Excellent words of wisdom Dave. I’ve been riding a long time and just downsized from the Pan Am/1290 SAR to an 890 Adventure. There is a world of difference in control over a physically smaller bike, whether riding, coming to a stop, or maneuvering it in the garage/driveway.
I think you could throw many small Duel Sports on this list. The primary concern that needs to be addressed is the small capacity of the fuel tanks but this is easily addressed with fuel bladders. Currently I'm building up a lightly used KLX 230 that I picked up for cheap. Being a used cheap bike I'll be able to build it up the way I want and still be under the price of buying it new. Such a set-up will make for a great lightweight ADV more than adequate for backroads and dirt roads/double track. One of the biggest barriers to getting into the sport is the expense and picking up a used small capacity bike is probably the best way of clearing this barrier to entry.
Dave, everything you are producing these days is fantastic. You have hit your 'groove'. This was an excellent introduction for those of us getting into adventure riding. Much appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks Marshall. That survey that I put out a couple of months ago told me half my audience were new to the sport or ADV inquisitive, so I'm going to cater to that bunch a bit more in the coming months. For example I've actively chased down the 2023 BMW G 310 GS for test.
little Red Rooster, the only one, best CHOICE for me ... (with some money for necessary changes) 60 thousand km without any problems, not even a screw. (HONDA)
Two score years of water have been flowing under the bridge from the time I stopped scraping the foot pegs on Highway 1 in Northern California, due to the demands of marriage and kids. Kids are on their own, my Ex has another (poor fool), and I am in my second childhood (and enjoying it). Riding is more difficult than it once was, and my Royal Enfield Himalayan is far much different than my BMW R65 was. My feet both can be flat on the roadway when at a stop on the Himalayan. For some reason that is important to me. I liked the KTM but I just could not touch the ground with my twinkle toes, so that did not work for me. I did not look at the Honda due to the seat height as well. The BMW without the boxer engine just seemed wrong. Happy riding until the happy hunting grounds take me.
Hi Dave, Great little video. And all of these bikes have attractive features. In the end I selected the BMW because of the engine, the warranty, and the service intervals. I have been very happy with that choice.
Thanks Dave, more great content, though I reckon the new and inexperienced aren't the only target audience. There are those that are tired of big heavy adventure bikes and want something smaller and those that are a little older and don't want bigger heavier adv bikes that seem to be getting harder and harder to pick up. I also reckon you need to include the Kawasaki Versys X 300 in this lot as well, would love to see a review of it by you. Keep up the good work, and have a great Christmas.
KTM offered me the 390 for my India trip that ‘was’ supposed to start in 10 days (2nd Jan) but at 6ft 4, it just felt cramped so thought I’d go for the Himalayan after arriving - my riding will be mixed - bad part; I’ve had to delay as I’ve attracted medical issues which is annoying - so I’ll get recovery sorted and replan - still unsure about which bike for 2 months around India ………….
Hey Dave! Currently have a few ADV bikes that are on sale for the 24 models. Versys x300, G310GS, KLR650. All 2-3k below msrp. Which one would be the best first ADV bike that will be more off road than road? I have other bikes, and this will be my fourth one.
Thanks for the amazing Blog. The Suzuki V-Strom 250SX is about to drop soon and the KLX230S & SM. Gone are the days when it was XR250 or DR250. We have this small bet going at the moment 10K so a few of us have the task to purchase a new ADV Entry Bike, bolt on bits, gear and luggage (if you want to do that) for under 10K the we have to ride over the next 12 months 10,000km. **I wanted to mention a slightly interesting debate I had with the local Suzuki dealer, who couldn't understand why I wanted sucky small bike (I ride a Harley 883 Iron) He wanted to sell me the V-Strom 800DE. The entire purpose was lost. (I wanted to prove with some co-workers and friends to teenagers, friend family ect that you can tour on a small capacity bike. You don't need to spend huge amounts to get into this wonderful sport.
Great video and reliability is definitely important. But I picked my bike and I love it it's a CB500x a 2015 and it will do everything these bikes do and more. There's much support and aftermarket for the cb500x anything you want you can find. Mine I Rally Raided well worth it, love this bike even more, never plan on selling it and I've had many bikes and this one is keeper. I have not put that Rally raid ABS off switch for it yet but I have it. As for gas mileage, wow this thing is a big wow. It does so well and I've ridden this bike off-road and single track trails that most people say you know you can't take that bike, but it does well so well and has much gas left at the end of the day.
