Adventure bikes - actually offroad capable, or overlanding 4runners of the streets? School me

[Bigbore500r]

Need some input here from you guys that have ride dirtbikes (MX bikes, dedicated dirtbikes, etc) , and either have ridden or now own an "Adventure bike" - how are these bikes for average trails and desert riding?

My kids are almost 11 and 13, and have their own dirtbikes, and i'd like to get something to take them on some destination rides in the desert and follow them around. We're not talking single track, gnarly hill climbs or goat trails - more like fire roads to typical novice / light intermediate style trails.

I like the idea of having a multi-purpose adventure bike that I can use to cruise around with them in the desert and take them on some destination rides and pull double-duty with somse street riding and highway touring. I've always had motocross oriented bikes - RM 250's, CR500's, YZ450's, etc. Heaviest bike i've had offroad was a tossup between my XR600r and an XR650r. On the street, i've had everything from a GSXR 750, to a Harley Road glide - so I know what to expect on the street from a bike like this.

So my question is - how capable are these middle-weight / heavy weight adventure bikes for mild to moderate desert riding? Obviously they are heavy as shit, so uneven ground, stopping on hills, sand washes / etc will suck. Am I nuts thiking something like an Africa Twin will be OK for this type of mile desert riding? Or are they really best limited to gravel / fire roads and pavement? I would rate my skill level as "moderate" as i'm out of practice and obviously not in my 20's anymore. I have alot of experience but it's been a while.


Looking at bikes along the lines of:

• Kawasaki KLR650 22-up (yes I know its slow.....thats the budget option)
• Honda Africa Twin 1000 (or newer 1100)
• Aprillia Toureg 660
• KTM / Gas Gas / Husky 790-900 middleweights
• BMW GS1250 (used....too damn expensive new!)

Any of these bikes (minus the BMW) would get suspension re-sprung for weight, KLR and Africa Twin would get rear shock upgrades and front forks revalved (seems like its a necessity).

Im thinking the KLR will do the job if I don't mind the lack of power and "umph". Real comfortable to sit on.

Africa Twin 1100 is my favorite option, bike feels good and seems pretty capable for a heavier adventure bike. A bit smaller than the typical heavyweight contenders.
Lots of smooth power, not explosive but plenty to keep you entertained on the highway.

KTM / Gas Gas / Husky middleweights - feel really good sitting on them with the low center of gravity, but seems that the motors have some reliability issues and i'm not crazy about that super-wide fuel tank situation down low by your feet.

BMW 1250GS - supposed to be the holy grail adventure bike, never ridden one - I hear they aren't very capable offroad with that wierd tele-lever front suspension, and obviously they are a big ass bike like the other heavyweight offerings that I didn't list.


I don't expect it to feel like a dedicated offroad bike, but .....what say ye?

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I have some friends that run an adventure bike rental outfit outside Pahrump. They use the Yamaha bikes for all their rentals cause they are damn near bullet proof from what they have told us. These guys are very accomplished desert racers and their own wrenches so I take their opinion seriously. That being said...... they both ride KTM's.

 

[rivermobster]

My BIL has owned a few of em. They are Very capable off road.

I saw a couple guys in Death Valley one day, and they had climbed up a knarly azz hill.

@Dan Lorenze is probably the expert in this area.

 

[Wolskis]

I have a 2021 1250GS and love it. The past 2 years have been forest roads with occasional 2 track up here in N WI. Having said that, riding in sand would not be my top choice. As stated it's a heavy bike.

 

[Xring01]

When you use “street DOT tires” off road, it sucks… No traction in the dirt but great for the street… in the dirt, the front end wash’s out and down you go… Please ask me how I know….

When you use dirt tires on the street… the exact same thing… great in the dirt, suck on the street… down you go….

If you truly want a dirt bike, to ride dirt bike shit, with dirt bike performance… Then get a dirt bike, not an adventure bike.

