Don't wait for tomorrow's UNICORN motorcycle

[@tracythorleifson]

“Time waits for no one.” Words to live by, Solid. The joy is in the riding, not the bike. Over the many decades I’ve been riding I’ve ridden all sorts of bikes, from big ol’ cruisers to dual sports to dirt bikes. Every single one of them brought me joy. Just as there are no bad dogs, there are no bad motorcycles. Enjoy ‘em all! 😃

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Amen

[@jamesdumas6602]

I'm 71 and have been riding since I was 14. I still ride a 14 year old Harley Electra Glide Limited and a 16 year old KLR650. A new bike won't make you happy. It's all a Marketing Scam to part you from your Money. All these new bikes are Way Overpriced, making all these CEO's and Shareholders millions $$. Instead, go out and pay cash for an older low mileage bike. Do NOT buy anything brand new, they're artificially priced why too high! You'll be proud of yourself riding, modifing, and maintaining your older bike. Buying and trading-in ever few years will keep you in the poor house. Buy used, and keep em for life.

[@caleroby9483]

Lotta truth there. 🤔

[@jakeviolet2195]

A few years ago I went to a dealership to buy a new DRZ400. By the time all the fees and shit were added up, the OTD price was gonna be around 9 grand. So I popped open Craigslist and found a barely used one that was three years old with only 400 miles for $4,500. I rode that bike for several years and put about 12,000 miles on it, then sold it for $5,500! I had done quite a few upgrades by then, so it wasn't exactly a profitable flip. But I did get a lot of use out of that bike for a very low investment.

[@Frank-xo7zj]

I'm 60..and that's exactly what I do...thank you for your honesty..I'm hoping others will read and apply your experience.

[@bradleybaker8894]

I’ll add that a dream bike can be more than it seems. It has a downside. Instead of riding I was spending more time cleaning it. Also, I didn’t do things I normally would have because I didn’t want to scuff it up or possibly scratch it. When it did show signs of wear and tear, I hated that. I’m talking about something that nobody but me would notice. Then I spent money I normally wouldn’t to return it to pristine condition. I was always worried about someone stealing it or getting bike jacked. I eventually sold it for what I paid for it and moved on to a different type of bike and my attitude change to them being something I use. Less headaches and I enjoy riding just as much without unnecessary concerns about the bike.

[@ktmtravels3727]

Learn to look after your bikes yourself, too!

[@WyDave]

You are spot on #2, making memories, which ties in to #5, time waits for no one. Riding with my father in the mountains is something I'll cherish forever. We started with Honda CT70 & Trail 90. No Hi-Tech, no power; but man-o-man did we have FUN!!! Ride what you have (or is available) right now. As Solid said: you can always upgrade later.

[@samhill3496]

6 is most important. It doesn't wait, it flies by like a tornado. At 68 I know. Got a lot of new great toys. Health is a major issue. Time flies after 50. You can't grasp it as you can when younger. I enjoyed all my life as I wrnt. Glad I did. Got a lot more behind me than in front. I never live or hardly glance in the rear view mirror. Don't let life get in the way of living. Twist the grip. RTW

[@steveh545]

Amen. My wife says enjoy our little house now, can build dream house later with big garage. I tell her, in 10 years I might need a wheel chair ramp, not a big garage. Ride while you can, while you’re healthy, while you want to. No one knows what the future will hold.

[@steveh545]

Doh…typo

[@jameslast3192]

These reasons can be applied to life in general! ❤ I’ve been putting off buying my first bike for three years now looking for that unicorn, about time I maned up!

[@Liberty4Ever]

The road to Hell is paved with missed opportunities. You've missed riding for three years. :-(

[@jameslast3192]

@@Liberty4Ever true but I’m not dead yet. I was saying I’m aware of the lost three years and now I’ll crack on. No need to be negative and rub in the lost three years.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@jameslast3192 - My comment was intended more as a commiseration and not a criticism. I wasn't riding throughout my 40s and 50s. Typical excuses - family, work, responsibilities.... I bought a G310GS small ADV bike for my 60th birthday and I'm back riding, enjoying life and making memories. I hope you get a bike soon and have great times riding it.

