Adventure Motorcycles are Booming and K&N Filters Offer the Protection They Need

15 Nov 2016

The author's BMW R1200GS on the fairway of the Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley (photo T. Kessel)

The adventure (ADV) motorcycle market is on fire. The BMW R 1200 GS is a perennial top seller worldwide and is the undisputed sales leader for the Bavarian marquee. The Africa Twin, which has only recently been offered stateside, is lighting up Honda’s sales figures. Yamaha’s Super Tenere has been popular in Europe for decades and is also now available and selling well in the US. The more street-oriented V-Strom may be the bargain of the ADV market and is a strong seller for Suzuki. On the other end of the spectrum are KTM’s Adventure models, which are decidedly more dirt-oriented and are steadfastly popular with the hard-core world globetrotting crowd. In a kind of category of its own is Kawasaki’s venerable KLR 650, which has developed an uber-loyal cult following over the decades.

So what’s the appeal? Well, simply put, it is right there in the market segment descriptor – adventure. If there is one thing that defines motorcycling as a sport and a passion it would have to be the ubiquitous spirit of adventure among riders, and ADV bikes offer up more exploration potential than anything else on two wheels. It’s all about expanding horizons.

The Yamaha Super Tenere is at home on high speed corners (photo Yamaha)

It is true that nothing can match the pure tarmac-gripping performance of sport-bikes, the mile-eating comfort of touring bikes, or the single-track dirt-worthiness of motocross bikes. However, when you take any of those purpose-specific bikes out of their particular niche, they suffer. That’s where adventure bikes come in. Let’s take a quick look at how large displacement adventure bikes stack up in various environments.

Touring

Adventure bikes are exceptionally competent long distance tourers. The upright seating position lends itself to a great view of the open road and provides the uncoiled ergonomics to enjoy the miles. While not offering the easy chair comfort and total wind protection of mega-sized touring bikes, ADV mounts fare very well on the super-slab. When you add in the availability of a multitude of cavernous luggage options, the appeal of adventure bikes for touring becomes obvious. They have been called the pack mules of the motorcycling world.

Canyon Carving

Adventure bikes are remarkably adept at sport-oriented corner carving when adorned with street-biased tires. It should be noted here that no other segment in motorcycling has a wider variety of available rubber choices than adventure bikes. From low-profile street-gripping treads, to 50-50 split dual-purpose tires, to full-on knobbies, you can really pick your poison for adventure bikes. Back to sport riding. The long suspensions, wide handlebars, and sensible ergonomics of ADV bikes make them deceptively competent in navigating serpentine ribbons of asphalt. Many a crotch rocket has been embarrassed by a fully dressed ADV bike in the canyons.

KTM's Adventure is a dirt-worthy behemoth (photo KTM)

Dirt Riding

Right off the top, let’s make it clear that ADV bikes, most of which weigh in at well north of 500 pounds are not single-track dirt bikes. There is too much girth, too many exposed components, and frankly too much invested for most riders to take these bikes in the really rough stuff. That being said, with the proper tires, most adventure bikes are very well suited for spirited dirt and gravel road riding. Especially in the case of the BMW and the KTM Adventure models, many folks would be surprised at the terrain the bikes can navigate in competent hands.

So there you have it. Adventure bikes are kind of the Swiss Army knives of the motorcycling world. They open up possibilities for global exploration that whet the appetites of riders worldwide. While it’s true that many, maybe even most, adventure bikes will rarely leave the pavement, the fact that forays into a dirtier and more unrefined world are possible holds a magnetic attraction for thousands of motorcyclists.

K&N's ADV filters feature multiple layers of XD cotton gauze for excellent filtration and airflow

Since adventure motorcycles have the ability to navigate a wide range of environments and terrains, they have filtration needs that are equally wide-ranging. The engineers at K&N are acutely aware of this, and have developed a spectrum of filters that meet ADV needs like no other manufacturer. K&N filters designed to fit adventure bikes have an added level of filtration protection that goes above and beyond street-only performance filters. K&N’s filters for these bikes are constructed of multiple layers of tightly woven “XD” cotton gauze media for exceptional filtration.

While meeting the added engine protection requirement, K&N’s ADV filters still offer the legendary airflow boost that is designed to enhance performance. This marriage of performance and protection comes in a unit that fits perfectly in the stock air box and retains all factory warranties. Take a look at each application’s test data sheet on the product page for a complete airflow and filtration rundown.

Of special interest to ADV riders is the fact that K&N air filters are washable and reusable. One brutal adventure ride can render a paper element filter clogged and ready for the trash bin. The K&N filter simply needs to be washed and re-oiled and the adventure continues!

You will want to consult K&N’s easy to use online application tool to find the perfect filter for your adventure bike, but here is a great starting point:

BMW R1200GS LQ (2013-2016): K&N BM-1113

KTM Adventure (2013-2016): K&N KT-1113

Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom (2014-2016): K&N SU-1014

Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2016): K&N KA-6589

Yamaha XTZ1200 Super Tenere (2010-2016): K&N YA-1210

Coming soon from K&N is a filter for Honda’s Africa Twin

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