What mid sized Adventure bike should I buy

[rocketman1]

I would like an honest opinion of what midsized USED adventure bike I should buy. 650-900cc


Must be comfortable , vibe free, reliable, not too high a seat height, 830mm max.

Preferably comments from those that have ridden many mid sized bikes.

I do 90% of my riding on sealed roads, as most do.

As this is an adventure thread, I trust the trolls will miss it.


Hoping :)

[caseye]

I would like an honest opinion of what midsized USED adventure bike I should buy. 650-900cc


Must be comfortable , vibe free, reliable, not too high a seat height, 830mm max.

Preferably comments from those that have ridden many mid sized bikes.

I do 90% of my riding on sealed roads, as most do.

As this is an adventure thread, I trust the trolls will miss it.


Hoping :)

Never trust A TROLL, my latest motorcycle is a Nonda Africa Twin DCT model 2016. Love this machine, it goes everywhere I want it too, yes metal roads too, just haven't got a bad word to say about her.
Average 4.6-8 Litres per 100 K's, without molycoddling her and amazing suspension and road holding on Conti's (of all things ) on road and off. You'd go a bloody long way to find a better compromise (not that it is) she does both equally well.

[johcar]

I would like an honest opinion of what midsized USED adventure bike I should buy. 650-900cc


Must be comfortable , vibe free, reliable, not too high a seat height, 830mm max.

Preferably comments from those that have ridden many mid sized bikes.

I do 90% of my riding on sealed roads, as most do.

As this is an adventure thread, I trust the trolls will miss it.


Hoping :)If your budget is appropriate, seriously consider the Triumph Tiger in the 800 XCA configuration.

It's lighter than the Africa Twin mentioned above, loves tarmac, adores gravel, 4.5 - 5 L/100km (depending on how bendy your right wrist is).

The XCA has a 21 inch front, WP suspension, and depending on the year, heated grips and heated seats (awesome at this time of year!), with auxiliary lights. I run Metzeler Tourance tyres and do 90% tarmac - get about 16K out of a back tyre.

0 to 100 (in first gear) in 3.5 seconds, very flickable, good brakes and comfortable seating position (in 6 ft 1in).

I've also fitted a Scottoiler and Pivot pegs.

[Ulsterkiwi]

My ride is one of the big adventure beasties but have tried some of the smaller offerings.

The VStrom 650 offers terrific bang for your buck, parts can be bought in a butchers shop and there are good aftermarket options for making it yours. One of the most comfortable seats I have every tried.

With the new F750/850GS from BMW you should see a sharpening of pricing for the older but capable F700/800. The motors in these are not awe inspiring but they are a very decent bike and are well put together. The 800 having a distinct power advantage.

The Tiger 800 is awesome. The motor is sublime. In my limited experience, the 800 is better than the 1200 and I love shaft drive.

[nzspokes]

I would like an honest opinion of what midsized USED adventure bike I should buy. 650-900cc


Must be comfortable , vibe free, reliable, not too high a seat height, 830mm max.

Preferably comments from those that have ridden many mid sized bikes.

I do 90% of my riding on sealed roads, as most do.

As this is an adventure thread, I trust the trolls will miss it.


Hoping :)

When ADV riding what are we talking about? Gravel or dirt?

That makes a huge difference in what you go for.

[johcar]

...

The Tiger 800 is awesome. The motor is sublime. In my limited experience, the 800 is better than the 1200 and I love shaft drive.

You're not wrong!

Fun equals 800, low maintenance (heavy) workhorse equals 1200

[Laava]

I reckon a Superduke 790 with adventure tyres would be a hoot, really light, powerful and not to expensive....

[nzspokes]

I reckon a Superduke 790 with adventure tyres would be a hoot, really light, powerful and not to expensive....

Guy on the Adventure FB page has done just that.

[Blackbird]

I reckon a Superduke 790 with adventure tyres would be a hoot, really light, powerful and not to expensive....

Well, as a road bike, the Duke 790 is massive fun. Haven't stopped laughing in the 5 months I've owned it. The proper off road version is available now, albeit about 20 kg heavier at around 190 kg. Still pretty light though.

