Offroad feats: the best offroad bikes. Best Off-Road Motorcycles Motorcycle All-Wheel Drive

There is no easier or more independent off-road wandering in the world than riding a motorcycle.
The point is that you can bypass the restrictions associated with travel to places that are inaccessible to a car and a truck and also remote for hiking. Ask any avid motorcyclist about his time riding one of these nimble demons and he'll just smile knowing that this is a task you have to tackle on your own and you need first-hand experience to figure it out.

But here's something about travel motorcycles: they are ugly different and come with a variety of benefits and configurations that will please any rider. They can range from vehicles with relatively small engines of 250 cubic centimeters to true conquerors of continents with engines five times larger in volume. It all depends on your intentions. Weekend warrior or wanderer. The choice is yours. Luckily, we're here to help you choose one of the top three off-road motorcycles around the world, help you get to know it.

This does not mean that the selection is only limited to this number of motorcycles, we will just take a quick glimpse of the various offerings in the field of travel on an iron horse. Just remember to grab your saddlebags, stock up on food, and fill your tank full. This is Big world... Let's hit the road.

An excellent option for those with more experience in the motorcycle travel arena, the KTM 640 is a lightweight and virtuoso machine from the Austrian manufacturer. The motorcycle boasts a 625cc single-cylinder carburetor engine with 54 hp at 7000 rpm. This creation is a cross between off-road and classic motorcycles.

The rear suspension travel on the KTM is 320 mm, and the front suspension travel is 270 mm. It is good at handling loose sand or on trails, and is also capable of driving on the highway (although driving on the motorway for more than two hours is not recommended due to the seat). However, with a range of over 480 km on a full tank, the KTM is a great companion for those long, off-road journeys into distant regions.

Designed for high impacts, the Kawasaki KLR650 has one of the strongest coilovers with springs that are 40 percent stiffer than their predecessors. Same with back: Same Uni-Trak but 63 percent stiffer spring and 80 percent more dampening. All this suggests that this bike is ready for even the most difficult conditions off-road.

The motorcycle is equipped with a 651 cc single-cylinder engine with liquid cooled and it can easily maintain the standard speed on the highway. It weighs 196 kg, has 400 km of fuel and functions as a perfect first and reasonably priced find for the curious motorcyclist.

Ducati is not far behind even when it comes to adventure motorcycles. Take, for example, this unit with a Ducati L-Twin engine with a displacement of 1198 cc and 160 hp. This motorcycle reaches great heights in the field of travel on two wheels, giving you all the power and adventurous spirit.

When it comes time to choose a two-wheeler for yourself, the variety of motorcycles can play a cruel joke. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to choose the perfect suitable option, but it may turn out that the choice will be painful. Therefore, first you need to figure out what requirements the motorcycle must meet.

Two classes

There is a boom in sportbikes, and more and more people are imbued with the romance of distant ones, and those who like extreme are fond of motocross. To choose a motorcycle for off-road, you need to decide what tasks will be assigned to it in the first place. If this is a comfortable journey, then you should choose from the enduro class. For extreme trips on terrain without asphalt, the choice will be a motocross motorcycle. There are also models that include elements of both classes.

Crossbike

It may not always be clear to a beginner how a motocross bike differs from an enduro bike. This is due to the fact that often interclass models contain the word "enduro" in the name. In fact, the differences are quite large. Motocross bike It is intended only for riding on motocross, so there are no turn signals, headlights, trunks, in a word, anything that easily breaks and falls off when dropped. Such a motorcycle can be issued as a sports equipment and does not require a category A driver's license from the pilot, however, it cannot be ridden around the city, and it must be delivered by another vehicle before motocross.

Sports equipment

If the crossbike has everything Required documents, you can ride it around the city, having previously installed all the missing parts. However, these bikes have a narrow seat, so riding long distances is exhausting. It is difficult to drive on it more than a couple of hundred kilometers, besides, large treads on the tires lead to excessive vibration of the steering fork when driving on asphalt, which, in turn, puts a strain on the driver's hands.

How great option for a beginner, the Chinese motorcycle IBRIS TTR is suitable. Although these inexpensive models require some improvement (as a rule, replacement of some parts with similar ones made in Japan). It can also be BaltMotors Enduro 250. Other global manufacturers also have many motocross models. As a motorcycle for off-road and city use, for example, the Honda CRF250L, which feels great both on the highway and on difficult sections of the road, or the 250cc Kawasaki KLX250S.

For travel comfort

If you choose off-road, enduro is the best fit. As a rule, such a motorcycle is more massive than a motocross bike, especially when you consider the huge carry cases, which will include everything you need, from stocks of groceries to a tent and a sleeping bag. Although an off-road motorcycle is intended for other purposes, it will be able to overcome various areas without asphalt, although it will hardly be able to ride, for example, on wet clay. A tourist motorcycle for off-road (photo below) traditionally has a comfortable seat that can accommodate two people, which is also important for long trips.

The main qualities of a touring motorcycle

The first is the diameter of the wheel. If the path is to be carried out exclusively along the highways or rolled dirt roads in good weather, this parameter is not so important. However, if the traveler knows that rocky areas will have to be overcome, it is best to have the wheel over 21 inches (53 cm) in size.

