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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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 4 Mar 2018
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KTM 690 Enduro R 2017 for RTW?

Hi Hubb
Late last year I traded my BMW F800GS for a brand new KTM 690 Enduro R 2017 to do a lot of off-road in Sweeden and not with RTW traveling as a part of the plan.

But out of the blue came the chance for me and my girlfriend to travel for a year in 2019

We are planning to get her a Honda CRF 250L as its light, reliable and cheap.

Now the big question is if I should keep my brand new KTM 690 or trade it with a loos of value for a CRF 250L myself?

Looking for any kind of advice.
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  #2  
Old 4 Mar 2018
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If doing a true RTW, many would agree that both riding the same bike is a good idea. The CRF is a good choice in any case.

Much as I love the 690 Enduro R, (I own a 2017 690 Duke) I'm not sure it would be my 1st choice as a RTW bike. The CRF is less expensive, easier and cheaper to maintain.

Guessing you will be traveling for a year or so? Maintenance and possible service requirements of the KTM may be more than you will have on the Honda.

Also, in some parts of the world, Honda dealers are more plentiful. (USA, Latin America, parts of Asia) That CRF is made in Thailand, so you know parts are around.

The good news is KTM's are much more reliable now than even a few years ago. That is why I just bought my 690.

If you start your travel in USA, you may find inexpensive, near new CRF250L's around. I bet ... much cheaper here than in Denmark. Fairly common here in California. So, just an alternative idea. If you can possibly buy 2 CRF's cheap enough, maybe you can afford to keep your KTM? Leave it at home waiting for your return? Or ... sell it off and buy another once you return.

A few CRF for sale, new and used.
Not many good deals on used ones today ... but most days we see more, and less expensive prices. Average used prices usually range from about $3800 up to $5000. Much depends on km done, condition and Extras added onto the bike.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcd...493835492.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/mc...515046331.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...498155929.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...514943324.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...513961286.html
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  #3  
Old 4 Mar 2018
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Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
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Makes a lot of sense going with the same bikes. You dont need to carry as many spares, you only need «learn» to handle one model, thus easier than learning two models.
And a KTM 690 will be waay much faster on most stretches than a Honda 250 so a potential source of disagreement. «Why are you going so slow?» «Im not going slow - its you that are going fast!» And then you have it going...
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  #4  
Old 7 Mar 2018
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I am interested in what you chose...

I am hoping to do a loop beginning March 19 and am looking at getting a 690 to do it, an older one not a 17 tho.

But definitely do it on same bike as your partner.
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  #5  
Old 11 Mar 2018
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all true above but IMO would be nice to have one bigger bike to be able to carry more luggage or even two of you when needed. As said above you'll have to be patient on long stretches on crf250l. Personally it was not for my nerves
so I sold it. I would rather opt for new kawaski versys 300 for your partner.
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