These Are the Best BMW Adventure Motorcycles You Can Buy Right Now [2024 Edition]
Updated October 11, 2023 by Simon Bertram
For When You Just Want To Get Out There & Go On An Adventure
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These are the best BMW Adventure bikes you can buy new or used in 2023:
Just hearing someone say BMW adventure motorcycles conjures up images of twisty mountain highways, steep dusty trails, vast deserts, and dense forest roads. BMW is the company that pioneered the adventure motorcycle segment, and it’s the first that comes to mind for most riders when adventure touring is concerned.
The Bavarian company has been expanding its adventure lineup lately, and it now has a robust list of bikes that can satisfy basically any rider out there who has a penchant for taking a motorcycle where Harley folks wouldn’t dare. While there’s plenty of great options, choosing the best BMW adventure motorcycle has never been tougher. That’s why I thought it best to take a detailed look at the lineup and make some recommendations.
You might not agree with my selections, but dear reader, I want you to know that I have your best interest at heart. Below you’ll find what I think is the best BMW adventure motorcycle overall and what I think is the best for specific scenarios or buyers.
About Our Selections
In two words: culture and capability. BMW adventure motorcycles have achieved legendary status thanks to decades of successful, well-made, durable, and ultimately enjoyable motorcycles.
The simple fact of the matter is that the capabilities BMW built into its GS motorcycles have developed a specific rider culture for the brand. This is a very good thing for BMW, and something other brands will always have a tough time competing with.
Similar to the way there’s an entire culture around Harley-Davidson motorcycles in general or Honda Gold Wings for styling-challenged, comfort-seeking touring riders, the GS line of BMW adventure motorcycles has bred its own kind of rider, one that is always looking for a bigger and better adventure—at least in most cases.
I guess what I’m saying is that the bikes are good, really good, and because they’re so good, they’ve developed a near cult following that has loyalists who won’t be shaken. Perhaps the biggest feat that BMW has pulled off with these bikes is that its adventure motorcycles will fully satisfy you no matter where or how you ride. They’re designed to do everything and do it well.
Best Overall: BMW F850 GS
A perfectly balanced ADV for both the road and the dirt
Why We Picked It:
Some folks who think bigger equals better will fight me here. I think the BMW F 850 GS is a better motorcycle than the R 1250 GS. The bike is simply a more manageable machine, and it still offers plenty of power and good features. If you wanted a more hardcore off-roader, then the F 850 GS Adventure is a good choice, and I talk more about that below.
The standard F 850 GS offers a lot of value for the money. At a $13,290 starting price, the motorcycle is one of the best middleweight adventure bikes in the world. It’s also the sweet spot in my eyes for the BMW lineup. The bike features a strong 853cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder inline engine that makes 90 hp and 63 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power for comfortable highway riding and enough grunt to get you through tough situations in the dirt.
I chose this one over the R 1250 GS because it’s about $4,500 less expensive and can do pretty much everything the R 1250 GS can. It’s nimbler, thinner between the thighs, and just generally a little easier to handle. The R 1250 GS is still an amazing bike, but I’d rather save the money and get the F 850 GS.
Specifications:
Price: $13,290
Engine: 853cc inline four
Power: 90 HP
Torque: 63 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 504 lbs
Strengths:
Not too big, not too small. An example of a "Goldilocks motorcycle" as it is just right
Big power, without an oversized engine, and surprisingly big chunks of torque in the lower mid-range for the off-road duties
Nimble, thinner than its boxer-twin brethren, and supremely comfortable for all day adventuring
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Best Value: BMW G310 GS
Superbly affordable with all of the BMW features you'd expect on a bike from the Bavarians
Why We Picked It:
Honestly, the BMW F 850 GS is a great value for the money, but, the best value is the BMW G 310 GS. It’s a motorcycle that can do a whole heck of a lot for a low MSRP of only $6,485. The motorcycle is a great all-around little workhorse. It has real off-road capability and it's equally at home on the street.
The bike gets a 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 34 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque. That engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. It’s a good bike for a lot of different riders from the newbie to the veteran adventure rider who doesn’t want to have to deal with much weight.
When I was thinking of the best value option in BMW’s adventure motorcycle lineup, I almost settled on the F 750 GS, which is a great bike. I didn’t select it because it’s quite a bit more expensive than this bike and offers less suspension travel. It’ll be more at home at high speeds, but is less of a good all-around motorcycle.
Specifications:
Price: $6,485
Engine: 313cc four-stroke single
Power: 34 HP
Torque: 20 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 386 lbs
Strengths:
Has earned a reputation as a surprisingly capable little tractor of an ADV. It might only have 20 lbs-ft of torque, but it will pull all day, every day, from basically idle all the way to the upper rev range
Packed with all the expected features and optional extras you expect to find on its bigger brothers, at an almost bargain basement price
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Best Off-Roader: BMW F850 GS Adventure
A much more off-road focused version of the Best Overall bike, picked for very good reasons
Why We Picked It:
When it comes to the best BMW adventure motorcycle for the rider who wants to spend a lot of time on the dirt, I’d point to the BMW F 850 GS Adventure. The reasons listed above for the motorcycle to be the top pick overall, count here, too.
