Want to go anywhere for a £3k budget? These adventure legends would be my pick!
Once you have sampled an adventure bike, it is hard to resist sticking with this genre of motorcycle.
Practical, easy-going, rugged and great for pillions, adventure bikes really can offer the best of all worlds. But with prices of modern adventure bikes sky-rocketing, you would be forgiven for assuming that they all cost an arm and a leg.
- Related: Adventure riding gear buying guide
Fear not, here are five bargain adventure bikes that can be yours for less than £3000. They might be missing out on some of the latest tech but they still deliver where it counts.
MCN Recommended: 2004-2009 BMW R1200GS – £2500-£6000
Boxing clever with first ‘modern’ GS model
Spec:
- Power 100bhp
- Engine capacity 1170cc
- Seat height 840mm
- Kerb weight 220kg (wet)
Armed with £3000, you will be looking at a GS that has seen some action (over 40,000 miles) but this
shouldn’t be a problem as the BMW is generally very robust. The first of the ‘modern’ generation of GS
models, the R1200GS is built with road riders firmly in mind and as such is much better handling and more refined than its R1150GS predecessor. A fabulous bike that has come to define the adventure bike genre, it’s a proper do-anything machine that won’t let you down.
BMW R1200GS used buying advice
● While the 2010 R1200GS looks similar, it features a new twin-cam head with increased performance. It’s not a massive upgrade.
● Check around the plastic cover on the front of the engine. It carries sound-deadening material which can trap water, leading to corrosion.
● Check for oil leaks where the shaft meets the engine and also the rear hub, both are prone to weeping. Also inspect the clutch slave cylinder, its seal isn’t very robust.
● Listen for a grumble from the rear hub that indicates the bearing is worn. Replacing it will set you back around £350.
2003-2010 Honda XL1000V Varadero – £1800-£4000
A solid V-twin option for road-based adventurers
Spec:
- Power 92bhp
- Engine capacity 996cc
- Seat height 838mm
- Kerb weight 262kg (wet)
Honda’s Varadero 1000 is one of those bike that just gets on with the job. Powered by a FireStorm-based V-twin it is comfortable and very smooth, but its long-travel suspension and tall stance make its handling feel a touch top-heavy, especially when you add in the weight of a pillion and/or luggage. If you are a lofty rider, it’s a good option and has decent build quality.
Honda XL1000V Varadero used buying advice
● If you want ABS, you need to either buy a 2003 model with it fitted (it was an option) or a 2004-onwards bike when it became standard.
● Check the brake calipers as they seize pistons due to the CBS system, which operates two of the three
pistons independently.
● Although there is an earlier 1999-onwards Varadero model, it is best avoided. The 2003-onwards
generation is much more reliable.
● Check the remote preload adjuster on the shock turns freely.
2001-2007 Aprilia Caponord – £2500-£3500
Aprilia’s surprisingly good road adventurer
Spec:
- Power 98bhp
- Engine capacity 998cc
- Seat height 820mm
- Kerb weight 253kg (wet)
With a 25-litre fuel tank, the Aprilia Caponord is designed as a longdistance tarmac-tourer and harks back to a slightly quirky styling period in Aprilia’s history (remember the Futura?). Powered by a de-tuned RSV motor, the Capo has stacks of grunt but its sporty potential is let down by overly soft suspension. A comfortable option, it boasts excellent weather protection.
Aprilia Caponord used buying advice
● The shock is weak and the fork springs also poor quality. If either has been updated, it’s a good sign.
● Give the spokes a thorough inspection for both rust and damage. Look at the point where the spoke meets the hub as that’s where water collects, leading to corrosion.
● The RSV-based engine is solid but it benefits from having the throttle bodies balanced.
● If the gearchange is poor, bleed the clutch. Air always seems to get in there…
2004-2006 Kawasaki KLV1000 – £2500-£4500
It’s something different, but in a good way
Spec:
- Power 98bhp
- Engine capacity 996cc
- Seat height 840mm
- Kerb weight 232kg (wet)
The KLV1000 may be a V-Strom in disguise but it is not only betterlooking than the Suzuki, it also has an adjustable screen. Only built for two years before Suzuki and Kawasaki ended their arrangement, the KLV uses most of the V-Strom’s parts so spares aren’t an issue and it is a very comfortable and hardwearing
adventure bike. Perfect for demolishing miles on.
Kawasaki KLV1000 used buying advice
● Check the magnets on the stator are still held firmly in place, a few have worked their way loose due to
degraded glue. If this happens, it can easily write-off an engine.
● Inspect the subframe as owners report that it can rust. Although unlikely to lead to major structural
issues, it is best to catch this in the early stages and treat it with a specialist anti-corrosion product.
● Watch out for a damaged oil cooler, it gets hammered by stones and traps dirt, leading to corrosion.
2011-2014 Triumph Tiger 800 XC – £2800-£5000
A lightweight yet rugged option that’s big on fun
Spec:
- Power 94bhp
- Engine capacity 799cc
- Seat height 845mm
- Kerb weight 215kg (wet)
Not everyone wants a heavy adventure bike and the first generation of Tiger 800 XC is well worth considering if you think this way. With a 21in front wheel (the roadtargeted model has a 19in wheel), the XC has long-travel suspension and a brilliant engine. It’s a great solo adventurer that is more than happy to lap up the miles and its analogue nature means it is reliable too.
Triumph Tiger 800 XC used buying advice
● Switchable ABS was an option, so check the spec if you want the reassurance of this safety assist.
● Ensure the 12,000-mile service has been completed according to the schedule. As well as the valveclearance check, the suspension linkages should be stripped and other important checks completed.
● Be wary of faulty immobilisers. The OE Triumph unit can be a bit temperamental, so start and stop the bike and watch out for the immobiliser warning light.