But thats me And my opinion…. Note: Traction is everything, no such thing as tire that does everthing. They all compromise one way or the other.

BTW… I owned a Ducati Multistrada 1290 and a KTM 300 at the same time. Each for different purposes.

If you truly gonna go down that dual sport road… then the best compromise to me, would be the KTM 690…

second choice would be a BMW 650… but thats really more of asphalt with the occasional dirt trail bike.

anything bigger than them… no need to put in the dirt. They just get to big/heavy and limited to dirt road.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I think your best bet is to go the 2 bike route. My dad did that essentially when we were growing up. He hated following us around on his 500 Husky so he borrowed my Aunt's 200KDX. He said it was SO much easier due to the light clutch pull and weight of the bike. Wasn't too good for much more than that tough.

Maybe look around on FB Marketplace or something for an old 250 or something. Throw a recluse in it and really make it easier to follow the kids around on.

 

[rivermobster]

@OCMerrill has a nice formula, of you want to create one.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

If you aren't knocking down highway miles I would avoid the big Adv Bikes. For desert/fire road riding chasing the kids I'd be looking at one of the sub-500cc dual sports that are on the market.

 

[Kbach]

If you truly want a dirt bike, to ride dirt bike shit, with dirt bike performance… Then get a dirt bike, not an adventure bike.

This right here!

I’ve ridden/raced MX and desert my whole life, did development test riding for over a decade, worked in the development of the AT and currently own an AT….and I’d be miserable if I tried to use it like you mention @Bigbore500r

Is it capable, absolutely. But to ride it around the desert chasing little bikes would suck.

Get a KLR, XR650L or something similar. Don’t get an Adv bike.

 

[PlumLoco]

I have a DRZ400 that Race Tech modified for my 280 lbs. Reliable as an anvil, goes anywhere offroad. I bought it specifically to chase my kids around in the desert. It is heavy but it doesn't feel underpowered in most cases. It is a great in town commuter, but anything over 55 mph sounds like you are screaming it with the stock gearing. You could save yourself 6-8 thousand dollars if you want to give up that long distance touring nonsense that you will never find time for anyway.

 

[Rajobigguy]

2006 TE 610. This straddles the line between serious dirt bike and stree/hwy machine better than anything else I’ve ever ridden.
At 305 lbs it’s not too heavy for serious dirt riding but it has enough meat that you don’t get blown around on the hwy.
It will embarrass anything less than a one liter super bike in the stoplight Grand Prix and still cruise easily at 70 mph all day with plenty left for passing slower vehicles.
It no Mx bike and will work you pretty hard on real tight twisty trails but in the open desert it will run with big dogs.

 

[Xring01]

This right here!

I’ve ridden/raced MX and desert my whole life, did development test riding for over a decade, worked in the development of the AT and currently own an AT….and I’d be miserable if I tried to use it like you mention @Bigbore500r

Is it capable, absolutely. But to ride it around the desert chasing little bikes would suck.

Get a KLR, XR650L or something similar. Don’t get an Adv bike.

Put a 400lb bike in the sand… then stop in the sand… to help a little kid who just fell over, and then get back on that big heavy fucker and take off again… then repeat that about dozen times… LOL… kids fall over alot….

Or, Get a KTM 300 2 stroke that weighs in about 220lbs. ohhh hell yeah… I loved my KTM 300… kicked that fucker down a few mountains.. LOL… so damn steep, I couldnt stand it up, with out falling down… So, kick it down to flat spot… then pick it up… Good times for sure.

My kids grew up in the Ocotillo and Barstow areas learning to ride. My progression of DBikes (with my kids)… XR400, then KTM 450, KTM 505, KTM 300 and thats just one awesome desert cruiser… gets the job done, light, nimble, never breaks down.

 

[OCMerrill]

The KTM 790 is made in china with an older design parallel twin. KTM's are likely the least reliable.

The Suzuki 800DE actually now has a 776 cc parallel twin. $12900 and comes well equipped.

