Adventure bike comparison

8 enduro bikes in the test

The strengths and weaknesses of 8 current touring enduro bikes in a tough comparison. NastyNils tests with standard tires and speaks plainly. Which is the best adventure bike?

by nastynils on 5/31/2022

We couldn't miss this chance. Bridgestone set up an incredibly detailed test for the new AT41 touring enduro tire. We rode a total of 8 different touring enduros over 2 days. On the first day, we focused on the previous "middle class", and on the second day, we experienced the powerful desert bombers. We began the tour in San Sebastian and were able to test the bikes in extremely diverse conditions.

Bridgestone AT41 - Road tire with off-road look

The new AT41 appears to be a sturdy off-road tire, but delivers performance comparable to that of genuine road tires. This enabled us to truly test the bikes to their limits on pavement and experience a touch of adventure on the gravel sections. Throughout all of this, we encountered highly diverse weather conditions. We began in the rain by the Atlantic Ocean and found ourselves sweating in 30-degree heat in the desert.

The standard tire on test: The new Bridgestone AT41

Scoring and emotion - do the results coincide?

As a motorcycle journalist, I am tasked with translating this text corpus into English for a report on an Enduro. I will provide you with a DeepL translation of the report with technical vocabulary. Your task is to create your own translation tailored specifically to Enduro. For technical vocabulary, use the translation provided by DeepL. Your translation must be idiomatic. Ensure that the response is both accurate in content and grammar. Respect the usual sentence structure of the target language. Only provide the specific translation in your response, do not add any other comments. If you find a link embedded in the text, include it in your translation with the same formatting as the original and ensure that Markdown formatting is not removed. If you encounter tables, maintain the same formatting in your translation. Here is the DeepL translation: As always, I use the opportunity to compare bikes for intensive testing. I eagerly note down the strengths and weaknesses of the individual bikes and also like to collect data in the form of tables. I mentally pit the bikes against each other in each individual area and write down a tough ranking. At the end, I close my eyes and start dreaming. In which order would I like to take the bikes home with me? As a counter-check, I do the reverse in my mind. Which bike am I most likely to be able to do without?

I then tally up the results from my tables and once again was pleasantly surprised by how closely they aligned with my gut feelings. Typically, I don't delve into the specifics of my notes, but rather aim to merge my overall impressions with the emotions captured in my videos. This approach is necessary because German readers, in particular, have a tendency to blindly trust test results that clearly declare a winner. However, a bike that wins on points may not necessarily be the best choice for every rider. Therefore, I strongly advise against simply glancing at the ranking table. Only when you combine it with the video and the report here on 1000PS will you be fully equipped to make an informed purchasing decision.

NastyNils Protocol enduro comparison

-Tenere 700F 850 GS890 Adv RNorden 901Africa Twin1290 Super Adv RR 1250 GSMultistrada V4S
Engine comfort and dosage87651432
Engine revviness48126573
Engine acceleration87456231
Engine power78456231
Transmission38441272
Quickshifter76337251
Clutch27561384
Regulation traction control87442361
Adjustability traction control87335261
Quality switch53661832
Logic controls12558427
Cell phone connectivity82563417
Stabilität87653421
Handling68245731
Präzision78542631
Suspension quality58462361
Suspension adjustment range58263371
Brake dosage87443261
Brake effect87345261
Verbrauch21543768
Wind protection Effect and adjustment range73854621
Sitzbank87624351
---------
-Twin cylinder 700F 850 GS890 Adv RNorden 901Africa Twin1290 Super Adv RR 1250 GSMultistrada V4S
Durchschnittliche Position6.0456.1824.3184.4553.6823.8184.5452.227
Overall position78452361

Placings of the enduro bikes in the standings

Test result 8-series comparison - touring enduros in practice

  1. Ducati Multistrada V4 S
  2. Honda CRF 1100 L Adventure Sports
  3. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
  4. KTM 890 Adventure R
  5. Husqvarna Norden 901
  6. BMW R 1250 GS
  7. Yamaha Tenere 700
  8. BMW F 850 GS

Looking at the points table, it's disappointing to see the Tenere 700's underperformance. Personally, I find it to be an excellent Enduro motorcycle. However, in terms of electronics and overall finesse, it falls short compared to more expensive bikes. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada V4S stands out as the clear winner in my opinion. It was the most enjoyable to ride and the fastest in the test, excelling in nearly all aspects. But unlike the privileged test rider, as a buyer, you'll need to pay a premium for this performance. Therefore, it's important to consider the power offered in relation to your own financial situation.

I have compiled the strengths and weaknesses of each bike at the end of this page. In the extensive video on our YouTube channel I provide you with direct and impactful riding impressions from the saddle or shortly after the test ride.

Price comparison 8 touring enduros 2022

Here you can find the price comparison of these 8 Enduros in action. What is the availability like? Which model currently has a large number of stock vehicles? How significant is the discount level? In this overview, we showcase all motorcycles from model years 2020 - 2022 with a maximum mileage of 10,000.

