I am 1m70 (5ft6 i think) and have a TTR600. I also rode the PR7, so much lower, powerfull, the guy who owned it rode it from The Netherlands to Mongolia and back without trouble, so it is reliable. I just could not get used to the rally-screen and price. But man do i want one.
So glad i found this clip! Love the Caballero but youve confirmed my fears about its off-road stance and credibility. Love that PR7. I'm also going to test that Voge 300 Rally! Supposed to be a surprisingly complete machine. We'll see...
Greg - buy the PR7. I was in your shoes last year and took the plunge after 2 test rides at Torque Racing. It is a hugely capable off road bike but also a very comfortable on road bike, even on the Metzleter MC360's I'm currently running. I've ridden most of the Peak District green lanes on the PR7 that I normally do on my Husky FE350, and taken it through some very deep water over the past Winter and it has coped with everything I've thrown at it. The tablet works well with Viewranger but I also have my Montana mounted above this as well. It's a great bike for TET / Morroco / Rally Raid type events, but it's also happy at motorway speeds on tarmac, even on knobblies ( with a rim lock ). Once you've ridden one you realise the chassis has been designed by someone who really knows what they're doing off road and the Sachs ZF cone valve forks put KTM / Huskys' WP recent forks to shame.
Apparently there's 25mm wide bushes in the plastic guards that stick out on the right hand side, remove them and put some heat proof foil on the inside of the cover and you gain more room again. That Caballero would be very easy to set up for off road, it is a lot like the earlier TT/XT 500 Yamaha's, only the Fantic has far better suspension, and engine for that matter....
I had a 690 and have ridden the AJP... they are great for a lighter alternative. However, what I have found is when loaded up at the back, I do not enjoy how these bikes behave with all that weight on the back. I’m sure it is something that some people won’t have a problem with, but just know that loaded up and allot of petrol and less weight over the front do make them feel differently... some don’t mind this while others do
@@GregVillalobos wow same dilema that my husband has.. hes just about to trade two bikes in for a PR7 full power. He was a bit of a brand snob so never really considered the AJP untill he tried one, now hes hooked. Good luck.
@@scannorse so now you fix your spring rate for a full tank + luggage, what you do with half full or lower with zero luggage on your one off-road rides?
@@ktm690endurorally well, the AJP are designed to run w 0-17 litres of fuel pretty much low/centered. Frankly, i cant really feel the diff from low to high. remaining variable is load. Are your question only teorethic or do you really care ? Show me one bike out there who is not changing weight distribution when charging them with stuff ? Anyhow, fix your spring rate if it is really a concern, and if it is really really really a concern, install a rear shock where the preload can be adjusted during driving. Or cheaper...buy one of those easy preload adjusters, only using hand or allen wrench
Enjoy your PR7, it is in the top of my wish list. I believe is one of the most adequate motorcycle for TET, in the market. By the way, I highly recommend the Northern part of the Portuguese TET, it is something quite special. Remember Portugal is one of the European countries with less restrictions regarding riding off-road
Well, I'm stunned by the coincidence. I'm a single bike owner. Bike # 6. CB 500 X RRaid level 2. Three road bikes plus 500 XL. Then a 16-year gap. After that DR 650 and now CB. My ability improved faster than expected. I'm so keen to trade in on the AJP PR7. Here is the biggest reason in favour of AJP. Most bikes have huge aftersale mods, take WR250R or 450L. Tanks, seat, bla, bla, bla. AJP one requires to extend bash plate, done. I will follow your choice with big interest. Martin, AUS.
Oh no you got me into trouble!Currently owning only an Exc 450 set for TET I was thinking of something more versatile. The pr7 looks awesome for a do it all bike. On the heavy side of the cabalero there is also the triumph scrambler xe wich looks well equipped with her long travel suspension. Or maybe a 701 long range version. This could solve the balance problem with the weight of luggage because you can choose the tank you want to use, front or back. I haven’t tried the pr7 but it looks that she’s got this old school roughness in the feel of the motor that I find so good in the Exc and that I don’t find in the new 690. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I will follow your reflection with attention.
Grab a used CRF450L. Sort the fuelling and that's a great off road bike which can do the road work with relevent comfort. PR7 is similar but 165kg wet, CRF is 130kg Wet.
I've got one of the original RC125 Caballeros (but fitted with a 250cc Hiro engine) so I was hoping the new Rally would be its 40 year younger sibling to add to the stable. But I'm also thinking TET use & my head isn't agreeing with my heart. I do love the way it looks though...
