10 Fastest Adventure Touring Motorcycles

Adventure motorcycles have come a long way since their initial conception as dual-sport motorcycles (originally designed to traverse trails). They have now evolved into powerful adventure touring motorcycles, which provide added comfort and highway travel abilities. These versatile machines can handle both paved roads and dirt tracks (to an extent), making them ideal for exploration beyond tarmac. As a result, they have gained immense popularity among riders who cherish the versatility of going on long-distance rides and getting off the paved road whenever possible.

In recent years, the market has witnessed an explosion of adventure touring motorcycles, each offering unique features and performance. Whether you are munching smooth highways or tackling back-country trails, these bikes simply deliver. And if you want to do all this at some serious speeds, you can also enjoy that. Focusing on the latter, we have compiled a list of the top fastest adventure touring motorcycles on the market.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers’ official websites and reputed online websites like hotcars.com, and fastestlaps.com. The motorcycles on this list have been arranged based on their top speed, starting with the lowest, and advancing to the highest top speed.

15 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

Top Speed: 129 MPH

Suzuki V-Strom motorcycles are a popular choice among riders for long-distance adventures. These bikes are renowned for their strong performance, reliability, ergonomic design, sturdy suspension, and spoked wheels, making them ideal for both on-road and off-road riding. The V-Strom 1050DE model is the most adventure-ready version of the flagship ADV, decked with capable underpinnings to handle any terrain.

It is powered by a proven 1,037cc V-twin engine that produces 106 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of peak torque, helping the bike to go up to 129 mph. For those who want even more features for long-distance comfort and practicality, Suzuki also provides the 1050DE Adventure version. This variant, starting at $17,799, includes extra features such as luggage storage, but remains mechanically unchanged.

Performance Specification

Source: Suzuki

14 Honda Transalp

Top Speed: 135 MPH

The Honda Transalp is a versatile adventure bike that can take on rugged terrain, long highway rides, and everyday commutes. It is the most affordable ADV on the list, with a starting price of $9,999, making it excellent value for riders looking to get into adventure riding. The Transalp is powered by a 755cc parallel-twin engine with Honda’s Unicam design, which produces 90 horsepower and 55.3 pound-feet of torque. It can go up to a maximum speed of 135 mph. You might argue it’s not as capable as its elder sibling (the Africa Twin), but let’s not forget how VFM this is!

Performance Specification

Source: Honda, fastestlaps.com

13 Husqvarna Norden 901

Top Speed: 135 MPH

Husqvarna launched the Norden 901 in 2021, setting a high bar for the middleweight adventure motorcycle segment. The ADV is purpose-built and extremely capable, ready to head out on any adventure and challenge. The powerful and torque-loaded 889cc parallel-twin engine offers ample performance, enough to propel the bike to a top speed of 135 mph. Additionally, the brand offers the Norden 901 Expedition variant, which is fully decked out with a handful of extras, such as side cases. Overall, the Swedish company has standardized the 901 into a fully functional all-terrain two-wheel overlander.

Performance Specification

Source: Husqvarna, fastestlaps.com

12 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Top Speed: 136 MPH

The BMW R 1250 GS has been a popular choice for adventure touring enthusiasts since its introduction in 2019. Its Adventure variant is a highly versatile motorcycle that can handle any terrain, from smooth highways to challenging off-road trails. It’s a true “go anywhere” machine that’s perfect for adventurous riders (if you can deal with its enormous dimensions). The ADV is powered by a 1,254cc liquid-cooled flat twin engine that generates 136 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 136 mph. And before you ask, yes, we know the R 1300 GS exists. Keep reading.

Performance Specification

Source: BMW, fastestlaps.com

11 Yamaha Super Ténéré ES

Top Speed: 136 MPH

The Yamaha Super Tenere ES is the elder sibling of the popular middleweight ADV, Tenere 700. It boasts a bigger 1,199cc parallel-twin engine that can reach a top speed of 136 mph. This Japanese ADV is highly capable of long-distance adventure rides, backed by Yamaha’s reliability. A host of electronics also make life easier. It comes with electronically adjustable long-travel suspension, spoked wheels, heated grips, and a large 6.1-gallon fuel tank that gives it a healthy range.

Performance Specification

Source: Yamaha

10 Triumph Tiger 1200

Top Speed: 137 MPH

The Triumph Tiger 1200 ADVs are synonymous with adventure touring. And the updated lineup has made it even more suitable for exploring unfamiliar parts of the world with confidence. The motorcycle is available in two different variants. The Rally models are more geared towards off-roading, while the GT lineup is designed for touring duties.

The 1200 is powered by the infamous 1,160cc inline-triple DOHC engine that produces 148 horsepower and 95 pound-feet of torque. This is topped by comfortable riding quality combined with high performance to handle any terrain with ease. Prices start from $21,895 and go up to $24,895, depending on the variant. Pick your poison!

Performance Specification

Source: Triumph

9 Ducati DesertX

Top Speed: 138 MPH

The Ducati DesertX is an Italian beauty designed for riders who love off-road adventures. It comes with a rugged design and a powerful engine that can conquer even the toughest terrain. The ADV is powered by a 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11-degree L-twin engine that provides enough power to reach a maximum speed of 138 mph. For those seeking even more advanced off-road capabilities, the Ducati also offers the DesertX Rally variant with more advanced features and equipment.

