I bought an 800XC to replace my DR650. It couldn't. ADV touring bikes are primarily touring bikes, not dual-sports. Buttons, modes and sensors can't fix weight issues. Also, 100+ hp and knobbies = empty wallet. I was changing tires myself but the expense was brutal. The 800XC is long gone but the DR650 is still here. Less is more.
Great breakdown of the three major bike groups 👍. Now my story 🤪; In my 20’s &30’s it was all MX and enduro bikes, thrashing them in the woods. Then in my 40’s & 50’s I had to calm it down a bit and it was dual sports. Now in my 60’s there’s not enough “ACE bandages” and back braces made to keep me together to go riding in the woods, so it’s an Adventure bike that will happily carry me down a graded road or smooth two track 😉. That’s not to say there haven’t been, and still are, street bike, sport bikes, touring bike in the garage as well 😃👍🏍.
Completely agree, I made the same mistake by buying a large adventure bike as my first bike and very quickly realised it would have been far wiser to learn off-road skills on a dual sport, hence I now ride a wr250r.
After watching The long way around I realized that, that was the dumbest bike one could take on a serious dual sport trip. Fast forward four years and now having a girlfriend who is riding with me. I purchased an R1150 GS for a 7,000 mile trip from Texas through the pacific southwest back to Utah and back out to California. Considerations, girlfriend, more luggage, more everything =NEED MORE POWER! = That bike should never get anywhere near a grain of sand. Needless to say my girlfriend left after 4,000 mile and flew home. I then preceded to travel another 3,000 miles across Death Valley, by dirt. Shafer Trail in Utah, The Vermillion Clift trail in Arizona, and back country roads in Big Bend, Texas. What I learned was exactly what I'd learned four years earlier. That bike has no business off road unless your riding with a bevy of young men who are willing to jump off their bikes and pick you and your bike up, and are willing to do it day after day. Solution: I now ride a CRF250 L = I can pick it up!.( It's not how fast you get there, It's how much fun you have getting there)
I'm 100% with you Pat! I too was immediately attracted to the overlanding concept after seeing Charley and Obi Wan make their initial trek around the world. But, I knew the big beemer was too heavy and not enough "dirt" for the kind of riding in my region I wanted to do (think BDR style - mostly forest service roads, but potentially decommissioned, creek crossings etc). I sold my harley when the new Africa Twin was released as I really thought that would be enough off road pedigree to get the job done, I took a couple of off road "ADV themed" riding course and proceeded to take that bike where it didn't belong (think Poison Spider / Golden Spike in Moab). It was great. I cannot fault the bike in any way - but at 500lb and a few injuries later, I just didn't have the confidence to really point in any direction without serious research. I found my riding to be actually getting worse as I feared dropping the bike more and more the further into the wilderness I went. Heading into my mid-50's, I was having thoughts like "is this the moment I pop a disc" as I lifted the bike 100Km from civilization? I did a weekender riding course with Tyler of EveRide UA-cam fame and spent 3 glorious days riding a bunch of 250-400cc dual sports in Utah. I returned home and bought an XT250 and have been loving it ever since. I still ride the AT for touring on and off pavement, but if there is any chance of things getting remotely technical then its the XT250 all the way and I ride with confidence all day long!
@@seansteede Hi Sean At 71 I've realize even my Honda CRF250L is to heavy for the really technical riding so I've switched to my Daughters XT225. What a difference that makes.
besides the weight, just a quick look on the tires of those so called adventure bikes, you see most have 90/10 tires not even 80/20 let alone 50/50 and common, a cast wheel is seriously going to crack if it hit the smallest rock at moderate speeds
Great video! I'm still on my first bike, a small sport "naked" 150cc, and I'm starting to get into doing longer trips and even took it on some mud tracks (on street tires!!). I was really confused about these three categories and you answered all my questions. For my next bike, I'll probably look for a 250-300cc dual-sport.
Even within the dual sport category, lighter/smaller makes SUCH a difference for gaining confidence and skill as a beginner. I've owned an XR650L for years and was still afraid of gravel roads, but recently purchased a 300L and suddenly started gaining confidence! Was then able to hop back on the 650 and feel great, but I needed that smaller/lighter/less powerful bike to learn.
Good down to earth honest advice. My advice is buy 2 bikes if u have the space and will use both. You can buy good reliable bikes that fit into different categories for the price of 1 new or near new bike. Different tools for different jobs.
Or do as I did and get 4 inexpensive used bikes for the price of one large adventure bike: enduro 2T, enduro 4T, Bonneville and Vespa!... as long as you have the space
Yes, I agree. Enduro when I do trails, dual sport for long distance on and off road (Adventure), and a road bike for on road touring. A 1,000cc "adventure" bike has no place in my riding needs.
Just sold my Dr650 and brought a T7 as most of my bush riding now is mainly dirt roads and some easy single tracks as I am 57 years old so slowing down a bit, and I have around 1.5 hours of road riding to get to the bush and that’s why I brought the T7
All I can say is if I had come across your video earlier, I would have saved myself thousands of dollars chasing the “adventure” dream and falling for the marketing tricks! Thanks for your help!
I found myself on a ktm 1190eds because coming off my lams, which I did on a FZ6R and xvs650, I wanted the power of a sports bike but I also wanted the comfort of an adv bike. A Tracer 900 would have been perfect but I figured that if I was going to get an adv bike I wanted some dirt/off road capability so a 19 inch front and spokes was the criteria that helped me narrow my choices. 4 bikes fitted the bill. GS 1200, Ktm 1190/1290 and Suzuki Vstrom 1000. I don't regret my choice. I've done track days and been up sandy dunes alone hundreds of Ks from the pub and thousands of ks from the nearest hospital. I've commuted and also done 3 week solo trips. I've blasted in the twistys with road guys and done adventure trips with dirt guys. It's not ideal at anything I wanted to do with it but it helped me figure out what type of rider I am and I now know that means 2 bikes for the job. I want a fast modern naked bike that can handle the ks should I want so a z900 is on the cards. Plus I want a dual sport that will take me to the trails but also do the ks should I want to tour offroad, so a WR250R is also on the cards as a second bike... If I had to choose 1 bike the KTM790 and the T7 are hard to ignore.
I rode a Yamaha XJ 900 up the creb track back in 1999 to Cape tribulation 😜I remember as a kid back in the 70's adventure bikes where z900's/Honda 4's and stuff loaded with camping gear going off road
One year ago today I bought a CRF250L Rally as a first bike. It's a great do-everything bike, but it's seen much more commuting and light touring mileage than dirt or gravel. I only have the space and budget for this one bike, so I intend on keeping it, and improving my low-speed and off-road skills until I have the resources for a second. I think for bike #2 I'd like one of the "soft-roaders" like a Versys/V-Strom 650, Tracer/Tiger 900 GT, or similar - fills my needs for longer-haul touring (which I also do on the CRF, but is exhausting after more than 2-3 hours) while still having the capacity for bumpy roads. Then the CRF Rally can stick around as my commuter, and also (especially after an upcoming suspension overhaul) for my eventual plans to do rides like the Trans-America Trail, Backcountry Discovery Routes, and various adventure rallies.
