Ultralight ADV - 20days/3200miles solo on a KTM 350 EXC-F (Mosko Moto R40 packed, tools, gear, etc)

[@d.Cog420]

Thanks for this Chris Miksovsky, have researched further and bought a few of the items you carry. Much appreciated. To add...women's pads are light, thin and very absorbant for oil, gas, blood spills; visor wipes; Active Duty insect repellent and sunscreen, small bottle, does it all, not the best for your skin but effective for short trips and camping; Seal Skinz socks if you're doing lots of river crossings; a couple of big stainless cable ties for the hot areas, you can cut to size; eensy weensy spray can of WD40; a couple of pre-rolled j's for sunsets and if it all goes really well, or really badly.

[@nosherz]

Wow, a lightweight, manageable adventure motorcycle with a very compact, unobtrusive luggage system, yet every eventuality is covered, so the rider can make any repairs & also be reasonably comfortable on a long trip. It shows there's practical & better performing alternatives to the huge overweight adventure bikes, that can invite troublesome situations off-road, especially when travelling solo - great video.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

no the seats arent comfy n to light windy indesert but doable

[@MacawAviculture]

Finally an adventure bike that is rideable, light, and setup for any terrain designed! You built an awesome example! I live in remote CO and ride a 2017 KTM 1090R for fast pavement rides to beautiful and easy off-road adventures. My 2023 KTM EXC-F is perfect for technical and difficult local off-road rides. At 73, and having a Macaw family that I love, my rides are completed in one day, but having two dedicated bikes designed for on/off-road riding, life is good! Thank you for sharing your adventures Chris!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks, and glad you enjoyed it. Safe travels.

[@stevejames9510]

Great break down of your kit!!! I like "real life" vids, no fluff, just facts!!! Good stuff.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Steve James thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Safe travels.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thank you for this very informational and aspirational video. It's always good to see how someone else does something. That's more true when it's someone who just logged a 3200 mile trip of adventure riding. I picked up a few good tips! I'm an older returning rider with a bit less adventurous adventure motorcycle intentions (G310GS instead of the KTM), but I'm coming at this from an ultralight hiking and camping perspective, and I like to keep it simple. I try to select items with multiple uses. I bought 50 feet of 3.2mm Kevlar cord that has a 1200 pound breaking strength. It's overkill for general lashing and clothesline duty, but it packs as small as paracord, the high melting point is exhaust friendly, and I can also use it to tow another bike or wench a bike up a steep incline with an improvised windlass, although the mini pulleys you have look great. I have a machine shop and resin 3D printers that can make structural parts and I might try to make a set of ultralight but strong pulleys. If I know I'll be traveling where there are trees, I'll take my Hennessy Hammock. It's ultralight, provides a great night's sleep, has a rainfly that covers the bike, has mosquito netting, and can be used as a camp chair when cooking or lounging around camp. My tool roll isn't much larger than yours, but like you, I have a mountain bike pump instead of an air compressor. Sure, it's time consuming and tedious but it requires no electricity and is more inherently reliable. I looked up the model you have and it looks very nice. I bought a Blackburn from Amazon. I have a few ultralight stove options. 1) MSR Whisperlite International. The heaviest of the options but it uses unleaded gasoline which I always have on the motorcycle, and it has an adjustable heat output which is good for simmering. 2) My hand made alcohol pop can stove is 0.3 ounces, is surprisingly durable, and there are no moving parts so it's extremely reliable. I could made another on the road if needed. The yellow containers of HEET fuel additive are available at almost all convenience stores so fuel on the road isn't a problem. Alcohol doesn't vaporize well below 40F, but I don't like riding and camping in cold weather anyway. 3) Solo twig stove and mating stainless pot. Burns twigs or pine cones so fuel is readily available and doesn't need to be carried, although that's more of an advantage on an extended hiking trip. Soots up the pan and there's some wood smoke, so clothes have that camped in smell and the smoke isn't as conducive to stealth camping, so I'll probably go with one of the first two options.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like you’ve got a fair bit of experience and know your gear. For what it’s worth, I do think you could sell a few machined lightweight e-pulleys. The Root Designs company that made my titanium pulley set went out of business and it does seem like some people would pay for a nice set of durable but lightweight rescue pulleys. I used Spyderline cord with mine - incredibly strong and still light. Safe travels!

