Help my buddy choose a bike

Because of this, I would recommend the Triumph. I think it would be the easiest to use learning off road techniques, as it is the lightest if I remember correctly. They are also the lowest maintenance of the three choices from what I've heard, and it doesn't hurt that the one he is looking at has zero miles.

I came very close to buying one during my last purchase, but my 2009 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 twin was half the price, so I couldn't pass it up. The Triumph has a similar power to weight ratio as the Dorsoduro, which I think travels highways just fine. I am in the process of making my Aprilia more dirt worthy, and the final step will be a set of TKC80 tires, now that they make a 180 wide and 17" fronts. For mostly street use, I like my current Pirelli Scorpion Trail dual sport tires.

The tire thing is actually a a sticking point as well, the selection of "knobby" tires available for the MS is pretty limited, whereas the selection for the ktm is nearly endless

He's pretty torn between the options but I'm pretty sure if the deal on the 990 works out then that's gonna be it

Wikipedia says:

• Triumph 800 XC - 460 pounds
• KTM 990 Adventure - 460 pounds
• Ducati Multistrada 1200 - 420 pounds

Don't buy the Triumph for the weight. The KTM usually wins the comparison tests in the dirt department.

If you want something that makes it easier to learn off road, get a Suzuki DR-Z400, or maybe a Honda XR650L. Significantly less weight.

As much as it pains me, I have to agree!

Jim

So are some OP's when they insult those he is seeking council from!

Jim

You won't like ANY of those bikes for real off road riding like you mention here. The KTM is the most capable at this but would still not be much fun. Good luck finding that "transformer bike". About 1 trip into the boonies and you will learn to stay on solid gravel roads with them all.

You didn't tell us you were a KLR expert. Why are you here asking questions.

That is surprising. Just sitting on them (since I haven't ridden them), the Triumph feels the lightest. Maybe it is just psychological, since you feel like you are sitting in the Duc and KTM, while you sit on the Triumph.

I agree the Suzuki or Honda would be better off road, but those weren't listed as options.

Where did I ask for suggestions not included in the list?

I have to agree with you there, there really is no such thing as the transformer bike, or else we would all be driving the same bike.

crowd sourcing a solution?

Ultimately easiest to learn off road isn't that high on the list, while there will be offroad riding, there will be a lot more on road

It feels like the centre of gravity is in a better spot on the 800, but triumph is to good to do demo's in Ottawa(at least the dealer blames triumph), so its hard to say.

I would GO!!! with the 990 as it is one of, if not the best do it all bike made IMHO.

haha, yea, I used to think I could handle this bike too, it has a way of humbling you, don't get me wrong, the bike will do whatever is asked of it, if you have the nads to stay with it. Whatever you do, don't put your feet down unless you are stopping!!

Let us know what your buddy decides to ride.

Thanks, Eric.

I would never buy a bike I couldn't ride first. If the Triumph tops the list, I would go tell them I would like to buy, but not without a test ride. If they said no, I would ask them directions to the KTM dealer.

that's basically what's happened

hey I hear what your saying, I've been humbled on my slow ass klr, I still have much to learn about riding on or off road

You are new on ADV Grasshopper, you will learn!

Jim

I'm not sure where you are located, but the Triumph/BMW/Vespa dealer near me does test rides. Even if you tell them you aren't in the market for a new bike, they encourage it. Organized on/off road rides open to any brand, free donuts, etc. Needless to say, they are doing quite well. Cycle Specialties is great.

How far is it to the next dealer?

The OP is in The Black Heart of Deepest, Darkest Canuckistan.

It's many thousands of kilometres to civilization.
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