As a compliment to my 2013 gswc, I ride a 2017 KTM 690 enduro r. At 350 lbs, it’s light enough for me to stretch my boundaries in dirt and gravel. (I’m not a single track rider) The bike rips on pavement between dirt tracks with aplomb. Clearly not as light and nimble as a dedicated dirt bike and not quite the twisty canyon ripper you’d have in a sport tourer or sport bike but a very happy middle ground as thumpers go. I run a 50/50 Mitas e07 on the bike and it performs admirably in places like Mammoth Gulch AND the roads that get you there. More technical terrain would likely dictate a knobbier tire and a buzzier experience on tarmac. Worth taking the time to test ride one. Good luck in your qwest.
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Good stuff …thank you.
I’m curious about the 26 Desert X and also wondering if the rumors about a CRF750 Rally are true. It would be great to have the opportunity to test ride them in real off-road and on-road situations. Maybe I can find a rental. Otherwise, I’ll have to rely on the synthetic experience via moto journalists. The Aprilia Tuareg Rally, 790R and 890R are all on the list for a test ride as well. I have a pretty good feel for how team orange rides. I’ve ridden a 350 and 500 EXC F and a 300 XC.
This looks interesting.
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I had a 500 exc but sold it after a year. It was far too much of a uber powerful trail bike for my taste and ability. The 690 is an altogether different ride. Far more stable at speed and KTM calls for 6000 mile oil changes instead of every 1k. Both qualities make for better ADV riding. (I change oil when I hit 3k on the 690) Because it treats me so well, the pampering is well deserved.
So many bikes. So little time. You have a wonderful task ahead, testing all those bikes.
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This looks interesting. The brands of motos being represented aren’t fully listed yet. It says that more brands will be listed as the date of the event gets closer.
The e-bike trials course sounds fun.