The European Takeover - Why Japan can’t build Proper Enduro bikes …

[@lophophorawilliamsii9740]

KTM is dominating the offroad segment. Which is why we are seeing Ducati and Triumph building dirtbikes now. Kids growing up riding dirtbikes become adults who want a bigger motorcycle.

[@KRANKiT]

100% agree

[@steves5382]

Yup, going Bankrupt now.

[@smiththers2]

@@steves5382 i came here just to say this... KTM is not going to be the same because they screwed up. meanwhile, the japanese bikes are still around (and mostly the same)

[@vxe6vxe6]

The big 4 - Suzuki has lost the plot. Almost every bike they make is powered by the 2005 GSXR1000 engine. Honda has not been the same since Soichiro Honda passed away. Kawasaki has the backing of KHI - Too bad they can't use it. Yamaha keeps building the same thing over and over again. They let the Europeans have the "enduro" market. All of these companies are selling "enduro" bikes in the USA KTM Husqvarna GasGas Sherco Rieju Beta SWM AJP TM You think that Triumph and Ducati are going to stay out of the "enduro" market once their dirt bike programs get going? And you better believe that the Chinese will be making "enduro" bikes that rival the Euro bikes in a few years...

[@josephfriedling9190]

I heard Ducati is building a 450 enduro....?

[@hathaway.1166]

don't worry bro, a completely new electrically supercharged V3 is soon to be in production, the maker? Honda.

[@SKG1941]

Lost the plot ah. Say goodbye to KTM, Husqvarna, Gas Gas, and MV Augusta. Don’t get me wrong. I love my KTM’s and my Husky 701. Those companies are on the auction block any day now.

[@francescoporcari8597]

​@@SKG1941 lost the plot on a technical level. The issue with KTM is financial, and the unsold bikes are mainly dukes and ADVs, not enduro bikes.

[@tdog54]

Says “Yamaha, no e-start?” whilst showing Yamahas with only e-start. Hahaha

[@aaron___6014]

I watched a review of an FJR recently and I was shocked when they said it was a '22 model. I would have guessed it was a 2012. Their bikes look almost 20 years old.

[@rogermty1971]

@@aaron___6014 Sad but true, the Japanese have a lot of chance to gain more market share updating their bikes but they choose to build the same things over and over again. They lost the innovation they had before.

[@keinname629]

No motorcycle company in the world can produce and successfully sell all kinds of motorbikes with top-level technology. For example: BMW never had real competition dirtbikes. Nor did Ducati or Triumph (until now). On the other hand KTMs record of reliable touring bikes is not so great. Japanese brands always tried to offer every type of motorbike for a global market. With proven solidity and reliability. That's simply impossible nowadays ...

[@tieoneon1614]

That thumbnail of the 450RL in the snow with the rising sun is awesome. Motocross is where the $$$ is for Blue, Red, and Green and u can see thats where their R&D goes. And the same platform can easily go towards their GNCC race bikes, cuz most racers prefered modding a MX bike cuz of power/weight. Second, is around 2006-ish in USA a lot of areas to ride started getting closed down, AND emission's started getting very intrusive to their wallet. BUT, these companies are starting to see the value of the small dual sport and they are selling like crazy cuz of their trail bike capabilites and the license plate opens up offroading to everyone again. So, dominating in MX and the affordable dual sport on a corportate level is a wise decision instead of trying to sell a $12k purpose built enduro that might not even match KTM and Beta. I like that these companies all kinda know what niche they own, and continue to improve those models. I applaud Yamaha for the 125x/250x cuz a lot of old school guys appreciate the light weight kickstart. And Honda for putting out the 450L that people immediately put 20k miles on with no issues. And Kawi/Honda improving their 300's. The emissions for new engines is expensive, and they still kept the prices low.

[@KRANKiT]

Fair enough, I do think people underestimate the size of the Enduro bike market though... While I recognise it wouldn't be easy for them to re-enter, it's still a shame to not have them in this game.

[@inrptn]

Not just enduros, but dual sports, too. Other than an ultra utilitarian bike like the DR650 for RTW trips, they are dinosaurs and can't justify buying any of them in 2024.

[@KRANKiT]

I think there are some exceptions, like the CRF300L for example... but yeah, I mostly agree!

