Are motorcycles suitable for Dubai or other cities in the UAE? Many people might think it’s impossible to ride a bike in the UAE because the air temperature is unbearable.
But they’re wrong. The UAE has a vibrant motorcycle market just like its car market. It’s a dream destination for motorcycle enthusiasts who love to experience wide highways and picturesque desert landscapes.
The country offers a diverse riding experience, from cruising the coastal roads of Dubai, exploring mountain routes in Hatta, to tackling the dunes of Liwa and Al Ain.
Moreover, you can find the best models from the top manufacturers. This gives you numerous options that might get you confused. This is why we decided to list the best motorcycles in the UAE.
Key Factors to Choose a Motorcycle in the UAE
If you’re a beginner, it might be difficult for you to choose a motorcycle among the countless bikes in the UAE’s market.
It’s highly recommended to get advice from a professional to prevent future problems. In addition, it’s good to consider the following factors when choosing a motorcycle in the UAE:
- Weather Conditions: The UAE’s climate is extremely hot. So, choose motorcycles with efficient heat management systems and, preferably, models that come with GCC specifications.
- Terrain Variety: You’d better choose a bike that is suitable for your desired riding environment, whether it’s highways, mountains, or deserts.
- Traffic Laws: The UAE has strict road safety rules, including emissions and noise levels. So, make sure your motorcycle complies with local regulations.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel is relatively cheap in the UAE. However, if you want to choose a motorcycle for long distances, you’d better go for a bike with decent fuel efficiency.
- Comfort & Cooling: Remember that you can’t bear the summer weather of Dubai, so you need to think of comfort and rider cooling features, like vented gear, windshields, etc.
12 Best Adventure Motorcycles in the UAE
Motorcycles are great for adventure lovers, and Dubai is a haven for them as it has both highways and off-road tracks.
The most important factors for adventure bikes are comfort, endurance, and off-road capabilities.
The following models are the best adventure motorcycles in the UAE:
1. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
BMW is a renowned name in the car industry, but did you know this German company makes innovative motorcycles too?
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is the gold standard in adventure bikes in the world. It’s equipped with dynamic traction control and a comfortable upright seating position.
BMW has manufactured this specifically for endurance rides across the UAE deserts or mountain paths, which is great for Dubai.
2. KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
KTM is a famous Austrian company that manufactures motorcycles, bicycles, and motorsports equipment.
The KTM 1290 is its super motor built for off-road adventures. The motorcycle offers superb handling, which is ideal for advanced riders wanting to explore off-grid.
3. Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
Honda doesn’t need any introduction. It has built this model as a balanced and versatile bike, which is perfect for riders who want adventure.
The great point about this supermodel is that it’s extremely lightweight, making it suitable for Dubai’s city adventures.
The following table compares these adventure cars to let you decide better:
| Motorcycle Model | Engine (cc) | Weight (kg) | Off-Road Capability | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1250 GS Adventure | 1254 | ~268 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 90,000–110,000 | Long-distance, mixed-terrain rides |
| KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | 1301 | ~240 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 85,000–100,000 | Advanced off-road exploration |
| Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L | 1084 | ~226 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 65,000–85,000 | Balanced touring & trail riding |
Top Cruisers for Desert Highways
Cruisers offer relaxed ergonomics and are ideal for the UAE’s open desert highways.
4. Harley-Davidson Road King
This classic American motorcycle has a unique, cinematic style and comes with touring capability, which is perfect for long rides in the UAE.
It has a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine with a V-twin rumble that makes it the road king. You can be sure about strong torque for highway cruising.
Additionally, it features hard saddlebags, a detachable windscreen, and cruise control, making it a great option for both solo and two-up touring across vast desert roads.
5. Indian Chief Dark Horse
Just like its name, it’s a bold, blacked-out styling that comes with modern technologies. It still has some old-school vibes, but it doesn’t mean that you don’t have comfort for riding on UAE highways.
This motorcycle is equipped with the Thunderstroke 116 engine, giving you massive torque and a deep rumble.
It also has a minimalist analog/digital display and ride modes (Tour, Standard, Sport). Overall, you can expect a stylish yet versatile cruiser for both long hauls and short hops.
6. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
This Japanese model is a smaller, more affordable cruiser with a punchy 942cc engine. If you’re looking for a bike for city riding and weekend escapes, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is your best option.
The Bolt R-Spec is a simple, lightweight bike with a small frame. So, if you’re a new rider who wants to ride just on city streets, this is the best choice for you.
Now, compare these models to decide which one is suitable for you:
| Motorcycle Model | Engine (cc) | Weight (kg) | Off-Road Capability | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Road King | 1746 | ~375 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 85,000–110,000 | Long-distance highway cruising |
| Indian Chief Dark Horse | 1890 | ~315 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 85,000–100,000 | Powerful cruising with style |
| Yamaha Bolt R-Spec | 942 | ~245 | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | 35,000–45,000 | Urban riding & casual weekend trips |
Popular Sport Bikes for UAE Roads
As it comes from the name, sport bikes are built for speed, precision, and dynamic handling. These motorcycles are really popular in the UAE, especially among youngsters.
Dubai’s smooth expressways and open stretches like Sheikh Zayed Road are great places for these motorcycles.
Here are the most popular sports motorcycles in the UAE:
7. Yamaha YZF-R1
This is another model from Yamaha, a Japanese manufacturer that makes competitive bikes. This sports model is aggressive, tech-loaded, and extremely powerful, which is the specialty of Yamaha’s MotoGP DNA.