[Pound]

Here is all you need....

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-2202021489.htm

[Scubbo]

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-991929807.htm?rsqid=b54a0897960149d799ded0b3f0e769 32-001

/thread :yes:

[george formby]

Here is all you need....

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-2202021489.htm

Or the 700...

TBH I ride 70 / 30 tar and gravel on my TDM, it's perfect for it. A hoot everywhere under 150kmh. (Private roads obviously)

Looking forward to the T7 arriving and having some equilibrium in my life, 50/50 riding with added trails.

The sad part is my TDM is worth about a dozen Rheineck and half a tube of Pringles.

Make an offer OP...:weep:

Have a look at what people are doing with the plethora of middle weight BMW's, V Stroms, the CB 500 / NC 750, Versys etc. Loads of bikes capable of great tar seal riding and a fun foray onto the gravel, now and again.

Very few non single middle weights, at the moment, capable of the Sahara or Simpson deserts. But they are coming.:woohoo:

[rocketman1]

Never trust A TROLL, my latest motorcycle is a Nonda Africa Twin DCT model 2016. Love this machine, it goes everywhere I want it too, yes metal roads too, just haven't got a bad word to say about her.
Average 4.6-8 Litres per 100 K's, without molycoddling her and amazing suspension
and road holding on Conti's (of all things ) on road and off. You'd go a bloody long way to find a better compromise (not that it is) she does both equally well.

Great bikes worried about the seat height ?? I know the adventure model is very tall.

[rocketman1]

If your budget is appropriate, seriously consider the Triumph Tiger in the 800 XCA configuration.

It's lighter than the Africa Twin mentioned above, loves tarmac, adores gravel, 4.5 - 5 L/100km (depending on how bendy your right wrist is).

The XCA has a 21 inch front, WP suspension, and depending on the year, heated grips and heated seats (awesome at this time of year!), with auxiliary lights. I run Metzeler Tourance tyres and do 90% tarmac - get about 16K out of a back tyre.

0 to 100 (in first gear) in 3.5 seconds, very flickable, good brakes and comfortable seating position (in 6 ft 1in).

I've also fitted a Scottoiler and Pivot pegs.


Thanks for the info. I will try and find one to ride. Glad you like it.

[rocketman1]

My ride is one of the big adventure beasties but have tried some of the smaller offerings.

The VStrom 650 offers terrific bang for your buck, parts can be bought in a butchers shop and there are good aftermarket options for making it yours. One of the most comfortable seats I have every tried.

With the new F750/850GS from BMW you should see a sharpening of pricing for the older but capable F700/800. The motors in these are not awe inspiring but they are a very decent bike and are well put together. The 800 having a distinct power advantage.

The Tiger 800 is awesome. The motor is sublime. In my limited experience, the 800 is better than the 1200 and I love shaft drive.

Thanks for the advice. Good ol V strom you cannot really critisize them, maybe lacking a wee bit of character if you know what I mean.

Looking at the 700 beemer, the 800 has a higher seat height than the 1200GS, I already own a 1200, and will not sell it, its a great bike.

Must take a Tiger for a ride , dont know much about them. Thanks

[Navy Boy]

I'd recommend the 650 V-Strom. I owned the previous generation bike (A 2017 model) which are now becoming more affordable on the second-hand market. No - They don't have much in the way of character but that's one of the very few negatives about them. The motor's a cracking unit and they are comfortable, the suspension is basic but good and they are easy to get spares for/servicing carried out.

The DR650 is always a good bet too. Yes they are more vibey but they do the whole adventure thing really well. Plus they encourage you to take a slightly gentler look on your biking life - No bad thing IMHO.

[BMWGSER]

Been some good advice given so far, I have had a F800GS ,good size great on the gas and given no trouble 2013-2017 seem to be better. A little less weight than the Triumph 800 for gravel work but the Triumph has a little more power for on the highway. There are not many bad bikes out there these days so the choice is not easy. If doing a lot of gravel work some of the 650 singles would be more fun .