Thank you for the explanation, I would add one more mistake I in particular did: Going with a dual sport if you intend to ride hard. Maybe bikes like 690 Enduro are different but as most people think when they talk about dual sports, I had a less powerful dual sport, a CRF 250L. When I switched it for a KTM EXC, I was surprised how easy was the enduro bike to ride through the same places. Sure, one might say riding enduro is harder than riding dual sport but it's mostly due to the fact one rides more challenging terrain with enduro. I think the culprit was the suspension - the EXC one allowed me to keep a lot of speed where I would have to slow down considerably on the dual sport, which then made going through slippery terrain harder because I lacked the momentum. In some places, I found even riding my 790 Adventure R easier than the CRF precisely because of its ability to ride fast. Of course, this could be compensated by better skill but then, one could improve their skill and chose to ride an enduro to do even better with less effort. And as, first, I'm rather long-legged and even many supposedly tall bikes are too small for me and, second, the 800+ ccm adventure bikes are very capable on bad road surfaces or gravel roads, so I basically need one for road riding, I figured that, if an adventure bike cannot take me to a place, a dual sport is not going to do much better - an enduro definitely is, though, I ended up with those 2 bikes.
Great video. At the beginner motorcycle class (mandatory here) I was flogging the TU250X and wanted something bigger. A week later I was doing my first road riding on a Kawasaki Versys 650. Along the way I got into dirt and picked up a Honda CRF250L (nods to Dave the Navigator) and later even more into dirt and got a Kawasaki KDX220R. The KDX has won more dirt championships than any other model and is mad fun .. but the other two bikes are set up for motocamping, with one being better at road than the other. Do I regret? No, but for a long time I had to take it very gingerly on the Versys because it's got so much torque. Now I'm able to flog the thing properly, but it took awhile to reach that skill level. All good :)
Fantastic job, Solid! Well explained and some great points made. My first bike was (and still is) a Vstrom 650, as I liked the seating position and thought I’d be able to do it all. Dropping that lump twice in very quick succession while attempting off-road and having to pick it up by myself quickly taught me that I’m better off treating it as a not-so-sporty sports tourer. I have a dual sport to take me to and onto the off-road areas now.
I also have a vstrom. 2007. It's heavy. My first more off road oriented bike. Same as you I learned quick that it's not very nice to me on rough roads. Especially silt and sand. I'm going to put 80/20's on it and keep it as a sports touring and well maintained forest road bike. It really loves to go down flat compacted dirt roads. Everything else it's not very good at.
Sorry I'm late to the feed . . . UA-cam eh! But 3's a quorum . . . 2011 VStrom 650DL great road bike with that upright seating position. It loved a well-maintained, gravel road but half way up a shale, 30" incline . . . BAM . ., dropped first on the right side, then the left. My more-recent toy Z900RS didn't like an unsealed detour in the rain thru the Yarra Range. Oh I begged for the V. Anyway, great vid. Really informative and articulated. Back in Tassie now and thinking a bit more off road. Was thinking 350 . . . maybe Honda dual sp at circa 80kg / 5'8. But you guys are getting enough out of the 250? Love to hear your thought if you are still about . . .
Your comments re the pricing of “adv” bikes compared to more road based bikes are correct. “Adventure” is a marketing gem which now sells more bikes to a market (rider) that in many cases, has negligible intentions of real dirt and rougher terrain use. These heavy road based adv bikes ie F800 series, T700; Tiger 800 etc are far too heavy for genuine adventure riding. As you emphasised, a rider then is in lots of trouble and out of their depth, can’t pick the bike up and is more easily fatigued. I’ve ridden the whole field, from R1200gsa to my final choice, a suitably modified KTM500 excf. If you are a serious rider, it’s impossible to modify the fat bikes as you can’t remove the 100 kg of flab. Best to make the enduro bikes more comfortable for limited road work. People are now riding them around the world.
Long time road rider here. Enjoyed your video. Road dirt as a kid and sport bikes in my 20 - 30s. Currently have a Harley Street Glide and a KTM 690 Enduro R. Like you I love the cruiser heavy v-Twin characteristics and the long distance touring and group ride fundraisers. I have the 690 for Fire-roads, single track and hooligan riding around town. There are lots of great options out there. I’d recommend riding everything you can. Joining forums and asking questions in person and online about the type of riding folks do with the bikes you are interested in. At some point when you have done research you will make a decision and live. Great thing about bikes is if you are off the mark you can sell and try again. I’ve done that many times. Cheers!
You are spot on! Cant really describe how helpful and great this video is! I started on the street on a Honda CB600 Hornet and when i finally decided i wanted to take some light offroading i got a Tiger 800. I quickly found myself using more my daily commuter (Honda AX-1) for offroading than the heavy Tiger 800. So i'm the process of selling my 800 and getting a CRF250L which suits me better for the type of offroad trips i want to do.
'cause I'm not Chris Birch. I'm a fella, just a regular fella. Yet your comment is spot on. A bike to suit my particular skill set. A sill set I've acquired over many years. I will track my unicorn. I will find my unicorn. When I do I will ride that unicorn.
So far I haven't made any mistakes, but I did a hell of a lot of research before getting into this. I started with a used XT225 and it suited me nearly perfectly for a starter bike. Nearly as light as an enduro, low seat height, extremely tame and easy to ride off-road, geared low enough to go anywhere, ridiculously reliable. Alas, I didn't like revving the piss out of it on highway runs. I wanted an XT225 with way more HP/torque and longer legs. The closest thing to that (after way more research) is the DR650. Bought one a bit over a year ago and can't imagine why I would ever want anything else. Sure it is heavier than an XT225, but I am a much better rider now. If you don't drop them, the weight doesn't matter nearly as much. :) The only thing the DR650 would really benefit from (for me) is a 6-speed gearbox.
Cruisers are cheap with low km for a reason. They're just not practical for long distances. The seating position, though comfortable for the first few minutes, is horrible after a few hours. You're jammed into one position, unable to stand. You're not leaning into the wind, feet in front where they can't take some of your weight. So all your weight is on your arse and you're holding on with your arms tensed. Fine if you're young and looks matter more than comfort. When you're older and have time to rack up the miles, the natural position and easy standing of an ADV bike makes a huge difference. 10 000 km a month on a V-Strom is nothing. 10 000 km in a year on a cruiser feels like a major achievement. I'm nearly 60 and I click off 750 km days *regularly* on the 650 Strom. Next day I'm fresh as a daisy.
