Races to Places Special Feature - All you wanted to know about Basil Bike

[@advmatt]

Lyndon, I like your dad's voice over work. It is more personal and his comments about you are more meaningful. Don't change a thing. You can't make everyone happy. Race on!

[@whitedrguy6503]

It often makes me wonder why KTM never made the 690R enduro into more of a Basil Bike, bit more like the 640 in style. I often think the 690 R is a little lost in what is actually designed for, to heavy for an enduro and lack of fairing and bigger tank for some serious mile munching not to mention expensive for what is a dual sport- trail bike. Glad I have a photo of the black Basil from when he was in Melboune. Cool scooter Lyndon. 👍👍👍👍

[@lyndonposkitt]

I don't think a market is there for that price point and capability for KTM to be that interested. They also have to meet certain EU legislation which mean certain aspects are no longer possible.

[@anthonymalfino1]

Love you Lyndon. You are my hero

[@WrongWayRound]

I probably watched this video more than 3 times

[@kkooloo5781]

Background music is at perfect level. Hello from Northern England

[@bluesagebrett]

That is the most perfectly constructed motorcycle I have ever laid my eyes up! Bravo!!!

[@stevec-b6214]

from my trials riding days I know how important preparation is, you have taken it to an incredibly high level. KTM must be worried you are going to get snapped up by a competitor marque to develop their off road bikes. Never mind that - you could build your own from the ground up!!

[@tsikomarvin1641]

Thanks Lyndon . . . Very happy with your content. Good luck

[@YachtiAT]

Very informative and sympathic made video. Thank you Lyndon.

[@UTPP]

It's a work of art, I thought my bike was beautiful.

[@MrDrivesafe]

Thanks so much for sharing all of that. Really an incredible build. So much attention to detail backed by thousands of hours of testing. Amazing motorcycle 🏁🌎

[@thebubaloomonkey]

Great video as always. It's brilliant to see the level of detail you have put into the bike, driven by relentless r&d. It's a masterpiece. Everything done for a reason and to the best possible standard. And I really appreciate your last message. I have been inspired to build myself a budget adventure-rally bike from a cheap Yamaha enduro bike and I am having a lot of fun doing it.

[@jamesbramblett3346]

I love to hear you speak LP! The words coming out and the bloody British accent👍

[@charliem5332]

Class viewing for a wet Sunday morning. Cheers.

[@Thumpermad]

Really enjoyed your comprehensive review of Basil Bike mate thanks heaps you're a true Champion Lyndon cheers mate happy trails

[@williamwallace4787]

very informative, always wondered about the difference between the bikes

[@mithunkartha]

Hi Lyndon. Binge watched most of ur vlogs. Best wishes and safe travels.

[@folxam]

Great overview, though skipping the clutch slave (and other things, I imagine), this is not your average KTM apparently :) I would sometime like to see you fixing a puncture, I'm sure there's a trick or two in there on how to take off and mount the tires.

[@ipman5418]

I've been waiting so long for this video man! Cheers. Awesome job on the video and what an amazing bike. 🤙

[@FrancoisPeens]

Thank you for the detailed overview of Basil

[@twopoke]

I love the fact that yes.... It is expensive but its no pub poser! Used..... Hard.... And loving it!

[@lyndonposkitt]

Srad Steve True that, nobody can say he’s a garage queen. Built for purpose and used exactly for that purpose 👌

[@stevec-b6214]

@@lyndonposkitt That sump guard has taken some hammer!

[@bertrandls]

Say "carburetor"! ... "cabuwetew"?.... LOL love your accent Lyndon! Cheers!

[@yorkchris10]

That's really a broadband adventure bike. A Postie bike probably has the same bandwith, but lower power.

[@avvida]

Great overview, thanks Lyndon 👍

[@mototrailz]

Thanks Lyndon. Very informative from an experience motorcyclist.I wish you would have talked about mousse...because i know you use them.

[@jpwerth8610]

Would love to see you do a proper video series showing step-by-step of completely tearing down, cleaning/replacing every bit and piece and rebuilding the bike!

[@lyndonposkitt]

It's all in my series Races to Places. I think I've shown everything from Engine rebuild to tyre change in there.

[@wipperwils2111]

If you’d like to sell Basil Bike to a Canadian, I’m your man. Very inspired review amigo! Thanks for sharing.