Just riding around with kids I wouldn't go the ADV bike route. To heavy.

Everyone says the Kawi Adventure is bullet proof but that's not 100% true either with the doohickey and the coolant bypass setup, most feel are needed to keep the cylinder round. It does make 40 hp it just doesn't feel like it. I have ridden a KLR a couple years back and its all old school feeling.

 

[OCMerrill]

@OCMerrill has a nice formula, of you want to create one.

You mean the one that doesn't involve Vertigo?

 

[Mandelon]

Honda Trail 70's are back! LOL

 

[HB2Havasu]

If your wanting to follow your kids around on their dirt bikes getting an Adv Bike is going to beat you down. Get yourself a Dirt Bike or a Dual Sport KTM, Husqvarna, etc...

 

[rivermobster]

You mean the one that doesn't involve Vertigo?

That's the one!

What bike were we talking about, the day I was at Chapperal??

 

[OCMerrill]

That's the one!

What bike were we talking about, the day I was at Chapperal??

Thanks to you....you called me with this deal....

Kawi KLR 650 that was marked down to something like $5900 bucks. It was a commuter model with a yellow faring but easily turned into an adventure model.

The peak of all this dizzy bullshit but I should have bought it anyway.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I'd recommend following Jay Clark on Instagram. His name on Insta is DirtBikeTV1. He does short videos of all types of riding, maintenance and prepping the bikes for long distance rides. His stuff is well worth watching.

dirtbiketv1

 

[Dan Lorenze]

When choosing one bike to do both jobs you’ll end up with a bike that doesn’t do either very well. I don’t think chasing little ones around the desert on an AT sounds fun at all, could I do it? Sure, if I had to. And dirt bikes don’t make great “highway” Adv bikes at all, for that you really want a twin cylinder motorcycle or a big single like a 690, The 690 isn’t a great long range Adv bike because it’s a single and the gas tank situation makes things tougher for packing since the fuel fill is on the back of the bike.

If I had to pick one bike to do it all it just might be a DRZ400S. They're not too big yet still pretty comfortable on the road. They have a Cush rear hub that soak up the vibes like many true dual sport motorcycles.

But ultimately you need at least two motorcycles, one for each discipline, off road and adv. I have a plated KTM 300 and a KTM 890 Adv-R.. Both serve me well. The 890 is my all time favorite bike Ive ever owned, and I’ve owned lots. The 890 fits my riding style, Adventure Riding with lots of off-road.

 

[Flatsix66]

What Dan said. The thought of following kids around in the desert, I think a big DS is too much to deal with, KTM 300 would be perfect in my mind. I plated my 300 in AZ, its the perfect city/dirt (non-highway) dual sport.

 

[DLC]

For chasing the kids - I’m thinking 4 stroke 250 / 350 electric start or a 250 / 300 -2 stroke - maybe something that the kids can move up into in a few years.

Adventure bike Id try renting a few to see what ya like best



Buddy has a Yamaha 900 - They call it the Honeymoon Bike ! They just ride to Sturgis & back ! Also has a XR650 for Mexico, He has had a a ton of bikes over the years

Neighbor has a BMW 1200 & a Suzuki Hayabusa

Main thing is light weight and fun - Not work w/ the kids

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Fun everywhere except the freeway.

 

[Xring01]

One of my weakness’s….
Something that I have wanted for a very long time, but I honestly dont need it….

But I look for them regularly… hoping to find a smoking deal…

Some day, this will be decorating my garage.

 

[lbhsbz]

I have a DRZ400 that Race Tech modified for my 280 lbs. Reliable as an anvil, goes anywhere offroad. I bought it specifically to chase my kids around in the desert. It is heavy but it doesn't feel underpowered in most cases. It is a great in town commuter, but anything over 55 mph sounds like you are screaming it with the stock gearing. You could save yourself 6-8 thousand dollars if you want to give up that long distance touring nonsense that you will never find time for anyway.

