Got a Husky FE501s about 2 months ago. Best bike I’ve ever ridden. Super light and nimble on single track, still runs down the highway at 75 somewhat comfortably. Tons of power, but very manageable even in gnarly stuff. No flameouts with stock setup here. Thought it’d be too tall for me, I’m only 5’6, but after setting the sag correctly it’s easy to get used to, and I don’t even have a low seat yet. 100% recommend the FE501/EXC500 platform.
I’m coming from the sports bike world, the FE501s caught my eye mostly cuz of aesthetics but the weight is also super insane. What does flameout mean, and would you recommend starting with the FE501s or go with a smaller CC
@@MotoPeWee Oil/filter change every 30 hours. Takes me 20 minutes to do and costs $35.99 with the KTM/Husky oil change kit. Super easy maintenance on this bike. At about 100 hours on the bike now with no issues at all!
701 Husqvarna rider here. Ya I agree, the 701/690 platform can be used to ride big Hwy miles and does trail work ok too. I rode mine from Portland to the Arctic Ocean last year but still use it as a dual sport. Always wanted to try a 500/501. They ride circles around me on the trails.
Bought the KLX300 after owning it for a few years I plan to upgrade to one of these bikes once I find out for sure what all my needs/favorite kind of trails to ride are.
I like everything about this channel. I got hooked when you were showing videos of some really tough solo rides. Dual Sports are the best of motorcycling. My first bike was a bought new 1974 Honda XL175, in 1974. However I would likely kill myself riding off road here in The PNW. I currently ride an R1250GS Rallye. It's a mall crawling, pavement prince, and a long distance kilometer cruncher.
Agree , Well said. I also have the 450RL and it’s great for me. Blinkers and lights are good on the Honda, once you get a tail tidy, you can keep ‘em. All of these bikes have a need for aftermarket upgrades if you’re a serious rider. Beta way less so, which is a big advantage.
Ill take 2 dr650's instead of any on this list. Sure its a relic, but it will do all that these bikes do and can be affordably customized to suit your exact needs by the absolutely bonkers aftermarket support it has. IMHO, the words "premium" and "dual sport" should never be uttered next to each other. Im sure all these bikes are great and im sure the DR is considered crap by the people who would want any of these, but for the power, weight and smiles a DR gives you the price can not be beat and its VERY competant. Ive done Black diamond single track and 75+ mph 2.5 hr rides to charlotte. Relic or not it fits the name "dual sport" to a tee. It isnt premium, fancy, or modern, but neither is a hammer and we still use those.
I think the main thing to consider is that the Fe/EXC 500 is over 100 lbs LIGHTER than the dr650. I'm sure that thing is fantastic on the road, but man I can't imagine having more than 100lbs to throw around on the tight single track in the forest. It's exhausting as is already
@@oldtownscouts3712 weight matters, especially when it tips over. but i find it manageable. Maybe i just love it cause its mine, but so far, no bike has caught my eye enough to consider a switch. Certainly not for that price tag. I got my dr used for 3k. Came well equipped and not clapped out. Finished up the few cosmetic details and this bike has done everything ive asked (including black diamond trails on hatfield mccoy). Bike just works.
Yep, truly comes down to how and wherr you ride. For me, what you call heavy, is the same weight as my DRZ400. Which to me, the way and where i ride, the 690 checks off all the requirements. That my bike with close to double the power. As mine has been modified to put out 42HP on the dyno when used with street tires. But agree with the 500exc. As far as a true dual sport, the 500 Reigns King of them. But for my riding, kind of what you do on your 790, the 690 would suite me best. Long pavement rides to the BDR routes. Or some days just doing pavement rides only. I will be buying....adding a new bike soon. Just hard to choose. Looking at 890 standard, the transalp, just in case i want to ride two-up. But if i never two-up, the 690 would be my number one choice. Thanks for the vid, hadnt seen any in a bit.
