วีดีโอ

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.

Hi. I think generally the Honda is more "set it and forget it". The oil change intervals are much longer and I suspect the valve checks as well (my Honda still is very low miles so valves not an issue; but I did check the KTM valves several times when I had it and it was always in spec). The KTM needs an oil change realistically every 1000~2000mi, more regular air filter cleanings, oil filters, and periodic valve checks. But, you're getting a much more high performance machine with the KTM. Some other factors to consider are weight, ride, and cost: KTM is very light, more vibrations, and more expensive; Honda is heavier, smoother riding, and much cheaper. I did upgrade my Honda suspension with front and rear Rally Raid gear because the stock Honda suspension is pretty crappy. Overall, I'd say the Honda is like a basic Toyota, and the KTM is like a tuned Mercedes.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 thanks 🙏🇦🇺

Longest stretch on pavement was 400+ miles (Port Orford to SF). It’s only a 350 so a bit buzzy at 65mph. Seat Concept seat helps. It can do it but it’s not what it’s great at.

A warrior should act with honor in battle.

Cool. Glad it was helpful. Safe travels.

Not sure. It pumped two dirt bike tires up to ~15psi so you might be able to get one to 30.

Theres bigger versions

Answered in the video description.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 sorry I didn’t make it past all the link haha Tha kyou that’s ideal

Thanks, and glad you enjoyed it. Safe travels.

ADV is easier to say. 🙂

@@chrismiksovsky5871 that's actually pretty funny!

Cool, glad you enjoyed. Safe travels.

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

Right on. The mini pump is nice. I rarely get flats but it's nice to have a powered pump. Great bike.

Oil info in the video description. Maintenance costs are higher than lesser bikes (eg more frequent oil changes, like 1000-1500mi vs 5000+ miles, etc) but you get more performance. You need to check the valves periodically but they never moved on me. Clean your air filter often. Join the EXC/FE Facebook group - best source of info on these bikes. It’s a great bike.

I think they’re getting minerals or salts from the ground there.

Been living abroad for six months without my Moto. But I use it on my bicycle and it’s been fine.

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.

I actually agree with you. MM makes great gear but it's heavy and I think overbuilt. I sold the R40 bags a while ago and currently use 2x Kreiga OS-12 bags plus a small top dry bag (Giant Loop Rogue). These bags don't have all the bells and whistles of MM but they are well built and considerably lighter.

Sea2Summit has a very good weight/liter ratio th-cam.com/video/GMMupa6xy08/w-d-xo.html @@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.

@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 🍻

Yes, noticed that item after making the vid. The elbow kit would address that issue. Thanks for mentioning.

They're overrated for casual ADV riding. You can safely do an oil change every 1000~1500mi. Send it.

Legend thank you. I’m kinda leaning towards the Honda 450rl but then having to get all the mods that have to come with it. 🤦‍♀️

Thanks. No major mods. All CA smog stuff intact. Seat concepts seat, 4.2 gal tank, adjusted gearing, better headlight, mirrors, bash plate, and other minor stuff. No changes to engine or suspension other than stiffer rear spring. I'm not running Erzberg here so the bike was fine pretty much stock with ADV upgrades.

I wouldn’t say it’s the best highway bike. You’re high up and I had no wind screen. So you get blown around a bit. You can hit 75mph but it’s a bit buzzy. I did a couple hundred on tarmac but the bike is better on dirt roads and trails.

True. I've also laid the bike down or found a rock, but a dedicated stand is *so* much easier in my view. With this design I add very light weight and the convenience is worth it to me.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 Your solution may well come into play now that I own a 701, that is less easy to have put in a stable position

@@franckbrunie4759 If you don't want to make something custom like this, I'd check out the "Rolling Mavericks" trail stand. I think that's about as light as the production versions get.

Fair suggestion. The one-handing is definitely not ideal for some parts. But of course I'm trying to keep it all light, and the tripod is just more weight and another thing to pack. Anyway, appreciate the thought.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 I wonder if you could do something with the tent pole you already carry and some sort of 3d printed head?? Most of us carry tent poles..

Yes, that's probably the best option [although it wouldn't have helped on this particular vid because it was *about* the pole. :-) ] . Maybe it could be a monopod. Of course, I could also pack a small GorillaPod or something like that but I'm trying to keep things to a minimum. Will think about it. Cheers.@@d.Cog420

Had to sell it and downsize to one "do everything" bike - a '21 CRF300L. Does fine around town and on ADV, but not as capable in the dirt as the 350. My next bike will probably be a FE501S but it will be a while.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 Why you prefer 501 instead of 350? Is the 501 better for road usage?

Yes. I’m riding more dirt roads now and longer distance so the 501 I think is better.

Hadn't thought of that. Plenty of room on this bike and I would assume most spoked wheels. But I suppose something people would need to check.

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.

Answered in the video description. With good oil and a non paper filter (check out TacoMoto Mother of All Oil Filters) you probably could go 2000mi before an oil change. Send it.

@@chrismiksovsky5871 Ride safe, and keep on adventuring! :D

@@LooxJJ Sure thing. Seriously, the oil changes are no big deal. I think you can safely go 1000~1500, and with that special oil filter probably longer. These are amazing bikes and guys are showing they can be taken round-the-world (google Aaron Steinmann or RTWPaul). Safe travels!

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.

Cool. Glad it was helpful.

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

Answered in video description.