I’m buying one. Out of all the enduro and duel sports bike. THIS thing has great service intervals for what it is. Won’t find any other bike like this for the price. Looks great and probably quite comfortable on the tracks even though it has a few kgs on it. Crf450l was a failure in Australia because of the price and the lack of all round performance but this thing fills the gap that Honda wouldn’t cover. Old tech is best
I have a 2016 RS500R. Really fun bike, tons of power, great brakes good suspension. The seat is hard as a lump of 4x2, yet weirdly it's not too bad even after a few hours. The fuel tank could definitely be bigger, but there are 19 litre Safari tanks available. It's a lot of fun for not much money.
Hi, I ride a 2019 model. It is a perfect trail bike, but the weight can keep it back from very tight tracks. It is a power machine (54Hp), but feel a bit noisy. All in all, it is a very capable beast...
@@csbalazs01 with the two exhausts? From your experience, Is It a reliable bike for some hundreds miles on/off travelling? (I'm looking for a lightweight dual).
@@silviocarter7031 yes, it is absolutely capable. (DRZ400 is also a good choice.) But if I’d buy again I would pay a bit more for a much lighter KTM exc
I want to get this bike so bad. This is like what an updated drz would look like lol not too crazy on service intervals, can carry a passenger and not 10k
Iv still got my 09 te450 and if these bikes are anything like the old girls.. they'll be great bikes.. I love my husky and have no reason to upgrade it.. plenty more power than I actually need.. handles well and still starts every time 👍
Yep, I agree. Still looking for a good enough reason to replace my TE 630, and really not finding many compelling reasons other than 'shiny and new is so perrrtttyyy' :-)
Unless things have changed it still has a close ratio gear box. The six gears it has have about the same spread as the five in the DRZ. However the addition of the balancer shaft compared to the old TE510 will be a game changer. The unbalanced motor was a paint shaker. I loved that motor. I just hated the gear box and the vibes.
Oh yeah, those older Husqy motors put out the grunt but they had those old school vibes haha. I'm keen to try the new one out when I get back to Aus and see how much its changed, if at all
Fuelling is terrible,i'm sitting with the ECU here at the computer trying to find someone to flash it once we dump both tailpipes for a single...flames out every time you are off the gas,doesn't rev right,and has the reaction as if an Italian's welders cap was left in the pipe....i'll get back to you later once we sort it!(2020/21 model....ECU No; ZN0B103AALV000490).
I've heard they can be bad until they've been flashed by a dealer with the arrow/latest map. Those pipes are bloody heavy too! Are you in Aus or somewhere else?
@@onthebackwheel I've just emailed the factory,hopefully,out of courtesy they'll take the ECU back and retune it...await reply to see what the script is...needing to follow AJP's customer back up!
Thanks for your review. I am about to purchase a 500 enduro bike here in Melbourne Australia . I don’t necessarily want to spend lots money on the latest KTM however with this bike even though very cheap (around $9500 here in Australia) what do you actually get? It appeals to me and my budget. Yes the componentry is good the suspension brakes handlebar wheels and tyres. But what about the most critical parts? Engine, cooling system and associated running gear ( gearbox etc). I have seen some online information that makes me believe even though these are assembled in Italy many of the parts are manufactured in China and are prone to early breakdown It makes sense as the price is much much lower then the competition. Is this true? Does anyone REALLY know if the critical parts are made in China and assembled in Italy ? Anyway if they are made in China well that’s ok but the expectation would be that the quality wouldn’t be as good as the other brands which of course you pay lot more for. As for me my application is that this would be a bike for the off road for fun and NOT a serious off road venture, just something capable of trail riding and the occasional more challenging tracks. I am in a dilemma really as I like the idea of buying this bike and up until I researched deeper was very excited ( I am ready to buy now) brand new at a great price or the thought of perhaps a KTM only couple years old in good condition for maybe only couple thousand more, knowing full well the bike will last. I would love to hear back from current owners or past owners chiming in with their thoughts. I would particularly like to hear from current owners of this latest model bike whether it’s this years model or last years with some input? Thanks for the review by the way I am hoping for lots input as I am sure I wouldn’t be the only one with these questions Cheers Jeff (Australia)
Hey Jeff thanks for the kind words. I just got home from holidays but I think I'll be able to answer most of your questions tomorrow (usa time). If not, jump on the swm owners australia facebook page. There is a ton of info on there from real owners. Everyone seems very happy with their 300's and 500's
@@onthebackwheel They're basically 2010 Husky's. These guys literally took over the same factory and tooling. I have a TE630 and have looked at a SuperDual (which is an Adv evolution of the big TE630 dual sport) and SWM have done a very good job of addressing many of the more questionable design elements and faults that Husky had in the the 630 back in 2010. Assuming they have taken the same approach with the evolving the TE310 and TE511 into the RS 300 R and RS 500 R respectively, then you will be buying a well made and tested bit of kit at a good price. Not going to be the lightest or fastest compared to the new euro stuff, but certainly good enough for dual sport and at least intermediate level trail riding (and to be frank, a good rider on one of these could still do a lot if they invested a little in the suspension).
