Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
If you’re thinking about buying your first adventure bike or just shopping for another motorcycle, let’s talk about the bikes I’ve found to be the most useful and forgiving for the new rider.
My top 5 ADV bikes for beginners (in no particular order)
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
CFMoto Ibex 450
KTM 390 Adventure R
Honda CRF300L Rally
Kawasaki KLE 500
I firmly believe that an “adventure” bike should be as off road capable as possible. If you are just going to be doing well manicured gravel roads then almost any motorcycle will do, but if you want to get off the beaten path and explore on an affordable ADV motorcycle that is capable and easy enough for a new rider to handle, well then I wholeheartedly recommend these five choices.
SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!
bit.ly/dorkintheroad
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: youtube.com/channel/UCrKYAp8fkN8yCbxcNK375rA/join
Dork in the Road stickers and other merch available at: motocampnerd.com/collections/dork-in-the-road-merch?ref=dork
Instagram: instagram.com/adorkintheroad
TikTok: tiktok.com/@dorkintheroad
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=26709234
Channel Sponsors:
Brake Free: brakefreetech.superfiliate.com/DORKINTHEROAD
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Quad Lock: Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: tinyurl.com/23sjhhwr
Brake Free: brakefreetech.superfiliate.com/DORKINTHEROAD
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/dorkintheroad
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
Amain Hobbies: alnk.to/7Bil0C0
Save 10% on butlermaps.com with promo code "dorkintheroad."
Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Save 10% on Motion Footpegs (motionfactoryracing.com/) with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Cardo Systems: cardosystems.rfrl.co/e2vdy
(use promo code "dorkintheroad" to save 10%)
Save 10% at Seat Concepts with promo code "DORKRD2025"
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.
Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.
If you’re thinking about buying your first adventure bike or just shopping for another motorcycle, let’s talk about the bikes I’ve found to be the most useful and forgiving for the new rider.
My top 5 ADV bikes for beginners (in no particular order)
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
CFMoto Ibex 450
KTM 390 Adventure R
Honda CRF300L Rally
Kawasaki KLE 500
I firmly believe that an “adventure” bike should be as off road capable as possible. If you are just going to be doing well manicured gravel roads then almost any motorcycle will do, but if you want to get off the beaten path and explore on an affordable ADV motorcycle that is capable and easy enough for a new rider to handle, well then I wholeheartedly recommend these five choices.
SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!
bit.ly/dorkintheroad
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: youtube.com/channel/UCrKYAp8fkN8yCbxcNK375rA/join
Dork in the Road stickers and other merch available at: motocampnerd.com/collections/dork-in-the-road-merch?ref=dork
Instagram: instagram.com/adorkintheroad
TikTok: tiktok.com/@dorkintheroad
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=26709234
Channel Sponsors:
Brake Free: brakefreetech.superfiliate.com/DORKINTHEROAD
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Quad Lock: Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: tinyurl.com/23sjhhwr
Brake Free: brakefreetech.superfiliate.com/DORKINTHEROAD
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/dorkintheroad
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
Amain Hobbies: alnk.to/7Bil0C0
Save 10% on butlermaps.com with promo code "dorkintheroad."
Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Save 10% on Motion Footpegs (motionfactoryracing.com/) with promo code "dorkintheroad"
Cardo Systems: cardosystems.rfrl.co/e2vdy
(use promo code "dorkintheroad" to save 10%)
Save 10% at Seat Concepts with promo code "DORKRD2025"
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.
Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.
