Cheap vs. expensive motorcycle adventure | On Two Wheels
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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How different is the riding experience on a rugged classic like the Honda XR650L versus a high-tech marvel like BMW’s R 1300 GS Trophy, and can money really buy you a better adventure? We headed north on sections of the all-new Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route with these wildly different bikes to find out, stopping along the way to take in the scenery and explore both ends of the adventure and dual-sport spectrum. What kind of adventure do you prefer, low-tech and simple, or fully modern? Let us know in the comments!”
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I take the XR every day. The BMW is turning into the 2-wheeled version of a G-Wagon. It started off very purposeful and now crams more and more tech into something that you're almost afraid to off road and it sort of isolates you from many of the things that made you want to ride in the first place.
The XR is an amazing bike
@@GiuseppeSimonettihonda trail 125
Which model of the GS do you currently ride? I have a 2024 R 1250 GSA and I see no issue taking mine off road. Naturally it depends on skill and aptitude, plus, it helps to actually own one, assuming you don't.
@@GiuseppeSimonetti Well... it's not a DR650 but it will do.
Most of these bmw probably will see as much off-road as a typical g-wagon 😂
I have a 1994 Xr650L. It always starts and runs no matter how long it sits. 6 month old fuel and a low battery ? Nah it's as loyal and reliable as a black lab.
Very True🙌💯
How.many cdis have you been through 😂
@@mohba01 I've replaced none so far. It still has an OEM cdi.
@@Hanky_Bannist8r i run ignitec on mine and keep the OEM as spare in the battery box. Mines a 2002 model and the CDI has gone kaput a couple of times
@@mohba01 I don't ride alot in the winter so I think the bike and it's parts get spared. NorCal winters are very wet and makes for crappy rides.
"This is going to be more challenging on the GS than on the XR." - That quote says it all. One bike makes it easy, and the other one weighs a ton and costs $30.000.
30% of the whole video was just them seeing who could catch the most air..... and I loved every minute of it! Great job.
There's a certain anxiety that comes with a $30k bike in the middle of nowhere...can ruin a trip....HONDA for the absolute Gnarly Backcountry
This! You will be more reluctant to try things, thinking about eventual repair costs, compared to maxxing out the capabilities of a $7k bike.
@billyandriam yes sir
The GS is way too "Tubby" for offroading. Plus all that electronics, not what you want in the middle of nowhere.
@@billyandriam if youre on a solotrip youre not doing anything gnarly. And if you are its not on a GS. This is apples and oranges.
That jump on the XR650 was huge dude, mad props.
With bonus points for the open face helmet and the awkwardly placed GS.
You literally passed my property on the cool Rail Road Flat Road onto Sheep Ranch Road excellent riding , (CHP does there 2xs a year Moto Training here at FULL SPEED 50MPH) I do NOT recommend ..I don't even do 50 on my bike lol...but ANYONE wanting to Moto Camp close to the Part 3 section... just message me ..for Cocos Moto-Camp.. I'd love to host yall...just the basics..but free!
Mighty fine of you!! The motorcycle community is amazing because of people like you.
XR650, DR650 and DRZ400 are today's best things still. I love how you can still buy them pretty much unchanged.
First week owning a DRZ i scaled a mountain through a gnarly steep gravel trail. That bike will go anywhere.
@@devinwooley3575 .....and keep on going.
The DRZ is ruined. 2025 is fuel injected, ride modes, traction control, abs. It weighs more and has less power.
KLX 650 was the pinnacle. Rare underrated bike, but I enjoyed my time with it.
And yes, KLX, not KL-R. Look it up.
@@fitzfarm8694 Just wait. With a proper tune and pipe it will make way more power than the carb version.
I will pick up a used XR650, and DR650, and a new 800DE and still have $10k left over for other fun stuff.
Ship the 800DE to Europe and tour
We had 2 20 yr old xr650l's. Sold for $3500 each.
True story, the prices that 800DEs are going for is almost criminal compared to the rest of the market. Esp when you consider its the only japanese adv bike that really hits the sweet spot for both on road touring and off road adventure the way the midweight euro tourers do. When you consider all the corners Honda cut on the transalp to hit 10.5 and to make sure it didnt surpass the AT, finding DEs for mid 8k is crazy.