Hi guys Firstly great video! I'm starting to look into the world of adventure riding after staying on the road for 12+ years now. I think I've caught the off road bug after watching your Scram'd Nepal and Himalayan Adventure videos which were amazing and have now convinced me to add a Himalayan ride to my bucket list! This comparison has been awesome to help me start narrowing down my choices. I'm hoping sometime in the next 18 months I'll be able to afford a little adventure bike to add to my garage. Thanks for the awesome content and advice, I'm now a subscriber and would love to see some more stuff for potential beginners including some small bike comparisons as well as some basic setup suggestion videos. Cheers!
In means of suspension, springs always have a weight range they're meant for. Whatever bike you buy...In most cases it's ranges of 10kg +/- I bought many new mx bikes in my life and always had to change springs because the default ones are not matching my weight. After fitting the right springs you need to set the sag correctly, so the geometry of the bike is as it's intended from the factory. Alternatively you might not be happy with the damping, compression and rebound. Most suspension can be changed by replacing shim stacks. If you want a really good offroad bike you might want to check if it can be changed.
I usually quote Malcolm Smith when someone asks "whick bike?" . His advice was to get one that fits you. I had a friend ask what qualities I like in a bike, but I was assuming a certain budget. His local dealer found a suitable new bike that wasn't overly popular or expensive, but modern performance.
Thanks for that. I am looking for an all roads travel bike . Can you tell me if the ktm has the tractor factor ? I just want to ride roads and tractor up trails for a camp site.
I'm a bigish guy (185cm/120kg) who currently has a gsx-r 750 which doesn't suit me at all (though I do love the motor). I want to go dirt riding and commute at more legally encouraged speeds. I have no dirt experience other than growing up welded to a mountain bike 20 years ago and a few experiences on trailbikes. I'm tossing up these bikes as my next choice, any thoughts? The 800cc(ish) class is also appealing, though the extra weight and especially cost are significant to me.
Hard to decide on what one to get.. 2023 CRF300L RALLY or the 2023 G 310 GS. What's the maintenance look like on each? The BMW has 3 year warranty so that sounds good... first bike. Looking for a bike to get into town and go to the gym with. Also little play off road.
Excellent words of wisdom Dave.
I’ve been riding a long time and just downsized from the Pan Am/1290 SAR to an 890 Adventure. There is a world of difference in control over a physically smaller bike, whether riding, coming to a stop, or maneuvering it in the garage/driveway.
Good choice.
I think you could throw many small Duel Sports on this list. The primary concern that needs to be addressed is the small capacity of the fuel tanks but this is easily addressed with fuel bladders. Currently I'm building up a lightly used KLX 230 that I picked up for cheap. Being a used cheap bike I'll be able to build it up the way I want and still be under the price of buying it new. Such a set-up will make for a great lightweight ADV more than adequate for backroads and dirt roads/double track. One of the biggest barriers to getting into the sport is the expense and picking up a used small capacity bike is probably the best way of clearing this barrier to entry.
Very good points I Ray. Also decent gear is so expensive.
Dave, everything you are producing these days is fantastic. You have hit your 'groove'. This was an excellent introduction for those of us getting into adventure riding. Much appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks Marshall. That survey that I put out a couple of months ago told me half my audience were new to the sport or ADV inquisitive, so I'm going to cater to that bunch a bit more in the coming months. For example I've actively chased down the 2023 BMW G 310 GS for test.
I am rally struggling to understand just what Adventure motorcycling is. This video… sorta helps. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! But you're right, what the hell is it?
little Red Rooster, the only one, best CHOICE for me ... (with some money for necessary changes)
60 thousand km without any problems, not even a screw. (HONDA)
Yep that's honda. The only issue I ever had were the ingnition switches wearing out (CL175 and my cx500).
I do like a Rooster
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I know
Two score years of water have been flowing under the bridge from the time I stopped scraping the foot pegs on Highway 1 in Northern California, due to the demands of marriage and kids. Kids are on their own, my Ex has another (poor fool), and I am in my second childhood (and enjoying it). Riding is more difficult than it once was, and my Royal Enfield Himalayan is far much different than my BMW R65 was. My feet both can be flat on the roadway when at a stop on the Himalayan. For some reason that is important to me. I liked the KTM but I just could not touch the ground with my twinkle toes, so that did not work for me. I did not look at the Honda due to the seat height as well. The BMW without the boxer engine just seemed wrong. Happy riding until the happy hunting grounds take me.
