If You Could Own One ADV What Would It Be

[bsacbob]

Interesting Comparison test, so it would appear you have to have 1000cc or above to have the perfect bike

From Motorcyclist : [h=1]GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING ADVENTURE BIKE COMPARISON TEST[/h]
Go Anywhere, Do Anything | Adventure Bike Comparison Test

 

[KTMphil]

Yamaha XT 660 R

 

[Gnasher328]

Ha, agree completely with the 'cow' - what a load of bull. Charlie and Ewan proved long ago big is not always better, and recently Steph Jeavons has completely blown the whole macho ADV scam. Just gimme a 300-350cc CRF!

 

[Pounce]

The author has no idea what the definition of adventure is.
2 minutes in sand would sort them out.

 

[CraigBKK]

What else would you expect from a US review. These guys probably drive an SUV to the super-mall at the weekend and eat a super-sized McMeal for a light snack. 'Big' is a relative concept.

Surprised the KTM was nudged into 3rd place based on the scenario the article opens with. I always imagined the MS to be far too road orientated for anything most riders would term 'an adventure'. Now also selling for the bargain price of 999K THB here in Thailand 8-)

 

[Forest]

Ha, agree completely with the 'cow' - what a load of bull. Charlie and Ewan proved long ago big is not always better, and recently Steph Jeavons has completely blown the whole macho ADV scam. Just gimme a 300-350cc CRF!

Completely agree .if adv means offroad beyond fireroads that i could do with a harley..the lighter the better!! i am in the process to 'adv' my crf ..

 

[bikesncats]

Interesting Comparison test, so it would appear you have to have 1000cc or above to have the perfect bike

From Motorcyclist : GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING ADVENTURE BIKE COMPARISON TEST


Go Anywhere, Do Anything | Adventure Bike Comparison Test

I have had anything from DT125 and TTR250, from R100GS Paris Dakar to the latest 1200GS, Multistrada (back when they made a little more sense)...and in the middle class Cagiva Elefant, XT500, XR650, DR750, 600Ténéré, SuperTen (750) (and more).
I even converted an XS1100 and did the Sahara with it to prove it could be done...

TRUE go anywhere do anything bikes I had the pleasure to ride were (ONLY) those in the middle, Super Ténéré excluded really...it was good with the right mods but not really a go anywhere (without the extra effort) bike.

The best ever in this category I found was the Yamaha 600 Ténéré...by far...with the Elefant 650 being the best example of almost perfect (if only it would have been a little more reliable). Both could have benefitted from a little extra comfort but that was only a matter of some small changes.

Like my completely insane XS1100 project proved (I am excused I was young), it is easy to build something on 2 wheels that can - with lots of extra effort and useless sweat - go places off the pavement, one can even add an adventure badge to it, but truth is, pretty much everything that is considered an adventure bike today is NOT fitting into what most of us, who have been adventuring around the globe on 2 wheels, would classify as such.

Perhaps we need to rethink our terminology since the industry seems pretty much stuck on calling their hyper machines "adventure bikes".
That a motorcycle magazine selects only such heavy bikes as the Go Anywhere and Do Anything adventure motorcycles only shows where these morons get their bread buttered.

Cheers.

In my humble opinion, the best adventure bike today would be taking a Ténéré 660 Z, remove all the unnecessary crap, put it on a diet then slap the MT-07 twin into it. It would not only be a perfect adventure bike, it would also run circles around those big campers on 2 wheels, on or off any road and condition. That would be THE ONE for me.

 

[CraigBKK]

I have had anything from DT125 and TTR250, from R100GS Paris Dakar to the latest 1200GS, Multistrada (back when they made a little more sense)...and in the middle class Cagiva Elefant, XT500, XR650, DR750, 600Ténéré, SuperTen (750) (and more).
I even converted an XS1100 and did the Sahara with it to prove it could be done...

TRUE go anywhere do anything bikes I had the pleasure to ride were (ONLY) those in the middle, Super Ténéré excluded really...it was good with the right mods but not really a go anywhere (without the extra effort) bike.

The best ever in this category I found was the Yamaha 600 Ténéré...by far...with the Elefant 650 being the best example of almost perfect (if only it would have been a little more reliable). Both could have benefitted from a little extra comfort but that was only a matter of some small changes.

