7 Best Unicorn Motorcycles Available New Today

[@michaeldavison430]

Nice realistic review of these bikes. I bought an XR650L new in 1994 and rode it until 2019, a true unicorn that could run singletrack all afternoon and then cruise the highway back home without issue. While the weight was a downside it was more the placement of the weight than the amount of it that could give you fits, a high center of gravity has a way of making crashes not only more common but also more aggressive (it was good to be young!). 25yrs of enjoyment without a single major mechanical failure is something special indeed.

[@motokev2727]

I've been riding my XR650R since 2001. I haven't done a thing to it except to uncork it. I've been on many trail adventures with that bike.

[@segsfault]

Intro - 0:00 What is a Unicorn Motorcycle? - 0:52 1. Royal Enfield Himalayan - 3:14 2. Honda CRF300L Rally - 4:15 3. Kawasaki KLX300 - 5:07 4. Honda XR650L - 6:00 5. Suzuki DR650 - 7:00 6. KTM 690 Enduro R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, GasGas ES 700 Enduro - 8:44 7. Kove 450 Rally - 10:09

[@Bugoutnow589]

Why no love for the DRZ400? That would of been my number two choice. 319 lbs, 33HP, 25 LB-FT, full suspension etc.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It's a great bike too but it's lower geared than the DR650 and that makes it a bit too high revving on the highway.

[@charleydog2669]

The gearing can be easily fixed with a front sprocket change, either up or down, and it's a 15-minute job once you have done it once or twice. Add the fcr carb, and it approaches the 450 l hp with much less mantainence. I considered the honda and the kawasaki 300s, but 45+ percent more hp stock, and 70% more with simple mods sold me. A fully adjustable suspension and massive aftermarket made my purchase a simple decision vs the smaller bikes. The price, maintenance, and aftermarket options made it the choice for me vs the 450l.

[@karlfonner7589]

Not to mention the DRZ 400 suspension. My friend let me ride one and I was amazed at how comfortable it was over baby heads.

[@jonwoodworker]

The DR650 has one of the largest aftermarket ever and you can make it into almost anything you want. Pick up a used one and it will leave you plenty of room for lots of upgrades.

[@newguyrc1128]

I have a 2023 650l, which I got specifically because of its, "unicorn" status, after a lot of research, and chose it specifically because of its 30 year old tech. I love it. 12k miles in my first year.

[@EricSchwab-kr2qw]

I love your dissertation on China not being the only country that has done questionable things. Every other country (including my country the United States) has done horrific things in the past. I love my country but have to admit where we went wrong. And when it comes down to motorcycles, we're just people all around the world who love this thrilling, peaceful and fearless lifestyle.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment! My family left communist (at the time) Poland in 1984 and that experience made me realize that people are not responsible for the policies of their governments.

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

Apples and oranges. China is polluting the world (and we are the demand) and has an estimated 1 million muslims detained in internment camps, with genocide being heavily speculated. That's without even mentioning the situation in Hong Kong for the last few years. The way I see it the less we have to do with it the better, and that includes motorbikes. Nobody needs any of the crap on Temu or Wish, which inevitably is of dire quality and breaks very quickly, and avoiding shopping on Amazon (who have their own issues aside) is not that hard.

[@C_R_O_M________]

The US has done the least horrific thongs of all countries in the history of countries. It saved the world twice from oppressive powers and has led the way in freeing the world up by setting a great example. Having said that, no government is saint, same with the US, but there's really no comparison. If people knew the modern history of China they would never defend it. It's horrendous - especially domestically.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@DifferentSpokesTV oh, they are! By definition they are! They tolerate them until it's too late!

[@tedecker3792]

Well said Eric!

[@FallofftheMap]

My unicorn is the Honda Xr190l (not available in the U.S.). It’s small and light, but for touring South America’s slow mountain roads it’s perfect. I can keep up on local highways but it’s also light enough for trail riding. It’s also super simple and cheap. This bike does everything I need without hassles and excessive costs. I’d feel comfortable riding my Xr190l around South America. It would suck on US highways because it’s going to top out around 65 mph and suffer whenever a heavy truck passes at 80, but it’s just the right size for where I live.