The only thing I could ever find wrong with my DRZ400 is that after about an hour in the seat I couldn't walk right for the next 2 days....never had that problem on any other bike I owned.

 

[DMF]

One of my weakness’s….
Something that I have wanted for a very long time, but I honestly dont need it….

But I look for them regularly… hoping to find a smoking deal…

Some day, this will be decorating my garage.

View attachment 1439326

Me too....total waste of money, but FUCK do I want one...hahaha

 

[PlumLoco]

The only thing I could ever find wrong with my DRZ400 is that after about an hour in the seat I couldn't walk right for the next 2 days....never had that problem on any other bike I owned.

Stand up more.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

One of my weakness’s….
Something that I have wanted for a very long time, but I honestly dont need it….

But I look for them regularly… hoping to find a smoking deal…

Some day, this will be decorating my garage.

View attachment 1439326

Dang it!! I almost mentioned this bike!! lol... I agree, a big wheel 200 or TW200 "Fat cat"... That's the perfect "Chasing the kids around the desert" sled.. That and a half face helmet and a pair of lineman boots..

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I have a DRZ400 that Race Tech modified for my 280 lbs. Reliable as an anvil, goes anywhere offroad. I bought it specifically to chase my kids around in the desert. It is heavy but it doesn't feel underpowered in most cases. It is a great in town commuter, but anything over 55 mph sounds like you are screaming it with the stock gearing. You could save yourself 6-8 thousand dollars if you want to give up that long distance touring nonsense that you will never find time for anyway.

100%...

 

[JDKRXW]

I have a DRZ400 that Race Tech modified for my 280 lbs. Reliable as an anvil, goes anywhere offroad. I bought it specifically to chase my kids around in the desert. It is heavy but it doesn't feel underpowered in most cases. It is a great in town commuter, but anything over 55 mph sounds like you are screaming it with the stock gearing. You could save yourself 6-8 thousand dollars if you want to give up that long distance touring nonsense that you will never find time for anyway.

Third vote for the DRZ.
Better seat, a real skid plate, bark busters, rad guards case savers, real tires and I'm into mine for not a lot of $$$
... and it goes pretty much anywhere.

 

[white tortilla]

Dammit I hate to endorse a DRz400.

I have had a few dual sports. Husky, KTM, beta, Honda 650s. When I was a kid my dad had a DRZ400. I rode it a lot. Never loved it but I agree it was way more comfortable than the new stuff for long rides. Plenty of power. Reliable.

I wouldn’t buy another one as I prefer super technical stuff and they are a little heavy and soft, but I agree for a kid chaser and comfort that’s a solid choice.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

If your looking mid size adventure bike add the Yamaha Tenere 700 to your list. It’s a great bike. Having said that if your looking to ride with your kids get a dirt bike. For

what it’s worth I’m currently on a 650 mile overland ride on my CRF 450X. It’s does ok on the highway sections and kicks ass on the dirt sections (which is all that counts).

 

[rivermobster]

My Z400 quad came stock with the DRZ engine. First thing I did was throw all the DRZ-e parts on it.

I've destroyed the frame and everything else on that thing, but that engine has never missed a beat.

 

[Orange Juice]

Need some input here from you guys that have ride dirtbikes (MX bikes, dedicated dirtbikes, etc) , and either have ridden or now own an "Adventure bike" - how are these bikes for average trails and desert riding?

My kids are almost 11 and 13, and have their own dirtbikes, and i'd like to get something to take them on some destination rides in the desert and follow them around. We're not talking single track, gnarly hill climbs or goat trails - more like fire roads to typical novice / light intermediate style trails.

I like the idea of having a multi-purpose adventure bike that I can use to cruise around with them in the desert and take them on some destination rides and pull double-duty with somse street riding and highway touring. I've always had motocross oriented bikes - RM 250's, CR500's, YZ450's, etc. Heaviest bike i've had offroad was a tossup between my XR600r and an XR650r. On the street, i've had everything from a GSXR 750, to a Harley Road glide - so I know what to expect on the street from a bike like this.

