If I Started Riding Dual Sport/ADV Motorcycles Today, This is the Bike and Gear I'd Buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- If I could start over as a dual sport or adv motorcycle beginner but still retain all the knowledge and experience I've gained over the last six years, this is the gear and the motorcycle I would buy today.
As a new dual sport rider, figuring out how to get good gear without breaking the bank is one of the biggest challenges. There are a ton of adv gear options out there ranging in price from bargain basement to thousands of dollars for just a jacket. If I were a beginner ADV rider right now, this is the beginner adv riding gear I would buy to get started without spending too much money or compromising safety and protection.
Of course, beginner dual sport gear is only half of the equation. There's also the small matter of the best dual sport bike for beginners. If you're interested in becoming a dual sport or adventure rider, then I whole-heartedly recommend starting with the Honda CRF300L Rally. It's the ultimate discovery machine and a perfect beginner adventure motorcycle for anyone who isn't sure what kind of dual sport riding they're going to get into. The Honda CRF300L Rally allows you the freedom to try just about every type of riding on a forgiving, inexpensive, and reliable dual sport motorcycle.
New ADV/Dual Sport Rider Gear List (affiliate links):
Bell MX-9 Adventure Helmet: tinyurl.com/yz...
MSR Voyager Jacket: bit.ly/4339v6n
MSR Voyager Pants: bit.ly/3UgGikj
MSR ADV Cold Weather Gloves: bit.ly/3jsKhfx
MSR ADV Wind Block Gloves: tinyurl.com/3e...
Alpinestars Corozal Boots: imp.i104546.ne...
MSR Adventure Boots: bit.ly/3nVkkal
MSR M3X Boots: tinyurl.com/55...
O’Neal Rider Boots: tinyurl.com/p8...
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Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.
New ADV/Dual Sport Rider Gear List (affiliate links):
Bell MX-9 Adventure Helmet: tinyurl.com/yzdy7fvb
MSR Voyager Jacket: bit.ly/4339v6n
MSR Voyager Pants: bit.ly/3UgGikj
MSR ADV Cold Weather Gloves: bit.ly/3jsKhfx
MSR ADV Wind Block Gloves: tinyurl.com/3ecy8wpd
Alpinestars Corozal Boots: imp.i104546.net/k09nQn
MSR Adventure Boots: bit.ly/3nVkkal
MSR M3X Boots: tinyurl.com/55e8v6rz
O’Neal Rider Boots: tinyurl.com/p8any2nm
JUST GOT A CT125 AN V EVEN NICER 300 RALLY , AND AN EVEN NICER xl750 TRANSALP. CANT WAIT FOR SPRING
It's 2024 and last year I bought a Yamaha XT 250
Pretty spot on. Start out on the smallest bike that can do the biggest things your capable of and improve your ability. ALWAYS buy the best gear you can afford, because you’ll be testing it out often, even as a veteran rider.
You’re killing it Ben!!
100%, never skimp of boots. Without failure, there is at least one time each time I’m on OHV trails where having a stiff dirt bike boot has saved my ankle from rotating 180 degrees or snapping sideways. Either by catching myself before I tip over, catching the side of a rut, rock, or tree, or putting my foot down going slightly too fast.
Don’t skimp on a good pair of dirt bike boots. They’ll last you a long time and after your first time going out, you’ll walk away and not be carried away.
100% agree. My Alpinestars Tech 7 enduro boots have protected me from serious injury. Worth every penny. Don’t skimp on boots!
Agree with everything you said including bike choices. I think the biggest mistake new adventure / dual sport riders make is buying a bike that’s too heavy and possibly too powerful. I learned on dual sports almost 50 years ago (Jesus I’m getting old) and I think learning on a small Japanese dual sport and doing tons of off road riding made me a better rider.
my dad and i over the summer both bought a 2023 klr 650. we are in love with them . thanks for the content
Wanna thank you for your content, I’ve watched hours and hours of it, and it’s changed my whole outlook on riding, sold my super bike, bought an adv bike, bought a crf300l today based on all your stuff. Thank you!
