The ?Golden State? of California took on new meaning this past spring thanks to a ?superbloom? of wildflowers after winter rains soaked the drought-parched mountains and valleys. We?re riding through the Carrizo Plain National Monument on two of the latest liter-class adventure bikes, the KTM 1090 Adventure R (left) and Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin (right). Photos by Kevin Wing.
Most of today?s adventure bikes, despite their extra-large dimensions and scale-straining weights, are quite capable off-road. Many feature traction control, off-road-optimized ABS and electronically adjustable suspension that help compensate for their hulking bulk. But, most of the time, adventure tourers do their adventuring on pavement. With their powerful engines, street-friendly tires and cast wheels, high-tech electronics, comfortable ergonomics, big gas tanks and high load capacities, adventure bikes have become two-wheeled multi-tools?do-it-all ?everybikes? that serve as commuters, sport tourers, luggage-laden luxury travelers and even boulevard cruisers (insert Starbucks joke here). The Honda Africa Twin?s standard skid plate provides decent coverage. Helmet: Arai XD4. Jacket/Pants: Olympia Expedition. Boots: Sidi Deep Rain. Tail Bag: Firstgear.
On the outer fringe of the adventure bike crowd, standing tall and looking tough, is a small group of ?big dualies??dual-sports on a high-protein diet, bikes that are equally adept at pounding pavement as kicking up dust. They have multi-cylinder engi...