[@arjakmitra]

Yes we never know when we need pick up some chi**, I mean local for some help haha ! BTW brilliant video. I have seen your 2020 dakar and previous one in Malle moto. thanks for the inspiration, big fan.

[@UnleadedApe]

Great video Lyndon, I've just picked up a DRZ400S to "adventurise", I chose based on a lot of what you have mentioned (simple, easy to fix/maintain). I think it'll perfect once built for my skill level and short height!

[@woodly1069]

Love it Lyndon! Basil bike rocks!

[@stevec-b6214]

Eats rocks!

[@TheSweetasanut]

Brilliant Lyndon thank you

[@johnburgess5534]

Great informative video. Stay safe. Himalayan John currently on lock down.

[@jasonearles9789]

Love it! More power and reliability. I especially like the gearbox set up. Most bikes are either geared for slow technical stuff and not highway speed‘s or they’re geared for highway speed and not the slow technical stuff. We all want the best of both worlds (from the factory). BMW GSA is geared well but too big and heavy for a lot of riding that I like. I currently have a T7 and love it but I wish 6th gear were a little higher. I’m still need to do more with the suspension.

[@CS_247]

Basil is such an awesome development of what a proper long distance race bike should be. Thanks for showing us around! How much to build me a bike?!

[@lyndonposkitt]

We have built around 27 bikes now of various specifications. Currently we have an identical bike available on the web-site at the moment here: lyndonposkittracing.com/product-category/bikes

[@AlexGossett]

Really enjoyed this one.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Fantastic review Mate

[@NateSail82]

Dude very awesome, thanks for this.

[@jimbob67]

On the subject of chain life i noticed it looks like you run with a cush drive? Something that is easily over looked when converting off road bikes in to all round adventure machines. great video love your attention to detail.

[@lyndonposkitt]

Very true!

[@danpoczynek]

if you ever get a chance come on over the USA and ride the TAT ( trans America trail ) from the Pacific ocean to the Atlantic ocean

[@alcatrazrider]

got to work that one over the w-e, many thanks.

[@tanmilne]

I would absolutely love to ride a bike like that and see how it handles compared to my KLR ;)

[@thebenphilip]

loved the video

[@C_R_O_M________]

I think I saw a similar bike (in white trim and Enduristan stickers) in KTM Basil when I stopped to replace a chain in my 990 Adv R back in 2012 (was it?). It did catch my eye but I spent a lot more time looking (and listening to - they fired it up for me) Cyril Despres's actual Dakar bike that was kept down in their garage. P.S. I bet my Carbon fiber/Kevlar bash-plate is stronger and much lighter than your aluminum one. I have smashed it on very steep steps with my 990 Adv. R and bike and me (275 lbs - 6'10") weight a lot more than you and your bike and the bashplate did its job perfectly and didn't flinch. It's 12 layers of carbon and 4-5 layers of Kevlar (a bitch to cut) in between. It's virtually bulletproof but extremely light. A very nice DYI project that I copied from AdvRider where we both used to lurk.

[@lyndonposkitt]

That bike was a 690 Enduro, not at all the same bike, just had the same tanks on it and visually looks similar. Sweet, your bash plate sounds like the bomb! 💪 Come back and let me know how it's going after 235,000km around the world, mostly off-road and 9 International cross country races. My carbon one wore through 3 layers just from the stones after 50,000km behind the front wheel. Alloy was the way to go for this, super strong, durable and long lasting as proven. It doesn't matter how thick you bake the carbon, every impact / stone strike deteriorates it. I've proved this time and time again. Sure we use carbon for my race bikes, but they always need replacing eventually whereas the alloy one is still going strong.

[@toine0002]

Loved it

[@dusdroadadventures7978]

Hi Lyndon!! Appreciate all your hard work. Looks like a 525 chain?

[@lyndonposkitt]

DusdRoad Adventures 520

[@LorenzoMiguelVillalon]

Mind blown. Thanks for sharing! Is your rear hub running a cush drive?

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

yeah woody's wheel works make their own

[@danpoczynek]

Lyndon can you do a video in detail the road book and what all the symbols mean and the color felt pens you use and why

[@salestaylormade5303]

Lyndon, you had a number of issues with the rocker arms on Races to Places. Have you addressed the rocker arm issues in your tuned engines?