@@TheDacane it needs Cruise control
@@TimeToTravel-u2x cruise control is plug and play and 300 bucks. It should come with it. But its not worth say, downgrading to a vstrom1050 for
Honda cheap for the win!
REAL adv enthusiasts brew their own coffee like civilized people... XR people raid coffee plantations in the night and roast their own beans over a camp-fire by hand one. bean. at. a. time.
Real anybody pretty much...
so you're the guy who goes to the work office and logs into ADV forums between 2005-2009
@@terrarecon its the greatest sign of being a civilized human being really.
@@adam346 Agreed
Dude is clearly a pro, the distance and composer of that jump on the XR was impressive.
I've had both a DR650 and XR650L. I still have the XR. The DR is smoother and the XR is more connected, probably due to the lack of cush drive. The XR rocks man, but I miss the DR for sure. That DR eats up highway miles like nothing while the XR vibrates a bit more and is less stable at speed. Just my real-life experience opinion.
Dirt or tarmac, with those twisties, who cares? I can afford a BMW but I'll never, ever spend $30k on a bike. Never, ever, ever....
Have you ordered your GS?😆
@@glennmcguire5571you're just a dumb consumer. Literally the reason for spikes in motorcycle prices
Even a Goldwing?
A K1600GTL and a Goldwing are two bikes I would gladly pay that price for.
I happily have several times.
Ok! Thanks for the information, here is something as interesting, 60000 other last year was happy to open their wallet for a new GS.
Picking it up is one thing. Picking it up when its in 6 inches of mud is a completely different thing and getting it out when its stuck up to its axles is a whole world apart.
Standing up on dirt roads makes you look silly but does little else. Choosing the correct tool for the job makes a big difference and for anything offroad that XR is miles better than the GS - infact anything light and thin is better because offroad weight and bulk are the two things you really don't want.
I "downgraded" from a T7 back to a DR650. I liked the T7, but it taught me I really love the DR for rides like this.
I have an Xr650L and an f800gs. I really love them both. The 800 is a parallel twin and so smooth. Perfect for exploring gravel and logging roads with lots of luggage. Plenty for adv. The XR is my dual sport bike for hill climbs, rough roads, and even single track. Each bike has its place in my garage.
This is why the new hot category is the lightweight ADV bike, such as the CFMoto 450 Ibex and the Hymalayan, and the japanese and BMW are already coming up with products to compete in this niche. These 1000+ cc bikes will look like dinosaurs in a few years: the fun vs value factor is just not there. I myself have a DR650 and took a guided tour through Baja. I was the only mid-range dual sport of the lot, the rest were 900cc Tigers and BMWs 1200... guess who had the most fun and didn't fall not even once. I was really getting annoyed of having to stop to help pick up somebody every few miles, and of course they sent me to the back to watch out for others, because the heavies couldn't control their bikes' weight. Amazing how people have bought into this ridiculous modality of heavy adventure bikes... the only plus is that they had so much more fun on the tarmac, but I was keeping up with them in the twisties, no problem!
The use case determines the bike for me. I have a big heavy ADV bike, and it's not the best on anything remotely difficult, but in my case I have to ride for several hundred or even a couple thousand KM to get to the dirt roads for my adventure depending where I'm travelling to. Sorry, but you're not having more fun than me on that stretch on your DR650. I'd rather ride the whole trip than haul my bike to the good stuff. Different use case, different bike.
@morley3810 That is true. In the case of my Baja trip, I went on my bike all the way to Mexicali crossing some 1200 miles. It took me 3 or 4 days to get there, and it was quite an adventure, and it was possible because I had the time to make the journey. The beemers were hauled from Mexico City and their respective riders arrived by plane. They had stricter time constraints. So, the case for the big adv bike narrows: not so close that a mid-size bike will do as well, but not so far that you are going to haul it to the destination or start of the trip anyways. And the duration of the trail part must be short enough that going on the med bike would mean more mediocre freeway/highway time than fun trail time: for a long BDR you may still take the med, even if it takes hours and hours to get to the starting point. So yes, for the US market, the huge expanse still makes a good case for big, fast and comfortable bikes, if you are a weekend warrior. I assume most of us have more than one bike, anyways.