Like my completely insane XS1100 project proved (I am excused I was young), it is easy to build something on 2 wheels that can - with lots of extra effort and useless sweat - go places off the pavement, one can even add an adventure badge to it, but truth is, pretty much everything that is considered an adventure bike today is NOT fitting into what most of us, who have been adventuring around the globe on 2 wheels, would classify as such.

Perhaps we need to rethink our terminology since the industry seems pretty much stuck on calling their hyper machines "adventure bikes".
That a motorcycle magazine selects only such heavy bikes as the Go Anywhere and Do Anything adventure motorcycles only shows where these morons get their bread buttered.

Cheers.

In my humble opinion, the best adventure bike today would be taking a Ténéré 660 Z, remove all the unnecessary crap, put it on a diet then slap the MT-07 twin into it. It would not only be a perfect adventure bike, it would also run circles around those big campers on 2 wheels, on or off any road and condition. That would be THE ONE for me.

Funny you mentioning the Yamaha, watched this video last night and the two guys on the KTM 1190 and BMW F800GSA kind of admit their bikes restricted what they could end up doing but the rider of the Ténéré was impressed by how capable a bike it was.

[video=youtube_share;23CZWRkOgpQ]http://youtu.be/23CZWRkOgpQ[/video]

 

[Gnasher328]

@bikesncats (hope the 'cats' bit refers to Jaguar cars or something rather than the annoying furry vermin)
Agree re the press, nearly added something to that end in my post. I stopped buying bike mags decades ago, most seem to be advertising media staffed by juvenile impressionable morons. I guess when I was in my teeens-twenties I was one too so they fitted the bill - bigger-faster=better etc, but then I grew up and discovered reality.

 

[bikesncats]

@bikesncats (hope the 'cats' bit refers to Jaguar cars or something rather than the annoying furry vermin)....

I do like cats, usually "in salmi" with green peppers, carrots and potatoes but occasionally marinated in beer and garlic overnight and BBQ'd....

The cats you refer to is short for catamarans, sailing is my 2nd found passion, one where you can pretty much throw all rules overboard and do as you please...and push the limits as extreme as any ride I ever did. I do prefer catamarans over monohulls because, despite my coming of age, I still feel the need for speed...

 

[Gnasher328]

@bikesncats - ah, just as good! Used to like the extreme stuff but got too old and knackered to keep climbing back on or in so now it,s just 'spirited cruising' with beers.

 

[bikesncats]

@bikesncats - ah, just as good! Used to like the extreme stuff but got too old and knackered to keep climbing back on or in so now it,s just 'spirited cruising' with beers.

With the right company that is always a great way to spend a day...or a week! You think I need to edit the first comment about cats out as not to offend anyone that might find it irrelevant crap? Or maybe we just move it to a new thread "recipes by the campfire when adventure touring"...
:jump

Oh yeah, and to get on track with the relevance of this thread, seriously...if I could only have one adventure bike and it would have to be "off the shelf" then it would be the original old XT600Ténéré...if I need to meet emission standards then it`s the Ténéré660Z

 

[The Bigfella]

Nah don't do that... its the other white meat. Nice in sweet 'n sour



As for catamarans... I started in Kittycats - a 12'er that carries a kite. I still have the Tornado that I bought in about '79.... but its a bit worse for wear these days.

Here's the Kittycat at the nationals in Perth, the year before I started sailing on it. My brother is on trapeze here



Now, back on topic, because I can't find a photo of my Tornado....


.... one adventure bike? The KTM 950 Super Enduro. If I was down to one bike, I'd modify it a bit more. They started out 20 kg lighter than the Adventure and mine lost a few bits (Wings titanium exhausts are MUCH lighter than stock)... and the standard pillion grab, etc went. I reckon it wouldn't be too hard to get it down to around 170 kg in day ride trim - still too much for the really tight stuff, but it ain't too bad compared to 263kg for a BMW

I'd want two tanks in the arsenal. Mine has the 30 litre Safari tank, which gives 300 km in Asian conditions, 450 km in open, Oz-like conditions. The stock 13 litre tank would be good for day rides.

 

[bill]

Aprillia once made a 550 twin offroad bike Aprilia RXV 550

I dont know much about the bike itself but the concept of a lightweight twin is interesting.