@@GregVillalobos Thank's for your answer! Caballero just 10% offroad? Here is an impressive video: ruclips.net/video/eTQaiMESIBg/видео.html Apart from that, I think that I understand, maybe Caballero is more confortable in tarmac, but a bit worst offroad... It's a shame that it's very difficult to try before buy. Thank you!
What makes you wanna trade the KTM 450EXC for a AJP PR7? If you add some more front fairing to the KTM you basically got the same bike right? I do agree that the Fantic Caballero Rally looks amazing, I didn't even know that bike existed. I really dig the neo retro looks.
With know I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm from Australia and was also considering the Frantic 500 , but things you may have convinced me otherwise, I own at present a SWM 650 Superdual X and ridden in the Australian bush , High Country and desert life I stool it ,has been a fantastic bike ( But just that bit heavy around 180 kg wet ) so was looking at someone lighter , the AJP has the SWM engine or old Husky TE 630 motor , so getting oil filters ,plugs and some other engine components is easy. Just dealer network is an issue. They are a fantastic light bike , but I would go for the Husky 701 a mate of mine owns one and it does EVERYTHING superwell , and great dealer network and aftermarket accessories as well .
Greg.... One bike is hard. I have an xt660z and it does everything... But keeping fresh knobleys for trails is difficult. Chop the cb in and stick the rest on the card... 0% transfer the balance... Intrest free finance my man! Try the ajp for a while then make the decision on the ktm. If you grt rid and the ajp isn't what you thought atleast you didn't lose the ktm!
I have ridden the 690/701 briefly but not the AJP . The PR7 is a slightly differently focused bike, like to hear from anyone who may have ridden them both in an adv setting not as dual sport and not a horsepower mad technical pilot. Mr Lomax maybe? The PR7 seems quite heavy on paper for what appears a pretty minimalist bike, I wonder where the weight is. I have a 640A while it also carries its fuel quite low with only half a tank which is most of the time it does have a fair bit of weight in the cockpit area. The 640 is not light but it is manageble I am around about the same size as you Greg but with only 29" legs on a warm day. The weight, power suspension would be comparable, is the PR7 a modern 640A with TET type focus as opposed to Dakar looks. What is the history of that Husky motor there were a couple around here years ago described as a 610 is it an incarnation of that or different the 610 not rated so good locally.
The riding position is not made for dirt riding, for me it was horrible. Not enough power either comp to the 690 I ended up with. Sad the Fantic could have been very nice.
WoW!!! Big decision Greg from two to one the AJP does look a great bike not sure how it stacks up against a 690/701 in terms of price and quality of components, dealer backup something to consider when going down to just the one bike. Guess you’re heading out to Spain 🇪🇸 with Clive, Noel not sure if you’ll be there the same time as us but you’ll know us if you see us. We’ll be the guys on the 500 EXC’s 😁
Tough one for sure, but if you’ve put hard work into making the KTM what it is, I wouldn’t trade it in. For anything. It’s a bike you know and love, and can deal with. Just my two-penny-worth. Les
I´d love to buy your exc, but i can own only one bike and that´s my 950 adv for the moment. That crazy twin always makes me smile... and sweat from time to time. I think you have your bike too and you should´t sell it, although i understand you look to the others, haha! Whatever it happens... follow your heart and enjoy!! Waiting to offer some help in Spain, just in case... Francisco.
A lot a lot a lot troubles with my brand New Rally500 and factory not even react ! My dealer self is lost by so much troubles and no Fantic Motor response ! A real shame
@@GregVillalobos Thanks for your reaction ! Believe me I'm done with my brand new Fantic Motorbike. 2 1/2 month owned, already passed more than a month at workshop, mostly waiting after Fantic Motor Spa to react. First no RPM meter, then nearly lost the front unit with headlight, control unit and front plate (unscrewed), then no rear brake anymore, then cylinder gasket and cooling system K.O. , after that no KM/H meter, then no light and accessories command anymore, then ABS K.O. (still so, waiting Fantic reaction), the exhaust soldering broke, then noisy vibration, very loud, cause of inside walls of muffler unsoldered... 2 1/2 month to receive the ordered accessories from Fantic (ordered at the same time as the bike). and I sure forget other things... It's not cause of the dealer, they do their best but even as I they receive even answer, even parts or waranty follow.
My only experience is taking the front wheel off a mates. It is a heavy bike in reality. Don't let that stop you but it ain't no EXC when you need it to be. Saying all that, i'd love one!