[@MichaelShaw206]

My Kove seems like a better more powerful Honda CRF300 Rally, which is what I was searching for when I bought it. So far, I'm pretty impressed with the build quality and the performance. Surprisingly nimble and less vibey than my Honda 450L, which I never bonded with despite the mods I threw on it. The engine has been around for a while so I am not too worried about it.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the info! Emjoy it. Looks like a fun bike.

[@domenik8339]

Let's see how the bike is in another 20K miles.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@domenik8339 20K miles for the average single 450 is like mount Everest for a blind cripple.

[@danweyant4909]

​@@domenik8339yes! Do get back to us on that, asap 😂

[@saltyfloridaman7163]

​@@domenik8339I've got a 2016 LXR 250F with a little over 32k miles and it runs fine. Bad injector was my only issue. It's made by GPX, the same company that imports Kove and does quality control. They share the same engine as the GPX FSE 450R, and that engine has proved itself to be bulletproof. If you want a street legal 2 stroke, the GPX TSE 250R is a bulletproof choice as well licensed KTM frame, licensed Yamaha 200cc 2 stroke with minor changes to improve durability as well as a small bore size increase for a little more torque.

[@timsilva1944]

DR650!! Not too tall. A bit heavy stock, but easily trimmed. Stable on highways. Good low end grunt. Tons of aftermarket stuff/good parts availability. Reliable. Steel frame holds luggage well. Suspension needs work, but can be improved for a little cash. Ride anywhere your skills can take you. Cush hub. I had a DRZ 400S, but almost as heavy and not good on highway/crosswinds and down on power. Sold it when I found a mint DR650. Couldn't be happier with my mods. She's a keeper! Got a XCF-W 500 for trail/enduro days.

[@dwartfarquart9590]

The XR650 and DR650 analysis is pretty good. I have owned both and the DR is not for single track but will do 90mph all day on the highway and the XR will hold it's own in the woods if you don't mind wrestling a Bear and being very careful with wheel placement and throttle control.

[@Bugoutnow589]

YES Sir! The King, is defiantly the mighty DR650. AkA "The Doctor", AkA "BushPig"

[@JustRTW]

AJP PR7? Why does everyone forget about AJP? 600cc, 58 bhp, 49 ft-lb torque, 165 kg, 920 mm seat height, fully adjustable suspension...

[@kimmosuomalainen9945]

3 unicorns in my garage, KTM 690 Enduro R, KTM EXC 530 and Yamaha XT660R. 690 is a hard hitting race bike, and 530 even more so, but XT660R really is a relaxing and reliable bike for all possible uses, from single track to forest roads to gravel roads to freeways. Everything goes.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

yea but heavy n less gan range then klr esp 1st gen n 2nd ,new stil lite at 385dry

[@eliodimacali7077]

I dig the Kove 450 Rally. If they make it a bit more usable for everyday riders - lower the seat height, soften the suspension a bit and make it more supple - they would be a big hit! One future Unicorn perhaps are future models from Ducati, using their new 659cc single-cylinder motor. Would love to see that motor in a Desert Sled or Desert-X platform.

[@MERMBRAMA]

The suspension brakes in beautifully, also is fully adjustible,and there is a low version which is 2 inches lower.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I'm definitely expecting an enduro version of their new supermoto to compete with the 690. It's a good time to be a motorcyclist.

[@briangc1972]

Interesting that you mention the Desert Sled. What would the 659cc offer that the 800cc does not already provide? I own a '23 Desert Sled and I think it is a great on road off road machine. Did you see the video of the Mint 400 race that FastHouse raced the Desert Sled in? That was the previous model, the year after that race they improved the design and made it more off road capable. The 659cc will go into the super moto chassis, it will be an interesting comparison. The real unicorn from Ducati will be their 450cc motocross race bike.

