An attractive adventure bike?

[AllanB]

Is there such a thing?

In theory an adventure bike should have been on my list when looking - they are perfect for NZ roads and goat tracks. But I'm a visual person and the bike has to be physically appealing enough to sit in the shed and just look at it.

Anyway - this Guzzi popped up in my e-mails today. I like - no unnecessary bulk, it's kind of a Hypermotard Guzzi. Pretty? Pretty enough to be interesting.

http://www.eaglecross.it/#prettyPhoto

[nallac]

That is a pretty cool looking guzzi.. In a Hp2 beemer style way.

[Gremlin]

Looks like they've taken a big Guzzi donk and put a motorcross frame around it. Looks neither comfortable (that seat looks like a bench) or practical (nowhere for luggage).

However, it would be an adventure trying to take a Guzzi to out of the way places...

Looks is eye of the beholder stuff. Prior to the liquid cooled BMW boxer, I found the GS to be ugly, but liked the GS Adventure...

[Motu]

I'm old fashioned, and am attracted to soft voluptuous curves, deep soft colours and sounds that make me lose control of my moral compass. Modern bikes just don't do that for me.

[frotz]

The KTMs are rather pretty. Those short service intervals make them less suited for long adventure travel, though.

Here's the 350 EXC-F.

[TLDV8]

Is there such a thing?

One from 1957.

[Banditbandit]

L

Looks is eye of the beholder stuff. Prior to the liquid cooled BMW boxer, I found the GS to be ugly, but liked the GS Adventure...

yeah - I owned and rode one for 10 years (1990 BMW R100GS PD).. comfortable, good cruise .. capable of 130 klicks across the shingle (and I'm not an off-road rider) .. but not a pretty bike.

I'm old fashioned, and am attracted to soft voluptuous curves, deep soft colours and sounds that make me lose control of my moral compass. Modern bikes just don't do that for me.

Me too - but I do like the looks of the Guzzi off-roader (not that I'd have one - I prefer the road bikes).

[pritch]

However, it would be an adventure trying to take a Guzzi to out of the way places...

That was my first thought too.

Second thought was that most "adventure" bikes are too big to be really fit for purpose. If I was going a seriously long way from a road I'd rather have a 600.

[Metastable]

I find the term "adventure" a bit strange too. With those gargantuan bikes, how can you get to places anywhere near adventurous? I'd hate to try and take one on some of the trails I take my KTM200XCW. The 4x4 trails you could do on an adventure bike.... but even that would be a pain. Realistically most of them are good for a dirt road... and that's about it..... unless you are a VERY accomplished enduro rider.

To answer the OP's question:
- KTM530EXC for more adventure less touring
- Triumph Tiger 800 xcx for more touring and less adventure

[Hitcher]

Aprilia Caponord.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photo-...caponord-1200/

[Gremlin]

Aprilia Caponord.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photo-...caponord-1200/

Good point... but you'd actually want the Caponord Rally: http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/02/23...pecifications/

More suitable 19-17 wheel combo, plus spokes, etc.

[Hitcher]

Good point... but you'd actually want the Caponord Rally:
More suitable 19-17 wheel combo, plus spokes, etc.

"Plus spokes" is not on my list of must haves. Ever.

[nerrrd]

I always thought my CB500X was a good looking bike, but it's all in the eye of the beholder.



Add one of the Rally Raid suspension/wheel upgrade kits plus sundry other bits and you can even turn it into a real middle-weight adventure bike...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nBMqQq0BfWM

[BMWST?]

triumph or bmw 800 would qualify as good looking enough for me

[Swoop]

Pretty enough to be interesting.

There appears to be a large insect attempting to have sex with the rear wheel.
Quite bizarre.