Finding an adventure bike for under $5,000 is easy. Finding one that's actually worth buying is another thing entirely.
How many miles is too many miles? Any known issues? How much would it cost to fix that? These are just a few of the questions you'll find yourself asking when you're talking yourself into buying a cheap adventure bike.
But what would you say if we told you that you can get a perfectly good, perfectly reliable, and fully capable ADV machine for just $5,000? No caveats, no strings attached, and (best of all) no monthly payments.
That may sound too good to be true, but if you know where to look, affordable ADVs are everywhere.
Below are the nine rigs we've owned, abused, and maintained over the years that we would, no questions asked, buy used in a heartbeat.
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Kawasaki's KLR has always been the most street/touring oriented of the big air-cooled 650s.
Some may call it a dual sport, but it's a dual sport with a windshield that's comfortable on the highway and more than capable of handling a dirt road detour.
The KLR won't woo you with its power, but it'll earn your loyalty with years of problem-free use and abuse.
They're a dime a dozen on the used market, and every year is a good year: just look for a clean one with under 15,000 miles and some choice upgrades.
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Well-kept first-gen models (1987-2007) typically start around the $3,000 mark, while second-gen bikes (2008-2018) often fetch $3,500 or more.
The fuel-injected third-gen bikes (2022-present) are great too, but they're harder to find for under $5k.
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It might surprise some folks to hear this, but one of the best used adventure bikes under $5,000 on the planet is actually the most coveted ADV of all time, BMW's full-sized GS. The secret here is that "high mileage" for most bikes is "barely broken in" for a GS.
What you're looking for here are any of the "oilhead" years with around 50,000 miles (or less) on the clock.
Most of these will be either the R1100GS (1994-1999) or the R1150GS (1999-2004), but you'll occasionally luck out and find an R1200GS under $5k, too.
The thought of buying a used motorcycle with 50,000 miles on the dash sounds scary, but well-kept oilheads are known to go for longer than some cars, often seeing 200,000 miles or more without any major issues.
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The ideal seller here is an older rider who has obviously kept meticulously good care of their bike.
Luckily that's an accurate description of 99% of oilhead owners in our experience, so chances are you'll have zero problems finding a good apple.
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If you know, you know: Suzuki's V-Strom 650 (aka "The Wee Strom") is one of the most overlooked bikes in the adventure space, and probably the most affordable ADV worth buying that you'll find on the used market.
The V-Strom shares most of its underpinnings with Suzuki's legendary SV650, which means it's insanely reliable, powerful enough for a good time, and still reasonably fun on a twisty mountain road.
Suzuki didn't really intend the V-Strom as an off-roader, but we've found it does just fine on gravel and dirt roads with a decent set of tires.
There's no such thing as a bad year for the V-Strom, and you can reliably find them for $3k or less all day long.
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Any well-kept V-Strom will easily last well over 50,000 miles. Find a clean example with under 25,000 on the dash and you're in the zone.
Find a newer 2012+ model (especially one in the "Adventure" or "XT" trim) for under $5k and you've really got a winner.
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Kawasaki's Versys 650 is the natural competitor of the V-Strom above, but most would agree it's a better all-around bike.
It's not quite as smooth cruising out on the interstate, but it outperforms the V-Strom everywhere else.
It's hard to exaggerate just how good the Versys 650 is in the twisties.
The suspension is much more sporty and sophisticated, and while actual engine performance is more or less identical, the Versys feels more thrilling for reasons we don't fully understand.
Perhaps that's why you should expect to pay about $1,000 more on the used market for your average Versys 650.
You can certainly score a cheap one if you stick to the first-generation bodystyle (2006-2014), but the second-generation (2015-2021) is where it's at.
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These bikes typically run much closer to the $5,000 mark, but they're also more powerful, better looking, better handling, and better braking than the original.
If you can find an LT model with under 20,000 miles, you're looking at the holy grail of value.
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Honda's mini-ADV, the CB500X, has earned itself quite the cult following over the years.
We've used them extensively in our fleet to great effect, and would recommend them to anyone after a mild-mannered, beginner-friendly adventure bike on a budget.
The CB500X hasn't been around as long as some models on this list, and as such, it's likely to command a bigger chunk of your budget.
Still, you can find one with under 20,000 miles for under $5k with a little patience, and they're worth every penny.
Much like the V-Strom and Versys above, the CB500X isn't exactly built for the dirt, but it still performs surprisingly well off-road in our experience.
It's also fun on the pavement, and cruises comfortably at highway speeds.
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The CB500X's edge is really all about reliability. These things are known to go well over 100,000 miles with only basic maintenance.
You'll pay a bit more for them upfront (typically around $4,000+), but they'll serve you flawlessly until you're ready to upgrade.
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Honda's latest CRF300L Rally is all the rage, but it'll cost you $7,000+ once it's said and done at the dealer, and used ones aren't much cheaper.
The good news? The original CRF250L Rally is just as good as it ever was.
Sure, there are a few minor differences between the two machines, but the ride experience is damn near identical, truth be told, and the 300 actually only has a 37cc displacement advantage.
Our take? Save the extra cash and go for the 250. Same wind protection, same extended range, same highway comfort, and same off-road capability.
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You're still getting access to the same aftermarket community, and you're doing it for thousands less.
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Royal Enfield's 24-horsepower, 440-pound adventure bike isn't for everyone. The agricultural air-cooled single is anything but exciting, and feels particularly out of place on American highways.
Still, there's a unique charm to this old-school ADV that many will appreciate.
It's not in a hurry to get anywhere, but it'll also take you clear around the world if you let it, terrain be damned.
We're talking about a practically brand new motorcycle for around $3,000. This is also one of the most beginner-friendly ADVs on the market thanks to a low seat, forgiving engine, and buttery-smooth clutch.
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All years of the Himalayan 411 are about the same, however the 2023 model year got a few tweaks that make it the stand-out option of the bunch.
Find one for $4,000 or less, and you're sure to get your money's worth.
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If you've got the GS bug but can't see yourself on a big boxer, the parallel-twin F800GS is a smart alternative.
Much like their bigger siblings, these bikes are known to hit 100,000+ miles without any major issues, so buying used is a smart move.
The biggest problem you'll have here is actually finding one under $5,000.
Most of the bikes you find in that price range will be higher mileage models from either 2008 or 2009, but again, buying a 30,000 or even 40,000 mile F800GS isn't as scary as it sounds.
Naturally you'll want to pay close attention to the maintenance records here.
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We'd rather buy a high-mileage F800 with a well-documented past than take a risk on a newer, lower-mileage unit of unknown origin.
That being said, all years are good years.
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This one is sure to ruffle some feathers, but if you're looking for the best deal on the used adventure bike market, don't overlook the Buell Ulysses.
You won't find a more thrilling, powerful, or character rich motorcycle for the money.
The Ulysses handles like nothing else on this list, and also takes the cake on sheer power with 103 horses and 84 lb-ft of torque.
The chassis is absolutely razor sharp, the suspension is fully adjustable, and the ride is comfortable.
Before anyone chimes in with the usual "Harley's aren't reliable" comment, we'll point out that the Evo-era engine was one of the most reliable HD ever made.
You'll find plenty of used Ulysses with over 50,000 miles on the dash to attest to that fact.
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All years are good years, but the 2008-2010 models are the best.
Find one with under 15,000 miles for under $4,000, and you'll wonder why you ever let anyone talk you out of owning a Buell XB.
We hope this list helped you find the used bike of your dreams! If you think we missed anything, please list it in the comments! We would love to hear your angle and will consider adding it on the next update! Thanks again for reading, and we hope to see you out there. RIDE ON!
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