[@blancolirio]

20 Days!! Outstanding Chris! See- you can go indefinitely with the right setup and good weather. Juan Nevada City, Ca.

[@trailwayfilms]

Great video, I just returned from a trip through Spain on the tet, similar packing and also used the mosko 40. I was on a crf450x which was perfect, although I have a ktm 530exc r that I think may be better suited as it has a 6th gear. So many people told me it was the wrong bike but I know I can get unstuck if I'm on my own and I'm having more fun in the rough stuff Long live the ultralight adv guys 👌

[@bmwlane8834]

I love the small containers that sort of can lock together. Amazing product.. Love your compan!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks for your support!

[@somewhereonearth3049]

Now i know who exactly the owner of human gear. Sir i've been used your product for the last 3 years its great and really good! Thanks for making it.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Hi Somewhere On Earth. Yes, they let me out of the office and workshop sometimes to test gear and come up with new ideas. Ha! I'm glad you've got some of our gear and that's awesome it's been serving you well. There's a lifetime warranty on everything we make, so certainly let us know if you ever have issues. Safe travels!!

[@richardbarnes455]

Nicely equipped, Chris. Thank you. I remember carrying baleing wire and nylon fishing line 60 years ago!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

My pleasure. Those are both classic repair items, even today. Zip ties are pretty handy, too. Safe travels.

[@bergdude102]

Great breakdown! Can't imagine why anybody would thumbs down this (must be moto haters)... Would love to do some solo moto camping on my Berg. Trying to find the balance between lightweight and just enough; looks like you nailed it! And your humble attitude about "promoting" your company makes me want to buy/support you even more.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks. Yeah, don't understand the haters but whatever, seems like most people enjoy it. You should definitely do some solo moto camping - just great. You'll find the balance that works for you after a couple trips. Lots of personal preference in terms of comfort, weight, type of riding, etc. I tried not to turn it into a commercial but I think every designer should actually use the stuff they design to see how things work in "the real world". Safe travels!

[@truenorth7598]

That was real solid, Chris. Smart choices. Quality, carefully selected gear. I took some notes on things to adopt. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@lucreintjes154]

Thank you for taking the time to show us what you pack. This helped me to prepare for my trip. Thanks!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Cool. I’m glad it helped. Have a great trip!

[@SujeetKumar-yg4fn]

Really amazing way to carry all required stuff. Lovely. Enjoy the ride...

[@agee8322]

You have some brilliant countryside over there - you are very fortunate!

[@grzegorzgrotkowski6575]

...down to the size of San Francisco burrito 🤣👍 Nice, honest and straight forward. Good one. Thanks 🙏

[@borkfork3163]

Great comprehensive video. Always like to see some innovative tools like you have.

[@kiwiadventurer]

Well worth watching, thanks Chris you have a very capable setup

[@mr.bs1482]

Dude this is awesome! Love the just easy going and very informative video. It’s just plain normal! Even the parts where you are getting the stuff out of the bags.Thank you!Down to earth presentation of the gear that I may want to get for my sons and I!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks. It was pretty off the cuff so I’m glad some people have found it useful. Safe travels!

[@danielshown2045]

Incredibly clever gear choices

[@jasonperry1444]

No stone left uncovered Chris, very thorough great vid 👌

[@billhand9330]

Wow great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Love the details on what you pack. I’ve got to get some more adventurous friends like you. I’m down here in Orange County California and have built a 2018 Beta 390 RRS in very similar fashion to your bike. But so far haven’t found anyone who wants to go on three and four day Moto camping trips. We have an over abundance of Fairweather Harley Davidson riding guys around here..... oh well the search continues for other old fart adventurous souls. Bill H

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad you enjoyed it. It does take time to make these so it's nice to know some people find it useful. Yeah, hard to find people with similar availability, skills, riding interest, etc. That's why solo is sometimes the best/only way. Safe travels!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Living the dream... Thank you. Very informative and real. 🇺🇸👍🙏🍾

[@twowheeledsmurph]

Thanks for the shout out to your company. Off to MEC to pick up a smurf blue fork/spoon set. Cheers

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Right on. The Duo is a great utensil for moto. Lifetime warranty, too. I think you’ll like it. There’s a gray version of blue isn’t your jam.

