4 Dirt Bikes That Are Secretly Ultra Light Adventure Bikes

[@chroniclesofsolid]

NOTICE - CRF450RL has 1000km oil changes and is often stretched out to 2000km. Not 2000km as standard.

[@timcarter7051]

Ummm.... no . Having to change your oil every 15 hrs is not a Unicorn ADV it's a nightmare ADV !!! Thanks but no thanks...give us a properly suspended Versys 400x already!!! WTF or at least stuff a cb500 motor in a CRF450L like chassis! I am dieing on the vine here , come on give us these bikes already!!!

[@tangoreal9098]

DRZ oil change 4000 miles. No I don’t run my oil that long but I could. Keep it clean bike lasts a long time!

[@alphawolf2993]

@@tangoreal9098 I feel like the drz oil change is 4,000 miles just because they had to put a number on it lol

[@pjm204]

@@timcarter7051 I have a build thread on advrider for my versys 300. Swapped the suspension front and rear so I now have more travel and 11" of ground clearance (stock is 7). I do wish it had another 10hp but it's fine as is.

[@brackets6127]

PPL on keyboards grizzling about short oil changes while others ride these bikes around the world and use their common sense about oil change intervals based on racing these bikes.

[@uralbob1]

At 6’5” and 260 lbs., I rode my 2004 XR 650 R to S. America in 2006. The maximum weight rating (as stated in the owner’s manual) was 220 lbs.! I had at least 50-60 lbs. of gear hanging off the back in addition to my fat ass. This BRP took all the abuse I could give it. We left Kentucky in late August of ‘06 for Argentina. We made Santiago de Chile on November 1 st. of ‘06. It was two full months of riding every day with the exception of the two days to fly from Panama City to Bogota, Columbia. The point of this story? Don’t ever think that you need a huge Adv bike to travel internationally. We met many people traveling on bikes. One Dutch couple were traveling on Yamahas. He, on a 600 (the mule with most of the gear), and her, on a lighter 350! They were touring South America! You don’t need some super expensive Adv bike to explore the world! Maintain and use what you already own! It’s not about the bike. It’s about the trip and all the great experiences!

[@norompaslasguindas]

I just got a brp, sitting next to my 950 adventure. Whoever claims that a stock brp is not powerful enough for dirt roads or back roads is delusional. Plated, torquey, adequate weight for the money. Carry a spare cdi and gtg.

[@uralbob1]

@@norompaslasguindas👍

[@babar69110]

had a big red pig too. gave up because two times, i as in deep mud nd couldn't kick ti , Kickstarter going down in mud. gravity centre too high for real off road exploration and valves tuning, even g=fats old school done, didn't last long ' guess engine as as too old) but yes indestructible bike standing all crashes like a real enduro one. the king is dead, long life to beta 390rr king that i ride since 4 years no .117 kg, modern bike, electric starter ; a swiss knife dream

[@SheriffRoscoP]

Plated 500XCW with a Rekluse, 4 gallon tank, balanced wheels, Mako360 w/ Scott’s, Athena ECU w/ traction control, SC wide seat, PMB rear rack, Mosko 40 Reckless, heated grips and an XL80 headlight made for an awesome steed on a 1500 mile CA/NV BDR ride this past Spring. Serves as my Hatfield-McCoy bike too 😎👍

[@daviddavidson4496]

Sounds like alot of extra $ on top of the msrp...

[@mikemallory8892]

We have three customers that buys brand new 500 every 2 years and we fully equipped them from headlights to heated grips luggage racks they're always really fun projects great platform to dual sport.

[@michaelrowave]

I love this idea. Coming from dirt bikes and mountain bike riding I would really only want to use asphalt as a means to get to more dirt without an adventure bike weight or price.

[@keithstephens1022]

I'm 6 months on the beta 430 now and I will put it down to the best bike I have ever rode ,So happy to see a beta on here !

[@kirstenspencer3630]

Thanks for getting the word out !

[@edvinus1]

u ride it daily ? not problem with offen oil changeing ?

[@viffer781]

I have a 2019 CRF450L built up as my lightweight adv bike and, for me, it is a good fit. I run the vortex ECU which fixed the snappiness in first and it has not stalled on me in the last 2.5 years. I recently fitted a rekluse clutch which is great in technical tracks and added extra fuel via IMS tank + rotopax for when need range for 300+km. If not riding it hard/enduro you can easily stretch the oil changes out to 2k. As you pointed out the bike has a full rear subframe was which was another reason for my selecting this bike as give more options for luggage. Had the bike since it first came out and still loving it.

[@thevtadventure1062]

We just need a Tenere 450. The new 900 looks so good for a big Adv bike and with that CP3 should be a decent one.

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

exactly that's why i'm hoping we get a 490 adventure r. or they do make the 390 rally. Perfect amount of hp to still go triple digits if you ever needed to, and light enough to be very capable off road.

[@mikeisland7382]

Yamaha would own the market if they offered up a WR500 Tenere. If they're detuning the engine though it needs to be at least a 500cc.

[@dothetontim]

It’s called a DRZ400

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

A lightweight WR 500/550 and Tenere T5 - modern DS beasts that handles everything, best of Fe501S and 701E.

[@americandude3825]

Did you say tenere 900????

[@markl8043]

If it was me I would go with the Honda. The weight and stalling at low speeds is fixable. Reliability and comfort is important for me! You forgot about your own bike. It’s cheap, Reliable and with some mods it would make a great little adv bike. it’s lighter than the Rally stock and doesn’t have that big plastic side fairing! Just a thought. Keep up the great content. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@jameshind6644]

One thing you omitted Solid is that the 2023 Beta range now come with traction control as well as the 2 stage mapping switch and that Beta also make a Racing version with Kyb suspension.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

The Beta 390 RR is well rounded motorcycle, the trellis frame is tig welded Chrome Molybdenum. Great fatigue resistance for those longer rides.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

The 690/701 really need to be on this list. Most of us do BDR/TET so don't need an ultralight but fragile enduro. The 701 with an adventure tower gives me my unicorn, with a decent seat and an oil change after every big trip (3000 to 5000km). Easy to get luggage to fit, and tonnes of accessories if you want to spend money. For really snotty stuff, there are better bikes but I've got through everything I've pointed my 701 at and I'm a very ordinary rider.