I recently sold my super bike too. And here i am. Lol 😂
Apparently, I must have payed attention in class, teacher. I got the Bell Adventure MIPS, MX boots, MSR suit and though I wanted a 300 Rally, I found a deal on a used DRZ 400. I put better tires on and I’m having a blast in N. Georgia and NC with it. Everything you and Ian said in your reviews of the DRZ have proven true. I’m slowly accumulating the gear to go motocamping. Thanks for the continuing inspiration!
Completely agree. I'm a new rider with 2 weeks experience on a CRF300L that I just got. The bike is great, challenging enough for me but not intimidating. It's a dual sport, so it is heavier than the dirt bikes I have rented before, but it can do all the trails I tried on it and also feels well on the short roads I have taken it to. It has enough power to do anything, I'm not targeting to go on the freeway, anywhere else it feels at home. Just took it to twisty roads at Lake ArrowHead and it did great!
I just bought my first dual sport yesterday a 2023 crf300l rally. Ive been binge watching all your videos the past few weeks. Congrats on the 100k subscribers 🎉. I look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future. Ride safe and God bless 🙏
I had a friend recently get talked into buying a KLR as a beginner bike, fell and really jacked up his shoulder. So, I agree with everything you said, as well as most of the folks below...Get something not too heavy and that you can handle, that will build your confidence. sadly my buddy is very gun-shy now about riding, so I sent him this video. Hope you watch this Zach, and we can go riding together. Thanks Dork for all the awesome content you put out there. You and your channel are awesome!!
I think that the dork is spot on.
I own the Crf300ls, the MSR jacket, similar boots, and Krios Pro Helmet.
(I also have an 890 Adventure and R1250GSA)
As a noob choosing the inital gear was hard… so I ended up with multiple jacket/pant sets, three helmets, LOTS of gloves. Going cheap cost we more money in the long run because I ended up buying a lot more gear until I found what worked.
I have ridden street my of my adult life and dirt bike when I was a teenager but I got back into dirt/dual sport at 43 I was looking for either a 300L 94 300 Rally but they weren’t easy to get ahold of so I ended up getting a BARELY used 2021 Husqvarna fe350s for this nice man in his mid late 60’s for a deal I couldn’t pass up and I couldn’t be any happier. He put a lot of money into bike protection and comfort which I was greatly appreciative for and he only rode it 250mi so it’s mint! I wish I would have got a dual sport because I like outdoor adventures and sport bikes and Harley’s only get you to the trail but you can’t hit the trail all out and literally go anywhere. I’m trying to get a couple buddies to get a dual sport so we can hit some 2-5 day camping, exploring and fishing adventures in the near future! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
I love your content, you’re humble enough to say, “I didn’t get it, but now I do.” and you acknowledge that everyone has a different budget. A boot at $99 and a better option at $320, way cool. I love the whole Honda range, I learned as a kid on my buddy’s CR-125 as a kid, and never found another brand that felt as well thought out as Hondas. They always seem to think everything through before putting a bike out to market, and I appreciate it a lot. The 500x is a fantastic bike, if you follow Itchy Boots here on youtube, when she did the European and Africa sections, she used a pre-owned 500x and her initial impressions were the same as mine. Just, “Wow, what a great bike. It’s quiet, it’s smooth, and it just feels great. What an upgrade!”
Thanks for your videos. They are a big help. I’m a senior citizen who is planning to get back into riding again. I haven’t ridden since the 1980’s.
I usually suggest the DRZ to new riders because it's an easy bike to ride but still has enough oomph to entertain a former semi-pro racer like me. For gear I always suggest the ARC Battleborn set
I can't argue with your choices.
I started on a Vstrom 650 but quickly realized that the stock tires are terrible for gravel roads.
Next would be get the best boots you can.
My choices ultimately ended with a pretty busted up foot, multiple states from home.
Good advice.
I think I will get a pair of Corozal for my off road excursions.
I haven’t decided yet about an off road ADV jacket.
I have had my street motorcycle license for 30 years now. Before that, as a teenager, I rode a CB125S street bike off road for 4-5 years until the wheels fell off. Winter riding on a frozen river when the snow pack was not crazy. No studs on the tires. Just rubber and ice. Didn’t count the times I crashed but I also learnt how a bike handles on slippery surfaces.
Then I graduated to the street, got my license and bought a used Honda V30 Magna. 500cc V4.
