Affordable Adventure Motorcycles: What R100,000 Gets You in 2025
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Have R100,000 and in the Market for an Adventure Bike? What Does That Get You?
Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few options available to you in that bracket.
Let’s begin by categorizing rider types to make this a little more useful and applicable (bear in mind that these categories are intended to apply solely to adventure and would-be adventure riders).
One of your friends has been doing cool rides and trips – they’ve suggested you get a bike and join in the fun. You did a little bit of riding growing up, but haven’t ridden in years and never on bigger bikes. You could also be learning to ride for the first time.
An experienced and long-term rider, but never ventured off the tarmac. You’re curious to see what all the fuss is about. Gravel highways are where it’s at for you (at least for the moment).
You’ve ridden tons of bikes over many years. A competent rider on- and off-road, but not necessarily too eager about the really technical stuff.
Roof Gold is your jam, and your front tyre rarely touches the ground. You despise the tarmac and are constantly on the lookout for the gnarliest trails to test your skills.
Real Talk
A lot of moto incidents/accidents occur due to lack of experience (poor instincts), ill-suited bikes, or too rapid a progression from small to large bikes – speed, too, obviously.
I’m of the belief that rider experience is best built over time and gradually. Ideally, a rider should start on a small moto at a young age and progress to bigger, faster, more powerful bikes over a few years. The lessons learned through gradual progression build solid instincts and drastically reduce the risk of incidents.
Unfortunately, things don’t always work that way in the real world. Not everyone had the privilege of growing up with bikes, and many only pick it up later in life when time and means allow for it. All I’m saying is: try to resist the urge of going too big too quickly. Start small instead, and enjoy the journey and progression. There are some incredible options available to you.
Bikes by Rider Type
| Motorcycles | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|
| Honda CRF 250 Rally | R65,000 |
| Honda CRF 300 Rally | R85,000 |
| BMW GS 310 | R60,000 |
| KTM 390 Adventure | R70,000 |
| Suzuki DR 250 V-Strom | R55,000 |
| Suzuki DRZ 400 | R25,000 |
| Kawasaki Versys 300 | R75,000 |
| Motorcycles | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|
| Triumph Tiger XCX 800 | R60,000 – R90,000 |
| BMW F800GS | R50,000 – R100,000+ |
| BMW 650 GS | R35,000 – R50,000 |
| KTM 790 Adventure S | R100,000+ |
| Kawasaki KLR 650 | R30,000 – R50,000 |
| Honda Transalp 650/700 | R30,000 – R60,000 |
| Honda XR 650 / 650 L | R45,000 – R70,000 |
| Yamaha XT 660 / 660 Tenere | R35,000 – R75,000 |
| Motorcycles | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|
| BMW 1200 GS/GSA air-cooled | R60,000 – R100,000+ |
| BMW 1200 GS liquid-cooled | R100,000 (high mileage) |
| BMW 1150 GS/GSA | R35,000 – R50,000 |
| Triumph 1200 Explorer | R60,000+ |
| Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200 | R45,000 – R85,000 |
| KTM 1050 Adventure S | R85,000 |
| Motorcycles | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|
| KTM 500 | Up to R100,000 (if lucky) |
| KTM 690 R / Enduro / Husky 701 | R50,000 – R100,000+ |
| KTM 790 Adventure R | R100,000 (high mileage) |
| KTM 950 / 990 Adventure | R50,000 – R100,000+ |
Final Thoughts
I’ve no doubt omitted some bikes from the above categories, or you may feel that my price estimates are wildly off. Leave a comment to share your ideas, suggestions, and remarks. Do you agree?
Where to Look
Reputable used moto dealerships, mates with bikes, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Classifieds Groups, WhatsApp groups, AutoTrader, JunkMail, WeBuyCars, and Gumtree (last resort). I’ve personally found Facebook groups and Marketplace to be the best places to search.
Stay tuned – I’ll be writing about how to Buy That Bike soon!
Happy riding
LekkerMoto