The Caballero original pipe suck, JUST REPLACE IT (no more problems to the right leg and no more stupid filter that burn you down); remap it also (7 horses or little more). The geometry is as close as it get to a FLAT TRACK BIKE (not for hard off road but "if you like to slide"...). Just know what you need it for
Good point about the Flat Track geometry. I think it probably works well on the Tracker model, but I was hoping the Rally would be a bit more dirt focussed.
PR7 if you like wrenching! But the T7 is the best (leaning towards road) dual sport there is rn! I'd need another decade of riding under my belt before im in a situation where it's the bike holding me back. But there is no unicorn that's the point! You can't have a cake and eat it! But I'll be dammed if I don't keep asking manufacturers to make it!
I am 1m70 (5ft6 i think) and have a TTR600. I also rode the PR7, so much lower, powerfull, the guy who owned it rode it from The Netherlands to Mongolia and back without trouble, so it is reliable. I just could not get used to the rally-screen and price. But man do i want one.
So do i! But before i sell a kidney, i ll get me a caballero!
The Caballero is meant to be a general purpose bike not a pro enduro bike
Greg!! Now look what you've done - You've got me looking at PR7s
So glad i found this clip! Love the Caballero but youve confirmed my fears about its off-road stance and credibility. Love that PR7. I'm also going to test that Voge 300 Rally! Supposed to be a surprisingly complete machine. We'll see...
Greg - buy the PR7. I was in your shoes last year and took the plunge after 2 test rides at Torque Racing. It is a hugely capable off road bike but also a very comfortable on road bike, even on the Metzleter MC360's I'm currently running. I've ridden most of the Peak District green lanes on the PR7 that I normally do on my Husky FE350, and taken it through some very deep water over the past Winter and it has coped with everything I've thrown at it. The tablet works well with Viewranger but I also have my Montana mounted above this as well. It's a great bike for TET / Morroco / Rally Raid type events, but it's also happy at motorway speeds on tarmac, even on knobblies ( with a rim lock ). Once you've ridden one you realise the chassis has been designed by someone who really knows what they're doing off road and the Sachs ZF cone valve forks put KTM / Huskys' WP recent forks to shame.
That's a great recommendation Simon, thanks. I'm working on it! :-)
I would say the AJP PR7. It's a great bike. Maybe you should try the KTM 690 enduro / Husqvarna 701 aswell...
Take the Caballero, put on wider footpegs and some risers and always remember: it is 80% the rider and 20% the bike
Apparently there's 25mm wide bushes in the plastic guards that stick out on the right hand side, remove them and put some heat proof foil on the inside of the cover and you gain more room again. That Caballero would be very easy to set up for off road, it is a lot like the earlier TT/XT 500 Yamaha's, only the Fantic has far better suspension, and engine for that matter....
I had a 690 and have ridden the AJP... they are great for a lighter alternative. However, what I have found is when loaded up at the back, I do not enjoy how these bikes behave with all that weight on the back. I’m sure it is something that some people won’t have a problem with, but just know that loaded up and allot of petrol and less weight over the front do make them feel differently... some don’t mind this while others do
I guess it depends how much you load it up
@@GregVillalobos wow same dilema that my husband has.. hes just about to trade two bikes in for a PR7 full power. He was a bit of a brand snob so never really considered the AJP untill he tried one, now hes hooked. Good luck.
Fix your spring rate, pal. Easy, efficient and solves the problem
@@scannorse so now you fix your spring rate for a full tank + luggage, what you do with half full or lower with zero luggage on your one off-road rides?
@@ktm690endurorally well, the AJP are designed to run w 0-17 litres of fuel pretty much low/centered. Frankly, i cant really feel the diff from low to high. remaining variable is load. Are your question only teorethic or do you really care ? Show me one bike out there who is not changing weight distribution when charging them with stuff ? Anyhow, fix your spring rate if it is really a concern, and if it is really really really a concern, install a rear shock where the preload can be adjusted during driving. Or cheaper...buy one of those easy preload adjusters, only using hand or allen wrench
Enjoy your PR7, it is in the top of my wish list. I believe is one of the most adequate motorcycle for TET, in the market. By the way, I highly recommend the Northern part of the Portuguese TET, it is something quite special. Remember Portugal is one of the European countries with less restrictions regarding riding off-road
I'd love to get to ride in Portugal
Well, I'm stunned by the coincidence. I'm a single bike owner. Bike # 6. CB 500 X RRaid level 2. Three road bikes plus 500 XL. Then a 16-year gap. After that DR 650 and now CB. My ability improved faster than expected. I'm so keen to trade in on the AJP PR7.