Good little bike. Rode it 7 years. Then it was a CBR600F4.
Now, my street bike is a CBR1000RR. I love that bike. 106,000 kms on it as I write this.
Then I brought back my 1974 CB125S to life (I had kept it) and rode it for 9 years sharing time between it and the litre CBR.
My friends were really surprise to see me pull up with the little CB on weekend rides. 12 horsepower.
My friends, when you love riding, it doesn’t matter what you ride. Sure power is addictive, I love twisting the trottle on the CBR, but let me tell you, any bike is fun.
Now, in 2021, I bought a CRF300L Rally brand new like yours..!!
Amazing little bike.! I LOVE IT..!!
I have a tad more mileage done with it this year than with the CBR.
Sure it not your ultimate weapon for trail riding, but it is also unassuming. It’s just there when you need it. Reliable like hell. Minimum maintenance and it’s good to go. I looked at the 450, but they told me oil changes every 8 hours. 🙄
I have other bikes to maintain too, I can’t be taking care of one bike all the time.
Dork is right, start small, give yourself lots of time to learn and you’ll get there.
I am re-learning to ride off road in slippery conditions again and the CRF is the perfect companion. I have zero intention to upgrade to something bigger for off road.
And to be honest, I have spent more time on the road with the CRF than off road (commuting) and the bike is very good at that too. Good wind protection, decent brakes, frugal on gas (compared to the CBR 😊). It’s a unicorn..!!
Keep it safe people, but also remember to enjoy the ride. 😃
I fully agree with your assessment of gear, especially regarding RM ATV/MC/Tusk gear. As for luggage, I started with Nelson Rigg, went to Mosko, finally settled on Tusk. If I started this hobby over, I would go 100% Tusk/MSR everything.
Always do up the helemt strap. You forgot too at the end.
I learned many years ago that a herlmet can come off the head due to a body rolling when you go over the handlebars.
Great video! Thanks for all you do. I am about 3 weeks into motorcycle riding. After much reviews, I purchased the 300 rally. I am so happy about my choice. I spent about 300 on Leatt 4.5's , about 200 on a fly racing adv helmet, 160 on Olympia Daker jacket that was closeout through RevZ!$@ with level 2 protection (shoulders elbows and back), and 120 on Fly Racing patrol pants.... Didnt have to break the bank, with the option to upgrade to maybe some of these items... But after having some good quality protection, my confidence has gone up!
One cannot go wrong with a Honda. Price, reliability and aftermarket support. - Frank
The NES Excite Bike music is a great intro music choice !
Dont cheap out on boots! I went directly to the alpinestars tech 7s. Best decision I’ve made so far in terms of gear. Had some duds along the way, dropped my xd4 arai, overkilled jacket from dainese which is way to thick and warm for my way of riding.
Bike choice is spot on form adv beginners.
I started on a T7 but went down to a KLX300, I still have both but using the smaller bike to learn on difficult terrain was a great option. If I were to start again for adv dirt riding I should have started on the smaller bike they are more capable than people think.
Most of the time, growing into a motorcycle is a bad idea. The rider gets a scare, gets hurt or worse - does both. Your philosophy is spot on. 👍🏻
New rider here, thanks for the gear suggestions. 95% road 5% gravel. Mainly gravel driveways. Thank you
... Ben, FIRST, congratulations on 100,000 subscribers!!!
Second, I started riding in 1969. Raced Motocross, Hare Scrambles, Enduros, Dave Coombs 100 Mile series (before it was call GNCC) from 1972- 1985.
Stopped racing (after reaching my goals) , got married, got a mortgage, 2 children, etc.
I became addicted to light tackle fishing and have my USCG Captain's and Guide license, hence all my current videos are about fishing.
38 years later at 66 y/o, on May 31, 2023 I bought a used 2021 CRF 300 Rally and I LOVE IT!!!!!
It already had a LOT of upgrades like Rally Raid suspension front and back, Outback Motortek crash bars, wider foot pegs, Tusk tires, Tail tidy, AXP luggage rack, Bark Busters, Seat Concepts, Flatland Racing skid plate, etc., etc.
No more racing for me now, just fire roads and relaxing dirt trails with a group of riders at Michaux State Forest in PA.
