19-inch Adventure Bike Upper Class in the Big Off-road Test 2024

Our mega off-road comparison not only includes more adventure bikes than ever before, but it is also the most diverse off-road test by 1000PS. From A2 adventure bikes to the absolute top class with over 1200 cc and 150 hp, a wide portfolio heads into the rough terrain, including the following five machines: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, BMW R 1300 GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, Moto Guzzi Stelvio, and Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. All five motorcycles represent the pinnacle of adventure bikes from their respective manufacturers, equipped with the latest electronics and, except for the Guzzi, extracting more than 150 hp from their large-displacement engines. Our six testers, despite some bikes weighing well over 250 kg dry weight, aim to find out if these five motorcycles rightfully bear the designation "Enduro" and reveal their strengths and weaknesses in the tough four-day test in the terrain.

With the test motorcycles, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag Gelände in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, located about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are ample opportunities for every riding level to let loose for an entire day. With our large adventure bikes, we were mostly on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test procedure to really put the big and noble bikes through their paces.

Off-road, it is more evident than ever that it is not the machine but the rider who sets the limit. While professionals and demigods like Pol Tarres regularly challenge the laws of physics even with large machines, even lighter terrain can become a survival struggle with little off-road experience. Now, adventure bikes have become a gigantic segment with a huge and versatile target audience. Therefore, in our extensive off-road comparison, three professionals and three amateurs contributed their impressions to deliver a broad and as comprehensible as possible test verdict on the bikes. This report provides an overview of each motorcycle. Those who want to know exactly which impressions come from whom can find all the reports from our Adventure Bike Off-road Comparison 2024 linked below. Now, here are the impressions of the 19-inch adventure bikes.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio may not send as many horses to the rear wheel as the rest, but its longitudinally mounted V-twin engine offers plenty of charisma. It should be positively noted that Moto Guzzi now offers a touring motorcycle with the latest equipment, without forgetting its core values, such as the charismatic engine. Broadly speaking, it becomes apparent that the Stelvio is more of a touring bike than a true adventure bike. Its low ground clearance and comfort-oriented suspension make it unsuitable for demanding off-road riding. The Stelvio feels much more at home on roads and easy gravel paths, where it offers a relaxed and comfortable ride. The standing riding position is relaxed and not very sporty, which can be a bit of a hindrance in challenging terrain, but it harmonizes very well with the engine's good-natured character on relaxed gravel roads and forest paths. Cruising along, enjoying the engine's vibrations and the passing scenery - this is the preferred way to travel on the Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

Our off-road professionals can't resist their nature to push the Stelvio beyond its comfort zone. At speed, they need to be cautious even with smaller potholes or braking bumps, as the fork quickly reaches its limits and bottoms out. The exposed engine block and the footpegs mounted on the engine case are also at acute risk in more demanding, rocky terrain, showing that the Stelvio wasn't designed for truly rough conditions. However, this is quickly forgiven due to its typical, highly endearing Moto Guzzi charm. Overall, the Stelvio is a machine more suited for relaxed touring riders who occasionally venture onto gravel but aren't looking for real off-road adventures.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is an impressive bike, simply due to its dimensions. The powerful V2 engine with 160 hp and 138 Nm of torque delivers impressive acceleration, pushing with extreme grunt from low revs, yet remains controllable and precise. Especially in Rally mode, where the traction control can be individually adjusted on the fly, the machine is particularly fun. It allows for action-packed gravel drifts as well as efficient progress in off-road terrain, depending on how the rider sets the traction control. The well-thought-out menu navigation supports the rider in quickly and intuitively tuning the bike to their needs. The only annoyance is the separation of ABS, traction control, and riding mode, as it requires quite a few button presses to switch systems on mixed tours. But apart from that, this Rally mode is also symbolic of how well KTM manages to combine massive performance with good handling in the Super Adventure. As an off-road amateur, you might gulp at the sight of this orange battleship, but once in the saddle, any hesitation quickly fades away.

The semi-active suspension of the KTM offers an enormous range of use with 200 mm of travel front and rear and can be perfectly tuned to the desired riding conditions. Whether it's gentle, comfortable rides over rough terrain or a firm, sporty setting with excellent feedback – the 1290 Super Adventure S masters both with aplomb. Despite its wet weight of just under 250 kg, the machine remains very nimble, also thanks to the tank extending low down, and offers excellent control, especially when standing. Its massive dimensions are very well concealed when standing, and all components, whether suspension, brakes, clutch, or quickshifter, perform their tasks exceptionally well even in loose terrain – even here in the road-oriented S version of the Super Adventure. While riding skill dictates how fast the beast is driven through the rough, the KTM saddle feels comfortable not only for professionals but also for hobby enduro riders.

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 surprises in off-road use with its impressive stability and performance, but also reveals some weaknesses. With its long wheelbase and despite the comparatively high weight, it remains very stable even on loose surfaces, which benefits it in gravel sections with long curves. The powerful Revolution Max engine with 152 hp and 128 Nm of torque delivers more than enough power, which can be well dosed, especially when the defensive traction control is deactivated. The Pan America also climbs demanding slopes confidently and shows remarkable resilience. However, this requires a brave throttle hand and, above all, stoic confidence in one's off-road abilities, because as soon as you lose courage and sit down in search of safety, the mighty American becomes almost unmanageable. The front, which extends far forward, demands skillful input through weight shifting on the pegs in loose terrain. This characteristic of the Pan America also leads to different judgments depending on the riding skill. Our skeptical pros initially had little confidence in the heavy iron and later appreciated its stability. Amateurs struggle with the weight on medium-difficulty tracks.

