The 5 best vintage trails

Before highlighting the vintage adventure bikes selected by our team, it seemed interesting to take a quick trip down memory lane. This is rather logical when you are about to talk about vintage!

Whether on a bicycle or a motorcycle, the idea of trying off-road riding is not new. In the early 20th century, motorcycles were not really suited for this, and enthusiasts of trails and muddy fields made some modifications to indulge their passion: wider handlebars, raised exhaust, torquey engine, headlight protected by a grille, tires adapted for off-road. The scrambler was born, a precursor to future enduros and adventure bikes.

The Seventies, meanwhile, were marked by a need to return to nature. Manufacturers followed this trend to create two-wheelers capable of fully satisfying this passion. The adventure bike, a hybrid machine designed for both road and off-road use, paved the way for a new concept.

While today's new generations of adventure bikes are far removed from their "ancestors", it is clear that the value of older generations is definitely on the rise. This is an opportunity to take stock of the 5 best vintage adventure bikes.

• Paris-Dakar: Adventure Bike Showcase Rally
• From the decline of the 2000s to the return of vintage adventure bikes
• The 5 best vintage adventure bikes in detail
• The 1988 Yamaha XT 600Z Ténéré 3AJ
• The 1990 BMW R 80 GS
• The 1989 Honda Africa Twin XRV 650 HRC
• The 1991 Cagiva Elefant 900 IE Lucky Explorer
• The 1990 Suzuki DR 800 S BIG
• Comparative table of the 5 best adventure bikes
• How to improve your adventure bike's lighting?
• Optimize adventure bike visibility with premium auxiliary lights
• A wide choice of auxiliary lights suitable for your adventure bike
• What we can learn from it
• Guest-Star: The Yamaha XT500

It's hard to talk about adventure bikes without mentioning the Paris-Dakar Rally. In 1977, Thierry Sabine (1949-1986) got lost during the Abidjan-Nice Rally. After several days of wandering in the desert, he returned with the desire to share the magnificent landscapes he had discovered during his journey. The Dakar was born.

On December 26, 1978, 90 adventure bikes (including 7 women), 80 cars, and 12 trucks prepared to embark on the first laps of a race that would become legendary: the Paris-Dakar.

For the general public, this original event, full of adventure, emotion, drama, and exploits, would leave a lasting impression. Over the years, the rally established itself as a must-see event and enjoyed tremendous popularity. The prowess of the motorcycle riders battling in the immense soft sand dunes, speeding at dizzying speeds on rocky tracks, generated real enthusiasm.

The 90s adventure bike: a symbol of open spaces and adventure

Adventure bike sales grew rapidly, and in the years 1985 to 1990, these machines enjoyed real success, boosted by the exploits of prestigious riders: Edi Orioli, Cyril Neveu, Hubert Auriol (1952-2021). Adventure bikes stood out from classic road bikes at first glance due to their height, bright colors, handlebars, and imposing fuel tank.

Massive-looking motorcycles, but capable of easily navigating all kinds of terrain. Both practical for weaving through traffic, with good autonomy and a solid engine, adventure bikes enjoyed low maintenance costs, compared to road bikes, and an accessible purchase price.

The adventure bike market was doing well, and many outdoor enthusiasts used their holidays to crisscross the roads and paths of France and Europe. True to its primary purpose, the adventure bike allowed everyone to leave the asphalt and venture at will into wilder areas.

Back to summary

The early 21st century saw a halt in the adventure bike market, with sales declining rapidly. The image of adventurous dreams conveyed by rallies lost momentum under ecological pressure.

Supermotos took over, while younger riders soon abandoned 50cc adventure bikes in favor of scooters. The range of choices expanded, and the explosion of roadsters quickly relegated the good old adventure bikes to the garage.

However, less than two decades later, several factors contributed to their "resurrection." The high prices of increasingly sophisticated roadsters, their maintenance cost, their spartan comfort, and their limited functionality in terms of available space for carrying belongings on weekends or holidays weighed on the final decision.

Add to that the new traffic regulations and restrictions on speed and radar controls, and you get a different approach to two-wheeled riding!

The return of vintage adventure bikes is here! The trend for Café Racers, old motorcycles that are restored, transformed, and personalized, is booming. Ténéré, Africa Twin, R 80 GS, adventure bikes from the 80s and 90s are highly sought after today. They offer first-rate solutions for lovers of neo-retro.

Back to summary

The 80s to 90s were a golden age for adventure bikes, and many of these motorcycles are now looking for buyers on various available classified ad sites.

Expect to pay today between €4,000 and €9,000 or more, depending on mileage and overall condition, to get one of these off-road motorcycles.