[@salqubeq5203]

Feedback: great video and good job. Like the way you open everything and show the details. Thats exactly what the viewer is looking for and can then the info becomes useful. i learnt a lot. dont worry about the shadows or one handed operation. your video delivers on the core which the viewers want. keep up the good work. maybe in the future you can make a video and do a checklist of items to carry for a solo adventure trips so others can just follow the list itself. Cheers :)

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Sal Qubeq thanks and glad you enjoyed and got something out of it. Safe travels!

[@armadilllo]

The knipex pliers are the best, I carry 3 in various sizes, you can fix anything with them

[@leakylewis66]

Thanks for a no frills insight into your ADV set up.. Brilliant stuff 😁

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Cool. Glad it was helpful.

[@returningtoearthtv8836]

What a great overview of your incredibly light set up. Everything so small and useful. I’d be keen to hear about that rack system you are using. THanks for all the well laid out information. I’d say you nailed it with the one arming video technique!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad you enjoyed it. The baggage is by Mosko Moto - it’s their “Reckless 40” setup.

[@muddysidedown]

San Fransico burrito… 😂 awesome! I’ve been using the Klymit Static V2 sleeping pad for the last two years, it packs small but still provides enough comfort, although it’s threshold for warmth is above 0 degrees Celsius, at which point I would build an insulation layer of leaves, branches etc. beneath my ground sheet/tent, and it worked just fine. You’ve got a solid pack going there my friend, some awesome tips. I’m in the process of building my 2020 KTM 500 EXCF for some long distance backroad exploration next season. Thanks for the tip on the Knipex pliers, GAME CHANGER! Muddy side down! GnU

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Sweet. My next bike may be a ‘24 500 (some big changes coming I hear to that model year). The Knipex stuff is amazing - I got the smallest one and it’s still big enough for an axle bolt if ever needed. See you down the trail.

[@R2robot]

Me when I thought you unpacked everything: Wow, that's a LOT of stuff! Chris: in the last two bags .... Me: THERE'S MORE?!

[@jeffreyudovic9395]

Another ADV rider who jams Tycho - Nice!

[@l3ulldozer]

Might be the only one on youtube to put a 48t on the rear of a 350, glad you like it. I know they come stock on the 500's, ordered one last week for my fe350 to help with the high rpm's on the street with 14/52 setup.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

I run a 52T for singletrack, but this trip was much more open road and some pavement, so the 48 made sense. My bike came stock with a 45 (probably for emissions).

[@riendetout8812]

This was not at all what I expected but I learned a lot! Took notes for things to add to my own packs.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Cool - glad you got something out of it. Safe travels.

[@Lowdown13blues]

This is very inspiring ! It’s sad there’s no more videos posted on this channel.

[@chrisbee4702]

Nice set up! See you on the trails!

[@SWFlowseeker]

Thx for taking the time. Looks like a great time.

[@Motoseaner]

Thanks for sharing your cool setup.

[@ernieengineer3462]

Great video. Love the concept. My F800 GSA with gear is a little too heavy for rugged solo adv riding. Considering a 350 exc-f like you did. The only hold back is the price tag of KTM when considering the extras too. Thanks for posting.

[@usbsol]

Honda crf 300 l 🙂

[@CapCityDC]

Great video of your gear, ride looked awesome!

[@stevem9144]

Great video. I added a few new items to my wish list. Thanks 👍

[@BlackBuzzzard]

I have same bike and a lot of same equipment. 3200miles: thats 91hrs engine time at 35mph. Manual says oil/filter change every 15hrs. So like SIX oil changes per KTM specs......just wondering. Fantastic and detailed video.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

BlackBuzzzard glad you liked it! good question . I’m no expert but the consensus seems to be that the manual spec is *way* too excessive - maybe that’s for race conditions plus ktm covering their butt. Lots of guys are taking these bikes and going hundreds and hundreds of miles or more before oil changes. I started with fresh and changed in Moab. All good. Btw - the manual also specs valve checks and adjustments very often - mine haven’t moved in well over 4000 miles.