[@jandbco]

Just did cobdr on Fe501s and really outperformed 890 and 701 on the same trip

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@jandbco that 501 may well be the bike I wish I'd bought but in 2016 the 701 seemed the best bet. I'm doing a big trip with 4 friends. 3 x 701, 1 x KTM 500 and 1 x EXC450. We lads on the 701s are the least worried about getting round. It'll be a TET, probably Spain and a bit of the Pyrenees. I'm giving away about 40kg and a bit of ground clearance to the 500, but I'll trade a bit of weight for a less highly strung bike, with a cush drive and 10,000 km service intervals (10k is pushing it though IMHO, 5k is more like it looking at the state of my oil). These bikes are all compromises. The 690/701 sits between a full on enduro and something like a T7/Norden/890. Works for me.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

These are important for the DS market where the BIG 4 lost its Mojo. Husqvarna 501+ 601 Enduro would sell like hot cakes!

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

What model year is it, how has the reliability been e.g. clutch slave cylinder and false neutrals?

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@dualsportscandinavia353 well, it has spat out 2 clutches but now has a Rekluse which I'm not sure about but when (not if) my 2016 clutch plays up it is easy to adjust, like in 20 seconds with a 4mm Allan key.

[@mikeisland7382]

One more massive plus for the Beta's is that you can bolt on a kickstarter. If I were starting over on the light adventure route it would be with 390. Also congrats on the growing family Solid.

[@joshuasarfati5520]

Hey solid. Great review. I have a 2016 beta 480. Fantastic motor. Gotta say the front end lacks trail feel. It needed a big of sorting to get it right. I think they improved them as time went on. I also changed out the regulator with a MOSFET Reg. Some betas including mine let go of their starter motor magnets. Something worth checking. I had a Husky 630 . Loved it. So I'm keen on how the swms are going

[@babar69110]

@@joshuasarfati5520 beta 390rr 2019. swiss knife. can do anything, can stand anything.... If you travel pure offorads on trails at 70 kmh + and single and hard parts, with light luggages, you will still be under max 5.5 l /100 km, if precautious. 13/50 for hard, 15/50 for all around offroad. Just swap the front sprocket, no need to change chain length... ;) LOVE this bike. Got too the IMS 12L tank for rally raid race. good one, doesn't open your knees, nice narrow profile.

[@xavibta78]

Se le puede poner un depósito mayor?

[@RKmndo]

'Same with a DR-Z400S.

[@windowsxp9120]

I just got a used 250 exc-f and its a literal dream bike for me. It’s my first bike so the small cc is great for building confidence. The bike’s been modded more for single track trail riding than adv but that doesn’t hold it back at all. The exc-f line is the best.

[@slaugo]

I have 32,000 issue free miles on my CRF450L. None of the competitors can boast that without rebuilds. And the flame out issue doesn’t require a Vortex. One simply needs to adjust the throttle and idle properly. Use HP4 oil if you buy one.

[@er98ah]

Crap suspension and components.

[@slaugo]

Same as the X. But if you’re a Baja Pro like yourself, you’ll most likely change it any ways🤣

[@josedias2585]

​@er98ah lmao 🤣 what do you ride big boy? Your mommas lap?

[@gt7madmax655]

One word.. drz

[@slaugo]

I’ve had 3 DRZs and got my 450L for $9999 OT the door. I could add $4,000 to a new DRZ and still not have a stock 450L. The DRZ was awesome 24 years ago. But no FI, No modern suspension, no 6th gear, no aluminum frame and so on……

[@ashmite]

One potential point of interest. The 390 Beta has the the longer stroke vs the 500 Beta. That might translate to more vibes at highway speeds. The 500 is only a couple pounds/kgs heavier than the 390. I have often thought about trading/selling my 250L and my Xtrainer for the Beta 390 (or 500).

[@Quantalume]

Don't overlook the 430. It makes nearly as much power as the 500 and has less reciprocating mass. That's what I've chosen for my adventure platform. I was steered away from the 390 by the dealer due to vibrations. My 430 with a Warp 9 cush-drive rear hub is very roadworthy.

[@Propelled]

A beefed up replaceable tail frame or would be a good thing. Also, lowering the suspension two inches and tuning them for the extra weight is an amazing thing to behold. You won’t miss the ground clearance one bit but will love the usability off road.

[@paul.vanhout57]

My 2019 KTM 690 Enduro while not “ultra” light has made for a great lightweight adventure bike. Long service intervals, decent suspension with a modest seat height and a motor that is surprisingly smooth and versatile.

[@west_adv]

And the ABS that is crucial on road. The downside is the weight. 690 is significantly heavier than the ones from the vid

[@TheIdlesurfer]

Agree, but seat height? You have, I think, a Flemish name, and you are the tallest people in Europe, but at 183cm (I'm the short guy in my family) it is about as tall as I'd want!

[@kuhndj67]

@@TheIdlesurfer Yea the 701 is very near my limit for height (I'm 5'11"/1.8m). With sag properly set I'm on my toes (not quite TIPtoes... but not far off).

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

701 Enduro, Fe 501, 690 Enduro and 500 Exc have really meant a lot to the dualsport community. When the Big4 have lost their mojo. Even though 690, 701 is a little too heavy for e.g. uphill and gnarly single tracks. How do you experience reliability, do you have any issues with false neutrals?

[@paul.vanhout57]

@@dualsportscandinavia353 I have 10K miles/16Km on my 2019 and other than an early countershaft seal leak it has been faultless. I did replace the OEM clutch slave cylinder with an Oberon unit as this has been a known weakness for this bike. No false neutrals or any other nuisances. I have a 350 for tighter trails and more dual sport rides so the 690 works well as my lightweight adventure machine.

