ALTERED STATE of ADVENTURE

Smaller ADVs, bigger rewards.

- JUSTIN DAWES

The adventure motorcycle segment kicked off in 1980 with BMW’s R 80 G/S. At the time, many wondered who would want an overweight, under suspended dual-sport. Turns out, more riders wanted one than anyone would have guessed. The segment has gained more power and long-range touring capability over the years, along with more mass and girth to wrestle when off-road. Now a new generation of adventure bikes has come along to buck the trend of bigger is better, altering what and how far are possible when the pavement ends. Leading the charge are two models inspired by modern rally racers: Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 and KTM’s 790 Adventure R. No longer do ADV bikes have to be overweight and under suspended.

Both motorcycles are powered by parallel-twin engines, both are equipped with long-travel suspension, and both bear some resemblance to the machines each brand races in Dakar. And now these Yamahas and KTMs can be seen on off-road-racing starting lines around the world. But the real story with these motorcycles is that while they are the most capable examples of the segment, they also address a practical reality for many adventure riders—time.

The dream of packing all your essentials into 100 liters of aluminum boxes and aiming for the farthest reaches of a cardinal point sells motorcycles. Responsibilities have a way of keeping that dream in check. So, how to get the most dream into your schedule? Go faster and deeper off-road. Ditch the panniers, grab a backpack, and hold your own rally special stage. That’s what we did with the 790 Adventure R and Ténéré 700 in search of a quick adventure and the answer to which bike would deliver that fix best.