Unsung Adventure Heroes - Benelli TRK502X - AJP PR7 - SWM SD 600X - Fantic Caballero 500 Rally

[@xXRunDeathXx]

i just bought two of the fantics. fantastic bikes. i was looking for a lighter and smaller replacement for my 2016 Africa Twin. Almost got myself a Himalayan but hestitated because of the 24 horse power "engine" my father then send me a picture of the Fantic (wich i had never heard of before) and i thought "oh well, not really my taste but hey, the dealer is 5 miles away, cant hurt to try it" i got to the dealer, immediately thought "wow, this bike looks much better in person than on the pictures". The dealer gave me the bike and said "have fun, come back when you have finished" so i went on a 2 hour ride even though i had made up my mind about 200 meters in that i would buy it. My wife tested it aswell, fell in love and now we have two of them. Best trade in ever

[@mark.e.p]

The Fantic is what a scrambler should be light, powerful with real off road capabilities. These 900, 1200 scramblers from Triumph are ridiculously heavy.

[@simonbealing]

One of the best endings to a video ever! Thanks for the honest thoughts. I wish more reviewers would give these bikes a try.

[@matthiasmuller2203]

That’s it, not the data,it’s all about emotion. Thanks a lot for this review, bought the Fantic. Greetings from Germany,stay safe!

[@krasky]

Yeah, wise words! I am always torn between "emotions" (mostly Italian bikes) and "rationality" (mostly Japanese bikes). Japanese bikes work like clockworks but the absolute majority of them looks like a brick. Zero emotions or temptation to ride them. It's like a comparison between a absolutely gorgeous Italian diva and a dependable but non-attractive "house-wife".

[@g-man6333]

Straight no bs review man. You make sense more then all bunch of reviews I watch all together by now 🤘 Keep the good work 🍻

[@russellholmes4630]

At last someone who talks sense and not the garbage of mainstream reviews, really enjoyed a review from someone who's not swayed by yamasukihonawa types ..I ordered my benelli trk502x last week it may not have 200bhp but for a 58 yr old it's just good at everything I need a bike for ...keep going with the reviews.. thanks nathen

[@joethiophine5772]

This review was the clincher for me. Ordered a TRK 502X.Was convinced after a test ride but there were too many naysayers who never really rode the bike. Looking forward to mine arriving. Keep up the fantastic reviews. Thanks

[@ninja1970fin]

Thanks fo the review! I've got a Fantic Cab standard and it was a real delight to hear you liked the Fantic rally!

[@SwedBear1]

How is your Caballero holding up? What kind of riding do you do with it? They seem like really fun bikes!

[@minchiominchioli5409]

3 years with the fantic: electrical issues, great gearing, bad seat, magnificent punch, hard mono, bad fuel capacity, nice weight.....and i can go on and on....it's a plus and minus from back to front tyre (scorpion rally tyres are insanely grippy) but in the end it's a joy to ride.

[@mark.e.p]

Love your reviews, Nathan. You actually take them off road, unlike some.

[@onenoodles]

The only bloke on KZbin I respect and trust on his real world reviews ... like the Guy Martin of working class adventure bike riders ... tells it straight and I love it ... I have had bikes for 45 years, had all sorts and love ZZR14's, toured Europe on XJR's Varaderos and recently XT660z's (which I love) but just sat here wrestling with pulling the trigger on a Benelli TRK502X? I am 63 now and its mostly road stuff but I still like to do stuff like the gravel tracks in Italian Alps or mild stuff in Wales ... is it too heavy? don't know but looks lovely, cant see me on a CB500x and the Himmy is just too slow and rattly but would do me no problem on trails ... ohhhhhh decisions, decisions .... I need to make my mind up!

[@geddstock]

Obviously the fantic then,great off road lightweight good power to weight👍

[@RoddersAKADahDit]

Superb. Last comment was brilliant 🤣. Nathan, comprehensive, fact filled, honest as ever and refreshing to hear these reviews. Your enthusiasm is infectious mate. I want a Fantic now. 😁

[@domcarr1973]

+1 on the last comment!!