[@DavyRo]

Very true mate, jump in & enjoy what's there

[@keithralfs5190]

I'm 78, ride weekly 200-300klms I ride a Nemesis400 (XR400 based clone) so much fun and pleasure, built my first bike from bits in 1959 - Any bike is better than no bike - its the shear pleasure of being out there riding

[@willyd-adv]

But tomorrow's unicorn is finally here with the 450MT. Literally everything I've wanted from an adventure bike for 15 years. But yeah I've also had over 35 bikes in that time too 😂

[@chroniclesofsolid]

That is many bikes!

[@slakk5093]

I'm considering it too. Finally a decent seat height (i have a wr250r with upgraded suspension and the seat sits at 920mm) for longer cruising, and tubeless!! Pity about the 200kg kurb weight tho

[@jakeviolet2195]

Communists don't know how to build a high quality vehicle... but they sure can write a spec sheet!

[@mauriziobruni5728]

@@jakeviolet2195 They used to say that with laptops, smartphones, high tech in general. Do I have to go on?

[@Whatreally123]

​@jakeviolet2195 have you paid attention to how good Kove has been doing in the Dakar? We normal people will never oush a bike to its limits like a Dakar. I think Chinese can build high quality stuff as well. More than the product itself, it will be the after sales service that'll be the issue,

[@bradleybaker8894]

Excellent advice. I’ll add that for two seasons I had a bike that initially I wasn’t crazy about. It turned out to be reliable and I had a lot of fun and have many great memories from riding during that time. I had so much fun having a bike that summer rather than not having one and waiting for something I thought would be more fun.

[@lonewolf7519]

Dear Mr Solid - I totally agree with everything you say in this video! So wise, so true, so spot on! Cheers to you! 👍🏻

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate👍

[@georgedenman8820]

I’ve got the best two bikes I’ve ever had and I still go to the dealership to see if there is any thing better . It just the way bikers are 😁

[@ComfyDadShoes]

This is really well said. While I did spend a good bit of money on impulse buying, I eventually found my way to bikes (bike) that was my version of a unicorn (dr650). My suggestion to riders would be to practice honesty with themselves about how/how often they’ll use the bikes they want. Sometimes want gets in the way of real world use.

[@NZCycletherapy]

I totally agree Solid, when making my decision on which bike to buy to get back into riding after a decent stint away I could not make up my mind as it seemed I needed at least 3 different bikes to cover all the different riding I wanted to experience. But with limited funds and time (family) I just had to jump in and buy the best compromise I could think of (WR250R) instead of waiting any longer, and I’ve had no regrets.

[@drd3816]

Just bought a Triumph 400X today ! Loving it

[@akaxe77]

I bought one too. How do you find it at the top end highway speeds. I find it fizzles out of speed at the higher end. Great to potter around in the city though.

[@drd3816]

Mine is not broken in but zero vibes below 100km and at 120km its a noticeable vibe [but getting better as it breaks in] so i ordered the 15 tooth counter sprocket that fits on the Speed 400--if needed i will add a new rear sprocket later with 2 less teeth so that i can sit at 120km no vibes--i love it but ya its low geared but shouldnt be an issue to resolve @@akaxe77

[@pedropin2]

I had a few bikes (CB500, CB750, Z900) and I always knew I'd end up in trails/advs. My dream bike is a Triumph Scrambler 1200 but there's no dealer/shop near me, it's expensive and not practical (exhaust/heat is a pain!) ... I went for the T7 as an overall practical, fun, nice looking, cheaper and with good mileage bike and I'm impressed of how much it suits me and how much I like what I do with it! ... Ideally (NOW) I would keep the Z900 and buy a Scrambler 400X for city and off-pavement, but the T7 is awesome!! I'm glad I made that decision because I do everything with it, it's cheaper than having 2 bikes (taxes - in Portugal is a luxury to have a bike over 750cc, fuel, insurance...)

