adventure bike enthusiast, there’s something incredibly special about these machines, their simplicity, their rugged reliability, and the charm of old-school tech.
So, here’s a list of seven motorcycles I personally dream of owning one day. Now, I’m not entirely sure what I’d do with seven motorcycles in my parking lot, but honestly, I don’t care. If I had the money, I’d collect them all just for the sheer joy of it.
Let’s dive in…and its in no particular order.
Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré (2004–2017) – The Ultimate Adventure Machine
Some motorcycles are built for speed. Others for comfort. And then there’s the Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré (2004–2017)—a bike that laughs in the face of rough terrain, shrugs off long distances, and dares you to take the road less traveled. If there was ever a machine designed to embody the spirit of adventure, this is it.
At the heart of this beast is a 659cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has earned a reputation for reliability. This isn’t some high-strung race engine that demands premium fuel and constant tuning—it’s a workhorse. A machine that will fire up in the cold, push through scorching heat, and keep chugging along even after you’ve put it through hell and back. You don’t ride the XT660Z; you team up with it.
Fuel stops? Forget about them for a while. With a 23-liter fuel tank, this thing sips fuel like it knows you have places to be. Riders often report getting 400 km (250 miles) or more per tank, which means you can disappear into the wilderness without constantly worrying about the next gas station. Adventure isn’t about planning every stop—it’s about seeing where the road (or lack of it) takes you.
Speaking of roads, the XT660Z doesn’t really care if there’s one. It’s built with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear, making it a natural on dirt trails, rocky paths, and those “shortcuts” that turn into off-road survival courses. The long-travel suspension keeps things smooth, absorbing bumps like a champ and ensuring that your back doesn’t hate you by the end of the ride.
Now, let’s talk about weight. At 206 kg (wet weight), the XT660Z isn’t exactly feather-light, but it finds that sweet spot between highway stability and off-road agility. It’s sturdy without feeling like a tank, and once you get used to it, throwing it around in the dirt feels oddly satisfying. Plus, that 260mm ground clearance means you won’t be worrying about rocks, logs, or those nasty potholes that seem to be out to get bikers.
Yamaha didn’t just make this bike tough; they made it smart. The steel frame is rugged, the skid plate protects the engine, and the tall windscreen keeps the windblast at bay when you’re eating up highway miles. And here’s the best part—there’s no unnecessary tech to fail on you in the middle of nowhere. No fancy touchscreens, no fragile electronics—just a bulletproof engine and a chassis that begs for adventure.
The XT660Z isn’t just a bike; it’s a mindset. It’s for those who prefer dirt over asphalt, who see a fork in the road and instinctively take the path that looks more challenging. It’s for riders who believe that adventure starts when things get unpredictable.
Would I love to own one someday? Oh, absolutely. Because some bikes get you from point A to B. But this one? It takes you wherever the hell you want to go—and then dares you to keep going.
Honda Transalp XL600V, XL650V – The Bulletproof Adventure Machine
Some bikes come and go, fading into history as newer models take their place. But then there’s the Honda Transalp XL650V, a bike that refuses to die, no matter how many miles you throw at it. Built like a tank, versatile as a Swiss Army knife, and as reliable as sunrise, this machine has earned a cult following among adventure riders. And guess what? I’m in the process of rebuilding one. That should tell you just how much I believe in this legend.
Honda has long been the gold standard for reliability, and the Transalp 650 is a shining example of why. The 647cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine is as tough as they come, capable of clocking insane mileage with nothing more than regular oil changes and basic maintenance. Riders have pushed these bikes well past the 100,000 km mark, and they just keep rolling, like a stubborn old dog that refuses to slow down. It’s not the fastest or the most high-tech, but when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you don’t want a bike that’s “exciting”—you want a bike that starts every single time you hit that ignition.
One of the best things about the Transalp is its do-it-all personality. Need a commuter for the daily grind? The V-twin is smooth and predictable, and the riding position is comfortable enough to make city traffic bearable. Planning a cross-country trip? Load up some luggage, point the front wheel towards the horizon, and the Transalp will happily eat up the miles without breaking a sweat. Want to hit the trails on the weekend? Well… this is where things get a little tricky.
While the long-travel suspension and 21-inch front wheel give it some off-road capability, the bike is on the heavier side at 191 kg (dry weight). That’s not a problem on open gravel roads, but if you find yourself on a tight technical trail, wrestling this beast can feel like a full-body workout. It’s like taking a hippo to a gymnastics class—possible, but not exactly ideal.