[@michaelandnyx]

bought the 2023 beta 500 rrs and i can confirm the electrical issues. rode it a mile and it broke down. one good thing about beta though is that they make good on issues, sent out a whole new wiring harness in a day for free and now the bikes back up and running

[@kx501]

What actually happened?

[@michaelandnyx]

@@kx501 the regulator that charges the battery. that connection broke

[@callummalseed7908]

I've been trying to work out the best way to go for a light weight adventure bike, and have finally settled on the new KTM 690 as the perfect balance between good big power and on road load carrying ability. Coming in at 160 wet it's 45kgs lighter than the T7 and still has big power and great service intervals as well as loads of aftermarket support. Great video guys the light adventure is definitely the way to go

[@brandonbagley795]

Great choice. I've got a 701 enduro and it's been incredible. I can hang with the supersports in the curves, the big ADVs on ong stretches and it's light enough to work on all sorts of trails

[@BlueThunder69NZ]

DR650! Light in comparison to a adv bike, and less of the draw backs mentioned about these enduro bikes. Not too heavy to pick up on your own, but yeah, haven’t taken it on proper single track yet

[@christianmarth9989]

The DR650 is a great "do everything" bike, a little heavy, but well mannered on the highway...

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

Fingers crossed that Suzuki develops the DRZ/DR and soon starts selling these models globally with EFI and Abs. The Sv650 gets a new parallel twin engine...only the DRZ/DR doesn't get any heavier!

[@martykath4427]

@@dualsportscandinavia353 Am in my late 60s. Started on a DR but found an XR 650r Honda that does everything better than a DR until kick start only almost finished my knee. Now am on a KTM 530 and loving it. Have put 26000 kms in about 5 years. only a big tank, full soft on the dampening adjustment and a slight gearing change.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

​@@martykath4427Ace! Do it all Ds/Osb´s like Fe501 500 Exc Wr450f increase among everyday riders. Some with smaller rally-led-towers. In terms of improved road performance, after wheel balancing, does anyone have experience that steering dampers e.g. Scotts or Msc increase stability? Steering dampers are common on sports bikes and supermotos.

[@hazcat640]

These all sound like good starting points for someone looking for that Unicorn. As you say all have drawbacks and need some (often expensive) mods but as this type of bike is not in any manufacturers line up you just have to pick a platform and then build your own.

[@eloiseharbeson2483]

My KTM 450 EXC had everything it needed but a rear brake switch and a radiator fan. 100 mile range on the road and 100+mph top speed.

[@AusMoto]

I probably would have gone with the CRF450RL if they sold them in Australia, instead I ended up going with the WR250R because I wanted the best bike that I could do enduro rides + adventures on, that didn't destroy the bank.

[@captainamerica9353]

Why don't they sell 450RL's there? If Yamaha can sell WR450's, why can't Honda sell their 450's? It seems just as odd that we don't have a street-legal WR450F in the U.S. I would buy one without hesitation. By the way, if you have an interest in CRF450's, why not get a WR450?

[@nagaduaharimau]

Seeing guys on full adv bikes on some of the local trails here in Texas told me they probably aren't what I'm looking for. Riding 250's on the roads and trails both in Los Cobos Mexico, and Salento Italy, I'm pretty sure smaller lighter bikes can get me everywhere I want to go.

[@MeerkatADV]

Biggest issue with any of these is the service intervals. Honestly the 300L or 300L rally are a better ADV choice.

[@Scarletpimp72]

Exactly, riding on a European adventure you'd be changing oil every 3 days! these bikes are fine to chuck on a trailer and head down your local green lane, or maybe ride there and back. But cross multi borders? Give me a Himmy a Tiger or a Vstrom any day, if you want more woops and ruts then Husky 701 or KTM 890 are great. The bikes listed are good for a day or so, but I wouldn't have coped with the luggage for my 5 week trip round Spain.

[@lw8447]

So true....Enter the wr250r as well

[@jameshind6644]

I went with the Beta 430RR with 15/45 gearing for the road. I originally wanted a 480rr but none were available at the time. The 430 is perfect for me it can easily do 120km/hr on the road and is equipped with indicators/ horn and mirror as standard to keep me legal. The only thing that needs changing is the seat which is like sitting on a piece of concrete. Beta also do an internal lowering kit of 25mm or 50mm which is a great option though it is expensive.

[@Quantalume]

I re-geared my 430 to 13/52, and I can still hit 130 km/h in 6th. The lower gearing really comes in handy for technical terrain.

[@bseidem5112]

How often are you changing the oil on the road?

[@jameshind6644]

@@bseidem5112 I'm a bit overboard, I change mine every 500km. Oil is cheap engines aren't

[@jonasbaine3538]

690 enduro r/701 is already the perfect adventure bike platform. problem is ktm never bothered to fully develop it into an adv bike. they got close with the 701lr then canceled it. 790/890 are actually quite heavy. they oddly made a 701 svartpilen but not a full adv bike with proper fairing, tank and subframe.

[@FilthyGoyim]

Ive ridden my 690 in backwood singletracks and then 5 hours to bike week with the same tires. I have since purchased sm wheels. Very sick bike. Only like 320lbs

[@NeroontheGoon]

Agreed

[@albigelow2305]

Turned my 690 Duke into a solid everything bike dirt , street, larger fuel tank than the Enduro or MX bike. They never mentioned that. In AK or I imagine some South American countries crappy fuel and longer distances between fuel stops play a major role in your travel plans?

[@kennethmikaelsson7990]

Built mine on a Husqvarna 450FE 2020 17l tank, steering stabilize,r seat concepts for the as, a rack for some soft cases and Haan wheels with cushdrive, cyclops 7.5" rallye light, Clake back brake clutch combo. best bike i have ever built... With the suspension mods it´s the most expensive to but it beats most of the other bikes by a lot..

