Adventure bikes vs Touring bikes which one is the best

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Long Story Short: We will discuss choosing the best and guide you in detail between Adventure bikes vs Touring bikes in detail.

Motorcycles or bikes come in different types; the main distinguishing factor is the body style, and there are, in total, 13 types. To get more info related to the same, check out this article. Here, we are going to discuss in depth the most looked-upon motorcycle types, and they are

1. Adventure Motorcycles (ADV)
2. Touring Motorcycles

Both these types of bikes have seen massive sales growth, and the main factor behind this is customer preference. Times had changed when the motorcycle was just a mode of transportation confined within city or district limits. The spending power and rising travel interests among Gen Z have catapulted the rise in these motorcycle types. With the latest generation of motorcycles, long-distance crunching is becoming easier and comfy due to the advances in technology offered by the latest bikes. The motorcycle is now an all-India travel machine. Now, you can continuously ride a bike for a month (while taking enough breaks and rest) to reach your dream destination. As we all know nowadays, a long ride to Kashmir on a motorcycle is a frequent post on social media.

Adventure Bikes Vs. Touring Bikes

As we all know, roads in India are only sometimes paved everywhere, as we often encounter off-roads. Offroads will be there in long hauls or trips. Absolute yes. Which one handles both Adventure bikes or Touring Bikes? We must first understand this motorcycle type or body style to compare both.

What is a Touring Bike?

Tourers are cruisers that can also do a bit of offroading work. They can handle both paved and offroads similarly. Tourers have many travel accessories, a major USP compared to cruisers. Styling is modern, and ergonomics is always on the comfortable side. Most tourer motorcycles are semi-naked, and engine capacity is around 350cc and above.

Some examples are

1. Hero Xpulse 200T 4V
2. BMW R 1250 GS
3. Kawasaki Versys 650
4. Triumph Tiger Sport 660

What is an Adventure Bike (ADV)?

Adventure bikes are tourer bikes with more suspension travel, offroad tyres, and extra features. So they are also known as all-purpose, Dual sport,all-road, on/off-road which can handle all types of roads along with long-distance rides. The engine capacity of ADV bikes starts from around 650cc and above.

Some examples are

1. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
2. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
3. KTM 390 Adventure
4. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally
5. Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro

I hope you know the primary difference now between both.

Key similarities between Adventure and Touring Bikes

1. They comfortably handle long trips and hauls
2. Relatively large body style with relaxed ergonomics
3. They can also take offroads along with paved roads
4. Both are touring bikes
5. Semi-naked in body style and have a windshield
6. Both come with enough features

Difference between Adventure and Touring Bikes

1. Adventure bikes come with more features
2. Adventure bikes have more ride modes
3. Most Adventure bikes come with offroad tyres with spoke wheels & skid plates
4. Adventure bikes come with heated grips and heated seats
5. Adventure bikes have more suspension travel
6. Most Adventure bikes have upright stance with higher ground clearance
7. Most Adventure bikes have the stand-up capability
8. Adventure bikes have large fuel tanks
9. ADV bikes have extensive customization options
10. ADV bikes have extensive service intervals

Which one is the best in the Adventure Bikes vs. Touring Bikes shootout?

Adventure Bikes, as the name mentions, are pure offroaders. Everything on ADV is designed and built for that. If you want to go deep into unexplored areas, then Adventure bikes are the ones to opt for. These bikes are big and more enormous in proportion. The more significant suspension travel, standing-up capability, different ride modes, heated seats, heated grips, and dual sport tyres aid offroading superbly in ADV bikes.

The customization options of the adventure bikes are jaw-dropping, and so is the price tag. You can add and replace most of the components in an adventure bike at your convenience, and it can be made entirely of your own motorcycle.

Adventure bikes’ serviceability, reliability, and affordability are superb, as the service interval is more extensive than touring bikes. Also, minimal bodywork confirms that critical components can be easily reached and repaired. The longevity of parts and vital components is higher and more rigid than other motorcycle types as they encounter different environmental conditions.

Riding on tighter roads and traffic might be uncomfortable on an Adventure bike. Keep that in mind. Suppose you are tight on budget but must traverse long distances, compromising pure offroading. In that case, touring bikes are the best option. Cost and customization options are less than those of ADV bikes.

FAQ related to adventure bikes vs touring bikes

1. How do the riding positions differ between adventure and touring bikes?

Adventure bikes offer a more upright riding position with higher ground clearance, providing better visibility and manoeuvrability in off-road conditions. Touring motorcycles offer a more relaxed riding position focusing on rider comfort during long highway journeys, often incorporating amenities such as adjustable windscreens and heated grips.

2. How do the technological features differ?

Adventure motorcycles often include features tailored for off-road performance, such as off-road riding modes and traction control. Touring motorcycles focus on providing a smooth and stable ride on highways, incorporating features like cruise control and advanced navigation systems for long-distance comfort.

3. How do the suspension systems compare?

Adventure bikes have long-travel suspension systems and robust chassis to handle rough terrain and enhance off-road capabilities. Touring motorcycles prioritize stability and comfort on paved roads, featuring advanced suspension systems and optimized handling for long-distance cruising.

4. How should one decide between an adventure and a touring motorcycle?

The choice between an adventure and a touring motorcycle depends on the terrain you wish to ride on, your desired specifications, and your personal riding preferences. An adventure motorcycle is ideal if you want a bike that can handle a wide range of terrain. A touring motorcycle is the better choice for a comfortable, luxurious ride on long road trips.

5. Which type of motorcycle is better for off-road riding?

Adventure motorcycles are specifically designed to handle various terrain and conditions, usually in remote areas, making them more suitable for off-road riding. They include off-road riding modes, traction control, and rugged tyres to tackle challenging landscapes.

6. Which type of motorcycle is more versatile?

Adventure bikes are known for their versatility, and they are capable of handling both on- and off-road environments, making them highly adaptable. Touring motorcycles are primarily designed for paved roads but offer a comfortable and stable ride on various road surfaces.

7. What are the storage options available for each type of bike?

Touring motorcycles often have extensive storage capacity, featuring integrated hard-shell panniers and top cases for carrying travel essentials during long-distance road trips. Adventure bikes also accommodate various luggage options, including panniers and top cases. Still, they focus more on flexibility for carrying gear needed for off-road adventures.

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3. A Clash of Eras: New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 vs Old Bullet 350
4. Motorcycle Fuel Injection vs. Carburetor – Comparison
5. Zontes 350T ADV

Conclusion

Adventure Bikes are SUVs of the motorcycle world, while touring bikes are Sedans with little off-road capability. So if you need pure off-road experience, opt for ADV, that’s all. If you must compromise on price tag and off-road capabilities, go for Touring Bikes. Cruisers can also be considered if your ride is confined to paved roads. The final decision is all yours and depends upon the ride conditions you need to travel. The fundamental purpose of this article is to guide you in selecting the right one for your needs.

In this article, we hope all your doubts about buying an ADV or touring a motorcycle are cleared. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. You can also share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.