So my question is - how capable are these middle-weight / heavy weight adventure bikes for mild to moderate desert riding? Obviously they are heavy as shit, so uneven ground, stopping on hills, sand washes / etc will suck. Am I nuts thiking something like an Africa Twin will be OK for this type of mile desert riding? Or are they really best limited to gravel / fire roads and pavement? I would rate my skill level as "moderate" as i'm out of practice and obviously not in my 20's anymore. I have alot of experience but it's been a while.


Looking at bikes along the lines of:

• Kawasaki KLR650 22-up (yes I know its slow.....thats the budget option)
• Honda Africa Twin 1000 (or newer 1100)
• Aprillia Toureg 660
• KTM / Gas Gas / Husky 790-900 middleweights
• BMW GS1250 (used....too damn expensive new!)

Any of these bikes (minus the BMW) would get suspension re-sprung for weight, KLR and Africa Twin would get rear shock upgrades and front forks revalved (seems like its a necessity).

Im thinking the KLR will do the job if I don't mind the lack of power and "umph". Real comfortable to sit on.

Africa Twin 1100 is my favorite option, bike feels good and seems pretty capable for a heavier adventure bike. A bit smaller than the typical heavyweight contenders.
Lots of smooth power, not explosive but plenty to keep you entertained on the highway.

KTM / Gas Gas / Husky middleweights - feel really good sitting on them with the low center of gravity, but seems that the motors have some reliability issues and i'm not crazy about that super-wide fuel tank situation down low by your feet.

BMW 1250GS - supposed to be the holy grail adventure bike, never ridden one - I hear they aren't very capable offroad with that wierd tele-lever front suspension, and obviously they are a big ass bike like the other heavyweight offerings that I didn't list.


I don't expect it to feel like a dedicated offroad bike, but .....what say ye?

My lower back can’t take much more than 20 minutes riding, and then I’m done, until I forget the 3 days I could barely walk.

I bought a new 2012 Polaris Ranger 800XP 3 seater. I still own it. It still runs great, other than changing out the axle/Boots once, drive belt, oil changes and tires, It’s been great. I

I keep saying I’m going to get a Polaris General next year, but the ranger has been flawless. We put a roof on it, and we’re always in the shade. Also makes a great backup vehicle and have room.

I owned 2 bikes growing up. 1978 Yamaha 125yz, and a 1983 Honda XR 250 enduro. I’m glad I got that out of my system early, and survived.

 

[mash on it]

XR600R
That's all I got.

Dan'l

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Dang it!! I almost mentioned this bike!! lol... I agree, a big wheel 200 or TW200 "Fat cat"... That's the perfect "Chasing the kids around the desert" sled.. That and a half face helmet and a pair of lineman boots..

My dad had a pair of Fat Cats, I rode one of them for years on the forest service roads in Colorado and canyon country in Utah. Many fond memories and it was an absolute ball in the sand. No clutch and electric start was pretty sweet, LOL. I'd love to have one to keep at the lake, but since Honda stopped making them 30 years ago finding a decent one is almost impossible.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Would you believe some guy built the exact bike Senior BigBore500R is looking for? Here it is.. It's the ultimate Kid chase bike and ADV bike all in one. 8k You're welcome..

Log into Facebook

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[lbhsbz]

Stand up more.

It was a commuter…work was 20 minutes away. If I had to detour and add 20 minutes, I was sore.

Did OK in the dirt with Shinko tires, not great, but OK. We just ran trails up near silver wood/arrowhead/big bear…nothing major. Was fun till I blew my knee and would randomly fall over at stoplights because the knee wouldn’t hold me up lol

 

[Rajobigguy]

It was a commuter…work was 20 minutes away. If I had to detour and add 20 minutes, I was sore.