[@tomaszmk]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 I'm going to take this (or FE500) RTW , so thanks for info, and nice movie ;)

[@onerider808]

This video should be BDR/Overland 101; I’d take that same loadout on a Harley, ADV, or dirtbike. I’d add a Gore-Tex bivvy and a (luxury) pony saddle blanket and tarp

[@thejohnnerparty]

Excellent information - covers a lot bases. Get the job done. A big thumbs up.

[@simonmills2375]

Mate. Thanks for that. I run a Himalayan and have a bad habit of taking the kitchen sink with me. Nice to see what it takes to get really light weight. Cheers from NZ

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Sure thing. Less is more. I find every trip I usually am able to get rid of something I see I'm never using. Go light, go far, go fast! Cheers.

[@gpskevin]

Wow thanks for sharing, always glad to see when folks share their adventures and help others: gpsKevin

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

gpskevin it was memorable! I sent you an email with a bunch of info on closures and re-routes to consider. Hope it’s useful. Cheers!

[@tunit3727]

I hope he takes the routes. Last year I ran into a few roadblocks and near trouble being on private land. Gotta be careful

[@hawkeye284]

Nice vid and great setup. When you said "SF burrito" my mind went quickly to El Faro's in the Mission.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Ha! I'm missing a good Mission burrito these days!

[@RobboRobinson]

Great stuff Chris, looking forward to my 450 build and Trans European trip 2021. Thanks for sharing your experience :-)

[@jonr3891]

Just found this while Googling Mosco Moto vs Giant Loop... Killer video - I love nerding out on this stuff. Subscribed - thank you ... +1 for Juan Browne / Blancolirio 🙌🍻🦅🤙

[@ScrambleNorth]

Great video, that’s a lot like how I want to outfit my KTM

[@westedwards6029]

Great Vid! Nice work with the lightweight set-up and good info on the capacitor - I have same bike and hadn't thought of that! Safe travels...

[@ride4adventure]

Well thought out and extremely useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@mollygrubber]

This is the level of preparedness I aspire to. Great video, thank you for taking the time out of your day to film this. Turns out I have some humangear stuff already lol. Great products, don't be ashamed of a little self promotion.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks also for supporting humangear. Safe travels.

[@Elite_Nobes]

Moto adventure and tycho, great combo!

[@alonsocabezon1]

por fin alguien que entiende el concepto TRAIL

[@jackrabbit8703]

Backpacker....use a coyote bag on a wr 250 r and can go indefinitely with good backpacking gear.. Loved the video. Keep up the good work. I'd like to do the back country route across America but may not be retired early enough to get it done.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Jackrabbit thanks. Hope you can get out there and do it - it’s a great ride.

[@peterperfect1625]

Great video buddy. It’s good to look at other peoples set up as I tend to overpack. I’d be interested in seeing your trip video if you’ve posted it. You probably have I’ll have a look online. Regards Scott

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad you liked it. Sorry, no trip video - I focused on the riding and just made this kinda off the cuff. I think going light is the best way to go. Safe travels.

[@CarlZ993]

As a backpacker, I love your HumanGear utensils. I picked up a freebee Duo while hiking the PCT in 2017. Really liked it. I use it and the Uno in backpacking presentations I give to Boy Scouts. If the Scouts & Scouters want to have a fork/spoon combo like the Light My Fire, I suggest your products.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Hi Carl. That’s awesome. Curious - did you happen to pick them up at a popular resupply spot in S Ca? As I recall we sent a big box of Unos and Duos there but I never really knew what happened to them. I believe it was run by a couple - very popular spot. Either way, very cool you’re using and enjoying them. And thanks for spreading the word to other Scouts. I was a Scout myself long ago (Life rank). If you ever want to get a bulk supply for a troop or class or something please let me know (contact customer service thru our site and ask for me). Or maybe there’s a way to have Uno/Duo in the Boy Scout gear catalog? Safe travels and happy eating!!

