New bike: Dual Sport. What do you ride?

Zachintosh
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Zachintosh 4/30/2021 9:05am
4/30/2021 9:05am
Zachintosh wrote:
My 450L does everything: moto, desert, trail. With just a few mods (most of them free), it’s nearly as light as a stock 500 EXC-F, but...
My 450L does everything: moto, desert, trail. With just a few mods (most of them free), it’s nearly as light as a stock 500 EXC-F, but with fantastic reliability, longer maintenance intervals, and significantly better road manners.

MikeID wrote:
Great photos! Which mods did you do?
- Yosh full system (this saves a ton of weight since the 450L uses an automotive-grade catalytic converter. Honda does this because you can get a 5-year warranty on the bike and the cat needs to be functional over that period).
- De-smog
- Chain and sprockets (stock sprockets are heavy, rubber-coated)
- Thermostat delete
- Subframe extension removal
- Tail tidy + all-in-one taillight
- Kickstand sensor removal
- Swingarm heel guard and tab removal
- MX33 tires
- Ti foot pegs
- 450R seat and subframe bolts (stock are overbuilt to handle racks)
2
disbanded
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disbanded 4/30/2021 9:07am
4/30/2021 9:07am
I love my KTM 690 for almost everything, but if you want to ride moto too I'd probably go with the street legal KTM 500 or Husky 501, but they also require a lot more maintenance than the 690. Check out my youtube page for numerous 690 videos...

https://www.youtube.com/user/disbanded1/videos



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Drtbykr
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Drtbykr 4/30/2021 9:20am
4/30/2021 9:20am
2021 Husky 501s. It vibrates a lot on the road when the revs are up.

Other than that it’s great, love how small and light it feels.

I’m old, I need light.
2
skeef
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skeef 4/30/2021 9:35am
4/30/2021 9:35am
My second bike is a WR450 and I love it. I did the big baja front light, sick-ass turn sigs, I just had the motor rebuilt. It's my baja bike, it makes like 62 horsepower. I have yet to ride a bike that just continues to rip and rip like that bike does. Plus the KYB makes the bike. I can smoke most dudes at the track on it tooWink
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gt80rider
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gt80rider 4/30/2021 9:52am
4/30/2021 9:52am
JG463 wrote:
Well, its been 7 years since I have ridden moto. Between having kids and focused on my career it just got away from me. My dad...
Well, its been 7 years since I have ridden moto. Between having kids and focused on my career it just got away from me. My dad and brother are both in to dual sport riding and I am intrigued. Now that my son has a PW I am just itching to ride!! I want to be able to go on the dual sport rides but also ride some moto.

I am 6'1 230 and 32. When I quit riding I was a mid pack B guy.

There is a Honda dealer about an hour from where I live but other than that I am traveling 2-3 hours for anything else.

I am open to the Austrian brands, the Honda 450RL, or even a Beta.

Thoughts?

Edit: Needs to be street legal.
450L is massively gutted stock... 38 hp... expect to spend some decent $$$ to get it up to where it doesn't feel like a turd....

Most other brands have also had their HP massively reduced for emissions.... but perhaps not Beta???

I ride a KTM 690 Enduro R..... not a big fan... basically KTM converted a crotch rocket... about 60 hp stock... which is at least enough power for the highway.... wonky tank under seat, with airbox where the gas should be, making it feel too light in the front... sigh... numerous other issues... including a clutch that went out at 400 miles....
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JG463
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JG463 4/30/2021 10:22am
4/30/2021 10:22am
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport. Which sounds like might be the Beta.
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 10:36am
4/30/2021 10:36am Edited Date/Time 4/30/2021 10:42am
JG463 wrote:
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport...
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport. Which sounds like might be the Beta.
You nailed it. Depending on what you want sometimes the decision is made for you and in this case it's the Beta for best out-of-box, uncorked, emissions-free, most moto equipped plated bike.