[@marcusread7800]

Enjoyed this immensely, straight talking, honest and no bullshit! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@carolsaxton839]

Fantic have always made great trials bikes,so I would buy the caberello

[@bonzaralph]

Brilliant… don’t stop! As informative as entertaining. What a blast.

[@motohobo]

Nice vid mate. Great info. Honest, straightforward, brief everyday review for the ordinary every day rider who maybe doesn't need or want all the bells and whistles and hasn't got pots of money to buy the latest and greatest from the big manufacturers. 👍 More power to ya, mate!

[@markbright7845]

Wow! I got so much more enthusiasm out of this video than the magazine article. Will try to find a local SWM and Benelli dealer for a test ride.

[@Cowley46]

I can listen to your rough and ready reviews all day long Nathan. Straight to the point and easy to watch, keep 'em coming.

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

The AJP PR7 has come on to my radar recently and it definitely something I'm considering when I downsize from the GS in the future.

[@nathanbanks7091]

I bought one and I love it.

[@bonzaralph]

Even a great finale!

[@jota3732]

Can’t not give a thumbs up after that , I love the Fantic 500 it reminds me of a modern day XT500 , if only Yamaha would bring it back 🙏

[@garrydixon6123]

Always good to hear your opinions on things. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos, they are always wellworth a watch.

[@robinroma6285]

Thumbs absolutely up. Nailed it. Benelli outsold the GS last year here in Italy and folk love the caballero line... 👏

[@nickp4179]

Great video, great format. Very informative, most definitely not boring. Keep safe. 👍👍👍

[@stuartosborn4785]

Real value to an honest review like this . Excellent!

[@SimonGough64]

Have to say I agree with you about the main stream motorcycle press. After following ItchyBoots channel I thought that the Himalayan looked a capable bike. Googled reviews and was shocked at the poor review from MCN. They seemed to completely miss the point of the Himalayan. Loved the comment at the end.

[@williamrae9954]

Hardly the Six Days Enduro...she only does about 150 miles per day at low speed...should last a lifetime at that rate

[@SimonGough64]

@@williamrae9954 and not what it was designed for.

[@waynemitchelson5152]

Fantastic review Nathan.. As honest as we need, looking at the Caballero with new eyes now.. Ride safe 👍🏼

[@biscuitsalive]

With the caballero, as the chap at Thor said to me, you can simply remove the exhaust cover that pushes your leg out. There’s a fair gap between the exhaust and the cover. And you could simply choose a warm leg/boot and have a straighter standing position.

[@chrismayes3588]

Thanks Nathan - words I feel I can trust. Just getting back into bikes after 30+ years away and looking at all these as options (+ Himalayan and other SWMs (Six days and Silver Vase) because it might be back lanes, tracks, but not green lanes - just not sure yet). Looking for something that will meet my 'adventure' plans and expectations and not what other people (mainstream media) think they should be! Your mantra of an adventure being what the individual wants, no matter how long or how far, means you present the bikes in a way that I can relate to my own plans. Thanks again...

[@Alexmaystudio]

Excellent reviews. Never came across this channel before but I’m glad I did. Cheers

[@samuelmandarelli2645]

The exhaust on the Carballero seems very vulnerable… along with the issue you mentioned about the width. Really cool looking old school styling though. This would be my second choice of the bunch.

[@gerrymcivor374]

Thanks for that Nathan. A great review of bikes from 'lesser' manufacturers. Very well presented and with loads of information.

[@bartoszpajak2285]

Great vid! Due to the cooperation between the big producers and the main magazines we’ve been convinced , that the only way to explore the world is, especially off road, is a 1200cc + adventure bike that weights half a ton! Why? Because they sell for 20.000 € or more. And curiously people believe it. The Benelli is way too heavy, but the rest of the bunch is pretty interesting.