I also bought the MSR pants and coat. MX 9 Helmet, AlpineStar Tech 7, Drystar boots, and more.
I could not be happier.
Your channel is terrific!!!
I wish you all the very best.
Thinking of changing my youtube name to "Bay Boat and Bike Life" ;-) now that I am back into riding.
. Jeff.
.
1st time on the channel. Great video with excellent content and very helpful for newer riders! I see so many that decide to get into ADV riding and they have been indoctrinated to think a big engine is a must but for most that only serves the macho image vs actual needs. The bike is too heavy and they aren't comfortable anywhere except a smooth track. If they drop it they can't pick it up. Then they fail to invest in appropriate gear to make riding safe and comfortable in varied weather which limits max riding time. So the bike sits and collects dust and goes up for sale a while later with less than 1500 miles. I got a 23 300 Rally and its an incredible machine. I can't stay off it. Price of admission is low freeing up money for proper gear and accessories. Have the Bell MX-9 and am 100% happy. Added a photochromatic face shield which was worth every penny as I often ride dark to light in same day. I spent up a bit for Rev'It 4 season jacket, pants, and cold weather Gortex gloves. Ended up going with the Forma ADV Tourer boot which is a little sacrifice in protection in exchange for walking comfort. Ride Safe!
Hey Dork! Thanks for another great video. I agree with everything. But I think it is worth mentioning the KLR here as well.
It’s been a great first bike for me here in NE Ohio where highway and suburban riding is basically a requirement to get anywhere. I would love a 300 Rally, if I could find one!
Here’s to 500 more subs in 1 month brother!!
If the KLR was 80 lbs lighter it might just be the perfect bike. 😂
Dude, 100% same set up here.
300L rally, MSR pant/jack, and alpine star corz boots. = perfection 👍
Completely agree for beginners. One idea, that would be good for beginners, is how to sell your first bike to get the next bike. That can be something great to learn and prepare for...
My first dual sport bike was the 450RL, and while I definitely don't regret it, I have to say that I absolutely love riding my wife's 300L and wish I had one to mod and tool around on instead of my Zero FX(also a great bike). The Rally looks better and better to me every time I see it.
Agree with Honda and the helmet 100%. I'd opt for the Tech 3's for boots though. Cheaper than the Corozals and more protection - still super comfortable.
Ben, I look forward to new Dork in the road videos and new Rob Hamilton videos. I'll watch any moto camping/moto-vlogging videos, and even getting more into hiking stuff, but DITR and Rob Hamilton are my go to vids for sure
Don't know those products personally but I agree with the sentiment. The graphs of quality/safety and price intersect at a point and you're probably spot on with that gear.
I love this video. Spot on with your advice. Definitely want to buy the best boots you can afford. A smaller bike is so much easier to ride off-road. Trying to learn on a heavier bike will just break your spirit when you are worn plumb out from picking it up.
Spot on. I have an XRE300 Rally (the 300L Rally's 5 speed air cooled cousin) and its allowed me to build up confidence in ways a larger bike wouldn't. I ride mainly gravel roads but they are pretty gnarly and washed out and my confidence has increased a ton because the bike is easy to ride. I have Forma adventure boots but am actually switching to the Sidi X Power boots as they are on sale right now.
Get a used Kawasaki Versys-x 300. I bought mine with 2706 miles for a good price and it has been a great motorcycle. It's even better with Shinko 804/805 tires. It gets nearly 75 mpg and goes anywhere I want to go. It's also a decent street bike. I was thinking about upgrading, but I've decided that it would be overkill to buy a new Transalp. I've decided to buy a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 for asphalt road riding and keep my Versys-x 300 for the gravel roads.
I bought a jacket and a pair of pants off Amazon. I showed them to some of my friends and they can't believe how good they are for the money. The HWK brand is really good for the money.
Spot on!! I’ve got a small pile of old Hondas, but my rally is absolutely the best bike I’ve ever owned. Went with the same thought process on gear, got the Mx-9, a well armored mid range jacket, good gloves and good boots. Went with the Forma adventure boots, and after a couple thousand miles and a few camping trips I absolutely love them. Super comfortable and dry, keep the mink oil on the leather and they look new. Really appreciate your approach to getting people new to the sport on the right track without a second mortgage!!