Great topic as per usual. Here is my question. 1 bike only? Not a unicorn, but a unicorn suited to me. Leave money debate for now. Skill - road great, gravel good and responsible, track or fire trail keep my own and minding my speed, sand need a lot more practice. Bike must be able to endure once a month 3 hour asphalt ride to and from destination of fun at least 100km/h. Must be able to ride all conditions mentioned above. I normally carry 20kg luggage. Since I started up riding again 3 years ago after 16 year lapse and doing all conditions I've toppled over 3 times. That is in +/- 20'000km's. Once on gravel, twice on sand. The bike must be suited to do at least one time lapse of AUS. A dream come true. Rest of the time local state based round trips and trail/ track exploration. Please, no more than 165kg. I do not ramp, wheelie or do any of that awesome stuff anymore. Wish I had the youth. 21 front an 18 back an absolute. I have great endurance and prefer less gadgets. A 9 hour day on the CB500X and I still cracked a couple beers. Next day another 9 hours. Bike must be a millennial. Nothing designed before 2000. Would love your feedback. Marty.
Welcome to the unicorn hunt!....... WR250R, KTM 690R, Husky 701, CRF250L and rally, SWM RS 650 R. None of those bikes will be anywhere near as comfy as the CB500X but Slightly heavier bikes include BMW GS650, SWM superdual (underrated), Yamaha 660 and T700.... If you don't mind maintenance CFR450L......
Agree that starting on a dual sport if your new to find where you tend to spend your time. Dual sports are just as capable as enduro's while still having legs to travel the highway. They don't go as fast in either environment as the more specialised enduro and adventure bikes but it will go happily in both sectors. 250's are great if your new to bikes or new to dirt, alot more forgiving. I have an XR250L, she just has enough legs to cruise the highway at 110kmph letting me head out with my Africa twin friend. Off road still has plenty of power for me to learn and have fun, let me dable in an enduro event and ride the water logged tracks during the wet season. Wanting to do a little power mod for the road, but off road I dont not need as much power.
Nice review of the off road categories I think you pretty much nailed it. Same as you I went from super sports to adventure and yes the bike gets very intimidating off road but I think it makes up for that with comfort over a smaller dual sport, I guess there is always room in the garage for one more 😂
imo the epitome of enduro bikes are the husqy te series, especially the te300, whereas even tho the fe450 could be an enduro also, i consider that the more dirt focused side of dual sports... i guess mainly due to weight difference and the fact one is a two stroke, the other a four.... both bikes are way outta my price range tho... haha. i might end up going with a chinabike, the new kpx 250 from lifan looks pretty legit...
Very informative. Nicely done mate, im a returning weekend warrior, 10yrs ago i rode KTM 450 and 525’s the exc range, mostly on sumo wheels, but 80% offroad anyway... urban hooligan type maybe 🙈😂 Love the ktm’s power delivery, where in love with those bikes... But now as a returning rider After a decade With no Braaap, im totally lost in what to buy, Been looking at dualsport, but im afraid it Will lack in power.. Im so lost i’ve been looking at Fantic caballero rally 500 🙈😂🤷♂️ Tested a friends KTM 690, did not like it at all A shit, it’s looking like it Will be an exc KTM again, and sumo wheels with some semi-knobbly ... im a hooligan at heart 🙈😂🤙 Gonna listen to this video again, you had some good points really
I love the way you flip the "Adventure Bike" terminology on it's head and as it should be. It's not all about dirt. There is a great chap who has done some epic traveling on two wheels and it will be of great benefit for riders to take a note on what he travelled around the world on..... He's Nick Sanders. Just a bloke, a map and a bike.
Maybe the time has come to redefine what an adventure motorcycle is. Everyone, especially the manufacturers have hijacked the word because it sounds cool, and sells an image we all want. I had one of those larger bikes seen here and would never call it an adventure bike in my standards. It was far too big and heavy for one up, long distance off road adventure. It got me into trouble a few times. Touring bikes, sure, those have been around for years. Adventure, single rider, a tent and gear and 50 50% exploring. 1000cc bikes are not needed for that, at all. Seems every bike made now is an adventure bike. Love yami and ktm for making true, off road capable long haul adventure bikes. Hopefully the others will produce bikes for that market
I'll add Mistake #5, fully realizing listing it will not help many folks. :^). I've done this mistake several times and fully expect to repeat - buying a bike on looks with little to no consideration on how you fit the bike. In no time at all you will realize that the bike is a round hole and you're stuck with a square peg body. If you insist on such foolishness, then make it the 2nd or 3rd bike in the fleet so you can "look good" on Sunday but have something decent to ride the other days. :)
I rode enduro bikes when I was younger to ride in the bush, off road so to speak. Then bought a dual sport, or as us older types would say a trail bike when I was a bit older and don’t want an adventure bike, well what many people call an adventure bike. Stupid thing is, why is it when people get older they have to buy heavier bikes ? Power and comfort are great but weight is not, my last heavy bike was a 1986 GPZ 900, dropped it once on a muddy road once and couldn’t pick it up, since then all road bikes have been no bigger than 600. Now the good old DR 650 has been my bike of choice for the last 15 years, at the age of 60 I don’t want some big heavy adventure bike to take the fun out of riding, it is after all the best bike in my opinion to have an adventure on. Most adventure bikes are in name not by nature, they are the new touring bikes, try holding one of those babies up on an off camber hill, be it muddy or dry, never mind picking the thing up. A real adventure bike is a dual sport, I found that out after 40 years of off and on road riding.
The KTM is Ok for highway riding but obviously isn’t great for hours on end. I have mine geared quite high with a rebuilt seat and windscreen but I would rarely ride it for more than a 1 hr continuous stint on a sealed road over a day. I take it to the start of my rides in a Ute but I used to ride up to 3 .5 hrs from Sydney CBD to the starting point on a BMW Xchallenge/ F800gs and DR650.
Hi, hey have or could you do a informative video on purchasing new, things to ask and consider or watch for? Your experiences. What to expect for warranty by manufacturer or make? Thanks!
Hi there...i see you posted this video long time ago...😊 but it is very infomamative for me...i ride a kawasaki versys1000 for the past 2.5 years and i want to try offroad as well ( corrently 0 experience offroad) but i intend to keep my versys and and buy one for the off road and just cannot decide if to get an enduro or dual sport at the moment...i am 47 years old in prrety good shape ( I'd like to think so😂)...love to hear your recomendation. Leave in israel. Thanks
Went from a 2008 klr 650 ...(wish I still had)rip😖..had the green and someone went through the red....no more klr...now there's 2007 ktm 950 smr...wow ...just wow totally different..I love it ..turning it into an adventure /transportation..bigger gas tank and side bags ..skidplates...stupid hp..lol
An additional things to consider, depending on who you are and YOUR situation... are you riding with a support vehicle? I don’t... but there are situations where the bike choose can relate to that. The good old days of 1986-2000=ish Honda XR 250’s and 400’s, and quite a few of the Yamaha TT or XT 250’s, and 600s.... air cooled, bullet proof...and just get the right suspension set up, or a more modern suspension set... and you are going to kick ass doing 200-400km endure, off road, dual sport diving compared to a modern day bike... like a WR-450F... which I own!... but I am looking forwarding to gettting a Honda XR-400, and putting in newer suspension, possible bigger tank.... and ride from Cairns to Capeyork and back with only every refueling, and possibly changing out a blown tire. Oh... the good old days.