The presence of an electric starter is also important. If the motorcycle stalls in a puddle, ditch or on an incline, starting it from the kickstarter will be very inconvenient, especially if the traveler is riding alone. Weight also matters, so if there is no personal preference, it is better to choose a model with air cooled... In addition, it is easier to maintain, which is important, because you often have to repair an off-road motorcycle with your own hands, being in extreme conditions. Therefore, he must be as reliable as possible, and the driver's task is to thoroughly know his technique and its capabilities.

Engine and tank

Opinions of people may differ regarding the optimal cubic capacity for a tour enduro. Some argue that they feel great on 250 "cubes", others say that they need a lot of traction, because a loaded enduro with a small engine volume does not "pull" when moving uphill. However, medium-sized (from 600 m 3) enduros are considered universal. They behave well both on the highway and in the city and off-road.

The nature of the proposed trip determines the size fuel tank... If refueling is required every 100-200 km, such a motorcycle will not be suitable for long-distance travel. A large tank is a guarantee that you do not have to be left without gasoline anywhere, although in any case it is useful to carry an additional canister with you.

Motorcycles that use dry sump lubrication are considered more reliable. In case of sudden stops, when the motorcycle falls or overturns, such a lubrication system eliminates the "oil starvation" of the engine and pressure drop, so overheating will not occur.

The XLV750R racing model and Transalp model are an excellent choice. KAWASAKI KLE500 also fell in love with travelers, especially since the price of it for secondary market starts from 80 thousand rubles. The YAMAHA XTZ750 Super Tenere, a multiple Dakar winner, can also be an excellent vehicle for both long-distance travel and rally entertainment.

Final decision

Can be classified into two types. The first ones feel great in off-road conditions, they cope perfectly with any conditions on the road, but are less comfortable when driving on the highway. The latter, on the contrary, are comfortable, but they can fail in difficult areas.

There is always some dualism in the choice of such a motorcycle. As a rule, almost any route consists mainly of highway traffic, and only a few, although often the most beautiful places, you will have to go off-road, which can be quite passable under normal weather conditions. Therefore, you should decide what is better: to endure inconvenience during the main route, but it is easy to pass difficult places, or to ride comfortably on the highway and "sweat" on difficulties.

However, there is a third option: traveling in a large company. The best option is 5-6 people, including a spare driver.

Not all motorcyclists purchase two-wheeled vehicles in order to ride on good roads- many are attracted by off-road tracks and forest clearings, which are ideal for outdoor activities on a weekend. In addition, motorcycles are also purchased for, in which it is far from always necessary to ride exclusively on asphalt surfaces. Therefore, many people are interested in how to choose good motorcycle off-road. It must have balanced power and weight indicators, as well as good geometric cross-country ability. In this article we will look at best models off-road motorcycles.

One of the best off-road motorcycles is the Honda Transalp 650. The main advantage of this vehicle is a relatively light weight that goes well with the powerful V-shaped motor. The performance of the power unit of 52 horsepower is enough for driving at speeds of up to 180 km / h on hard surfaces or 120 km / h off-road. Of course, such a motorcycle cannot be called the most powerful, so when fully loaded, its top speed drops by about 20 km / h in any driving mode.

The main advantage of the Honda off-road motorcycle is its simplicity. Simple carburetor engine showed itself in the sands of the Sahara, and in the snow-covered forests of Siberia, and on the high plateaus. It can be repaired or reconfigured in the field without the need for sophisticated tools and electronic equipment. With proper care and power unit Transalp 650 serves up to 300 thousand kilometers without overhaul, so those who wish may well go on a motorcycle around the world.

There will be no difficulties during repair off-road vehicles... Motorcycles Honda Transalp 650 are quite common in Russia and in many other countries, so it will not be difficult to find spare parts for them. And if you set a goal and spend a little time, then you can find used components with a good residual resource. Unfortunately, the model is currently discontinued, but you can always buy a used vehicle with low mileage for 350-400 thousand rubles.

A great option for off-road riding is an enduro bike from BMW. Its main positive feature is the perfectly tuned suspension, which is able to withstand impacts when driving off-road at speeds up to 100 km / h. At the same time, you should not be afraid of damage to the motor after jumping from the next springboard - its crankcase is protected by a powerful steel frame that will withstand any loads. In addition, the advantage of German technology can be called high power. Inline two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 80 liters. with. allows you to reach speeds of over 200 km / h even at full load.

Another advantage of the German off-road motorcycle is the wide range of settings for the seat, footrests and handlebars. Thanks to this, two-wheeled transport will be convenient for people with a height of 160 to 190 centimeters. There are no questions about the reliability of the motor - it is able to travel more than 250 thousand kilometers without requiring serious maintenance.

However, the motorcycle has a rather complex design - what is only an engine with electronic injection and a mass of sensors that are responsible for synchronizing the operation of all systems. Therefore, it will not be possible to repair it "in the field", which was the reason that the first place went to motorcycle Honda... If you go on a long journey, be sure to take care of the means of communication and the possibility of removing the damaged motorcycle, since service centers serving such equipment are located only in large cities. The downside is the cost of a motorcycle, which reaches a million rubles when purchased in the salon, or 500-600 thousand if you purchase a vehicle of 2005-2006 model year.

