/ Register

  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Discussion Small capacity Adventure bikes

Discussion in 'Rides and Events - Clubs and Groups' started by Frankster, Jun 11, 2021.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    3,998
    Likes Received:
    2,216
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Gardener
    Location:
    Tasmania
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Spada, VT250F & ZX2R
    Hi All,

    I know we're a 2fiftycc forum, but given we occasionally stray into 'other' capacities and lord knows what else...I thought I'd start a thread looking at small capacity adventure (or crossover) bikes. I've never owned one, but that's not to say I never will.

    I thought I'd kick us off with the 2021 Kawasaki Versys-X 300. A neat little 300 (296cc) parallel twin. Weighing 175 wet and propelled along by a 40HP EFI engine with plenty of torque, it seems like a good thing. $8,000 ride away isn't crazy money, so who knows.

    I started looking at these small capacity bikes when Murdo and I spoke with a young man outside McDonald's Gunnedah about his small capacity adventure bike (Honda CB500X). He seemed rather chuffed with it, so I guess there might be few different models out there in the smaller sizes for us to compare. Please post of you've ridden any of these and give us your feedback. There is no 'limit' to this thread, so if you own a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, I won't mind if you tell us about it.

    https://kawasaki.com.au/shop/motorcycles/sport/2021-versys-x-300/

    Versys X300.jpg

    Versys300.JPG
     
    • Like Like x 2
    Frankster, Jun 11, 2021
    #1
  2. gregt

    gregt Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    320
    Likes Received:
    294
    Trophy Points:
    273
    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Hororata NZ
    My Bike:
    many and varied
    I ran an SL350 Honda for some years. Ideal both for a commute and a blast around Banks Peninsular on the dirt roads there.

    Later i wanted another small offroad twin but couldn't buy one. So built one...An RM370 twinshock Suzuki rolling chassis with a GS400 twin grafted in. Came out quite nice and rode very well too.

    Smallish twins work well as they're usually smoother than the equivalent singles which can be nicer on long rides. The smoother torque characteristics make them easier to ride in the dirt too - IMO.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    gregt, Jun 12, 2021
    #2
  3. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    This English magazine has a good write up of four different takes on the small adventure bike market.
    XT600 engine 005.jpg
    The RE Himalayan for around the world. The Honda for a do everything trail bike. The BMW for a city bike and the KTM for hooning around. Take you pick!
     
    • Like Like x 1
    Murdo, Jun 20, 2021
    #3
  4. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    3,998
    Likes Received:
    2,216
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Gardener
    Location:
    Tasmania
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Spada, VT250F & ZX2R
    It's been wet and cold in TAS for the last few weeks...not the best riding weather, but I have managed a few quick (50-100km) rides on a couple of bikes. I've been thinking of getting rid of my trail bike, so have started looking at second hand adventure bikes as a replacement and possible touring option. Not many down here. I think you'll need a Facebook account to see the following links.

    2013 Triumph Tiger $9,990
    https://tinyurl.com/zwbc78u6
    2015 Royal Enfield Himalayan $6,800
    https://tinyurl.com/dzrd44pp

    Anyone ridden either of these?
     
    Frankster, Jul 3, 2021
    #4
  5. jmw76

    jmw76 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,156
    Likes Received:
    585
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2017
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Melbourne, Australia
    My Bike:
    Honda cbr250rr mc22 road + 1 track, Honda RC 162 tribute bike, Honda Spada Vt250, Honda CBR900RR
    The tiger would be my pick.
     
    • Thanks! Thanks! x 1
    jmw76, Jul 3, 2021
    #5
  6. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    I would read up on the Himalayan .... I dont think it gets too many raps from memory
    Adventure bikes arnt a thing of beauty in my eyes anyway but the Himalayan got a big whack from the ugly stick :D
    Tiger is a tried and true bike ... been around awhile
    Vstrom would be in my top picks .... looking around the 650-800cc that is ..... anything bigger is just a top heavy overkill lump ...... just my take on it from my bit of research lately
    KTMs and Africa twins are for the rich and famous posers from my observations

    The other thing to look at is the extras it has ... like panniers, bash plates , hand guards etc .... and tyre type depending on what percentage of road/offroad is planned ... I bet the dollars to buy the add ons would mount up pretty quick

    plenty in Tassie .... not many cheapies though

    https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/road/adventure-touring-subtype/tasmania-state/?sort=Price

    Some good stuff in this FB group

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/379640013470114


    Heres that Tiger

    https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/details/2013-triumph-tiger-800/OAG-AD-19885511/?Cr=9

    tiger.png
     
    • Thanks! Thanks! x 1
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2021
    GreyImport, Jul 3, 2021
    #6
  7. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Have not ridden a Himalayan but have talked to a couple who own them and they were very happy with them although the one comment that sticks in my mind was that they were working pretty hard at anything over 100Km/h. Be ok in Tassie where there are no big long straight roads. :D
    The Vstrom I have ridden a couple and found them very top heavy. Ok at speed but very nervous in town, long way to fall and I knew I could never pick it up again.
    The Tigers look and sound good (one of my friends has one but finds it very heavy) but I ask you this, do you need 100hp 220Kg 195Km/h bike?
    All these bikes have a high seat height that you may have to spend more money on lowering to suit you.
    My personal pick would be the Kawasaki 300x versy, or maybe wait for the 400cc version. Two of my friends group have these and do not shut up about how good they are for both town, highway and dirt road riding (and I know you like kawa's) all for under 8K on road.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    Murdo, Jul 4, 2021
    #7
  8. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    • Agree Agree x 1
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2021
    GreyImport, Jul 4, 2021
    #8
  9. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    3,998
    Likes Received:
    2,216
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Gardener
    Location:
    Tasmania
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Spada, VT250F & ZX2R
    Yeah, I'm kinda thinking that Murdo has the right idea. I'm vertically challenged, so a lower and lighter bike would suit me better. Like the Chief and Murdo suggested, I'm not sure I need to spend money I don't have on a big heavy lump of thing if all I really need is a 300cc-500cc bike to get around on. Both the Kawasaki and Honda would suit me just fine. I might take Murdo's advice and wait for the 400 to make it to Australia. Thanks everyone for your comments and thoughts.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    Frankster, Jul 4, 2021
    #9
  10. thebeefsalad

    thebeefsalad Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    490
    Likes Received:
    301
    Trophy Points:
    273
    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2015
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    San Antonio, Texas USA
    Does a 919 (900 hornet) count? Has seen more dirt than most Africa Twin owners I've talked to. Heavy as a BDB as well.
     
