The year 2022, is the year of the motorcycle boom. So, for those of you who didn't make it this year (2022) but want to go camp touring on a motorcycle next year, here are the five best motorcycles for camp touring, as selected by Webike users from all displacement and category motorcycles released within the past three years.
I hope you'll join the ranks of our riders next year!
YAMAHA Tenere 700
Not tired of the existing camping tours, they want to plunge into more rugged terrain. The Ténéré 700 came in fifth place, encouraged by such experienced campers.
It has a hard character that is different from the machines in the first through fourth places. The car has a full-fledged chassis designed for overseas rally competition, and the seat height is so high that the heels of even a person over 175 cm tall can float on the ground. Riding this vehicle with a full load of luggage seems to be a bit of a challenge.
So, for those who have longed to drive one but have given up on the idea of riding one, check out the Tenere 700Low, which has the seat height lowered by about 38mm. It is available as an accessory package model that combines a low seat and low-down link with the standard model, and the price is the same as the standard model, which is very reasonable.
The OEM options are abundant, including aluminum top and side cases, engine guards, fog lamps, and more. It is also possible to create a full-fledged adventure style that is as good as the liter class.
SUZUKI V-Strom 650XT
In fourth place is Suzuki's V-Strom 650, the second brother in the series after its eldest son, 1050.
The reason for choosing this motorcycle was its ease of handling and cost performance as a travel motorcycle, as well as its total balance. It is not easy to handle a large motorcycle of more than 2.5 liters in size and weight when it is fully loaded with camping equipment.
Many users found the 650's just-right characteristics to be its greatest advantage. Moreover, the 650cc V-twin mounted on this machine has a worldwide reputation and is considered a masterpiece. You will be satisfied with the ride quality as well.
The XT is a high-end version, with wire spoke wheels for off-road use and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. It has a more authentic adventure-like character. If you are going camping, it would be safer to go with a vehicle that can withstand rough terrain.
Rumors of the end of production of the 650 were also circulating since the new V-Strom 800DE was announced in Europe, but according to Suzuki at the event, even if the 800DE is introduced in Japan, the 650 will be sold together with both the STD and XT models. The 650 is already compliant with the latest emission regulations, so there is no need to worry.
SUZUKI V-Strom 250
Next came the Suzuki V-Strom 250.
In addition to a reasonable price tag, the motorcycle comes standard with a screen and knuckle guard for wind protection at highway speeds, and one-touch attachments for the special side cases. A sturdy rear carrier with tandem grips is also included from the start. In terms of fuel economy, the owner claims that it achieves no less than 30 km/L.
It was popular for its authentic adventure style and good cost performance. Some people said that the slightly larger size of the vehicle made it difficult to maneuver and get a good footing, but the stability that comes from its massiveness could be an advantage at times.
In fact, the model is based on a model mainly marketed in China and other countries with many unpaved roads, and its sturdy body structure is, in a sense, over-specified for the Japanese market. This makes it easy to enjoy stable driving even when fully loaded with camping gear.
There have been rumors that it will be replaced by the new single-cylinder V-Strom SX, which was recently previewed in Indonesia, but at an event in the fall of 2022, Suzuki made it clear that the current 250 will continue to be sold in 2023. There is no need to panic yet.
YAMAHA Serow 250
In second place was the Serow, which has been a long seller for 35 years because of its concept of trekking through the woods while enjoying nature.
It is built like an off-road motorcycle, but without the excessive performance of a motocrosser, and it strikes a perfect balance between drivability and ease of use in terms of footing, engine, handling, etc. It is a machine that allows both beginners and veterans to easily enjoy camp touring.
However, as for loadability, although the flat seat makes it easy to load luggage, the rear carrier is basically treated as an option. If you purchase a full-scale rear carrier that can be used for camping as a custom part later, you will need to budget roughly (approx.) 155 USD.
Although the production of the Serow was discontinued in 2020 and new cars are almost unavailable, there are many used cars listed on Webike Bike Choice. Many of them are equipped with a full-fledged rear carrier to increase load capacity, so if you are looking to buy one for camping purposes, you may want to focus your search on such used models.
HONDA CT125 Hunter Cub
What is needed for camping touring is, above all, load capacity. So, in the first place is the Hunter Cub with its eye-catching huge rear carrier.
The size of the carrier is 409 mm (width) x 477 mm (front to back), and a 30-liter class cargo case available at home improvement stores can be easily accommodated within the dimensions, while a 50-liter class cargo case can be stacked vertically so that the back of the case protrudes. The load capacity is also perfect, despite the ruggedness of the product.
There is a good reason for this. The CT125 is a model sold as a two-seater, so it is designed to be able to accommodate a person. Therefore, it should also be able to meet the legal load limit of 60 kg.
Other features of the CT125, such as its fuel economy and good footing that only a Cub can offer, its small body size and toughness, and its character that allows you to reach the campsite with ease even if there are dirt roads, make it literally the #1 recommended camping motorcycle chosen by Webike users. And what's more, it is a Class 2 moped. It's also easy to get started.
