Heavyweight ADV

Big adventure bikes are now the segment that subsidises everything else. The R 1300 GS is the best-selling premium motorcycle worldwide, and the Africa Twin, Multistrada V4 and 1390 Super Adventure aren't far behind. 1200-1300cc twins or fours, long-travel suspension, big fuel tanks, panniers as standard, electronics deep enough to drown in.

The honest truth is most of these never see proper dirt. They're used as fast, comfortable, all-weather road bikes that happen to have the option of going off-road if you fancy it. That's not a criticism — they're genuinely brilliant at that job. Wide bars, soft suspension, a tall view, all-day comfort, and you can carry a passenger and luggage at proper speed.

The case against: weight, height, and price. A 2026 R 1300 GS Adventure with all the boxes ticked is more expensive than most people's first car, and 270kg is a lot of motorcycle to drop in a parking lot.