[@patrickcavanaghkilmartin]

Hi Lyndon. Enjoyed that. Why do you ride with a white number plate & how do you get away with it?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Patrick Cavanagh Because as soon as you are out of Europe. None of the countries even know what a standard license plate looks like in Europe and really don’t care. Rode with a cardboard one for months, no issues 😂 This one is just printed and laminated cos I lost it.

[@patrickcavanaghkilmartin]

@@lyndonposkitt Thanks for that.

[@badbadgerretiredinthailand]

awesome

[@cyclhed]

Lyndon, how does this bike compare to the new 790 Adventure R? Have you ridden, and is it similar?

[@ianferrier235]

Thanks Lyndon that was very interesting. Do you think ktm will take some of mods and apply it to the 690? I.E. Drive ratios.

[@lyndonposkitt]

Ian Ferrier I doubt it, they want gear ratios that work in other platforms like the supermoto for example. Making another variant for mass production is not desirable. They want less parts, more usage across platforms.

[@ianferrier235]

@@lyndonposkitt thanks for sharing that Lyndon, really enjoy your videos 👍👍

[@MALBACHinc]

I got a 690 enduro with 4000 kilos used bike. The problem is it burns oil. until I find out through the service sticker that the previous owner put in Rockoil 2t into the engine oil. The oil gone after about 2000km ride (when i checked through the looking glass). Did another oil change, and now it burns 250/350ml oil for each 1000 km. Now clocked at 8400km, 1000km until next service. For daily use and highway cruise, Which oil is purposely made for the bike? Motorex Power Synt or Cross. Both 10w60 P/S : Rex is the reason I like bought the Enduro. Lightweight, power n hopefully long lasting

[@bboyserga]

Hello Lyndon. Fantastic video!! Could you answer one question about the fuel system. Are you still selecting from which tank the Mikuni fuel pump is pulling fuel from? Or is it pulling fuel from all 3 tanks at the same time? Thanks. And thanks for great content.

[@lyndonposkitt]

bboyserga You can choose whatever you want, front, rear or both. 🤙

[@bboyserga]

​@@lyndonposkitt Very cool. Thank you for the reply.

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Really enjoyed that overview Lynon thanks for that, one question though why do the silencers mount with springs and not clamps?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Andi Archer Because they have a rotational spherical mount, that way if you crash and hit the silencer it doesn’t damage the inlet.

[@krishampton7060]

To run the Baja designs head lamp do you have to up grade the charging system at all ??? would love to ride one of these bikes, amazing. 🤙🏻

[@lyndonposkitt]

Chris Ha No, they draw less than the stock lights.

[@philipharris2095]

Lyndon, this attention to detail must be the BAE in you 😀. What’s your opinion on Flexx bars?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Honestly I find they remove too much of the front end feedback from the bike. I like to be able to feel everything and stay connected. I think more of a trail riding thing for comfort personally but sure they work well for what they are designed for.

[@philipharris2095]

Lyndon Poskitt Thanks Lyndon, can I ask if you have ever upgraded your water pump? I have looked at Boyesen and upgrading the hoses to Samco. I am looking to take my Husky FE back over to the desert in California, it did struggle with the heat last time. Cheers

[@mattevans7150]

Lyndon, have you ever let any of the KTM factory riders have a ride on, or look over Basil? Given the amount of personal changes you've made, I wonder if there is anything that you have done that is actually an improvement on the factory team bikes?

[@jamescurtis1168]

I was going to ask this question. Great minds think alike ;0)

[@lyndonposkitt]

No but if I were them, this is what I would want as my ultimate adventure bike however, they will likely have to stick to their contracts and ride new production adventure bikes to help promote the brand. Like we have just seen Toby Price doing the launch for the 390 Adventure. Same reason KTM never really got behind what I did, they told me they wanted to promote the new 1190 and such but I didn't want to ride that. My engine is very similar in specification to that used by the Factory Race Team back in the day, they also used 732cc. My engine is more for long distance riding, more aim for torque and reliability and long distance riding and not racing (hence the gearbox) and a lot of my modifications are for reliability / ease of maintenance, something Factory Riders really don't need to worry about as their mechanics will fix it for them. The frame modifications are really only there for longevity, I don't think they would put enough hours on the bikes to warrant a lot of them.

[@mattevans7150]

@@lyndonposkitt Makes sense. Thanks for the reply. Shame that KTM never got fully behind what you were doing in terms if your long distance adventure. I know they helped in your Dakar adventures (where rules permitted) but I always thought it was a missed opportunity for them not to back you more fully.