[@Nriku8]

The unique unicorn is the AJP PR7. Absolutely perfect. The Voge 300 rally also outstands the Crf300.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

not smog legal, so swm or klr

[@steveh545]

Maybe mentioned in other comments, but AJP PR7 should be on the list. I had one. Briefly. Tall seat height, but super capable, much in the same vain (vane?) as the Kove. Mostly limited by limited dealers. A boutique bike for sure, but isn't that Kove as well?

[@lynncurtner3486]

Vein

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

For sure a nice bike but hard to get around here.

[@steveh545]

@@lynncurtner3486 lol. Thanks! Was too lazy to google.

[@inrptn]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Also, the PR7 is even "less" street legal than the Kove in the US, as far as I've heard.

[@Richaag]

No mention of the KLR 650?… especially in the U.S. and Canada. My local dealer has 2023 models selling for $4,600 USD. It’s arguably the best value dual sport. I’d also argue there are more aftermarket parts, forums, and dealership support for the KLR than just about any mass produced motorcycle. Hard to believe you missed this one.

[@darinhinkle6186]

Yeah mine was$ 5700 definitely would be better on highway

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

used? od new bout 6-7

[@himydad1499]

I still think the Himalyan 450 is a good candidate. RE sets in high on... ACCESSIBILTY, maybe a category you overlooked. As you know heavy weight is relative and also has its advantages. Where is the weight, how easy can you get your feet down, is it difficult to pick up the bike from the ground, does the weight feels intimidating? These are the questions I ask myself. Furthermore I think the average adventurer justs wants to GET THROUGH as easy and save as possible and actually forget about the bike.

[@tombombadilofficial]

We stil dont have an official price of the Hima 450 so maybe that's why it hasnt been included in the list.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, thje RE lags behind in off road chops in thios crowd, but as I said in last week's video, it's got more than enough for 98% of adventure riders. Definitely looks good.

[@BenoitMarcBernardin]

To me the potential unicorn is in the CFMoto MT(IBEX) 450 (with a twin) -> can't wait to do a test drive

[@BMWHP2]

My BMW HP2 Enduro was 386lbs Dry, but outfitted with the Titanium exhaust and LFP battery it was around 400lbs wet. Light enough (for me) and awesome in 250km enduro races. But, for price around unobtainium. It was my unicorn. Around 120hp and 120nm. On road a good traveler, (a bit small on the gastank)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, too bad they discontinued that bike. If it was still around it would definitely be a contender.

[@AMDP65]

Big bike minute tank😮

[@6226superhurricane]

i'm struggling to understand why you'd put two entirely unsuitable bikes on the list (crf300, klx300) when there is a bike that has more power and torque, higher top speed, same weight, better parts quality, far better suspension, more parts availability, proven reliability and a similar price. the drz400e or drz400s with some upgrades like a safari tank and comfort seat are closer to unicorns than anything on this list. the 690 could be better but it's not cheap, parts aren't cheap and the reliability isn't there. there's a reason why so many people use drz400e's for adv riding in outback australia, cape york and the high country. because they can do all of them and they're all wildly different terrains.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good point and others agree with you. I went with the DR over the DRZ because the DRZ revs a bit too high on the highway with its lower 5th gear. The 300's both have a sixth that makes them more chill at highway speeds.

[@6226superhurricane]

@@DifferentSpokesTV both those 300's rev harder than the drz at highway speeds. that's my point, and they need 6 gears because they've got almost half the power of a 400e.

[@franciscoafonso4992]

You missed the AJP PR7

[@GastivoTbit]

this list is missing AJP PR7.

[@moto_dras]

Would be interesting to know your thoughts on the AJP PR7

[@vilasterrormotogp1419]

I think you miss the AJP PR7 a great motorcycle for people more OffRoad oriented and the SWM Super dual for a more Dual Sport balance. They both Share the same reliable and strong Husqvarna 600cc engine and in the mix both have good protection, Confort and the best Weigth for the Job.

[@StefanMedici]

I miss my 97 Honda CRM250AR. The thing was a beast on and off road. Did lots of day long rallies. Could keep up with the Dakars on the road and the dirtbikes off road. A true go anywhere bike which made me feel like a hooligan every time I road it. It love going down stairs and wheelied at the drop off a hat.