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

Honda XR650L - archaic technology - pretty bullet proof - 133 kg with tank dry after serious weight redux. 149kg bunkering 19L in the long range tank. Best seat in the business, plenty torque - runs all day at 120km/h

[@crashdsnowman1]

Agree on the 500exc-f, I ride about 45miles to get to the trails and it's as fun in the twistys as it is on the trails. lightweight makes a huge difference in how it handles on and off road.

[@alanseery4458]

Good to see the SWM get a mention 👍🏼

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

You opening like is an instant classic. Perfectly put. Especially the moose handling better bit...

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😬

[@MrEtnorb]

Re the 500 seat height, I rebuilt my seat for greater comfort and had 40mm removed from the suspension travel, resulting in a 910 mm seat height. Of course, here in Australia you can’t buy the CRF450L and 2nd hand bikes are out there at a similar price to a 500. Don’t forget the 17 onwards 500 has a very good basic traction control.

[@GeezerWheels]

Another great video, Barry! Your ideas here are basically what my son-in-law and I have done with our Husaberg FE390s. Seat Concepts (or some kind of upgrade) seat is a must for multi-day trips, and recently I have become a huge fan of the Sit-N-Fly air flow slip on seat cover. After about half of the TransAmerica Trail (over 2000 miles) I think we're getting it tuned in. Thanks for all your vids. GeezerWheels in S.W. Colorado

[@foufoufun]

I would love to get one of these super light dual sport bikes but the maintenance interval just sucks for a street bike.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

You are not alone in wanting to buy these bikes ツ Drz400 is probably the closest bike. But only for those riders who live in a country where the DRZ is still sold new. Otherwise, the KTM 490 Enduro and Husqvarna 501 Enduro would have been a sweet spot. There is a big gap to fill between bikes with long service intervals DRZ400 vs DR650, XR650L, 690/701Enduro.

[@foufoufun]

@@dualsportscandinavia353 What is it they need anyway to up the service interval? Is it possible to make a 200 lb 300-500 cc bike with 6k oil change? Indeed, the 501 and 490 enduro would be great adventure bike and daily commuters if it wasn't for the 1k oil change interval.

[@mhilde7744]

Luggage,...and where to put it. The 690/701 is limited by the steering stops, especially if a tower is added. Good post!👍

[@khaccanhle1930]

Nice list. I'd like to "adventure" a wr450f. Larger oil capacity, a sixth gear, a full set of lights, a heavier sub-frame, and that's about it. Then I'd throw on a nice seat and soft bags after that. Done. I like that 5 valve engine

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

A plated WR450F or at least could be ordered with a street legal kit from the showroom floor. Or even better a WR500-550R!

[@jwaller1327]

I rode a buddy's KTM 500 excf and that thing was harsh. It had very intense vibrations at every point of contact and at all the rev ranges I rode it at, including idle. I rode it for about half an hour and honestly couldn't wait to get off by the end. The suspension was great and so was the power and acceleration. I just couldn't deal with that kind of vibration. It was like trying to ride a jackhammer. I don't know if that's normal or if there was something wrong with my buddy's bike. I have a Honda CRF250RX which I've turned into a dual sport (just to connect trails). With its narrow range 5-speed transmission it's not comfortable at any speeds above 60 mph (about 97 kph). But at speeds of 60 mph and below, it's way smoother and more comfortable than my buddy's KTM 500 was. So I figure that either I'm just sensitive to vibrations or my buddy's KTM had some sort of issue because I can't understand how a bike so rough like that could be so popular. Anyway, for me, if I were in the market, I'd get the Honda CRF450RL. I've not tried the CRF450RL but another friend of mine had one which he traded in on a CRF250RX because he was only riding single track and had no need for the road legality and he says the 450RL is way smoother than the CRF250RX.

[@fcalin21]

I have had the 450L and i sold it because of the terible vibrations.

[@Taitohaukka]

what year model was the KTM? I have a 501 husq which is basically the same thing and it vibrates, but definitely too much

[@jwaller1327]

Not sure the year model, but I’m pretty sure it was either a 2019 or 2020 model

[@jwaller1327]

Not sure the year model, but I’m pretty sure it was either a 2019 or 2020 model

[@jwaller1327]

Not sure the year model, but I’m pretty sure it was either a 2019 or 2020 model

[@pets4489]

I'm happy to see Beta on the list, although the 430 RR-S is my choice.

[@MOREENGINEERING]

I have the BETA RR390 and love it! Except for the seat(ultra hard). Ya can buy a softer version . But that is my only issue with it. Once the suspension settles in the ride height is very good. I'm 5' 11" and can comfortably sit there with both feet on the ground rather than having to sit off to one side when stationary. Love it.

[@Quantalume]

A cheap way to lower the Betas an inch or so is to take all the preload out of the rear shock (assuming your weight and riding style allows you to do so), then add handlebar risers and raise the forks in the triple clamps. Raising the forks not only lowers the front but also corrects the steering geometry change due to the extra sag in the rear. I was able to lower my 430 37mm this way.

[@markeverson5849]

That's why I got rid of my beautiful Kawasaki KLR 650 and 07 model with everything and the kitchen sink with the aluminum panniers on it I got tired of falling down and the bike was so heavy I was taking a big risk going so far into the Wilderness with it trying to use it like a dirt bike no way I got rid of it now I don't have anything I don't have a lot of money to play that game I need an old school bike where my feet will touch the ground that's ridiculous adventure bike with all the extra gear weighted down and when you get off road you're taking a big chance you may never come out of there again. I'm lucky I survived it

[@markeverson5849]

@@Quantalume I'm 5 ft 9 in tall and tried every trick in the book to get my feet on the ground on my 07 KLR 650 adventure bike I even slid the front forks up the tubes up had lowering link expensive low profile seat plus lowered the main shock under the bike as far as I could it was ridiculously heavy that bike I could handle it but I fell down about five times in a year and a half off-road and it was getting very dangerous. I live in the Ozarks and I go way back wilderness. top of it I'm almost 67 years old and I have a spinal cord injury it was a challenge but now I have no bike,I sold my beautiful KLR had everything in the kitchen sink on it the aluminum pan years I loved it for packing down with Camp gear. now I got nothing sold my KLR for only 2700 bucks and now I can't afford a bike. and can't find low bick war my feet will touch the ground!. sad cuz I need it to keep my heart pumping:-)

[@Quantalume]

@@markeverson5849 Have you looked at the KLX 230 S? It's a couple of inches closer to the ground compared to the KLR and only 295 lbs. Yes, only 233cc, but probably fast enough for two-lane backroads.