[@raedy07]

Tenere700

[@hoodie027]

well, in europa you could buy fantic, which are basically rebranded Yamahas, but thats about it. Imagine buying a new DIrtbike and dont even have a 6 speed gearbox...

[@Max34-l3p]

Only 125s have six speeds. Every 250f and 450f is five speed. Some supercross gear boxes are 4 speed.

[@Mockle07]

@@Max34-l3pHe’s talking about enduro bikes… nearly every enduro bike has a 6 speed gearbox… apart from the Japanese. Every KTM, Beta, TM and Sherco have 6 speed gearboxes on their Enduro models. Not that I think a 5 speed is a big deal, but your comment is 100% in accurate.

[@rogermty1971]

@@Max34-l3p 5 speed? In my experience they all are 6 speed: KTM 300xc-w, 250xc-w, TE 300, TE 250, Beta 300RR, 250RR, Yamaha 250FX, etc. I like Hondas a lot but I think the CRF 250RX needs a 6 speed gearbox because first gear is very easy to stall in slow, technical terrain.

[@Max34-l3p]

@@rogermty1971 i did not know enduro bikes used 6 speeds. The only MX bikes that have them are 125's.

[@phoryanryan6822]

@@rogermty1971 The CRF450X has a six speed.

[@arcotelo5336]

BRAVO & THANK YOU for taking the time to say it. I hope they're listening

[@KRANKiT]

thanks! :)

[@Mockle07]

They are not. They know people would like up to date Enduro bikes but they just don’t care, the numbers involved are tiny for such big corporations.

[@LooxJJ]

My wife's company makes protection wears for sport (its a big company you will all know the name of), and a part of that includes offroad, MX segment - which is steadily decreasing every year here in the US and Europe. Off road & dual sport is a decreasing market - buyers are more interested in simple urban transportations - like scramblers and ADV bikes which they never take on serious off road. Also, 60% of motorcycle buyers NEVER buys new bikes - they only buy used (per insurance companies). So bike manufacturers are not only competing with each other, they have to compete against used market. Thus, Japanese 4 has moved into urban mobility (scooters and smaller bikes) market and also hugely invested in the developing countries in the 90s. To give you the idea, the smallest of the Japanese 4, Suzuki's case: As of 2022/23, their annual PROFIT (not sales) in one major developing market of India matches the entire global revenue/sales figure of KTM. KTM and BMW are so far behind that of Japanese 4 in developing countries that they have to share factories with local manufacturers such as CF Moto / Bajaj in order to break into their markets - not only losing out on profit but also on cost of market as well. So don't worry about Japanese 4 - they know what they are doing and it's not like they don't know how to make a good bikes - they will wipe out KTM if they choose to (they have quality and tech on their side...and huge logistics that KTM will never catch up with). Its just that the off road market (and Sports bike market too) is no longer worth putting lots of resources to when you have much larger piece of pie available to you. Especially true when we have Euro 6 kicking in soon with much stricter access to trails and parks these days.

[@francescoporcari8597]

Using bajaj's or CFMoto's factories implies a production cost reduction. And while I think the growing countries are a huge market, we are talking about premium brand approaches vs large scale economy approach. Each has pros and cons.

[@LooxJJ]

@@francescoporcari8597 If prem branding worked...brands like KTM, MV Agusta, and even Ducati should've not been bankrupt or bought out. Premium branding really do not work in motorcycle industry. Especially given Euro 6 as well as tightening of 2-wheel regulations in developing countries (some countries are outright banning gas-powered 2 wheeled vehicles in city limit). Market has shifted to more efficient, simple, and cheaper options. And cost and risk of prem bike manufacturing is soaring.

[@hoosiertrailrider]

I agree. Although Kawi won the National Enduro Series. Won GNCC races. Yami can win the same. So does Honda. I like cable clutches, carburetors, and Nissan brakes. My CRF450L is 50lbs overweight and needed an ECU, bigger tank, lighter silencer, rim locks, hand guards, and small bits. It is now ok. My 04 CRF250X is perfect just as it is + tank. But I would like to see a purpose built Japanese Enduro.

[@georgeionut300]

Excelent analysis as always. Keep them coming!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@MarkM-ke6cn]

My 04 Honda XR400R is rock solid and reliable...and I don't feel the need to ride Erzberg. Japanese bikes are a great option for dirt muppets such as myself.