[@CarlZ993]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 Yes, I think it was called 'Hiker Heaven' in Agua Dulce. They handed them out to thru-hikers if they wanted one. I already owned the Uno (was using a long-handled titanium spoon on the hike). I might take you up on your offer next year. I've got two tentative demo's to give in Sept/Oct (if this plague ever is tamped down) and could had out a few to some of the attendees. Again, great product.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

That’s the one! So cool they actually got them into hiker’s hands (and mouths). Sounds good about the future plans. Keep us posted. Cheers!

[@calebsherman886]

Oh wow, found this video and didn't realize you're a combat robot guy i subscribed to.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Ha! Yeah, I do both. The robots have taken a backseat to moto recently but I'm planning a new robot.

[@haydenw6585]

Thanks for sharing, impressive compact set up which is important for this style of bike probably one of the better reviews on this subject well done. I also have a plated exc 350 but no luggage system as yet 👍

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad you enjoyed it. The Mosko Moto R40 is great for this bike and type of riding - enough room to carry everything you need to go for many days, but small enough to force you to carefully consider what to bring. Safe travels.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 have you installed some kind of frame to keep the Mosko system away from the tire and exhaust and for preventing the thing from moving around?

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

@@C_R_O_M________ no frame. The bags stay held quite well. They include an exhaust shield that moves the bag off the pipe so it doesn’t melt. But otherwise it’s super secure.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 thanks for the clarification.

[@MunkeeMedia]

for 20 days.. this is insanely light. nice

[@monkeynews729]

Great video, thanks for sharing! I'm currently planning for a trip from UK to Japan (and then who knows), so I'll definitely be watching again and taking notes (/pausing to make purchases!)

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Sounds good. Note that links to most of the gear I mention are listed in the video description (click "SHOW MORE"). Safe travels.

[@Crunchyham6]

Excellent pack list. I have the dark red version of that utensil set! It’s so versatile. Goes with me everywhere.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

CrunchyHam Glad you like it. The Duo is one of our best products, imho. We really nailed it on that one. Safe travels and bon appetit!

[@modernrider1398]

I have that bladder but have had issues with it leaking from the top lid so I just bought OGIOs 3L hydration pack. Love the spot for your tools!

[@wawaron1407]

Ride mousse and forget it all... ride safe. Very nice video buddy, details useful. I buy a Knipex, just great...

[@64maxpower]

Good job. Traveling alone adds a little more self reliance.

[@andrewpocock1234]

Very informative thanks Chris

[@180mph9]

Wow, pretty sparse. Well organized. I’d recommend the Garmin 601 GPS, very tactical, super small, long battery life.

[@jeffreykrout3034]

Awesome ! Great to see what you carry

[@proleisure5377]

That was a very informative video. Thank you. I liked that you shot this video at the end of your trip and not the beginning. It seems like you were happy with what you packed. I would have enjoyed hearing how about the times the SOL bivvy and the pulley system came in “handy”. Those can’t be fun circumstances when needing to use either item, but I bet you were happy to have them when the situation required their use. Oh, and that Duo fork/spoon combo looks like it’d be great for my camping kit. I just ordered two of them. :-)

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

ProLeisure thanks, and glad you enjoyed it. Yes, generally I was happy with my gear on this trip. I had to use the SOL bivy and pulley on solo trips I did in Idaho a couple years ago. These were on the “R’Idaho” routes, which are amazing, challenging routes, but not super well-travelled. The first time I was on an “optional” section that saw very little use. The trail disappeared and I ran out of water and daylight trying to backtrack. Had to spend a very cold night out (just ebivy that time). The next summer I went back and on a different route I clipped a branch and went off a steep trail. It took me over four hours to pulley the bike back onto the trail. A black bear came during the extraction. By the time I got the bike on trail it was getting dark so I had to camp out with the same bivy again. No unplanned nights out on the trip in this video but I won’t travel (solo) without those things now. And thanks for getting some Duos - you’re going to love them! Safe travels. Cheers.