[@mikef3300]

I’ve been lucky enough to hold onto a few bikes I’ve owned over the years. A 1995 Harley fxstsb springer softail. A 2004 Suzuki GSXR 750 and a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. They’ve all been very reliable and great fun in their own ways.

[@Yourfriendwasmagnificent]

A close friend of mine died unexpectedly a few years ago, aged 50. Time waits for no one and our time can be taken away very quickly. Buy what suits you best today and ride the guts out of it, you can always upgrade later. I'll stick with my trusty ol Drz400e but I love seeing the new bikes coming out. Cheers again Solid👍

[@williamhudson3208]

Well said Solid. Excellent advice. I am fed up with dealerships and manufacturers. Take back control. A 5 year old good bike is still a good bike. Hope the family is well and the weather good. It’s grey and February here. Regards William.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Will, it’s pretty dam hot 🔥 above 40c regularly at the moment.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

🙌 💯 Spot on with the final point Solid. You can always get more money,, But you can't get more TIME!! 🤷‍♂️

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Well said

[@davidcauchi2837]

Greetings! Bloody good advice, I have had a lot of bikes because the use of my ride changed; As I have gotten older I am now doing more Touring Duty with minimal off road use; So yes, get a bike now, build up the memories and the skills development and just enjoy being on two wheels....David...Adelaide.....Triumph Scrambler & MG V7 Stone...touring

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers Dave 👍

[@Weltbummler23]

Yup theres some near unicorns already available: klx300, crf300l, drz400, dr650, crf650l, and enduro 690R… get one and enjoy til they finally make a modern 400-500cc dual sport under 320lbs wet. I chose the dr650 and very happy with it.

[@suzyamerica4679]

Truly, as a new rider, I wanted that performance dual sport that would not only be amazing on dirt but able to do long highway pulls. Wasn't until later how I learned these things are mutually exclusive -- and so some of the best advice anyone gave me was to pick up a little 2stroke that would be crazy fun in the woods and not cost a lot. Hence the KDX220R, which turned into the bike to learn techniques on (more safely) before taking them to bigger bikes.

[@stretcht7]

Good advice, well done.

[@Picklerides]

It took me a long time before I settled on the 300L. After building confidence and gaining experience I would like to get something a little bigger with more highway capabilities. I thought about getting the T7 but to me, that might feel a bit big for the offroad in my area. Now that Honda announced the XL500T, I think that will be a better bike for me and my riding style. I am definitely not stuck as I will be keeping the 300L until I buy a new bike so I can still gain more experience and make more memories on the 300L! We have snow here now so bike it stores for the winter which makes me even more anxious to get out and ride lol! Cheers good sir!

[@stevenleslie6911]

Totally agree! Just ordered my new unicorn! 🦄 time waits for no one.

[@gregweeks4980]

Oh COS, you are throwing out some wisdom, my compliments. Texas on the prairie

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate. Western Australia (the Texas of England)😅

[@drifterdave01]

I do believe you can buy and plate the unicorn in Australia: The PR7. You don’t need to take it to a dealer if that’s too far away. Do the maintenance yourself.

[@gavincarey1736]

Good Solid advice for bikes and life in general 😊

[@mrsilbo6499]

Wise words, Solid. As long as you keep it affordable, just GFI. I see you use the same chain lube as I do - the can on top of your toolbox!

[@clivedarwell5732]

Should I wait til someone releases a non top-heavy middle-weight twin ADV with lo-tech? 🤣

[@monsterboomer8051]

I waited for CRF 250L. Then Covid happened. Then CRF 300L was announced and I was not able to get my hands on new one untill mid summer 2023. Three years wasted.