What are your thoughts on the cross trainer bikes? The beta 300 xtrainer and ktm 350 freeride. I first bought the ktm 350 freeride but never quite loved it, bit of a weird bike to describe. Then got the klx250s but it was too under powered and heavy. Now thinking between the drz400e or beta xtrainer if I can put up with the maintenance and transportation chores, really we all just want a sub 100kg tamed down 300cc enduro dual sport with 5000km service intervals lol frustrating hobby we have but it's worth it 😆
I'm in between the beta 300 xtrainer and the honda crf300l rally. I want to get into dirt but just don't want to go all the way. Did you ever make a decision?
it's Too heavy to effortlessly ride off-road, PERIOD.......yes you can romp around on Trails, or flatter terrain, but I would Stay away from Hills, ditches, logs, etc......I don't care what anyone says, watch Any youtube video, every time a 650 rider comes up to a log or branch, they are "pushing" it over by hand, LOL.
Well said CoS - Waaaayyy too many riders “need 800 plus cc’s to ride off-road” ... Not everyone is Chris Birch - sure he makes it look simple.. But you’re not Chris Birch are you - otherwise you;d be riding for KTM right? Sure if you need to do 140KMH plus all day with luggage and a pillion.. go for it - Otherwise have a think and start with something you can handle and pick up when you drop it (a few times - and you will if you’re really riding off-road (fire trails excepted)...
Dual sports are hard enough off road, I agree to steer clear of enduro for pure off road unless you're trying to race. They're absolutely exhausting to operate for long trips and require much more skill for just about anything. And yeah, advs are just shit for off road. Dual sports are where it's at.
@@chroniclesofsolid We have the 450L and a couple from KTM, but that's really it - a few states do allow plating off-highway vehicles through their Department of Motor Vehicles, though it's often a long and pricey process
How do people NOT know Enduro is a term for a Tagged bike??? We've ALWAYS called them that......Literally forever. I think people that don't understand this are New riders and now we have all these "catergories" we didn't have 30 years ago. But yes ENDURO is another name for a Tagged bike........
Unfortunately the bike which is light weight, powerful, long service intervals, good on the road and dirt is yet to be made. My two bikes, gsxr 750 and DRZ400 covers the style of riding that suits me. At this stage the KTM690 / Husqvarna 701 is as close as you get to the true dual sport.
Xr250r and xr400r I'm told are not Enduro bikes but there more off road than on. They are about as powerful as a air cooled bike could ever be. Also kick start and no battery. No indicators, no rear footpegs, no chain guard no cush drive. No ignition, no Key even.
@@chroniclesofsolid they won't because those bikes were built well and reliable. You have to choose now between an overweight underpowered bike or a race bike that is just to much to maintain.
Still relevant today, "Adventure Bikes" are overpriced, even a second hand KLR is expected to fetch a $1000 or more than it's really worth. Also sick of hearing the term "Adventure", It's nothing more than a marketing term. People spend thousands putting these "towers" on Dual sport or even Enduro bikes to make it into an "Adventure Bike" I can't see how it's not messing with the weight balance and handling of their dirt bike. Sorry for the rant.
This must be a regional thing. This is how we label them where I'm from. Motocross=The race bikes Enduro= Motocross+ headlight Dual Sport/Dual Purpose= Street legal dirt bike.
Enduro has ALWAYS been a tagged bike......dual sport is a newer term. But before adventure bikes and all these "terms", we called anything with a tag Enduro.
I don't think proper enduro bikes were popular in the US. These were/are pure race bikes. Not street legal. Not for MX tracks, but for trails. Long endurance races. Thus the name enduro. ua-cam.com/video/tBOGe3Oh-a4/v-deo.html
Wrong, enduro is a general term that's been used for plated dirt bikes FOREVER.......not sure what rock you people have been living under. Dual Sport was a term only used in the past 10 years.
I bought an 800XC to replace my DR650. It couldn't. ADV touring bikes are primarily touring bikes, not dual-sports. Buttons, modes and sensors can't fix weight issues. Also, 100+ hp and knobbies = empty wallet. I was changing tires myself but the expense was brutal. The 800XC is long gone but the DR650 is still here. Less is more.
Great breakdown of the three major bike groups 👍. Now my story 🤪; In my 20’s &30’s it was all MX and enduro bikes, thrashing them in the woods. Then in my 40’s & 50’s I had to calm it down a bit and it was dual sports. Now in my 60’s there’s not enough “ACE bandages” and back braces made to keep me together to go riding in the woods, so it’s an Adventure bike that will happily carry me down a graded road or smooth two track 😉. That’s not to say there haven’t been, and still are, street bike, sport bikes, touring bike in the garage as well 😃👍🏍.
A really well articulated demystification of the three off-road bike categories. 👍👍👍
Thanks👍
Completely agree, I made the same mistake by buying a large adventure bike as my first bike and very quickly realised it would have been far wiser to learn off-road skills on a dual sport, hence I now ride a wr250r.
Good to know I am not the only one and good decision on the mighty WR
@@chroniclesofsolid I LOVE your dirt videos .. hopefully you can have more of the crew.
Same here!
You are my future self.