Here is the biggest reason in favour of AJP. Most bikes have huge aftersale mods, take WR250R or 450L. Tanks, seat, bla, bla, bla. AJP one requires to extend bash plate, done. I will follow your choice with big interest. Martin, AUS.
Really loved the vid!
All looking for our unicorn
Thanks!
Oh no you got me into trouble!Currently owning only an Exc 450 set for TET I was thinking of something more versatile. The pr7 looks awesome for a do it all bike. On the heavy side of the cabalero there is also the triumph scrambler xe wich looks well equipped with her long travel suspension. Or maybe a 701 long range version. This could solve the balance problem with the weight of luggage because you can choose the tank you want to use, front or back. I haven’t tried the pr7 but it looks that she’s got this old school roughness in the feel of the motor that I find so good in the Exc and that I don’t find in the new 690. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I will follow your reflection with attention.
I've ridden the Triumph Scrambler XE. It looks great but it's massive and heavy
Grab a used CRF450L. Sort the fuelling and that's a great off road bike which can do the road work with relevent comfort.
PR7 is similar but 165kg wet, CRF is 130kg Wet.
Too similar to my 450EXC I think
@@GregVillalobos and still relatively short service intervals...
I've got one of the original RC125 Caballeros (but fitted with a 250cc Hiro engine) so I was hoping the new Rally would be its 40 year younger sibling to add to the stable. But I'm also thinking TET use & my head isn't agreeing with my heart. I do love the way it looks though...
For me it's clear you prefer the PR7 go for it to them keep your KTM☺️
Could some bigger footpegs solve the problem of your right leg and foot being pushed outward?
Hi Greg! How would you compare Caballero against crf300l? Have you tryed both? Thank's!
Hi! The Caballero is 90% road / 10% dirt. The 300L is 60% road / 40% dirt. In my humble opinion. :-)
@@GregVillalobos Thank's for your answer! Caballero just 10% offroad? Here is an impressive video: ruclips.net/video/eTQaiMESIBg/видео.html
Apart from that, I think that I understand, maybe Caballero is more confortable in tarmac, but a bit worst offroad... It's a shame that it's very difficult to try before buy. Thank you!
As my dad said to me once...that smile says it all, you know the answer 😊
Ha! It's done!
What makes you wanna trade the KTM 450EXC for a AJP PR7? If you add some more front fairing to the KTM you basically got the same bike right?
I do agree that the Fantic Caballero Rally looks amazing, I didn't even know that bike existed. I really dig the neo retro looks.
There's a lot of love for the 450EXC! I guess the AJP is another story to tell.
I was rooting for the Caballero, it looks so GOOD. You know you should keep what you have....best of both worlds.
I half agree, but got to keep moving forwards
With know I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm from Australia and was also considering the Frantic 500 , but things you may have convinced me otherwise, I own at present a SWM 650 Superdual X and ridden in the Australian bush , High Country and desert life I stool it ,has been a fantastic bike ( But just that bit heavy around 180 kg wet ) so was looking at someone lighter , the AJP has the SWM engine or old Husky TE 630 motor , so getting oil filters ,plugs and some other engine components is easy. Just dealer network is an issue. They are a fantastic light bike , but I would go for the Husky 701 a mate of mine owns one and it does EVERYTHING superwell , and great dealer network and aftermarket accessories as well .
Get the PR7, my PR5 has benn flawless...
AJP pR7 is awesome. And looks amazing.
Still sad to see you selling the RRL2.
Would love to be able to keep all my bikes. But also a fan of the simple life so one in one out
PR7! Do it! 👍
Greg.... One bike is hard. I have an xt660z and it does everything... But keeping fresh knobleys for trails is difficult. Chop the cb in and stick the rest on the card... 0% transfer the balance... Intrest free finance my man! Try the ajp for a while then make the decision on the ktm. If you grt rid and the ajp isn't what you thought atleast you didn't lose the ktm!
Man that likes some credit. I like it. It will be hard to say good bye to the KTM for sure.
I have ridden the 690/701 briefly but not the AJP . The PR7 is a slightly differently focused bike, like to hear from anyone who may have ridden them both in an adv setting not as dual sport and not a horsepower mad technical pilot. Mr Lomax maybe? The PR7 seems quite heavy on paper for what appears a pretty minimalist bike, I wonder where the weight is. I have a 640A while it also carries its fuel quite low with only half a tank which is most of the time it does have a fair bit of weight in the cockpit area. The 640 is not light but it is manageble I am around about the same size as you Greg but with only 29" legs on a warm day. The weight, power suspension would be comparable, is the PR7 a modern 640A with TET type focus as opposed to Dakar looks. What is the history of that Husky motor there were a couple around here years ago described as a 610 is it an incarnation of that or different the 610 not rated so good locally.