Make sure to checkout the 390 and 430 RR-S.

Edit: you might have trouble getting one right now but I know of some 390's available in CA you could have shipped to your state. I shipped one in from from the midwest to CA a couple weeks ago but there's some being unloaded as we speak in CA.
1
Wingalls
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Wingalls 4/30/2021 10:48am
4/30/2021 10:48am
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete. The 350 has plenty of power but you'll need to have the suspension sprung and valved for your weight, I'm 6'2 185 and it was very soft. Did 360 miles in Baja last week and had zero issues keeping with my friends on their 450L and 500. A majority of what we ride is single track mixed with fire roads.

https://www.vitalmx.com/community/Wingalls,35816/setup,88679?scope=newe…
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 10:55am
4/30/2021 10:55am Edited Date/Time 4/30/2021 11:01am
Wingalls wrote:
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete...
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete. The 350 has plenty of power but you'll need to have the suspension sprung and valved for your weight, I'm 6'2 185 and it was very soft. Did 360 miles in Baja last week and had zero issues keeping with my friends on their 450L and 500. A majority of what we ride is single track mixed with fire roads.

https://www.vitalmx.com/community/Wingalls,35816/setup,88679?scope=newe…
That's a sweet bike man. How did those tires workout for the riding you did in Baja?

And is that the 120/100-18 or 110/100-18?
Timo
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Timo 4/30/2021 11:13am
4/30/2021 11:13am
Zachintosh wrote:
My 450L does everything: moto, desert, trail. With just a few mods (most of them free), it’s nearly as light as a stock 500 EXC-F, but...
My 450L does everything: moto, desert, trail. With just a few mods (most of them free), it’s nearly as light as a stock 500 EXC-F, but with fantastic reliability, longer maintenance intervals, and significantly better road manners.

MikeID wrote:
Great photos! Which mods did you do?
Zachintosh wrote:
- Yosh full system (this saves a ton of weight since the 450L uses an automotive-grade catalytic converter. Honda does this because you can get a...
- Yosh full system (this saves a ton of weight since the 450L uses an automotive-grade catalytic converter. Honda does this because you can get a 5-year warranty on the bike and the cat needs to be functional over that period).
- De-smog
- Chain and sprockets (stock sprockets are heavy, rubber-coated)
- Thermostat delete
- Subframe extension removal
- Tail tidy + all-in-one taillight
- Kickstand sensor removal
- Swingarm heel guard and tab removal
- MX33 tires
- Ti foot pegs
- 450R seat and subframe bolts (stock are overbuilt to handle racks)
Why would you delete the thermostat? I added on to my FX because it actually ran cold when the ambient temperature was below 70°.
Wingalls
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Wingalls 4/30/2021 11:31am
4/30/2021 11:31am
Wingalls wrote:
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete...
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete. The 350 has plenty of power but you'll need to have the suspension sprung and valved for your weight, I'm 6'2 185 and it was very soft. Did 360 miles in Baja last week and had zero issues keeping with my friends on their 450L and 500. A majority of what we ride is single track mixed with fire roads.

https://www.vitalmx.com/community/Wingalls,35816/setup,88679?scope=newe…
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
That's a sweet bike man. How did those tires workout for the riding you did in Baja?

And is that the 120/100-18 or 110/100-18?
Thank you! They worked great, we rode a mixture of everything and have zero complaints. Only downside is they aren't DOT so the rear can wear out quickly if doing long highway sections, the front is currently my favorite. It's a 120/100-18.

Motoz tractionator IT is a solid choice that is DOT approved.
1
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 11:44am
4/30/2021 11:44am
Wingalls wrote:
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete...
I had a 2015 500exc and switched to a 21 350exc-f in October. Installed a GET ecu from taco moto, exhaust and did a smog delete. The 350 has plenty of power but you'll need to have the suspension sprung and valved for your weight, I'm 6'2 185 and it was very soft. Did 360 miles in Baja last week and had zero issues keeping with my friends on their 450L and 500. A majority of what we ride is single track mixed with fire roads.

https://www.vitalmx.com/community/Wingalls,35816/setup,88679?scope=newe…
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
That's a sweet bike man. How did those tires workout for the riding you did in Baja?