[@chinphantom]

Great review. Glad you were surprised about the Fantic as I'm keen on it, but making us aware about the other manufacturers is going to make me consider other options. So thanks for your insights.

[@potskifilms]

Yes, imo great honest zero BS reviews there Nathan. Diversity, innovation, character and competition between marques makes for more and better bikes for us all. Cheers Wayne

[@Explore53]

Possibly the best review ever! Made me laugh, made me look, made me want to be outside and exploring... May the world settle soon and let you do your rides!

[@UncleLongbeard]

Well, you talked a lot but with some common sense so it made it really interesting to listen. Some great conclusions. I definietly would like to try the Fantic

[@adamangit]

MAte, I really like your thinking, it’s helping me as I transition from long haul, ultra high speed, dodgy tarmac rides through Malaysia and Thailand to living and riding in the Alps where I want to explore the TET and byways not highways. Thanks. PS, your reflections on KZbinr integrity, I‘d leave it alone, never diss the competition, just work on your merit, your good and have good things to share. That’s what matters. A

[@mattwilliams745]

Honest views from a trusted source. Thank you Mr Millward.

[@milesgreen9705]

Love your content! Like to see more of the Caballero - I know it's an older video... CCM, AJP and the Fantic.Thanks for introducing them to me!

[@samuelmandarelli2645]

The AJP is the best all around bike built today… IMHO. The only issue for me is the seat height. I need drywall stilts to get on most of these bikes today… Some people say the foot pegs are too high on the AJP and they can’t pinch the bike with their knees when standing off-road. My 29” inseam overcomes that issue…lol…

[@simonsullivan4813]

Refreshingly independent video from someone who knows what he's talking about - thumbs up from me!

[@_Makanko_]

Thanks for your opinion on these bikes, I also enjoyed the comparisons you drew with other brands.

[@StanoKovac]

Great, great, great and great again. Fresh review of nice underrated bikes. Thanks.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Brilliant! Been looking at fantics for ages but couldn’t find an English review anywhere until MCM I think did one, they liked the non rally but didn’t talk about the rally version at all. I’m so happy you liked it! I can’t understand why there not selling bucket loads of them? They look great go well and sound amazing

[@jez4181]

Hi Nathan, thanks for your in depth thoughts. I’d seen the Fantic non rally version but didn’t realise how lively the rally would be, I’ll have to organise a test ride after lockdown eases....

[@jerzywoking1699]

Great review of 4 different bikes. I always find it odd that when I have read magazines that do their "Top Ten ADV Bikes", the RE Himalayan is never in it. It's been this way since its launch 3 years ago. Seeing as the bike is plastered all over KZbin with great reviews, and riders like yourself use them on huge rides in all parts of the World, I cannot believe it never gets a passing mention.

[@mikehurley5052]

All down to the power of marketing.

[@nathanthepostman]

From my experience of working in that industry its largely down to established relationships and expectations. The big brands put on the big launch events, they've consistently paid for advertising, the pr people have good relationships with the journalists and in all honesty if you could take a free bike from a manufacturer for a while why on earth would you ask for a Himalayan long termer when you could have a GS? And ultimately, I still don't think most of the mainstream press gets the adventure bike scene. In my experience most have sportsbike backgrounds and so when they assess adventure bikes they still measure them on power/performance/tech rather than usability in the field. It's a shame as many of their readers ultimately follow their lead.

[@jerzywoking1699]

Totally agree Nathan. I've owned and ridden sportsbike for years. I moved over to Spain and immediately saw that an ADV bike was the way to enjoy the thousands of unpaved roads around me. Read and watched loads of reviews and the Himalayan was always well reviewed. Had a test ride, including a long stretch of unpaved track, and liked it. So bought one and it's great, despite its niggles. I own a Guzzi V1200 too, so was used to having to sort out intial niggles, but the Guzzi was soon perfect, and has always been 100% reliable. Never saw many magazine articles and reviews on that either...