Do you want to buy an adventure bike and are hesitating about the brand or model? We have undertaken to clear the ground to offer you what we consider to be among the best, the 5 best vintage adventure bikes:

Back to summary

No particular order in our ranking, but to kick things off, a nod to the brand victorious in the first two editions of the Paris-Dakar, and its winner on a Yamaha 500 XT, Cyril Neveu.

The Ténéré... A benchmark in the world of adventure bikes. The third version, released in 1988, has a clearly rally-oriented look. Its large headlight fairing, attached to the tank and mounted directly on the frame, is a plus for comfort for both rider and passenger, who will also benefit from efficient suspensions.

The Yamaha is, in fact, an enjoyable bike for two-up travel. The passenger benefits from a wide seat, well-positioned grab handles, and footrests placed low enough.

An ideal motorcycle for rides on departmental roads and cross-country paths, with a range of over 300 km. As with most adventure bikes, its bulk and weight must be taken into consideration for smaller riders (complicated for those under 1.75 m), especially in urban traffic or off-road use.

Back to summary

The R 80 G/S, the initiator of road-going adventure bikes, marked a turning point for the German brand. Struggling against Japanese competition, BMW Motorrad intensified its efforts on enduro bikes and in 1980 launched its R 80 G/S adventure bike ("Gelände/Straße", off-road/road). The press raved about its off-road performance and sales skyrocketed.

In 1987, the "slash" disappeared, it became the R 80 GS and incorporated a significant technical evolution: the Paralever rear suspension. Despite its weight, it benefits from a low center of gravity due to its flat twin engine, which makes it very stable.

The BMW is the forerunner of what would be called road-going adventure bikes. At ease on tracks, it is particularly effective on the road. Indeed, it benefits from a riding position that remains comfortable over long distances, supported by an inexhaustible engine that never runs out of breath. It's a bike that's at home on long journeys and benefits from the German brand's extensive luggage range.

Back to summary

At Honda, adventure bikes are divided into two main categories: the sporty XR series and the more versatile XL series. Thus, the XRV 650 Africa Twin is the sporty alternative to the Transalp XLV 650.

The XRV has a stiffer and reinforced frame and offers excellent agility and maneuverability. Be careful, however, its seat height and weight complicate its urban riding for those under 1.80 m. (And yes, still this size problem. What unites these adventure bikes is indeed a significant seat height that clearly makes the task a little complicated for shorter riders.)

In terms of engine, the Honda is top-notch. Despite the machine's weight, it responds perfectly, supported by smooth and precise gear changes. Particularly reliable, the Africa Twin performs well over long distances, its large tank effectively protecting both rider and passenger. On that note, adding a taller windscreen will provide additional comfort.

In summary, the XRV 650 HRC lives up to its excellent reputation. A comfortable seat and a useful luggage rack make this bike the ideal companion for long journeys, whether on trails or asphalt.

A small drawback, its lighting, despite the dual optics, suffers, like other adventure bikes of the era, from a relative, if not very relative, efficiency! Fortunately, advances made since then easily allow for improvement on this point. You will find quality LED headlights in our shop and at the end of the article, a presentation of perfectly adapted auxiliary lights.

Back to summary

While the Italian adventure bike did not benefit from the same media impact as the Ténéré and Africa Twin, the Cagiva Elefant 900 IE nevertheless has its advantages. Its docile yet powerful engine and smooth handling make this adventure bike practical in the city, on long journeys, and off-road.

With a seat height of 90 cm and a wet weight over 200 kg, it is also primarily aimed at taller riders, who are well protected by the tank and the very effective fairing screen.

The Lucky Explorer does not go unnoticed and impresses as much with the characteristic rumble of its engine as with its aggressive front end and white color.

A complete dashboard, engine oil temperature gauge, the Cagiva also stands out for details, such as a compartment for a pair of gloves with a key lock, if you please!

An important point to consider is its somewhat high center of gravity, which requires careful handling in tight turns and especially in hairpins.

Back to summary

In the big single-cylinder series, Suzuki lined up a DR 800 BIG in Marlboro colors for the 1989 Dakar. Ridden by Belgian Gaston Rahier (1947 - 2005), it finished the race in 9th position.

The 1990 version of the BIG DR now has a displacement of 779 cm³, while retaining the aesthetics of its single-cylinder engine characterized by its "duckbill" front and distinctive exhaust.

Perfectly at home on all types of roads, the Suzuki delivers constant power, to the specific rhythm of the big single. Like other adventure bikes of the era, it is particularly intended for tall riders. Once past the obstacle of height, the Suzuki offers excellent road manners for a range of nearly 500 km, with the drawback of a clearly uncomfortable seat.