[@onemilemore541]

Since you basically ride everywhere, have you had to change jetting for elevation and such or simply find a middle ground and call it good enough? Great video, thanks Lyndon!

[@lyndonposkitt]

I never change the jetting, I did a lot of work at the start to get a good baseline that runs a little lean at sea level but safe and a little rich at altitude but with zero issues. I rode the whole trip with pretty much the same jetting and from from -500ft to +16500ft and never had an issue. Did exactly what it needed to do.

[@Harlamish]

Any whistles and bells, just pure adventure! I like it, but sure, not everyone can use it! by the way? What range do you have with all this 31 litres of fuel?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Up to 600km, depending how you ride and the terrain.

[@advdebo4832]

What do you in terms of insurance on normal face to places adventure riding? Do you pay per country on arrival or does a worldwide policy even exist?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Per country if required but if it's not mandated I don't bother. Of course 3rd party only in most parts of the world.

[@advdebo4832]

Lyndon Poskitt thanks! Great video and definitely given a lot of food for thought regarding fuel system.

[@motorbikeglobetrotter]

Super nice video. I really appreciate all the fine detail you give. I own a 2019, 690 Enduro R. I have more than 70 000 kilo on it. I buy this bike to be my around the word bike. He is so funny to ride. But I have a main concert about the engine for a RTW bike. Maybe you could help me. The engine is 12.8 of compression. How can I ride RTW when I get poor fuel quality ? I know some will tell to bring octane booster... But I have enough to cary to not want to carry those can. So do you have a real answer on that, because KTM, has nothing to give to me. My other small question is about suede on your seat, is that slippery when there is rain on it ? Thank you again for your great video!

[@TomiG1975]

Hi Lyndon. Why dont you use a chain oiler? Thanks for your answer

[@blooskyy7]

Very interesting indeed, there's a ton of custom super high tech which I imagine is extremely expensive, does KTM do the R&D?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Blooskyy What parts are you referring to?

[@SM-mk2wh]

Great vid Lyndon, how many miles has Basil done ( i may have missed it sorry ;) ) keep up the good work.

[@lyndonposkitt]

Steve Murgatroyd Over 200,000km

[@SM-mk2wh]

That's a great testament to your build ;)

[@LouKayne]

Hey Lyndon, I'm looking into buying a 2007-2010 KTM 690 Factory Rally or a 2011-2013 KTM 450 Factory Rally. Are there still available stock spare parts around for these older bikes?

[@RiseRyder]

man, you should hook up with a manufacturer and make a production bike to your specs.

[@davidgreene217]

What make and model wrist watches do you wear or mount to your bike in a race or trip?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Casio G-Shock in Africa haha

[@davidgreene217]

@@lyndonposkitt I am trying to figure out what model G-shock watch you wear from your videos?

[@Davidkxf]

How many of these Ralle Bikes were produced by KTM?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Davidkxf About 300 I think.

[@Davidkxf]

@@lyndonposkitt Quite rare then.

[@greatfallskam]

Hi Lyndon, I don't see this long neoprene seal savers on your store. Where do I find those and is anyone at store with COVID-19 to ship out to USA? No rush. I have a 2018 KTM 690 Enduro R. I assume you have to remove the forks to slip them on or do they have some kind of velcro zipper. Thanks for video. Be healthy. Kam

[@lyndonposkitt]

I'll get them added for you, yes we are in and shipping every day.

[@simonlanc1]

Lyndon..are your front fork neoprene socks a universal fit?...and you sell them?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Yes and yes, we need to add them to the web-site but plan to do it in the next couple of days.

[@BackHurtsBad]

Where can I find the LPR 732 build video that you show in this video?

[@sm-ov1wh]

Lyndon do you have any of your old bikes that you want to sell !! 😉 I am interested

[@vic321344]

I just do not understand your childish fear against the EFI. You carry a laptop, a smartphone and a drone. Your Bike already has electronic ignition, and you even carry a spare. And you already have a fuel pump installed. You can buy a GET EFI, carry the original as spare, together with a TPS and an injector. Thats it. You dont need the electronic ignition anymore, The EFI does it for you. The manifold is lighter than the carb, has much less parts and you always get the right amount of fuel and thew right timing of the spark, you can switch between ergonomic drive, which will give you much more Miles per gallon or race mode, which will give you all power available. The spares are lighter than the fuel you spare on every refill. A clogged Injector can be cleaned on the road with the inbuilt fuel pump. Much easier than a clogged carb. The filters are available in rewashable versions. You can even change maps on the fly with your laptop/smartphone. For example if you get extremly bad fuel with low octane. The EFi always tells you, if something goes wrong. The GET Efi can directly communicate with your smartphone via Wifi. And you even get a traction control. Which you can adjust with a small dial at the right lever. The electronics are extremly sturdy, built in Millions of units. Sensors are Standard parts, built in billions. Worldwide it is much easier to get spare TPS and injectors, than parts for an exotic carb.

