The Milan air buzzed with the kind of excitement only a hall full of adventure motorcycles can create—new models gleaming under spotlights, rally dreams taking form in steel and rubber, and a crowd of enthusiasts craning their necks for glimpses of the machines that will soon shape their wildest rides. We wove through the aisles, soaking it all in—some bikes already boasting years of heritage, others freshly unveiled, teasing us with their potential. From the rugged whispers of BMW’s F 450 GS to the shadowy mystery surrounding Kawasaki’s KLE 500, the show delivered everything we’d hoped for—and then some.

The first bike to grab our attention was BMW’s F 450 GS, the Bavarian marque’s foray into the middleweight adventure sector, where compact size and serious capability matter most. Looking every bit the younger sibling of the big GS giants, this prototype cuts a lean and purposeful figure. BMW has kept it minimal yet tough: USD forks, a monoshock rear, and wire-spoked wheels hint that it’s ready for more than just gravel paths. The buzz at the stand suggested this bike is aimed squarely at bridging the gap between entry-level machines and its bigger adventure beasts, and if the speculated 48bhp twin-cylinder engine delivers, this could be the small-capacity GS everyone’s been waiting for.

Standing tall nearby was Benelli’s TRK 702, a bike that’s hard to ignore, both for its growing fanbase and its sheer presence. This midweight adventure machine holds onto its rugged Italian charm while bulking up its touring potential. The parallel-twin engine promises ample grunt for those long hauls, and Benelli’s solid build quality means it’ll likely take a beating on the rough stuff, too. If the TRK 702 delivers the value Benelli is known for, this could be the budget-friendly adventurer’s dream.

From there, we couldn’t miss KTM. The Austrian brand came out swinging with not one, but three significant bikes: the 390 Adventure R, the 390 Enduro, and the 1390 Adventure. The 390 Adventure R turns up the off-road dial on their beloved entry-level adventure platform, sporting a rally-inspired redesign with a proper 21-inch front wheel, an 18-inch rear, and suspension that begs to get dirty. For those wanting a more hardcore experience, the 390 Enduro ditches any pretense of road bias and goes all-in on the trail—a perfect tool for tackling technical routes without breaking the bank. And then there’s the big, bold 1390 Adventure, KTM’s powerhouse flagship that takes everything they’ve learned from Dakar domination and pours it into a long-distance beast that doesn’t flinch, no matter the terrain. It’s big, it’s brash, and we wouldn’t expect anything less.

Next up, the teasing was turned up to eleven with Kawasaki’s KLE 500. Hidden away in a box with only a tantalizing glimpse of its silhouette, this bike left us whispering theories like kids around a campfire. What we do know: it’s coming, and the name alone brings back memories of the original KLE—a bike that quietly held its own in the adventure space. If Kawasaki plays its cards right, this could be a modern revival worth the wait.

We then turned to the underdog innovators, starting with KOVE and their no-nonsense lineup. The 450 Rally and the 800X are both serious contenders, especially for riders eyeing value without compromising on capability. The 450 Rally, in particular, looked every bit the Dakar dream machine—sharp, lightweight, and rally-raid ready right out of the crate. Meanwhile, Moto Morini’s X-Cape 700 kept things practical and refined, offering Italian styling and midweight touring capability for those of us wanting a machine that looks as good as it rides.

And just when we thought the Italians were done, MV Agusta swooped in with the Enduro Veloce, a machine that blends adventure with unmistakable Italian artistry. If motorcycles could be considered fine art, this one would have its place on a pedestal—sleek lines, aggressive stance, and that unmistakable MV charisma. But don’t let the elegance fool you; this bike off-road credentials are as solid as its looks, as our very own Mike de la Torre can attest. MV Agusta invited him to test the Enduro Veloce over three relentless days in the California deserts, pushing it to the absolute limit across unforgiving sand dunes, rocky trails, and wide-open expanses. The verdict? You’ll find it in Mike’s full ride report in this same edition, but let’s just say the Enduro Veloce might be as comfortable chewing through the dirt as it is posing for a cover shot.

The Chinese brands are also making their mark, and both QJ Motor and Zontes brought adventure-ready machines that show just how much they’ve upped their game. These bikes aren’t just clones anymore; they’re pushing the sector forward with sharp designs and increasingly competitive specs. Add in VOGE’s DS 800, which had the crowd buzzing with excitement, and it’s clear these brands aren’t just here to compete—they’re here to win.

We couldn’t walk past Royal Enfield without stopping to admire the Himalayan 450. This bike represents a huge leap forward for Royal Enfield, with a liquid-cooled engine and chassis upgrades that promise to take it from charming thumper to genuinely capable adventure tourer. Fans of the original Himalayan will still find its rugged charm intact, but with far fewer compromises.

Then came a moment we’d been waiting years for: the Suzuki DR 4S. Suzuki is finally re-launching the beloved DR-Z400, modernized and ready to hit trails and fire roads like it’s 2002 all over again. If Suzuki nails the blend of nostalgia and modern upgrades, this could be one of the most eagerly embraced bikes of the year.

Finally, Yamaha brought their Ténéré 700 Rally to the table—essentially a love letter to riders who refuse to let rough terrain win. Lighter, leaner, and packing rally-inspired enhancements, it’s a worthy evolution of what’s already one of the most celebrated adventure bikes in recent memory.

And with that, our whirlwind through the adventure bike lineup of this year’s show left us grinning like kids on Christmas morning. From game-changing prototypes to crowd-favorite evolutions, 2024 promises to be a golden year for adventure riding.