After watching The long way around I realized that, that was the dumbest bike one could take on a serious dual sport trip. Fast forward four years and now having a girlfriend who is riding with me. I purchased an R1150 GS for a 7,000 mile trip from Texas through the pacific southwest back to Utah and back out to California. Considerations, girlfriend, more luggage, more everything =NEED MORE POWER! = That bike should never get anywhere near a grain of sand. Needless to say my girlfriend left after 4,000 mile and flew home. I then preceded to travel another 3,000 miles across Death Valley, by dirt. Shafer Trail in Utah, The Vermillion Clift trail in Arizona, and back country roads in Big Bend, Texas. What I learned was exactly what I'd learned four years earlier. That bike has no business off road unless your riding with a bevy of young men who are willing to jump off their bikes and pick you and your bike up, and are willing to do it day after day. Solution: I now ride a CRF250 L = I can pick it up!.( It's not how fast you get there, It's how much fun you have getting there)
I'm 100% with you Pat! I too was immediately attracted to the overlanding concept after seeing Charley and Obi Wan make their initial trek around the world. But, I knew the big beemer was too heavy and not enough "dirt" for the kind of riding in my region I wanted to do (think BDR style - mostly forest service roads, but potentially decommissioned, creek crossings etc). I sold my harley when the new Africa Twin was released as I really thought that would be enough off road pedigree to get the job done, I took a couple of off road "ADV themed" riding course and proceeded to take that bike where it didn't belong (think Poison Spider / Golden Spike in Moab). It was great. I cannot fault the bike in any way - but at 500lb and a few injuries later, I just didn't have the confidence to really point in any direction without serious research. I found my riding to be actually getting worse as I feared dropping the bike more and more the further into the wilderness I went. Heading into my mid-50's, I was having thoughts like "is this the moment I pop a disc" as I lifted the bike 100Km from civilization? I did a weekender riding course with Tyler of EveRide UA-cam fame and spent 3 glorious days riding a bunch of 250-400cc dual sports in Utah. I returned home and bought an XT250 and have been loving it ever since. I still ride the AT for touring on and off pavement, but if there is any chance of things getting remotely technical then its the XT250 all the way and I ride with confidence all day long!
@@seansteede Hi Sean At 71 I've realize even my Honda CRF250L is to heavy for the really technical riding so I've switched to my Daughters XT225. What a difference that makes.
@@Mauipat Very inspiring Pat - keep on keeping on and happy you've not lost the joy! I'm on your heels!
besides the weight, just a quick look on the tires of those so called adventure bikes, you see most have 90/10 tires
not even 80/20 let alone 50/50
and common, a cast wheel is seriously going to crack if it hit the smallest rock at moderate speeds
Great video! I'm still on my first bike, a small sport "naked" 150cc, and I'm starting to get into doing longer trips and even took it on some mud tracks (on street tires!!). I was really confused about these three categories and you answered all my questions. For my next bike, I'll probably look for a 250-300cc dual-sport.
Even within the dual sport category, lighter/smaller makes SUCH a difference for gaining confidence and skill as a beginner. I've owned an XR650L for years and was still afraid of gravel roads, but recently purchased a 300L and suddenly started gaining confidence! Was then able to hop back on the 650 and feel great, but I needed that smaller/lighter/less powerful bike to learn.
Good down to earth honest advice. My advice is buy 2 bikes if u have the space and will use both. You can buy good reliable bikes that fit into different categories for the price of 1 new or near new bike. Different tools for different jobs.
Yep, 2 bike system is going to work out best IMO👍
Or do as I did and get 4 inexpensive used bikes for the price of one large adventure bike: enduro 2T, enduro 4T, Bonneville and Vespa!... as long as you have the space
Yes, I agree. Enduro when I do trails, dual sport for long distance on and off road (Adventure), and a road bike for on road touring. A 1,000cc "adventure" bike has no place in my riding needs.
KTM Saturday, ATM Monday
Haha, well said :P
And add in a jeep jeep wrangler as a tow vehicle...
KTM Saturday, JEEP (Just empty every pocket), ATM Monday
KTM----------acronym for Keeps Taking Money
Just sold my Dr650 and brought a T7 as most of my bush riding now is mainly dirt roads and some easy single tracks as I am 57 years old so slowing down a bit, and I have around 1.5 hours of road riding to get to the bush and that’s why I brought the T7
Congrats on the new beast 👍
All I can say is if I had come across your video earlier, I would have saved myself thousands of dollars chasing the “adventure” dream and falling for the marketing tricks! Thanks for your help!
I found myself on a ktm 1190eds because coming off my lams, which I did on a FZ6R and xvs650, I wanted the power of a sports bike but I also wanted the comfort of an adv bike. A Tracer 900 would have been perfect but I figured that if I was going to get an adv bike I wanted some dirt/off road capability so a 19 inch front and spokes was the criteria that helped me narrow my choices. 4 bikes fitted the bill. GS 1200, Ktm 1190/1290 and Suzuki Vstrom 1000. I don't regret my choice. I've done track days and been up sandy dunes alone hundreds of Ks from the pub and thousands of ks from the nearest hospital. I've commuted and also done 3 week solo trips. I've blasted in the twistys with road guys and done adventure trips with dirt guys. It's not ideal at anything I wanted to do with it but it helped me figure out what type of rider I am and I now know that means 2 bikes for the job. I want a fast modern naked bike that can handle the ks should I want so a z900 is on the cards. Plus I want a dual sport that will take me to the trails but also do the ks should I want to tour offroad, so a WR250R is also on the cards as a second bike... If I had to choose 1 bike the KTM790 and the T7 are hard to ignore.
I rode a Yamaha XJ 900 up the creb track back in 1999 to Cape tribulation 😜I remember as a kid back in the 70's adventure bikes where z900's/Honda 4's and stuff loaded with camping gear going off road
Nice!
Great. Wish I had seen this 4 years ago
One year ago today I bought a CRF250L Rally as a first bike. It's a great do-everything bike, but it's seen much more commuting and light touring mileage than dirt or gravel. I only have the space and budget for this one bike, so I intend on keeping it, and improving my low-speed and off-road skills until I have the resources for a second. I think for bike #2 I'd like one of the "soft-roaders" like a Versys/V-Strom 650, Tracer/Tiger 900 GT, or similar - fills my needs for longer-haul touring (which I also do on the CRF, but is exhausting after more than 2-3 hours) while still having the capacity for bumpy roads. Then the CRF Rally can stick around as my commuter, and also (especially after an upcoming suspension overhaul) for my eventual plans to do rides like the Trans-America Trail, Backcountry Discovery Routes, and various adventure rallies.
Nice plan Gregory, When I have only had the money for one bike, it’s always the small dual sport that stays 👍
Thank you for the explanation, I would add one more mistake I in particular did: Going with a dual sport if you intend to ride hard. Maybe bikes like 690 Enduro are different but as most people think when they talk about dual sports, I had a less powerful dual sport, a CRF 250L. When I switched it for a KTM EXC, I was surprised how easy was the enduro bike to ride through the same places. Sure, one might say riding enduro is harder than riding dual sport but it's mostly due to the fact one rides more challenging terrain with enduro. I think the culprit was the suspension - the EXC one allowed me to keep a lot of speed where I would have to slow down considerably on the dual sport, which then made going through slippery terrain harder because I lacked the momentum. In some places, I found even riding my 790 Adventure R easier than the CRF precisely because of its ability to ride fast. Of course, this could be compensated by better skill but then, one could improve their skill and chose to ride an enduro to do even better with less effort.
And as, first, I'm rather long-legged and even many supposedly tall bikes are too small for me and, second, the 800+ ccm adventure bikes are very capable on bad road surfaces or gravel roads, so I basically need one for road riding, I figured that, if an adventure bike cannot take me to a place, a dual sport is not going to do much better - an enduro definitely is, though, I ended up with those 2 bikes.
