As I prepare for my 40,000 km solo motorcycle journey from Ushuaia to Alaska, one of the biggest decisions I face is choosing the best dual-sport adventure motorcycle. This is no ordinary ride; it’s a mix of adventure, endurance, and the thrill of exploring some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the world. So, the bike I pick needs to be more than just reliable—it has to be the perfect fit for the demands of this epic journey.
Let me lay out my situation. I’ll be traveling alone, which means I need a bike that I can handle by myself, especially if I drop it in the middle of nowhere. My route will mostly take me along back roads and dirt paths – speed isn’t a priority. A bike that can go 70 mph on the highway is more than enough. A long fuel range is essential—I’m aiming for around 400 km between fill-ups to avoid carrying extra gas cans, if possible.
Since I’m a permanent resident of Mexico, I’ll likely need to buy the bike here, complete with Mexican plates and registration. I’m 6 feet tall and prefer taller bikes with comfortable, wide seats. And, given that I’ll be in some remote areas, reliability and the availability of parts are crucial considerations.
Weight is another big factor. I’m in my early sixties, so the bike needs to be light enough for me to pick up if it goes down. That rules out many of the heavier adventure bikes, like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure. As much as I admire it, its 270 kg (almost 600 lbs) weight, plus luggage, is just too much for me to handle solo.
My weight limit rules out most bikes with engines larger than 450 cc. While the smaller bikes have less horsepower and lower top speeds, that’s not an issue for me—I’m more interested in comfort, ease of handling, and the ability to manage off-road terrain.
Let’s dive into the options I’ve been considering:
Honda CRF300L Rally
This was my first choice. At 150 kg (330 lbs), it fits well within my weight limit. It’s tall, reliable, and designed for off-road travel. However, its 12.9-liter tank only offers a range of about 330 km (205 miles), which is less than what I’m aiming for. I could add an aftermarket tank, but the seat is narrow and uncomfortable, and the soft suspension would need an upgrade. The biggest drawback, though, is parts availability—it’s not sold in most Latin American countries, including Mexico. That was the deal-breaker for me.
Honda XRE300 and Sahara 300
The Honda XRE300, which is being replaced by the new Honda Sahara 300, is another strong contender. The Sahara 300 has a more comfortable seat than the CRF300L, adjustable rear suspension, and a 13.8-liter fuel tank that gives it a range of about 400 km. It’s made in Brazil, and parts should be readily available throughout Latin America. The downside? It’s not yet available in Mexico. While I considered buying it in Chile, importing it into Mexico would cost about 80% of the original price, so that’s out. However, used XRE300s are available in Mexico, and they offer similar specs, minus the adjustable suspension.
Kawasaki KLX300
Another bike I considered was the Kawasaki KLX300. It’s reliable, with dealers across Latin America, making parts and service relatively accessible. The bike’s wet weight is just 137 kg (302 lbs), making it the lightest option on my list. However, its small 2-gallon fuel tank severely limits its range. Aftermarket tanks are just a bit bigger, at 2.7 gallons, limiting it to about 260 km—far short of my target. That’s a deal-breaker for this trip.
Kawasaki KLR650
I’ve owned a KLR650 before and loved it, but at 220 kg (487 lbs), it’s too heavy for this journey. While it’s a fantastic bike, it doesn’t meet the weight criteria I need for solo travel and off-roading.
Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX
This bike isn’t sold in the United States but it is available in Mexico and offers a lot of positives. Even though it weighs 167 kg (367 lbs), it feels light and nimble. Its 250 cc engine might not be as powerful as the larger bikes, but it delivers a solid range of about 420 km, which is impressive. However, it doesn’t particularly stand out in any area, and I find it a bit small for my 6-ft frame.
Suzuki DRZ400S and DR650
I have fond memories of riding the Suzuki DRZ400S, a bike I once owned and enjoyed. For this trip, though, I’d need a bigger gas tank, a more comfortable seat, and a windshield, all of which are readily available. Unfortunately, the DRZ400S isn’t sold in Mexico, but its big brother, the DR650, is. It’s a little heavier than I’d like, but with some modifications, it could be a strong contender. The DR650 is a proven, reliable bike, and it’s definitely on my shortlist.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure is another bike that caught my attention. It has a wet weight of 173 kg (380 lbs), slightly above my ideal weight, but it comes with some impressive features. It’s got more power than most of the other bikes I’m considering and includes adjustable suspension, switchable ABS and riding modes, and a 14.5-liter tank that offers a range of about 430 km, more than any other bike on my list. It’s affordable, too, which makes it an attractive option, even with the extra weight.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
I watched several reviews of the new 2025 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, and it looked promising. But when I saw it in person, its 198 kg (435 lbs) wet weight and top-heavy feel made it a no-go for me. It was difficult to get off the kickstand and into riding position, and I quickly decided it wasn’t the right fit for this trip. I didn’t ride it, so please take my impressions with a grain of salt.
CFMoto 450MT
The CFMoto 450MT is another interesting option. It’s got tons of features, great reviews, an affordable price tag and it looks really cool! But at 193 kg (425 lbs), it’s bigger and heavier than what I’m looking for. It could be a great choice for someone looking for a mid-sized adventure motorcycle.
I’m sure there are other bikes out there that could be a good match for this journey, but so far, these are the ones that have made it to my list. There are some I haven’t mentioned because they’re either priced well above my budget or simply aren’t available in Mexico.
So, which bike would you choose for a journey like this? What are the pros and cons of the motorcycles I’ve considered? Am I overlooking any bike in particular? I’d love to hear your thoughts—please leave your comments below.