I find my KTM500 is pretty good weight and powerwise, but being a thumper it's a bit vibey on the highway segments. Short service intervals is another factor.

 

[bikesncats]

Nah don't do that... its the other white meat. Nice in sweet 'n sour



As for catamarans... I started in Kittycats - a 12'er that carries a kite. I still have the Tornado that I bought in about '79.... but its a bit worse for wear these days.

Here's the Kittycat at the nationals in Perth, the year before I started sailing on it. My brother is on trapeze here



Now, back on topic, because I can't find a photo of my Tornado....


.... one adventure bike? The KTM 950 Super Enduro. If I was down to one bike, I'd modify it a bit more. They started out 20 kg lighter than the Adventure and mine lost a few bits (Wings titanium exhausts are MUCH lighter than stock)... and the standard pillion grab, etc went. I reckon it wouldn't be too hard to get it down to around 170 kg in day ride trim - still too much for the really tight stuff, but it ain't too bad compared to 263kg for a BMW

I'd want two tanks in the arsenal. Mine has the 30 litre Safari tank, which gives 300 km in Asian conditions, 450 km in open, Oz-like conditions. The stock 13 litre tank would be good for day rides.

I only started roughly a decade ago but it quickly became a passion. The best/worse I did is single handed fly a 65footer down the gulf in a storm with 35-36knot gale...needless to say when I finally made it to pulau Tioman I was a wreck...but so refreshed inside.

KTM has a great lineup...but for extreme adventure riding I would want more range (by having less consumption not by carrying more)...and a little less weight. That's why even the HP2 Enduro didn't make the cut in my book for the open outback...

Of course if we could make it a twin (XT)...with similar consumption and weight, it would be a winner.

Aprilia had some awesome concept bikes...as I mentioned to Bob in the Aprilia thread he strated, I had more respect for the firm before they joined the trend...

 

[bikesncats]

Aprillia once made a 550 twin offroad bike Aprilia RXV 550

I dont know much about the bike itself but the concept of a lightweight twin is interesting.

I find my KTM500 is pretty good weight and powerwise, but being a thumper it's a bit vibey on the highway segments. Short service intervals is another factor.

Bill sorry for not taking the time to answer properly earlier...Yes the RXV550 was a great machine. It was of course more hardcore and motard (with the SXV version) oriented but I recall when it came out in 2005 or 2006 if I recall I had the pleasure to ride one to James Bay.

From Montreal to Chibougamou on mostly asphalt was a ballbreaker but after riding up the "route de la Baie James" all the way to Radisson and east to lake Katchamiskow was awesome. The bike was a little thirstier then I liked as our ladies following with the Yukon (carrying supplies, camping gear and more importantly fuel) couldn't really adventure everywhere so we had to keep our trips within a reasonable distance from our truck-camp because of the small tank it had.

The entire area up there is just so awesome, vast and untouched, many "gravel" roads providing access to the hydro dams and the rest is playground (with hunting and fishing as well) paradise...for a short few months every year. When heading north enough to be hitting the permafrost off-roading begets a new meaning, but the RXV was very capable, more so then the Elefant to be honest.

I believe it would actually make a great adventure ride with softer suspensions, more fuel and some small adaptations...much more so then many other alternatives we've been throwing around actually. The engine runs surprisingly smooth for a twin power plant without counterbalancing shaft. Power is just astounding out of such a small (and very light) engine...I believe the test report you linked in makes a good effort at pointing that fact out.

I never bough one but...I think you revived a gem of a bike...too bad it was produced for such short time and we all forgot about it...thanks for bringing it back to us Bill.

 

[CraigBKK]

I still fancy a GP450 by CCM. It's a single, vibey on all accounts and aesthetically in the Ténéré mold. Check out this video at 1:44 to find out a little more about the bike and see it being ridden.

[video=youtube_share;dVi4RINlY_A]http://youtu.be/dVi4RINlY_A[/video]

£8K in the UK. As I have a valid work permit here it appears I can import both a used and new vehicle into Thailand but at 213% total taxes and duties, it's not going to happen.

Still, I wish this small British company all the best. Glad to see someone with the balls to break the trend.

 

[bill]

Bill sorry for not taking the time to answer properly earlier...Yes the RXV550 was a great machine. It was of course more hardcore and motard (with the SXV version) oriented but I recall when it came out in 2005 or 2006 if I recall I had the pleasure to ride one to James Bay.

