Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid

The Ténéré 700 World Raid is the long-range evolution of the hugely popular T7 and is clearly aimed at riders who think in stages, not in café hops. Powered by Yamaha’s CP2 twin, it combines a broad, usable torque curve with proven reliability and sensible fuel consumption. The twin front tanks push range into “desert day” territory, while the uprated KYB suspension and taller stance are designed around riding stood up and absorbing rough terrain. Electronics are now in line with current expectations – riding modes, lean-sensitive systems and, in some markets, cruise control – but they never dominate the experience. On the road it feels like a rally bike that has learned basic manners; off the road, it still has genuine Dakar DNA. It is not small and the seat height will put some riders off, yet for multi-day gravel travel and serious piste work it remains a reference point.

BMW F 450 GS

The BMW F 450 GS brings the GS idea down to a friendlier, lighter package. Its 420 cc parallel twin targets A2 riders and those who simply prefer a more manageable bike than the traditional big-boxer GS. Power and weight figures are sensible for everyday use, and the chassis feels planted rather than nervous on the motorway or fast A-roads. With a 19" front wheel, optional spoked rims and a full suite of modern electronics – ABS Pro, traction control, riding modes and a sharp TFT dash – it sits comfortably between road tourer and light adventure. On gravel and white roads it is confidence-inspiring rather than extreme, ideal for riders who want to explore unpaved stretches without giving up comfort on the way there. It will not match a full 21"/18" set-up in very rough going, but as an only bike that commutes, tours and plays on dirt, it makes a very strong case for itself.

Kove 625X

The Kove 625X represents the new wave of Chinese mid-size adventure bikes that intend to compete on specification, not just price. A mid-capacity parallel twin, long-travel suspension and a tank in the low-twenties litre range put it firmly into crossover-adventure territory. Higher trims promise semi-active components and an electronics package (riding modes, traction, lighting) more often seen on bigger, premium-branded machines. Geometry and ergonomics point to mixed use: backroads and motorway transfers combined with graded gravel and well-prepared trails, rather than extreme enduro terrain. The real question marks for European riders will be dealer coverage, parts supply and long-term support. If those are sensibly addressed in your market, the 625X could be very appealing to riders who want high equipment levels and long range without paying for a prestige badge.

QJMotor SRT 450 RX

The QJMotor SRT 450 RX sits in the sweet spot for riders wanting a first “proper” adventure bike. With an A2-compliant output from its 449.5 cc parallel twin and a weight figure in the mid-180s kilo range, it avoids both beginner-bike fragility and big-bore intimidation. The 21" front and 18" rear spoked wheels, decent suspension travel and upright stance clearly echo larger rally-inspired machines, yet the overall size remains approachable for those moving up from smaller singles. Electronics are present but sensible – ABS, traction control and a functional TFT – keeping attention on the riding experience rather than menus. On gravel roads, forest tracks and typical white roads it feels natural and confidence-building. As with many value-oriented brands, the main homework for the buyer is to check dealer support and parts availability locally, but on hardware alone it is an impressive package for the money.

Cyclone RX650

The Cyclone RX650 is better seen as a crossover tourer that happens to tolerate dirt, rather than a dedicated off-road machine. Its 650 cc twin, developed with input from Norton/Ricardo, delivers around seventy horsepower and enough torque for two-up touring and motorway cruising. Ergonomics are squarely road-biased: comfortable seat, decent screen and relaxed riding triangle suggest long days on tarmac, broken up by coffee stops and scenic detours. On gravel and good-quality white roads the chassis feels composed and unthreatening, making it a pleasant companion for riders who only occasionally leave the asphalt. It is less at ease when the surface becomes rocky, rutted or deeply potholed – which is fair, because that is not really the job it was designed for. If you want one bike to commute, tour and take short exploratory runs down easy dirt lanes, the RX650 quietly ticks many boxes at an attractive price point.

CFMOTO 450MT

The CFMOTO 450MT is one of the most interesting “light adventure” options in this group. Its 449.5 cc parallel twin is tuned more for usable mid-range than for peak numbers, delivering a little over forty horsepower in most markets. Combined with a quoted dry weight around 175 kg, it makes for a bike that feels manageable in town, on tight backroads and on loose surfaces. A 17.5-litre tank offers sensible range without making the bike top-heavy, and the ergonomics are clearly designed to work both seated and standing, with optional low-seat kits helping shorter riders. Spoked wheels, hand guards and decent suspension travel mark it out as a machine genuinely intended for mixed-surface use. It feels like a bike built for riders who want to learn and progress off-road skills without fighting excessive power or mass, and it leaves headroom for tyres, protection and luggage upgrades.

Rally / long-range explorer

You ride long days on gravel and rough tracks, use soft luggage and accept tall seat heights if the reward is range and proper suspension. You are comfortable riding stood up for long stretches and happy to pick up the bike alone.

Best fit: Ténéré 700 World Raid.

If your GPX files are full of pistes and rocky climbs, this remains the most convincing all-rounder.

A2 rider / lightweight adventure

You either hold an A2 licence or simply prefer a lighter, more manageable bike. Weekdays mean commuting, weekends mean passes and gravel. You want something that builds confidence, not something you wrestle.

Best fit: BMW F 450 GS, CFMOTO 450MT or QJMotor SRT 450 RX.

For more road comfort, look at the F 450 GS; for more trail focus, the SRT 450 RX and 450MT are attractive.

Value-seeker off-road traveller

You care more about range, suspension and equipment than about the logo on the tank. You are open to emerging brands, as long as dealer support and warranty look sensible in your country.

Best fit: Kove 625X, QJMotor SRT 450 RX.

Always check local dealer network, parts availability and warranty conditions before committing.

Road-biased tourer with white roads

Most of your riding is on tarmac – passes, coast roads and maybe motorways with a pillion – but you want to keep the option of following white roads and easy dirt lanes to reach viewpoints or rural accommodation.

Best fit: Cyclone RX650 or BMW F 450 GS.

Think of these as road tourers that are relaxed about occasional dirt, rather than pure trail machines.