Expert guide to: sub-£3k adventures

Tall, upright and comfortable, adventure bikes make for great tourers – and that’s the secret of their enduring success.

If you are after a bike to carry you and a pillion on a tarmac trip away, adventure bikes make great travelling companions.

But with the latest crop of tech-heavy machines devouring upwards of £20k, buying one is a very serious commitment.

Which is where these five bikes step in. Costing less than £3k, these five adventure-style bikes are packed with practicality and won’t bust your budget…

MCN best buy: Honda Varadero (2003-10)

Honda’s road-going V-twin has so much to offer

• 92bhp
• 996cc
• 838mm seat height
• 262kg (kerb)

The Varadero is a brilliant workhorse that has a good reputation for reliability and build quality…