Performance Specification

Source: Ducati, fastestlaps.com

8 KTM 790 Adventure

Top Speed: 140 MPH

KTM offers a wide range of adventure motorcycles catering to all kinds of riders. Its lineup has various options with different engine capacities and features to suit different riding styles and budgets. The 790 Adventure is a mid-range, compact, and nimble model perfect for dedicated trailblazing. Its 799cc parallel-twin engine produces 95 horsepower and 64.1 pound-feet of torque, while its low seat height and center of gravity make it confidence-inspiring on technical terrain or dirt roads.

Performance Specification

Source: KTM

7 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES

Top Speed: 140 MPH

The Honda Africa Twin has established itself as a significant player in the adventure touring motorcycle segment. In 2024, Honda has updated the package with a handful of updates. There are four models, each with a unique set of features and design elements that combine to create a likable lineup. The liquid-cooled 1,084cc parallel-twin engine produces 101 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, good enough for a top speed of 140 mph.

For long-distance adventure touring, the Adventure Sports ES models have specially designed features like electronically controlled suspension, an adjustable windscreen, a larger fuel tank, heated grips, and a 19-inch front wheel. You also have an automatic DCT model that allows you to cruise down the highway effortlessly. It’d be our pick in the lineup if we had to go globe-trotting.

Performance Specification

Source: Honda, fastestlaps.com

6 Moto Guzzi Stelvio

Top Speed: ~140 MPH

Moto Guzzi has introduced the Stelvio for 2024. It is based on the highly hit V100 Mandello but has been modified to boost off-road capabilities. The changes include 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, a KYB mono-shock at the back, and 46mm Sachs upside-down forks at the front. With a starting price of $16,390, it features a proven 1,042cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 77.4 pound-feet of torque, allowing the bike to reach speeds of up to 140 mph. The ADV also includes optional front and rear radars, which enable adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection functions.

Performance Specification

Source: Moto Guzzi

5 BMW R 1300 GS Trophy

Top Speed: 140 MPH

The all-new BMW R 1300 GS pushes the already acclaimed off-road prowess of the 1250 GS to a new level. The flagship GS ADV is sharper and lighter in its latest iteration, with improved riding comfort and a strong build capable of handling all kinds of terrain. With a 1,300cc boxer engine producing 145 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque, it can clock speeds of up to 140 mph. Additionally, BMW has packed the ADV with an extensive list of cutting-edge technology to guarantee comfort on long adventure trips.

Performance Specification

Source: BMW

4 Harley-Davidson Pan America

Top Speed: 141 MPH

Harley-Davidson broke away from its cruiser-style touring models with the introduction of the Pan America 1250. This new addition to the brand’s lineup has been highly popular and has set sales charts on fire. It comes with the advanced Revolution Max 1250 V-twin engine that generates a mind-boggling 150 horsepower and 95 pound-feet of torque.

This results in an impressive top speed of 141 mph, along with a strong acceleration like nothing before from the brand. The starting price of this bike is $19,999. Harley-Davidson also offers a fully kitted-out CVO Pan America, which is the new flagship ADV. That’s for all of you who don’t mind splurging for an exclusive piece (it’s priced at $28,399).

Performance Specification

Source: Harley-Davidson

3 MV Agusta LXP Orioli

Top Speed: 143 MPH

Another Italian beauty on the list is the infamous MV Agusta LXP Orioli – a luxurious ADV that pays tribute to the Italian motorcycling legend Edi Orioli. The bike comes with a range of off-road components such as tubeless spoke Takasago rims, crash bars, LED aux lights, a sturdy Sachs suspension, and a skid plate. It also features ABS with a switchable off-road mode that offers top-notch braking with Brembo Stylema brake calipers. If you’re a passionate adventure tourer looking for an exclusive and high-performance ADV with a rich history and a connection to a legendary figure, the MV Agusta LXP Orioli could be a dream machine.

Performance Specification

Source: MV Agusta

2 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Top Speed: 155 MPH

The Ducati Multistrada series has long been known as one of the most high-performance adventure touring motorcycles. The Rally model is an upgraded version of the Multistrada V4 S, specifically designed for off-road riding. It is powered by the 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine, which generates an impressive 170 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque, allowing the bike to reach a top speed of 155 mph. The ADV is excellent for all types of terrain, equally capable on long highways as it is on challenging off-road tracks. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Travel & Radar package, including radar, aluminum side cases, heated grips, heated rider, and passenger seats, skid plate, and tubeless spoked rims.

Performance Specification

Source: Ducati, fastestlaps.com

1 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Top Speed: 155 MPH

The 1290 Super Adventure S is KTM’s top-of-the-line adventure touring motorcycle designed to handle any terrain and provide the fastest way to cover long distances. KTM offers the flagship ADV in two models: the Adventure S, which prioritizes tarmac comfort, and the Adventure R, which is more off-road focused. With a 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine (producing 160 horsepower and 101.8 pound-feet of torque), agile handling, and class-leading technology, this sporty all-rounder is the ultimate high-performance adventure package. Additionally, it features an advanced suspension setup and a comprehensive suite of rider aids.

Performance Specification

Source: KTM, fastestlaps.com