Thanks
🤙🤙🤙🤙
I hope it was useful.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV You always give useful info, best mototuber ever! Im still wanting either a T7 or the new 890 adv
Compulsory ABS; Noooooo!
It's nuts.
It's not a problem if the manufacturer lets you switch it off.
Him a lay an is how it’s pronounced like the mountain.
No mate. Listen to how Indians pronounce it. But you say it any way you want
Had a 310GS for about 18mths now, absolutely love it 👍
Great to hear! They are a good bike.
The way you pronounce "Himalayan" hurts my ears 😢 .
You need to spend sometime in India
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV No, I don't think I need 😉. Cheers!
Hi Dave,
Great little video. And all of these bikes have attractive features. In the end I selected the BMW because of the engine, the warranty, and the service intervals. I have been very happy with that choice.
A great little bike. We're revisiting the 2023 model next year.
amazing video, thank you ! I am now going to watch your detailed reviews on them you mentioned
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Dave, more great content, though I reckon the new and inexperienced aren't the only target audience. There are those that are tired of big heavy adventure bikes and want something smaller and those that are a little older and don't want bigger heavier adv bikes that seem to be getting harder and harder to pick up. I also reckon you need to include the Kawasaki Versys X 300 in this lot as well, would love to see a review of it by you. Keep up the good work, and have a great Christmas.
thanks Chris. Yes the Kwaka is another good bike, I just wasn't attracted to it.
KTM offered me the 390 for my India trip that ‘was’ supposed to start in 10 days (2nd Jan) but at 6ft 4, it just felt cramped so thought I’d go for the Himalayan after arriving - my riding will be mixed - bad part; I’ve had to delay as I’ve attracted medical issues which is annoying - so I’ll get recovery sorted and replan - still unsure about which bike for 2 months around India ………….
Both good bikes.
Hey Dave! Currently have a few ADV bikes that are on sale for the 24 models. Versys x300, G310GS, KLR650. All 2-3k below msrp. Which one would be the best first ADV bike that will be more off road than road? I have other bikes, and this will be my fourth one.
I'm happy with all of those. My pick would be the KLR.
Thanks for the amazing Blog. The Suzuki V-Strom 250SX is about to drop soon and the KLX230S & SM. Gone are the days when it was XR250 or DR250. We have this small bet going at the moment 10K so a few of us have the task to purchase a new ADV Entry Bike, bolt on bits, gear and luggage (if you want to do that) for under 10K the we have to ride over the next 12 months 10,000km. **I wanted to mention a slightly interesting debate I had with the local Suzuki dealer, who couldn't understand why I wanted sucky small bike (I ride a Harley 883 Iron) He wanted to sell me the V-Strom 800DE. The entire purpose was lost. (I wanted to prove with some co-workers and friends to teenagers, friend family ect that you can tour on a small capacity bike. You don't need to spend huge amounts to get into this wonderful sport.
So agree with you. As I said, my favourite adv was on a Bajaj 220.
No klx 300?!!!😢
Great video and reliability is definitely important. But I picked my bike and I love it it's a CB500x a 2015 and it will do everything these bikes do and more. There's much support and aftermarket for the cb500x anything you want you can find. Mine I Rally Raided well worth it, love this bike even more, never plan on selling it and I've had many bikes and this one is keeper. I have not put that Rally raid ABS off switch for it yet but I have it. As for gas mileage, wow this thing is a big wow. It does so well and I've ridden this bike off-road and single track trails that most people say you know you can't take that bike, but it does well so well and has much gas left at the end of the day.
It's a great bike. On this channel you can see the head of Rally Raid, John Mitchinson ride one across the Simpson Desert.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Will be looking that up, thank you.
Merry Christmas n Happy New Year MAD Team
Same to you! thanks Jamies
THE VERY BEST REVIEWS ON THE NET, BY FAR. GREAT VID, FROM UK
Wow, thanks!
Him a lay an.
Not himaaaliyun.
Stop showing your ignorance
The Himalayan has a 21 front and 17 rear
Oops.
Waiting for 390R next year
Me too. Will it move away from the road orientation? A million dollar question.
I saw gate crashers and immediately thought it was going to be a tribute to Nugget
Yes, good point. That was a great gate crash
To catch that on video, epic.