[@proleisure5377]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 Thanks for the additional info. Those were definitely situations that could have turned out much worse. Glad you had the right gear/tools at the time and got out okay. I've seen a few videos of the R’Idaho. Wow, there's some very technical riding on that trail. BTW, forgot to mention, loved your 3D printed GoPro holder. that looks like a great solution and mounting point.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

These were some highlights from the second summer with the bear. Friendly guy came within 30’ of me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH-kamNtrNZ7p5o

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@chrismiksovsky5871 nice!

[@vinnieboy66]

Chris, thank you for taking the time to put this list together. I have several questions but I first thought I would start with a question about the size of the Kriega R15 pack. Since watching your video I have looked at their pack and it seems very well made and I assume that is why you used it. It does seem a bit small so I wondered if you felt that you could have used a larger one. I have been looking at Klim's Krew Pak but sure like the Kriega quality and simplicity. Wondering if you have more input on size and functionality of these packs for longer trips.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

The Kreiga R15 is a great, great pack. I love it. The unique "quad" strap arrangement makes it very easy to put on and take off (no getting your arm stuck like with regular packs). Quality and construction are top notch. I actually own their larger R25 pack too (used only in the city with gym clothes, etc.). For me the R15 is perfect for my ADV. Here's the key - your stuff will fill up the space you give it! Give it more room, and you'll pack more stuff; Have smaller gear, and you'll pack less. The R15 can hold a full 3L bladder and all the other stuff I showed, which more than enough for me.

[@Erik-gg2vb]

Tyco, I have this CD in my van as we speak.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Nice. Great tunes.

[@babar69110]

thanks for review; i know I takes time to cut down luggages !!! . BTW You can screw a little photo head on top of your hiking stick to have a monopod ;)' (or drill in top of hiking stick to have a thread and screw on /off photo head ). riding light as light... an endless process, but more fun, less fatigue, bike suffers less, and ride is lot safier...

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

I agree it's worth the effort to reduce the weight. I've seen that idea before about turning the hiking pole into a monopod (or as a selfie stick) - I may try it in the future. Cheers.

[@gnarlybadger690]

Great informative video Chris glad I found it

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Peter Andrews great. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dustyrock1]

Very nice video, amazing all the useful items you were able to pack into such a small volume. I also have a KTM 350. Love it. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@dustyrock1]

@Jimmy Kamau I have a 450 exc that I like to use for fire roads and more open riding as well as long distance and dual sport. However, I do not like riding asphalt and stay off of it as much as possible. I have a 300 xcw that is a great single track tight quarters bike and a hill climber. The 350xcf-w is an all around great bike. If I had to choose it would be the 350.👍

[@bikenavbm1229]

not sure I would like to sleep that way trusting a standard? Ktm sidestand.

[@brettsellers2899]

Thanks much! Great light weight checklist.

[@utahbones3094]

Awesome! Happy trails.

[@DanDennedy]

Nice setup. I landed here because I was looking for images that shows the Acerbis 4 gallon tank on the KTM 350 to see if displaces the shrouds. Now I know but also about the dead battery capacitor. Wow, good to know! Thanks! Have you considered using a bear canister and spray? The spray can also serve for some personal protection.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Glad it's helpful. I wasn't in grizzly country so no need to carry bear spray.

[@filimonoff]

Great video.

[@DFWMotoAdventures]

great packing list, thank you

[@Alejandro388]

"so im singlehanding this" i see what you did there!

[@bryanhenderson53]

Good video Chris Wondering why you packed a nail in one of the Gotubbs?? I picked up a Gobites Trio, nice stuff.......RTWPaul recommended this stuff so I bought some......thanks! I have been trying to pare down my gear for a while and you video helps! Thanks!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Bryan Henderson Good catch! - I was wondering if anyone would ask about that. I had a get off in Utah that busted part of my Double Take Mirror. In Great Basin NP I tried to fix it with some QuikSteel. I got a few nails from a local store to reinforce the repair (embedded them in the putty). The nail you see was a spare - but normally no need for something like that. Glad you got a Trio. But if you’re paring down I’d suggest our Duo (that’s what both RTWPaul and I pack). Our Uno is even more minimal. All three are great to eat with.