[@mikehurley5052]

@@nathanthepostman People would be better off listening to you rather than hyped up press boys.. I like real world reporting from real people, keep up the good stuff.

[@ThePalmatron]

Great review!! I must admit I get a bit fed up with the ubiquitous worship of BMW, KTM, Triumph etc......

[@oldestpunkinargentina7766]

I'll take the Fantic. But the Scrambler model with nice Michelin street tyres. After trailriding for years with a DR350S, I couldn't take the Caballero to the dirt; it would feel inadequate. But for commuting and overall use, can't think of a funnier lighter bike. And the gas mileage is phenomenal !

[@domcarr1973]

Great video. Love the delivery as always. Thank Nathan. Wishing all the best to you, to your family and your business. Take care.

[@jamesosborne4132]

Great Reviews - Thanks 👍🏻 ( and from an honest down to earth chap that can’t be bought , unlike some others )

[@davidwhite6935]

Great honest video. I really enjoy your straight talking, no bull***t approach, keep up the good work! And a thumbs up for that final comment; hilarious!

[@speedfinder1]

Not ever having wasted any money on buying a copy of MCN, (So I missed the review.) I bought a Benelli TRK 502 (Touring) in April this year. I loved it right from the get go, and I still love it!

[@4Hewitts]

Great video, would love a round up of small 250cc bikes. Think your views of what's about would be interesting, old and new. Do GS310 or Himalayan's offer anything an old XR 250's or WR250's cant kind of thing. Keep the videos coming, easing the lock down boredom!

[@markbright7845]

4Hewitts Me too, I would like to see a comparison of the Honda CRF250L, Rally and the Himalayan.

[@cyclopathic998]

Nate, the SWM Superdual fork feels harsh because the settings on it came completely off, compression and rebound were completely out on mine. The other issue that some of them came overfilled and seals on them are too tight they get better with miles. Simple break in with following oil change and if you don't mind throwing a couple bucks at it and getting SKF green seals would transform forks

[@mencewilkinson9625]

Very watchable and enjoyable, thank you.

[@BeSatori]

I'd love to check out that PR7. So far the only thing I don't love about is the fact that it isn't a 10 year old Honda.

[@caroldave4037]

Nathan this is the go to channel for honest affordable motorcycling....anywaz I'll stick with you on the himalayan brilliant bike ...buuuut next I maybe swopping my versys650... for a guzzi 85t I'm big guzzi fan....😊 I'm watching you on that one ....best of health from dave..

[@lewismasters7590]

At last, a good honest review of 4 honest bikes I have been looking at and some good comments on the whole mega money, brand image, style first & customer last I have watched the motorcycle business become after 34 years riding and countless bikes.

[@adrianstone4511]

Great review of some underdogs, love the honesty

[@timparry5028]

I love you're down to earth delivery and honesty. Keep it up Nathan, it's a breath of fresh air. And no thumbs down yet!!!! Lol

[@TheRickardo]

nice talk. I'm going to buy trk502 for my silk road trip

[@agustincuevae]

Im loving my caballero rally really off road capable bike, I'm actually training for rally races in the adventure/dual sport category

[@jimbob67]

The voice of reason as ever. It would be interesting to take a SWM and sort out some of the niggles you mention and see if it could be made into a better all rounded bike. It really looks like it could be a great adventure / touring Bike ect.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I think it could be for sure. I read on the forums how some do front fork swaps which I think would really help it. If you could lift the suspension from the AJP and put it on the SWM it would transform it immediately.

[@johnwatson3400]

Great insights, only trouble is I want to try most of them! Thanks for that🤔😆

[@davidgermain]

only thing missing on this is the Ducati Scrambler desert sled. All these bikes are on the rader for me.

[@johncopetti1253]

Well done, very good and honest review. Cheers mate

[@hetane]

It would be interesting to revise this comparison with the new models available now. Especially the Fantic Caballero 500 vs Triumph 400x. Where I'm at, they are priced similarly (Fantic often a bit cheaper than Triumph). SWM has disappeared, Benelli is going strong, AFJ unchanged and still a surgical tool for a specific job.. but Fantic is in between (slowly being forgotten, so a great deal can be found on it).