[MD]

So my annual road ride around the South Island is going gravel next year-finally. Looking at heading down the Molesworth, soak in Hanmer Springs then up Rainbow then find somewhere else in that area. I have wanted to explore the dirt/coastal Wairarapa roads for years so the time has arrived for a bike fit for the purpose.

Q= what bike to get. I know hardened folk can do these roads on standard road bikes but I want to enjoy going off road, not stressed.
Yesterday I test road the BMW F850GS Ad., the Africa Twin and Tiger XCA. Outcome- undecided? Prices were all about $23k so that's not a deciding factor.

My conundrum is I don't really want to have 2 bikes in the garage. No room and paying rego/insurance twice puts me off. So that means finding a road & dirt compromised bike.
One option though is I get the Kawasaki Versys 300X new for only $7400 now and go with keeping the MT09 for road. Lower rego for 300X and youtube reviews are mostly positive for it's road and gravel manners, albeit with 39hp. Then again for dirt roads that's ample. I have fond memories as a teen tackling all sorts of rough hills, rivers, beaches and whatever we could explore on SL125, XL125, 175 and 250. Don't recall ever moaning about needing more power.

I find the Triumph triples a tad bland and that's how the 800 felt. Same with the Honda. It was the silly automatic version but still I got no 'thrill' sensation opening the throttle up. The Africa won best looking.
The F850 surprised me. With a smooth quickshifter it seems to race from the lights 1st,2nd 3rd, & 4th gear in seconds to losing your licence. I guess what I'm saying is it did put a smile on my face, where the others didn't. Getting back on my MT09 was an unfair comparison because it's a surprise rocket of an engine punching above it's claimed 115hp. All three were taller than I would like when throwing my leg over. Guess I'm average height, maybe under that. 850 won the flash dash by miles and techno war. Up/down quickshifter, dyna pro blah blah riding modes (a bit OTT for me). The 850 had knobbly/dirt orientated tyres which may explain why it was reluctant to change direction, drop into corners on seal compared to the other two.

I need to ride a Versys first to see if I could live with 39hp riding along the seal in search of dirt. - none around, bugger.

The KTM 790 Adv. was in store at TSS but I didn't ask to ride it. I can't get past that face only a mother could love.

I'm leaning towards the F850GS so far. early days, no rush.

Comments & opinions welcome.

[Bonez]

You don't need an adventure bike to tour the Wiarapa gravel roads. A CX500 that burns oil at 1ltr per 500kms does the trick quite nicely.

[Gremlin]

The problem is compromise and the exact break down of your riding is something only you can answer.

I can suggest a CRF250L or KLX250, which would be awesome in gravel, technical terrain etc. but you're going to hate it on long hauls, sporty road riding etc. Equally, an R1200GSA/Tenere 1200/1290SA is going to be a mile muncher, long travel suspension is where its at, but you better take some mates if doing the technical or sandy stuff and it gets really heavy when you're picking it up for the 5th time that day.

Even if you manage to pick one bike that covers all your riding and you love it, unless you run two sets of wheels, your next question is going to be which tyres you run... which is also a compromise, unless you keep switching.

I'm at 3... still don't have my bases covered :eek:

[MD]

Thanks Gremlin. I've done many miles on gravel on road bikes with sports rubber and it's not a problem, it just slows you down and eats expensive rubber.

I'm not interested in heavy bikes - full stop, road or dirt, so no fat arse Boxer 1200, Tiger 1200 or the like. I'm also not looking for a pure small dirt bike like a CRF250. Also wouldn't have the tank range I want. I took my 2010 Tiger 1050cc out to Cape Paliser and it dumped me in deep gravel. Never forgave it. Bloody top heavy.

I might have to have a decent look at the KTM 790 Adv. reviews seem OK and it has that large low slung fuel tank. I do like parallel twins so it ticks that box. Suppose I could put a paper bag over the front of it.

There's the Tenere 700 coming out soon but that has a stupid tiny motocross seat and doesn't look any good for long hauls.

[Gremlin]

You've got the common singles like DR650 and KLR650, very popular. Personally, I hate singles, every single one I've ridden I haven't liked. Agricultural, but dead simple (I read dead boring). However, a lot of guys that do a lot of adventure riding want the lighter bikes, going even lighter like the EXC500. More rare bike would be the G650 XChallenge.

