Buying a brand-new bike, then outfitting it with all the bells and whistles you want and need, spending close to $20,000 isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Heading into 2019 we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to new adventure motorcycles. All the heavy-hitters from BMW, Ducati and Honda are bringing new bikes to market in the new year. But, if you plan on first buying a new bike and then outfitting it with all the bells and whistles you want and need, there’s potential you may end up spending close to $20,000 all said and done. What you want to do is get this fully-loaded 2014 KTM Adventure R and save yourself the time and money.
We’ve talked about the importance of customizing your motorcycle, especially if you’re going to take it off-road for long rides. Making sure its ergonomics are just right, that the engine and underbelly are well-protected and ensuring you have proper, helpful tech is essential, but it can also cost thousands of dollars on top of the not-so-insignificant price tag most new adventure bikes carry. This 12,000-mile 2014 KTM Adventure R not only starts just under $10,000 (a new Adventure R costs $14,699), it also comes with almost everything you’d want to tack on to an adventure bike.
A brand-new KTM 1090is more than capable of hitting the trails right off the showroom floor, but kitted out like this 2014 example, it’ll go even farther. Above the dash, there’s a Garmin Zumo 590 navigation system with locking Touratech bracket and mount; out front, there’s a Cycra led headlight bulb to light the way and a Touratech headlight guard to protect it. The stock engine crash bars are paired with a Touratch skidplate. In the back is a Caribou luggage top box and a couple Touratech Zega Pro panniers, which are $550 a piece (and come with water and fuel bottles).
There’s no getting around the expenses that go into adventure riding. The cost of entry can be steep, plus all the gear and modifications you bolt to your bike can rack up quite the bill. However, if you play it smart, you can also save a heap of cash. Expect to dish out double the money than this 2014 model if you buy new and go the DIY route.