From Montreal to Chibougamou on mostly asphalt was a ballbreaker but after riding up the "route de la Baie James" all the way to Radisson and east to lake Katchamiskow was awesome. The bike was a little thirstier then I liked as our ladies following with the Yukon (carrying supplies, camping gear and more importantly fuel) couldn't really adventure everywhere so we had to keep our trips within a reasonable distance from our truck-camp because of the small tank it had.

The entire area up there is just so awesome, vast and untouched, many "gravel" roads providing access to the hydro dams and the rest is playground (with hunting and fishing as well) paradise...for a short few months every year. When heading north enough to be hitting the permafrost off-roading begets a new meaning, but the RXV was very capable, more so then the Elefant to be honest.

I believe it would actually make a great adventure ride with softer suspensions, more fuel and some small adaptations...much more so then many other alternatives we've been throwing around actually. The engine runs surprisingly smooth for a twin power plant without counterbalancing shaft. Power is just astounding out of such a small (and very light) engine...I believe the test report you linked in makes a good effort at pointing that fact out.

I never bough one but...I think you revived a gem of a bike...too bad it was produced for such short time and we all forgot about it...thanks for bringing it back to us Bill.

Yeah, interesting bike. A very light 70hp bike at 129kg, but a bit on the heavy side when compared to the other 450-500 class of enduro bikes which might have led to its early demise ? A google search brings up some advrider threads where people converted them to adventure bikes.....

Another good option is the trusty DRZ400. I've clocked up over 130,000ks on two DRZ's I've owned in Cambodia. Everyday use, offroad trips, even slab runs to Thailand/laos
Three obvious shortcomings are stock power, ~33hp, close ratio gearbox/lack of 6th gear, and its a thumper so it will be buzzy at highspeed slab droning.
Two of those downsides can be addressed. There's a wide ratio gearset available for around $650.
While you've got it apart, through in a stroker crank, big bore kit, and hotcam/s.
That, combined with 39/40mm pumper carb and pipe will give you close to 50hp, and the motor is still bullet proof. Plus the lower rpm for highway acheived from the WR gears would reduce vibration.

However, for tight single track the DRZ can get a bit heavy
Thats why I bought the KTM500. 6 speed trans and 50hp out of the box in a 111kg package.
Service intervals/motor rebuild probably around half that of the DRZ, but worth it imo.

 

[KTMphil]

Bill, the 500 looks like the perfect bike, I've thought long and hard. The problem is that for really big tours, say 4,000 - 5,000 km, maintenance, comfort, etc..... not sure this is the bike for me?


KTM 300 exc smoker for 500km of trails & BMW 800 gs for the long hauls with,some easy dirt is the way I've gone. Might not be for everyone ....we'll see how it works out.

 

[CraigBKK]

Bill, the 500 looks like the perfect bike, I've thought long and hard. The problem is that for really big tours, say 4,000 - 5,000 km, maintenance, comfort, etc..... not sure this is the bike for me?


KTM 300 exc smoker for 500km of trails & BMW 800 gs for the long hauls with,some easy dirt is the way I've gone. Might not be for everyone ....we'll see how it works out.

This guy produces great bike videos. Here's one of him and a buddy travelling from Austria to Egypt on a pair of KTM 500s with larger fuel tanks. Looks like great fun!

[video=youtube_share;yhWR5jjGzfM]http://youtu.be/yhWR5jjGzfM[/video]

Silly question but is the 500 road legal in Thailand? Green book etc.?

*** OK just found the answer to my question

 

[bill]

KTM 300 exc smoker for 500km of trails & BMW 800 gs for the long hauls with,some easy dirt is the way I've gone. Might not be for everyone ....we'll see how it works out.

Phil, thats two bikes...

(If You Could Own One ADV What Would It Be)

Like you, I've found I prefer to own several different bikes rather than trying to find a bike that does it all.
Cant go wrong with the BM as tourer.
Dont know about the 2smoke, I've never owned one. Fuel range could be a concern? I'm not a fan of huge fuel tanks on dirtbikes.
I get around 200km range from a 11.5l tank on the 500.