[@monsterboomer8051]

BTW during that time I thought KTM 390 Adv will be the unicorn. No, it was not. Today I am super happy with my Honda CRF 300L.

[@flyovercounty1427]

Interesting thing is: the more I ride the bikes I already own, the better my “wrong” tires work, the better the “wrong” standard equipment works, the more comfortable I get with what really needs maintenance etc etc

[@shanea60]

Great advice 🤩

[@JCrozier1]

Right! the bike you are more likely to ride is the one in your garage currently. But I want them all!!!!!!! The unicorn is going to be ready soon. I just know it. ;)

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

Best to stop chasing the mythical Unicorn! One bike is never enough Solid...!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Don't I know it. I am currently on my longest stretch with only one bike due to an expensive crutch goblin. Missing a 2nd, 3rd and 4th bike!

[@Jonathan-L]

And for those people who have taken chroniclesofsolid's advice ... don't worry about the cost of owning your bike. Yes, tyres are expensive ... but how many tyres are left on our riding agenda? For me, I'd say 10 more rear tyres ... probably about 4 grand's worth. I just pay up and shut up. Same for fuel, insurance and registration. Just enjoy the time of your life now, and don't say "I will do it one day when I can afford it". Enjoy what you have, wear good quality comfy gear, sleep well, eat well, keep fit, avoid risks and keep on keeping on :)

[@tysonmacmillan5527]

I think we can all agree and say we're waiting for a fuel injected drz with a wide ratio 6 speed, come on Suzuki!

[@skaraborgcraft]

Still riding a bike from 1981...... waiting for something better to come along. On paper at least, a Voge 300 ticks many boxes.

[@762851]

Ajp pr7 seems to be unicorn(ish). At least in EU.

[@alien_marksman]

The best bike is the one you have right now.

[@kai-uweoch1159]

Most important reason for me to buy what I want, whst makes sense to me and what I csn afford TODAY, is that Infon’t know how long I will live. Life can end any day.

[@andrew390]

100% Found out 2 days ago that Beta Alpine 4.0 will not be released in Australia. Yesterday bought new Suzuki V-STROM 250SX from dealer and booked 5 day ADV ride in April. Done!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats mate🎉

[@Liberty4Ever]

Related New Bike Issue: Don't make a down payment on any shiny new gotta-have-it thing in the belief that you're at the front of the line to get it when it's available. Psychologically, it sort of half scratches the itch. It feels like you bought something, but you didn't. It feels like doing something, making a decision and committing to a purchase, but all you did is tie up some money on a very one sided deal that is not in your favor. Either you put down money to reserve the first new bike at whatever ridiculous markup the irrational market will bear, or you made a down payment with the agreement to purchase at MSRP, and the dealer will hold your money until they've sold all of the bikes they can for more than MSRP, so your down payment reserved the right to buy the bike for MSRP at the same time you could have bought the bike at MSRP while preventing you from buying from another dealer sooner. Keep your money until you can buy the bike, and you'll get a better deal paying cash at the time of negotiating, rather then giving the dealer your money in advance and losing that negotiating power.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Absolutely nailed it mate

[@stoicwarrior346]

Good advice, I'm waiting five years now but also realise that financially speaking that bike is further away.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

I would like a Voge 300 but doesn't look like they are coming to Australia. Have to stick to my CRF300l

[@thefathippy]

The only time you should think about waiting for a unicorn is when you already have something that makes you happy. Otherwise, buy something that will make you happy and wait. The answer is always buy something that makes you happy. Happy riding is always good. I recently bought a bike that really makes me happy. It's mad fun to ride, and does almost everything I need, but is it *my* unicorn? No, far from it. *My* unicorn has a lower, more comfortable seat and a greater fuel capacity. A bit more travel would be nice with that lower seat, and how about using cheaper 91 fuel? My unicorn will weigh less, have tubeless spoked wheels, and decent engine protection. Obviously it will have cool, switchable electronics. I could go on. IF my unicorn is ever made I'll go buy it. In the meantime, I'll enjoy what I have. I'll just modify some bits to make it suit me better and happily keep on fantasising! 😂

[@mikelobdell2666]

There is always the chance that you're going to buy a brand new bike the week before they announce a big upgrade. IE you buy a klx 250 the week before they announce the new model will be a klx 300. Then you feel pissed, off but such is life. The manufacturers don't give us advance warning.