[@Franchas-k1y]

Man I’m from Spain and I cannot be more jealous of u still having de DRZ available. Such a dreambike

[@Kicklighter.A]

Check out the Gasgas es 350 2024. Looks like it’s road ready and had decent service intervals. I’ve got a bad feeling it won’t be available in Europe though, which I’m gutted about obout as I live in Spain too and am looking for a new dual sport.

[@drmechristopher]

You left out the most obvious one, the DRZ 400. As much HP as the DR650, and much lighter, much better suspension, cruise all day at 65mph with power left to pass, maybe the most reliable bike ever built, and more after market products than all the others combined.

[@grinmaul]

did i miss something? Drz 400 not worth a mention?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good call. Out of the box it's a bit under geared for highway riding which the Honda and Kawasaki 300's address with a sixth gear. Great bike though.

[@grinmaul]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I commuted from Scarborough to airport on the 401 back in 2002 on one. it did fine, but ya, long highway rides to the trails did suck:)

[@1CTDualSport]

Excellent video and dialog. I think 400lbs is the magic number. KTM 490 twin looked like the bike before being canceled. I hope the upgraded 390 with adjustable suspension does it and rules as the ultimate unicorn.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Yeah, well it seems any bike Noraly rides turns into a unicorn, maybe she ought to get one of those Chineses bikes. And, how is that Chinese "Sportster" doing? Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@Matthew-zw9su]

I am loving my klx300. Iam on a 1000 mile tour of southern arizona right now and it is crushing it.

[@bushpigtrent]

Great video mate! I roll a DR 650 in Australia with all the fruit mods done, it's my unicorn. Sadly, the DR 650 is no longer on sale here.

[@kevinarmstrong478]

Absolutely right! Right now, if I had t replace my rally or it just became too underpowered or boring I would get the Kove. Nobody has a problem with Chinese parts or engines just Chinese bikes. Looking at the Kove story so far it has obviously been developed and tested by some serious enthusiasts. However I do like the look of the CF moto MT 450. Great looks,all the electronics, crash bars and rack, tubeless spoked rims and a 270degree 450. What’s not to like? Hopefully you will get your hands on one for a test.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

And if these Chinese bikes prove reliable and catch on they may force the other brands to lower their prices as well.

[@AMDP65]

Pricey!

[@briangc1972]

@@DifferentSpokesTV CF Moto has already proven their reliability and they give a 2 year unlimited miles warranty. They have been selling their own products for a decade in the US and every CF Moto dealer is impressed with the low warranty claim rate; comparing it to Honda.

[@briangc1972]

@@AMDP65 Pricey compared to what? Maybe RE, but not KTM.

[@SonOfDrogo]

Seems good on paper. Just like the Mt 650 and the Adventura crap they had released earlier. The smile on your face quickly fades away once you ride one.

[@Adventurous_noob]

I’d like to try a Suzuki DR650 though Tuareg 660 which I currently own is a bike that made me happy.

[@johnjaques342]

Thanks for another great video. 20,000 kms on my 2019 DR650 now. Cogent suspension from Bush Pig made it a keeper likely forever. Too bad you are east and I am west or you could have it for a week to do a review on.

[@CesarRamirez-cn5fw]

the klr650 is the real unicorn and at the same time its a tank.

[@AutoCrete]

If you know how to ride it it can be a great old bike. Under powered but as reliable as they come. Get the radiator crash bars if you think you might drop it. A better under engine bash plate is a must.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I liked the first gen but recently they just keep making it heavier. I've tested a couple and it definitely can't shred single track. I tried.

[@joshblack2362]

@@DifferentSpokesTVskill issue

[@sven3050]

Suzuki Dr z400 ?? nice bike too

[@osifielDoperAtive]

Best tag line is at 09:27… “You’re better getting home on a Honda than a KTM!” I’m off to my Honda Motorcycle Dealer. 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's why we ride Japanese. No surprises.