Did OK in the dirt with Shinko tires, not great, but OK. We just ran trails up near silver wood/arrowhead/big bear…nothing major. Was fun till I blew my knee and would randomly fall over at stoplights because the knee wouldn’t hold me up lol

artie johnson falling over on trike - Yahoo Image Search Results

 

[LakeMeadLavey]

Older XR 650s are bullet proof reliable and can be found plated as well for reasonable $. Handle the dirt and street well but a bit on the heavy side.

This full race XR650 has been sitting on display in our company lobby for over 10 years. Winningest bike in Baja before being retired for the 450X's and would do over 100mph on open roads. Crazy how the Baja Designs lights have evolved over the years with LED technology.

 

[rivermobster]

I always wanted to make a Super Motard out of a KTM 300...

Kinna sorta a dual sport!

 

[mjc]

I always wanted to make a Super Motard out of a KTM 300...

Kinna sorta a dual sport!

View attachment 1439549

That's what need. Think of getting an first gen Honda 750 to run around now instead of the DRZ400e I have now.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Older XR 650s are bullet proof reliable and can be found plated as well for reasonable $. Handle the dirt and street well but a bit on the heavy side.

This full race XR650 has been sitting on display in our company lobby for over 10 years. Winningest bike in Baja before being retired for the 450X's and would do over 100mph on open roads. Crazy how the Baja Designs lights have evolved over the years with LED technology.
View attachment 1439546 View attachment 1439547

Had one for a couple years great bikes. But there’s a reason they’re called the Big Red Pig! Hated kick starting that thing.

 

[rivermobster]

That's what need. Think of getting an first gen Honda 750 to run around now instead of the DRZ400e I have now.

The DRZe is pretty cool.

Long time ago, we would ride out of Miller Canyon most every weekend, and we would always run into the same group of old guys Every time. One of em had a real well equipped DRZ-e.

And then, we didn't see em for a couple months!

A few months later we ran into em again. Turned out, one of em went blind in one eye, and the others wouldn't ride without him!

Can you imagine riding trails with just one eye???

That's dedication right there for sure.

 

[Xring01]

I always wanted to make a Super Motard out of a KTM 300...

Kinna sorta a dual sport!

View attachment 1439549

You would have no excuse to be late for work with that… Traffic… thats a thing of the past…
Just keeping the front end down… yeah that would be the hardest part.

 

[aftershock]

I've ridden a bunch of Adventure bikes and have owned a few different ones. Some adventure bikes feel like touring bikes that can go in the dirt if needed and some feel like offroad specific bikes that can go touring if needed. I raced motocross when I was younger and now that I'm older I transitioned into the bike bikes.

KLR650: I had a 2018 and it was a couch. Fun bike to cruise around on and perfect for fire roads. Super super slow and the suspension is not confidence inspiring if you like to go fast on the dirt.

Africa Twin: Father had a 2017 adventure sports model, manual trans. Great bike on the road and super comfortable for long distance rides. Fit and finish was great. Not terrible offroad, but also not great. It's a heavy bike and it feels like a heavy bike in the slow stuff, but when standing up with your weight forward on flowy-type trails it's a decent option.

990 Adventure: Father had a 2010 Adventure R model. Super rad bike and felt like a Dakar bike. On-road performance was nothing spectacular and felt very dirt-bike-like. Offroad this thing really performed well and the suspension felt great for pretty much anything you can through at it. No electronic BS to fail if that's something you're looking for and they can be had for pretty cheap.