I like twins (hence the boxer and Tuono V2). These are going to be heavier than the singles (hence shunned by the more hardcore guys) but you've got the KTMs like the 790, then bigger to the confusing range of 1050/1090/1190, but generally KTM make them lighter than competitors. Don't forget the older XT660 Tenere, depending on your budget, but the 790 has proven very popular. Not particularly lightweight though is one criticism. Lot of guys waiting for the T7, can't knock until you've tried I'd say.

Going heavier again and the odd range of triples from Triumph. I can't even recall all the variants as they keep multiplying, but the good thing is you're getting options like spoked wheels. If you're primarily a road rider, look for tubeless rim setups as they're much easier to quickly stick a turd in than dicking around with tubes (that's my thinking anyway).

You've got a wide range of BMWs, but staying away from the boxers means everything will be chain drive, keeping things same same and you simply pick the capacity/seat height that works for you. If you don't mind smaller, there are a few that quite like odd balls like the CB500X, but I suspect you want a little larger.

For me, I'd pick the boxer again. I enjoy the mile munching capacity enabling me to enjoy the ride to the area, accept the trade off of not doing the most technical stuff (I hate sand anyway), but it's more than capable of stuff I enjoy (done Motu, Molesworth, Rainbow, Skippers, Hakataramea, Nevis). Fully fueled and laden, it doesn't budge when it's on its side, fooken heavy, so try to do that stuff as day trips from a base. I'm also 6'3, which helps to make it manageable.

[Laava]

Don't rule out the DL650, with some canny buying you could save nearly $10k on the bigger adv bikes like the KTM790 and it is cheap and cheerful and prob easier to onsell if that's a consideration for you. Me, I would love a test ride on the KTM and also the new upcoming 890 Duke!

[Ulsterkiwi]

So my annual road ride around the South Island is going gravel next year-finally. Looking at heading down the Molesworth, soak in Hanmer Springs then up Rainbow then find somewhere else in that area. I have wanted to explore the dirt/coastal Wairarapa roads for years so the time has arrived for a bike fit for the purpose.

Q= what bike to get. I know hardened folk can do these roads on standard road bikes but I want to enjoy going off road, not stressed.
Yesterday I test road the BMW F850GS Ad., the Africa Twin and Tiger XCA. Outcome- undecided? Prices were all about $23k so that's not a deciding factor.

My conundrum is I don't really want to have 2 bikes in the garage. No room and paying rego/insurance twice puts me off. So that means finding a road & dirt compromised bike.
One option though is I get the Kawasaki Versys 300X new for only $7400 now and go with keeping the MT09 for road. Lower rego for 300X and youtube reviews are mostly positive for it's road and gravel manners, albeit with 39hp. Then again for dirt roads that's ample. I have fond memories as a teen tackling all sorts of rough hills, rivers, beaches and whatever we could explore on SL125, XL125, 175 and 250. Don't recall ever moaning about needing more power.

I find the Triumph triples a tad bland and that's how the 800 felt. Same with the Honda. It was the silly automatic version but still I got no 'thrill' sensation opening the throttle up. The Africa won best looking.
The F850 surprised me. With a smooth quickshifter it seems to race from the lights 1st,2nd 3rd, & 4th gear in seconds to losing your licence. I guess what I'm saying is it did put a smile on my face, where the others didn't. Getting back on my MT09 was an unfair comparison because it's a surprise rocket of an engine punching above it's claimed 115hp. All three were taller than I would like when throwing my leg over. Guess I'm average height, maybe under that. 850 won the flash dash by miles and techno war. Up/down quickshifter, dyna pro blah blah riding modes (a bit OTT for me). The 850 had knobbly/dirt orientated tyres which may explain why it was reluctant to change direction, drop into corners on seal compared to the other two.

I need to ride a Versys first to see if I could live with 39hp riding along the seal in search of dirt. - none around, bugger.

The KTM 790 Adv. was in store at TSS but I didn't ask to ride it. I can't get past that face only a mother could love.