Having owned the top two on the list and having ridden the other three a few times I would agree with your list. I really liked the Beta 390 that I got some seat time on when riding the Alpine Loop a few years back. Beta is out of the box the most mod ready, but they are lowest of the bunch when it comes to fit/finish and somewhat reliability/dependability. The 690/701 is a odd machine but it makes a lot of sense if you fit the mold for that bike and its niche. I loved my 450L, it was a fantastic bike in most regards but even after the most extreme diet one could put it on, to include ditching the rear subframe, I still couldn't come within 20lbs of the KTM and at slower speeds it just wasn't the orange bikes equal. At high speeds and on the road it was awesome and possibly the best of the bunch. I have a 500 EXC-F now and aside from the slightly buzzier motor I couldn't be more happy. It truly is the best of the bunch and nothing else comes close to the aftermarket for it either. I am building mine into a light weight BDR ride and I plan to keep it for many years to come for that sole purpose.
I absolutely love my Husky fe350s, ya it’s not the most powerful but it’s a ton of fun to ride and it’s perfect for trails. If you put a little money into it the bike would be even more lighter and powerful but I really like the linkage rear feeling compared to the KTM version but they’re all pretty great bikes out of the box.
Traveled to Chengdu China on business three months ago, Just wanted to put my two cents in here and say that if the Kove 450 makes it to the states ! I will be the next best thing since the legacy of the drz400 . Rode the bike and it’s simply the best thing to ever come out of China. Policy and politics aside . It’s a master piece.
I feel as if the price could be a little much for folks that are just casual riders but aside from that and not knowing the all being question … reliability. Hope for the best.
Good reviews. I think that it should be mentioned that out of the box, the beta is ready to go. There is no need to add a new ECU or exhaust. This actually puts the price point one of the lowest.
True but I’ve had a 21 500 excf for a couple years now and it runs darn good out of the box. No stalling issues/etc like the older KTM’s and the Honda 450RL. Sure it’s down on power a little vs being uncorked but is very smooth and rideable stock. I’ve rode one uncorked too and isn’t worth the cost of upgrading the ecu and exhaust to me. Would like to try the beta someday though
@@jimhimesjr They are all ridable stock. KTM is choked up more than the honda, which will produce more HP than the Honda once uncorked. But...... like I said in the video all these bikes don't need the aftermarket mods but its a much better experience than stock.
@@jimhimesjr the 500 ktms are the most restricted bikes in this category, and it makes for the biggest gains when uncorked because of it. Its also hard to say its not worth it if you've never invested the money and had the experience. IMHO
@@MobMoto I’ve rode a few KTM 500’s uncorked and a 23 xcfw 450 that’s uncorked outta the box quite a bit so I’ve had the experience. It has more power for sure but not worth it for trail riding to me. Maybe a dobach and an endcap but it runs good the way it is so I can’t bring myself to do it.
because it's a good option and worth mentioning for anyone in the market to take a look at it. Plus its safe to say beta doesn't have as much experience making dirtbikes as any of the others.
For a first time buyer, I know I will be on normal street roads more often then on trails. My purpose is to ride it to my gym 2-3 miles away, but occasionally once a month take it to a trail. What do you suggest? (no highway riding)
Great round up! I have the KTM 690 2014. The bike has run well for me. It's nice to have the punch of the 690 engine when I'm loaded down with a few bags. Highway riding is good, I've clocked a few 800 mile days on the slab and was able to walk after those long days in the saddle. I wear padded bike shorts for a bit of added comfort on long trips. One of the first mods people do to this bike is change out the Can. Wings mufflers fixed that issue. The stock exhaust was a hot and heavy boat anchor. The 450 exc I have is a older model with a carb. Currently changing out the piston and hope to have it back on the trail soon. When I replace this bike I'll be looking at the 5Honey as my next bike with FI. One of the few down sides to KTM is you have to get rid of the emission garbage to open up the bike and keep them cooler, what ya gonna do, thanks EPA!!
A bike that has oli change every 10h is no dual sport. It is an enduro racing bike, althouhg you can have plates on it, and you can ride onroad legally. Other thing that dual sports should have is those Rubber pieces in rear wheel , that makes the sprocket be like suspended. WHY. Ride an e nduro bike 100 miles on road, then you know why.
I don't get these guys lol blows my mind because the far superior dr650 isn't fuel injection it doesn't make the list ...they fail to understand the Dr 650 hasn't changed is because it's near perfect and doesn't need to change ...so tired of hearing the over priced unreliable KTM is the best ...it's not the best is a DR 650!! And it's half the price
Dr650 is a good option but it’s not a premium or a performance dualsport. 😂 Performance wise the dr650 is not even close. It hasn’t changed because Suzuki is grandfathered in on emissions regulations, simply they don’t want to pay the money to meet those regulations with 21 century components. Do you see anybody racing dr650s? No Dr650 is a good beginner bike. I have it on my top 5 beginner dualsports, its Affordable, easy to ride, with easy maintenance.