[@PeakandAbyss]

How 's the 390 on longer rides and highway?

[@soilsmanadv6673]

I lightweight adventure on a Beta 300rr 2 stroke. I had it factory lowered 2" and with a 30" inseam can flat foot both sides. It can also be done with the xtrainer so a 26" inseam can flat foot. I change the transmission oil every 200 miles and it costs less than $12 us

[@Quantalume]

Be careful to keep an eye on your oil injection reservoir. I've heard that they can empty pretty fast at high speed on the road.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

@@Quantalume i fill at every fuel fill of my 5 gallon tank. It uses about an ounce every 40 miles or gallon of fuel

[@OGPokey151]

I've had both the 450l and the 509 exc. The 450L i did every upgrade available. Its a great bike' I just felt the weight. I now am on a 500 exc with moderate upgrades. For offroad the 500exc is leaps and bounds ahead of the Honda. But on the road. The Honda cannot be touched. Its so refined, but I buy these bikes for the offroad capabilities. So the 500 exc for me

[@mechanicalman1068]

I, like many others, have been trying to solve this problem for a long time and the thing that doesn’t get mentioned here is availability of larger fuel tanks. In the American west where I ride, the best rides are not close to gas stations. If you can’t stretch the ride to convenient stations, you can blow through a gallon just getting off the trail and back, which is a third or more of the total capacity. Perhaps I’m missing something, but I’ve looked in to all these and can’t find big tanks for any of them.

[@whatevayalike]

hmm perhaps you could run reserve fuel cargo setup but that would obviously take up space for other gear

[@davidsalo8397]

Put a 3 gallon tank on my 450RL. That's well over 100 miles between fill-up, if you don't ride it too hard.

[@larsihle9256]

Look into the Giant Loop foldable fuel 12:26 bags. They come in a few different sizes. I got an 8 liter version. Much better solution than rotopax. They roll up quite small when empty. The price is good too.

[@pubjitsuguy8596]

I spent my youth growing up in Australia on dirt bikes. I think this Beta is very very interesting. One thing I NEVER see talked about in these reviews is tall bikes like the KTM are a nightmare to balance on a steep Gippsland cow trails hill. The same goes for bottom of wet lush hills turning around going back up or creek crossings jumping from side to side on a. Tall bike even if not short is more work than ideal.So if your ‘adventuring’ is in real bush and not just bad roads. Taller isn’t always better.

[@billcotton1551]

That rider on the KTM 500 was amazing. Never saw anything like when he was jumping those stone blocks.

[@davidsalo8397]

It's rather misleading to show straight dirt bikes in the video. Dishonest actually.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@davidsalo8397 The KTM 500 is a legit contender for adventure riding. The fact that it’s essentially a dirt bike is exactly what this clip is trying to convey.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

AJP PR7 650 ADVENTURE. AJP SPR 510R ENDURO. Fantic XEF450. Kove 450 Rally. SVM 500 DualSport. GAS GAS 500 ES are available to order. Is the SPR 510R Enduro worth having? If there was a bike; with low weight, long intervals + low end grunt between 500 Exc ´n´ 690 Enduro, it would be spot on. Same with CRF300L/450L/RL ´n´ XR650L. Riders re-build DRZ400/DR650 with parts from RM-Z, small Enduro LED tower, fuel injection and Abs kit ie what the manufacturers should have done years ago!!

[@modzso2]

Just a note: A locking fuel cap or/and a key for starting these bike could be handy during adventure rides.

[@michaelbrowne5684]

I second the key. Part of my frustration with my Beta was not being able to pop into the shops/tourist stops without locking it up.

[@JimJones-gd2jy]

Yes, absolutely ! Locking gas cap would be awesome..

[@babar69110]

@@michaelbrowne5684 there is the steering colomn key lock . at least on my 390rr my'19

[@jonasbaine3538]

do people steal gas where you guys are at??

[@modzso2]

@@jonasbaine3538 Gas prices are reaching $1,5 per liter here. There average salary is ~$800. And the lock gives a piece of mind.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Here in the USA you can get a 2019/2020 honda 450l for 7to9k used depending on miles. As beta I'd go with the rrs wich is factory street legal

[@randymcgiveron3268]

A lot of this depends on where you live and where you can ride. Throw in your age and skill the perfect bike could be vastly different. For me, a softroad adventure bike and a wash and wear dual sport for off-road

[@bryanreeme8584]

I agree.. why make it a maintenance adventure?..I may change oil every 1000m, but only when I'm home.. I prefer a carb & no extra electronics, I'm no competitor, just crave reliable longevity 👍

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Let’s be honest, if you want a Light “ enduro bike “ than you probably want it for snotty riding , and not really an ADV bike , more of a Enduro wetting it’s feet 🦶 into dual sport land . Really the only bike that comes close to Enduro / ADV / dual sport is the Husky 701 / KTM 690 . And the AJP PR7. BUT as single cylinder bikes still lack on the WIDE on road sections. Basically you need two bikes ONE ADV and one ENDURO.