@@ArturoEspinosaAldama I do have another bike but it's a GSXR haha. It kind of sucks for everything as far as travel is concerned but it's super fun
I was one of those buyers back in 2015 with a ktm 1290 super adventure, the touring model.
I found a deal on a drz400 the next year and the ktm barely got looked at. It was a spectacular street bike. But that's not how it was advertised.
Now I've got an 821cc street bike and a 500 exc for street and dirt. Much better balance
Call them "ADV" or "Adventure" or "Dual Sport" as much as you want, a 230 kg bike is not made for any off-road. I have a V-Strom 800 and I'm very happy with it, but I bought it as a road/touring bike and is great for that.
BEST episode since I can remember. GREAT hosts, this video is EXACTLY what On Two Wheels was and continues to be, thank you guys. This was insanely enjoyable!
had three GSs, I'll take the XR any day
Even if I get it for free, I'll choose the Honda over the BMW any day of the week.
😂
No way. Sell the BMW and buy Hondas for the whole family…
As a bimmer guy, I would too. I cant stand all the gadgets
Obviously, it depends on what type of riding you want to do, but the XR650L is so far superior off road than any of the big bloated adventure bikes. It's basically just a big street legal dirtbike. It's not fun on long pavement rides, though.
I flippen love dual sports 😂. Bare bones do-it-alls that are so much fun
I love my XR650L! In comparison to my DR650 and really even my 701 Enduro (and old T7) there is no comparison. Honda knew what they were doing back in the day and while much of the "tech" has long since been out dated, it's one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. On road, off road, it's just SO MUCH FUN!
Cheap bastards on old dual sports are always the most dangerous ones.
Shaddap punk, I've forgotten more about riding than you'll probably ever know & us oldsters are more careful 'cuz we know what pain is & always avoid it, unlike you, squid....
@@jamesonpace726 It was a compliment... haha
That’s awfully bold coming from the guy with one of the worst reputations out there regarding motorcycles lmao
Yamiiieeee yam yam go do it too!!
Yamiiieeee yam yam go do it too!!
The guy on the XR can ride, huge pair of you know what. ADV bikes are touring bikes with just enough offroad capability that the owners can cosplay.
I've been loving off roading on my Tiger explorer but I guess that anything I ride on is magically paved. How much off road do I need to do before I'm a real off roader or do I need to spend more money on a bike that's only designed for that before I am real.
@arpytrooper2604 did I say they can't go offroad? No, I pointed out the difference in capabilities are massive but the marketing would have you believe they are small.
@@Mike-jm5wt oh yeah the marketing is complete bs, they're not dirt bikes. However they're still capable off road, just far from being the best for that
One nice part about the boxer is that the engine catches it if it tips over. So you never have to pick it up from completely flat. Really helps the wheels get grip so it doesn't slide away, and you don't have to lift the hardest part.
Really does make a huge difference!
Timely for me, I just sold my mid-weight ADV and plan to ADV ride for the next couple of years on my KLX300. That will work for me since any worthy ADV riding within 300 miles of here can be reached by ferries and secondary roads. The appeal of a large ADV bike is the ability to chew up a day or two of interstate in comfort to get to a ride.
I have to comment about some of the content of this video however. Please don't show the viewing public bad trail etiquette. Side by side riding around blind corners? Where are your "Ride Right" stickers? My biggest fear on a BDR, and it's happened to me, is two guy's coming around a turn side by side at speed. I know dust and all of that but. And if we are going to compare ADV bikes from two extremes of the spectrum how about loading them up properly for a multi-day BDR? Where are the packs, tools, spare tubes, clothes, water, trail snacks? Not all of us ride with a sag wagon to carry our gear and photographers to clear the trail ahead.