Started thinking of this after pricing Tenere World Raid. Also not a fan of touch displays. Just think it will break first hard spill. Yamaha you got so much right and yet so much wrong. Rode my friends KLX300SM just need something a tad larger.
@@kicekap 68 would be mighty impressive. The PR7 uses the 600cc SWM motor though. I'm actually pretty keen to check out the AJP. There is a dealer about 50 minutes from me
Very intriguing and agree it would make a great light ADV bike. Compared to CRF450L it has more oil capacity (so longer service intervals), it is lighter weight, and it is cheaper. But maybe not as reliable? But almost half the price of a KTM500. I think you can get a bigger Safari tank or just add a rack and Roto Pak. Website says weight is 112 kg. Is that true?
The website is being extremely generous. It was weighed at 129, but thats the American version with the evap and everything. I'm pretty sure it's the same weight as the 450L. The engine has a good reputation, the odd electrical gremlin seems to be the only issue but they seem to be getting sorted
@@onthebackwheel ok thanks, that's consistent with what you said and Dirt Bike Mag video. The Australian website says 112 kg which is obviously wrong. Price is good and only a tad more than a DRZ400.
Anyone on here with the 2019 SWM S500R? Do you have any issues starting the bike hot? And does it start on gear other than neutral? I have a 2019 RS500R and see both these issues along with flareouts. I wonder if anyone has a good fix for these issues documented somewhere.
@@onthebackwheel , no I haven't. Is there a guide or blog post for both or either of these items you could share? I'm not super handy with bikes yet but getting there. Just ordered many connector and OBD-II kit for debugging.
Same price as a new drz400 in Australia. If it's a reliable bike I would be interested in giving it a go.. 6 gears and EFI. Arrow pipe and remap definitely, and the bigger tank. Hope the 6th gear has some highway legs
@@onthebackwheel yeah did some research and watched some owner videos.. not as reliable as a KTM or Husqvarna from reports. Watched a video where one owner went from drz > rs500 > drz. His list of problems with the Rs500 included leaving him stranded in the bush on 3 seperate occasions, coolant leaks, oil leaks, overheating easily, starting issues, electronic issues, and some problems with the airbox/intake..
@@slakk5093 looks like it still needs more time to iron out the kinks then. I've been on the SWM owners facebook page for a couple of years keeping an eye on things and here mostly good things, but its definitely no DRZ. Might be the Beta is a better option atm, it has seperate oil for engine and trans and a very good reputation. Price is definitely higher though
@@onthebackwheel Thanks I'll have a look at the Beta options 👍 I'm looking at building a lightweight adv bike. I have a Drz now, and seeing if there's something else out there or if i buy a new drz and move my parts across from my current one. Mine is 15yrs old now. 2005 model
@@slakk5093 the Beta 500 is a beast. Not going to be a DRZ in terms of reliability, but would be a blast on shorter adventure rides. I wish Suzuki would just update the 400!