Another little downside? Fuel economy isn’t its strong suit. The Transalp can be a bit thirsty, averaging around 5.5L/100 km (42-45 mpg). With a 17-liter fuel tank, you’ll get a decent range, but let’s just say you won’t be passing too many gas stations without making a stop. But hey, when your bike is this bulletproof, a little extra fuel money is a small price to pay.
What makes the Transalp XL650V truly special is its unstoppable spirit. It’s been ridden across continents, braved some of the toughest roads in the world, and kept going long after other bikes have given up. It’s a machine that doesn’t ask for much, just fuel, oil, and the occasional chain adjustment. In return, it gives you the freedom to explore, knowing that your bike has your back no matter where you take it.
Would I love to own one? Clearly, since I’m already rebuilding one. And once it’s done, you can bet it’s going to see some serious miles. Because a bike like the Transalp 650 isn’t meant to sit in a garage, it’s meant to ride, explore, and create stories worth telling. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Kawasaki KLR – The Indestructible Mule of Adventure Bikes
This specific one is owned by my friend and fellow adventure rider Kagwiria Murungi.
If motorcycles had personalities, the Kawasaki KLR would be that rugged old cowboy who doesn’t say much but always gets the job done. No fuss, no drama, just an unbreakable, go-anywhere, do-anything machine that has built a legendary reputation among adventure riders. Whether you’re crossing continents, commuting to work, or tackling a rocky trail, the KLR doesn’t just keep up, it thrives.
One of the things that make the KLR stand out is its bulletproof reliability. This bike has been around in various forms for decades, and Kawasaki has stuck to a simple, no-nonsense formula: a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, minimal electronics, and a chassis built to survive abuse. You don’t need to be a mechanic to keep a KLR running just change the oil, clean the air filter once in a while, and it will keep thumping along, mile after mile. There’s a reason why people have ridden these things around the world and back.
The KLR is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of motorcycles. Need a daily commuter? It’s comfortable, reliable, and has just enough power to handle highway speeds without feeling stressed. Want to go on a long-distance adventure? Throw on some luggage, strap on extra fuel cans, and disappear into the wilderness for weeks. Planning to hit the trails? Well… this is where things get interesting.
See, the KLR isn’t a lightweight dirt bike. At 210 kg (wet weight), it’s a bit on the hefty side for serious off-roading. If you drop it (and you will at some point), you’ll get a good workout picking it back up. But here’s the thing the KLR doesn’t care. It’s built to take a beating and keep going. The long-travel suspension and 21-inch front wheel make it more than capable of handling dirt roads, gravel, and even some technical trails, as long as you respect its size.
Fuel economy? Well, let’s just say it’s acceptable. The KLR isn’t the most fuel-efficient bike out there, but with a huge 23-liter tank, you’ll still get a range of 400+ km (250+ miles) before needing to refuel. That means you can keep going long after other bikes are running on fumes.
Another reason riders love the KLR is its simplicity. No fancy electronics, no unnecessary gadgets just a good old-fashioned motorcycle that gets the job done. That also means fewer things to break when you’re deep in the wild with no mechanic in sight. You can drop it, crash it, drown it in mud, and with a little bit of roadside ingenuity, it’ll still find a way to get you home.
Would I love to own one? Of course! The KLR is a bike that just refuses to quit, and that’s exactly the kind of machine an adventure rider needs. It might not be the flashiest or the fastest, but when the going gets tough, the KLR just keeps going. And in the world of adventure riding, that’s what truly matters.
Suzuki DR650 – The No-Nonsense, Go-Anywhere Thumper
If there was ever a bike that embodied the phrase “keep it simple, stupid,” it’s the Suzuki DR650. This machine is the definition of a no-frills, go-anywhere adventure bike, no fancy electronics, no unnecessary weight, just a rugged, reliable thumper that’s ready to take a beating and keep rolling.
The DR650 is powered by a 644cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, and here’s the beauty of it: it’s stupidly reliable. Air-cooled means fewer parts to break, and the simplicity of a carburetor instead of fuel injection means that, with basic mechanical skills, you can fix it anywhere. This is the kind of bike that has been ridden across deserts, mountains, and everything in between, with riders swearing by its ability to clock 100,000 km or more with nothing but oil changes and some TLC.