As far as trail etiquette. This is a high production video with a full film crew. Side by side is pretty and cinematic. They have spotters, planning, and safety protocols in place for those shots.
light is right
The BDR's are really designed for big ADV bikes so the route is maybe A BIT designed to showcase big ADV bikes 'sweet spot' on dirt (which is easy seasonal/logging roads). What that means is I feel no qualms in telling folks with only a big adv bike that "absolutely go for it... just take it easy and you'll be fine". Having said that... as someone who rides more aggressively on dirt - even on BDR's I'd MUCH prefer the Honda. I own a couple Heavyweight ADV bikes (Multistrada that doesn't see dirt anymore but has at least 15,000 miles of dirt on the clock and a Tiger that has seen enough dirt for me to realize it's terrible on dirt due to extreme top heavy) and have a lot of GS Seat time (riding rentals in the EU) but for the TAT I built a 701 Enduro (cost more than a base GS by the time I was done but more than 200lbs lighter) and it's the only bike I take on dirt ADV tours anymore because with low weight and much more capable suspension it's a ton of fun where the big bikes are a lot more work even to go slower.
Great video overall... really shows the benefits/issues that come with bigger/powerful/heavy ADV bikes.
Looks like the pickup test on the GS was from uphill... try the same thing with a downhill lie (because in my definitely 100% accurate empirical study I've found that when I drop bikes on the trail 999 times out of 100 they're on a steep slope on a downhill lie).
What'd you do to your 701 to get it that high in price? Aurora kit?
Both bikes excellent in different ways.
Exactly. They're different tools for different jobs. Long distances, two up, tame forest roads...BMW all day long. Single track, deep water crossings, no pillion, short hops on the highway between trails, XR for the win.
I own both an ‘05 DR650 and a ‘24 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. In comparison to the Triumph, the DR is delightfully tacky, yet unrefined. 😉 Seriously, on any terrain more demanding than a fire road, I much prefer the DR. But the Triumph will hold its own off-road, and it’s delightful as a tourer. I’m actually thinking of swapping out the DR for something even smaller, for the more technical stuff.
Funny you say that, I was thinking the same thing. I have a DR650 and picked up a KLX 250 and the KLX is so much more nimble in the tricky stuff, yet I find myself wanting to keep the DR (only because I want to keep one bike right now and it’s a better jack of all trades)
@Showe2625 - Thanks for that positive feedback on the small bike. I’ve been eyeing a KLX230. But, yes, I’m finding it really hard to let the trusty old bush pig go. We’ve been through a lot together! 😂
@@tracythorleifson I am selling my ‘07 KLX haha
I do think you’d be happy with a smaller bike on the trails if you already have a bigger- more comfortable bike for street/touring. But I understand the sentimental side too
I'm currently riding a CB500X. But I want something a little bit more dirt-worthy. I too really only want to have one bike so the DR650 seems like the perfect pick. But at 67 and a bad back I also can understand the two bike route. Something lighter would truly be better off-road. I was thinking also about the CRF 300 but the DR would probably be much better on road.
@ the DR is definitely heavy for a dirt bike but light for an ADV. If I could only have one bike forever, I think I’ve found it. I’ve heard great things about the CB500x! I would test ride a DR and see what you think. You may keep the Honda haha. The dr definitely feels clunky
20:43 that’s a pretty darn big jump for the old XR650l 😂
Woah
Found this by accident. I have a 2021 1250GSA and a 2022 XR650L. They are not comparable at all. They are both perfect at very different things.
I think the idea of the video is to show no matter what you can afford you can have fun. Ride what your pocket like and leave you with money to ride and pay for tires and tubes and most of all repairs. Ride for the fun and the smiles.
I'd take the XR650 all day, I have an 1983 Honda XL600R that runs like a Seiko watch.
My 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 is the finest overall bike Ive ridden, and I've had about 12 bikes half dirt / Enduro & street.
This amazing bike seems to have absorbed the virtues of each unto itself.
(Sole exception: its not a jumper like the RM250)
The beauty of the V-Strom is its ubiquity & stone simple build.
Bought in perfect garage kept condition with 12k miles at a used bike dealer for $3,600 otd !
I find a deal like this trumps any interest I have for a new $7000 or $28,000 "wonder bike"
My DR650 has been the most fun bike I’ve ever owned. It’s not the fastest, not the prettiest, not even the greatest off road- but it does it all… and rips fat wheelies lmao
Honda for me all day. Fun, reliable, simple. I will avoid the other junk.
