TEST RIDE the CF Moto450, Honda Transalp and Ducati Desert X

[@jeffarnie]

Along with all the off road requirements, whichever bike you go for, ensure you have cruise control. You had it on the AT so it will be something you will miss.

[@ADVBrett]

Totally agree Jeff!! Cruise control for those longer runs is critical!! That's top on the list!

[@TheStancutler]

Hi Brett, loved the desert x but the other 2 looked damn nice too!

[@ADVBrett]

G'day Stan!!! Mate tney are all great bikes, that Desert X was amazing but the 450MT really surprised me!! Hope you're well!!

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

That Desert X has you reconsidering! I still can't believe you have to remove the fuel tank, to change the air filter though 👎

[@ADVBrett]

And that's what I would like to get away from. I couldn't get to the filters on the Twin, can't understand why manufactures make it so damn hard!!!

[@Radbo_Outdoors]

I was a big fan of the TA but it does need a few things added which brings the price up. I’ve seen a few with some cool suspension mods and high exhausts fitted. Air filter under tank would be a pain though. If money wasn’t an issue the Desert X without a question. But expensive to buy and expensive service, air filter under the tank again too.

[@ADVBrett]

Yeah totally agree on that with that on the air filter!!

[@orionswitness]

The transalp riding modes can only be changed when stationary or going ultra ultra slow. Have just done approx 2500kms on my TA, what you were probably thinking the Honda was missing , is you didn’t have it in sports or user mode , it will wheelie and really get going when you rev it out in sports mode. Rain mode is ideal for commuting , it is the smoothest throttle response . But probably compared to the Africa Twin , it’s probably not quite as good.😊

[@ADVBrett]

Now that explains a lot!! Unfortunately the guys who were looking after me didn't know a lot about the bike. It was a "get a feel and hope for the best" kind of ride! That's great info and might be worth me taking it for another ride at some stage! I have to admit, loved the throttle response, engine feel and clutch, they've done a bloody good job there!

[@Outdoor_Wanderer]

You can change it on the go(no matter the speed) as long as you change and when flashing either pull in the clutch or let go of the throttle. But if you want to change the User traction or ABS you have to be stationary.

[@ADVBrett]

@@Outdoor_Wanderer That's good to know!

[@ADVBrett]

@@Outdoor_Wanderer Just going to binge a few of your videos now too!

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

I love my little 450MT but after the big AT you might find it very lacking in power. You can get a taller seat which I think is 30 - 40mm higher which will help your legs and it's sub $200. I bought upper and lower crash bars, bash plate, tall screen and many other options and it only cost me $1250 delivered so factory parts are cheap as and are easy to fit. I still want the higher front guard and a couple of other things but I'm really happy with it. I've done 1 x 300km day trip and was super comfy

[@ADVBrett]

You're right, I think it may be underpowered after the Twin but it was such a fun bike to ride!! I was giggling so much and how good it was! Wouldn't mind a catch up to see how you're going with it as a long term machine! I saw your latest video is up so I'll watch that tonight at work! Hope you're OK!!

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

@@ADVBrett thanks mate yes I'm on the mend. Limping around without crutches now which is good after about 1 days.

[@ADVBrett]

Must have been a big off, I'll certainly have a look tonight! Bloody injuries are a pain, literally!! My wrist is still giving me a lot of grief, getting more scan done very soon!

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

@@ADVBrett Yes I agree. I've had x-rays done, hospital said no breaks then they sent them to an ankle expert and he confirmed no breaks. The off wasn't big but the bike landed on my foot. I think it was either the pillion peg/mount or the pannier rack which landed on my heel and slid over my ankle. It really hurt at the time and still does. I've just been for a Chinese massage which really helped a few days ago so I went back for more. I have to go back to work on Monday night.

[@ADVBrett]

@@FlatBrokeAdventures Ouch!! I've had a GS fall on me, yeah that's not fun! Will have to try the Chinese massage on the wrist once I know what's going on with it!

