10 Bikes That Handle Bad Roads Better Than SUVs


2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Price: $31,995

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally sliding the rear in a dirt trail
Ducati

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally packs impressive features to justify the price tag. Contributing greatly to its handling and off-road dynamics is its long-travel semi-active suspension setup with 50 mm fully adjustable Marzocchi inverted front forks. These come with electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment.

Rider and pillion on a Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally with snow dotting the background landscape

Rider and pillion on a Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally with snow dotting the background landscape
Ducati

The rear setup consists of a fully adjustable monoshock with electronic adjustment. The rear suspension also automatically lowers the speed when it’s between 6 and 37 MPH. This is further complemented by a rugged and slim chassis and dual-sport Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires wrapped around 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. Powering this off-roading Ducati Multistrada is a 1,158 cc V4 engine producing 170 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque.


A rider jumping the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS on a trail


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2026 Ducati DesertX V2

Price: $16,995

2026 Ducati DesertX V2 off-roading cinematic front fascia view

A rider standing up and riding the Ducati DesertX V2 on an off-roading patch, front fascia close-up shot
Ducati

The DesertX V2 is Ducati’s newer, affordable weapon for off-roading fun. It is designed for serious trail runs thanks to a rally-inspired monocoque chassis and purpose-built ergonomics. Taking care of suspension duties are fully adjustable KYB systems at both ends. The front gets 46 mm inverted forks with 9.1 inches of travel, while the rear gets a monoshock with remote preload adjustability option and 8.7 inches of travel.

2026 Ducati DesertX V2 on an off-road course front third quarter view

2026 Ducati DesertX V2 on an off-road course front third quarter view
Ducati

This, when coupled with dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion rally STR tires wrapped around cross-spoked 21/18-inch wheels, helps the DesertX V2 be a capable trail-running bike. Its relatively low curb weight of under 500 pounds helps the cause by making it a nimble off-roader. All this while, Ducati’s 90-degree 890 cc V2 engine has 110.3 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque.

2026 Honda Africa Twin

Price: $15,199

Action shot of the Africa Twin jumping over a dune

Action shot of the Africa Twin jumping over a dune
Honda Powersports

Built in the image of a rally bike, the Honda Africa Twin is one of the most capable flagship ADVs today. Contributing to its superior off-roading capabilities are a dirt-focused chassis, a versatile engine, and a clever combination of electronics and rugged hardware. Honda claims the Africa Twin offers the highest suspension travel among 1,000 cc ADVs at 9.1 inches up top for the USD forks. The fully-adjustable Showa monoshock at the rear has 8.7 inches of travel, though.

Honda Africa Twin off-roading hd wallpaper

A rider standing up and riding the Honda Africa Twin along barren land, front third-quarter cinematic shot
Honda Powersports

This, when combined with the proven 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel sizes, cements the Africa Twin’s off-roading finesse. Other features that make this Honda a capable off-road companion include narrow, rally-inspired ergonomics and electronics such as dedicated Off-road and Gravel modes.

2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally

Price: $13,999

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally

Action shot of Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally off-roading through sand dunes
Aprilia

This is an overengineered middleweight ADV that proves that one doesn’t need a 1,200 cc big bike to tackle adventures. Helping the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally excel at off-roading is its competition-derived suspension setup. It comprises hardcore Kayaba 43 mm inverted front forks and a fully-adjustable rear monoshock. Both ends offer 9.4 inches of travel.

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally off-roading along sand dunes front third quarter cinematic shot

A rider off-roading the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally along sand dunes, front close-up shot
Aprilia

Complementing the springs is a lightweight chassis, and a true dirt-focused wheel setup comprising 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped around tubed dual-purpose tires. As for power, a versatile 659 cc parallel-twin engine producing 80 horsepower and 51.6 pound-feet of torque is present. All of this, combined with an impressively low curb weight of 439 pounds, makes this a nimble all-surface hooligan.


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2026 Yamaha Tenere 700

Price: $10,999

Rider aboard the Yamaha Ténéré 700 navigating off-road terrain

Rider aboard the Yamaha Ténéré 700 navigating off-road terrain, front third-quarter cinematic shot
Yamaha Motorsports

The Yamaha Tenere 700 comes in as an arch-rival to the aforementioned Aprilia Tuareg 660. In fact, this Yamaha is the flagbearer of the segment of ADVs that focus extensively on off-roading. What makes the Tenere exceptionally good at off-roading are its aggressive, rally-inspired features, including a slim form factor and ergonomics, a tractable engine, and long-travel suspension. The latter comprises fully-adjustable 43 mm inverted front forks with 8.3 inches of travel, along with a monoshock with preload and rebound damping adjustability and 7.9 inches of travel.

Rider on a Yamaha Ténéré 700 sliding in the dirt

Rider on a Yamaha Ténéré 700 kicking up dirt
Yamaha Motorsports

This long-travel suspension provides a maximum ground clearance of 9.4 inches. It’s true, off-road 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, wrapped with off-road-ready tires, complement the suspension setup. Powering the Tenere 700 is the famed 690 cc CP2 parallel-twin engine known for meaty low- and mid-range torque.