[@domenik8339]

Be ready to empty that bank account: $7500 for a basic adventure bike with no frills whatsoever. $20,000 for top models.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Dual sport bikes are oil and water in the same container. They can share the same space, but they do not mix well.

[@Lemmingadventures]

The KTM 390 adventure is under 400 lbs wet. $7k, adjustable suspension, rider modes, can cruise all day at 75mph and is incredibly capable off road.

[@briangc1972]

I was surprise he left it out of the video. I bought a used 2020 with 69 miles on the odometer for $5000. The low seat height makes riding off road feel more comfortable.

[@domenik8339]

Add an additional $5,000 for irregular maintenance.

[@briangc1972]

@@domenik8339 ADV Matt and other KZbinrs put 20,000 and 30,000 miles on their 390s with no unordinary repairs.

[@LooxJJ]

There is a legend called Honda XR650R. Dry weight is under 300lb with the legendary single 650 EFI cam engine from Honda. If you can find it, buy it.

[@fredm4793]

Still riding the trails in the AZ Desert on my 600r. Put a Tusk light kit on for the short distance road rides. Perfect!!

[@LooxJJ]

@@fredm4793You sir have a treasure there! Enjoy and keep on riding :D

[@eflanagan1921]

So buy a used or left over CRF450L and Rally -mod it ?

[@YourLocalRaccoon]

Wow, someone talking about the dr650 for once. Nice!

[@adamlanglois563]

Love the dr650. If i was going to buy a new bike im pretty sure it'd be the winner.

[@coolhandchunk]

If you are including the XR650L and DR650, you need to include the KLR650. No, it isn't light...but makes up for it with highway chops and aftermarket support

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The KLR is a great bike but it is 100lbs heavier than the other two and on single track it is quite overmatched. It is good at what it does but has a narrower window of things it does well off road.

[@dannyflynn]

What a good video. In Australia we were fortunate that the XR650R was sold as street legal, and they are still my favourite bikes. However, I anticipate a 701 will likely be my next bike.

[@travishimself1973]

Oil change intervals for the 500exf is only if you race hard enduro. 4x that if just riding adventure

[@MMRF87]

Little suggestion: AJP PR7

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Nice bike but really hard to get around where I live.

[@stephanematis]

I will be headed to the Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport show specifically to check out the Kove in person, though right not a DR650 leads my list.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

I ride a DRZ400S. Plenty of power to entertain even a former semi-pro racer like me, decent suspension for anyone under 250 pounds off the showroom, not excessively heavy, and absolutely stupidly reliable and low maintenance. I originally wanted an XR but they were out of stock and my two nearest Honda dealers didn't know when or if they'd see more XRs so I went with my 2nd choice. I wouldn't touch the Kove with a 20 foot pole. I saw a guy on one at a local hare scramble race and his engine blew up on the first hill climb. He wasn't a bad rider either. He was one race season away from moving to pro-am but he screwed up and swapped his XR650R for the Kove and it cost him a DNF on the first race of the season

[@mikeisland7382]

Still holding out hope to see a CRF600 Rally one day with real 890 style rally tanks and the passenger pegs that seem to be disappearing from new DS models. Thanks for another great video.

[@timmahsound]

would a versys x300 fit this criteria?

[@CaptHollister]

So the Kove is an out-of-the-box race bike, but I thought you were considering bikes that could do it all, so how is it on the road ? Speaking of road use, as a former owner I feel it's worth mentioning that the DR650 has one of the most uncomfortable saddles you will ever plant your nether parts on.

[@mickmazzei8109]

If you have the chance to get a DR650 in your country, just get it. Would be my first choice for a to go around the Wolrd Bike. Here in Germany it is not available so I have a Tenere 700.

[@jimmelino3361]

Cool video but you did miss the Honda CRF450RL - I have a 2022 model with over 11,000 miles split between dirt and highway.

[@CCitis]

Triumph scrambler 400? I personally like some reserve power on the highway. I have used it many times to gas out of a situation.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

If I had the money, the Triumph 1200 XE Scrambler 👍🏻

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That looks like a great bike but I wouldn't take it on a dual sport ride. It's more of a gravel and easy dirt road bike.

