A challenge to the "lead sled" ADV bikes offered today

[haven]

Scott Brady, who has championed the big-bore autobahn burner bikes in the past, may be coming around. Scott writes,

"While the big adventure bikes certainly garner attention, it is the mid-weight machines that most effectively support expedition travel. Certainly, if the majority of the trip includes paved roads, then opt for comfort and cruise control. However, if you plan to cross the BAM road, the Canning Stock Route or the Trans-America Trail, then the 600-class adventure bikes are just what the explorer ordered. In our effort to evaluate the viability of these mid-weight bikes, we have built a Honda XL650, Suzuki DR650, and now the KLR650 and Husky TE630. They absolutely have their place in the ADV hierarchy, and with a few thoughtful modifications will take you on the most difficult overland routes around the world."

http://expeditionportal.com/project-husqvarna-te630-adventure-motorcycle/

 

[RHINO]

i have been preaching and living that for many many years,,, but i'm nobody.

even though scotts a moto newbie he's our adv version of brigham young to the mormons,, so i guess folks will start buying mid size bikes now.:coffeedrink:

 

[RHINO]

Haven't ridden the KTM yet but had it's older competitor, the kawasaki KLX650. Loved that bike, very angry bike as well with the power/weight ratio haha.

you have no idea,, the 690 is a little lighter and has about 20hp more

 

[Gren_T]

I read that plea on ADV and saw this shortly after :http://www.ccm-motorcycles.com/gp450.asp
I was hopping to get a test ride at last Septembers overland show but they didn't show, maybe this year.!

regards all
Gren

 

[Scott Brady]

i have been preaching and living that for many many years,,, but i'm nobody.

even though scotts a moto newbie he's our adv version of brigham young to the mormons,, so i guess folks will start buying mid size bikes now.:coffeedrink:

I guess if riding dirt bikes and motorcycles for 22 years makes me a moto newbie, you have a point. . .

 

[YetiX]

I read that plea on ADV and saw this shortly after :http://www.ccm-motorcycles.com/gp450.asp
I was hopping to get a test ride at last Septembers overland show but they didn't show, maybe this year.!

regards all
Gren

Joe Berk is the importer of the CCM here in the US. If I recall correctly, they should be here soon. He got EPA (or whoever it is) approval recently. I think he was at the Arizona OE.

After I typed all that, I realized you're in Wales so it doesn't apply to you. I'll just leave it up for any of us here in the US who are interested. :sombrero:

 

[RHINO]

I guess if riding dirt bikes and motorcycles for 22 years makes me a moto newbie, you have a point. . .

LOL scott,,, just my sense of humor.

 

[jpachard]

One can always do the best of both worlds, I got my BMW R1200GS down to 480lbs wet which makes a huge difference. Get rid of all the foof, throw a set of Woody's wheels with a 21" front on, avoid Touratech catalog and you are golden. I also pack pretty light as well so that helps. For most of the riding I do, it's really nice to have the power.

 

[Cole]

One can always do the best of both worlds, I got my BMW R1200GS down to 480lbs wet which makes a huge difference. Get rid of all the foof, throw a set of Woody's wheels with a 21" front on, avoid Touratech catalog and you are golden. I also pack pretty light as well so that helps. For most of the riding I do, it's really nice to have the power.

Eh......not really.

There is a HUGE difference between a 250lb bike and your 480lb bike. Sure, you can shave some weight to make a pig a bit lighter, but it's still a pig.

I've got a KTM 950 ADV that lists at 417 dry. (And I've shaved weight off mine in many places), and a KTM 520 that lists at 245lbs.

The 950 will walk circles around that 1200GS on a trail, but feels MASSIVE, BLOATED AND HEAVY compared to the 520!

 

[ihatemybike]

Got to check out a Cleveland Cyclewerks FXx in person last week at Fornarelli Motorsports in Elgin, IL. It uses a 110cc Honda horizontal clone engine with auto-clutch, very similar to the Honda CT110's engine. At about 165 lbs wet, it was fairly easy for me to lift the bike completely off the showroom floor. CCW has an upgraded FXr with an inverted fork, upgraded shock and DOT compliant lights, word has it that CCW is pushing the paperwork through to make a plateable version available in 2016.

With proper tuning it should be able to cruise at 55 mph on the flats while getting 80 mpg. Hungry for more, bigger clutch engines are available from many companies.

Set the bike up similar to bicycle touring and have at it.

 

[jpachard]

Eh......not really.

There is a HUGE difference between a 250lb bike and your 480lb bike. Sure, you can shave some weight to make a pig a bit lighter, but it's still a pig.

I've got a KTM 950 ADV that lists at 417 dry. (And I've shaved weight off mine in many places), and a KTM 520 that lists at 245lbs.

The 950 will walk circles around that 1200GS on a trail, but feels MASSIVE, BLOATED AND HEAVY compared to the 520!

Yes, I know. I have a 450 EXC as well. The point I was trying to make was that many of the bigger ADV bikes end up with even more bloat due to stuff being added.

I ride with a bunch of guys who have 950's and I hang with them just fine. The GS has a CG advantage over the 950. After swapping out the 19" front wheel for a 21", the GS is a completely different bike.

Both the GS and the 950 are great bikes, I just prefer the GS for my riding style and terrain but if I had the garage space I'd have both

Cheers, James

 

[Cole]

Yes, I know. I have a 450 EXC as well. The point I was trying to make was that many of the bigger ADV bikes end up with even more bloat due to stuff being added.

I ride with a bunch of guys who have 950's and I hang with them just fine. The GS has a CG advantage over the 950. After swapping out the 19" front wheel for a 21", the GS is a completely different bike.

Both the GS and the 950 are great bikes, I just prefer the GS for my riding style and terrain but if I had the garage space I'd have both

Cheers, James

Just pointing out that it's not really " the best of both worlds"........better than it was before sure, but it's still a huge pig.

Just because you have hung with some guys on 950s doesn't mean the bike is equal. Just means in those conditions with those riders you were able to keep up. Not dissing the bike at all. Just pointing out that the 950 is a better off road bike than the big BMW, but neither are as light and fun as a sub 300lb bike can be.

I'm personally kinda excited about these "motoped" hybrid motorcycle/mountian bikes that are 120lbs. Guys are touring on those now.

 

[beverly]

Under 350 lbs, 60+ hp, FI, liquid cooled, 3,000 mile oil change, 5.8 gal fuel capacity.

 

[agavelvr]

Under 350 lbs, 60+ hp, FI, liquid cooled, 3,000 mile oil change, 5.8 gal fuel capacity.

... and not available from the factory as a turn key option, which is the point.

 

[Cole]

... and not available from the factory as a turn key option, which is the point.

Unfortunately there are few bikes really 100% ready for travel from the factory.