The entire test was truly thrilling, as the new AT41 from Bridgestone performed exceptionally well on all the motorcycles. I had the opportunity to thoroughly test the bikes side by side and was amazed by the minor yet significant differences. Here are the purchasing recommendations for various riding styles in a nutshell.

Der Enduro-Experte: Yamaha Tenere 700 oder Honda Africa Twin-Zylinder ** Der Erste bei hohen Drehzahlen: Ducati Multistrada V4S ** Haben ist besser als brauchen: KTM 1290 Super Adventure R * Treuer Begleiter für alle Situationen: Honda Africa Twin-Zylinder * Reisen und spritziges Fahren: KTM 890 Adventure R ** Universelles Talent: Husqvarna 901 Norden * Im Zweifelsfall: BMW R 1250 GS

Why are there no bikes here?

In this test, I had a total of 8 different Enduros with me. However, notable bikes such as the new Desert X, the Tiger 900, and the new Tiger 1200 were absent, as they were not available for the Bridgestone tire test. Nevertheless, I wanted to seize the opportunity to conduct the test for our community. We will be releasing some Enduro comparisons in 2022. Most recently, for instance, the comparison of the R 1250 GS with the Tiger 1200 GT Pro was published.

We enjoyed the great views in the raw north of the Iberian Peninsula.

The challenging Enduro ride was not only physically demanding but also a feast for the eyes. Here is our selected route through the stunning off-road terrain. However, you can discover different paths in various directions using Calimoto. This region is ideal for incorporating into a larger Enduro tour of the Pyrenees.

Behind the scenes

Mängel und Fehler: Der linke Kombischalter an der KTM 1290 Super Adventure R weigerte sich zu funktionieren. Während des Tests konnte keine Ursache gefunden werden. Es gab keine anderen Mängel oder Unfälle.

Defekte und Fehler: Der linke Kombischalter an der KTM 1290 Super Adventure R funktionierte nicht. Während des Tests konnte keine Ursache festgestellt werden. Es gab keine weiteren Defekte oder Unfälle.

Did the tire influence the test result: All motorcycles were equipped with the same tires. However, Bridgestone utilizes a distinct carcass structure for each wheel size and dimension. In general, the tire performed well on all motorcycles. Nevertheless, it tended to improve motorcycles that were initially too twitchy and unstable.

NastyNils

"Am Ende der Etappen kamen wir meistens in der gleichen Reihenfolge an - egal wer auf welchem Motorrad saß."

Was die anderen Testfahrer sagten: Natürlich waren die Meinungen unterschiedlich. Insgesamt erzielte die Tenere 700 viele Pluspunkte. Es war ein beliebtes Motorrad trotz seiner geringeren Leistung. Die F850GS wurde insgesamt nicht so gut aufgenommen. Bei Café-Pausen war es oft das Motorrad, das der Kollege fahren musste, der als letzter sein Café geleert hatte. Mit den anderen Motorrädern war die Stimmung jedoch sehr unterschiedlich. Es war auch beeindruckend und ernüchternd, dass unser Guide das Tempo auf einer KTM 890 Adventure vorgab. Ehrlich gesagt musste ich mich sehr konzentrieren, um das hohe Tempo mitzuhalten. Im Gegensatz dazu schien sie eher entspannt und gelassen zu sein. Die jeweilige Motorleistung hatte auch weniger Einfluss auf die Geschwindigkeit der einzelnen Kollegen. Am Ende der einzelnen Etappen kamen wir normalerweise in derselben Reihenfolge an.

Conclusion: KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022

The Super Adventure R presented itself as a great adventure bike during the intensive test. It offered a great combination of long-distance comfort and off-road capability. You won't find this combination on any other bike. It is the bike with the widest range of use on the market. It would survive a lap on the mx bike track, but would still be fun at 200 km/h on the race track afterwards. Of course, many things about the 1290 are oversized. It is a bike for those people who always like to "have" something rather than really "need" it.


  • Robust overall impression
  • high-quality and practical suspension
  • great seat for plenty of endurance in the saddle
  • sporty and high-quality components
  • powerful but easy to control engine
  • practical riding aids
  • very versatile
  • Fiddly controls
  • scratches and signs of wear were noticeable on the test bike after just a few kilometers

Conclusion: BMW F 850 GS 2022

The BMW F 850 GS also scores points in 2022 with its pleasant ergonomics and accessible character. It is easy to operate and you quickly feel comfortable on the bike. The longer the tour lasts, the more you miss the finesse in the details. The damping of the fork is too slack and not adjustable. The engine gets a little too boring in the long run and the gearshift and quickshifter are always choppy. In direct comparison with other touring enduros, it is always somewhat overshadowed by more exciting models.


  • Good wind and weather protection
  • Well thought-out operating concept
  • Practical features
  • Very accessible operation and driveability in everyday life
  • Good seating comfort
  • Great connectivity solution
  • Vibrations in the upper rev range
  • boring engine
  • clunky quickshifter gearshift
  • front damping too slack
  • fork not adjustable
  • sluggish ride feel
  • front brake could do with more bite

Conclusion: BMW R 1250 GS 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS also presents itself as a very complete bike in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it impresses on intensive rides. The bike scores points with its superb engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. In a direct comparison with other top-of-the-range touring enduros, however, it shows its first weaknesses in terms of features and components. In direct comparison, however, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.