Fun episode. I like that you hit the ends of the spectrum. The 1300 is a little big for serous off-road and way too expensive (especially with all the options on yours), but it's going to be far more comfortable on the long stretches of pounding pavement and easy dirt roads.
If you do much adventure riding, you'll know that drastic elevation changes are not uncommon. Personally, I like not having to carry spare spark plugs or rejetting on the side of the road and I will never buy another carburated bike (unless it's way too cheap to pass up). The reason Honda hasn't gone EFI on the XR6550L isn't because of it's reliability, it's because of government regulation and all the hoops they'd have to jump through if they changed it.
Thankfully, there are now several bikes that hit the sweet spot in between these two. How about another episode with both of these AND a Tuareg 660 or a T7 and some more pavement AND more serious off road sections?
Pick one for everything??... no way. I've got a BMW R1200GSA, 100,000 miles. Love it. BUTT...I've also got a warmed over XR650L, 30,000 miles. Love it. Oh...wait....also have a BMW F800GS. Love it. And the good old BMW R1100GS...been in the family since new. BUTT...I also have an SWM 600X....It's just OK. And then...there's the always steady, rock solid DRZ400S. Make it your goal to cover all the bases. I'm getting too old (75) to think much about buying anything new. BUTT...I've got my bases covered til the end!!! Just ride.
I'm only 64, but I totally agree with your philosophy. R1200RT for the road, built 690 Enduro R for Adv, 350 EXCF for single track. Plus a vintage Hailwood on the lift mid-resto and a Trail 70 good memories bike, etc.
I just watched a video of a Beamer and KLR650 taking a very cold trip into Alaska. The KLR ran like a champ, the Beamer blew a seal and had to be trailered home. The weird thing is, the Beamer was brought in for service/maintenance just before the trip. The more moving parts and gizmo's you have, the more chances for things to break. K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple Stupid. And people thought a bought a KLR because I was cheap, NO, I want to make it home.
I have an XR650L and it’s incredible after basically doubling its sticker price with upgrades. Doing the North East BDR this Summer.
If you're riding a bunch of highway miles to get to the bdr, the GS is the better choice. If you're close to the BDR or hauling the bike there, the XR all the way.
I love my xr650. There are some things that are definite must dos to make it better. I upgraded the fork valves and springs. I bought it used with the evap system deleted, bigger gas tank, fmf exhaust and some other bits.
Nice job guys. Great light hearted look into the different sides of the dual sport/ADV genres. Great rapport and pairing between the two of you. I've seen Bradley in reviews from loooong times ago. New guy is likeable as well. Definitely would like to see more videos like this going forward.
Very entertaining. I love Evan’s helmet and visor. He just needs the old Jofa mouth guard to complete the look. Neither of you two are old enough to even know what a Jofa mask is so Google it. 😅😂😂
I got my first XR 25 years ago and have had a few since. There is something to be said for the fun you can have with a meat & potatoes motorcycle that costs pennies to maintain. You will try things that you wouldn't even look at if you were riding a $30k computer.
As an xr650l owner I have to ask. Where'd you get your fuel on this ride haha.
I know, when he said they were embarking on that 100 mile trail I immediately squinted suspiciously at the stock XR tank.
The following white pick up
There was a near 80 year old dude on an f'd up 1981 XT500 with a giant improvised luggage rack, a 10 gallon tank and over a million miles on the clock tagging along, giving away some of his fuel. He was there by accident, it just happened. He was on his way to circumnavigate the globe for the 12th consecutive time😂.
Riding and a little comedy really blends well❤ from Philippines 😊
That jump was…. BADASS 😎😂
30 years, no changes? When did they add the easy button? All my XR/XL's have been kickers.. wow, time sure does fly!
I bought a used crf300L for cheap, as the big, heavy, fancy new bikes are for show.
haha enjoyed the video! Always cool to see a good comparison between a heavier and lighter bike
More videos like this! Nice jump and wheelies boys! I was so excited to subscribe and see more like this but I couldn't. Hope there is more to come 🤘
17:15 Aftermarket Baja Designs lights for motorcycles will fix any older halogen shortcomings.
