When it comes to having a knack for thrill and adventure, women are just as huge of adrenaline junkies as men are. Whether you’ve been biking before or you’re beginning your journey of biking adventures, getting the perfect adventure bike is extremely important.
Adventure bikes come with some additional features than traditional motorcycles and are therefore perfect for both on-road and off-road adventures.
So, what are the top 5 best adventure motorcycles for women?
- Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
- BMW 750 GS
- HONDA CB500X
- Kawasaki Versys 650LT
- BMW 312 GS
Some of the striking features of these motorcycles are their amazing braking systems, lower seat heights, larger wheels, and much more electronic availability, making riding easier and safer.
We have shortlisted the top 5 adventure bikes that come with features
that make them perfectly suited to small-stature riders and especially women. These are all well-made, offer an impressive warranty, and are stylish and sporty. All the features a woman would desire in her
motorcycle.
If you want to take adventure biking to the next level, sit back, relax, and read this article till the end.
Many motorcycle manufacturers make motorcycles suitable for women, and many are available in the price range of $6,000 to $10,000; however, some will cost even more, even twice as much.
As the adventure motorcycle market continues to grow, the number of models to choose from is expanding. Many manufacturers also offer a larger number of features to consider than the year before, so there is much to consider.
As well as a comfortable riding position, there are some other factors that a woman must consider before buying an adventure motorcycle, which are:
- Safety features
- The longevity of the motorcycle
- Weight of the motorcycle
- Strong construction
- Easy maintenance
Finding the best adventure bike could be a tough ask. That’s exactly why we’ve compiled a list of the best adventure bikes for women according to the design, features, and price to value. So, let’s take a look at each
of them individually.
I have also included a video review of each bike for your convenience.
Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
When it comes to peak performance and amazing adventure bike design, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx is a real beauty. Although this motorcycle comes in the higher price range, it delivers great performance, and you should definitely give this bike real consideration.
This bike is very comfortable to ride, has an adjustable screen, nice tall wide mirrors, and wide, well-placed footpegs. These bikes certainly make a fantastic adventure bike for women, whether using it for local commutes, long tours, or going off-road.
Its adjustable traction control, six riding modes, which are customizable, and fully adjustable suspension certainly make this bike a great all-around adventure motorcycle. It has a dry weight of approximately 205kg, so although not the lightest, Triumph has done an excellent ergonomics job.
So, lets take a closer look at this bike in more detail:
Engine
The engine in the 800 XCx is a liquid-cooled, 12v, DOHC in-line 3 cylinder, 800cc, which has a decent amount of power. The bike comes with 6 super smooth gears, and the clutch is nice and light as well so great for women.
With its 6 rider modes, which can be customized to your riding style, this bike makes a perfect woman’s choice thanks to the Ride by wire system added to this motorcycle.
Build Quality
The frame of this bike is made of tubular steel, and it is incredibly sturdy and durable. The overall quality is pretty amazing. This motorcycle’s build quality is definitely one of the best on the market and will give any owner great value for money.
The balance of this motorcycle is perfect. It’s easily controllable, hiding its weight extremely well. Triumph has certainly put a lot of thought into this bike.
Fuel Capacity
The fuel tank on the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx can hold 19 liters, which is not over large but large enough for all the women who want to go on road trips as long-distance riding will not be a problem as fill-ups should be around 200 miles or so on a full tank.
Brakes
The front and rear brakes are both extremely stable and powerful. On the front, we’ve 2x305mm discs with two-piston calipers, and on the back, we’ve got a 255mm disc with a single-piston caliper. On the front are duel bimbo breaks and Nissen on the rear, which do a great job off-road and on.
With switchable ABS and traction control, which allows you to switch off if you want to, for example, if you took the bike off-road, this bike really is a great all-rounder.
At just under $20,000 new, there are definitely some outstanding deals to be had if buying this motorcycle second-hand.
BMW 750 GS
BMW have truly made their mark in the adventure bike industry with the GS series. The BMW 750 GS is one of the most sleek-looking adventure bikes on the market right now. If your a woman looking for a bike, you should definitely check it out.