What makes this an even better off-road bike is that the Adventure model comes with a larger fuel tank—23 liters (6 gallons) instead of 15—additional protection for the engine and drivetrain components, height-adjustable windscreen, riding modes, and improved electronics.
This motorcycle is designed to take the extremely competent F 850 GS and turn it into a machine that can handle any terrain with ease. If you’re going to go pretty far off the beaten track, and you want a BMW motorcycle, this is the one I’d buy.
Specifications:
Price: $14,640
Engine: 853cc inline four
Power: 90 HP
Torque: 63 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 504 lbs
Strengths:
The more off-road oriented version of the best overall F850 GS
Huge 6 US gallon tank, engine guards, more robust drivetrain protection, height adjustable windscreen, rear wheel ABS deactivation option in settings, and about every other BMW feature that makes the F850 GS our overall pick
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Best Adventure Tourer: BMW R1250 GS
The quintessential adventure tourer that has defined the segment, in one form or another, for over 30 years
Why We Picked It:
Adventure touring is about finding those trails and dirt roads, but it’s also about touring across the country or around the world. While the bikes listed above will let you do that, if you’re really into the touring side of things, you can do no better than the BMW R 1250 GS.
The model is built to gobble up the miles. It features a 1,254cc twin-cylinder boxer engine that makes 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. It’s a good engine with smooth power that is right at home at touring speeds.
The R 1250 GS will handle situations off the pavement well, but it can also be a fantastic bike to take on long road trips. The saddle is extremely comfortable, the ride smooth, and there is good wind protection and plenty of technology features to keep you happy. It’s not cheap, though. The bike has a starting price of $17,895, and while that money gets you quite a lot, you’ve got to have somewhat deep pockets to make it happen.
Specifications:
Price: $17,995
Engine: 1,254cc boxer twin
Power: 136 HP
Torque: 105 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 549 lbs
Strengths:
Not just one of, but the best road-oriented adventure tourer of all time. The R-series have existed since BMW invented the ADV segment in 1981, defining it every step of the way
Absolutely packed with every feature you could want, and then has some super optional extras such as luggage kits, heated seats, extra 12v and USB ports for heated gear and mobile/GPS charging as needed
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Best Value Used: BMW F800 GS
The bike that the F850 GS evolved from, it's almost as good as the new bike, but much, much less expensive on the pre-owned market
Why We Picked It:
Note: This section refers to the 2008 to 2019 version, not the new 2024 F800 GS
If you're after a good BMW adventure motorcycle that's used, then your first look should be to the BMW F 800 GS. It's the bike that preceded the F 850 GS, and it's nearly as good. The fact of the matter is that the BMW F 850 GS is just a better version of this bike, so if you need to save a few bucks and buy a used machine, you won't do much better than this.
This motorcycle is a veritable do-it-all machine designed to put a grin on your face. Ask anyone who owns one of these, and you're bound to get that rider fawning over their bike. The F 800 GS features an inline two-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 798cc. That engine makes about 85 hp, which is enough for pretty much everything.
The F 800 GS comes with rain and road riding modes and ABS. Electronic suspension adjustment and electronic stability control are options. In general, this is a motorcycle that was designed to be the best adventure bike on earth, and it's still a top-quality machine today. Keep an eye out for these on the used market. You should be able to find one under $10,000, which is a steal in my mind.
Specifications (2019 Model):
Price: $13,195 in 2019
Engine: 798cc parallel twin
Power: 85 HP
Torque: 61 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 421 lbs
Strengths:
The previous version of the "Goldilocks" bike, with ample power, features, and a price that placed it perfectly in the ADV midrange
Had two editions, the 2008 to 2012 model and the 2013+ refresh. The biggest update for the 2013 onwards edition was the addition of BMW's superb Pro ABS, as well as optional electronic suspension adjustment and standard stability control
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Best Adventure Touring Used: BMW R1200 GS Adventure
An adventure tourer that was around for just over 15 years, an extremely capable and reliable bike!
Why We Picked It:
I listed the BMW R 1250 GS as the best new adventure touring motorcycle for touring, but the equivalent generation before it, the R 1200 GS is still a fantastic motorcycle and one way for you to get the big adventure bike from BMW without paying such a high price tag.
The BMW R 1200 GS might not be the newest and most advanced bike out there, but it still offers a whole heck of a lot in terms of power, abilities, and features. The motorcycle comes with a flat-twin 1,170cc engine that manages to churn out right around 110 hp, which when paired with the R 1200 GS's fantastic suspension and chassis is enough to get you basically anywhere on the earth comfortably.
The R 1200 GS can be found everywhere. BMW sold loads of them, so there are plenty of well-maintained options out there. Prices will vary depending on mileage and condition, but you should be able to find one for just over $10,000 that's ready to roll.
Specifications (2012 Model):
Price: $18,350 in 2012
Engine: 1,170cc boxer twin
Power: 109 HP
Torque: 89 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 505 lbs
Strengths:
One of BMW's best selling models ever, so there are a literal ton of bikes out there on the used market
Made famous by the Long Way Round and Long Way Down adventure documentaries featuring Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman
Expect to be paying between $8,000 for a fixer upper to $15,000 for a pristine example, depending on age and service history
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