Ténéré 700 (XTZ690)

The Ténéré 700 takes the 689 cc CP2 parallel twin out of the MT-07 and puts it somewhere it makes even more sense. 73 hp and 50 lb-ft, delivered low and steady, is the kind of drive you actually want when the surface stops being pavement. Around it sits a slim steel frame, a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear on wire spokes, 8.3 inches of fork travel, 7.9 at the back, 9.4 inches of ground clearance, and adjustable suspension at both ends. The electronics stay deliberately thin: ABS, a TFT display, LED lighting. That restraint is the whole point.

At 452 lb wet it is light for a real adventure bike, and you feel that number every time traction gets vague. It ages well because there is very little to go wrong. Reliability and running costs are its strongest suits, service work stays simple enough for your own garage, and the aftermarket will sell you anything you care to bolt on. This is a bike for riders who want capability they control themselves. The honest caveat is the 34.6-inch seat and the missing highway comforts, so long interstate transfers are work you do with your own right wrist.