    thebeefsalad, Jul 5, 2021
    #10
  11. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Heres a rough guide on weights (some dry, some wet) .... if u add a bit more with "gear'' on board , its definately a "top heavy" scenario I would think
    My Daytona 675 is 161kg and a MotoGP bike is 157kg for comparison :lolsign:

    Honda CBX500 197kg

    Suzuki Vstrom 650 213kg

    Suzuki Vstrom 250 178kg

    Kawasaki Versy 650 216kg

    Kawasaki Versy 300 175kg

    Triumph Tiger 800 210kg

    Enfield Himalayan 411 199kg

    BMW F800GS 207kg

    Yamaha Tenere 700 205kg

    Africa Twin 226kg

    KTM 390 Adventure 158kg


    The all-new 2020 KTM 390 Adventure has landed in Australia and is now available in dealerships across the country. With an affordable price tag of $8,995 ride away, the latest edition to KTM's travel range provides an entry point into the world of adventure motorcycling.


    KTM390-adventure-2020.jpg

    315268_390-adventure-2020.jpg
     
    GreyImport, Jul 10, 2021
    #11
  12. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,733
    Likes Received:
    2,874
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    The small KTM bikes are better than they used to be. Avoid the Duke 200's - in the league of CB125's and other UberEats/Deliveroo throwaway vehicles. Require a valve check/adjustment at the first service, and they are often neglected by their owners to the point that they aren't worth fixing, given the cost of a new one vs. cost of repairs required.

    The 390's have had a few recalls (airboxes that can't keep dirt out or just don't seal), the newer ones are much better than the original 390 duke's. The RC390's are a nice little bike, the 390 Adv should be a good bike for its intended purpose - mostly roads including some dirt ones.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    Linkin, Jul 10, 2021
    #12
  13. Andych

    Andych Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,291
    Likes Received:
    2,506
    Trophy Points:
    918
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Albury 2641
    My Bike:
    1987 Yamaha SRX250, Honda 1974 SL125 K1, 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
    What is with all new Japanese bikes coming out looking like flipping Transformers from the front... they are absolutely Butt Ugly. And now KTM seem to have joined the line... Ugly... and with a big and ugly muffler to go with the front end...
    Maybe I am just getting old....:confused:
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    Andych, Jul 10, 2021
    #13
  14. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Yea the lights on the KTM are awful visually

    Big fat ugly mufflers are the norm on new bikes Ive noticed .... enviromental and anti noise pollution no doubt

    I like the lights on the GS ... much more practical looking

    Untitled (2).png
     
    GreyImport, Jul 10, 2021
    #14
  15. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,733
    Likes Received:
    2,874
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    I have lots of experience working on the F800GS/GSA. It is said that a premium brand (BMW) doesn't always translate to a premium product, and this is echoed in the car world as well. There's always the element of 'status symbols' and being unable to afford the maintenance, but there are lots of stories of failures when using within their design / 'as advertised' - dirt, jumps, water, etc.

    Just ask someone who's had a final drive, electrical, fork, frame, wheel, sidestand failure on a BMW. There are LOTS of issues across the range. Even the sportsbikes are affected.
     
    Linkin, Jul 10, 2021
    #15
  16. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Years ago I went to BMW dealershop and looked at the 650. When I enquired about some spares I lost interest when they told me a clutch lever was $80. Bought a Honda Dominator 650 instead where the clutch lever was $14.
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Agree Agree x 1
    Murdo, Jul 11, 2021
    #16
  17. Andych

    Andych Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,291
    Likes Received:
    2,506
    Trophy Points:
    918
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Albury 2641
    My Bike:
    1987 Yamaha SRX250, Honda 1974 SL125 K1, 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
    Andych, Sep 28, 2021
    #17
  18. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    GreyImport, Nov 11, 2021
    #18
  19. Andych

    Andych Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,291
    Likes Received:
    2,506
    Trophy Points:
    918
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Albury 2641
    My Bike:
    1987 Yamaha SRX250, Honda 1974 SL125 K1, 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
    I watched this on 7 Catchup (or whatever it is called) last night and while there wasnt a lot of great content and the presenters were a bit naff the one thing that was of interest was the Royal Enfield Himalaya. it would have been nice for them to have comapared the Himalaya to the Kawa and shown some of the different features each bike has... and maybe they will in future episodes.
    Interesting that the new gear they "invested in" didnt include riding boots, maybe they ran out of Money after spending up on Cardo headsets...
     
    Andych, Nov 14, 2021
    #19
  20. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,929
    Likes Received:
    6,713
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Yea just watched it ... well most of it
    typical bogan presenters with stupid nicknames
    fatboy even rides a Fatboy

    From memory the Himalaya gets ok raps

    Ive seen much better stuff like reviews and straight up adventure trips on youtube
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    GreyImport, Nov 14, 2021
    #20
Page 1 of 4
Tags:

Share This Page