Adventure Motorcycles in South Africa — The Best Bikes for Gravel Roads
Why South Africa is Adventure Bike Paradise
With thousands of kilometres of gravel roads, dramatic mountain passes, and some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth, South Africa is a dream destination for adventure motorcycle riders. From the Sani Pass to the Baviaanskloof, our country offers world-class riding.
Top Adventure Motorcycles for South African Roads
BMW R1250GS / R1200GS
The king of adventure bikes. The GS handles everything from highway cruising to serious off-road work. The boxer engine is smooth and torquey, and the electronic suspension adapts to any terrain. Used R1200GS models start from around R120,000.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure
For riders who want maximum performance. The KTM's V-twin engine is more powerful than the BMW, and its electronics package is class-leading. A serious machine for serious riders.
Honda Africa Twin
Honda reliability meets adventure capability. The Africa Twin is lighter than the BMW and has a loyal following in South Africa. The DCT (automatic) version is particularly popular for long-distance touring.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
The budget-friendly adventure option. The V-Strom won't tackle the same off-road challenges as the bigger bikes, but for tar and light gravel, it's unbeatable value. Incredible fuel economy too.
Yamaha Tenere 700
The Tenere is the off-road weapon of the adventure world. Lighter and more capable off-road than most competitors, it's perfect for riders who spend more time on gravel than tar.
Essential Gear for SA Adventure Riding
- Quality helmet with good ventilation (it gets hot!)
- Riding boots with ankle protection
- Armoured jacket and pants
- Hydration pack (essential in summer)
- GPS or offline maps (Garmin or OsmAnd)
Find Your Adventure Bike on dbAuto
Browse hundreds of adventure motorcycles on dbAuto. Filter by brand, price, and location to find your next adventure companion from dealers across South Africa.