Former 890 Adventure R owner and current R1250 GSA owner here. Your assessment of the the KTM being fantastic off-road but less than stellar on-road is spot on and exactly how I felt about mine. The GS/GSA on the other hand is fantastic on road or as a tourer and more than holds it's own off-road. IMHO, the GS is better off-road than the 890 was on road and that makes it the better all-around option in my book. Luckily I have a nicely kitted 500 as well should I really want to hit the hard off-road stuff which allows for a larger spread in capabilities on the adventure bike I choose to have in my stable, enter the BMW.
Thank you for taking the "Big Bike".....honestly, I feel a lot of the guys (TH-cam creators) are going in the wrong direction regarding this "smaller is better" trend. It's NOT what attracted "me" to this whole ADV thing. The whole part about having a bike that can cross the continent and also ride the trails at the end of said continent, was what drew me in - like a moth to a flame. Watching these guys go from riding big bikes to the trails then riding those awesome trails, to TRAILERING 450cc street legal dirt bikes to the trail heads....then making a video about how much more capable those "smaller" bikes are....honestly...WTF? I think these guys have lost the plot....and it makes me sad. (yes....I'm talking to you Dork!....and you too Mob Moto)
Thank you for the shoutout. As a rider in his sunset years, watching your videos makes me want to ride even more. Hopefully your videos also spark other riders to get out there and ride.
Many good memories on the WABDR. I stopped a lot of the same places you guys did and thought what you did. Big respect for doing it on the big bikes and keeping a great pace. I was on a dual sport and still found baby head hill challenging the first time I went up it.
Yup, she's a big girl. I have a '22 GSA (3Black) and really like it. On road it is great. I did the Dempster on it this past July and plan to do both the Dempster and Dalton next year, same time frame. As I'm solo I have to be a bit careful on what I'm doing. If the bike drops (usually because I tried to park on slope), I either need help in picking it up or all the luggage needs to come off. Good to see the WABDR. Might be something I tackle later in '24 as I'm in AB so not too far away. Although, as I said, I am solo so need to be somewhat more careful.
Babyhead Hill. It’s funny that even if we’re quite literally on the other side of the country we still know about specific hills and parts of BDR’s. That was pretty damn impressive. I’m doing the MABDR and NEBDR next year on the big cow. Great to see you inspiring us big bike riders. It’s great to be able to comfortable going long distance, rip it in the twisties (although I recommend a Brentuning stage 2 kit, but without the Sprint filter for off-road), and then handle more off-pavement stuff than you really have business taking on. I tried going small first, but the on-road piece was intolerable for me, so I went big too. Seriously though, you’re endurance and skill is great. Your buddy is pretty funny too.
I did not understand a word of this, but Google can help me "Brentuning stage 2 kit, but without the Sprint filter for off-road" I am feeling the big bike love, as I feel you are. My 790 is amazing, but in some odd ways less thrilling. Andrew is a ham for sure. We are complete opposites, other than our love for bikes. We own a company together, and ride together. Our buddy Mike calls us The Sisters, and we are cool with that. Power Sisters! I hope to see you and your amazing adventure in ThatMotoApp.com. Perhaps we get to roll together sometime!
You can ride all the epic Canadian rides on a GS. To me, all the mid-weight ADV's are big. The stats on the Norden are close to my old Oilhead. The 'open class' are great continental crushers, but even as a North American I find them more heavy duty than my needs require.
Gday boys another banger vid. Andrew would you mind telling me what you dual gps mount is please? Scott good to see that your riding the hippo hard, i had a 2020 gsa rally i put hard 25k on the clock until i blew the front shock and discovered a 10cm crack in the frame (right off) after watching you on your 790 i jumped ship to 890 adv r which i just crossed the simpson desert on . love you app ..... all round legends 🤘
Wow, thanks! I can answer for Andrew on the GPS mount thing. Justin, our buddy and Team Mechanic / Fleet Manager is a machinist and he made one for each of us. If you are anywhere near us, and not afraid to pay for super custom, Justin does an amazing job!