[@KRANKiT]

That's exactly what I said... There will always be a place and an audience for these old girls... But that's completely different to the high performance, modern enduro bike market.

[@charliepyle1626]

@@KRANKiT KTM is broke. They built toys for wankers that thought they knew everything

[@Duppavich]

The XR400 is an awesome bike for trail riding. I love all the XR's, that was what people rode before the new generation 4 stokes and European 2-stokes became common 😊

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

They do actually make small motors for the "toys" you referenced 4:10

[@donaldolin7219]

I watch all your stuff. As a lifelong motorcyclist, 55 years in the saddle, I find your productions extremely interesting.

[@donaldolin7219]

I watch all your stuff. As a lifelong motorcyclist, 55 years in the saddle, I find your productions extremely interesting. I live in an area with wonderful off road trails. Old mining roads. Yet I rarely see bikes….mainly Jeeps, trucks and side by sides. Off road bikes seem to be at an all time low. I guess they just don’t carry as much beer and girlfriends as a four wheeler. They don’t know what they are missing!

[@raedy07]

i'd say d CEO of KTM doesn't talk big any more. his strategy failed miserably - byebye KTM 😥

[@Dashriprock4]

Perhaps the closest thing would be a hybrid... Fantic comes to mind

[@mkkiloma3991]

The enduro market is small and it is only ridden in a small area of ​​the world, because of this the big four are not interested. Motocross is a much bigger market and it is worth investing in it.

[@DJSergeotto]

Hey Man , I just found your channel and binge watched almost all the videos ! awesome content man, I'm surprised that you have only16k subs. Those videos are super informative and awesome. As a kind request , I would love to see you make a video on Sherco (history, ownership, production facilities ). Thanks again and keep up the good work

[@Boomer_Dual_Sport]

You know you're going to be finding those candies on your kitchen floor for next five months at least.

[@KRANKiT]

I'm still finding them a week after filming...

[@steelcitytv]

Nothing better than a kick start because you can always drift down the hill and Pop that clutch and get it started

[@Blockbuster2033]

There is no reason why you couldn't do that with an e-start bike. In fact, I do it all the time with all my e-start bikes.

[@neonalon]

And add to that, the amount of times I have stalled a bike where I can easily start it can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Besides in slick conditions the possibility to start a bike like that are pretty slim.

[@FonicsSuck]

Except for when your bike stalls in a puddle or up a hill

[@OtisFlint]

I'll never own another bike without E start. Kickstart is cute in the parking lot, but when you're stuck off camber somewhere or up to your nuts in water, it's garbage.

[@thegreatseprano9918]

You know electric start dirt bikes are manual with clutch too, right?

[@DmitriyAdv]

Another great video! Thanks for discussing another interesting topic

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@kostasjezuz4846]

In an Enduro race near me (Corinth, Greece) there were 12 Beta bikes on the podiums, 7 on the top spot of each category! Hell, there were probably more TM and other small European manufacturers bikes than Japanese bikes on the race!

[@KRANKiT]

yep... that's my experience too

[@robvanduren761]

Those Beta are really nice bikes and deserve to be at the top of the podium

[@chadelz]

I'm from South Africa and Sherco was not something I saw except for in the Hard Enduro, but the other day I walked past one and had to turn back and go check it out, what a beaut of a bike, if I was looking at getting an enduro bike, I think Sherco would be at the top of my choice list.

[@luisquiroga8554]

Look into fantic and bimota they use japanese bikes and turn them into everything you are asking for?

[@KRANKiT]

I will... I've heard some things about these brands, I'd be curious to dig deeper into them

[@benmanning4340]

Fantic use minerelli engines - now owned and made by yamaha. Bimota have all but unfornately been bought by kawasaki - They're just a white kawasaki. A bit like gasgas is now a red KTM 🤣

[@martykath4427]

In Australia you can from time to time buy 450 based japanese trail bikes that make really good adventure bikes too with a big tank and gearing.

[@Biloxiblues77]

I know the frustration. For years I have been looking for a decent enduro and I feel almost forced to turn to less well know brands. Reluctantly! And what really gets my goat that North America is being serviced with good options!