Hi guys
Firstly great video! I'm starting to look into the world of adventure riding after staying on the road for 12+ years now. I think I've caught the off road bug after watching your Scram'd Nepal and Himalayan Adventure videos which were amazing and have now convinced me to add a Himalayan ride to my bucket list! This comparison has been awesome to help me start narrowing down my choices.
I'm hoping sometime in the next 18 months I'll be able to afford a little adventure bike to add to my garage.
Thanks for the awesome content and advice, I'm now a subscriber and would love to see some more stuff for potential beginners including some small bike comparisons as well as some basic setup suggestion videos. Cheers!
coming up soon.
In means of suspension, springs always have a weight range they're meant for. Whatever bike you buy...In most cases it's ranges of 10kg +/-
I bought many new mx bikes in my life and always had to change springs because the default ones are not matching my weight.
After fitting the right springs you need to set the sag correctly, so the geometry of the bike is as it's intended from the factory.
Alternatively you might not be happy with the damping, compression and rebound.
Most suspension can be changed by replacing shim stacks. If you want a really good offroad bike you might want to check if it can be changed.
Thank you
I usually quote Malcolm Smith when someone asks "whick bike?" . His advice was to get one that fits you.
I had a friend ask what qualities I like in a bike, but I was assuming a certain budget. His local dealer found a suitable new bike that wasn't overly popular or expensive, but modern performance.
Ah Malcolm Smith.... from On Any Sunday.
Just watched this again. What might be a good recommendation for a taller rider for an ADV starter bike, 6 feet, 4 inch, 200 lbs?
Honda or Enfield
And after you've made your generous offerings to the corporate gods go get yourself a DR650 and start your adventuring career for real
You're talking to the wrong person. Nugget is your man for the DRs. Yes I respect them and I ride them, but I'd rather go stamp collecting.
I am surprised that people stay sleeping on the Kawasaki Versys X-300. It’s a great gateway bike too.
I know I do
Thanks for that.
I am looking for an all roads travel bike . Can you tell me if the ktm has the tractor factor ? I just want to ride roads and tractor up trails for a camp site.
Yes it will
I'm a bigish guy (185cm/120kg) who currently has a gsx-r 750 which doesn't suit me at all (though I do love the motor). I want to go dirt riding and commute at more legally encouraged speeds. I have no dirt experience other than growing up welded to a mountain bike 20 years ago and a few experiences on trailbikes. I'm tossing up these bikes as my next choice, any thoughts? The 800cc(ish) class is also appealing, though the extra weight and especially cost are significant to me.
You've got to ride them and sought it out yourself. They are all good.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV ok thanks mate will have a go
Good information. What about the kawi and Suzu?
Hmmmm didn't interest me
Dave, really good report. Like all these bikes. It's just what fits and what fits your desires.
Agree.
Hard to decide on what one to get.. 2023 CRF300L RALLY or the 2023 G 310 GS. What's the maintenance look like on each? The BMW has 3 year warranty so that sounds good... first bike. Looking for a bike to get into town and go to the gym with. Also little play off road.
We're testing the 23 310 this week.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV then will you give thoughts on that or the honda?
please review / try hero xpulse 200 4v, u wont be disappointed
Yes I know that is a good bike.
If you are a lightweight person you can keep these gateway machines up with the best of em 😎
I don't have any doubts about that.
Someone please teach this guy how to pronounce “Himalayan”
Clifford, your ignorance astounds me.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Ok but you still pronounce it wrong lol
@@cliffordjordan9577 You really need to go to India
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV trust me bro, I do not
Any chance of a review for the new vstrom 250 sx?
I don't think so. In terms of priority it's the 500 build and then a film riding it. Also the KTM890 Adventure R and 2023 BMW 310 GS
Can’t decide between himalayan or the bmw
We test the latest 310 in a couple of weeks.
Really looking forward to the CRF 300 Rally lol
So am I
Have I been pronouncing Himalayan incorrectly all my life?
No, we just like saying it the way the Indians do.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Fair enough. Loving my G310GS btw. First motorbike, been camping with mates in the Upper Allyn, was great.
8:11 great campsite …
Excellent spot
Im looking forward to this!😎👍
A different angle for comparison
Great stuff. Just what those new to adventure bikes need. Cheers
I hope so. It's backed up with access to the more thorough reviews.
Excellent review, ta mate 👍🏻
Thank you
Can't wait for this, boys!
A no nonsense discussion.
Excellent video cheers
Thank you! Cheers!