The small fairing does its job while the tank volume effectively protects the rider's knees from the wind. The riding position is ideal and very comfortable, with slightly bent legs and an upright torso. However, as mentioned earlier, the BIG DR does not offer the comfort of its competitors, and the feeling of sitting on a plank does not invite long journeys, especially with a passenger.

Back to summary

Back to summary

Café racer enthusiasts know all too well that going back in time to get the bike of their dreams means reconsidering a few points, especially regarding safety provided by lighting.

Adventure bikes from the 90s are no exception to this observation. Whether they are equipped with dual optics or not, the lighting capabilities of that era are far from reaching the performance of today's available headlight models.

However, whether off-road or on the road, the need to see far, to the side, and especially to be seen by other road users is an undeniable priority.

On this topic, you will find an article on our blog informing you about LED optics, their advantages, their prices, etc. We have selected for you, in our lighting department, what you need to meet your requirements and enjoy prices adapted to all budgets, from €49.90 to €299.00.

Back to summary

As a reminder, the law does not prohibit the use of auxiliary lights on a motorcycle. While not mandatory, they are nonetheless highly recommended. Indeed, the safety contribution provided by this type of lighting is undeniable and therefore recommended.

To meet the demand of our customers, Blackpines has expanded its LED optics offering by integrating the PIAA brand, specializing in high-quality auxiliary lights since 1963.

The Japanese brand, very present in motorsports, now offers LED lights equipped with Reflector Facing Technology (RFT).

LED chips are oriented towards the reflector and not forward like conventional LED headlights. The benefit is twofold:

• a more direct and defined light beam that does not dazzle oncoming users, complying with the SAE standard;
• utilization of the full efficiency of each LED chip provides more light, resulting in reduced energy consumption.

Back to summary

To match the design of your adventure bike, you will find various models of all sizes, round, square, rectangular, in our auxiliary lights section. Driving lights, fog lights, or combined, white or yellow lighting, PIAA auxiliary lights are ECE approved.

• Fog lights: produce a wide-angle, close-range illumination;
• Driving lights: range greater than 50 meters;
• Combined lights: wider illumination angle than driving lights, without illuminating as far.

Back to summary

Whether the Yamaha XT 600 Z Ténéré 3AJ, Honda Africa Twin XRV 650 HRC, Cagiva Elefant 900 IE Lucky Explorer, BMW R 80 GS, and Suzuki DR 800 S BIG are the 5 best vintage adventure bikes or not, ultimately matters little.

What matters is that each of them is a condensed history, titles, and emotions. We were stunned by their performances in prestigious rallies. We, in turn, wanted to ride them and experience our own adventures.

Today, these solid, powerful, and stylish motorcycles are finding their place in our daily lives because, among other things, they are perfectly suited to new traffic restrictions.

Lower consumption, controlled maintenance, practical for carrying luggage and traveling far, venturing off-road as desired, they perfectly meet current expectations.

While they boast a distinctive and unique look, many enthusiasts will not hesitate to add their personal touches, and they lend themselves very well to this.

And if only one element needed changing to enjoy your adventure bike even more, in perfect safety, it would be replacing the old-generation headlight with an efficient LED headlight and finalizing it with the installation of auxiliary lights.

Once you've made your choice, all that's left is to go hunting, but that's the beginning of your adventure...

Back to summary

The Yamaha XT 500, ridden by Cyril Neveu, won the 1st Paris-Dakar, and it illustrates this article on the 5 best vintage adventure bikes, so why not include it in the comparison with other adventure bikes?

With the XT500, we go beyond the notion of a legendary motorcycle and enter the realm of the timeless. If there is one model that has crossed the ages without showing its age, it is this one. Following its presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1975, this simple but ultra-versatile adventure bike achieved such success that even today, the mention of its name evokes genuine enthusiasm.

Just under 18,000 XT500s were sold in France (61,250 worldwide). Despite its small tank, 32 horsepower, and slightly undersized front brake, the XT benefits from a lightweight and slender chassis, the high torque of a motor with undisputed reliability, and a weight of 139 kg, making the Yamaha a formidable competitor on rough terrain, even against more modern adventure bikes.

Its success and robustness inevitably impact the price of this coveted model. Depending on its general condition and mileage, the XT500 currently sells for between €4,000 and €8,000. Ten years ago, it was selling for between €2,000 and €3,500!

	YAMAHA XT 500
Year	1981
Engine	4-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement	499 cm3
Power	32 hp
Starting	Kick
Fuel Tank Capacity	8.8 L
Brakes front/rear	drum front/rear
Gearbox	5 speeds
Headlights	1 round headlight
L x W x H (mm)	2,175 x 875 x 1,180
Seat height (mm)	820
Weight empty/full (kg)	139 / 155

Back to summary