What makes the DR650 truly special is its versatility. It’s light enough (166 kg dry weight) to be fun and manageable off-road, yet powerful enough to cruise at highway speeds without feeling like the engine is about to explode. Whether you’re commuting, tackling long-distance travel, or hitting the trails on the weekend, the DR does it all. Unlike some adventure bikes that feel sluggish on the street or too heavy off-road, the DR finds that perfect balance.
Now, let’s talk about its off-road capability. With a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and a respectable ground clearance of 266mm, the DR650 is more than capable of handling gnarly trails, deep sand, and rocky paths. But—and this is important—it’s still a big bike. While lighter than some of its adventure counterparts, it’s still heavier than a pure dirt bike, so it’ll require some muscle if you drop it in tricky terrain.
Fuel economy? Let’s just say it’s decent, but not mind-blowing. Expect around 5L/100 km (47 mpg), depending on how aggressively you ride. The stock 13-liter fuel tank isn’t great for long-distance adventures, but that’s why a lot of DR riders slap on a larger aftermarket tank, turning it into a true go-anywhere machine with extended range.
One of the biggest draws of the DR650 is how customizable it is. People modify these things like crazy—bigger fuel tanks, upgraded suspensions, better seats, rally fairings—you name it, the DR can take it. That’s what makes it such a brilliant platform; it can be anything you want it to be.
Would I love to own one? Absolutely. The Suzuki DR650 is the ultimate blank canvas for an adventure rider. Whether you want a lightweight overlander, a hardcore off-road beast, or a rugged commuter, the DR is up for the task. It’s simple, it’s tough, and it just doesn’t quit. And in a world of overcomplicated, high-tech motorcycles, there’s something refreshing about that.
Honda XR650 – The King of the Big-Bore Thumpers
Some bikes are built for speed. Some for comfort. But the Honda XR650? It was built to conquer. This is the big-bore thumper that refuses to die, the motorcycle equivalent of a warhorse—rugged, unbreakable, and ready for battle no matter where you take it. If adventure had a sound, it would be the deep, authoritative thump of an XR650 tearing through the wilderness.
At the heart of this beast is a 644cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, an absolute torque monster that delivers relentless low-end grunt. Forget high-revving, high-maintenance engines—this is old-school Honda engineering at its finest. There’s no liquid cooling, no unnecessary electronics, just pure mechanical simplicity that means fewer things to break when you’re hundreds of miles from civilization. This is the kind of bike you can fix with basic tools and some creative problem-solving, which is exactly why it’s a favorite among hardcore overlanders.
The XR650 is a weapon off-road. With its 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and nearly 330mm (13 inches) of ground clearance, it eats up rough terrain like a champ. Rocky paths, deep sand, technical trails—it doesn’t matter. The XR will power through with that big single-cylinder engine thumping away like a heartbeat. It’s the type of bike that makes you feel invincible, like you could ride through the apocalypse and come out the other side still smiling.
But let’s address the elephant in the room—this bike is not lightweight. At 157 kg (dry weight), it’s manageable compared to some of its adventure-bike cousins, but if you drop it on a steep incline, well… good luck picking it up without breaking a sweat. The weight is something to respect, but once you’re moving, the XR carries it well, and the bike’s bulletproof reliability more than makes up for any inconvenience.
Fuel economy? Let’s just say it likes to drink. The standard 10.6-liter tank isn’t exactly adventure-friendly, so most XR650 owners swap it out for a bigger tank—think 18 liters or more—to get the range needed for serious adventure travel. But let’s be honest, when you’re riding a machine this rugged, stopping for fuel just gives you a chance to admire it.
The XR650 is legendary for one reason—it just won’t die. Riders have put hundreds of thousands of kilometers on these bikes with minimal maintenance, proving that Honda built it to last. There’s a reason why you’ll find these bikes in the middle of nowhere, still kicking up dust, still thumping away, still doing what they do best.
Would I love to own one? Without a doubt. The Honda XR650 is the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything machine, a bike that doesn’t just take you on an adventure—it is the adventure. If I ever get my hands on one, you can bet it won’t be sitting in a garage—it’ll be out there, carving up trails, devouring dirt roads, and proving why it’s one of the greatest dual-sport motorcycles ever built.
If you enjoyed the read, drop a comment below and let me know which other legendary bike you’d love to see featured in this article!
Thank you