[@jefftaswelder9154]

not really, some of us are to broken to have the strength to lift up the bigger bikes when they decide to have a nap 😥🤔 plus there is nothing better than a light bike for when the track turns into crap 🤣😁 mind you if i had the cash i would love to have 2 bikes 🤪🍺 (and a helper)

[@Artesaodeluxo]

I set up my WR250R to be a lightweight adventure bike. Wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve Been highly considering jumping to an even lighter bike. Because I’ve done the proper ADV bike route, and when riding alone, the thing that sucks the most is getting to a trail and then having to turn around do to the safety factor of having no one to help if you get to tired to lift the bike.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@jefftaswelder9154 I just came back from the Flinders Ranges , and ALOT of riding we did was snotty ,Rocky , sandy creek beds you get the pitcher 😂😂. The mids did most like the 701 and DR650 , but the bigger ADV bikes like the AT struggled , BUT the BIG open sections they eat it up and the mid weighs didn’t like as much ( let alone a KTM 500 ) . I also am very broken 54 years old and 30 Army , when I drop my bike now I wait for someone to pick it up 😂😂😂, so I tend not to ride real snotty stuff if I can help it . If your trip is going to be 90% ADV ( then take it and suck up the snotty ) and make the most of the comfort, if it’s 90% snotty take an enduro bike - on a trailer to the riding and have a play . Or even the 300 Rally I would add to my first list of mid weight Dual sports . And it’s quite comfortable. But it’s ALWAYS a compromise. That’s why I own 4 bikes . Also like tyres I only run road tyres if most of my riding is road , as in I want maximum grip on road if I’m spending most of my time on it Same with off road I run nothing but road legal knobs as that’s were I’m spending most of my time . NONE of this 70/30 crap . I want FULL traction both on and off road .

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

@@Artesaodeluxo I never go to snotty stuff alone regardless of the bike .

[@jefftaswelder9154]

@@Artesaodeluxo yeah same here 😥 thats why i ride a old TTR250 😁 slow as crap but will get me anywhere i would like to go 😎🍺

[@HoagesMoto]

Some corrections for COS viewers here. 1. Powerplant wise the beta 480 is as dosicle and agreeable as it comes, even considered the gentle giant by many (if you choose to ride it so, it's also got ample power up top just like you want for a light adv) - fueling is also spot on out of the factory. (I own a 2021) There is no reason not to buy one over the rest of the range *if adv-ing is your primary focus. With that in mind the beta is not a good choice for long Aussie ADV-ing - they're all (390,450,480) comparably thirsty bikes to even a votex'd crf450l and even a little more than the 500exc. They also have complete plastic rear subframes and if you overpack like every rider I've ever seen does - you'll snap it with long fatigue cyclic use. Amazing bikes and, while capable, probably not the optimal choice - I'm selling mine sadly for these reasons - I'm am otherwise completely in love with it and their wiring in later years is far better - I'd remove that as a common issue for recent builds. 2. The SWM 300 is really a pure. classic little fast trail bike, an amazing choice value wise and I'll likely be buying a used one for peanuts when I sell my 480 as my hard enduro bike but I'll be be hunting down a 450L as and ADV as nothing compares for the price when comparing similarly priced wr250r, 300l's and 6k more 500excs. 3. You need to keep an eye on countershaft wear on the 500 and some other durability stuff like boiling fuel/exhuast heat shielding and general italian things similar to the beta but certainly not a bad option given the money you'll save over an EXC - I'm pretty tempted to go this route if it wasn't for economy/range concerns.

[@captainamerica9353]

I have a 2022 Beta XT and it's a great little bike. Looking for something bigger as a light ADV. I agree Beta should strengthen the subframe for RRS models and a Neutral light would be a nice touch, too ! Having a street-legal WR450F for the U.S. is another dream.

[@jackle842000]

Over half way through and not one word about seat comfort. One of the most important things about riding all day long which equals adventure bike. Don't forget reliability as well.

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

Top video mate. Nice to see Australian contents on you tube

[@jonbeargenx]

Trying to decide whether to go with a new Husky 500 or a used 701. KTM isn't totally off the board either, but it comes down to parts availability where I'll be riding. A tour starting in Norway and ending up in South Africa without any ferries are in the planning stages. Husky parts might be difficult to get locally, but I do have contacts that are able to ship directly to where we are at the time. Anyways, interesting comparison! :)

[@dougiequick1]

690 is often bypassed as too heavy compared to 450s but the 690 is an easy 100llbs lighter than any twin and only 40llbs or so heavier than the 450 but so much more power! Better on highway and much longer intrevals between servicing. The 690 is amazing in the twisties and it is honestly not bad on long highway drones especially compared to trying to do long miles on a 450 or smaller which can be miserable

[@murkurybands]

Music choice is on point for the video 👌👌

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate

[@errata101]

An adenture bike (most usually) is a road bike that's designed-modified to be ridden offroad as well. An enduro/dual sport is a dirt bike that's designed to be ridden on the road as well. The actual secret is that any bike is made for an adventure. They are any and all adventure bikes. As far as actual adv riding, I couldn't imagine any of these bikes being on my list due to those terribly thin seats/height and a few other cons and technical specifications. I have an enduro I ride for dual sport riding where I'm headed from the dirt into town (to house), etc, and an adventure bike I ride for adventure style riding where I'm headed from my house in town to the dirt/mountains (to cabin). How many agree, an adventure bike usually is a road bike designed for offroad use also, and an endure//dual sport is a dirt bike designed to be ridden on the road as well? Usually just adding lights and horn turns (sometimes exhaust and tires) a dirt bike into an approved road riding bike. To turn my enduro into what my adv bike is would take a lot more hours and labor that's for sure. To turn my adv bike into a dirt bike would be removing a pile of parts and then some.

[@Willowcreek19]

I held on to the XR650R for years. I bought the 500exc and I felt like I was on a 250 hitting burns and table tops. I miss the torque and noise of the 650 but these new bikes are just as fast.

[@PlatinumRatio]

I'll stick with my DRZ400. There are 10 x more of them adventrurised than the whole list together... bullet proof and inexpensive to own.