For you Fatso riders who are having serious trouble finding off the shelf gear, I had to go to Motoport to get gear and with rain and thermal liners was over $1500 for 1000 denier Cordura and Kevlar is more but oh man is awesome! Bespoke gear is nice!
Cheaper than first treatment of road rash and is fully armored including wrap around thighs and chest. In various configuration of liners none to all I road warm but not stupid insane as you would expect in 105F down to 37F at 70mph and snug as a bug!
Caught the name in a Dork in the Road live stream and so thankful I did! I’ll fight you for my gear get your own!
Great choice. Yamaha XT 250 as well. Yes I’m a tall rider and yes it’s too small a bike but it’s a great beginner bike and can take me more places than I care to go lol. I love mine, and Yamaha quality is rock solid, They just work every time
I second not skimping on good footwear. I’m on my 4th pair of Sidi ADV2s. I should probably stop wearing them all day everyday, but it came be a bit of a hassle when you ride daily.
When I bought my 2013 Scrambler it was the most I could afford, a truck was out of the question. It isn’t a good dual-sport or ADV, but for 126,000miles it’s been easy to live with for the past 10years and became my most reliable vehicle. I can’t recommend it for everyone, but for someone with limited access to a truck or trailer it was the best option.
My wife needed something for a similar situation and purchased a 2023 CB500x. It fills similar roles to the Scrambler, but is a bit more involved when maintenance is due, that’s probably true with most modern bikes.
I agree... I started out on. 250 Rally and upgraded the suspension with an Ohlunds spring as I am over 220 lbs. Alpinestars Tech 2 Jacket, Thor ADV pants(cheap but wide enough for Alpinestars knee braces). MX-9 helmet. Started with Alpinestars Corzal boots bit upgraded to the Tech 7 boot for off road. I also bought an Africa Twin 1100 Adv Sports 6 months later. That's for highway and fire roads, and I use the 250 for more technical roads and to practice my skills. The 250 Rally is also great for scouting out roads you're not sure about. Try it out then bring the big one out next time!
Love the CRF & KLX 300, but they were just too high for me being only 5’6 and just starting g off road. Went with the KLX 230S abs and while it is smaller and a bit slower, it fits my need’s perfectly at the moment
You would do well on a ttr250 or super Sherpa 250 , kl250
Great info as always. Your experience over the past few years has really turned you into a proper Yogi Of Adventure
LOVE my KLX300. Aftermarket parts galore, fun to ride, plenty of low end power as well highway. For myself, the CRF is hard to find in my area. But for sure the best top 2 ADV-DS out there for the money. I do also love the 390 adv KTM which isn't much more than the KLX and comes off the floor OEM with what you'd add to the latter 2 bikes.
Love the KLX300. 👍
I assume most brand new riders are also brand new mechanics and I'd just rather see them on something Japanese, personally. Yes I acknowledge I'm biased, but I didn't even know how to lube a chain when I started and the Japanese bikes can take that kind of abuse, generally.
@@DorkintheRoadI really like your assumption about ability to fix bikes - people online often like to act like that's obvious or simple thing to look tougher but not only most people who start out don't have the knowledge, most also don't know how often you need to service those things and how much time will that take.
On top of that many people don't have the space or tools.
I am looking for first DualSport but my enthusiasm kinda fell off once I found out that many recommended bikes need service after 40 hours etc. - I live in city, I don't have space to do that and sure, I can stretch those intervals but maybe I should buy something different altogether
@@cyjanek7818the japanese dual sports need an oil change about once a year and almost never actually need valve adjustments.
@@DorkintheRoad I Have seen only 2 videos on your Channel So maybe its explained somewhere but (if thats not an issue) - do you know 125cc DualSports? Like Suzuki DR125, Yamaha XT/WR125 or even TW125 (not DualSports I guess but TW200 is very well received bike).
In my Country to get anything bigger I would need motorcycle license, which I can do but 1) it costs money 2) I Have to wait till next year, because there wont be any exams anymore. They are slightly cheaper than bigger bikes, they are slower etc. Many people say the lack of power gets boring quickly but I dont like waiting 6 month for license...