[@thatscrazy4487]

Man, nu știam că ești român. FELICITARI ! Ai unul dintre cele mai interesante canale moto ! In ritmul ăsta și cu o campanie de marketing o să bați FortNine in câțiva ani. Ar fi super tare ca la un moment dat să începi să faci și video-uri IRL cu proiecte de ale tale in stilul care a consacrat FortNine că mulți sunt supărați că ce era odată un super canal de YT a devenit decât o chestie comercială cu review-uri la produse. BRAVO !!!

[@KRANKiT]

Mersi!

[@TransylvaniaEnduro]

Great video 🔥

[@KRANKiT]

thanks!

[@megadawg342]

In 2013 I won the Lazy Sunday SPRING SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP CUP at Pala Raceway in 50+ Expert, and the SUMMER SERIES CUP too. I know a thing or 2 about MX bikes, 4 stroke and 2 stroke. I was racing XR's in desert and MX in the 80's. My XR 280 was a fire breathing MX/Desert monster.

[@jctoth]

I agree with your assessment of Honda. What I don’t understand is why they apparently spend millions of dollars to develop a new Dakar killing bike for 2024 but the rumors are they have no intention of bringing that bike to the public 🤷‍♂️ Why Honda? Why?

[@KRANKiT]

Marketing for the ADV bikes maybe? I don’t know why else

[@josephbentley5799]

Honda will surely use the tech from that bike on its showroom models in the future. Pretty much all of Hondas racing tech makes it down to the street bikes eventually.

[@rookie3846]

I work at a large dealership that sells all the KTM brands, Honda Yamaha, Ducati, and triumph. KTM has the best bikes to ride, but easily the worst, as far as quality control and parts support. If it breaks, don’t expect the parts to be available. Especially if it’s engine parts. Even when things are covered under warranty, they don’t have parts available anyway. Orange bikes everywhere. But no parts to keep them going.. not good for a brand claiming premium prices.

[@jethroboorer2860]

Bro in law waited 18 months for a 350 head. 2 year old bike

[@rogermty1971]

This is why they are going bankrupt

[@Wr450Ripper]

What about the brand new 2024 Yamaha wr450f, ment to be a more enduro set up + electric start and more. What do u think of that bike as I'm seriously contemplating buying it after the new year?

[@grantbowen5047]

Just look at the weight, the bike is a pig. Unless you are just cruising on dirt roads, the Euro brands are the best option.

[@KRANKiT]

I don't want to recommend bikes I haven't personally ridden so far... It depends on many things, your riding level and desires, where you'll ride it, what price you can get one...

[@Wr450Ripper]

@@grantbowen5047 it's lighter than the beta 300rr but obviously heavier than a 2 stroke, I'm used to the 4 stroke weight

[@Wr450Ripper]

@@KRANKiT I'm in the lake District so plenty of green lanes moors and hills but like I said I had the old 400 witch was a lump and had to be kicked everytime so the electric start will help haha tha is for the advice tho

[@dappa4608]

@@grantbowen5047 if your weak a little girly man

[@fmtnic]

I was riding Euro bikes for 10 years and recently bought a YZ250FX. It is better in every way than any of my Euro bikes. The cable clutch is so much lighter than my Beta or KTM and I prefer the feel. The suspension and chassis allows me to go faster and not need to lug the bike in most situations. It's not a hard enduro bike but I rarely ride ride that type of terrain. It's even comfortable on the highway.

[@ktmarty1]

Correct , and KTMs attempt to dominate every aspect of motorcycle competition is now biting them on the arse HARD to the tune of 3,000,000,000 euro to be exact

[@jamescampbell4334]

Japan has ignored the US market too. I was in the market for an ADV bike in spring of '23. Wanted a T7 World Raid or Extreme. None available because these are produced in France Yamaha factory for euro market. Decided to settle on a base T7. These are made in Japan factory for US market. The biggest Yamaha dealer in Texas was HOPING to get TWO bikes in 2023. Looked into a non-DCT Honda Africa Twin, local dealer had a 2022 model coming in, it never showed up. Then Honda notified ALL US dealer's that NO 2023 AT could be ordered. I went to AMS Ducati Dallas and purchased my DesertX. Hey Yamaha and Honda. Ignore your customers and they'll go away! 😂😂😂 The new Ducati single will usher in the end of Japanese dominance in MX.