[@4tech69]

I would actually wait till 2025. Gonna be some big shake up's in 2025 for most brands. But if you can't wait then absolutely do it!

[@mickleblade]

Stay shiny side up? Well, I've ended up in a heap in the mud a few times, nothing shiny showing! Good memories though

[@Fabiantrim]

Hi I been watching your channel for a while now and been loving it. As a keen trail rider in the UK, having bought a beta 300rr beginning of the year and loving it. I have been saving for my first adventure bike so I can do some longer distance road/off-road riding and occasionally carry a pillion. So being that this video is saying don't wait for a bike but when I have enough money these will be available. I feel the bikes I have closely been following is the Himalayan 452 and CF Moto 450mt. I'm open to other suggestions but from what I've seen swaying to the CF Moto. Not to sure when it will be available in the UK though. What would you suggest? Thanks

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hi mate, I’m speaking specifically to people who are waiting on a bike that is just a rumour or has not been officially confirmed by the manufacturer. Both the bikes you listed are officially confirmed and well on their way to reaching showroom floors. Nothing wrong with waiting if you have a plan and the bikes are legitimately coming out 👍

[@InternetzVideoz]

Saddle time and growth of skills will likely change what your dream bike will be and how you use it. Get out on affordable bike that hits 90% of your criteria. Bikes can be upgraded, and your new skills may warrant a different bike. If you can't get your dream bike within a year, you may need to reassess.

[@BroadwayT660]

It's in the name of the channel, SOLID. Solid advise ! Ride a pig is better than not riding at all !

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Agreed 👍

[@tonymarsh8436]

Hmm. Live in the moment. Yep.

[@dr.x4050]

Motorcycles are very different than computers. A new CPU or GPU video card may be only 1 year away with twice the performance. That means it's usually a good idea to wait unless a new generation just came out. Motorcycles update much less frequently, and the updates are always minor compared to computers.

[@arnoldsalazar9392]

I dont always agree with you... but I love your content. keep it up

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate, nothing wrong with differing opinions. Be very boring if everyone did.

[@gabbster4096]

Solid arguments!

[@take5th]

Every time I complain about an aspect of my DRZ, and think about a $13k investment to replace it, i realize I am thinking about it from the saddle of a bike I am used to, paid for, 80% of what i dream about, and reliable and cheap to own/run as a rock. I also seek out unspoken faults in new bike reviews, or see issues with bikes I hard were great only when a new model comes out….so much noise. Then I am happy. I also own a 1998 Sportster….so I’m a keeper, anyway.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Yep, the amount of dicking around it takes to get that new bike just right 😅

[@juichi8361]

I have this dilemma glad I found this video.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hope it helped 👍

[@billcotton1551]

At age 70, number 6 rings true with me, but all the reasons are correct.

[@ktmtravels3727]

I think the manufacturers don't build the Unicorn because it's a different bike for each rider!

[@algee8228]

Great advice Solid! Maybe I should pick up a currently available DS (KLX300?) and not wait for the new 390 ADV.

[@espacef1fan]

That’s a hard call as I feel like the new 390ADV will be more Like the MT450 than the KLX, which is to say unicornish.

[@algee8228]

@@espacef1fan Yeah the 390 is really where I think I want to be. How long to wait though?