[@CCitis]

True, and thats what I want... run up some logging roads, and backroads!@@DifferentSpokesTV

[@Pompomgrenade]

Great adventure bike review 👌 I can't believe you find your Yamaha 700 heavy... I'm riding a 1200 GS... Clearly, the best option is to buy a Suzuki DR650, spend what's needed for personal modifications and GO 🏁 ANYWHERE, affordably and reliably✌️.... The GS eats road miles like it's nothing... But it's a crawling battle tank off road, quickly stuck in soft terrain 💀

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The T7 is lighter than the GS but riding with dual sports at their pace is still taking your life in your hands.

[@louispaulter8733]

The current Kawasaki Versys 300x with solid skid plate is a low price unicorn mc for HWY rides and MILD all road-0ffroad- VERY MILD single track slow speed exploring trails. But agree with UR take on a possible KV500 MC,- K, WTH ???!!! Great reviews / opinions found here, keep up the good work !!!

[@giancarlogiaccone4092]

I had a H 701 2020 - super happy when offroads but I sold It to buy a WR Tenere. In fact one must consider and evaluate honestly how much time is spent in and off the blue roads - this is the core matter of the unicorn concept.

[@EnginIrmak-uw7ds]

U gotta check out the Fantic Caballero 500 Rally but Im not shure if they sell it in America

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Nice to see you mention Kove!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! It's made quite the splash.

[@rienkhoek4169]

Can i suggest the Fantic Caballero Rally? 450cc, 160 kg with fuel, 40 horsepower, 20 cm suspension travel, great looks.

[@AutoCrete]

I fear the China syndrome of inferior materials and workmanship. I'd like to talk to actual riders that have a few seasons of hard off road use on them. My first question would be reliability in the long run.

[@rienkhoek4169]

@@AutoCrete It is as far as i can tell the same engine as the Love 450. They also make engines for other well known brands. The rest is assembled /ade in Italy. Now that is not a guarantee for quality, but I would prefer it over the Kove. Fantic itself has lots of experience in building off-road motorcycles. As far as i know the euro 5 specs have some issues sorted.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice bike and I've spoken about it on this channel before. Unfortunately I'm not aware of any dealerships around me.

[@painsrides]

No DRz400s ??? ☹

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I went with the DR because it was higher geared for the highway.

[@painsrides]

@@DifferentSpokesTV I feel if you're a rider planning to do more off-road miles than on, then the DRz would be a choice. Having both equally set up as a light ADV

[@davidpasquale8498]

I agree with your thoughts and views, it's all designed, engineered and manufactured by people who give us these vehicles to enjoy 😊

[@jnano2071]

I like my honda XRE 300, i know it’s not available overseas but it still deserves a shoutout

[@tru3sk1ll]

For me a KTM 350/500 EXC-F is the true Unicorn, cruise at 65mph on the highway, ride through some of the most technical single track in the world, and hit 100 foot triples I personally don't feel like 250lbs on the freeway makes a difference Just change the tires and you can handle anything 1 - highways 2 - single tracks 3 - motocross tracks

[@machupikachu1085]

I take it there is not a lot of wind where you ride.

[@tru3sk1ll]

@@machupikachu1085 California. And no single tracks don’t have a lot of wind usually surrounded by dense trees. If you mean super cross then no also. I use the bike mostly for single track and roads

[@vrk1131]

I wish for a DR 650. It looks so cool

[@Phaneuf-vi3cn]

Little personal bias but the Klx 230 is fantastic as well but the interstate is a bit scary, overall fantastic bike on and off road

[@ericweber1969]

Suzuki DR650 for me, excellent video overall.

[@dandersonjr]

Since I own a Husky 701 Enduro I agree with you 100%.

[@dixonmoto]

what about the XT660?

[@panic_diver]

Can we get an all black crf600 rally already, or a yamaha enduro with that reliable 700 engine in a lighter frame to rival ktm 690. Its frankly shocking that that we haven't seen competitors for the ktm 690 from Honda and Yamaha yet.