I am loving my XR150L. Just plain fun to ride on back roads.
Great video as always! I'm fairly new to ADV riding and I'm going with the Yamaha XT250 for my first bike. Had a chance to demo it and take a course on one and love it. Will probably grow out of it, but need to gain more skills and confidence and this bike allows me to do that.
XT is a great first dual sport. Good choice.
Love the honest assessments and the recollection of how overwhelming starting out (or re-starting after years) can be. I wonder if you would add the new ‘24 RE Himalayan to your “starting out” list .. especially for a 75 road / 25 fire road trail rider?
Tadaaaaah. LOL That was a great intro.
I also didn't know about the CB500X swapping to the NX. Thanks for the heads up!
I am really excited to see how good the CFMoto 450MT will be. From what we've seen it looks promising. It would be an ideal entry point to ADV riding.
Corozal are the best, I got weird feet too. All my other gear is Alpinestars too, inexpensive and fits good enough.
I've got some Alpinestars equipment too, it's decent for the money. I love my Tourmaster Intake Air jacket, except that it's no good in the rain. But, I solved that by getting an inexpensive waterproof overcoat. The MSR stuff looks great, sucks that they charge too much for shipping to Canada though, so I buy pretty much everything from Fortnine.
MX style or dual sport pants are my go to. Cheap comfortable and durable. You can get them for under $100 and add knee pads. Way more airflow than most adventure pants.
If going cheaper, i recommend the bsr raven 🐦⬛ bashan makes them better than any other cheapo Chinese manufacturers. I love mine. Shes like an anemic CRF, but that's perfectly acceptable as long as you understand and ride within her limitations. Probably gonna get some 80/20s to cut the vibes down on highway, but she does 55 no problem, about 1500rpm below redline 💪 that's without a sprocket mod ❤😁
lol I bought a Norden as my first bike in 15 years. Never rode anything off pavement until this bike.
All great advice! The only part your a little off on is the part of bike that is the fun part, no competition there is one bike that is the most fun, more than dual sport, cruising, sport racer….the TW 200 is the most fun ever! No matter what your level or experience or age, riding a TW makes you feel like a 16 year old badass! And if your in a group of TWs your going to laugh the hole ride and have a great time
There are a lot of things not fun on a TW200. Getting to trails often requires being on 55/65 mph state highways
I have to agree with this.
@@MotoVania still fun, getting there is half the adventure!
A pack of TWs doing 45 in a 55 zone may be dangerous but you will talk about for years, FUN!
Yeah the TW's are dangerously slow. You won't have fun when a tractor trailer is breathing down your back fender. The XT 250 is way better bike and can keep up with traffic.
dork your pretty spot on with bike choice, the 300 is a good start size 👍
I’ve been riding since 2004. I’ve worn out more bikes than most people will own. That said alllll of those miles were on sporty bikes, and cruisers.I’ve been trying to get into adv riding for a few years now. I bought an Africa Twin… absolutely 100% hated that bike. I cannot acutely express enough how much I hated that bike. Sold that tier, and bought a Vstrom 650xt. Love that bike, but I don’t think it’s exactly what I want for adv riding. After my horrendous experience with the A T. I thought I swore off Honda, but then they went and came out with the 300l rally… THAT will be my next bike. Holly crap I need that bike in my life.
I really like you content and thoughtful reviews. Its easy to overspend on gear, so I appreciate the focus on that subject and in particular the boots. The right boots make so much of a difference, especially when you have to stand in the pegs all day, in addition to the confidence when you know your lower legs are well protected. When I started, I thought I was going to be doing 90% road tours with occasional jaunts off road for camping, so I got a GS. I didn't turn out like that, and I have wound up taking my bike into places that in retrospect I had no business doing. So I agree with a smaller bike for starting out off road. Particularly if you ride alone, you have to be on something that you are comfortable picking up by yourself. However, if you don't mind dropping your big expensive bike, and you get proper training and practice, it isn't a deal breaker and it can be a lot of fun. And ride in groups, it's pretty fun helping out and keeping each other going when the trail gets tricky.
Full face helmet (no motocross type) - use electrical tape as sunstrip.
Forma boots all the way - Klim gear all the way. I agree with the CRF300L.