[@KRANKiT]

Auch... I didn't know it was so hard to get the other T7 versions in the US...

[@jamescampbell4334]

​@KRANKiT Yeah, we're ignored over here. Even base T7s are difficult to get. Local Yamaha dealer told me he could easily sell 5X what he receives from Yamaha. My DesertX has almost 14k miles in one year of ownership, it's currently set up for street riding (dialed in the dampers and mounted Scorpion Trail II tires). It rides great backing into corners, powersliding out, and doing wheelies. AMS Dallas has a DesertX Rally display bike that looks awesome, have a demo Rally coming in a few weeks. I'm getting the Rally for a day while they mount some new tires next month. Just might have TWO DDXs in the garage soon.😊

[@fireye0889]

Around me that was Covid times. Plenty of T7’s around. Even used. Michigan USA.

[@hubertkam7647]

yea honda docent make two strokes for the usa same for suzuki both of them still make two strokes in Europe

[@josephfriedling9190]

Not sure exactly what year it was, I'm guessing 2001, I was at the NYC Motorcycle Show speaking with a Yamaha rep asking why they didn't put some "blinkers" and a horn on a WR 426 and go to town? We had already seen the success (much heavier and less powerful) DR 350 and KLX 300. The Yamaha guy told me that marketing didn't see a demand for it.... KTM, Husky, now Beta etc. thought so. I had a WR 450 for years, would have been nice to have a plate on it (legally). More power, better value, better reliability than the Europeans. I could have bought my father in laws KTM 300 XC when he went to a Beta, but I didn't want to pay for the super expensive parts. I guess the ROI for the Japanese just wasn't there....? Great channel, I have subscribed!

[@s.a.f.r.a6403]

Because Europe,North America and California keep bringing out new ridiculous emissions standards

[@pauln6803]

So they want their population to suffer fewer lung diseases. You wouldn't believe the money the US dumps into healthcare, even with its barely regulated insurance based system! Once upon a time we sent kids down coal mines and covered up the effects on our health that exposure to asbestos and radium caused. Just take a moment to ponder the phrase "Don't shit where you eat."

[@craigmackay4909]

I’ve got a 2003 Suzuki drz400 same as a 2023 one lol.

[@deancooper5513]

Honda was never a two stroke manufacturer at heart which is well documented. The waves of change that modern 4Ts bought from 1998 onwards was a massive corporate upsell to recoup the $$ invested, and really 4T mx bikes began their domination of racing, with exception of hard enduro and trail riders where a solid 250 or 300 2T really shines. Pity Yamaha can't bring itself to relaunching the WR 2T series but at least they still have the YZ125 and 250 so there is hope....you are right, KTM has passion for 2T offroad....whereas the big four have lost that desire.

[@Duppavich]

I'd rush out and buy a new Honda 2-stroke enduro bike if that ever happened. I highly doubt it would ever happen, but I still dream 😊

[@anchinkan]

As a long-time professional in the motorcycle industry with over 3 decades experience with and in Japan I can say: You nailed it! Obviously, you did a lot of research combined with deep interest, thus your holistic approach. Chapeau! You did not condem the Japanese as you appreciate the quality and reliablity. And you mentioned a very important part of Japanese culture, i.e. to be afraid of the unknown, the unproofed, the not-totally-confirmed issues. KTM and other EU-manufacturers do exactly the opposite. As you mentioned, there are people working (up to the CEO) who really love motorcycles and everything which has to do with it. Also, I believe, the EU-manufacturers are so much closer to actual customers´needs and desires. Whereas Japanese manufacturers generally are just a small part of something bigger, industrial. As you pointed out, KHI (Kawawaki Heavy Industries) literally builds anything, from Helicopters over drilling plattforms, ships, robots....plants....name it, they do it. Their motorcycle biz was always (!) red ink, so you can imagine, the development of a real modern offroader is the last issue they are thinking about. And, from the viewpoint of a giant maker like Honda, the EU-market is not so important as we think it is. Yes, the EU and the US are important in terms of selling their technical top-notch bikes, but this is only a small piece of the cake.

[@KRANKiT]

100% agree

[@solobobo2158]

Electric start, better suspension and hydraulic clutch doesn't make you a better rider. It makes for a better ride.