[@aussieadvrider]

Great reviews, great video👍🏻

[@ADVBrett]

Thanks Kurt, it was a quick one while at work last night! Certainly well worth those test rides! Might have to do some more with the T7, F900GS and Tiger 900!

[@EddyOtway]

Just did a 3600klm trip on my 450MT, yes the thing revs high but it does it no problem sitting on 115kph on the Hume, I’d go the high seat my ass was sore after couple of hours. It’s great off road but the stock tyres are crap on dirt but great on the twisties. It’s good value for money and my mates were impressed that I kept up with them lol

[@ADVBrett]

@@EddyOtway That's awesome to hear!!! There's a huge demand for them and I seriously think this is going to be an awesome machine for those who are getting into ADV riding!! Are you filming any of your adventures?

[@darrylrich719]

Bring on the Tenere Brett.😉

[@ADVBrett]

Absolutely Darryl, will get out in the next week or two and take one out. Time hasn't been on my side this week!

[@tremorflow3614]

Mulled this over a few months back, between the KTM 790, Tenere 700, Triumph and the Honda TA. Ended up going with the TA in the end. Am an Aussie over in the Philippines, I love the bike, in sports mode its pretty damn good for a 750. My other bike here is a BMW K1600GT, Had a sertao GS650 before the TA. Its mostly my commuter and light touring with the mrs and gear, nothing serious offroad, some sand and Gravel roads. For me the only thing shitty with the bike is the rear shock, replacing it soon. Otherwise I couldnt be happier.

[@ADVBrett]

The TA would be the perfect bike for where you are!! Nice!

[@bradfuller1667]

Go ride the Vstrom 800DE , also a great bike !

[@ADVBrett]

@@bradfuller1667 Will do!!

[@mjonno64]

So much choice these days! Some interesting cross shopping there price wise between the CFmoto and Ducati Desert X!

[@ADVBrett]

Massive choices, would still love to ride the T7 and F900GS, will see how that goes in the coming weeks!

[@mjonno64]

@@ADVBrett subscribed and will be following to see what you decide! Good luck.😎

[@ADVBrett]

Thanks Jonno!!

[@dalegrover7633]

I ordered the high seat at the same time as the bike after riding the demo with it, that extra 50mm adds a lot of comfort too. My std seat has not even had my ass on it, its just sat in the shed now.

[@ADVBrett]

That higher seat will certainly be the way to go for sure. With that, the 450 would be such a great touring machine!

[@randycallow3736]

What a crazy test! Bikes are all completely, absolutely different.. Ducati is over $18,000 US, and has 100+ horsepower.. Honda less than 11,000, 75 horsepower..has Honda engineering and aftermarket, Ducati has 24 months of warranty..CF Moto has 40 something horsepower, brand new design, brand new dealer network, no aftermarket..yet.. just all completely different, put your wife on the back of CF 450, do American freeway speed which is 80-85 mph . that is a test

[@ADVBrett]

Crazy is how we run down this way!!

[@BigDaveTALKS]

Man the Desert X would be awesome but, after owning my Multistrada Enduro Pro, yeah no more Ducs for me. The cost of ownership is above average and changing the air filter is a PITA, if you do it yourself, the desert X is not much easier. You know that's one of the deciding factors of getting my 1290, changing the air filter is so easy. Now that MT450, that looks great and I have been considering getting one also. Does it feel under powered for us big guys? I'm sure it would be plenty for off road. Man I wish we could test ride bikes around here.

[@ADVBrett]

Yeah the cost of the Desert X is the one contributing factor that turns me off it. That and air filter access! I want to do more of my own maintenance so that's a huge factor for me. The MT450 was a hell of a lot of fun and I reckon you would have a ball on that thing. It's rev's high and was just super fun! Defiantly need the higher seat though!

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@ADVBrett I do believe that Duc is like HD as in, they have their target market. When you said you felt like you were sitting IN the bike, I thought that was odd that it was designed like that. I’m sure they will have an optional “Rally” seat like KTM and others. I was at a crossroads with my 1290 BUT, as I am riding it today I have fallen in love with it. If you get a chance just go ride one😁.

