With snow still around and winter getting cranked up it is time to chew over the latest fads and categories for bikes. I'm starting with the rather loose definition of dual sport and adventure bikes. The former seem to be focused on single cylinder bikes from the now discontinued KLR 650 through the new Royal Enfield Himalayan and then off the deep end of singles, into racing singles with lights. Cycle News just ran this comparison or racers with lights to include the new Honda 450L.
https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/105604 ... mber-27?m4
For the rider wanting a bike that can do it all with an emphasis on hard core dirt riding Cycle News's choice is the KTM 500 EXC-F. What didn't they like? The rear turn signals & rear fender. Enter Sicass Racing with their substitute rear fender and Tuff Lites turn signals. End of problem.
For those wanting a bike that can take them across Kansas on paved roads and still handle gravel roads and easier trails the multi-cylinder bikes work great. You can ride them in difficult terrain. I rode for a bit with a rider from Overland Park on a 1250 KTM Adventure on some of the trails at Perry Lake's off road riding area. He seemed to be having fun. Dropping that bike in some of the more inaccessible parts of the riding area would have created problems but that didn't stop him.
If you plan on dropping your bike the lighter singles probably would be a better choice. I seem to crash mine in the bottom of draws where getting it upright is compounded by terrain so that definitely is my choice. How is my single cylinder dirt scoot on the road? Not bad at all. Vibration is minimal as it seems to be on most of the new bikes. The Seat Concepts soft seat makes the ride pretty cushy.
What's your choice? Why? How do you really use it?
Got another winter-is-here-blahs topic?
Stu
https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/105604 ... mber-27?m4
For the rider wanting a bike that can do it all with an emphasis on hard core dirt riding Cycle News's choice is the KTM 500 EXC-F. What didn't they like? The rear turn signals & rear fender. Enter Sicass Racing with their substitute rear fender and Tuff Lites turn signals. End of problem.
For those wanting a bike that can take them across Kansas on paved roads and still handle gravel roads and easier trails the multi-cylinder bikes work great. You can ride them in difficult terrain. I rode for a bit with a rider from Overland Park on a 1250 KTM Adventure on some of the trails at Perry Lake's off road riding area. He seemed to be having fun. Dropping that bike in some of the more inaccessible parts of the riding area would have created problems but that didn't stop him.
If you plan on dropping your bike the lighter singles probably would be a better choice. I seem to crash mine in the bottom of draws where getting it upright is compounded by terrain so that definitely is my choice. How is my single cylinder dirt scoot on the road? Not bad at all. Vibration is minimal as it seems to be on most of the new bikes. The Seat Concepts soft seat makes the ride pretty cushy.
What's your choice? Why? How do you really use it?
Got another winter-is-here-blahs topic?
Stu