Great video. At the beginner motorcycle class (mandatory here) I was flogging the TU250X and wanted something bigger. A week later I was doing my first road riding on a Kawasaki Versys 650. Along the way I got into dirt and picked up a Honda CRF250L (nods to Dave the Navigator) and later even more into dirt and got a Kawasaki KDX220R. The KDX has won more dirt championships than any other model and is mad fun .. but the other two bikes are set up for motocamping, with one being better at road than the other. Do I regret? No, but for a long time I had to take it very gingerly on the Versys because it's got so much torque. Now I'm able to flog the thing properly, but it took awhile to reach that skill level. All good :)
Thanks Suzy, part of the fun is trying different bikes and learning along the way. I’m sure I’m in for a few more 😛
💯 man. What you said , it makes sense. Thanks for the enlightenment. Wish more people understood this.
It’s so good getting an informed Aussie perspective.
Thanks 👍
Fantastic job, Solid! Well explained and some great points made. My first bike was (and still is) a Vstrom 650, as I liked the seating position and thought I’d be able to do it all. Dropping that lump twice in very quick succession while attempting off-road and having to pick it up by myself quickly taught me that I’m better off treating it as a not-so-sporty sports tourer. I have a dual sport to take me to and onto the off-road areas now.
Haha I went through the same thing with my GS 🙃 More bikes = more better 😎
Still can't believe anyone takes a V-Strom off road
I also have a vstrom. 2007. It's heavy. My first more off road oriented bike. Same as you I learned quick that it's not very nice to me on rough roads. Especially silt and sand. I'm going to put 80/20's on it and keep it as a sports touring and well maintained forest road bike. It really loves to go down flat compacted dirt roads. Everything else it's not very good at.
Sorry I'm late to the feed . . . UA-cam eh! But 3's a quorum . . . 2011 VStrom 650DL great road bike with that upright seating position. It loved a well-maintained, gravel road but half way up a shale, 30" incline . . . BAM . ., dropped first on the right side, then the left. My more-recent toy Z900RS didn't like an unsealed detour in the rain thru the Yarra Range. Oh I begged for the V.
Anyway, great vid. Really informative and articulated. Back in Tassie now and thinking a bit more off road. Was thinking 350 . . . maybe Honda dual sp at circa 80kg / 5'8. But you guys are getting enough out of the 250? Love to hear your thought if you are still about . . .
Disregard! Just found your plethora of awesome entertainment. Subscribing now! 😃
Your comments re the pricing of “adv” bikes compared to more road based bikes are correct. “Adventure” is a marketing gem which now sells more bikes to a market (rider) that in many cases, has negligible intentions of real dirt and rougher terrain use. These heavy road based adv bikes ie F800 series, T700; Tiger 800 etc are far too heavy for genuine adventure riding. As you emphasised, a rider then is in lots of trouble and out of their depth, can’t pick the bike up and is more easily fatigued.
I’ve ridden the whole field, from R1200gsa to my final choice, a suitably modified KTM500 excf. If you are a serious rider, it’s impossible to modify the fat bikes as you can’t remove the 100 kg of flab. Best to make the enduro bikes more comfortable for limited road work. People are now riding them around the world.
How have you found the EXCF? Whats it like for highway use?
Million Dollar Bogan thinks a Harley is a Dual Sport/Adventure bike. Great clear description and would agree with your advice.
Cheers Shawn
Long time road rider here. Enjoyed your video. Road dirt as a kid and sport bikes in my 20 - 30s. Currently have a Harley Street Glide and a KTM 690 Enduro R. Like you I love the cruiser heavy v-Twin characteristics and the long distance touring and group ride fundraisers. I have the 690 for Fire-roads, single track and hooligan riding around town. There are lots of great options out there. I’d recommend riding everything you can. Joining forums and asking questions in person and online about the type of riding folks do with the bikes you are interested in. At some point when you have done research you will make a decision and live. Great thing about bikes is if you are off the mark you can sell and try again. I’ve done that many times. Cheers!
Wise words 👍
You are spot on! Cant really describe how helpful and great this video is! I started on the street on a Honda CB600 Hornet and when i finally decided i wanted to take some light offroading i got a Tiger 800. I quickly found myself using more my daily commuter (Honda AX-1) for offroading than the heavy Tiger 800. So i'm the process of selling my 800 and getting a CRF250L which suits me better for the type of offroad trips i want to do.
Glad it helped, enjoy the mighty 250L 👍
excellent info and great thoughts on what you need to think about
Great advice! I totally agree. Thanks for sharing such wise and good advice.
Mistake number one: Wow! I've never heard of that comment before! Thanks! I've been on the fence to get one. Now you got me thinking.
👍
Made the wrong bike choice in the past? Share your wisdom below. Mistake number five is not enjoying what you can achieve with the bike you have 👍
'cause I'm not Chris Birch. I'm a fella, just a regular fella. Yet your comment is spot on. A bike to suit my particular skill set. A sill set I've acquired over many years. I will track my unicorn. I will find my unicorn. When I do I will ride that unicorn.
So far I haven't made any mistakes, but I did a hell of a lot of research before getting into this. I started with a used XT225 and it suited me nearly perfectly for a starter bike. Nearly as light as an enduro, low seat height, extremely tame and easy to ride off-road, geared low enough to go anywhere, ridiculously reliable. Alas, I didn't like revving the piss out of it on highway runs. I wanted an XT225 with way more HP/torque and longer legs. The closest thing to that (after way more research) is the DR650. Bought one a bit over a year ago and can't imagine why I would ever want anything else. Sure it is heavier than an XT225, but I am a much better rider now. If you don't drop them, the weight doesn't matter nearly as much. :) The only thing the DR650 would really benefit from (for me) is a 6-speed gearbox.
Cruisers are cheap with low km for a reason. They're just not practical for long distances. The seating position, though comfortable for the first few minutes, is horrible after a few hours. You're jammed into one position, unable to stand. You're not leaning into the wind, feet in front where they can't take some of your weight. So all your weight is on your arse and you're holding on with your arms tensed.
Fine if you're young and looks matter more than comfort. When you're older and have time to rack up the miles, the natural position and easy standing of an ADV bike makes a huge difference. 10 000 km a month on a V-Strom is nothing. 10 000 km in a year on a cruiser feels like a major achievement. I'm nearly 60 and I click off 750 km days *regularly* on the 650 Strom. Next day I'm fresh as a daisy.
Thank you! You’re really helping us newbies!
Glad it was useful 👍
Great topic as per usual. Here is my question.
1 bike only? Not a unicorn, but a unicorn suited to me.
Leave money debate for now.
Skill - road great, gravel good and responsible, track or fire trail keep my own and minding my speed, sand need a lot more practice.