[@christianpaulroldan4010]

I want to ask what are those 3 suzukis i saw when it showcased the vstrom 1050? There was dr yellow one and 2 other on the front with sidebags

[@gt7madmax655]

U sir are a smart man DRZ💪🏻

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Cool story bro.

[@avonlearebel]

I just sold mine for the xr650l

[@gt7madmax655]

@@avonlearebel nooooooo🥹

[@alextrianta]

Hi Solid, Just wondering what's your take on a possible comparison between the SWM RS300R and the CRF300L on the subject of a lightweight (and budget friendly) do-it-all machine. I understand the adventure shortcomings of the RS300 (close ratio gearbox, short service intervals, no pillion footpegs, etc.) but for almost the same price as the CRF (in Greece) you get out of the box (older but) better components (suspension, motor, brakes, lightweight frame, protection parts...). As a new rider I understand the CRF is a very friendly bike but it's difficult to overlook the value of the SWM. Your video has given me a new dilemma! Great content btw! Cheers! Alex

[@miro_s]

Thx for this. Interesting that you pick the 390RR over the 500RR, but the 500EXCF over the 350/450EXCF. Would you care to expand on why?

[@mmaaddict78]

Because he has not experience actually riding them. The 500 excf is probably the best light adv bike.

[@jameshind6644]

The 390rr is thought to be the sweet spot in the Beta range.The 480rr is a beast off road with a lot of power/torque I compromised and bought a 430rr. The only difference in the bikes is the bore width apart from that they are exactly the same.

[@miro_s]

@@jameshind6644 ok,my question is: why is the 350 not the sweet spot in the excf line then?

[@jameshind6644]

@@miro_s I have no experience with the Ktm 350 but you need to remember that the Ktm and Beta engines are different. For example the Beta engines are double overhead cam where as the Ktm engines use a single overhead cam. Personally if I was buying a Ktm then it would be the 450 as the 500 has bad vibrations when revved.

[@mikeisland7382]

Not my video but very interesting in regards to "feel". kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3TOaIGefrlmd5o

[@Theairguitarguy]

Great review! At some point I think I’ll mod an enduro bike to do ADV with, just for those times the trails get tight!

[@ktmtravels3727]

I made a few mods to my '04 525. Luggage, LED's, stator upgrade, USB and phone holder-Job Done! Did 750 miles as a warm-up, fantastic!

[@christianjung8778]

Hi Solid, lightweight vs. usability, this is really a hard question. I'm nearly 59 years old, i'm biking since i'v been 16 years young. Last month i'v calculated, i owned more than 30 different offroad capable bikes in this time. I never did competion racing, my favorite is trialing even more. But in my native langugage my recent kind of riding is called "Endurowandern". This is dual sport in your opinion. For that purpose i'm the owner of three bikes at this time. There are a SWM RS500r, a KTM 690 Enduro and an older Yamaha TT600E in my garage. So, i've the choice, for hard terrain i'll prefer the SWM, if there is more tarmac, no hard terrain, only gravelroads or equal, it is the KTM, but in harder conditions, the KTM has too much power, needs too much power and concentration by the rider while riding it my way. At least there is my old Yamaha, it is nearly perfect to my belongings. Very easy to handle on light and on rough terrain, enough power at the bottom end as also for faster sections, highway use is possible, and service intervals without doubts. But it is old, more than 40000 k (without problems), i'm looking for something newer, but if it will be better? Until now, i didn't find anything. Hoping for a dualsport, 40 to 45 HP, wet weight about 140 to 160 kg, motorcharacteristics like the Yamaha, a little more highway capability then the TT, that will be my unicorn. While my last journey to the western alps i'd have the chance to drive a Tenere 700, a great bike, if you are an experienced rider, you can go nearly everywere with this bike, but the ergonomics for offroading aren't good, the seat and the screenshield have to be modifyed. The groundclearance should be increased and the weight decreased. I think, the Tenere 700 is constructed under hard cost restrictments, there are many cheap details on this bike, there are even better solutions on the market. My experience in this segment is poor, i've only owned some adv-bikes, this have been a Moto Guzzi V65TT, two BMW R80G/S, a BMW R100 GS Paris-Dakar and a Suzuki DR 600 Dakar. Let's have a look on 2023, maybe one or two unicorns will be born...

[@quincyspielberger4366]

My KTM 500 makes 67HP - stock was 58. I added a pipe and an ECU for tuning.

[@cloudsurfer6577]

I have to disagree with the Beta 480RR this year, but failed to turn it into a lightweight ADV bike, due to lack of accessories, and I’m living in the Center of Europe. The worst part is the exhaust noise, I even asked a specialist to build a custom exhaust, it was less noisy at idling, but as loud as stock on the open road. I had to sell the bike and continue with my KTM 790 R.

[@robsonenduro3316]

500 exc-f is fantastic enduro and light travel bike.

[@EachAdventure]

Good list! I'd probably choose the honda for ADV, but the Beta 390 is a fantastic bike!

[@danbee6407]

I'm def a sub 240lbs bike rider. 300lbs+ has significant consequences on tight/complex trails in compare.

[@Georgeqaws]

It does if you are in the mountains or something. Honestly there isn't anything crazy out in the prairies for me. I'm kinda ok with my DRZ 400S on anything out here.