I'm leaning towards the F850GS so far. early days, no rush.

Comments & opinions welcome.

my wife has a 750, she was happier with the more road focused suspension and wheels and the lower ride height. Its a lovely bike to ride but am not sure why they detuned the (same) engine from the 850. The Tiger 800 was considered by Mrs UK at the time but coming off an R1200RS she liked the fact the controls were the same as she has been using for the last few years, while giving her the upright riding position and confidence on gravel she wanted. That and the BMW dealer showed a lot more interest than the Triumph folks in getting her what she needed/wanted. The F850 is peach, it has the fun factor the F800 was a wee bit short on.

[MD]

my wife has a 750, she was happier with the more road focused suspension and wheels and the lower ride height. Its a lovely bike to ride but am not sure why they detuned the (same) engine from the 850. The Tiger 800 was considered by Mrs UK at the time but coming off an R1200RS she liked the fact the controls were the same as she has been using for the last few years, while giving her the upright riding position and confidence on gravel she wanted. That and the BMW dealer showed a lot more interest than the Triumph folks in getting her what she needed/wanted. The F850 is peach, it has the fun factor the F800 was a wee bit short on.

Thanks for that, just the real world insights I'm looking for. The 850GS was a peach!

Last night I discovered KTM are bringing out a 390 single Adventure bike and the promo vid. is awesome. Add that to my maybe list. Still not ideal owning two bikes though. Might have to wait 3-6 months until more is known of the Tiger 900 and this KTM Duke 390

[Laava]

So my annual road ride around the South Island is going gravel next year-finally. Looking at heading down the Molesworth, soak in Hanmer Springs then up Rainbow then find somewhere else in that area. I have wanted to explore the dirt/coastal Wairarapa roads for years so the time has arrived for a bike fit for the purpose.

Q= what bike to get. I know hardened folk can do these roads on standard road bikes but I want to enjoy going off road, not stressed.
Yesterday I test road the BMW F850GS Ad., the Africa Twin and Tiger XCA. Outcome- undecided? Prices were all about $23k so that's not a deciding factor.

My conundrum is I don't really want to have 2 bikes in the garage. No room and paying rego/insurance twice puts me off. So that means finding a road & dirt compromised bike.
One option though is I get the Kawasaki Versys 300X new for only $7400 now and go with keeping the MT09 for road. Lower rego for 300X and youtube reviews are mostly positive for it's road and gravel manners, albeit with 39hp. Then again for dirt roads that's ample. I have fond memories as a teen tackling all sorts of rough hills, rivers, beaches and whatever we could explore on SL125, XL125, 175 and 250. Don't recall ever moaning about needing more power.

I find the Triumph triples a tad bland and that's how the 800 felt. Same with the Honda. It was the silly automatic version but still I got no 'thrill' sensation opening the throttle up. The Africa won best looking.
The F850 surprised me. With a smooth quickshifter it seems to race from the lights 1st,2nd 3rd, & 4th gear in seconds to losing your licence. I guess what I'm saying is it did put a smile on my face, where the others didn't. Getting back on my MT09 was an unfair comparison because it's a surprise rocket of an engine punching above it's claimed 115hp. All three were taller than I would like when throwing my leg over. Guess I'm average height, maybe under that. 850 won the flash dash by miles and techno war. Up/down quickshifter, dyna pro blah blah riding modes (a bit OTT for me). The 850 had knobbly/dirt orientated tyres which may explain why it was reluctant to change direction, drop into corners on seal compared to the other two.

I need to ride a Versys first to see if I could live with 39hp riding along the seal in search of dirt. - none around, bugger.

The KTM 790 Adv. was in store at TSS but I didn't ask to ride it. I can't get past that face only a mother could love.

I'm leaning towards the F850GS so far. early days, no rush.

Comments & opinions welcome.

Interestingly tho, the F850GS specs up as the same wet weight as my Multi 1200, and with a much smaller fuel tank. That surprises me, I thought it would be a bit lighter than that....

[nzspokes]

TKC80s on the MT09. Job done.