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Got a Husky FE501s about 2 months ago. Best bike I’ve ever ridden. Super light and nimble on single track, still runs down the highway at 75 somewhat comfortably. Tons of power, but very manageable even in gnarly stuff. No flameouts with stock setup here. Thought it’d be too tall for me, I’m only 5’6, but after setting the sag correctly it’s easy to get used to, and I don’t even have a low seat yet. 100% recommend the FE501/EXC500 platform.
Theyre top shelf for sure. Hard to beat!
That's the exact same bike as the swm 500
MSRP $7599
How is the service interval?
I’m coming from the sports bike world, the FE501s caught my eye mostly cuz of aesthetics but the weight is also super insane. What does flameout mean, and would you recommend starting with the FE501s or go with a smaller CC
@@MotoPeWee Oil/filter change every 30 hours. Takes me 20 minutes to do and costs $35.99 with the KTM/Husky oil change kit. Super easy maintenance on this bike. At about 100 hours on the bike now with no issues at all!
I own a 500 EXC-f, set it up for only desert riding. It is just fabulous, makes riding over dunes like a dream. Simply the best
If it is not street legal it is not a DUAL sport, you Einstein!
Sherco, swm, fantic, Kove are a couple of brands that will need to be considered in the future. For today, I would agree with your list.
701 Husqvarna rider here. Ya I agree, the 701/690 platform can be used to ride big Hwy miles and does trail work ok too. I rode mine from Portland to the Arctic Ocean last year but still use it as a dual sport. Always wanted to try a 500/501. They ride circles around me on the trails.
You should definitely try to get a ride on one sometime just to feel it out.
Bought the KLX300 after owning it for a few years I plan to upgrade to one of these bikes once I find out for sure what all my needs/favorite kind of trails to ride are.
Thats a great bike and thats a really good progression. Thats about the most efficient way to learn riding dual sports for sure!
I like everything about this channel. I got hooked when you were showing videos of some really tough solo rides.
Dual Sports are the best of motorcycling. My first bike was a bought new 1974 Honda XL175, in 1974. However I would likely kill myself riding off road here in The PNW. I currently ride an R1250GS Rallye. It's a mall crawling, pavement prince, and a long distance kilometer cruncher.
Rad bike! I loved my gsa.
Thanks amigo
Nice to see the Suzuki DRZ400 come out on top of another list.
I just called today to order the ktm 500 and was told $13,599 before taxes and tags! But still worth it I believe
I think thats the six days version at almost $14k
Agree , Well said.
I also have the 450RL and it’s great for me.
Blinkers and lights are good on the Honda, once you get a tail tidy, you can keep ‘em.
All of these bikes have a need for aftermarket upgrades if you’re a serious rider.
Beta way less so, which is a big advantage.
☝100%
Fascinating to compare the CRF450RX (or RR) with the KTM EXC 450. I own the Honda, but find the KTM much easier to ride and more forgiving
Ill take 2 dr650's instead of any on this list. Sure its a relic, but it will do all that these bikes do and can be affordably customized to suit your exact needs by the absolutely bonkers aftermarket support it has. IMHO, the words "premium" and "dual sport" should never be uttered next to each other. Im sure all these bikes are great and im sure the DR is considered crap by the people who would want any of these, but for the power, weight and smiles a DR gives you the price can not be beat and its VERY competant. Ive done Black diamond single track and 75+ mph 2.5 hr rides to charlotte. Relic or not it fits the name "dual sport" to a tee. It isnt premium, fancy, or modern, but neither is a hammer and we still use those.
I think the main thing to consider is that the Fe/EXC 500 is over 100 lbs LIGHTER than the dr650. I'm sure that thing is fantastic on the road, but man I can't imagine having more than 100lbs to throw around on the tight single track in the forest. It's exhausting as is already
@@oldtownscouts3712 weight matters, especially when it tips over. but i find it manageable. Maybe i just love it cause its mine, but so far, no bike has caught my eye enough to consider a switch. Certainly not for that price tag. I got my dr used for 3k. Came well equipped and not clapped out. Finished up the few cosmetic details and this bike has done everything ive asked (including black diamond trails on hatfield mccoy). Bike just works.