And is that the 120/100-18 or 110/100-18?
Wingalls wrote:
Thank you! They worked great, we rode a mixture of everything and have zero complaints. Only downside is they aren't DOT so the rear can wear...
Thank you! They worked great, we rode a mixture of everything and have zero complaints. Only downside is they aren't DOT so the rear can wear out quickly if doing long highway sections, the front is currently my favorite. It's a 120/100-18.

Motoz tractionator IT is a solid choice that is DOT approved.
Nice, maybe I'll try some out. I'm not worried about DOT.

I'm pretty sure the CHP officers in CA would be more concerned with your lack of rear blinkers than your non DOT tires Smile
1
G-man
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G-man 4/30/2021 11:48am
4/30/2021 11:48am
2016 KTM 350XCF-W Great bike and very versatile for gnarly Single track, trails, Dual Track and DS. Cool


5
Wingalls
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Wingalls 4/30/2021 12:03pm
4/30/2021 12:03pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Nice, maybe I'll try some out. I'm not worried about DOT. I'm pretty sure the CHP officers in CA would be more concerned with your lack...
Nice, maybe I'll try some out. I'm not worried about DOT.

I'm pretty sure the CHP officers in CA would be more concerned with your lack of rear blinkers than your non DOT tires Smile
I like your style.

Rear blinkers are integrated into the brake light. I'm somewhat compliant Cool
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 12:25pm
4/30/2021 12:25pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Nice, maybe I'll try some out. I'm not worried about DOT. I'm pretty sure the CHP officers in CA would be more concerned with your lack...
Nice, maybe I'll try some out. I'm not worried about DOT.

I'm pretty sure the CHP officers in CA would be more concerned with your lack of rear blinkers than your non DOT tires Smile
Wingalls wrote:
I like your style.

Rear blinkers are integrated into the brake light. I'm somewhat compliant Cool
Sweet setup, sounds like an aftermarket rear brake light?

If I was in the aftermarket industry I'd be making custom quick release blinkers and license plate mounts for all the enduros. Now that I have one I see how hight of a demand there is for both products.

I'm aware of the enduroplate holder and I bought one, but someone needs to make a similar version that's quick release for quick on/off installation. In addition, make small LED blinker kits that are quick release with a rubber plug to seal the female jack when you pull the blinkers out.

I'm going to make my own because I can't find anything I like for the Beta. Basically something like this with a small LED blinker attached to a male headphone jack with a flexible joint in between:


1
JG463
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JG463 4/30/2021 12:28pm
4/30/2021 12:28pm
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride!

I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a 430 (more than likely).
2
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 12:36pm
4/30/2021 12:36pm
JG463 wrote:
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride! I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a...
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride!

I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a 430 (more than likely).
You will love it. If you have trouble finding one send me a PM. I just went through this same scavenger hunt. You should be able to find one for sure as there's a bunch of shipping containers being processed as we speak.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 4/30/2021 1:57pm
4/30/2021 1:57pm
JG463 wrote:
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride! I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a...
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride!

I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a 430 (more than likely).
FYI the 430 and 350 are a little more revvy. 390 and 500/480 are more low torque. Minor differences between RR-S and Race Editions, mostly forks and bling, but key and fan and GPS are nice.
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Wingalls
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Wingalls 4/30/2021 2:14pm
4/30/2021 2:14pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Sweet setup, sounds like an aftermarket rear brake light? If I was in the aftermarket industry I'd be making custom quick release blinkers and license plate...
Sweet setup, sounds like an aftermarket rear brake light?