[pete-blen]

The most fun ADV bike I have ever owned lives in Khon Kaen , Thailand...
Yamaha Mio 125 GT Scooter.. It's done 16,000km around Thailand/loas/Cambodia ...
The years I waisted riding bigger ADV bikes...


Riding along the Mekong river next March / April on it...



..

[F5 Dave]

So I'm no adventure guru. I
The only rides I've been on are on a DT175 and my DT200. I did the hard stuff easy while people floundered on bigger bikes. But the road sections were grim.

Heres my advice for what it's worth.

Push the car out of the garage.

Purpose bike for any off road. 2nd hand and ideally damaged.

You will have more fun.

Fun is what it is about.

If you don't care about dropping it again. 650 Suzuki twin sounds good as you won't care about thrashing it. Keep the road bike. It will be safer on road tyres. Your life is worth it. Well I assume it is, I've only talked to you for moments . Let's assume it is.

[wibble]

My 2 Cent's - the lighter the better

I have a Honda Varadero 1000, which is a huge fat comfy bus, and although i rode it across the Molesworth the other day I would much rather have been on my WR450F - yes I know one extreme or the other

But the WR with a seat concepts seat is actually more comfortable than you may have thought and super comfortable to stand up on the pegs with, i did the BMW rally on it the other week and to drive it around all day on gravel was so much fun.. but it is a bit of a drag on the motorway sections, it will do 130 but is not really comfy cursing much past 80 kph [on trail gearing]

So i would go smaller, if you are never going 2 up, don't need to carry a lot of luggage, then I would look at DR650's and similar - perhaps not super small, though I do like the look of a CRF450L and i do love the look of the Husky701, and sure the KTM 790 looks lovely but it, like the CRF and the Husky is a lot of coin to drop in river ! I did buy a brand new Transalp 650 once - and dropped it in a river when it was 3 days old :( the last new adventure bike I ever bought

You can buy a lot of goodies for a DR650 for the money - like a nice seat and soft luggage, enduro fairing etc etc.. may be worth more of a look than you think .. there is a reason they have such a strong following

[george formby]

So I'm no adventure guru. I
The only rides I've been on are on a DT175 and my DT200. I did the hard stuff easy while people floundered on bigger bikes. But the road sections were grim.

Heres my advice for what it's worth.

Push the car out of the garage.

Purpose bike for any off road. 2nd hand and ideally damaged.

You will have more fun.

Fun is what it is about.

If you don't care about dropping it again. 650 Suzuki twin sounds good as you won't care about thrashing it. Keep the road bike. It will be safer on road tyres. Your life is worth it. Well I assume it is, I've only talked to you for moments . Let's assume it is.

There was a registered CRM 250R on trade me recently, allegedly 6k on the clock. Looked clean as a whistle. Good on the road, excellent off it. Same weight and hp as a CRF 450l but with the aroma of your choice and a teal powerband.

[Navy Boy]

I love my DR650 - They are a good balance of road ability and off-road prowess, they are simple to work on and they are fit for purpose. I've fitted a larger tank to mine as well as a small screen and a sump guard. It works well and all in all it's cost me some $9500.

Another option is the Moto Guzzi V85TT. If you've no ridden one then I'd be tempted to give it a try. Nice power and chassis balance and a little cheaper than the others you've mentioned. Give it a go.

[Coldrider]

Ducati Classic Scramblers and Desert Sleds fit in the middle territory, power and weight wise, alot have moved to those to reduce weight, and easy riding position, and great town bikes as well.

[MD]

This is doing my head in. One moment I think go big and grab the F850GS. But a quick fang on my MT09 with it's sticky sports rubber and I don't want to compromise my road riding. So I'm leaning towards having to have a second bike. Go small, spend less and enjoy the lightness, chuckability and no stress if it falls over etc. fun of a X300 or the KTM390 Adv. Trouble is the KTM is months away - a summer of riding lost! Great it will arrive in time to enjoy winter riding. No 300X in town to buy if I wanted too. I could pop up to Palmy or Hamilton I suppose. But if I buy the 300X and then have to suffer buyer remorse when the KTM lands and turns out to be the better bike! Shit I am an impatient bastard when it comes to bikes.