[@johna6968]

Great review of bikes that often get overlooked. There is something about that 502x that ticks a lot of boxes

[@leonardopaesano8020]

Amazing review.... That's the attitude end part of the video.. 🤟🏻🏁🤟🏻 Thanks for sharing.

[@jota3732]

If you got rid of the MSM 80% of the world’s problems would end . I think the fantic is the nicest looking bike .

[@leslieaustin151]

Now that was an excellent summary of the four, and they all came out of it well, I thought. The Fantic disappointed another off-road reviewer recently (Greg Villalobos) but you restored its reputation I thought. I wonder at the weight of the frames on Chinese bikes. I had a Sinnis Apache which I enjoyed very much and played about with a bit. I shortened the rear frame and was shocked at the wall thickness on the subframe tubing - no wonder it weighed so much! Maybe it’s the Chinese way? A great and honest video. Thanks. Les

[@nathanthepostman]

Maybe expectation was the difference. From what I gather Greg had high hopes for the Fantic. I had no hope at all for it. So I was impressed and he was disappointed. Subjectiveness of bike testing I guess. I also don't know how much off road riding he did on the Fantic. As I said in the video, at first I couldn't get past the panel flare, bit after a while you don't notice it so much and you can focus on the good stuff. Its the benefit of having the bikes for a few days each rather than a few hours I guess.

[@peter2679]

The Benelli 502X was the learners bike of the year in Australia for 2 years running. Australia is very conservative about accepting anything new particularly coming from China.

[@derwynhole5748]

Just what KZbin needs a thumbs up or thumbs down I don't give a shit attitude. I remember when it was called honesty 👍

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Enjoyed your review. Pity there was so little bike footage apart from the Fantic.

[@stevesmith3216]

As usual, no crap just facts. Flat cap and whippets, just what we need in these times.✌

[@Kfsvjgt]

Great direct, honest and useful video!!

[@lupolinda]

Ajp Pr7 Rules!

[@mikekelly7506]

Always take notice of your thoughts on off road/on road adventure bikes. But to me my 1st thought is can I pick it up on my own when I inevitably come off. Great reviews>

[@gligachaz5047]

The Fantic looks fun, shame I haven't got a spare £6.5k 😔.

[@thegael5758]

Nice one , great reviews and down to earth optinions. I've got a cb500x which is a great bike for my needs and a bargain as a second hand buy as for off-road abilities they lie more with the rider than the bike .

[@ktmkevin]

Thanks for the informative video Nathan, those 30 minutes went by fast. Would you reckon the Superdual could potentially be great if te small niggles got sorted? I mean a seat resculpture is easy enough, I don't care for center stands.. Did you play around with the suspension settings, trying to soften it up? I'm looking into getting one of these as a conplete adventure package, there's nothing like it in terms of value for money, power and (I expect/hope) offroad capabilities.

[@nathanthepostman]

Hey Kevin. I've just spotted your comment. Did you get one in the end?

[@ktmkevin]

@@nathanthepostman I recently stumbled upon a 690 Enduro for a great price. I put an aftermarket rally tower/fairing on it. In the end the 690 was cheaper than a Superdual and although it's from 2008, I do get the "assurance" of larger sales volumes and known issues, along with a gazillion aftermarket parts available!

[@georgesurrey1233]

Hi Nathan, great honest video, looking at a fantic explorer but also looking at the vogue 300 - appreciate there different bikes and that the fantic is more £££ but if you had to have 1 for an all round bike ( commute, sunday potter to the cafe, bit of green lane) which would you go for??

[@P6_7R_Nick]

I'm very pleased to hear your thoughts on these bikes. Love your "couldn't give a shit" atitude, it brings it down to a civilised level. Cheers Nathan, I would have bought the AJP but now I'm interested in the Fantic too 👍

[@andreborges3849]

Ajp if your are doing dirt. It’s on another level of capability and components. Top spec forks.