890 Adventure R: I currently have a 2023 model. This bike impresses me every time I ride it. On-road is decent but not great. I'm tall and the wind buffeting on the highway is annoying so I might try a taller windshield. It's got electronic cruise control so the long rides aren't tiring on the hands. Offroad is where this thing shines. I've done some nasty single track on it in the rain, snow, etc. and it surprises me how capable it is for such a big bike. The low tank helps with the center of gravity and while riding it doesn't feel too heavy. In the open desert it's capable of keeping up with guys on dual sports, even in the whoops. Can't recommend this bike enough. I have had a few issues with it, but nothing that would sway me from buying again. The OEM front tire (tubeless) leaked from day 1. I knew there was a service bulletin for it but waited until I wore it out to get it replaced under warranty by filling it up once every week, not a huge deal. My dealer even replaced the rear tire for free so I look at it as I got a free set of tires. Thermostat and valve cover gaskets started leaking at mile 7,000 but again the dealer fixed it for free.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I've ridden a bunch of Adventure bikes and have owned a few different ones. Some adventure bikes feel like touring bikes that can go in the dirt if needed and some feel like offroad specific bikes that can go touring if needed. I raced motocross when I was younger and now that I'm older I transitioned into the bike bikes.

KLR650: I had a 2018 and it was a couch. Fun bike to cruise around on and perfect for fire roads. Super super slow and the suspension is not confidence inspiring if you like to go fast on the dirt.

Africa Twin: Father had a 2017 adventure sports model, manual trans. Great bike on the road and super comfortable for long distance rides. Fit and finish was great. Not terrible offroad, but also not great. It's a heavy bike and it feels like a heavy bike in the slow stuff, but when standing up with your weight forward on flowy-type trails it's a decent option.

990 Adventure: Father had a 2010 Adventure R model. Super rad bike and felt like a Dakar bike. On-road performance was nothing spectacular and felt very dirt-bike-like. Offroad this thing really performed well and the suspension felt great for pretty much anything you can through at it. No electronic BS to fail if that's something you're looking for and they can be had for pretty cheap.

890 Adventure R: I currently have a 2023 model. This bike impresses me every time I ride it. On-road is decent but not great. I'm tall and the wind buffeting on the highway is annoying so I might try a taller windshield. It's got electronic cruise control so the long rides aren't tiring on the hands. Offroad is where this thing shines. I've done some nasty single track on it in the rain, snow, etc. and it surprises me how capable it is for such a big bike. The low tank helps with the center of gravity and while riding it doesn't feel too heavy. In the open desert it's capable of keeping up with guys on dual sports, even in the whoops. Can't recommend this bike enough. I have had a few issues with it, but nothing that would sway me from buying again. The OEM front tire (tubeless) leaked from day 1. I knew there was a service bulletin for it but waited until I wore it out to get it replaced under warranty by filling it up once every week, not a huge deal. My dealer even replaced the rear tire for free so I look at it as I got a free set of tires. Thermostat and valve cover gaskets started leaking at mile 7,000 but again the dealer fixed it for free.

Agree on all fronts

I’ll ride my 890 anywhere.

 

[Rajobigguy]

I always wanted to make a Super Motard out of a KTM 300...

Kinna sorta a dual sport!

View attachment 1439549

My 610 Husky is currently set up for SM. It really inspires hooliganism.

 

[rivermobster]

You would have no excuse to be late for work with that… Traffic… thats a thing of the past…
Just keeping the front end down… yeah that would be the hardest part.

That's Exactly why I bought the V-Rod, to split lanes on the way to work...

It was either the V-Rod or the KTM 300.

One day, I actually pulled up next to a guy oh his KTM SuperMotard...

Me: Fuck, your bike is bad azz!!!

Him: YOUR bike is bad azz!!!

Pretty funny.

 

[Rajobigguy]

That's Exactly why I bought the V-Rod, to split lanes on the way to work...

It was either the V-Rod or the KTM 300.

One day, I actually pulled up next to a guy oh his KTM SuperMotard...

Me: Fuck, your bike is bad azz!!!

Him: YOUR bike is bad azz!!!

Pretty funny.

A few years ago I rode the Husky to work and at lunch time I headed over to the local hamburger joint by LB state . When I pulled up there were a couple of cute college girls at the outside table and one of them asked “are you riding a dirt bike on the street?” I said yeah it’s legal but just barely. Her reply was “ what a coincidence, so am I. “