In 2019 the fuel tank was moved from its original position, under the seat, to the more usual position above the engine, where the majority of people expect a motorcycle fuel tank to be. The re-positioning of the tank meant that the seat height can now be much lower and slimmer.
The seat height has been lowered from 32.3 to 32.1 inches, and if a lowering suspension kit is added to the bike and a lower seat accessory kit, the seat height can be reduced further to 30.3 inches, which would be ideal for many women and shorter riders.
Designed for rough terrains, it truly is a beast. The bike comes with various seating options to choose from, allowing you to adjust it according to your height and stature, and you’re good to go.
This motorcycle has low fuel consumption with its two-cylinder in-line engine offering an amazing 77 hp, which gives good acceleration and 61 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel. With its 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch, this motorcycle makes long and short distance riding a breeze.
Although this bike is one of the more costly adventure bikes, costing just under $11,500, it will certainly last for many years and offer good value for your money in the long run. With extra features from BMW adding to the cost, you can easily spend a few thousand more on this bike, so choose the features you require wisely.
So, lets take a closer look at this bike in more detail:
Engine
The 750 GS uses a water-cooled 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine with a max capacity of about 853cc, which is superb for the price it comes for. The engine produces 77 hp and 83 Nm of torque to the rear wheel, 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch, and reduced vibration due to the newly installed counterbalances.
The more refined engine from 2019 also offers the rider an improvement in the bike’s control when riding at low speeds, making this motorcycle an excellent choice for women.
Many adventure bikes are harder to control when riding slowly due to weight, but these bikes’ low down weight and balancing make controlling this bike at low speeds far easier.
With the counter-balances now installed, the engine’s vibration is also well-controlled, making for a smoother ride all around.
Build Quality
The bike is incredibly finely built and is very durable and strong. With the newly improved cast aluminum swingarm and subframe and the new steel bridge frame, this motorcycle will last for years to come and will be a great investment in the long run.
The BMW 750 GS is a very capable motorcycle on and off-road. Still, it would be nice to see the front wheel upgraded to more than the 19″ currently supplied. Many adventure motorcycles now come with a 21″ front wheel, so hopefully, BMW will upgrade this shortly.
With a wet weight of 224 kg, this bike is in the heavier range, but BMW has done a good job of making sure the bike’s weight is low down, so it is very controllable and shouldn’t be a problem for the women rider.
However, giving this bike a good test ride is crucial as there are lighter adventure bikes available on the market.
That being said, this motorcycle really stands out for the woman rider as the standard seat height is only 815 mm, which is one of the lowest on the market, so placing both feet firmly on the ground to easily control the bike shouldn’t be a problem.
On-road, this adventure bike gives a very comfortable ride with a good upright seating position and can make easy work of the gravel roads. However, don’t expect it to handle tougher off-road riding as you will be disappointed, as the 19″ front wheel and 17″ back are just not as capable as some of the other adventure motorcycles.
Fuel Capacity
The BMW 750 GS comes with about 15 liters’ fuel capacity, which is promising but not great, giving a range of just over 180 miles on a full tank depending on how the bike is ridden. However, highway speeds are easily achievable, so long-distance touring or commuting should be no problem, apart from needing a taller windscreen for longer rides.
Brakes
This bike uses a Dual Control brake system for the front and rear brake control, which is quite fantastic compared to other bikes available on today’s market. If you opted for the premium package, you could also get Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro replacing BMW’s standard Anti-Spin Control and standard ABS.
Features
The 750 GS comes with two riding modes as standard, but more are available if you purchase some of the BMW packages. Cruise control can be added as well as a TFT console, which includes connecting with your smartphone.
The premium package will also come with some other options, including a fantastic Full-Color TFT Display with Bluetooth connectivity and a Multi-Controller wheel.
There are even more accessories and features available for this bike, but all come at an extra cost from BMW.
HONDA CB500X
If you’re looking for a mid-range powered yet controllable adventure bike for beginning your biking journey, Honda has got you covered with their streamlined and classy CB500X. You should definitely take a look at this Adventure motorcycle if you’re serious about buying a great bike for a good price.