Just to frustrate me more Kawasaki replaced the Ninja 300 motor in 2018 and web reviews are all full of praise for the more powerful 45hp 400 motor and talk of when will the new motor turn up as a Versys X400. Now that would be about spot on for my needs.

[Gremlin]

Your first road bike wouldn't have been your best pick, so don't be hard on yourself. You learn with each bike.
On my Tuono I've used Ventura luggage for the first time, had to scratch the itch of having the V2 Tuono.

Except now I'll probably list it (if I get my A into G before the end of summer). Why? Well the itch is scratched, and soft luggage drives me nuts. I like my hard luggage, yes it could break my ankles when adv riding, but the lockability, security, waterproof etc etc. Bike wise, I love my 600km+ from the GSA. 155km before reserve (current "best") limits my fun...

You don't build up your specific list of requirements without experiencing things first hand.

[MD]

You don't build up your specific list of requirements without experiencing things first hand.

So true. I took the demo KTM 390 Duke road bike for a spin to get a feel for the 'power' of their 373cc single. It is, well how do you say it, a tiny bike. The first 5 metres and I almost turned back at the shop in utter disappointment. It seemed first gear took you 3 metre before needing second which took you another 3 metres. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt and WOW. Those Duke 390s rock!

I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed riding it. Without a doubt it would serve the purpose of getting me to, and propelling me along, gravel roads all the time with a smile on my face. I had to remind myself I started my riding days on 125, 175 and 250 singles in the 70s which probably had half a HP, but what fun I had on them in the dirt, on beaches, hills and rivers. Back to the Duke, 5th gear I saw 145kpm at redline, which is sweet enough for sealed sweepers. Didn't have along enough straight to top it out in 6th but I guess it would have done the ton. The big outtake was it can cruise sweet as at 100-120kpm and with a little planning overtake slower cars with reasonable ease. I consider that a box ticked. Can't wait to see the 390 Adventure in the flesh.

[Ginge09]

MD,

Depends on when you are coming South. If you come in the spring you need a long legged bike with a bash plate underneath to get you through the fords. Snow melts in spring. Those tracks have some melted snow running through them.

If you come in the summer, you can ride most of those roads on a road biased enduro with the big luggage and half fairings.

If you come in the winter get the summer bike, but with heated grips and don’t plan on riding those roads. They’ll be closed.

There is no need to drop $20k into a bike to ride the South Island. My mates who are in their early ‘50’s and are long term southern riders have a DR, a KLR and a Funduro. I’ve got a DL650. All are below $6k. All will do those roads and have done. We use the two bike option. One shitbox gravel bike and one tourer.

The rental guys down here in Central offer the big Africa Twin and BMW 1200, the RE Himalayan 410, the DL650 or the DR/KLR singles. For day trips they offer a 230-300cc bike with no luggage.

Plan for late summer. The weather’s more settled, the creeks are shallower and the holiday makers have gone.

My thoughts.

[tri boy]

Ducati Classic Scramblers and Desert Sleds fit in the middle territory, power and weight wise, alot have moved to those to reduce weight, and easy riding position, and great town bikes as well.

Still got the Triumph scrambler. Goes more places than the mega whales like Bavarian Money Wasters 1200 etc.
Admittedly has less carrying capacity, and doesn't handle as well on the road. But with the right tyres, takes on %95 of NZ open tracks. 10/10 for commuting also.

[Gremlin]

So true. I took the demo KTM 390 Duke road bike for a spin to get a feel for the 'power' of their 373cc single. It is, well how do you say it, a tiny bike. The first 5 metres and I almost turned back at the shop in utter disappointment. It seemed first gear took you 3 metre before needing second which took you another 3 metres. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt and WOW. Those Duke 390s rock!
I had no idea of much of a torque snob I was, until I rode a mates 390 Duke. What do you mean I have to drop two gears to get some acceleration? Up and down the gearbox through rolling country as we slowed for cars etc. Mate on the other hand was stunned to remember how much torque you get on a 1200... barely have to change gears in comparison and you always have more.