[@oPAULo711]

WELL DONE!! Thanks for sharing! My wallet is hemorrhaging now....thanks...

[@onerider808]

I love my KLR, but am gonna go with lightweight for a couple BDRs (and dirt-biking where the KLR can’t). Thinking KLX300....

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Lighter is generally better, especially solo. The KTM/Husqvarna bikes are the lightest you’ll find with decent power, but they’re not cheap. Safe travels - I think you’ll enjoy riding a lighter bike.

[@robertcabot7466]

Great video, thanks for sharing your experience! How do you manage oil change every 15 hours on such a long journey?

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

This seems to be the most asked question in the comments. Basically I think the service intervals are way over-rated. 15hrs is ridiculous IMHO. I'm going at "touring" pace, not crazy race pace. So, I did one change in Moab and it was fine. Cleaned the air filter and replaced the fuel filter, too. These EXC bikes can literally go around the world (google Aaron Steinmann: blog.ktm.com/around-world-ktm-500-exc/) so the oil changes are not a big deal.

[@C_R_O_M________]

It's a racing"thumper" with equivalent reliability for a racer and when ridden like an adventure bike with no frequent redlining they are as durable as any thumper. The only drawback is their relatively small oil capacity (my 500EXC 2012 has a 1.5 liter oil capacity - after 2016 their oil capacity got smaller to just 1.2 liters if I recall correctly). The oil looks great even after 40 hours of such dual sport use. 40 hours at, say, 30-35 miles an hour average speed = 1200/1400 miles or 2K to 2.3K kms. I could easily see 3K kms with one oil change. You can feel the oil getting worse by the quality of gear shifting. Even after 40 hours mine was excellent but it's almost nothing to change it (think a 10-15 minutes ordeal with minimal tools) so I do.

[@midlifeadventures77]

Hey mate enjoyed your video from here in the UK 🤙

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Cool, glad you enjoyed. Safe travels.

[@davidsteinhour5562]

I love my Husqvarna FX 350, but I'm wary of touring with it because of the small oil capacity and lack of kickstand. Maybe I'll start with some weekend trips.

[@matt_kelly]

8:45 - "[I'll] try not to turn this into a commercial". Epic fail - I'm currently on the site putting a cart together, I'm getting tired of buying new "travel size" containers every time I go on a trip.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Ha! Right on. I think we make some good gear so I don't feel too bad about plugging us. Safe travels!

[@cyclonus01]

Do you still have the bike? How has it held up and how many miles?

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Had to sell for life reasons. My next bike will probably be a FE501 - seems a bit better for long distance BDRs etc. My crazy single track days are likely over.

[@binstunting1]

Nice video man

[@MotoAnthony]

You have more gear on your bike than I have in my garage. Kidding! 😅

[@goldensurferboy]

Heaven on Earth! SWEEEET

[@miltwempley]

Looks like that pulley system is no longer available- good find, hang onto it!

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Yeah I know. It was a Kickstarter and then just a cottage business so I guess they went under. They’re great, lightweight pulleys and I will keep this setup for sure.

[@alexk.6022]

When driving a long term with a KTM the most important part of luggage is a replacement engine.

[@johnnymojito69]

Hey mate, hope you get this. With all the debate on ktm's and their longer distance road capability, how did the bike go? Is it still going? Did you notice any issues with the bike on your ride? Oil change intervals? Etc This would have been a cool video on the riding/handling aspect. Would love to hear from you. Cheers 🍻

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Bike did great. These bikes can go thousands of miles, just need a little more maintenance. Had to sell for other reasons. Oil info is in the video description. Cheers.

[@johnnymojito69]

@chrismiksovsky5871 thanks legend! This vid sold me on the 350 excf vs a more "reliable" Japanese DS (crf300l/drz400 etc) so thanks alot! And Long live the BSOD haha 🍻

[@jalexandr55]

Your vid was Awesome !