Economical yet packed with amazing features, this bike is suitable for both beginner and expert riders alike. With a wet weight of only 195KG, this is a lightweight adventure motorcycle ideal for many women riders.
With its 19″ front wheel this motorcycle is excellent on-road as well as off.
Its ergonomic design offers a comfortable and relaxing ride even if you have to ride it for the entire day. Many users have also recommended this motorcycle for those who are looking for their first one to hit the road.
You will find this motorcycle used by many women adventure riders on YouTube, such as Itchy Boots. Here is her CB500x.
So, let’s take a closer look at this bike in more detail:
Engine
The CB500 X comes with a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. This is great for all kinds of adventures, and with Honda’s bullet-proof reliability and smooth fueling, this motorcycle should be high on the list for any woman looking for an adventure bike.
This motorcycle’s power will not win any prizes, but it has enough grunt to get the job done and give a thrilling ride.
As of 2019, this bike comes with an assist and slipper clutch and 6 gears. The clutch pull is very light, so it would suit many women.
The engine’s economy is also very impressive, with average miles per gallon being over 65 mpg and possibly, even more, depending on how the motorcycle is ridden, so achieving around 300 miles on a full tank is possible.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of the CB500X is superb. It is amazingly durable and sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. Honda is renowned for the build quality of their motorcycles and this bike is no exception.
However, you will have to bear in mind that this motorcycle’s cost is also very competitively placed, so you can’t compare the build quality to the more expensive bikes such as the Africa Twin.
I wouldn’t expect any problems to occur from this bike for many years, if any, and with its 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, Honda has you covered.
Fuel Capacity
With an amazing 17.7-liter fuel capacity or 3.9 Gallons approximately, the CB500X is a perfect fuel-efficiency adventure bike for beginners and women alike. Any owner of this motorcycle should get about 65mpg or more from this bike, so a full tank should see 250 – 300 miles before filling up, which is very impressive.
Brakes
Both the front and the back uses ABS brake systems on the ABS models, which come at a slightly higher cost. The front having a 310mm disc, and the back featuring a 240mm disc, both of which are single caliper.
The front brake on this motorcycle is very good at slowing the bike down quickly and safely. If you wanted to increase the braking power, you could upgrade the brake pads and, of course, upgrade the lines to steel-braided if you wish.
Accessories
There is a large accessory range available for this motorcycle so kitting it out for the type of riding you would like to do is very easy.
So, what accessories are available for the Honda CB500X:
- Crash Bars
- Heated Grips
- Centre Stand
- Panniers
- Crash Guards
- Hand Guards
- Bags
- And many other items
Also, several aftermarket companies offer excellent accessories for this bike, so don’t forget to check them out as well.
Verdict:
This motorcycle excellent all-rounder and perfectly formed for women riders of all levels being beginner or experienced. It makes a fantastic commuter, very capable when taken onto more gravel and off-road tracks, and light enough to be controlled easily.
Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
The Kawasaki Versys has been built for ultimate comfort for traveling on city streets and even highways. The slim and upright riding position is specially designed for people with a small stature and would make the ideal adventure motorcycle for any woman.
The Versys come in different models that offer additional features based on your requirements. For example, the Versys 650 LT offers hard saddlebags on the sides, but it is slightly more expensive than the other models. This is a great touring and adventure bike suitable for many women.
One of the most prominent features of this bike is its engine management technology. Dual throttle valves and economical riding indicators are functions that can greatly facilitate your riding experience.
Also, it comes with a 24-month warranty, which gives you peace of mind for straight two years of amazing riding adventures.
So, let’s take a closer look at this bike in more detail:
Engine
It features a 649cc 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC parallel-twin engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine is 68bhp with excellent low and mid-range torque, with the maximum being 47 lb-ft. The 6-speed gearbox allows you to manage the engine quite effectively and smoothly.
The engine gives this motorcycle good acceleration from the go but less so in the higher rev zones. However, this bike’s top speed is about 130 mph, so long-distance riding should be a breeze.
This motorcycle is classed as a sport-touring bike, so the suspension isn’t as soft as some other adventure bikes on the market, but it’s comfortable enough for long-distance riding and feels sporty round the bends.