I ride a GSA in Oz but thought maybe a mid size might be better for the riding I like to do so took a Norden 901 for a spin….not for me, I went home and kissed my GSA and apologised.
That's a challenging to answer. Very subjective. 10% to 20% of the time it was kinda rough? If I were on my KTM 790, the harder offroad stuff would have been easier, and the road sections would have been less enjoyable.
Those a no go for me. They stick out too far and definitely will not work with the Reckless 80s. We have the perfect solutions on KTMs, but the dude won't make them for a GS as R&D is a PITA. So sad!
@@DirtChimps I have LoneRider bags and a top box for on-road only trips and I put the Reckless 80’s on the back with the rack. Works fine. Too much of a pain to take it off and put it back on as the alignment of bolts is so hard with the BDCW pillion plate.
@@ryanmalone2681 For real? Can you send me a picture of this as I can't imagine it actually working. Did you also keep on the right hand side racks? Scott@GetDATS.com please! I need help! ;)
@@DirtChimps I just packed it upfor a trip to Smoky NP this weekend so I’ll send you a few shots from the garage with it fully packed (except for the duffel which has my down sleeping bag) tomorrow.
Former 890 Adventure R owner and current R1250 GSA owner here. Your assessment of the the KTM being fantastic off-road but less than stellar on-road is spot on and exactly how I felt about mine. The GS/GSA on the other hand is fantastic on road or as a tourer and more than holds it's own off-road. IMHO, the GS is better off-road than the 890 was on road and that makes it the better all-around option in my book. Luckily I have a nicely kitted 500 as well should I really want to hit the hard off-road stuff which allows for a larger spread in capabilities on the adventure bike I choose to have in my stable, enter the BMW.
Nice garage, and a wining combination! I am currently Husky 300 2T, KTM 690, and 1250 GSA. Cheers!
@@DirtChimps I had a 300, sold it to a buddy when some of my local trails closed. I'll grab another if we move.
Thank you for taking the "Big Bike".....honestly, I feel a lot of the guys (TH-cam creators) are going in the wrong direction regarding this "smaller is better" trend. It's NOT what attracted "me" to this whole ADV thing. The whole part about having a bike that can cross the continent and also ride the trails at the end of said continent, was what drew me in - like a moth to a flame. Watching these guys go from riding big bikes to the trails then riding those awesome trails, to TRAILERING 450cc street legal dirt bikes to the trail heads....then making a video about how much more capable those "smaller" bikes are....honestly...WTF? I think these guys have lost the plot....and it makes me sad.
(yes....I'm talking to you Dork!....and you too Mob Moto)
Thank you for the shoutout. As a rider in his sunset years, watching your videos makes me want to ride even more. Hopefully your videos also spark other riders to get out there and ride.
You are super fit to ride that GSA through Section 2. It's full commitment and endurance, great job!
Thanks!
Many good memories on the WABDR. I stopped a lot of the same places you guys did and thought what you did. Big respect for doing it on the big bikes and keeping a great pace. I was on a dual sport and still found baby head hill challenging the first time I went up it.
I had a T7 for one year decent off rd sucks on the rd. Now I have a GSA love it everywhere.
Woot!
Looks like a great time was had! So many memories of my time on the WA BDR, glad you guys stopped and ate mexican as well :)
Yup, she's a big girl. I have a '22 GSA (3Black) and really like it. On road it is great. I did the Dempster on it this past July and plan to do both the Dempster and Dalton next year, same time frame. As I'm solo I have to be a bit careful on what I'm doing. If the bike drops (usually because I tried to park on slope), I either need help in picking it up or all the luggage needs to come off.
Good to see the WABDR. Might be something I tackle later in '24 as I'm in AB so not too far away. Although, as I said, I am solo so need to be somewhat more careful.