The semi-active suspension reaches its limits only at high speeds and deep ruts on forest paths, where the 191 mm of travel front and rear are fully utilized. Overall, the Pan America proves to be mechanically robust and resilient, which unfortunately does not apply to the electronics. A harmless tip-over is enough to bring everything to a halt. You have to navigate through the complicated menu and clear error codes before the adventure can continue. Another point of criticism regarding the electronics is the non-deactivatable ABS, which can be a hindrance in serious off-road use. The menu navigation could also be more intuitive and logical. Nevertheless, the Pan America 1250 is a serious off-road contender for the right rider, capable of impressing in many areas.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is a machine that particularly impresses with its revvy engine and advanced electronics. The V4 engine offers an impressive sound and power delivery that brings a smile to the rider's face. The bike combines racing technology with the comfort of an adventure bike and leaves little to be desired in terms of performance. The chassis, which also relies on electronic sophistication, is semi-active and offers a wide range of adjustment options, although the multitude of parameters can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. You can ride over rough terrain with luxurious comfort, and only at very high speeds and aggressive riding does the suspension of the Multistrada V4 Rally reach its limits and can no longer completely suppress vehicle instability.

At the same time, the Multistrada V4 Rally proves to be agile and easy to maneuver. Handling, ergonomics, and seating position are seamlessly integrated, allowing for a sporty riding style that impresses even experienced riders. Hobby enduro enthusiasts need not fear the 170 hp of the spirited Italian, as the massive power is very well tamed by the electronics. For example, only 95 hp are available in the Enduro riding mode, and the bike remains well controllable even in inexperienced hands. Overall, the Multistrada V4 is convincing across the board, with only the high price potentially deterring some buyers. However, those who have the necessary funds can look forward to a machine that offers plenty of luxury, exceptional power, and good touring qualities both on the road and off-road.

The BMW R 1300 GS is the benchmark model in the world of large adventure bikes. Its refined overall concept and the famous boxer-twin engine immediately make it clear why it is so popular. The engine offers silky-smooth power delivery with grunt in every situation and extremely fine throttle response, allowing the rider to effortlessly tackle even challenging terrain. Compared to the competition, the GS's electronics do not offer the same range of adjustment options, but thanks to the exceptionally responsive engine, this is not a major issue. The GS's chassis is unique with the Telelever system at the front and requires some acclimatization when transitioning from conventional forks, but it can provide more front-end feel than one might initially expect. Finally, the GS scores with very balanced ergonomics. Despite its very high weight with the crash bars and side cases we added, it does not feel cumbersome off-road thanks to its low center of gravity and can be effortlessly and precisely controlled while standing, even at low speeds.

Despite all these positive impressions, one of the tests led to a sobering experience: After a completely harmless tip-over in a deeply gravelled hairpin and about 20 minutes of riding, the plastic gear lever suddenly broke, abruptly ending the test. This weakness is particularly disappointing as it raises serious doubts about the robustness of the BMW GS. A look at the competition shows that all gear levers are made of steel or aluminum across the board. This also applies to much cheaper adventure bikes. BMW definitely cut corners in the wrong place here. Despite this defect, the R 1300 GS remains an outstanding bike, but it could improve on smaller yet important details.

In this five-way comparison, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio and Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 are the exotic ones. Both brands don't have an extensive history in off-road terrain, which is noticeable in some aspects and technical solutions. The Guzzi takes a more relaxed approach, charming rather than impressing with off-road performance. With it, you should take it easy in loose terrain. The Pan America can still shine on lighter trails with its high stability and great engine, but everyone except the pros will struggle with its weight and less than ideal vehicle geometry on more ambitious paths.

The BMW R 1300 GS and Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally are the luxury tourers in this comparison, both of which can still bring a surprising amount of their qualities to unpaved roads. Both have more than enough power, as well as taming, well-functioning electronics. The suspensions of both travel bombers can carry the high vehicle weight over rough terrain at high speeds and hardly make any serious mistakes in motion. Due to their dimensions, only a few GS and Multi V4 bikes will ever see serious off-road action, but smaller off-road adventures after a luxurious journey full of comfort are not only conceivable but also feasible with a clear conscience.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers extremely lavish equipment and long-distance comfort like the rest of the field, but at the same time, it can draw from KTM's off-road experience in loose terrain and bring an incredible amount of performance into the rough. The electronics can be perfectly adjusted to your own riding style, the engine remains highly controllable despite its torque hammer, and the chassis allows this large bike to blast over even rough bumps with unbelievable stability. The overall package works so well that even enduro amateurs quickly feel at home on the Super Adventure. This may sound like praise for the orange brand, but without repeating unverified statements about the KTM's durability or commenting on its polarizing looks, there was nothing negative to report about the Super Adventure in this comparison.

To make such an extensive and demanding off-road test possible, a lot of equipment is needed. It starts with the Bridgestone AX41 50-50 off-road tires for those bikes that only come with street tires from the manufacturer. We also had a Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communication device on hand, in case of an emergency on the remote tracks in the mountains or forests. For protective gear, we relied on the Leatt Flow Tour Combo and the Leatt Multi Tour Combo. Our heads were protected by the new Arai Tour-X5 Adventure Helmet. Finally, several soft luggage solutions from Enduristan ensured that we could carry water, snacks, and equipment weight-efficiently into the adventure.

The following individual conclusions refer to the single tests of the motorcycles in comparison.