[@espacef1fan]

@@algee8228MT450 and the new Himalayan are basically here now. Both have done overlap. That said the KLX has always been an outstanding bike capable of a lot, and is available now. Just know if you are cross shopping small ADVs with it you need to think if it as a blank slate you’ll need to add your own parts too

[@malcolmnuttall3165]

Dead right mate, use what you have now, for me it's my modded KLR650 that's serving me well.

[@houseofroos]

“Don’t waste time waiting for a unicorn.” Seems like that’s all you do. 🤔

[@xpusostomos]

If you've got a good bike, maybe you can hold off upgrading... Otherwise, just go for it.

[@sandrider1406]

I am still hanging out for a WR450R………I may be dead by then 😂

[@DavidKD2050]

Don’t agree 🤷‍♂️. If you can wait do wait. There will be much better options coming over the next few years. I’m not saying don’t ride in the meantime, which Solid is unambiguously saying. Ironically I have however for personal reasons, done what you Solid, recommended, two months ago I bought a brand new wee, VStrom 650. I’m enjoying it very much. I want a lighter bike, the unicorn 🦄, but I don’t see my unicorn 🦄 yet. The new, when we finally get it, Ktm 390 adventure, is going to be the closest to it. However at the end of the day with equivalent fuel load, there’s going to be roughly a 30kg difference. Is that reduction in weight enough of a benefit off road for me to accept the reduced comfort and capability on-road? I really don’t know. And I’m not buying the gen 1 new engine 390, I’m not that brave 😂.

[@motobro1998]

Still waiting for a 30/35 hp crf 300l that can just do a little better on the highway :')

[@smiththers2]

I would let go of my drz if they Honda made the 300l into something a bit more powerful. I don't want a race engine but something in the 400-450 cc physical size with less peaky power and a bit more torque. Until then the drz is going to stay lol

[@algee8228]

Versys 300?

[@motobro1998]

@@algee8228 hmm yes something like that but on the honda :')

[@trevorgodfrey5745]

Solid advice

[@claretbuck1882]

Solid advice bro 👌🏻

[@chroniclesofsolid]

👍

[@TheAnnako1]

Yeh still not buying Chinese

[@OldDirtGuy]

Unicorn new bike? For me that is something off of Craigslist. I refuse to buy a ride by wire bike so the new bike market does not exist in my universe. That and I'll take a carburetor with my two stroke dirt bike thank you.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Sound advice

[@alexjson]

There's always a newer better bike coming out. Obviously if a new bike you want is coming out in a few months wait but otherwise buy what's available now

[@bigjoe4020]

all valid good points but you forgot the most obvious one....Unicorns don't exist so waiting for it is futile !

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😆

[@Nordkapp65]

Well I'm waiting , for a KTM 690 twin , my pocket is thanking me for that decision, as that bike may never come

[@kevinarmstrong478]

Isn’t it fascinating that the main buyers of the klx 300 is people with more than 20 years experience it seems older riders often like small light and simple (I certainly do) I don’t think there is a unicorn for everyone mine at the moment is a CRF as I commute and like a bit of rock- hopping on the weekend when I traveled I had a GS. Both of which whet my ideal do everything bike at the time. And yes If someone made the perfect bike next year I guarantee someone else will make a better one the year after that’s just capitalism!

[@razorwired130]

But..., But...., But... the GS1400!!

[@trd4d]

Well, that was a waste of 4:46 of potential riding time.

[@JamesJacobson-ov4ps]

This is shit advice. You should wait. Why? Because the economy is about to crash, and car and house and motorcycle, and camper….I think you get the point. Everyone is going to be selling everything to scrape together some cash, and you will be able to pick up toys at half price. Just wait

[@stoicwarrior346]

Thats a good point, the only drawback is which I have observed most people that are owning bikes are pretty wealthy so not many bikes in circulation.

[@Jonathan-L]

@@stoicwarrior346 Yeah, it makes you wonder how many bikes are in captivity in garages, never ridden and the owners (or their spouses) don't consider selling them to let someone else experience something special.