I real man and true dual sport rider is not bothered by the whieght of a DR 650...these high end dirt bikes with a plate are not true dual sports
ur gatekeeping a dirt bike dude@@lawrencedavidson296
@@lawrencedavidson296 plated dirt bikes are the closest thing to a not shit dual sport
Yep, truly comes down to how and wherr you ride. For me, what you call heavy, is the same weight as my DRZ400. Which to me, the way and where i ride, the 690 checks off all the requirements. That my bike with close to double the power. As mine has been modified to put out 42HP on the dyno when used with street tires. But agree with the 500exc. As far as a true dual sport, the 500 Reigns King of them. But for my riding, kind of what you do on your 790, the 690 would suite me best. Long pavement rides to the BDR routes. Or some days just doing pavement rides only. I will be buying....adding a new bike soon. Just hard to choose. Looking at 890 standard, the transalp, just in case i want to ride two-up. But if i never two-up, the 690 would be my number one choice. Thanks for the vid, hadnt seen any in a bit.
The 690 is a pretty awesome platform for that kind of riding! Im hoping the Transalp comes to the States. Thanks brother
Having owned the top two on the list and having ridden the other three a few times I would agree with your list. I really liked the Beta 390 that I got some seat time on when riding the Alpine Loop a few years back. Beta is out of the box the most mod ready, but they are lowest of the bunch when it comes to fit/finish and somewhat reliability/dependability.
The 690/701 is a odd machine but it makes a lot of sense if you fit the mold for that bike and its niche. I loved my 450L, it was a fantastic bike in most regards but even after the most extreme diet one could put it on, to include ditching the rear subframe, I still couldn't come within 20lbs of the KTM and at slower speeds it just wasn't the orange bikes equal. At high speeds and on the road it was awesome and possibly the best of the bunch.
I have a 500 EXC-F now and aside from the slightly buzzier motor I couldn't be more happy. It truly is the best of the bunch and nothing else comes close to the aftermarket for it either. I am building mine into a light weight BDR ride and I plan to keep it for many years to come for that sole purpose.
I love my honda but I agree the KTM 500 is top shelf!
I absolutely love my Husky fe350s, ya it’s not the most powerful but it’s a ton of fun to ride and it’s perfect for trails. If you put a little money into it the bike would be even more lighter and powerful but I really like the linkage rear feeling compared to the KTM version but they’re all pretty great bikes out of the box.
What about Yamaha WR450?
I’ll take the Yamaha XT250 or the Honda CRF300L any day over these.
Great video. I don’t do hard enduro stuff so my choice is the CRF450RL. It’s much smoother than the 500EXC-F. With the GET ECU it’s golden.
I agree its noticeably smoother than the ktms.
Good job! I agree with your list!
Traveled to Chengdu China on business three months ago, Just wanted to put my two cents in here and say that if the Kove 450 makes it to the states ! I will be the next best thing since the legacy of the drz400 . Rode the bike and it’s simply the best thing to ever come out of China. Policy and politics aside . It’s a master piece.
We can only hope, Id love to get a test ride on one.
I feel as if the price could be a little much for folks that are just casual riders but aside from that and not knowing the all being question … reliability. Hope for the best.
@@sandralunsford5108 They are pricey but its the best of the best.
Good reviews. I think that it should be mentioned that out of the box, the beta is ready to go. There is no need to add a new ECU or exhaust. This actually puts the price point one of the lowest.
Thats a fair point in overall costs.
True but I’ve had a 21 500 excf for a couple years now and it runs darn good out of the box. No stalling issues/etc like the older KTM’s and the Honda 450RL. Sure it’s down on power a little vs being uncorked but is very smooth and rideable stock. I’ve rode one uncorked too and isn’t worth the cost of upgrading the ecu and exhaust to me. Would like to try the beta someday though
@@jimhimesjr They are all ridable stock. KTM is choked up more than the honda, which will produce more HP than the Honda once uncorked. But...... like I said in the video all these bikes don't need the aftermarket mods but its a much better experience than stock.
@@jimhimesjr the 500 ktms are the most restricted bikes in this category, and it makes for the biggest gains when uncorked because of it. Its also hard to say its not worth it if you've never invested the money and had the experience. IMHO
@@MobMoto I’ve rode a few KTM 500’s uncorked and a 23 xcfw 450 that’s uncorked outta the box quite a bit so I’ve had the experience. It has more power for sure but not worth it for trail riding to me. Maybe a dobach and an endcap but it runs good the way it is so I can’t bring myself to do it.