 

[bikesncats]

I still fancy a GP450 by CCM. It's a single, vibey on all accounts and aesthetically in the Ténéré mold. Check out this video at 1:44 to find out a little more about the bike and see it being ridden

As I have a valid work permit here it appears I can import both a used and new vehicle into Thailand but at 213% total taxes and duties, it's not going to happen.

Still, I wish this small British company all the best. Glad to see someone with the balls to break the trend.

Thanks for the vids Craig...the XT660z on "giro delle alpi" one especially, shows what a well engineered bike it is and can hold his own against the superhyped ladies.

As a holder of a work permit you are allowed to import ONE VEHICLE free of any import duty. Of course you still need to pass the Thai industrial institute tests (mainly exhaust compliance) the register it. Well worth it if you have a super expensive machine...

 

[brake034]

As a holder of a work permit you are allowed to import ONE VEHICLE free of any import duty.

Source link>: Customs English
Quote"

• • Criteria for a Permanent Import of Used/Secondhand Vehicles

• An importer is eligible to import only ONE used/ secondhand vehicles for personal use.
• In case where the importer is a nonresident, he/she is required to stay in Thailand for at least ONE year and present a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Bureau, the National Police Office together with a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare at the time of importation.
• In case where an importer is a Thai resident marrying a foreigner, he/she is required to present documentary evidence of marriage and proof of changing residence to Thailand. Also the importer has to own and possess the imported vehicle for at least one and a half year while staying abroad, from the date of transferring the ownership to the date of arrival into Thailand.
• In case where an importer is a Thai resident, he/she is allowed to import a vehicle only when such vehicle is accompanied the owner on the change of residence and he/she has owned and possessed the imported vehicle together with the valid driving license for at least one and a half year while staying abroad. "Unquote

It does not say anywhere that this is tax free, it only specifies who is allowed to be granted an import license.

Import duties and the relevant calculations are mentioned on the same web page.

 

[bikesncats]

It does not say anywhere that this is tax free, it only specifies who is allowed to be granted an import license.

Import duties and the relevant calculations are mentioned on the same web page.

Marcel I do have the printed version somewhere though it is not the same, either the terms have changed or your link refers to something else??? not sure...as far as I recall one needed to be the owner (abroad) for at least 2 years, there was a minimum of kilometers that had to be on the vehicle (can't recall how much, though wasn't much).

One can import several vehicles but following rules and taxation. The one vehicle rule applies to an import tax free vehicle and it is limited to one vehicle per family no exception. For example, if you import a vehicle, your wife will not be allowed to import a second into the same household (with you as the husband)...

I got the tax free rules from Jap's uncle (he's well placed in a serious police unit so...no BS there) and he helped me with the MV...walk in the park. Bottom line, with proper connections...well...PM if you need more info.

 

[brake034]

Years ago I had contact with Thai customs in Brussels about the import of my '58 Triumph TR3A, based on a return of my wife after 25 years in Holland. They mentioned that is was virtually impossible and showed me the relevant sections, part of which I copied the current version here.
Later on they added the emission bit which would potentially make it impossible to import a classic car in Thailand.

I know one English guy who imported his TR6, also based on a returning spouse, big import duties.
That made me decide to reconsider and sell the TR3A in Holland.

 

[CraigBKK]

I've read quite a few websites myself and i haven't found anything that states the one vehicle is tax free, only discounted for eligible people. The Thai Customs page has a table with all the discounts. Maybe an old Cafe Racer could qualify for the maximum discount of around 75% but then there's emmissions to consider! But the way I read it the discount is only applicable to Customs Duty, not VAT. I've even read pages from the Thaivisa forum where people have asked about this topic: it appears currently to be no go

So no GP450 or Ténéré import for me. I am however hoping the British connection still can provide me with a possible solution to the thread question, in the form of a Rally-Raid Products CB500X conversion kit. Their latest post on the ADVRIDER forum thread dedicated to this topic is suggesting a late January target release for stage 1

We intend to have the stage 1 kit (that is the wheels, front suspension and rear shock - together with a revised exhaust silencer that will be required if you want to run a longer rear shock, since the OEM silencer has a fat conical section that is already very close to the swing arm in standard position) available towards the end of January 2015.

There is also every chance that various accessories such as the skid-plate, high fender kit, and luggage racks will be available even sooner than that...