[@ADVBrett]

@@BigDaveTALKS I will do that for sure mate! Always loved the look and sound of the 1290, such a beast of a machine but I think my days on a heavy bike are well and truly done!

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@ADVBrett lol, I understand that. After my ride today I still can’t believe how great the 1290 handles off road. I’m still not completely certain about the future of the big girl. Especially with my recent mods to the T7😈.

[@ADVBrett]

I have to admit mate, having the smaller bike has been a blessing! Pity I didn't get to take the T7 for a ride but this 890 looked right in all aspects. Got a first ride video coming up so check that out!

[@RandomRants525]

Howdy. I was gunna suggest the CF MOTO to you last time we chatted. It is a bit small capacity. 500 to 600 would be ideal. But it's light which has to be the biggest consideration. If you were on it for that really slippery mud ride a while ago you would of just cruised past yourself so many times thinking Jeez it looks like that guys really struggling. CF MOTO seem to be a good company with backing from KTM. And it would be the cheapest by far allowing for some good upgrades if needed. Are SWM still around? They are the older Husqvarna clones. They are great bikes. Good suspension. Very light. Cheap. But a bit tall maybe. I'm jealous. Would love to be buying a new bike. My choice, if money was no object, would probably be the Ducati. I mean, come on man, it's a Freakin Ducati mate.

[@ADVBrett]

hahahaha yes, if money was no issue I'd have the Desert X for sure!! That thing was just a beast! You're right about the 450 though, very light, super comfortable and with the right mods will be a weapon in the mud and other off road conditions! I haven't seen SWM for ages, I don't even know if they exist any more??

[@RandomRants525]

@ADVBrett It's just a pity no one seems to be making a mid size adventure bike. It's seems to jump from 450cc to 700cc (The Yamie Ten 7 is even too big. I watched Adam Reinman on his stuck in the mud and if he wasn't super fit he could of been stuck for good. He struggled for hours to get it out and he wasn't loaded with gear just the bike.)They power from the small one's can get almost boring and not the best for long highway miles and the big one's are too heavy (If humans could be honest with themselves). Around 600cc would be perfect. Have you considered converting a bike. Like a Drz. If you get one cheap ya got cash left to mod it exactly how ya want to. I haven't heard of anyone but I'd bet my left nut someone has died out in the bush because they're big adventure bike got stuck or fell over and they couldn't pick it up. Did ya have a look at my last ride. I didn't get to any look outs but I had plenty of them.

[@ADVBrett]

@@RandomRants525 I saw Adam's video as well, mate that would've been bloody horrible!! I'm very select on the trips I do to stay out of those situations, I'm far from the fittest person on the plant so being in that situation, I'd really struggle. I'm in the need for a touring bike that is great off road. I'm also far from mechanical, I never got into that mechanical side of cars or bikes and only now starting to get into it so doing a full rebuild or bike build just isn't something I could do. Plus time is always a factor!! The mid-sized market is something I've got my eye on for sure, just got to keep getting out there!

[@RandomRants525]

@ADVBrett Yes that is certainly a major consideration is the ease of working on and getting parts. I believe these bikes should be the most basic motor bikes you can get but no let's fill them with all the latest techno wizardry to head out into the middle of nowhere. It baffles my common sense brain. If Honda brought the XR650L into Australia it would be a perfect converter. Bullet proof air cooled motor, simple carby, electric start, good suspension and no electronic stuff. Keep going with your mechanical learning. It is a necessity if you go off road or remote. And it can seem daunting but as long as your methodical and use the manual for things ya not sure of. Assembly drawings are worth there weight in gold. Keep it real on the back wheel mate.

[@ADVBrett]

So true with the tech stuff on the bikes, I think everything is becoming electronic wizardry!!

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ducati - agree expensive cost of ownership. You are treated like it’s not really your bike as you have to get the dealer to do every little thing. But a lovely bike.

[@ADVBrett]

So true, the expense in servicing is phenomenal too!!