How can you rate the Beta #5 when you’ve never ridden one?
because it's a good option and worth mentioning for anyone in the market to take a look at it. Plus its safe to say beta doesn't have as much experience making dirtbikes as any of the others.
I just bought a 2023 ktm 500 exc-f six days
Im sure you love that thing! Lol congrats
@@MobMoto I love it. It definitely needs an exhaust and fuel tuner tho.
Sign me up Rodney! I'll take any one!! 😊
right, you cant go wrong with any of these bikes. Thanks Bob!
Good honest review 👍
For a first time buyer, I know I will be on normal street roads more often then on trails. My purpose is to ride it to my gym 2-3 miles away, but occasionally once a month take it to a trail. What do you suggest? (no highway riding)
ktm or honda
Good list !
First time I've ever heard the 690 engine described as reliable
you didnt say anything specyfic, just your opinion ... 690 is heavy 164kg but has 74hp and 75nm tq quick shifter traction control etc ...
Great round up! I have the KTM 690 2014. The bike has run well for me. It's nice to have the punch of the 690 engine when I'm loaded down with a few bags. Highway riding is good, I've clocked a few 800 mile days on the slab and was able to walk after those long days in the saddle. I wear padded bike shorts for a bit of added comfort on long trips. One of the first mods people do to this bike is change out the Can. Wings mufflers fixed that issue. The stock exhaust was a hot and heavy boat anchor.
The 450 exc I have is a older model with a carb. Currently changing out the piston and hope to have it back on the trail soon. When I replace this bike I'll be looking at the 5Honey as my next bike with FI. One of the few down sides to KTM is you have to get rid of the emission garbage to open up the bike and keep them cooler, what ya gonna do, thanks EPA!!
Thats pretty impressive, thanks for sharing! I think they all need the emissions removed, but that's just me. Lol
Great video
I mastered my beta.....
Is this easy E’s voice??? If you haven’t had the opportunity to ride a Beta….you can’t rate a Beta.
Have you ever mastered your beta??
EXC 500 has 64 HP open. Is yours limited in HP in the US?
Yes, I believe the exc is different model in Europe, but in the states it’s the plated version with like 42hp.
You forgot SWM.
Soft White Men?
SWM 500 will give any of these a run for their money and do it for $2-4k less!
A bike that has oli change every 10h is no dual sport. It is an enduro racing bike, althouhg you can have plates on it, and you can ride onroad legally. Other thing that dual sports should have is those Rubber pieces in rear wheel , that makes the sprocket be like suspended. WHY. Ride an e nduro bike 100 miles on road, then you know why.
What about the WR
We don’t have the wr in the US that is street legal.
Bro your voice
I don't get these guys lol blows my mind because the far superior dr650 isn't fuel injection it doesn't make the list ...they fail to understand the Dr 650 hasn't changed is because it's near perfect and doesn't need to change ...so tired of hearing the over priced unreliable KTM is the best ...it's not the best is a DR 650!! And it's half the price
Dr650 is a good option but it’s not a premium or a performance dualsport. 😂
Performance wise the dr650 is not even close.
It hasn’t changed because Suzuki is grandfathered in on emissions regulations, simply they don’t want to pay the money to meet those regulations with 21 century components.
Do you see anybody racing dr650s? No
Dr650 is a good beginner bike.
I have it on my top 5 beginner dualsports, its Affordable, easy to ride, with easy maintenance.
👍👍👏
Thanks
Lol the Honda 450 shouldn't have made the list that's hilarious
Best compromise of all bikes listed
No ABS no dualsport.
690/701 has abs and traction control and 74hp... Its a bit heavy for DS but is great BDR or makes an excellent light true Adventure bike.
@@ridemfast7625 I don't think it is smooth enough for an adventure motorcycle.
Pronounced 'Hoosk-var-na'....
Where is the kove 450 it’s supposed to be a beast and very awsome
I dont think its available at the moment.
In Australia we are lucky to have a Yamaha WR 450 with 49 rwhp (almost a yz with lights)
We could only dream of having that here. Cant get anything over 42 hp stock in the US for these dual-sports. Id get one if they were available here.