It must be said that the Austrian company took care of the off-road qualities of the motorcycle rather than its convenience. In terms of cross-country ability, it is not inferior to the classic one with a 500 cc engine - this is facilitated by the relatively low weight for this class of motor vehicles, as well as huge suspension travels. So if mini bikes aren't your thing, the 990 Adventure is the perfect choice for off-road adventures.

Among the advantages, it is worth noting an incredibly powerful motor with a volume of 1 liter, the performance of which reaches 110 Horse power... On a good surface, the speed is limited to 220 km / h, and off-road, it depends only on the skills and ability of the driver to hold the vehicle while driving at a fast pace. However, you need to prepare for not entirely pleasant sensations, since the seat is too stiff.

It is worth noting that the KTM motorcycle welcomes aggressive riding style - its powerful engine and well-tuned suspension make the biker choose a speed above average. Participants will like it, but when driving long distances, excessively harsh reactions begin to tire. Interestingly, a motorcycle with such outstanding characteristics does not require devastating the family budget - a new two-wheeled vehicle KTM will cost 800 thousand rubles, and a used one can be purchased up to 500 thousand.

If you are wondering which motorcycle is best for off-roading, but are not going to operate it in the most extreme conditions, for you the best option there will be an enduro from Yamaha. Its main feature is the "asphalt" suspension settings, which include relatively slow travel and significant stiffness. However, the bike handles bumps fairly well, maintaining a stable trajectory and allowing the rider to maintain control in any situation. Although in large holes the rider can shake, so it is better to slow down in front of them.

This motorcycle is not suitable for traveling in swamps, wet dirt roads and forest clearings. However, it would be ideal for:

• Off-road track trips on weekends;
• in which the asphalt road surface alternates with the unpaved one;
• Driving on country roads with large bumps.

The downside can be called a weak adaptability to serious off-road, but not every motorcyclist needs it. The 86 horsepower two-cylinder engine is enough to move in any conditions - the weight of the motorcycle is relatively low due to the widespread use of aluminum in the manufacture of the frame and other large components. Maximum speed reaches 220 km / h, and driving at a speed of "over two hundred" will not be particularly uncomfortable.

The great popularity of Yamaha TDM motorcycles makes it possible to find spare parts for them even in relatively small cities. Sure, injection system intake is also quite difficult, but it is much easier to repair it than on a BMW¸ since there are much more specialists in Japanese motorcycle technology in our country. The cost of the vehicle is also low - you can buy it for 350-400 thousand by choosing equipment from 2005-2007.

Difficult choice

Most enduro bikes have a lot of power and good geometric passability... But it is necessary to select a two-wheeled vehicle not only for such parameters, but also for convenience in various situations and for reliability. The benefits of a powerful motor will immediately lose value if it breaks down on the road and cannot be repaired on your own. Therefore, for off-roading, you should choose fairly simple motorcycles that will not upset you with serious breakdowns along the way - a good example is the Honda Transalp 650.

Enduro motorcycles suitable for off-road and cross-country use are divided into several subcategories, depending on their technical characteristics... An important role in the choice of an off-road motorcycle is played by the experience and preparedness of the driver himself.

Motorcycles for off-road driving only

The most technically simplified, and therefore suitable for any kind of off-road, are sports "enduro". There are no unnecessary parts in these motorcycles, everything is maximally protected from dirt, moisture and dust, but sports motorcycles are only suitable for cross-country driving.

On a normal road, even with little traffic, riding a motorcycle of this type is a danger to the driver and others. Sports enduros are difficult to drive and are designed for drivers with extensive cross-country driving experience. Motorcycles of this class include: Yamaha TT250R, Kawasaki KLS250, Suzuki DR-Z400, Yamaha VR, etc.

Universal motorcycles

Easier to drive and a popular class of motorcycles is the "soft enduro". Such motorcycles are suitable both for off-road and for driving on asphalt and concrete surfaces, but the speed of movement on cross of the class representatives is much lower than that of pure sports models.

A large number of well-known and widespread models belong to the “soft-enduro” class. Of the budget, the most popular are the Yamaha TT-R 230 and Honda XL 250 Degree: both bikes have good passing ability, easily overcome rough terrain and have a simple, undemanding engine. More powerful enduro-soft models have engine volumes of 400 and 600 cubic meters. cm.

Heavy enduros are designed not just for off-road driving and cross-country conditions, but also for long distance travel. Such models combine the convenience of choppers (wide seat, the ability to ride with a passenger, the ability to install a wardrobe trunk under the luggage) with classic off-road features: the ability to drive on any off-road, parts protected from moisture and dirt, the ability to develop high speed.

The "heavy enduro" class is also designed for experienced drivers, with good physical shape and strength, since the models are heavy. The best representatives of the subspecies are the Honda NX 600 Dominator, Yamaha XTZ 660 Tenere and Suzuki Freewind. They do an excellent job of off-roading of any kind, from sand to swamp, and at the same time they have enviable reliability.