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

J Alexandr cool. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ddacaro]

Chris, I look like I may be your size (maybe similar age too)... I got a 2021 Honda CRF300L to ride the BDR's and Continental Divide, taking as many single track opportunities as possible for better nature photographs (professional work). But, I quickly learned the Honda is too heavy and underpowered and sloppy in handling (for long hill climbs, loaded up with luggage). I also want to use my bike for RTW (minimizing highway time) in the "stans", India, S.E. asia. I test drove a KTM 500 EXC F 2022 last week. The vibes were insane and the power waaaay beyond what I need but it was light and precise, hence safe on those steep ledge single tracks. So I thought, ok then the 350. The dealer said the 350 was even more vibey due to running at higher rpms. And I can't really find anyone doing RTW on it. But you've put serious miles on them, and from your videos some great single track. Can you share your thoughts on tolerable time and speeds on the highway with your 350 vibeswise? And, can you see any reason why, for luggage capacity or power, you'd have preferred the 500 instead? Do you see the 350 being a competent RTW like the 500? Thanks so much, and I love your company's Gotoobs which are in my Klim backpack. Ride on brother 🤟

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

I've done loads of singletrack with the 350 but mostly without luggage - it's great as a trails bike (search YT for "R'Idaho Grit 2" and you'll see a vid I made with it there under "babar33"). Certainly I did some trails with luggage, too, but not as much. I definitely have had some sections of road here and there. Getting back down to SF from the Oregon coast after this TAT ride was mostly along Highway 1 at 50~70 speeds, for many hours. It was ok. A few things. First, mine was a '15. I think they've continued to try to extract as much power as possible from the engine so it could very well be more vibey now. I installed some KTM "PDS" progressive dampeners on the handlebars (incorporating some risers as well) which may have helped reduce the vibrations. I also left the bike completely stock (CA emissions) - it was always more than enough power for me and I think if you start to tune it you'll likely get more vibrations. I'm not sure about using the 350 for RTW. You could, but my guess is the 500 might be almost/just as capable off-road (just a few pounds heavier) and it would probably be a bit milder on the highway. Guys like "RTW Paul" are presently doing RTW riding on a '16 500 (google him); also Aaron Steinmann took a 500 RTW. I myself never needed or even wanted more power than the 350, and I think it was easier for me to drive as well (it was basically the bike I learned single-track and trails on). I think you could take a 350 RTW but my guess is it might be a touch more comfortable on a 500. The absolute best source of reference info on the EXC (and FE) bikes these days in the "EXC/FE Performance and Tech Talk" group on Facebook. It's run by a super genius with these bikes, Mike Spurgin of Taco Moto Co., and there are loads and loads of experienced riders on there. You might join the group and post the same questions. You could also ask if there are vibration differences between model years, and what tricks people are doing to tame the vibrations down (I think many guys now run different dampener bars, softer grips, etc.). Funny - I also bought a '21 CRF300L for more mellow dual-sporting (BDRs etc.) and as a town bike. Great minds! Thanks for supporting humangear, too. Safe travels!

[@sarahdell4042]

Not sure if your weight, but I’m fairly light. After upgrading the front and rear suspension it completely changed the Crf300l handling. Completely manageable even in stuff it has no business being on. I sold my 450l, and will probably get rid of my 690 enduro as well soon. I really like the crf300. Sometimes simple is better.

[@Cajundaddydave]

Looks like a really well assembled kit that compares with an experienced through hiker. Complete yet light weight and no unnecessary nonsense. It bothers me seeing these ADV guys lugging an 850 lb rig single track through dense forests on a BDR adventure. Too much stuff! Keep it simple, keep it light weight, and you can ride further with a lot less fatigue.

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Thanks. I come from a UL backpacking background so a lot of this gear is pulled from that. It’s pretty much the same setup except using different bags, and moto-specific tools and spares.

[@adamlethlean5727]

Great info, thanks!! I'm looking to fit some of those flush flashers I see you have. Did they fit well and where did you get them?

[@chrismiksovsky5871]

Adam Lethlean it’s the tidy tail kit by Sicass racing.

[@hitmanhite]

Awesome video