  • Extremely high-torque boxer engine
  • comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances
  • great app integration
  • sophisticated operating concept
  • great ergonomics
  • many customization options
  • great handling with strong confidence in the front
  • easy to ride
  • Shifting at low revs is choppy
  • seat too loose
  • brakes and suspension no longer at the level of the strong competition

Conclusion: Yamaha Tenere 700 2022

The Tenere 700 is still unrivaled in 2022. It offers the best compromise between price, off-road capability and riding comfort on the road. It goes straight to the heart, is great fun to ride and is a bike for a wide range of uses. Die-hard fans will forgive the lack of electronic features. The somewhat lax brakes and the annoying fuel cap will probably not.


  • Very robust and reliable appearance
  • sporty and sleek look
  • playful riding performance
  • amazingly sporty and fun engine
  • good workmanship
  • good suspension with a practical adjustment range
  • comparatively low weight
  • very tough
  • ABS disengageable
  • very off-road capable
  • Lack of seating comfort on longer touring
  • brakes seem a bit cheap - lax pressure point and poor braking performance
  • vibrating display annoying
  • fuel filler cap impractical
  • very short equipment list in terms of electronics

Conclusion: Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports 2022

The Africa twin cylinder is a true enduro bike with tough rider qualities. It looks robust and is ideally equipped for almost every area of use. The engine is good, but won't blow adrenaline junkies away. The wind protection is great, but already too good in summer. Components and add-on parts are of a high standard. The overall build quality is superior and the cell phone integration is a great solution. Even after many test rides, the switches still seem illogical and confusing. In direct comparison, it somehow floats above things. It simply rides confidently and well, but cannot shine with spectacular values.


  • Very good suspension - in both mechanical and electronic versions
  • DCT option makes the bike a superior touring motorcycle
  • high-quality and practical electronic riding aids
  • fundamentally good wind protection
  • high-quality overall impression
  • flawless engine with great reponsiveness and linear torque curve
  • accessible handling
  • very pleasant riding performance
  • wonderfully versatile bike
  • Wind protection too good in the heat - even the lowest position of the windshield hardly lets any wind through
  • operation via the numerous switches seems complex even after 2 days of testing
  • seat seems a little too soft after a long day.

Conclusion: Husqvarna Norden 901 2022

The Husqvarna Norden 901 is a great addition to the touring enduro segment. It is incredibly versatile. On the one hand, it is easy and accessible to ride and is a great everyday companion. On the other hand, it is emotional and dynamic. With a little more effort, individual details could have been pushed even further towards the upper class.


  • charismatic engine is a lot of fun when touring
  • practical riding aids
  • great seating comfort
  • independent and modern look
  • practical suspension elements that do a good job when touring
  • linear torque curve from the engine
  • hardly any vibrations in the saddle
  • height of comfort when touring
  • Wind protection could be improved in class comparison
  • wind protection not adjustable
  • front seems a little more sedate in class comparison
  • in city traffic, the engine sometimes seems a little nervous for its dignified character
  • no USB plug in the cockpit
  • individual add-on parts and gap dimensions could do with more attention to detail

Conclusion: KTM 890 Adventure R 2022

In the current comparison with bikes in the upper performance class, it has always been able to keep up in practice. The great engine is revvy and powerful enough to make the lightweight bike dance through the corners. The suspension allows a wide range of settings and you can really fire up the bike on the road but also inhale tough off-road passages. An adventure bike with a very wide range of use.


  • Even compared to the larger touring enduros, there is no lack of power in the engine - a real beauty
  • Great quickshifter
  • Great handling
  • Practical ergonomics
  • Good ride comfort
  • Very good electronics package
  • Good brakes
  • High-quality suspension
  • Surprisingly low fuel consumption
  • Great quickshifter
  • Wind protection only mediocre
  • adjustable windscreen only with tools
  • missing preload handwheel in practice
  • oil cap difficult to access
  • in city traffic, engine sometimes hangs a little too nervously on the throttle
  • fiddly switches
  • seat a little uncomfortable on long tours

Conclusion: Ducati Multistrada V4 S 2022

In the current test, the Multistrada had to compete with 7 opponents on extremely varied terrain. Once again, it was the fastest and overall best bike. Logically, it is also the most expensive bike in this class. The Ducati crew has poured all the high-quality ingredients into the bike that money can buy. These have been combined into a harmonious overall package that rids incredibly well. A worthy winner of various comparison tests at a proud price.


  • Incredibly great riding performance - neutral, harmonious, nimble but still stable
  • Real adventure bike feeling in the saddle
  • Great brakes
  • Fascinating, impressively powerful engine
  • Engine performance wonderfully controllable thanks to terrific reponsiveness
  • Comfortable seating position
  • Good ergonomics even when standing up
  • Fascinating radar system which you like to use in practice on the highway
  • Great wind protection
  • High stability even at high speeds
  • Power-saving and easy to ride
  • Above-average consumption
  • operation in the saddle could be more comfortable in some corners
  • cell phone connectivity not really thought through to the end