[@SPENJERE]

Great comparison, however I do think the Fantic is more of a scrambler than an adventure bike.

[@philmorrow2446]

The ending says a lot about your integrity my friend. Excellent, informative and honest review in my opinion. That's why I subscribe. Keep it going mate, and if I ever get the opportunity to sign up for one of your trips, I definitely will. I think it would be great craic.😊👍🏻

[@davidsmith7201]

Great reviews Nathan 👍 love your description of how they make you feel whilst riding different environments and bike fit and finish.Rather than just stats and figures but comparing to other bikes of similar style price etc.Keep up the great work 👍

[@grahamrowe6278]

I reflect much of what's been said below. Great review. Still wonder if SWM will just refine the SD into the bike it could be as a package. Was hoping you might compare the tuning of the SWM and AJP given the engine is same, though each manufacturer has prepped it differently. Also, your belief in the durability of this engine... given we see (experience) few Husky 610/630's out and about.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks Graham. It's a good point about the comparison of the same engine in SWM and AJP. I should have touched upon it but forgot to. To me they felt very different. The AJP unit was smoother and stronger, helped no doubt by the performance kit that no doubt ducks emission regulations that the SWM will be adhering to. The SWM was a bit more vibey through the seat as well. It could do with the same performance kit ideally. As for longevity, I gather they're pretty strong engines and easy to get parts, which is the main thing.

[@grahamrowe6278]

Nathan, I'm guessing there's some significant detail not available to us in how each differs. As ever... go ride and see for yourself. Good luck at this time to, we appreciate you're livelihood is compromised.

[@christophn.2908]

Thanks for the good video. Benelli had so interesting designs in the past, why they designed the trx as a copy of the gs? The ajp looks nice and I like the Fantic verry much, but I don't like the green color.

[@williamrae9954]

Sam Rockwell's stunt double?

[@claretbuck1882]

Someone testing the smaller manifactures awesome, very enjoyable thank you, any chance you can test the royal enfield trials on and off Rd would love to see it put through its paces with someone with a genuine realistic approach to the bikes capabilities.

[@barrylopatic8543]

I love my SWM SuperDualX!

[@1990-t1j]

I missed this when it was first aired. I am half-tempted to get a Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler, not the Rally, for use on the Algarve for my three/four months there a year. Trouble is I'd have to sell my Yamaha MT-01 to accommodate it. Difficult decision. Heading back to Portugal from Thailand on July 7. The AJP is an interesting bike. Portuguese, eh. Is the Fantic stronger in the low-end and midrange than the KTM 390, Nathan? Excellent video.

[@MichaelShaw206]

AJP PR7 or Yamaha T7 if both are the same price (which is the case in my city)? I love the T7's motor but the PJ7 is much lighter and has great fuel capacity for the long off-road trips in the middle of nowhere. Like that they are both minimalistic (no ride modes) so maintenance should be easier.

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

Great vid mate, Been waiting for this video after seeing your post about the fantic on fb. Really like the look of the bike and singles. May trade the re interceptor if i can ever get a test ride 🤣.

[@rajanrairealty8979]

specialty bikes are there. i want a powerful but compact long range off roa bike. the klr seems heavy n less power same for xl and dr limited range. maybe the pr600 or a swm

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

Alas, all of these bikes are total unobtanium in the USA, as was the CCM 450 before it. You *can* special order the PR7 here but it takes a herculean amount of paperwork to get it road-legal in all but a few US states

[@teneretraveller8980]

Love championing the underdog. And is it right that one , big organisation can determine a bike's (or vompanies) future? Happy travels

[@HippoDrones]

Nice interesting line up, each seem to have their own role where they excel :-)

[@alanrobinson2229]

Like the Harry Hill collar Thanks for informative vid.

[@nathanthepostman]

Ha. A bit more hair loss and I'll be spitting image!