[@JoshSinnott97]

Im in Australia and the only bike on your list that i have access to that interest me are the crf300L and not the dr, but the drz400e. A lot of people who've ridden or owned both tell me the drz is the better choice but it's harder to justify to paying more than a new honda for a 30 year old bike 🙃

[@wilson5377]

Here for the Honda's!😎

[@fishyfish6768]

Back in the 70’s we had bikes from the big four Japanese companies plus, Bultaco, Ossa, Penton, Hodaka, AJS, Maico, Husqvarna, Puch, CZ, MZ, Greeves, Montesa etc. world Championships were won on brands long dead. Crying damn shame.

[@mikelobdell2666]

Really loved my Yamaha 1982 xt 550.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, it's too bad that smaller players get squeezed out. It's so hard to get a motorcycle start-up off the ground.

[@tracker1673]

Among many others I had a Yamaha SC 500 from the early 70's I think? It was blue and had a 4 speed trans. It also had a 2 stroke power band that was uncontrollable. I still have my 1979 XL 500!

[@fishyfish6768]

@@tracker1673 I raced motocross in Japan with a sailor from the USS Midway who rode a Yamaha SC500. He was fast, the bike was crazy fast, but he wore out piston and rings almost every race.

[@jackchitty2401]

@@fishyfish6768 Wow amazing! I would love to see Japan! Let alone ride there. I jumped the chain on mine and cracked the case. I worked on a corporate farm in Oregon at the time where they had 105 circle irrigated fields on 100% sand. There was a full time grader operator so the roads around the circles were manicured to perfection. Basically a drift circle times 100. great times. I could go on and on...

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

The Kove 800 Adventure is the one I’m really looking forward to

[@BruceHoult]

I had an XR600 right though the 90s (and my 30s). Awesome fun off road and doing stupid stunts in the city, but even 100km on the highway wiped me out. Now I have a 250 Rally and while it won't do the stunts the XR could do it will go anywhere, and I find 300 km on the road at 110 km/h (70 mph) on it perfectly fine. The Kove looks cool but the new HImalayan might actually fit my riding mix perfectly and at a great price. But for now the 250 Rally only owes me $4200 plus a $900 suspension upgrade and with 12k km on it has many years of fun still ahead.

[@alanbuller3371]

Although it is a twin, the soon-to-arrive CFMOTO MT 450 looks interesting.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I do like the look of that bike as well.

[@markpearson2085]

Agree the CFMOTO Mt 450 looks interesting. The seat height looks good for me being a bit shorter , you can see how KTM are starting to influence CFMOTO and the quality with both bike being made in the same factory. (Ie KTM 890 range.)

[@Axr24have]

Good review man. As I’ve been watching other vid commentary on some of bikes in your vid, i have to agree with you. Including comments about the Chinese mc. Unfortunately, my politics prevent me from giving that bike any consideration. 😊

[@guillermopezzotti]

I think you should mention de Voge 300 Rally

[@tru3sk1ll]

About 25% of the Barstow to Vegas 500 mile rally bikes were KTM 500s, just FYI, you don't need performance on the highway, you need it in the dirt, spend the money on dirt capabilities

[@Liberum69]

Hm. No Versys-X 300?

[@loskeyler1]

what about xt660 r?

[@MERMBRAMA]

Saved the best for the last?❤ good job!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes! Thank you!

[@joshblack2362]

How come klr650 isn’t on this list?!

[@machupikachu1085]

because they are over 500 lbs...

[@timwhalen4691]

How about a review of your WR

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I'll definitely get there sometime this winter.

[@georgechisholm1022]

What about the DR 400

[@pepebenalua]

AJP PR7, thats the closest to the unicorn that is available right now. But just like you and everyone, we need the 450l rally, any of the big 4 japanese brands could do it. They arent making it because they know it would cannibalize all the other adv bike sales, no one would change from it. Our only hope is these new chinese brands improve their quality to the point they become the new japanese in this decade or the next.