[@Clewis333]

Great video. Maybe if we make enough noise we'll get the 300 lbs Japanese Enduro we all want

[@KRANKiT]

I wouldn't hold my breath... But that would be cool!

[@fredmyers120]

To still not have E-Start 16 yrs after your competitors is inexcusable

[@Risinghaze]

I would really like to see, what you think of the Kove Really.

[@KRANKiT]

About the bike? I'd have to ride one first. I'd love to though. But one day I do want to make a video about Chinese bikes in general, since their evolution these past few years has been quite insane if you think about it.

[@Risinghaze]

@@KRANKiT Yeah about the bike. Even a Video about it would be great. I, for sure, trust you more than one of those big magazines, who never say anything bad about a bike. I sadly only know, that they are sold in Italy and Switzerland atm. And yes, I mean... A lot of mainstream brands are useing chinese manufacturer for there bikes. Like BMW with Voge and KTM with CF Moto. So I think the chinese are going to make a lot of interesting bikes in the future.

[@KRANKiT]

@@Risinghaze I’m sure we’ll see more and more of them. But hey, don’t trust anyone, not even myself. Everybody has opinions, the more perspectives you know the better opinions you can form yourself :)

[@Risinghaze]

@@KRANKiT you are right with that... BUUUTTTTT I see, were you have your expertise from and for offroad bikes I think, having a offroad backround is better then a street one. you know? And u independent :D (I think... and hope)

[@lhurst9550]

Hmmmmm, my '24 WR450F would have to disagree with you. It has a hydraulic clutch, just a $250usd extra option.

[@kyles5751]

Honda doesnt even have the engine sizes going for them at this point. No 650, 500, 350, 200... No big bore dual sport that is also liquid cooled... I miss the Honda that gambled and won.

[@josephbentley5799]

I dont even fully understand the difference between an enduro bike and an adventure bike. It seems to be a very small subsection of motorcycles that dont have the sales to support development and manufacturing. KTM seem to be one of the larger companies offering them, and they are having major financial troubles.

[@Dany_Enduro]

It's good to see another movie with the subject that is interested👍

[@KRANKiT]

thanks!

[@hig4s]

Not sure what you mean by takeover. European bikes have dominated world enduro racing, cross-country, and ISDE since before Japan made dirt bikes. Husky, Penton, Maico, Hodaka, and others were all around and winning since before Japanese bike were even on the market. ISDE since the 20s, and World Enduro Championship since 1990 have had only the rare Japanese team win.

[@MotorcycleExpert]

I wouldn't demonize cable clutches right away. Me and a friend both bought new enduro bikes. I bought a CRF300l and my friend bought a GasGas EC 250. The cable clutch on the Honda is much smoother than the “modern” hydraulic clutch on the GasGas.

[@jimtitt3571]

Because the Honda has a slipper clutch which is rubbish for hard offroad and dies if you go hard on it (like in a day or two), that's why many people install the standard road clutch.

[@dariusindrei3021]

Treaba buna, tine-o tot asa!!

[@MotoNish]

Love to see the Japanese brands make a competitive 2 stroke. Specially Yamaha after seeing what Fantic did to the YZ. That being said you can get a Yamaha with a hydraulic clutch and it’s also standard on Kawasaki X models but then again those are more cross country bikes.

[@globalleomotorbike]

Do not agree that much. Swiss MX and Enduro scene is basically built on Yamahas. And i heard that jeremy Seewer guy is pretty decent. And Honda is one of the greatest forces in the Dakar right now. Yamaha redefined the Rally Touring segment with the T7. As i said, can only agree partially when it comes to enduro/hard enduro bikes.

[@dappa4608]

My 2023 WR 450 is a weapon

[@rlovell383]

WR250F and 450F.... They are as good or better than the Euros. I love my WR and yes, I've owned several from Austria.

[@someonethatwatchesyoutube2953]

No way. My son’s 22 wr250f is awful.