Bike must be able to endure once a month 3 hour asphalt ride to and from destination of fun at least 100km/h.
Must be able to ride all conditions mentioned above. I normally carry 20kg luggage.
Since I started up riding again 3 years ago after 16 year lapse and doing all conditions I've toppled over 3 times. That is in +/- 20'000km's. Once on gravel, twice on sand.
The bike must be suited to do at least one time lapse of AUS. A dream come true. Rest of the time local state based round trips and trail/ track exploration.
Please, no more than 165kg. I do not ramp, wheelie or do any of that awesome stuff anymore. Wish I had the youth. 21 front an 18 back an absolute.
I have great endurance and prefer less gadgets. A 9 hour day on the CB500X and I still cracked a couple beers. Next day another 9 hours.
Bike must be a millennial. Nothing designed before 2000.
Would love your feedback. Marty.
Welcome to the unicorn hunt!....... WR250R, KTM 690R, Husky 701, CRF250L and rally, SWM RS 650 R. None of those bikes will be anywhere near as comfy as the CB500X but Slightly heavier bikes include BMW GS650, SWM superdual (underrated), Yamaha 660 and T700.... If you don't mind maintenance CFR450L......
Dualsport is the perfect bike to *show and tell you what biker you really are* if you aren't sure about it yet or having any doubts of any sorts
Agree that starting on a dual sport if your new to find where you tend to spend your time. Dual sports are just as capable as enduro's while still having legs to travel the highway. They don't go as fast in either environment as the more specialised enduro and adventure bikes but it will go happily in both sectors.
250's are great if your new to bikes or new to dirt, alot more forgiving. I have an XR250L, she just has enough legs to cruise the highway at 110kmph letting me head out with my Africa twin friend. Off road still has plenty of power for me to learn and have fun, let me dable in an enduro event and ride the water logged tracks during the wet season. Wanting to do a little power mod for the road, but off road I dont not need as much power.
Nice review of the off road categories I think you pretty much nailed it. Same as you I went from super sports to adventure and yes the bike gets very intimidating off road but I think it makes up for that with comfort over a smaller dual sport, I guess there is always room in the garage for one more 😂
Agreed Nick, Always room for one more!
imo the epitome of enduro bikes are the husqy te series, especially the te300, whereas even tho the fe450 could be an enduro also, i consider that the more dirt focused side of dual sports... i guess mainly due to weight difference and the fact one is a two stroke, the other a four.... both bikes are way outta my price range tho... haha. i might end up going with a chinabike, the new kpx 250 from lifan looks pretty legit...
Very informative. Nicely done mate, im a returning weekend warrior, 10yrs ago i rode KTM 450 and 525’s the exc range, mostly on sumo wheels, but 80% offroad anyway... urban hooligan type maybe 🙈😂
Love the ktm’s power delivery, where in love with those bikes...
But now as a returning rider After a decade With no Braaap, im totally lost in what to buy,
Been looking at dualsport, but im afraid it Will lack in power..
Im so lost i’ve been looking at Fantic caballero rally 500 🙈😂🤷♂️
Tested a friends KTM 690, did not like it at all
A shit, it’s looking like it Will be an exc KTM again, and sumo wheels with some semi-knobbly ... im a hooligan at heart 🙈😂🤙
Gonna listen to this video again, you had some good points really
I love the way you flip the "Adventure Bike" terminology on it's head and as it should be. It's not all about dirt.
There is a great chap who has done some epic traveling on two wheels and it will be of great benefit for riders to take a note on what he travelled around the world on..... He's
Nick Sanders.
Just a bloke, a map and a bike.
Thanks mate, yep adventure is about the journey not the marketing. Nick Sanders is great 👍
Maybe the time has come to redefine what an adventure motorcycle is. Everyone, especially the manufacturers have hijacked the word because it sounds cool, and sells an image we all want.
I had one of those larger bikes seen here and would never call it an adventure bike in my standards. It was far too big and heavy for one up, long distance off road adventure. It got me into trouble a few times. Touring bikes, sure, those have been around for years. Adventure, single rider, a tent and gear and 50 50% exploring. 1000cc bikes are not needed for that, at all. Seems every bike made now is an adventure bike.
Love yami and ktm for making true, off road capable long haul adventure bikes. Hopefully the others will produce bikes for that market
I'll add Mistake #5, fully realizing listing it will not help many folks. :^). I've done this mistake several times and fully expect to repeat - buying a bike on looks with little to no consideration on how you fit the bike. In no time at all you will realize that the bike is a round hole and you're stuck with a square peg body.
If you insist on such foolishness, then make it the 2nd or 3rd bike in the fleet so you can "look good" on Sunday but have something decent to ride the other days. :)
“Dressing like a power ranger” lol
I rode enduro bikes when I was younger to ride in the bush, off road so to speak. Then bought a dual sport, or as us older types would say a trail bike when I was a bit older and don’t want an adventure bike, well what many people call an adventure bike.
Stupid thing is, why is it when people get older they have to buy heavier bikes ?
Power and comfort are great but weight is not, my last heavy bike was a 1986 GPZ 900, dropped it once on a muddy road once and couldn’t pick it up, since then all road bikes have been no bigger than 600.
Now the good old DR 650 has been my bike of choice for the last 15 years, at the age of 60 I don’t want some big heavy adventure bike to take the fun out of riding, it is after all the best bike in my opinion to have an adventure on.
Most adventure bikes are in name not by nature, they are the new touring bikes, try holding one of those babies up on an off camber hill, be it muddy or dry, never mind picking the thing up.
A real adventure bike is a dual sport, I found that out after 40 years of off and on road riding.
Well said 👍
The KTM is Ok for highway riding but obviously isn’t great for hours on end. I have mine geared quite high with a rebuilt seat and windscreen but I would rarely ride it for more than a 1 hr continuous stint on a sealed road over a day. I take it to the start of my rides in a Ute but I used to ride up to 3 .5 hrs from Sydney CBD to the starting point on a BMW Xchallenge/ F800gs and DR650.
太喜欢这条视频了,我之前买了一部yamaha的XT125,动力太小了,购买新车的计划一直在类似于yamaha T700之类的冒险摩托车和dual sports之间犹豫,现在知道了自己的需求,避免走弯路,应该找一台250-400cc的dual sports😊,请问有什么推荐的吗
Nicely done video.❤
Hi, hey have or could you do a informative video on purchasing new, things to ask and consider or watch for? Your experiences. What to expect for warranty by manufacturer or make? Thanks!
Hi there...i see you posted this video long time ago...😊 but it is very infomamative for me...i ride a kawasaki versys1000 for the past 2.5 years and i want to try offroad as well ( corrently 0 experience offroad) but i intend to keep my versys and and buy one for the off road and just cannot decide if to get an enduro or dual sport at the moment...i am 47 years old in prrety good shape ( I'd like to think so😂)...love to hear your recomendation. Leave in israel.
