Adventure biking is huge right now. From a scene that didn't really exist a few years ago – by name, at least – to one of the fastest growing segments of the new motorcycle market, adventure biking is bringing the fun, and err, adventure back into motorcycling. Yamaha make some great adventure bikes, and here are three of them.

Yamaha XT660R At the more affordable end of the Yamaha range of adventure motorcycles is the XT660R; a rough, tough trail bike that'll chew up the dirt trails on Sunday, as well as the traffic-packed commute on Monday.

Yamaha have long been making their XT range of bikes, and to a very simple and effective recipe – tall, tough and torquey – perfect for flinging the mud and filing through the city streets.

The XT660R features long travel suspension that'll make mincemeat of potholes and dirt trails, and a 660cc single cylinder, fuel injected engine that's all about hard-hitting torque from right at the bottom of the rev range. This big-single-piston torque means instant throttle response; perfect for pulling through a deep mud bog, or for firing off the traffic lights leaving the rest of the world far behind.

If you're looking for a hard-working, fun-loving motorcycle that's a little bit scary to small children, the XT660R is one of the best around, especially if most of your time is spent threading through packed city traffic. However, if you do hanker after some filthy fun on the muddy trail, the 660R is well up for that too. Start your adventure journey at P&H Motorcycles.

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré

The Yamaha XT range became fully involved with the recent launch of the XT660Z Ténéré; a stunning looking dirt bike with a difference. From the same stable as the XT660R, the Ténéré takes the tough and utilitarian 660R and adds top quality, high performance components for a truly go anywhere motorbike with attitude.

Whilst the Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré is a motorcycle built for function over form, only a rider with too much mud in their eyes would complain that this is not a ruggedly handsome motorcycle. And while adventure is all about discovering new places and enjoying new experiences, there's nothing wrong with looking good while you do it, right?

Again we see a thumping 660cc single cylinder engine, this time wrapped up in more adventure-focused bodywork and accessories, including a well-padded duel seat, long-travel suspension, crash protectors and large, 23-litre fuel tank for big distances between fuel stops. Useful if you're in the middle of nowhere!

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré Time for the big daddy for Yamaha adventure bikes now; the magnificent XT1200Z Super Ténéré, and as the name suggests, this bike has got the real deal skills to cross continents, rocky rivers and roaming ravines.

The Super Ténéré begins with a mighty 1200cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine, that's built for bottomless torque and terrific throttle response. Should you come across a house on your travels, simply crack the throttle, hoist the front end and ride over it!

Massive adjustable front forks and a long-travel high performance rear shock take care of the suspension business, while the latest in rider aiding electronics helps with keeping fatigue from huge daily distances to a minimum. So does a deep and comfy saddle. The rest of the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré is made of the tough stuff to keep it running in the most extreme of conditions, even if you are up to your knees in icy cold river water, somewhere in Africa.