[@MERMBRAMA]

Do not worry. Kove has done it.👍take a try, do a proper test ride and report back.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, the AJP is nice but unfortunately there are not many dealerships in North America.

[@trailtrashgarage]

Here is the issues with the KTM690 and siblings. You touched on 2 of them the price and reliability but there are more if you plan on using it as a unicorn or light weight ADV bike. Although service intervals are good compared to other bikes in KTM/Husky lineup they are still not as good as Japanese DualSports and parts/ maintenance is more expensive too. However my biggest beef is the Steering setup and fuel tank. Steering angle is steep making steering “jittery” or “twitchy” for lack of a better term and steering radius is very limited made worse by the rear weight bias of the rear fuel tank. This combined with a very tall seat height makes low speed and 180 turns on the trails difficult, very difficult if your inseam is on the shorter side. The plastic fuel tank replaces the traditional rear subframe making pannier choice difficult as well as fueling when carrying rear luggage as it will need to be removed to access the fuel cap. Think tank bag on a sport bike but much worse if it’s attached to saddlebags and well secured for an extended bumpy trip… Adding fuel capacity is an expensive affair as a simple tank swap with an aftermarket Safari or Acerbis unit is not possible. There are front Tank kits however they are expensive to purchase and most require modification of the stock airbox intake and/or seat driving the cost even further not to mention complicated “Y” fuel line setups and in some cases a second fuel pump (not an item known for reliability on a KTM). It’s a real shame KTM hasn’t made the 690 more ADV friendly as most in the Dirt biased sphere seem to complain that it and it’s cousins are too heavy for serious off road use and opt for the 500’s you have dismissed instead.

[@TXLorenzo]

I will stick with my Yamaha Tenere 700 thank you very much.

[@shuben6020]

There is still one bike just coming back as T version, the SWM Superdual with 19/17 setup and 54hp. Former X (21/18) version seems unfortunately not to be brought back. I have a T version since 16k km and happy with it. The base is the 2012 Husky TE630 ifi am not wrong. I love that bike with few customize items. Price in EU about 6000 Euros

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The SWM's look like great bikes but in North America dealerships are scarce.

[@johnwillard6198]

Happy DR owner since 08 ❤

[@matthewreid13]

I love my KTM 640 Adventure, but both the 701 and kove 450 sure have my attention.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

I think no such list is complete without AJP PR7 - even though AJP's dealer network is not that great, it is the only bike that can go toe to toe with the 690, the main difference being AJP is already ready to tour, while KTM doesn't have much comfort in that area. And I haven't heard of significant problems, unlike e.g. PR5. SWM Superdual used to have a 21/18 inch wheel version but I think they stopped producing Superdual...? Many other bikes are cheap (i.e. made from inferior components to save price) and visibly so, I call them fishing bikes: They will take you to your favorite fishing spot and thanks to acceptable height and low weight even tricky spots aren't a problem, maybe with a little push... However, even adventure bikes like 790 Adv have their advantages off road which are shown when you speed up. They're difficult when you crash or when you find a big mud bath but otherwise they do really well. They also cost quite a bit more. In general, I feel the dual sport category suffers from lack of opportunities, at least in Europe: Yes, one often can ride off but on "unpaved roads" which vary country by country but apart from muddy places, are not extremely challenging; and in closed off areas enduro bikes with their superior suspension and proper (i.e. adequately short) gearing reign supreme. On top of that, some things do not lend themselves well to dual use - e.g. the gearing mentioned, or tires. There are tires good for off road, tires good for road and tires good for neither - but no tires good for both. Even when you have a 690 or PR7 which are, unlike many bikes in the category, definitely not cheap.

[@giorgibagrationi9271]

why does noone mention kawasaki klx300?

[@machupikachu1085]

you just did...

[@falcn12]

Versys-X 300?

[@davidwood974]

Love the 701!

[@kiio5]

What about KTM 390 ADV? don't u think could be another unicorn?

[@machupikachu1085]

Wayyy too heavy for an off road machine sadly. You're better off with Dr.Z 400. Similar power, lighter, and way more reliable. Cheers!