If I was in the aftermarket industry I'd be making custom quick release blinkers and license plate mounts for all the enduros. Now that I have one I see how hight of a demand there is for both products.

I'm aware of the enduroplate holder and I bought one, but someone needs to make a similar version that's quick release for quick on/off installation. In addition, make small LED blinker kits that are quick release with a rubber plug to seal the female jack when you pull the blinkers out.

I'm going to make my own because I can't find anything I like for the Beta. Basically something like this with a small LED blinker attached to a male headphone jack with a flexible joint in between:


Yeah, pw_garfield on eBay and tacomoto make them.

That’s a solid idea. Maybe try these https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/clicknride-quick-release-turn-signa… or you can go the Sicass racing route.
2
JG463
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JG463 4/30/2021 2:32pm
4/30/2021 2:32pm
JG463 wrote:
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride! I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a...
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride!

I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a 430 (more than likely).
Johnny Depp wrote:
FYI the 430 and 350 are a little more revvy. 390 and 500/480 are more low torque. Minor differences between RR-S and Race Editions, mostly forks...
FYI the 430 and 350 are a little more revvy. 390 and 500/480 are more low torque. Minor differences between RR-S and Race Editions, mostly forks and bling, but key and fan and GPS are nice.
I like revvy. I would probably go with the 430. Why are they all priced so closely? That surprises me.
Black Diesel Bomber 4/30/2021 3:11pm
4/30/2021 3:11pm
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
Sweet setup, sounds like an aftermarket rear brake light? If I was in the aftermarket industry I'd be making custom quick release blinkers and license plate...
Sweet setup, sounds like an aftermarket rear brake light?

If I was in the aftermarket industry I'd be making custom quick release blinkers and license plate mounts for all the enduros. Now that I have one I see how hight of a demand there is for both products.

I'm aware of the enduroplate holder and I bought one, but someone needs to make a similar version that's quick release for quick on/off installation. In addition, make small LED blinker kits that are quick release with a rubber plug to seal the female jack when you pull the blinkers out.

I'm going to make my own because I can't find anything I like for the Beta. Basically something like this with a small LED blinker attached to a male headphone jack with a flexible joint in between:


Wingalls wrote:
Yeah, pw_garfield on eBay and tacomoto make them.

That’s a solid idea. Maybe try these https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/clicknride-quick-release-turn-signa… or you can go the Sicass racing route.
That's exactly what I'm looking for but I need a smaller version with smaller receptacles.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 4/30/2021 3:39pm
4/30/2021 3:39pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2021 3:45pm
JG463 wrote:
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride! I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a...
Have you guys ever heard of the Big Woods 600? Its out near Sturgis. Fantastic ride!

I appreciate everyone's input. I am working on locating a 430 (more than likely).
Johnny Depp wrote:
FYI the 430 and 350 are a little more revvy. 390 and 500/480 are more low torque. Minor differences between RR-S and Race Editions, mostly forks...
FYI the 430 and 350 are a little more revvy. 390 and 500/480 are more low torque. Minor differences between RR-S and Race Editions, mostly forks and bling, but key and fan and GPS are nice.
JG463 wrote:
I like revvy. I would probably go with the 430. Why are they all priced so closely? That surprises me.
They are identical other than bore and stroke and gears and mapping.
sumdood
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sumdood 4/30/2021 4:38pm
4/30/2021 4:38pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2021 4:40pm
I had a friend (R.I.P.) that was a hardcore Beta guy. He described the different displacements like this. The 500 is a full on beast, maybe more motor than you want. If high speed highway stretches , fast washes, deep sandy hill climbs etc are your thing get the five hunny. The 390 is more of a torgue monster, it will tractor through woods and slow speed technical stuff with no monster hit, just gobs of torgue. The 430 is more of a revver and is the closest to a modern 450 motocrosser. According to him the 430 "Felt" the lightest of the 3 due to the quick revving motor. The 430 was his favorite, he was a motocrosser at heart so that's probably why. Anyways I've haven't rode any of them personally but he rode them all and that was his take on the 3. Have fun whatever you get !