However conversely, the new nose/screen assembly (that Novaman specifically alludes to above) is unlikely to appear before the end of January, as it will have to be injection moulded and there is a lot of work involved in creating a production mould for that... Therefore it is more likely that the 'rallye nose' will be introduced shortly after the initial stage 1 kit - although rest assured we certainly intend to incorporate it as part of our more 'extreme' build in preparation for racing a CB500X at the Tuareg Rallye in March.

Read the entire thread here: Rally-Raid Products Honda CB500X - ADVrider

I'll be back visiting the UK in April (escaping Thai New Year) so could possibly pick up a kit and whatever they have managed to produce and then buy a new CB500X back here for 215K THB. A cost effective ONE ADV bike.

 

[bikesncats]

It is the most cost effective way to go it seems right now...(the 500x conversion)

As far as the "duty free import" goes I'm not sure how these laws are applied and as far as I recall the emissions test (for a used vehicle imported according to the exemption) only needs to meet the standards of the year of that particular model...but hey, TIT.

My 1078RR came in under that exemption (didn't have to pay any duty) but later the beemer was taxed 100% as it had to be imported as a new vehicle (only one exemption per person is allowed and if one wants to import other vehicles these "have to be new" (never officially registered in the country where they are being shipped from) and are subject to full duty as such. My R1 came in differently...there are a few options that can work.

 

[bikesncats]

Interesting Comparison test, so it would appear you have to have 1000cc or above to have the perfect bike

From Motorcyclist : GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING ADVENTURE BIKE COMPARISON TEST


Go Anywhere, Do Anything | Adventure Bike Comparison Test

The super go anywhere do anything in a little video taken in the easy sands of Hungry...

Big Enduros in sand KTM-BMW-Yamaha - YouTube

Goes to show that your impression is more then correct...

 

[Forest]

The super go anywhere do anything in a little video taken in the easy sands of Hungry...

Big Enduros in sand KTM-BMW-Yamaha - YouTube

Goes to show that your impression is more then correct...

hehe good one! these are nice TOURING bikes..
me an a friend rider (a woman ) arrived to the conclusion that u cannot have an off road adventure trip,and still be sitting on a couch on wheels isn' it ?!
I call true ADVs ,light enduro/mx bikes modified..yes in long trips there is more vibration and less confy..and all the blah blah pussy talk ..but....do u want this adventure or not??
change seat etc and roll on!!taking heavy bikes off rd means asking for trouble.tested in many occasions

 

[bikesncats]

hehe good one! these are nice TOURING bikes..
me an a friend rider (a woman ) arrived to the conclusion that u cannot have an off road adventure trip,and still be sitting on a couch on wheels isn' it.............

Well, these are not really your typical couch either...I mean, you have to admit that they are much more capable then your average HD, Gold Wing or GTR...it boils back to what I was explaining in the long distance thread when, choosing your ride the first question to answer is "where do I want to go"...

A Super Ténéré, GS or KTM Adventure are certainly great rides. With some experience, proper technique and of course some physical strengths to go with it one can actually take these places...a run down the Tanezrouff is well feasible with these bikes, with some extra work when compared to the lighter "real adventure" bikes as we understand them...but feasible. Of course you can't just run off the track and cut across areas down to the Ténéré desert as you would with smaller and lighter bikes. Just a few kilometers of fech fech would quickly turn your adventure into the workout of a lifetime...if travelling alone...well, you might e walking for help sooner then you think.

Again, when we choose our bikes we need to keep in mind what kind of terrain we are going to cross. A bike should only be as heavy as the rider can lift in any circumstance...let's face it, when we drop it out there it is usually when things are less then optimal.

Again, these bikes are not designed to be cross machines or hard core offroaders...rather well engineered touring machines capable of going when the pavement ends and continue on roads and tracks in moderately rough conditions. BUT...Definitely NOT "do anything go anywhere" machines as the clowns in the editorial presented. They have their use...to the bulk of the buyers they offer the opportunity to commute in style and comfort all while telling anyone at the office "look at me, I'm an adventurer"...and to a very capable minority they offer a reliable machine that will take them around the world on most paved or unpaved, well beaten or less used routes, if they so wish.

 

[LivinLOS]

This guy produces great bike videos. Here's one of him and a buddy travelling from Austria to Egypt on a pair of KTM 500s with larger fuel tanks. Looks like great fun!