The Yamaha YZF-R1 has a crossplane inline-four engine, enabling it to deliver track-level performance for skilled riders.
It’s also equipped with advanced electronics, like a quick shifter, slide control, and launch control. The company has made a combination of strength and a lightweight frame to offer one of the top-tier superbikes on UAE roads.
8. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Kawasaki is another renowned Japanese car and motor manufacturer. It has built the Ninja ZX-6R with a balance between performance and everyday comfort in mind. As a result, you can expect a highly versatile middleweight sportbike.
It’s ideal for riders who want track thrills without full-liter bike intensity. The ZX-6R has quick handling, solid midrange torque, and rider aids, like:
- Traction control
- Quick shifting
Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is perfect for both city riding and weekend canyon runs.
9. Ducati Panigale V4
Italy offers some powerful motorcycles that can compete with Japanese bikes. The Ducati Panigale V4 is one of them that is exhilarating, beautiful, and razor-sharp on the road or track.
It has a 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that offers brutal acceleration to sports lovers.
Apart from its power and speed, the bike also has great control, which is only possible with high-end tech like Bosch Cornering ABS, traction control, and ride-by-wire.
The following table compares these motorcycles:
| Motorcycle Model | Engine (cc) | Weight (kg) | Off-Road Capability | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YZF-R1 | 998 | ~200 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 75,000–90,000 | High-speed sport riding & track use |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | 636 | ~196 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 50,000–65,000 | Everyday sport riding & canyon runs |
| Ducati Panigale V4 | 1103 | ~198 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 95,000–125,000 | Track days & elite performance |
Best Touring Bikes for Long Distance
Although the UAE has extremely hot weather and many people prefer traveling by car, there are still tour lovers who like to have a trip by bike.
Many of them even like to have intercity adventures or cross-border journeys within the GCC. Of course, not all the bikes are suitable for such trips.
Here are the best touring motorcycles you can buy in the UAE:
10. Honda Gold Wing
The first motorcycle we want to mention is the undisputed king of touring. It offers luxury, tech, and comfort during your trips and has everything you can expect from a Japanese company.
It’s powered by a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine. Additionally, it has features like Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, electronically adjustable suspension, and a full infotainment suite.
More importantly, the Honda Gold Wing has exceptional wind protection and plush seats that make it ideal for multi-day road trips in the UAE.
11. BMW K 1600 GTL
The K 1600 GTL is a refined, tech-rich tourer, which is great for the deserts of the UAE. Although it has one of the smoothest engines in its class, it gives you enough power to have a long trip.
The bike has an inline-six 1649cc engine that gives you superb torque for highway overtaking.
The GTL also offers adaptive headlights, heated seats and grips, and a high-end audio system. Overall, it’s combining comfort with German precision for long-haul journeys.
12. Yamaha FJR1300
The last touring motorcycle we want to talk about combines speed with comfort for long trips. It has a strong 1298cc engine that offers smooth power for long trips in the UAE.
The FJR1300 has great shaft drive, cruise control, and suspension to let you adjust it according to your needs with a button.
The following table compares touring motorcycles:
| Motorcycle Model | Engine (cc) | Weight (kg) | Off-Road Capability | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Gold Wing | 1833 | ~385 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 115,000–135,000 | Ultra-long touring & luxury travel |
| BMW K 1600 GTL | 1649 | ~344 | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | 110,000–130,000 | High-tech long-distance comfort |
| Yamaha FJR1300 | 1298 | ~289 | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | 65,000–85,000 | Sporty touring with high reliability |
Where to Find New and Used Motorcycles in the UAE
The UAE, especially Dubai, has a vibrant motorcycle market where you can see top models from the most famous brands in the world.
Although the country offers a clear and straightforward buying/renting process, you still need to pay attention to security measures. An important point is to find and buy your desired motorcycle from a reliable source.
Here is a list of reliable places you can find and buy new and used motorcycles:
Authorized Dealerships
Harley-Davidson Dubai, BMW Motorrad UAE, Ducati UAE, and Honda UAE offer new bikes with full warranty and service plans.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are the best source to get familiar with the price range of different motorcycles. Here are the best online markets where you can find bikes in the UAE:
- Shozon: A new but modern online marketplace that lists the best cars and motorcycles in the UAE. It allows you to compare the prices and filter the results based on your needs.
- Dubizzle: The largest classifieds platform for used motorcycles.
- YallaMotor: Offers listings and price comparisons for new and used bikes.
- BikeSouq: A niche marketplace dedicated to motorcycles and accessories.
Motorcycle Events & Clubs
Attend local rides or bike shows like Custom Show Emirates to connect with sellers directly.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable motorcycle in the UAE depends on your budget, needs, and your destinations. If you want a motorcycle for touring, you can’t choose a small motorcycle with minimum options. Also, when you want to go off-road, you must think of the motor size and cooling options. As a beginner, it’s essential to get advice from a professional and also refer to valid listings like Shozon to compare various options before buying one.
FAQs
It depends on your needs. BMW is a great option for adventure, Harley-Davidson builds models suitable for cruising, and Yamaha is famous for reliability.
The Honda PCX 160 is a top choice for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and urban handling.
Globally, Honda leads in sales and reputation for reliability.
Honda is often ranked best overall, but BMW, Yamaha, and Ducati excel in specific categories.