Build Quality
The frame has been constructed from high-tensile steel, which shows its durability and with a ground clearance of 6.7 inches your be able to take this bike off-road easily enough.
The seat height is only 33.1 inches, so it would make an ideal adventure motorcycle for most women. However, it weighs in at about 216kg without the luggage and any extras, which add approximately 20kg. This bike is on the heavier side.
Features
The Versys 650 LT comes with a set of 28-liter saddlebags (28 liters each), which fit the bike through an integrated mounting system. They are very convenient and easy to mount and dismount, locking to the racks using the ignition key. The LT also comes with hand guards and taller wind protection.
Fuel Capacity
With its 25-liter tank and claimed 45 miles per gallon any woman rider out on an adventure shouldn’t be having to fill up for some 240 miles or so.
Brakes
The front brakes comprise dual 300mm petal-style discs, and the rear brakes are composed of a single 250mm disc. They are perfectly adequate for the job.
Verdict:
The Versys 650 LT is an excellent adventure bike, and with a price of just over $9000, any woman looking for an adventure motorcycle should give real consideration to this bike. With all the added adventure accessories this motorcycle comes with and the excellent reliable 650 engine, it will certainly be hard to beat.
BMW 310 GS
This elegant bike has been designed for everyday adventures and an easy commute from home to work and other destinations. It would make a very capable motorcycle for many women looking for a new ride and is very comfortable.
It has well-positioned upright handlebars, and the footpegs are well placed, allowing the rider to feel well-planted whilst sitting or standing up.
At only 170 KG the BMW 310 GS is one of the lightest adventure bikes on the market and any woman looking for this style of motorcycle would be well advised to check it out.
From only $5795 new this is a very affordable bike, however the price can shoot up when adding any extra packages available from BMW.
With its excellent build quality, which should be expected from BMW this adventure class bike can even withstand tough trails and rough road conditions owing to its durable built.
This bike dose share many similarities with the G 310 R.
The bike is available in three different colors: racing red, cosmic black, and pearl white metallic. Depending on your personality and riding needs, you can choose a suitable color.
It is also possible to build your own bike by giving the specifications you require to BMW.
Features
The dash is fairly sparse but still enables the rider to view all the important information necessary. It shows what gear you are currently in, which is very handy, especially for the newer riders, the time, the bike’s current revs, speed, and a fuel gauge.
The built-in holder for the navigation system is a nice touch that fits the BMW navigation system should you opt for that or another brand of your choosing.
Engine
It comprises a one-cylinder, liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine with four valves and a 313cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine, which offers average fuel consumption of around 50 mpg.
With 34 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 21 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm, this adventure bike is no powerhouse.
The bike comes with a 13.1-liter fuel tank, and at a claimed average of 71 mpg from BMW, you should see this bike covering about 200 miles between fill-ups. However, it would be wise to start checking at about 175 miles depending on how the bike is ridden.
Build Quality
Built by BMW Motorrad, the build quality is unmatched and premium quality, and with its 19″ front wheel and 17″ rear this bike is very capable of taking you on off-road adventures!
This bike has been given wider handlebars, which help control the bike off and on-road, and with its lightweight, any woman should be able to control this bike when off-road maneuvering through gravel or rocky terrain. However, the way this bike is built it still performs a lot better on gravel roads than the rocky ones.
Brakes
The ABS braking system allows for a safe riding experience, and it can also be turned off when you don’t need it, which is especially convenient when riding off-road.
The brake and clutch levers can’t be adjusted on the standard version, which is fairly inconvenient, but BMW does offer this as an additional extra at a cost.
Conclusion
All of these bikes are incredibly amazing for women who’re looking to take their bike riding adventures to the absolute peak of thrill. We assure you that choosing one of these bikes is going to be a great decision for
your adventures and thoroughly recommend giving them a test ride before you make ant decision.
You’re going to have a great time riding around treacherous paths and rocky roads with these amazing beasts. Check out their engine and fuel capacity, braking system, weights, and warranties to make the
final choice based on your budget and requirements.
Happy Riding!
Related Reading:
Top 5 Best Adventure Motorcycles For Beginners. A Helpful Guide.