[@markdotcomau]

Hey Solid, what are your thoughts on using a farm/agricultural bike as an adv bike? eg Yamaha AG200, Suzuki Dr200s, Honda CTX200 or even the Honda CT125 (though it's a little overpriced in my opinion)

[@MadTrapper1]

Do you mean Yams TW200? Just too slow on the highway for adventures of any distance IMO

[@willjoseph9004]

This was the video I was looking for! Thanks

[@jctoth]

CRF450RL for sure 👍 Smoothest motor of the bunch. You can actually ride this bike for hours and your hands don't go numb 🙂

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

Absolutely well balanced chassis, just boring with expensive parts to remove restrictions, issues like flameouts and stalling at low rpm e.g riding gnarly single track when it's such an expensive bike. Don't know if heavier flywheels might solve the stalling issues... Cyclecruza praises his own rebuilt street legal 2019 YZ450FX with minimal highway vibration due to aftermarket ProTaper Fat Bar and rubber mounts

[@jctoth]

@@dualsportscandinavia353 everyone compares the Honda to the 500EXC-F and in that context, in the US, the Honda is $3000 less than the KTM. That buys a whole bunch of modifications and yes I've bought them all. Many of which you're going to buy for the KTM as well such as the Rekluse clutch. Concerning the Yamaha they could make a great 450 dual sport but they choose not to. And even the excellent WR250R that they did make was discontinued. So who knows what they're thinking. IMO a modern dual sport or ADV bike MUST have a 6 speed transmission. Unfortunately the YZ450FX is a 5 speed.

[@longdaysandhardworkatramra8260]

Great for those adventures where you want to stop your travels for servicing...

[@Matthew-zw9su]

Kove 450 Rally is a new contender.

[@ApocGuy]

never had problems with 620/640 ktm, but then again, I used to ride first Gen KLR :P .

[@thehighwaychild]

Great content Solid! Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@StartledPancake]

20 years later and these bikes are making the same power as an old Suzuki dr-z 400 with a fraction of the reliability.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

These are some dressers to mod; it costs a crapload though, into a midrange ADV Rally /Travel Enduro -DSB. Handguards, skid plate, tires, larger tank, airbox, slipon, ecu, enduro LED tower, steering damper, bar ends, flexx bars, protape , - riser, concept seat, wider pegs suspension lithium battery and so forth: CRF300L KLX300 350/450/500 Exc DRZ400S Kayo T4 road CRF450RL WR450F Fantic XEF450 SVM RS500R XR650L DR650SE or risk it and order a Kove 450 Rally AsiaWing 450 Rally or Hero Xpulse 420cc Rally. Budget option: mod a used DSB (Big4) from the 90s

[@Ntyuask]

If these bikes had longer service intervals, they'd be great adv bikes. But hell, even my little klx250 can go 2500miles/4000km before even thinking about an oil change.

[@mischi7920]

I bought a new Yamaha WR450F 2022, you can make it street legal in Germany, but with only 17 HP which is a joke. Costs a total of about 10,000 Euros. The bike is my first enduro, I drive it offroad and onroad. I am very satisfied, uncorcked is the power fierce but you learn it quickly to deal with it. Also, you can control the throttle response via the ECU. Overall a very good bike, the WR450F was the right decision. Why the missing here is incomprehensible to me. The Honda 450L is no longer manufactured and has been much too expensive for the offered.

[@moorepower13]

Nothing gets old guys at the gas station more excited then seeing my DRZ440SM loaded up with camping supplies.

[@sicks6six]

good to see SWM in with the big hitters, lightweight off road isn't what it used to be, Suzuki TS 250-400, XL 185-250, DT 250 etc ..will we ever see bike like those again,

[@billslicer3203]

It was my understanding that the Beta’s didn’t have the subframe to attach adventure bags ?

[@rodan2852]

Havnt quite found anything nice enough to replace my DR 650. The B.R.P is nice but too expensive. I wouldnt mind the drz 400, they are solid 👍

[@Hans_P]

I love my Beta 500RR-S! But just cant get myself to sell my WR250R.

[@robertpeters1027]

That's good news. I about to add a Beta and was hoping I would still be happy using the WR250R on longer easier rides. It's just so much more cheaper to operate.

[@weirdshibainu]

I want a 500cc version of the Yamaha TW200 with better everything and slightly bigger wheels

[@inthecrosshairs4480]

Best enduro bike ever? XR 400 Honda. Indestructible. Fun. Very competitive.

[@adamanderson8838]

Excellent content. Bravo Brother & thank you.

[@ka4172]

I will prefer the CRF300L.Because of the high mile services and way lower price than the 450RL.

[@shanebutler5787]

The 430/480 is the bike to get way better then the ktm! The twin cam motor is smoother on the road & the counter shaft don’t wear out like ktm’s do & makes 44.5/47 rwhp for the 430/480

[@stevewalling5467]

From a "KTM" owner (FE501) the power is totally fine, the 450s are way more bat shit in my experience. Unless a 500 is your very first bike, totally nothing to be over whelmed by.

[@petergruening2893]

It would be great for future videos for you to pick one of the bikes and then go over recommended mods.

[@Rubberdust]

Solid in his element, a great and valuable contribution. Clearly the best channel on the web! I live in Switzerland, until I can have fun on dirt roads, I must first cross the Alps with some luggage and overcome highway stages. I wonder if these bikes also bring full fun factor for these aspects. So give me a 900cc bike wit 190kg :-) cheers, solid

[@Rubberdust]

And it is possible: HP2, 17 Years ago de.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_HP2

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers Nick, good point that it is dependent on where you live. I would take a HP2 into my garage in a heart beat 😎

[@iAmSh00]

The problem with turning enduros into adventure bikes is the maintenance, not necessarily the size. You don't tour on enduro bikes because you of the maintenance intervals on the high rung smaller engines.

[@T30-z5w]

Can the Honda 450L run full heated gear? My 690 can but most light bikes can’t.

[@errata101]

P.S. With some of these bikes you'd have to pack all fluid and have your buddies lug your gear since you'd have to change your fluids every other day on a longwinded treck....

[@giova0692]

None of these will let you travel enough without constantly fueling them. The proven and reliable choices for me are the KLR 650, DR 650 or XR 650L.

[@nevillebroadbent1601]

I understand that the new Beta models have the metal oil pump gear fitted as standard. 390 for me sometime this year

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Great news!

[@karoltabis]

Miałem swm 500r i uważam że najlepsza baza do adv

[@naturestrail2296]

Wonder how 300l rally compares? Seems like a great setup