[@hubertkam7647]

what about the Italian Japanese bikes like hm or red moto or vent or valenti

[@stevetaylor9265]

Yup I want one too

[@MLeitao]

I don't remember proper enduro bikes from the japonese, in the past they're all from motocross with modifications, they had good, almost competition dual sport bikes, like honda xr, kdx and klx, It, etc recently honda had crf450l before euro 5, i would like to know how many they sell in europe... You can buy a CRF RedMoto, in some countries you can get a license for the wr450f, and kawasaki i think they will show a enduro lineup. But i agree, the european are better enduro, they are made thinking on enduro, it's different when you made changes to a motocross bike.

[@KRANKiT]

That is a good point... Maybe part of it is also that the Euro competition might not have been quite as strong at times.

[@mattberning13]

Sincere question: do we really want electric start? It adds weight, complexity and expense; and we have to worry about keeping a battery charged and replacing it every few years. Moreover the people who ride these bikes have plenty of fitness for an occasional kick.

[@Average-J-O-E-]

Number one trick., This one's easy, " stay sober ".

[@ItsMe-my7sz]

At this point of time performance (including emissions) and simplicity drift ever further apart. Japan loves simple, which makes them generally more reliable - this used to work, but not for much longer.

[@jordanschreiner]

Fantic yamaha 300 with hydo clutch electric star counter balance and tried and tested yamaha chassis

[@gasdive]

This isn't a new thing. Even 30 years ago the Japanese bikes like the XR600R were good basic bikes, but if you wanted to be right at the front of the pack then you needed to spend big money on forks, a shock, wheels, brakes, tapered bars, hollow axles and more. Or. Just buy a KTM which came with all that stuff right from the factory.

[@richardclegg5853]

This is why KTM's demise is so very disturbing

[@charliepyle1626]

KTM is in recievership, who would have guessed?

[@lucaspeden3727]

what about the Toyota FJ40?

[@worstteammate4377]

In part of the world where european bikes cost 13k+ USD each to own and 150% for every part, japanese bikes rule. Heavier? Sure. Less power? Sounds right. Can you still have fun with them? Absolutely. Plus being more reliable and parts being easy to source. Are these companies thriving on selling bikes to competitors or to average joe consumers? Current status of those companies should be the answer to that

[@micahnuckols5046]

KTM needs to have Japan make its motors. If you don't have the passion and connection to sport, but you have the ability, then pair with someone who does.

[@costofexpansebrain8025]

Only two to consider KTM 690 Enduro R Or KTM 500 EXC-F

[@grantbowen5047]

Cue the YZ fanboys who claim to like cable clutches and kick starting their bike while holding it above their head in an off camber rut on the side of a cliff, haha.

[@KRANKiT]

At least they do it like a "real man" :))

[@mcscotty325]

This video didn't age well.

[@nick4506]

they just switched over to the larger market, dirtbikes just dont make sense for normal people. your money goes way further on middle weight advs than on dirtbikes anyway. like you can get a new transalp for less then a 300xcw and its like double the bike. reely its only the us with tons of trucks, riding areas, and money where pure dirt bikes make any sense. everywhere else middle weight adv crush it. that's where all the manufacturers are and the bitter competition reely is, suzuki vstrom 800, honda transalp, ktm 690/790/890, yamaha t7, Kawasaki versys or updated klr, triumph tiger 800, even aprilia who havent made a new bike in forever made the tuareg, BMW with f900gs, ducati desertX. this is where motorcycling is if you want to do offroad stuff. with the upshot that you can comute to work and ride to the trail without having to truck it.

[@swjd94]

It seems like japan has settled on selling bikes they designed 10, 20 even 30 years ago with minimal change. I've loved every honda and yamaha ive ever owned. They have nothing that compares to my new Ktm. I dont think it would take yamaha much to update their yz250x and bring it up to 2024 standards but they dont seem interested.

[@nickg2431]

The european bikes are very good.I have a 20 year old KTM excf,its smooth reliable and really good on the dirt

[@pagobuck]

not their market, they allready know where the money is, theyre just keeping it to theirselves.

[@Foxhound709]

Who want to r&d a new bike just for europe to change the emissions laws in 2 years. Besides most people cant out ride a crf250l. You dont need a 500exc to ride dirtroads or cross a mudhole.

[@milanvondrich9749]

This is why I ride an XR400😂

[@andrewreebel6418]

This aged like milk.

[@agprime]

Japanese enduro bikes are still unmatched.

