XRm Dual Sport Motorcycle Review: Is This the Perfect Adventure Bike for You?

Let me tell you about the day I first threw a leg over the XRm Dual Sport, and why this motorcycle reminds me so much of watching a well-coordinated basketball team in perfect sync. You know, like that incredible Philippine national basketball lineup with June Mar Fajardo holding down the paint like an immovable force, CJ Perez slicing through defenses, and Scottie Thompson orchestrating plays with seemingly effortless grace. That's exactly what riding the XRm feels like – every component working in perfect harmony, each part knowing its role and executing with precision.

I've been testing adventure bikes for about twelve years now, covering everything from the muddy trails of British Columbia to the paved twisties of the Italian Alps. In that time, I've developed a pretty good sense of what makes a dual sport motorcycle truly special rather than just competent. The XRm enters a crowded market segment where manufacturers have been trying to create the perfect balance between off-road capability and on-road manners for decades. What struck me immediately about this machine is how it manages to feel both familiar and innovative simultaneously, much like watching Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome adapt their games to complement their teammates rather than just showcasing individual skills.

The heart of any adventure bike is its engine, and the XRm's 689cc parallel-twin is an absolute gem. It produces around 72 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque, which places it right in that sweet spot for real-world adventure riding. Unlike some competitors that chase peak numbers, this powerplant delivers its punch in a beautifully linear fashion. The torque curve is as smooth as Jamie Malonzo's comeback drives to the basket – predictable, controllable, but with undeniable force when you need it. I spent a solid three hours on highway stretches during my testing, and the engine remained vibration-free while maintaining 75 mph with plenty of passing power in reserve. The fuel injection mapping is nearly perfect, with none of the abrupt throttle response that plagues some modern fuel-injected motorcycles.

Where the XRm truly separates itself from the pack is in its chassis dynamics. The steel trellis frame provides just the right balance of rigidity and flex, giving the rider confident feedback without transferring every small bump directly to your spine. The suspension travel measures 8.3 inches front and rear – enough to handle serious off-road work while maintaining respectable road manners. I took it through some genuinely technical single-track trails that would make most big adventure bikes struggle, and the XRm handled them with the agility of Dwight Ramos navigating through traffic in the paint. The suspension soaks up impacts beautifully, and the bike changes direction with an ease that belies its 432-pound wet weight. Speaking of weight, that's about 27 pounds lighter than its closest competitor, which makes a noticeable difference when you're picking your way through rocky creek beds or navigating tight switchbacks.

The ergonomics deserve special mention because this is where many adventure bikes fail their riders on long journeys. The seat height is adjustable between 33.5 and 34.2 inches, which should accommodate most riders from about 5'8" and up. I'm 6'1" with a 34-inch inseam, and I found the higher setting perfect for standing on the pegs during off-road sections. The handlebar-to-peg-to-seat relationship creates a comfortable riding triangle that doesn't force you to choose between sitting and standing positions. It's the two-wheel equivalent of having versatile players like Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao who can effectively play multiple positions without compromising performance in any of them.

Now, let's talk about the electronics package because this is where the XRm really shines. You get three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Off-Road), each with distinct power delivery characteristics and traction control intervention levels. The cornering ABS is seamlessly integrated, and I can confirm from personal experience that it works brilliantly when you find unexpected gravel mid-corner. The TFT display is bright and easily readable even in direct sunlight, showing all essential information without clutter. What impressed me most was the intuitive menu navigation – unlike some bikes that require a computer science degree to operate, the XRm's controls are simple and logical. The quick shifter works flawlessly both up and down, making spirited riding an absolute joy.

If I have to point out areas for improvement, the stock windscreen could be better. At highway speeds, there's some buffeting around the helmet that becomes noticeable after a couple of hours. This is easily remedied with an aftermarket option, but it's something the manufacturer should address. The other minor quibble is with the accessory pricing – the crash bars and aluminum panniers will set you back about $1,200, which feels a bit steep considering what you're already paying for the bike.

After putting roughly 850 miles on the XRm across every type of riding imaginable, I've come to appreciate its remarkable versatility. It's competent enough for serious off-road adventures while remaining comfortable for multi-day road trips. The build quality appears excellent, with attention to detail in the wiring, fasteners, and finish that suggests this bike will stand up to years of hard use. The service intervals are reasonable at 6,200 miles for major services, and dealer support seems strong based on my conversations with several owners.

So, is the XRm the perfect adventure bike? For about 85% of riders, I'd say yes. It strikes that elusive balance between capability and comfort much like a well-rounded basketball team that has shooters, defenders, playmakers, and rebounders all working together. The naturalized player Justine Brownlee brings that international experience and unique skill set that elevates the entire team, just as certain features on the XRm elevate it above competitors. It's not the absolute best at any single discipline – there are more powerful sport-touring machines and more agile pure dirt bikes – but as a package that does everything well, it's incredibly compelling. If your riding involves equal parts pavement and dirt, or if you simply want one motorcycle that can handle whatever adventure you throw at it, the XRm deserves your serious consideration. It's earned a permanent spot in my garage, and I suspect it might in yours too once you experience its capabilities firsthand.