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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


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Yukon, Canada



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Old 13 Jul 2020
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KTM 490 Adventure
The development of a smaller 490cc version of the parallel twin used in the 790 has been an open secret for at least a couple of years. 490cc is a sweet spot for me as it allows a reasonable amount of power one-up and a parallel twin should be shorter in height allowing a lower seat height.

This article from Adventure Rider is based on an interview in 'Le Repaire des Motards' and includes information on 490/501 and 890/901 plans.

Pierer confirms new KTM 500cc bikes and more/

Original 'Le Repaire des Motards' article
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Old 13 Jul 2020
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Tell you what would be really nice, if they would build an option without all the farkles and electronic whizzbangs, but I guess that's too much to hope for. Otherwise, yes, it certainly does fill a gap in the market
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Old 13 Jul 2020
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Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
if they would build an option without all the farkles and electronic whizzbangs
Er, which ones would that be? A brand-new 390 Adventure is 6250 EUR out the door here, which is actually less than a CB500X (probably more reliable and better distance-travel bike, if not as good on unsealed roads). Which whizzbangs and farkles would you like them to take out of it?
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Old 14 Jul 2020
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Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
probably more reliable and better distance-travel bike, if not as good on unsealed roads
A KTM more reliable than a Honda?
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Old 16 Jul 2020
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Which whizzbangs and farkles would you like them to take out of it?
ABS and traction control primarily, as well as all the emissions stuff that makes them run lean and use FBW throttle. Basically all the non user maintainable electronics that governments insist on and travellers don't need.
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Old 16 Jul 2020
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ABS and traction control primarily, as well as all the emissions stuff that makes them run lean and use FBW throttle. Basically all the non user maintainable electronics that governments insist on and travellers don't need.
When was the last time someone was stuck on the side of the road due to a malfunctioning ABS sensor?

If you want a bike without ABS, traction control, EFI, then you can already buy it: it's called a 30-year-old used bike. If you care about "user maintainable", you don't also get to ask for a factory warranty.
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Old 17 Jul 2020
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When was the last time someone was stuck on the side of the road due to a malfunctioning ABS sensor?
Dunno, do you? Ewan and Charley had to abandon a bike for that, but that was back in 2004. I've certainly heard of plenty stranded with burned out fuel pumps.

And you're missing the point on simple bikes. I don't want a 30 year old used bike, again I've seen too many cases of people thinking they'll be fine on one, right until it blows the bottom out of the engine halfway across Mongolia.

I want a relatively new, simple, low tech bike. And yeah, I know such things don't exist. Well, I suppose the Enfield exists but I don't particularly want a dinosaur either.
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