[@benmanning4340]

Same goes for FIM S1 Supermoto racing - KTM, TM, Husky etc.... In my opinion the older bikes are far better as they use top shelf components - this was back when all brands were true to their name, not owned by anyone else - parent companies etc.... and not being tight and making things for cheapness - just the best quality bikes that could be produced and to create the best performance for each and every customer - no emissions crap either. The 90's and early 2000's was the best time for all types of bikes - they had the best styling, quality and performance without a doubt. Just my opinion but this is the truth I feel - combustion engine motorcycles today are beginning to go down hill, especially now that electric bikes are coming in.

[@DeadRoman]

KTM going out of business so I guess that didnt go so well lol.

[@The_madman999]

All the Japanese manufacturers make an enduro model off of there mx bikes? I have a kx250X 18 inch rear wheel, suspension set up - lower spring rates etc, different gearing, engine map, skid plates, side stand Has a hydro clutch and an electric starter? 108kg think it is? Basically your video is a complaint they don’t do a 2 stroke

[@MrB1967]

My XR400 is perfect 🙂

[@jonasbaine3538]

Aren’t a lot of Japanese and companies in massive debt?

[@rosucristi]

China is close enough and ready to save us. I LOVE my future Kove 😂

[@inrptn]

me too, getting one next month!

[@hardendurorider]

you should try Sherco first

[@KRANKiT]

Future Kove that you never ordered :))

[@patwma709]

First, it’s that conservative Japanese business management that created this Mike market as we know it today. I’m old and from California and I remember when those European bikes were used in the desert. They were crap. Second, 99% of the people who walk into buy a new bike are gonna be extremely well suited to 10 year-old reliable technology. They’re not gonna be a good enough writer to Apply that extra fraction of one percent and quality you get from latest greatest. Third, your backwards on power and speed. Any rider at a given weight and horsepower is gonna be a better rider at less power and lower speeds and lighter weights.

[@FightFilms]

That “beard”, bro…

[@hardendurorider]

why would you need an electric starter when you have at least 1 leg?

[@OtisFlint]

I'll never own another bike without E start. Kickstart is cute in the parking lot, but when you're stuck off camber somewhere or up to your nuts in water, it's garbage.

[@KRANKiT]

Business idea... 2 kick starts, one for each leg...

[@smiththers2]

and now KTM is in trouble. not reliable enough, and cost too much. its time for the japanese to make some slightly better bikes and take their place back in the enduro and dual sport world (more than they currently do)

[@CyberGasty]

KTM today December 2024.. khm, khm...

[@GrantBattle]

An it’s crazy cuz ktm are going bust and they’ve cornered the market yamaha do the wr range but it’s not a proper enduro bike with all the gadgets an gizmos

[@Nulrom]

This didn't age well. KTM wise.

[@ktkace]

KOve: hehe

[@Nulrom]

This video didn't age well. The KTM and all the brands she swallowed are in BIG trouble. The Japanese economy is still falling, yes, but in a completely controlled way. We have to accept they don't want to sell you enduros cause you are not wanna buy them. There's not a market anymore. They will make a fool proof bike every once in a while but that's it. Take their basic one and upgrade it yourself. It will still be better than a Chinese bike or a KTM.

[@IRLtrolls]

The Japanese focus on the American market. Americans don’t ride hard enduro. We ride MX and trails/dualsport. Pretty simple answers. Americans travel far. 1,000 mile days are normal for us. Most Americans don’t live anywhere near a hard enduro location. It just doesn’t make sense to waste the R&D budget on making hard enduro bikes that don’t sell in the USA. I can flip this and say, how come the Europeans don’t make any decent long distance touring bikes? How come you never see a KTM 1290 with more than 50,000 miles? Why is every post on r/KTM a nightmare of their 890s cam shaft burning up and KTM corporate not honoring the warranty? KTM dominates hard enduro but they hardly make a splash in American motorcycling overall

[@gonzalog7351]

You are missing the elefant in the room Euro normatives killed fun and cheap dualsports/enduros. Now bikes are expensive and have unnecesary aids... meanwhile you are allowed to ride horrible and giant SUVs

[@groverw7507]

What better bike for the dirt than a mx bike? Put a large tank on it.

[@KRANKiT]

Other than motocross? Literally any other dirt bike :)

[@AlexBuznik]

Stark Future)