2026 Honda CRF450RL

Price: $10,099

Honda CRF450RL dual-sport off-roading hd wallpaper

Honda CRF450RL off-roading along a smooth trail, cinematic low-down shot
Honda Powersports

This is a hardcore dual-sport that is essentially a championship-winning motocross bike (the CRF450R) adapted for the streets. Helping this dual-sport handle dirt better than SUVs is a combination of a torque-rich engine, a wide-ratio transmission, a rugged chassis, and premium long-travel suspension. It comes equipped with premium Showa fully-adjustable 49 mm inverted forks with 12 inches of travel, alongside a Pro-Link Showa monoshock with 11.8 inches of travel.

Honda CRF450RL off-roading hd wallpaper view

A rider sliding on a red Honda CRF450RL on a wet off-road patch
Honda Powersports

This setup soaks up undulations along high-speed desert dunes, rocks, and even deep ruts. Its 449 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is derived from Honda’s motocross lineup and delivers aggressive, responsive power on demand. Combined with a low curb weight of just 289 pounds, the CRF450RL is a hooligan of a dual-sport.

2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S

Price: $8,999

A 2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S sliding in dirt

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S riding off-road
Suzuki Cycles

The Suzuki DR-Z4S is an evolution of the popular yet dated DR-Z400S. It builds upon the rugged, unkillable dual-sport packaging of its predecessor, adding more technology and refinement. New features on the DR-Z4S include a brand-new liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection and a more refined perimeter frame. Upholding its go-anywhere nature is an off-road-ready suspension setup that includes fully-adjustable KYB suspension at both ends.

A rider posing on the 2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S

2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S with a rider on top, side profile view
Suzuki Cycles

Further aiding its durable riding dynamics is a 21/18-inch spoke-wheel setup wrapped with IRC GP-410 dual-purpose tires, with disc brakes at both ends. Lastly, power comes from a 398 cc single that produces 38 horsepower and 27 pound-feet of torque. Its low curb weight of 333 pounds helps deliver a commendable power-to-weight ratio for nimble riding dynamics.


2026 Kawasaki KLX300 off-roading rear view cinematic shot


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2026 KTM 390 Adventure R

Price: $7,699

Rider on a KTM 390 Adventure R

Rider on a KTM 390 Adventure R
KTM – photographer: Tschann E.

The KTM 390 Adventure R is a solid, all-round package, but it surprises us more with its off-road capabilities. You get a rugged yet lightweight chassis suspended on durable long-travel WP suspension. It comprises fully adjustable inverted springs up front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends offer an impressive 9.1 inches of suspension travel.

Rider on a KTM 390 Adventure R splashing through a stream

Rider on a KTM 390 Adventure R splashing through a stream
KTM – photographer: Tschann E.

Couple this with the quintessential 21/18-inch spoke-rim and dual-purpose rubber combination, and we have a KTM that can tackle any surface. Furthermore, electronic features such as ride modes, switchable traction control with cornering function, and a by-wire throttle enhance the riding experience.

2026 Beta Alp 4.0

Price: $6,790

Beta Alp 4.0 riding through a water body cinematic shot

Beta Alp 4.0 riding through a water body, front third-quarter view
Beta Motorcycles

This is a lesser-known, off-road-ready motorcycle that handles any terrain. Beta lists the Alp 4.0 as an “Adventure” bike, but it’s essentially a very practical dual-sport. Its slim form factor, low curb weight under 320 pounds, and long-travel suspension are key features that contribute to its off-roading finesse. The suspension setup comprises 43 mm conventional front forks with 7.3 inches of travel and a monoshock that offers 7.7 inches of travel. This greatly contributes to its sizable 10.6-inch ground clearance.

Beta Alp 4.0 on an off-roading trail cinematic zoomed-out shot

A rider standing up and riding the Beta Alp 4.0 on an off-roading trail, cinematic zoomed-out shot
Beta Motorcycles

Beta follows a back-to-basics formula here with simplified yet durable underpinnings. However, the subtle technological integration is well-thought-out and includes essential features such as switchable ABS and ride modes. Other features that enhance its off-road handling include a low center of gravity and a dirt-focused wheel-and-tire setup.

2026 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Price: $5,999

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 off-roading

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 off-roading
Royal Enfield

This is the best value-for-money entry-level ADV on the market today. The sub-$6,000 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 takes the fight to the KTM 390 Adventure R with comparable off-roading finesse. Helping the Himmy handle bad roads well is a combination of a lightweight yet robust trellis frame and rugged suspension. It gets Showa-tuned inverted front forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Both ends offer a respectable 7.87 inches of suspension travel.

All-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 off-roading cinematic shot

All-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 off-roading cinematic shot
Royal Enfield

Couple this with the tried-and-tested 21/17-inch front/rear wheel combination wrapped with dual-purpose tires, and we have an ADV that can conquer challenging terrains with ease. Its punchy single-cylinder engine aids with meaty torque to glide over any surface. Furthermore, the technology integration also supports the cause with features such as by-wire throttle, switchable traction control with a cornering function, cornering ABS, and ride modes.

Sources: Beta Motorcycles USA, Honda Powersports, Suzuki Cycles, Ducati, KTM, Royal Enfield, Aprilia, and Yamaha Motorsports



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