[@compprufus]

Looks like you know what you're talking about. I myself am going to do some boring and installing larger piston and not sure the stock ecu will take it into account, though I know of I guy who did just that, with even larger volume and he got a performance increase, without any hassle with ecu swapping. However we can agree that rightly programmed ecu is the best. So I looked around and found Microsquirt, Speeduino, Haltech and I guess there's more. Problem is plug and play ability to an engine 15 years old, but I guess it can be done. Money wise, no problem at all getting Haltech, actually I'd pay a fortune for the smallest possible ecu (weight and space), though it has to be water tight (and I am not sure about that with speeduino, but it's a diy afterall, so probably anything can be done). I looked at the GET EFI and as much as i looks good it seems to be only for specific bikes. Maybe they can be hooked up to wide amount off sensors and such, who knows. One thing is for sure. There were days when companies making big bore kits were using carburators for their ease of use, but the days are gone and developement made some progress. I wouldn't be worried using a carburator, but I guess it would be pretty involved too to adapt any carburator to the existing engine, pretty much the same ordeal as getting a throttle body wider in diameter (and having all the bells and whistles as TPS, idle actuator, possibly even MAP) and slapping it onto that damned engine.

[@jasondodd6525]

Are those bar end weights on the handlebars if so which brand?

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

same rim sizes as a XR650L methinks. Or close anyways. Mn...

[@Rebelgium]

You just cost me a lot of money.

[@IDHPI]

What are the sides bags that you are running ?

[@lyndonposkitt]

Enduristand Evo Prototypes, available this summer. I'm pretty sure it says that in the video.

[@jonathanmeehan4400]

What sort of price are we looking at for the 732 cc engine?

[@Lewiseyers]

Have you ever "tried" a rear mousse

[@lyndonposkitt]

Yes, please watch my video about using mousses, it explains.

[@Lewiseyers]

@@lyndonposkitt ...yes I watched it before buddy, ..I just wondered have you actually tried a rear mousse.. how long did it last if so... For your interest I ride a husky 300i on mousses... A 1290 s.a.r on tube less motoz tyres... I'd love to get the 1290 on mousses ..lol

[@espenlangnes8664]

can you use the wide gear box system on the new ktm 690 enduro r models. 2019-->

[@lyndonposkitt]

Yes we supply them for the newer engines and already have a few customers with them.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

how do you get on with insuring the bike with so many mods?

[@WrongWayRound]

How much does it weigh???? The most important question no one asked yet! Looks like you didn't spare anything including lots of spares that weigh a-lot!

[@excequer]

Anyone know where he routes his crankcase breather?

[@jmfcmf]

What is the price for a bike like this?

[@davyboycolon530]

Just curious why KTM is it sponsorship or are you just a KTM guy ? Cheers

[@lyndonposkitt]

Davyboy Colon Which other manufacturer builds a bike to this specification? Answer, none. There’s your answer. They are the only manufacturer ever to build a bike so capable in the first place, without any modifications. Starting with anything else you are already far behind.

[@davyboycolon530]

@@lyndonposkitt thats what i figured ... i own a 690 duke n love it so i know what you are talking about ..

[@lyndonposkitt]

Davyboy Colon I also have a 690 Duke with a 774cc motor in it 💪

[@davyboycolon530]

Lyndon Poskitt reason for the first post was cause a bought my first ktm less then a year ago based on your videos and love it so much I barely ride my tiger 800 ... I’ve been a triumph fan for years and now the tiger gets ridin maybe once a month ...

[@BoxOfGod]

Where in hell can you get shock spring rate of 120?

[@yannikoloff7659]

I know that this bike have radiator mesh installed wrong

[@lyndonposkitt]

Please explain how I installed it wrong, this would be useful...

[@andeanrider6355]

Cor these KTM have alot of problems.