I just got some Terra Evo boots from Forma and they are NICE
I started on a 1974 Honda XL 175 bought brand new. After 16 bikes I'm on a 2022 BMW R1250GS
I started with the Kawasaki Versys X300 with some better off road tires and it was great. I do some 300+ mile trips on highway so after a little more than a year, I moved up to a Yamaha Super Ten. Its low center of gravity makes it easy to ride but if you drop it, it’s a bitch to pick up. At highway speed tho, it’s fantastic. Cruise, heated grips, over 80 adjustments you can make to suspension and traction etc. all with push of buttons.
I had a Versys X300...stock seat was horrid and the sound of the engine revving 10 grand all the time is annoying a F*** after a while. Only had it for a year then bought a RE...
@@bultacowally I had mine a year before Super Ten. Agree!!
Yo it's the video I was waiting on and you told me it was coming put shortly. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
I bought this bike and sold it one week later, and while I am NOT a beginner, I disagree with it being a beginner bike for one reason:
That super soft power delivery makes it impossible to throttle out of slippy situations. When in doubt, throttle out. This bike can't.
I have to admit, I'm calling BS on most of the videos that praise it, or claim it's somehow better than the DR-Z400S. I think Honda is paying y'all to say it. I think this bike might have the fastest resell rate of any motorcycle ever. I can't tell you how often I see them for sale with almost no miles on them. I personally knew I'd made a mistake as soon as I let the clutch out.
Maybe the 550 performance kit would save the bike, but it just wasn't worth the extra time and money to me.
Been riding for 50 years, my current versys 300 would be my beginner and very experienced choice. I get a whole lot more smiles per mile on this than I do on my 1250 Bandit, and that is the first big bike that I have been able to tolerate. Well, ok. My V65 Sabre was a blast, but with a different style.
the mx9 was my first, and I still use it quite often. it lives with its visor off, so if i know im doing mostly off road, i grab my goggles and the mx9. nice picks!
Good solid advice and spot on for recommending rocky mt ATV,I personally just got a KLX 300 R
Solid vid.
I would buy the highest quality boots and helmet available in my budget. Arai and Gaerne SG12 fit my bill.
Sedici jackets and pants, paired with good armor.
I ride a GS A 1250, DRZ400 and KTM690.
Out of the three I spend most days on the DRZ playing in the desert around Las Vegas. That would be my choice as a first bike … cheap, reliable and quite capable.
Good advice. As for MDR gear, CycleGear has the Sedici comparable gear, comparable prices too. Same Helmet, Forma ADV boots, little more $ than those shown but worth it. I went shopping for Yamaha and Hondas with no luck, found a KLX230 on the showroom floor and walked out with that, kept looking for the Yamaha WR and Honda CRL with no luck, after 6 Months on the KLX230 I put a down payment on the KLX300 which I ride now 10 months & 3500 miles later and love it! Suzuki DR400 is too big and still can't find the Y or H bikes... IMO the KLX is a solid choice vs the Honda
I would say the 300LS would be the one
Awesome advice for new riders!! Dork rules!! Thank you
I already had a good jacket and bought those MSR pants on your recommendation and I really like 'em. Tried out a similar pair of Klim and preferred the MSR.
Very good advice!!! TY
GO NAVY!!!
All are very SOLID Recommendations IMHO. Especially your Gear choices.🙌 💯.
Have a great Thanksgiving weekend Dork dude🍻.
Wow. What an amazing transition.
LOL the lighting changed dramatically while I was inside changing so it didn't work out as well as I'd hoped.
What about leatt neck brace support? Order of importance: light helmet-eye protection, neck brace, boots, armor with clothing, and bike is personal preference. In reach gps, basic tools, buddy systems.
I’m going to Honda today. :)
Excellent video.
My Honda dealership described it as anemic, when I was looking at it in person. I really wanted it, but I guess they saved me money.
Anemic to an experienced rider, maybe. Perfect for a beginner.
300L has one big disadvantage for the 1st timer - weight. She is unnecessarily heavy for the size. I'd lean towards WR250R instead - the same power but 40 lbs lighter, also very reliable and easy to ride.
Thank you Ben for the informative Video. Great recommendations on gear and Bike.