The new BMW 1300 GS tends to catch fire when it rains (design flaw, water gets to the contacts for the starter motor and it turns on until it heats up so much it catches fire). There is a good other option, just buy an old Adventure bike for 5 grand and have more money for the adventure.
I love my XR650L. I mostly putz around on my trails on my property. It's fun to take an evening ride on the dirt. I wouldn't want to ride it far on pavement, but I have a street bike for that.
Another benefit of the GS is you were able to care that bike stand and fully loaded toolbox in the saddle bags😉
19:49 this is something to watch a couple of times. Great job
I had a 2002 Suzuki DR125 for about 10 years and that gave me all the off-road fun I could ask for. A year ago I replaced it with a Voge 300 Rally which does the same. I could gave bought about 7 Voges for the price of the BMW and every one of them would have been better to ride on tracks and trails. Money might be able to buy happiness but money can’t buy you a great off-road motorcycle.
I’ve had a Suzuki DR 650se since 08 - 18,000 miles ( I have two other bikes ) I love the DR ❤
Can't wait until bmw adds the 'Jump Control Function' to their suite of nanny controls...lol.
Great vid guys...thoroughly enjoyed it !!
We appreciate you watching!
I might shift to whatever market honda is selling this beauty,just to own this gem. What a beautiful looking bike❤
The XR all day long over that bloat boat gold wing GS.
With several tasty mods that XR is raceable. No joke, I've seen it with my own eyes.
I would like to see XR650L to the Tenere. They are a little closer in size yet comparing very different motors and frame geometry.
the jumps on a narrow road like that is insane. brave guys.
For me… in this case … Honda 👌
I would any day go for the the XR or the DR if I have to get into adventure motorcycling- the simplicity, reliability and no anxiety of being stuck anywhere is enough to go for these old school legends. I'd use quarter of the amount saved to upgrade on the adventure bits and riding gear.
It was mentioned briefly, but the added weight of an adv bike causes significantly more fatigue. If your a beginner, or infrequent rider, that can turn you off longer, multi day trips.
On road, any fatigue would be minimal, but then why did you buy an adv bike with long travel suspension?
Realistically, many bikes can ride this terrain. A klx300 could complete this ride. Buy a bike for the terrain your going to ride.
Really great video. If I had the money I would buy both of them but simpler is always better. Props to the whole production team.
They are completely different purposed bikes. XR made for 90% dirt and 10% tarmac, BMW made as an asphalt warrior able to go off-road occasionally and off road means gravel with small obstacles. I had a chance to ride both, so XR for local fun, GS for long range fun 😂
The answer is that you need more than one bike. The correct arrow for your target as I’ve heard it. The Honda would not work to well on a 8,000 mile road trip, nor for a track day but could run with the KTM dual sports where the GS couldn’t come close. Two different bikes for totally different buyers.
The XR650L sells very well, they're always sold out. It's a great bike and probably the best 50/50 bike I've owned that comes street legal although the XR650R is significantly better and kickstart. You can convert the XR650L to kickstart.
Re the tall Honda, get the suspension lowered and thin out the seat. I’ll take the Honda every time, nothing to fail, better everywhere in dirt and you can pick it up plus a minor drop of the BMW can cost you the total value of the Honda. If you have a problem with the BM fueling, call for a truck. With the Honda, you can assess and fix carb problems on the trail.
Do neither of those things if you can help it, just get used to it being tall. Thinning out the seat makes it less comfortable, lowering the suspension makes the suspension worse. You don't need to be able to put both feet flat on the ground to ride a motorcycle...
You guys are awesome! I almost got out of bed !
Entertainng video....I'm to old and not nearly skilled enough to try jumps like that, but still fun to watch. Diminishing returns on display. Honda is sooo much more of a value bike.
Where the gs is large and heavy in weight, the xr is tall and analog with zero electronic assistants.
That exactly what make xr is perfect. The most simple thing is also required less with simpler maintenance and also easier to handle on your own. With GS, if someday it just broke in the middle of nowhere, this bike would be the hellish thing to maintenance on your own.