Thanks
Amazing video! Well done
Cheers 👍
Postie bike covers all these catagories 😂 plus motorcross 😜
Went from a 2008 klr 650 ...(wish I still had)rip😖..had the green and someone went through the red....no more klr...now there's 2007 ktm 950 smr...wow ...just wow totally different..I love it ..turning it into an adventure /transportation..bigger gas tank and side bags ..skidplates...stupid hp..lol
I'm hesitating between an allroad and a cruiser as my next bike. how well does a cruiser drive on bad road surfaces?
Thanks.
The best is having one of each. You need a sport bike, adventure bike, dual sport, and dirt bike. Then, maybe a cruiser.
What about the motocross/supercross? You know, the ones that are actually the lightest. For example, CRF450R CRF250R .....
very helpful, thanks!
So, as an American, do I understand properly that enduro is about as close as you can get to a pure dirt bike?
Cool video 👍🙂
Well done!
An additional things to consider, depending on who you are and YOUR situation... are you riding with a support vehicle?
I don’t... but there are situations where the bike choose can relate to that.
The good old days of 1986-2000=ish Honda XR 250’s and 400’s, and quite a few of the Yamaha TT or XT 250’s, and 600s.... air cooled, bullet proof...and just get the right suspension set up, or a more modern suspension set... and you are going to kick ass doing 200-400km endure, off road, dual sport diving compared to a modern day bike... like a WR-450F... which I own!... but I am looking forwarding to gettting a Honda XR-400, and putting in newer suspension, possible bigger tank.... and ride from Cairns to Capeyork and back with only every refueling, and possibly changing out a blown tire. Oh... the good old days.
What are your thoughts on the cross trainer bikes? The beta 300 xtrainer and ktm 350 freeride.
I first bought the ktm 350 freeride but never quite loved it, bit of a weird bike to describe.
Then got the klx250s but it was too under powered and heavy. Now thinking between the drz400e or beta xtrainer if I can put up with the maintenance and transportation chores, really we all just want a sub 100kg tamed down 300cc enduro dual sport with 5000km service intervals lol frustrating hobby we have but it's worth it 😆
I'm in between the beta 300 xtrainer and the honda crf300l rally. I want to get into dirt but just don't want to go all the way. Did you ever make a decision?
How would you define the KLR 650? Dual Sport or adventure bike? I think is too heavy (talking about gen 3)
it's Too heavy to effortlessly ride off-road, PERIOD.......yes you can romp around on Trails, or flatter terrain, but I would Stay away from Hills, ditches, logs, etc......I don't care what anyone says, watch Any youtube video, every time a 650 rider comes up to a log or branch, they are "pushing" it over by hand, LOL.
Well said CoS - Waaaayyy too many riders “need 800 plus cc’s to ride off-road” ... Not everyone is Chris Birch - sure he makes it look simple.. But you’re not Chris Birch are you - otherwise you;d be riding for KTM right? Sure if you need to do 140KMH plus all day with luggage and a pillion.. go for it - Otherwise have a think and start with something you can handle and pick up when you drop it (a few times - and you will if you’re really riding off-road (fire trails excepted)...
Thanks 👍
Very educative
And electric ⚡️ Enduro bikes to
So very true....Hahahahahha........David...Adelaide...Tiger 900GT
Dual sports are hard enough off road, I agree to steer clear of enduro for pure off road unless you're trying to race. They're absolutely exhausting to operate for long trips and require much more skill for just about anything.
And yeah, advs are just shit for off road.
Dual sports are where it's at.
Some of the enduro bikes can't be registered for road use, depending on the state your in, so that might factor into the decision making process.
Yep, good point. Forgot the US doesn't get every enduro plated from factory
@@chroniclesofsolid We have the 450L and a couple from KTM, but that's really it - a few states do allow plating off-highway vehicles through their Department of Motor Vehicles, though it's often a long and pricey process
Unlucky!
ok i am here🤪👍
Cheers mate 👍
How do people NOT know Enduro is a term for a Tagged bike??? We've ALWAYS called them that......Literally forever. I think people that don't understand this are New riders and now we have all these "catergories" we didn't have 30 years ago. But yes ENDURO is another name for a Tagged bike........
Unfortunately the bike which is light weight, powerful, long service intervals, good on the road and dirt is yet to be made. My two bikes, gsxr 750 and DRZ400 covers the style of riding that suits me. At this stage the KTM690 / Husqvarna 701 is as close as you get to the true dual sport.
Nice bike combo 👍
Where does a Ducati desert sled fit?
It is a scrambler/retro classic and on the edge of the adventure bike category 👍 Check out my 4 scramblers video for more info.
Bloody neighbours.
Love the V Star. Cool bike.
And cheap.
Cheers Rob 👍
Where would you slot the Desert Sled ;) ??
Know where on the list . It's just a marketing exercise
The Aprilia rxv 450, 550 shit all over your list, lol
Xr250r and xr400r I'm told are not Enduro bikes but there more off road than on. They are about as powerful as a air cooled bike could ever be. Also kick start and no battery. No indicators, no rear footpegs, no chain guard no cush drive. No ignition, no Key even.
Wish they made a modern xr400 👍
@@chroniclesofsolid they won't because those bikes were built well and reliable. You have to choose now between an overweight underpowered bike or a race bike that is just to much to maintain.
Still relevant today, "Adventure Bikes" are overpriced, even a second hand KLR is expected to fetch a $1000 or more than it's really worth.
Also sick of hearing the term "Adventure", It's nothing more than a marketing term. People spend thousands putting these "towers" on Dual sport or even Enduro bikes to make it into an "Adventure Bike" I can't see how it's not messing with the weight balance and handling of their dirt bike. Sorry for the rant.
If money grew on trees I would have them all.
This must be a regional thing. This is how we label them where I'm from.
Motocross=The race bikes
Enduro= Motocross+ headlight
Dual Sport/Dual Purpose= Street legal dirt bike.
Enduro has ALWAYS been a tagged bike......dual sport is a newer term. But before adventure bikes and all these "terms", we called anything with a tag Enduro.
I don't think proper enduro bikes were popular in the US. These were/are pure race bikes. Not street legal. Not for MX tracks, but for trails. Long endurance races. Thus the name enduro. ua-cam.com/video/tBOGe3Oh-a4/v-deo.html
AA
Enduro bikes cannot be plated. If you can ride it on the road it is a duel sport by definition.
Wrong, enduro is a general term that's been used for plated dirt bikes FOREVER.......not sure what rock you people have been living under. Dual Sport was a term only used in the past 10 years.
@@94SexyStang Yeah I'm only 68 years old and have been riding since I was 14 so I don't know a thing.