The Accessories That Complete the Adventure

If the bikes are the beating heart of the adventure riding world, then the gear and accessories are the life support that keeps us moving—comfortable, connected, and ready for whatever the road (or lack thereof) throws at us. The accessory and gear brands brought their A-game this year, delivering innovations that make our rides safer, smoother, and, let’s be honest, way more fun. From next-level helmets to bags that double as kitchens (yes, really), here are the standout products that caught our attention at the show.

We’ll start with Acerbis, a name synonymous with rugged durability in the adventure world. This year, their X Flex Gear stood out for its lightweight, flexible design that doesn’t sacrifice protection—exactly what you need when the trail gets rowdy. Their boots also deserve a special mention, with designs that balance comfort and toughness for long days in the saddle. But what really caught our eye were Acerbis’ accessories for Royal Enfield. From guards to luggage solutions, Acerbis has clearly tuned into the growing Himalayan and Royal Enfield adventure community with products that seamlessly blend practicality and style.

Safety innovation was on full display at the Dainese booth, where the Smart Airbag System had us all nodding in approval. Integrated seamlessly into their adventure and touring jackets, this airbag system adds a new layer of rider protection without compromising mobility or comfort. It’s a game-changer for those who push their limits—and prefer to walk away when they’ve pushed a little too far.

Close-up of Ducati DesertX Rally's high front mudguard and wheel.

Boot lovers were spoiled for choice this year. Eleveit brought their A-game with the X Legend Evo Boots, a perfect mix of lightweight design and rugged protection. Gaerne, on the other hand, took it up a notch with the SG 22 Boots, designed for serious off-road punishment while still keeping your feet happy. Not to be outdone, Sidi rolled out an entire lineup, including the Adventure 2 Gore, Mid Adventure 2 Gore, the X Power Enduro WP, and the unstoppable Crossfire 3. From tackling tough trails to splashing through water crossings and racking up the miles, Sidi has a boot to match every adventure.

On the navigation front, Garmin’s Tread 2 GPS was a standout. Purpose-built for off-road exploration, it offers detailed trail mapping, live weather updates, and turn-by-turn routing. It’s the kind of tech that keeps you confident when you’re miles away from civilization, ensuring you spend more time riding and less time second-guessing your route.

Speaking of packing for adventure, Giant Loop showed us why they remain a go-to for rugged luggage solutions. The Coyote Saddlebag and Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag are designed for riders who want reliable, minimalist gear that won’t let them down mid-ride. Both bags are lightweight, durable, and cleverly designed to handle whatever you throw at them—mud, rain, or a few too many rocks.

Givi also made waves with their ever-reliable lineup of adventure bags, perfect for both weekend warriors and round-the-world travelers. And for those looking to cook up a little fun on the road, SW-Motech turned heads with a surprising and ingenious setup: a trio of bags that transforms into a full kitchen system for the BMW F900 GS. Because who says adventure riding can’t include a gourmet touch?

Tech and connectivity continue to evolve, and Sena and Cardo Systems are leading the way. Sena introduced the Autorush R and the sleek SENA Impulse, both combining crystal-clear communication with cutting-edge audio quality. Meanwhile, Cardo’s Packtalk Pro took center stage, offering next-level mesh connectivity, voice activation, and audio that keeps you connected to your crew without missing a beat—from riding as a team to breaking away for a solo journey.

For those needing new lids, Shoei impressed with the VFX-WR 06, an off-road-focused helmet that combines impact protection with top-tier aerodynamics. On the flip side, X.NEXX delivered not one, but three new helmets: the X.Lifecountry, X.Lifetour, and Y.Travl. Designed with adventure versatility in mind, they offer a combination of style, safety, and comfort that’s perfect for long-distance travelers.

Arai Helmets turned heads (literally and figuratively) with the new XD-5, an evolution of their legendary adventure lid. Known for its industry-leading safety, impeccable ventilation, and all-day comfort, the XD-5 is built for riders who split their time between pavement and dirt. With this helmet, you’ll feel ready for anything, from conquering rugged trails to chasing horizons on the open road.

And finally, Wunderlich delivered a solid lineup of both soft and hard bags, engineered for BMW enthusiasts who demand premium build quality and practicality. Be it a weekend retreat or a long-haul trek across continents, Wunderlich’s luggage lineup promises to keep your gear secure and your bike looking sharp.

As the lights dimmed on the final day, we couldn’t shake the feeling that we needed just one more day to fully take it all in. Three days might be the bare minimum for an event of this magnitude, and we only managed two—barely scratching the surface of what was on display. From the adventure bikes that stole our hearts to the gear that keeps us moving, this year’s show was a celebration of everything that makes the motorcycle world so exhilarating.

The adventure sector alone delivered more than enough to fuel our imaginations for the year ahead. BMW and KTM brought heavy-hitters that turned heads at every corner, MV Agusta’s Enduro Veloce proved that performance and artistry can coexist, and Honda, Ducati, and Triumph continued to set the standard for versatility and innovation. Meanwhile, brands like Alpinestars, HELD, Giant Loop, NEXX, Cardo, and Arai showed why they remain staples for riders pushing the boundaries, blending cutting-edge design with real-world functionality.

But this was just one slice of a sprawling, two-wheeled wonderland—there was something for everyone, from track-ready machines to urban commuters. If you live and breathe motorcycles, this is the event to attend. Plan ahead, pack light, and trust us on this one: you’ll need all three days to truly do it justice. We’ll see you there next year.