Glad I could join you guys on the ride!! Lol I’ll have to physically come along some time too. This looks like a great route
Great video guys, looks like a pretty awesome trip. I would have liked to have seen the GS do baby head hill haha
Very impressive tackling Cleman Mt and Babyhead on the GSA! In total defiance of "Light is Right".
Great vid as usual, hope to make the gathering next year.
Another great video guys! I've got to get that ride onto the schedule for next year some how!
Babyhead Hill. It’s funny that even if we’re quite literally on the other side of the country we still know about specific hills and parts of BDR’s. That was pretty damn impressive. I’m doing the MABDR and NEBDR next year on the big cow. Great to see you inspiring us big bike riders. It’s great to be able to comfortable going long distance, rip it in the twisties (although I recommend a Brentuning stage 2 kit, but without the Sprint filter for off-road), and then handle more off-pavement stuff than you really have business taking on. I tried going small first, but the on-road piece was intolerable for me, so I went big too.
Seriously though, you’re endurance and skill is great. Your buddy is pretty funny too.
I did not understand a word of this, but Google can help me "Brentuning stage 2 kit, but without the Sprint filter for off-road"
I am feeling the big bike love, as I feel you are. My 790 is amazing, but in some odd ways less thrilling.
Andrew is a ham for sure. We are complete opposites, other than our love for bikes. We own a company together, and ride together. Our buddy Mike calls us The Sisters, and we are cool with that. Power Sisters!
I hope to see you and your amazing adventure in ThatMotoApp.com. Perhaps we get to roll together sometime!
That. What awesome boys
brilliant
You can ride all the epic Canadian rides on a GS. To me, all the mid-weight ADV's are big. The stats on the Norden are close to my old Oilhead. The 'open class' are great continental crushers, but even as a North American I find them more heavy duty than my needs require.
Gday boys another banger vid. Andrew would you mind telling me what you dual gps mount is please? Scott good to see that your riding the hippo hard, i had a 2020 gsa rally i put hard 25k on the clock until i blew the front shock and discovered a 10cm crack in the frame (right off) after watching you on your 790 i jumped ship to 890 adv r which i just crossed the simpson desert on . love you app ..... all round legends 🤘
Wow, thanks! I can answer for Andrew on the GPS mount thing. Justin, our buddy and Team Mechanic / Fleet Manager is a machinist and he made one for each of us. If you are anywhere near us, and not afraid to pay for super custom, Justin does an amazing job!
epic great vid thanks.
I ride a GSA in Oz but thought maybe a mid size might be better for the riding I like to do so took a Norden 901 for a spin….not for me, I went home and kissed my GSA and apologised.
How much of the WABDR was challenging on the GS?
That's a challenging to answer. Very subjective. 10% to 20% of the time it was kinda rough? If I were on my KTM 790, the harder offroad stuff would have been easier, and the road sections would have been less enjoyable.
Crazy how the camera doesn't give justice to the baby head hill.
I know where you can get a rack that will keep your Reckless 80’s from hitting your tire. They actually came on your bike. 😉
Those a no go for me. They stick out too far and definitely will not work with the Reckless 80s. We have the perfect solutions on KTMs, but the dude won't make them for a GS as R&D is a PITA. So sad!
@@DirtChimps I have LoneRider bags and a top box for on-road only trips and I put the Reckless 80’s on the back with the rack. Works fine. Too much of a pain to take it off and put it back on as the alignment of bolts is so hard with the BDCW pillion plate.
@@ryanmalone2681 For real? Can you send me a picture of this as I can't imagine it actually working. Did you also keep on the right hand side racks? Scott@GetDATS.com please! I need help! ;)
@@DirtChimps I just packed it upfor a trip to Smoky NP this weekend so I’ll send you a few shots from the garage with it fully packed (except for the duffel which has my down sleeping bag) tomorrow.
@@ryanmalone2681 Sweet! I am keen to see how it all fits together.