[@twowheelin7361]

I went with the 450MT to do some bush bashing, cheap to repair if it gets damaged and cheap to buy. Cheap cheap cheap😂 My Ducati SF V2 is another story

[@ADVBrett]

@@twowheelin7361 you're right, she's a great price in this ridiculous economic times we're living in!!

[@ADVBrett]

@@twowheelin7361 you're right, she's a great price in this ridiculous economic times we're living in!!

[@mynxl]

Snatchy throttle on the 450MT?

[@ADVBrett]

@@mynxl yeah I found it pretty responsive

[@RoadsOfOz]

I was torn between the Ducati Desert X and my GS.

[@ADVBrett]

That would've been a tough decision indeed Matt. That Desert X is something else but I reckon the GS is less expensive to maintain!

[@lukeadv]

Try a Tiger 900

[@ADVBrett]

It's certainly on the list Luke! Maybe in the next week or two!

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

If I had to choose between two Chinese built bikes I’d go with the MT450 rather than a KTM.

[@throttleridingadventures]

Ouch why ? Done 45.000 and not an issue

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

@@throttleridingadventures - excellent for you. Well done.

[@ADVBrett]

Even given the news re camshaft issues, I'm still pretty confident that KTM would look after their customers. Both the KTM Newcastle and Hunter Valley dealerships have been pretty positive about the issues. It'll be interesting how the outcome overall is for owners

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

@@ADVBrett - that’s reassuring

[@markuswormann8852]

I still wait for the new KTM 390.Might be very similar to the cfmoto for what I can see on leak photos.That cut be a nice bike either

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

10:19 thats what she said, and she gets my drift. 😅 The TA is missing the Nm that the AT has.

[@ADVBrett]

@@TRAVERSE_ADV hahahaha yessss!!!!!!

[@Jmacfann]

I cant be the only person that want the IBEX platform on 17s and sans about 50 lbs. (450sm)

[@ADVBrett]

@@Jmacfann Not familiar with it, tell me some more!!

[@Jmacfann]

@@ADVBrett I am saying I would love cf moto to use the MT/IBEX 450 platform for a supermoto.

[@ADVBrett]

@@Jmacfann Oh hell yes!!

[@AndyBondo]

G'day mate. Ive had a transalp now for 6 months in France . I've been thru the Alps , Spain and ridden the moto to work every day , rain shine floods snow and ice here in Europe .. after 7000km she hasn't missed a beat. Just know mate, off road , weight is everything. Especially a glam bike like a duke. It's gonna cos big bucks use as intended. A street burst in 5 min don't account for lots. lol . Street bandit 😂 My TA is customised heavy with bash plate. Bars. Race exhaust acherbis tank sat nav rear bag screen accessories spotties high power and she goes thru rivers mud , you name it, and it never breaks down, and doesn't need Gino to be paid 500 bucks for a service. I do it all myself. Yes air filter is harder to change. But it's in a place where it stays clean longer.. Anyway. I'll keep doing what iam doing.all the best mate. Cf moto are having problems with engines. Blowing cams . Shitty Chinese crap.

[@ADVBrett]

@@AndyBondo Best response ever!!! Mate that's awesome! Goes to show that the TA is solid!! Hope you've filmed those adventures because I'm heading over to your channel!! Nice work!

[@AndyBondo]

​@@ADVBrett Na sorry mate. ,just some shitty music and a bit of BS 😂 I will do a video soon Thanks mate.🍻😎

[@ADVBrett]

Good, would love to see some of the adventures!!

[@eriktest9109]

Where they have Problems 😂 You write crap! The Transalp have engine Problems, under 4.000 and the 90hp are real 70hp. Very bad choice, the vstorm make everything better.....

[@AndyBondo]

@@eriktest9109 sick. I thought it was only making 47 HP 🤣 Fuck,,, dealer must have sold me one with a real Honda badge on it!! , not a Chinese KTM copy , made from recycled garbage collections 🤣🖕 Id love to race ya, but rumour has it , you got nothing...