Second year in my TW2oo. I want a T7 world raid. I am old and fat the height scares me. I for sure love due sports. Maybe i just keep my little TW!
You and me, we are to big for those bikes. Very soft suspension. I am 275 pounds, 6.2 foot.
I'm riding 40 years and have just bought a 300 Rally. Without a doubt I can assure anyone that you will absolutely not be disappointed. It's a bike that can do 95% of what you want. Yes, it's underpowered, but after lots of years of riding i have come to the conclusion that it's the journey is where it's at, not the final destination. Great bike, pity it's not a 450. F you Honda.
I almost bought a KLX300 last week. The Dealer gave me the bait and switch on price... was ready to pull the trigger and he would not budge on his over MSRP.. sales must be great.. LOL
Gen 1 KLR650. All you ever need.
ordered the Corozals and immediately sent them back. no ankle protection. ordered Tech 3 Enduro Waterproof.. happy days! otherwise I've got similar choices for gear (sedici marco 2 mesh) and I went std. 300L NON rally... I can strap as much gas as I want, giant loop has great gas bags... so thanks Dork! happy as a beginner and I'm sure your videos helped along the way! (tho a corozal vs mx like tech 3 or 7 video would have saved one returned item)
Yes they're more adventure boot than motorcross. Better suited for street and gravel roads for sure, but that's what the vast majority of new riders are doing in my experience.
had a 250L, had a KLX250, both too "dirt bikeish" for me, uncomfortable on the dirt roads.... Keeping my eye on the Himalayan, that may be my next bike.
The helmet needs a chin curtain for road use. Bell doesn’t make one.
Hello Bell 👋👋
Yo from NZ..Definitely boots, i had a rock jump off my front wheel a smash into my shin bone. Bought a pair of gaerne boots next day. If i wasnt on my husky701, I'd be on the 300 honda. Just with upgraded suspension.
Also Yamaha xt 225 great dual sport, get one used cheap.
I started with the Honda CRF 250L. Great bike to learn on. Still like it for back roads, gravel, dirt trails. After a year moved up to a cb500 x. Another good bike easy to ride with just enough power. Now the Transalp, I'll have to think about that.
Looking at purchasing a new 300L. I am 6’4 250lbs, thoughts on how the machine will handle with given amount of weight? I am familiar with the soft suspension, thanks!
I'm 6'3" 195 lbs. The 250L is ok. You should be good, don't get too rough on trails.
Great review! I started out on a KTM 950 but getting a CRF300L and with a few modifications make it a good dual adventure bike. Tried the in armor pants and jacket last year. But going for a set of Mosko moto gear for next year. Ya. 2x the cost but want to try the layer approach. Keep up the good Videos!!!.
Awesome review brother 👊 always enjoy the content and information I learn and gather plus I like to think we are very similar
I got the same bike because of your channel
Good thoughts and list.
im 250lb im not new to riding rode dirt and road bikes all my life but last 15 years i havent been rideing and now im 52 wanting into new to adv riding so with the 300l rally which i been looking at but think loaded with gear and my weight i thinking maybe to small
In my opinion focus your money on the helmet. Get an arai or shoei. It’s the piece of equipment that is the most annoying if it’s cheap. The martial quality difference in the high end helmets makes all the difference in the world. Make sure it is almost uncomfortably snug in the store it’ll stretch some after the first few hours and there is not much more annoying then a helmet flopping around in the wind on the high way. The cheaper helmets are scratchy, loud and generally not as refined. Plus generally it’s the only gear legally required. 20+ years of riding and 15 years of working in healthcare.
For the short kings id recommend the TW200 and the Alpinestars tech 3s. Boots are insanely comfortable but have still protected me thru over 2k miles of offloading. Also now have a rally but even with the rally raid level 1 suspension its intimidating to ride in the rough stuff without some experience.
XT 250 is way better choice for "short kings"... XT can keep up with traffic TW can not...
@bultacowally XT is a great choice as well. Only advantage of the TW is the bigger tires provide better traction in mud and sand, which can be helpful for new riders. I watched my buddy lose all confidence on an XT w the stock tires.
Bought a new klx230 this year
What Tyers are you running??
I wish I could buy some gear. I bought a bike two years ago and still don't have the things I need to go explore