Edit: Looks like this info has been covered already, teach me to post without reading the other comments lol. So just add a "Plus one" to what everyone else said about the Beta's
2
moto00851 4/30/2021 5:37pm
4/30/2021 5:37pm
JG463 wrote:
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport...
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport. Which sounds like might be the Beta.
Might be able to help you out. I have a Beta you can test ride.I am busy this weekend. Lets come up with a when and where. I am about an hour and half from you.
1
mike117
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mike117 4/30/2021 5:41pm
4/30/2021 5:41pm
If I were your size, I wouldn't leave the XR650L out of consideration (I'd love one, but it's a bit tall for me). I know the bike hasn't really changed in 20 years or more, it's heavier, etc. But it's simple, bulletproof, and a lot cheaper than the high end Euro models, and the CRF 450L. I'm partial to Hondas and their reliability though... I've got a 2014 CRF250L, here's an odometer pic
It's now a little over 83,000- and the ONLY issue I've had is the stater going out at around 71,000 miles.
8
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JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 4/30/2021 5:51pm
4/30/2021 5:51pm
mike117 wrote:
If I were your size, I wouldn't leave the XR650L out of consideration (I'd love one, but it's a bit tall for me). I know the...
If I were your size, I wouldn't leave the XR650L out of consideration (I'd love one, but it's a bit tall for me). I know the bike hasn't really changed in 20 years or more, it's heavier, etc. But it's simple, bulletproof, and a lot cheaper than the high end Euro models, and the CRF 450L. I'm partial to Hondas and their reliability though... I've got a 2014 CRF250L, here's an odometer pic
It's now a little over 83,000- and the ONLY issue I've had is the stater going out at around 71,000 miles.
That’s impressive.
1
mike117
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mike117 4/30/2021 6:07pm
4/30/2021 6:07pm
mike117 wrote:
If I were your size, I wouldn't leave the XR650L out of consideration (I'd love one, but it's a bit tall for me). I know the...
If I were your size, I wouldn't leave the XR650L out of consideration (I'd love one, but it's a bit tall for me). I know the bike hasn't really changed in 20 years or more, it's heavier, etc. But it's simple, bulletproof, and a lot cheaper than the high end Euro models, and the CRF 450L. I'm partial to Hondas and their reliability though... I've got a 2014 CRF250L, here's an odometer pic
It's now a little over 83,000- and the ONLY issue I've had is the stater going out at around 71,000 miles.
JBecker 72 wrote:
That’s impressive.
Yeah, the bike's done well. It's definitely kind of a turd (overweight and underpowered), but the lack of performance is probably why it's lasted so long!
sumdood
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sumdood 4/30/2021 6:43pm
4/30/2021 6:43pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2021 6:44pm
My old 03' WR 450 that my son rides now has been rock solid, no idea how many hours it has but it's a lot. Why Yamaha hasn't made a YZF 450 based dual sport baffles me.


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JG463
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JG463 4/30/2021 6:58pm
4/30/2021 6:58pm
JG463 wrote:
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport...
I won’t be doing much highway. Mainly dirt roads and then a few trips to northern Wisconsin. Ideally, I want the most moto feeling dual sport. Which sounds like might be the Beta.
moto00851 wrote:
Might be able to help you out. I have a Beta you can test ride.I am busy this weekend. Lets come up with a when and...
Might be able to help you out. I have a Beta you can test ride.I am busy this weekend. Lets come up with a when and where. I am about an hour and half from you.
That would be great. If you don’t mind shoot me an email. Jon.garrett463@gmail.com
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 4/30/2021 7:18pm
4/30/2021 7:18pm
Nothing to fear about the 500/480 (same engine). One of the easiest to ride bikes ever, a gentle giant. Shhhh, don't tell everyone.

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