Overlooked overlanders
After a large-capacity adventurer but want to avoid the obvious choice? Here are RIDE’S picks for thinking outside the Boxer…
Overlooked overlanders
PRICE RANGE: £6000-£8000
If the lumpy punch of BMW’S Boxer twin doesn’t float your boat, perhaps the sultry snarl of a V-four will. The Honda Crosstourer has a stunning 1237cc powerplant, its exotic layout unique in the adventure world. A smidge more power and torque (127bhp / 93lb.ft) than the GS, though a lot more weight too, at a fully fuelled 275kg. The first 2012 models can now be found in dealers for less than £7000.
If it’s power you’re after, a Ducati Multistrada 1200 might fit the bill, with its superbike-derived 148bhp V-twin. It’s a solidly road-focused adventure bike (despite its ‘Enduro’ riding mode), with cast wheels and sports-sized tyres. Dealers are advertising the original 2010 base models from around £6000, with higher-spec S versions from £7000.
There’s also a less-common (and lesspowerful) Italian V-twin tall-rounder in the form of the 123bhp Aprilia Caponord 1200. Make certain any used example you’re considering has the Travel Pack, as this means it’ll have the incredible ride quality (especially two-up) its semi-active, self-levelling suspension brings. Being newer, prices are at the higher end of the spectrum but early Caponords are being offered inside our £8000 limit.
With all that said, if you dismiss BMW’S GS for being the obvious choice, the second-most obvious choice is a Triumph Tiger Explorer. A great adventure tourer, the Explorer has a sublimely smooth motor, all-important shaftdrive, and even the very first bikes had cruise control as standard. Dealer bikes start at around £6500.