[video=youtube_share;yhWR5jjGzfM]http://youtu.be/yhWR5jjGzfM[/video]

Silly question but is the 500 road legal in Thailand? Green book etc.?

*** OK just found the answer to my question

No but you can get the Husky 501 road legal..

Personally I think if your including long trips the KTM690 offers a hell of a versatile power, reliability, performance, weight package.. No its not for hardcore off road, But then it can handle highways too..

Theres no 'one bike' only different tastes and terrains.

 

[LivinLOS]

As a holder of a work permit you are allowed to import ONE VEHICLE free of any import duty. Of course you still need to pass the Thai industrial institute tests (mainly exhaust compliance) the register it. Well worth it if you have a super expensive machine...

While it may be in the law.. Do you know anyone ?? Ever ?? Who has managed this feat.. I know a few who tried, all either lost their car to customs (cheap guys) or paid the 300% or so in taxes.

Technically a Thai who has lived overseas (I think 5 years) and has owned the vehicle for a period (1 or 3 years) can also import one vehicle.. My first wife was precisely this situation and our move over here slow enough we could have had a high end car in her name.. I saw lawyers and customs people and everyone in between and was old "maybe, if your a high level generals son" but that normal people simply wouldnt get it done.

 

[CraigBKK]

No but you can get the Husky 501 road legal..

Personally I think if your including long trips the KTM690 offers a hell of a versatile power, reliability, performance, weight package.. No its not for hardcore off road, But then it can handle highways too..

Theres no 'one bike' only different tastes and terrains.

I was wondering why the KTM 690R hadn't been mentioned yet. With some modification (auxiliary fuel tank, seat, skid plate or even the Rally Raid EVO conversion kit for those looking to go the whole hog) it would appear to offer the current 'best' all in one ADV bike. I've looked at the 685,000 THB price tag a few times now... It's a big number...

 

[bikesncats]

While it may be in the law.. Do you know anyone ?? Ever ?? Who has managed this feat..

I did bring a bike in (officially used and plated in my name in Switzerland beforehand) free of tax. The tests, registration, green book etc etc overall still added up to nearly 250k though...

The second one was (also used but had to be) imported as new because only one exemption per person is ever allowed. I did pay the taxes, roughly 200% overall (1200cc)...

There are other ways to import motorcycles but I believe this is not the place to talk about it...if you do need some help PM and I'll let you know.

On another note, lawyers are not the best approach to accomplish this kind of transactions here in Thailand...the sharks usually attract too much unwanted attention and nobody is interested in getting anything done if one of them is involved.

 

[bikesncats]

The Ideal adventure bike for me would be like this one: V-twin, around 100Hp and 125Kg...achieved using Carbon-carbon monocoque with integrated fuel tank and luggage bins, hung engine and titanium swingarm. 21 inch front and 18 inch back wheels, LED lights and one panel integrating system info, gps and navigation. No useless electronics, no ABS, no skid control...no electronic show off drifting...all natural and ready to go

 

[Forest]

nearly perfect ADV..but Thailand__??? I grew up with these...
unbelievable how well it would sell here!such a shame

XT660Z Ténéré 2015 - Motorcycles - Yamaha Motor UK

 

[CraigBKK]

Yes, probably THE best choice currently and £7K is not a lot of money either. As you say, great shame the Tenere is not sold here

 

[bikesncats]

nearly perfect ADV..but Thailand__??? I grew up with these...
unbelievable how well it would sell here!such a shame

XT660Z Ténéré 2015 - Motorcycles - Yamaha Motor UK

Definitely my favorite...though personally I would make away with all the useless electronic aids such as ABS etc in favor of some weight loss.

I'd love to see it with MT07 engine...but even as is, time to get it to Thailand...Yamaha are you listening?

 

[Forest]

unfortunately -'yamaha' isn't listening ,we should write to them on behalf of hundreds(thousands?)that would love to have this bike here! I do have a crush on it ...wondering what an import could cost(?)

Definitely my favorite...though personally I would make away with all the useless electronic aids such as ABS etc in favor of some weight loss.

I'd love to see it with MT07 engine...but even as is, time to get it to Thailand...Yamaha are you listening?

 

[CraigBKK]

...wondering what an import could cost(?)

Would be interested too, maybe a group order?