The riding position is not made for dirt riding, for me it was horrible.
Not enough power either comp to the 690 I ended up with.
Sad the Fantic could have been very nice.
Yeah, I think the Fantic is a great looking bike but just for the road really
WoW!!! Big decision Greg from two to one the AJP does look a great bike not sure how it stacks up against a 690/701 in terms of price and quality of components, dealer backup something to consider when going down to just the one bike. Guess you’re heading out to Spain 🇪🇸 with Clive, Noel not sure if you’ll be there the same time as us but you’ll know us if you see us. We’ll be the guys on the 500 EXC’s 😁
Ha! Maybe see you in Spain. If Coronavirus doesn't ruin play
So, keep the 450 that you love and find a way to afford the PR7. We will support you whatever you choose, maybe...😇
Ah thanks man!
Life throws us some cruel choices.... oooo ... which bike do I want??? 😄👍
Tough one for sure, but if you’ve put hard work into making the KTM what it is, I wouldn’t trade it in. For anything. It’s a bike you know and love, and can deal with. Just my two-penny-worth. Les
Lots of people saying that 🤔
I´d love to buy your exc, but i can own only one bike and that´s my 950 adv for the moment. That crazy twin always makes me smile... and sweat from time to time. I think you have your bike too and you should´t sell it, although i understand you look to the others, haha! Whatever it happens... follow your heart and enjoy!!
Waiting to offer some help in Spain, just in case...
Francisco.
Gracias :-)
It's pronounced "Cabayero" Greg, meaning gentleman in Spanish. Italy versus Portugal I guess. AJP is a quality brand.
My bad. For someone with my surname I'm rubbish at Spanish
...or Knight
PR7 for long distance...
AJP! Been looking at this bike for a while now!...
A lot a lot a lot troubles with my brand New Rally500 and factory not even react ! My dealer self is lost by so much troubles and no Fantic Motor response ! A real shame
I'm curious. What problems have you had with your Fantic?
@@GregVillalobos Thanks for your reaction !
Believe me I'm done with my brand new Fantic Motorbike. 2 1/2 month owned, already passed more than a month at workshop, mostly waiting after Fantic Motor Spa to react. First no RPM meter, then nearly lost the front unit with headlight, control unit and front plate (unscrewed), then no rear brake anymore, then cylinder gasket and cooling system K.O. , after that no KM/H meter, then no light and accessories command anymore, then ABS K.O. (still so, waiting Fantic reaction), the exhaust soldering broke, then noisy vibration, very loud, cause of inside walls of muffler unsoldered... 2 1/2 month to receive the ordered accessories from Fantic (ordered at the same time as the bike). and I sure forget other things... It's not cause of the dealer, they do their best but even as I they receive even answer, even parts or waranty follow.
My only experience is taking the front wheel off a mates. It is a heavy bike in reality. Don't let that stop you but it ain't no EXC when you need it to be. Saying all that, i'd love one!
AJP is the one to go for Mr V. You’ll end up having to do big rebuilds on KTM soon anyway, so go for it.
skip to 08:52 to see the bikes
Nice video!!!
Don't be shy - take the both of them ;-)
dont do it,, keep the 450 and work something out
1st world problems I guess
AJP made in Portugal 👍
Ajp pr7 🔥
??????
The Caballero original pipe suck, JUST REPLACE IT (no more problems to the right leg and no more stupid filter that burn you down); remap it also (7 horses or little more).
The geometry is as close as it get to a FLAT TRACK BIKE (not for hard off road but "if you like to slide"...).
Just know what you need it for
Good point about the Flat Track geometry. I think it probably works well on the Tracker model, but I was hoping the Rally would be a bit more dirt focussed.
Go portuguese!!! AJP 😁😁😁
Ha! The motherland?
@@GregVillalobos indeed!
PR7 if you like wrenching! But the T7 is the best (leaning towards road) dual sport there is rn! I'd need another decade of riding under my belt before im in a situation where it's the bike holding me back.
But there is no unicorn that's the point! You can't have a cake and eat it!
But I'll be dammed if I don't keep asking manufacturers to make it!
Actually you can have your cake and eat it too. You just can't eat your cake and have it too. I know it sounds weird just think about it though
@@Tread505 finally someone who gets the saying right!