I've decided I'd rather go bigger so it's fun on the road, and OK on the dirt. I'm not interested in sand, or camping, and since I've done Nevis etc on the R1200GSA, that'll be enough for me. I've also ridden the singles like G650GS, X-Challenge etc. Nope, hate singles.

Beauty is, we get so many choices, so we don't have to do what everyone else is doing.

[MD]

Shop tell me they expect the KTM to arrive in March so I'm going to wait. The more I watch the KTM launch vids etc the more I want it. Has heaps of clever features and looks the part. The Kwak 300X looks a bit ..well girly. 300X reviewer rubbished it's full time ABS for both seal and dirt use. The KTM ABS has road and dirt settings, cornering ABS (seems a bit over the top to me on a 44hp bike) and lean sensor TC, up/down quickshifter (that would be awesome fun).

[rocketman1]

I had no idea of much of a torque snob I was, until I rode a mates 390 Duke. What do you mean I have to drop two gears to get some acceleration? Up and down the gearbox through rolling country as we slowed for cars etc. Mate on the other hand was stunned to remember how much torque you get on a 1200... barely have to change gears in comparison and you always have more.

I've decided I'd rather go bigger so it's fun on the road, and OK on the dirt. I'm not interested in sand, or camping, and since I've done Nevis etc on the R1200GSA, that'll be enough for me. I've also ridden the singles like G650GS, X-Challenge etc. Nope, hate singles.

Beauty is, we get so many choices, so we don't have to do what everyone else is doing.

Yes I agree, 1200 Torque is addictive, especially on the highway, having to change down gear to pass is a pain. Not for those on small bikes that know no better, but once you have big torque it is very hard not to live without it. Twist and Go, I love it.

[Bonez]

Yes I agree, 1200 Torque is addictive, especially on the highway, having to change down gear to pass is a pain. Not for those on small bikes that know no better, but once you have big torque it is very hard not to live without it. Twist and Go, I love it.Some us really don't give a fuck. Tight twisty roads is what motorcycle on roads is all about.

[Hoonicorn]

yeeaaahhhh.. the Kawasaki Versys 650 could be the ideal all rounder, 21 litre tank, economical 650cc, light for an ADV but needs ADV tires to be better on gravel, the kawasaki hard luggage system is tidy with no bulky luggage frames uglying-up the bike when luggage is removed, adjustable screen height can be raised or lowered to alter the profile of the bike, rear preload can be adjusted on the fly, plus it can still carve up the curvy roads with some ferocity compared to similar rivals like the sleepy Vstrom. VERSYS stands for Versatile System which describes the bike to a T.

it seems the decision was made, however it's possible someone else might stumble through this thread with a similar question.

[george formby]

There are rumours that Yamaha may be considering a baby Tenere with the MT03 motor.

That could be a very useful wee bike.

[Stylo]

There are rumours that Yamaha may be considering a baby Tenere with the MT03 motor.

That could be a very useful wee bike.

Tenere 700, my mate has one done 11k on it now he's off a DR650. He loves it. I've had a squirt on it recently. Love the lighter weight and the no bull-shit lack of electronic aides. Just like the original. And, it's well priced. A no brainer. I'd buy one tomorrow if I had some room to put it.

[george formby]

Tenere 700, my mate has one done 11k on it now he's off a DR650. He loves it. I've had a squirt on it recently. Love the lighter weight and the no bull-shit lack of electronic aides. Just like the original. And, it's well priced. A no brainer. I'd buy one tomorrow if I had some room to put it.

At some point I will make room in the shed for a T7 by selling my TDM 850, a sad day.

Somebody on another forum suggested the MT03 motor in a WR 250. That really piqued my interest.

If Yamaha make a 300 Tenere I suspect it will be commuter focused. Hopefully wrong.

[rocketman1]

Second hand BMWF650GS 800cc.
Absolutely love it, comfortable, light, very flickable, great torque at low revs, very easy to move around in the garage.
Does 65-70MPG ie 23km/L, the way I ride it.
May need to put a knobbly on the front for the rough stuff.

Has 71HP, 175kg net weight, ABS, heated grips, luggage, all the good digital stuff.

Happy for now