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I don't know much about this bike, and it would be hard to imagine it knocking BMW off the throne, but couldn't help but notice it in this latest Klim marketing email. The face of this bike is mean! Looks ready to attack.

Put David Knight on a Lambretta scooter and he would probably make us look like amateurs off road. The Duc could do it but it is another complicated, heavy bike based on a street bike. Troy, if you want off road power get a KTM 500 for dual sport riding. Mine works great for that and will still cruise down the highway at 70-75 MPH without stress with stock gearing (a Rekluse helps with down low nasties). You want both off road chops and highway capability? The KTM 890 Adventure looks to me like the way to go. You want something in between? Honda's Africa Twin is one of many possibilities. They don't have off road manners of the KTM 890 but they are cheaper. The famous English Triumph motorcycle engineer Hal Willis said in the 1930's, "You pays yer money and you takes yer choice." And you live with that choice.

Stu

Oh, I KNOW the bike I want....but right now my needs are met with satisfaction by these 2 in the stable:

2014 KTM 300 EXC 2-stroke: (4 strokes is 2 strokes too many)
2011 BMW F800 GS: I have beat the CRAP out of this bike, but it still gives me grins

In case any of you are wondering, here's what a real rider can do on the "under-powered" Honda Africa Twin. HOLY SMOKES!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLBsedpFBzt ... 7kcjbthf5a

Those guys are experienced, young & willing to take chances. Sort of like framers chambering around on 2x4s while installing roof trusses. Risky.

Stu

I don't know who that is on the Honda but that is ALL trials skills!

This thread got OT quick so I'll just add that if I were looking for a dual sport I'd want to check out the Yamaha T700. Have yet to see one in person or try it out.

How about a KTM Adventure 790/890? Plenty of them around. They seem to be pretty forgiving for the rider who is not a top racer or trials rider. I'd still pick my 500....

Stu

I haven't checked any specs on any of those bikes because I'm not in the market for one. I just like the looks of Yamaha.
I would think a 500 with a comfy seat would be nice as well.

KTM 790 almost for sure, and probably the 790R, although either would suffice. I'll let you know around March 30 when I return from a week riding and camping off a KTM 790R in Nevada and California. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

I believe a Yamaha T700 could put big grins on, too, and it's a winner in the bang for buck category.

Stu, I know you love the 500. I bought your 2013 as you recall. I didn't like that bike. While on paper it's lighter and better performance than my old 2007 KTM 450 EXC, the front-end felt terribly heavy. My old 450 felt stronger and lighter and more enjoyable on the single-track. On the road, I didn't notice any benefit gained with the 500.

A single-cylinder dirt thumper isn't going to meet my needs for a bike I can ride 1,500 miles in a week hauling camping gear and hit several highway connector bits along the way. But there is no one perfect bike now is there?!

Yes there is, it's called a GasGas 300 TXT Pro GP Racing Carbon Fibre Limited Edition Custom Trials Bike!!!

Troy,

The guy you had set up the suspension on my bike for you was incompetent. No one has made the kinds of claims you have about the suspension of the 500 or 450 stock or modified. That was your choice to make those changes. Do note that the 450 is a better bike in the tight woods than the 500 but the 500 has longer legs for higher speeds. If I were doing single track the 450 would be my choice, otherwise for dual sport the 500 is better when properly set up. I just completed 1,450 miles on my 500 in Colorado and Utah with a mix of washboard gravel (not fun), tight trails (lots of fun) and highways (well, we do have to get from one trail to another after all). The 500 did it all. I never had problems with it other than getting on the bike since it is tall and I am short, a problem you do not have. I rode the 790 Adventure KTMs as well. They are very well set up and better bang for the buck than the Yamaha given what they come with. If you prize Walmart prices over quality then the Yamaha is for you.

Stu