Ultra light adventure motorcycles

…Because less is more

Most dual sport riders, and a growing contingent of adventure bike riders, know real adventure begins the moment you leave the tarmac.

For that kind of adventure, “Ultra Light Adventure Motorcycle” are the pinnacle of performance, and crazy good fun!

Ultra Light Adventure Bikes are thinly veiled off road race bikes, barely street legal and devoid of any of the creature comforts of the their mainstream adventure bike brethren. For ADV riders that live to challenge themselves on the toughest terrain these five dual sports are the best platforms on which to build the ultimate Ultra Light Adventure Motorcycle.

KTM 500 EXC-F

The most popular choice of the bunch, this machine is powerful and composed across a wide range of terrain. ADV riders have successfully ridden this machine around the world. Hard to argue with success.

Price $12,549

510.9 cc Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4V/OHC with rocker arms

Horsepower

Torque

Power to Weight Ratio

Transmission 6 speed

WHEELBASE 58.35 inches 1,482 mm

FRONT SUSPENSION WP XPLOR USD fork 48 mm 11.81 inches 300 mm

REAR SUSPENSION WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS 12.2 inches 310 mm

TIRES FRONT 90/90 - 21

TIRES REAR 120/90 -18

BRAKE FRONT 260 mm

BRAKE REAR 220 mm

SEAT HEIGHT 37.8 inches 960 mm

GROUND CLEARANCE 13.98 inches 355 mm

Fuel CAPACITY 2.25 gallons 9 liters

DRY WEIGHT 233 lbs 105.6 kg

Husqvarna 501s

Husqvarna’s iteration of the 500exc comes equipped with more conventional rear linkage suspension and an unconventional composite rear subframe. The 501s is smooth, predictable, powerful and stable at speed.

Price $14,399

510.9 cc Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4V/OHC with rocker arms

Horsepower 44.5 hp

Torque 32 ft/lb

Power to Weight Ratio 0.186 hp/lb

Transmission 6 speed

WHEELBASE 1,482 mm

FRONT SUSPENSION WP XPLOR USD fork 48 mm 300 mm

REAR SUSPENSION WP XACT shock with linkage 300 mm

TIRES FRONT 90/90 - 21

TIRES REAR 140/80 -18

BRAKE FRONT 260 mm

BRAKE REAR 220 mm

SEAT HEIGHT 37.4 inches 950 mm

GROUND CLEARANCE 360 mm

Fuel CAPACITY 2.4 Gallons 9 liters

DRY WEIGHT 239 lb 108.4 kg

Honda CRF450RL

Derived from the CRF450X, delivering respectable performance and Honda’s legendary quality. The 450RL is a little less performance focused than some on this list. Compared with it’s racing siblings, the 450RL has more flywheel, less compression, a longer wheelbase, and longer service intervals. As a result this bike delivers strong smooth power, that gets great traction, has fully adjustable suspension, and cush drive to smooth out it’s road manners. Widely available accessories and an unbeatable dealer network helps to sustain this ultra light adventure bike.

Specifications

Front Brake Single 260mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear Brake Single 240mm disc

Front Tire IRC GP21; 80/100-21

Rear Tire IRC GP22; 120/80-18

Rake 28.5°

Trail 4.8 inches

Wheelbase 58.9 inches

Seat Height 37.2 inches

Ground Clearance 12.6 inches

Fuel Capacity 2.0 gallons

Curb Weight 291 pounds

MSRP $9,999

Engine 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, Unicam® OHC; four valves per cylinder

Horsepower 41.7 hp Torque 23.6 ft/lb

Bore and Stroke 96.0mm x 62.1mm

Compression Ratio 12.0:1

INDUCTION Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm downdraft throttle body

Transmission Wide-ratio six-speed

Final Drive #520 Chain; 13T/51T

Front Suspension 49mm leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork with rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 12.0-inch travel

Rear Suspension Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability; 11.8-inch travel

Beta 500 RS

Beta has been the one to watch in recent years producing power and performance at an aggressive price point. Perks like the unique BYOB (Build Your Own Beta) program you can have Beta customize your so you spend more time riding not wrenching. And the factory installed Trail Tech Voyager GPS for more than 30 functions help to set the RS apart. Beta is also highly visible as the sponsor and co-host (with AMA) of the National Dual Sport Series events held throughout the United States. This is a supremely off road capable dual sport machine that is becoming more popular as an ultra light adventure bike.

Specifications

Front Suspension: 48 mm Sachs Open Cartridge with compression, rebound & spring preload adjustment

Front Wheel Travel: 11.6"

Rear Suspension: Aluminum Body Sachs shock w/adjustable rebound and hi/low speed compression

Rear Wheel Travel: 11.4"

Fuel System: 42mm Throttle Body w/Dual Injectors

Traction Control: On-Demand w/ push of a button

Clutch: Wet Diaphragm-style

Front Brake: 260 mm floating rotor

Rear Brake: 240 mm rotor

Front/Rear Rim: 21" (Front) 18" (Rear)

Front/Rear Tire: DOT Maxxis Enduro

Type 477.5cc 4 stroke single, liquid cooled, 4-valve, cooling fan, electric start. (back up kick starter as an option)

MSRP$11,799

Transmission: 6 Speed

Seat Height: 37

Wheelbase 58.7"

Ground Clearance: 12.6"

Dry Weight: 243 lbs (wet weight, no fuel)

Ignition: Dual-Map Kokusan 200w output w/traction control

Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.4 US Gallons

Lubrication: Twin Oil Pumps w/Cartridge Filter & Separate Compartments For Engine & Transmission

Digital Dash: Trail Tech Voyager GPS unit

The best ultra light adventure bike?

Obviously the best bike for you will depend on your needs, where you live, where and how you ride. Each of the bikes on this list would do well by most ultra light adventure riders.

Where each one shines?

Peak Performance: Beta 500 RS

Although none of these bikes lack sufficient power for most ADV riders, all other bikes can be modified to produce more power. But that can add a significant cost. If you want the best performance out of the box, the beta tops this list.

Dealer Network: Honda CRF450RL

Ironically, the bike on the list with the best reputation for quality is also the one with the widest ranging dealer network.

Best Handling: Husqvarna FE501s

With it’s linkage rear suspension the Husky edges out the KTM in the handling department. While the KTM is a little more compliant when the speeds are low the Husky definitely has better manners at higher speeds.

Best All Around: KTM 500 EXC-F

Overall, most dual sport and adventure bike riders will find the KTM 500 EXC-F to be the most versatile, predictable, expandable, machine, with a strong enough dealer network to take you almost anywhere. Numerous resources abound online for maintaining and modifying the Katoom. This is easily todays most popular ultra light adventure motorcycle. A machine that has fueled many adventures across the country and around the world.