I'll keep my 2018 XR650L thank you. It's awesome for me and can do far more than I will ever do, not to mention I'll never spend 28k for a dual sport/ADV bike. Never. The more crap they pile on those bikes, the more crap that will go wrong when you are off road and far away from any help. I'm sure the ride isn't the same but you can't really fairly compare the two as they are designed to be vastly different. My XR650L will keep up with the BMW off road every day of the week.
Great job on the video, filling huge shoes, guys! I'm in... Congrats and keep it going.
"We got to try to break that XR..." spoken by the man with 2 support vehicles, catered lunches, film crew and a mechanic! Ahhhhh Hahahahaha.
Like most others, I'm not sure why you'd own a BMW nowadays. They are just machine's middle-aged bikers use to flex. I don't need 12 different rider aids, satnav, cruise control, or ABS to have heaps of fun on a bike. I own a Honda CL500 and a Honda CRF300L rally. Both bikes are very much bear bones machines but I guarantee I have a lot more fun on it compared to your average BMW GS owner.
Back to the video, I'd have the honda any day, I am looking to change out my rally for a retro XR (late 90's edition).
Damn now I cant wait for Spring to go out and ride again!!
Apples to oranges. I'd take either over my goddamn KTM at this point though...
It’s been a tough year for KTM, which one do you have and what problems have you had?
What bike do you have?
My 2018 has been fantastic. Might have to stock up on parts for it before it all goes south
😂
@@2wheels.are.better.than4 2020 790 R. Complete engine failure. Replaced with a 790 Duke engine
@@Showza83 Yikes, seems to be too common on KTMs. So what will your next bike be?
Two great machines on an amazing scenery. Loved it 🖖🇵🇹
I have a 1250 GSA, the real pain is the cost of maintenance but for the comfort is a top level for me
but for really having fun i'd rather go for a YZ450FX or a XR650L
I've owned a vstrom 1000 and xr650r for years.
I'm thinking of consolidating back to the xr650l.
But, man I would miss those bikes.
Wish i had more room in the garage.
Xr650L is a legend for a reason. Honda all the way!
A friend of mine has a 1200GS, and he's on a 2nd engine with it. And guess what? It died too. Now he's saving up for an African Twin. I've had a few XR600R and they're 99% bullet proof.
Loved the ending👍🥰
My dad crashed his GS120, which for the Honda would be a pick up and go situation. BUTTT since the GS1200 has a crash g sensor it's completely bricked. Now it's a useless bike with a 1k repair for an electrical issue. Saying that though, it ride incredible and is amazing on the road and smooth dirt trails.
That might be a motorcycle adventure but it’s not a test of Adventure Motorcycles. Where is your luggage? That was a ride out on gravel tracks on two bikes. One that is perfect for the job and the other an expensive toy that you would dread dropping.
Cheap is correct - Less plastic is also good, as well as cheap, easy maintenance. Suspension travel, correct wheel sizes and tyres. Tick all this off, and it’s pretty much correct
Seems like the test was just to catch the 1300Gs out, why not add another part of the test. You need to travel 600 miles in a day on the highway to the next track. :)
8 minutes in, watching for fun. My bike is a 2004 Tiger with hard luggage. A jack of all trades, master of none. If I wanted more of something, a great condition XR is a contender, or a Yamaha Tenere, Possibly an AJP PR7. For me, the Bee emm has got more irrelevant over generations
XR all day, everyday. They do need Dave's mods done to really wake them up. But once those are done, they're beasty Dualsports.
I still vividly remember in some patagonia touring there is a carve in stone said "BMW please send rear hub"
2 Points:
-7000 is not cheap!
(My Transalp costs aboud 2500€ in Germany)
-the GS1300 is a desasster in durability!
There were about already 3 recall campaigns with 3 Engines with less than 15tkm.
All new motorcycles get recalled. The 1300GS is fine, only the haters have this need to keep hating it.
Steel tube frame replaced with a soon to crack and break "sheet metal shell frame" - all for the low price of $19,000 to $28,000. No thanks.
Don't forget to put the kickstand down first, and then lift from the other side.
The DR650 for the win if you are vertically challenged, short of stature, like 5'6" or shorter!