You forgot to mention that the engine needs to be revised every 10.000km (6250miles) and that for me is a no go. If that wouldnt be the case, it would be the unicorn everybody is searching for
How many Km do you want? 25k service intervals? It's an updated Husky TE510 so that makes it a older enduro race bike. I have the 18 RS500R and it's been excellent
Backed by shinray one of the biggest Chinese bike manafacurers. Built in the husky factory and engineered by the top man at KTM and are cheap as chips.. Should see plenty of them on the roads/tracks depending on distribution and dealerships. Which seems to be the problem for so many good bikes not getting to the UK. Dealers seem scared of anything that isn't Japanese. I remember when no one would sell Japanese bikes. Calling them JAP-CRAP. Chinese bikes will eventually match the Japanese machines and out sell them..
@@onthebackwheel You can delimit at the dealership by swaping escapes for arrows and changing the map, then give 60 hp, but it is illegal here ! We have to pass vehicle inspections mandatory in Spain!You can delimit at the dealership by swaping escapes for arrows and changing the map, then give 60 hp, but it is illegal here ! We have to pass periodic inspections of vehicles mandatory in Spain! Anti-pollution rules.
@@onthebackwheel In inspections you are tested for gases and decibels, and in current vehicles connect obd2 to review. It's a tax collection operation by the state!
Its not the same as 2010 husqvarna or newer.those huskys had BMW engines. These bikes have the new updated MV Augusta engines, maybe the best engines ever made designed & made in Italy.
To tall and not near enough fuel capacity. Also still Too short on oil intervals. I do the Idaho BDR every yr. Down and back its 2600 miles. So for me must be 3000 mile oil chainge. I usually while not riding any BDR's, I change the oil on the DRZ400 every 1000 miles. She has over 40,000 miles of zero issues. Even the big 650 is still too tall.
2600 miles, that's a proper adventure ride, definitely not suited to a bike like this! A safari tank sorts out the fuel range, I wish manufacturers put bigger tanks on. I've never had an issue with seat height, but it seems like it's a major concern for a ton of riders. One thing about the drz, they are bloody reliable that's for sure
@@onthebackwheel yes. I have a 30 inch inseem. A dzr400 is about 37 inches seat hieght stock. Had ti buy an adjustable soupys lowering link for the rear and add a heavier spring for loads, big 4 gallon tank, slide the forks up through tripple clamps just so I could tiptoe. And im fine with tip toe. There is an SMW dealer near me, and asked about the super dual. But too tall and not enough lowering links. So reaching the ground is a big deal, but also with bad back, i have trouble even picking up the d rz, so what ever next bike i get, will be low, light, but very capable. Or I have an airbag system I am working on to assist in lifting the bike. So T7 is out, 790 is out.....so yes, ill be patiently waiting on the new 2022 ktm/husky 490/501 to come out. That sir, will be my unicorn. At least im crossing my fingers it checks every box off. If not, then its the ktm 690 for me.
@@drzrider3440 sounds like you've got it sorted! I'm a bit worried about how heavy the 490/501 will end up weighing, I've got a feeling it will be more than a 690/701.
If you ditch the dual exhaust and put the Arrow system on and then run a lithium battery... You're at the same weight as the Honda. You're at less weight than an RMX450. At that point only the modern Beta and Austrian bikes come in at a lower weight.
I’m buying one. Out of all the enduro and duel sports bike. THIS thing has great service intervals for what it is. Won’t find any other bike like this for the price. Looks great and probably quite comfortable on the tracks even though it has a few kgs on it. Crf450l was a failure in Australia because of the price and the lack of all round performance but this thing fills the gap that Honda wouldn’t cover. Old tech is best
I've heard nothing but good things about the SWM's and I've been following them closely. Go for it!
@@onthebackwheel the big selling point to me is that you don’t have to service it after every big ride. And it looks awesome
How long are service intervals?
Love the yellow frame!!
I have a 2016 RS500R. Really fun bike, tons of power, great brakes good suspension.
The seat is hard as a lump of 4x2, yet weirdly it's not too bad even after a few hours.
The fuel tank could definitely be bigger, but there are 19 litre Safari tanks available.
It's a lot of fun for not much money.
Nice mate. I've always wanted one, the stars just haven't aligned. Doesn't help we don't have an importer any more
I'm keen to get the 300!
I'm mighty tempting too, be a great trail bike
Hi, I ride a 2019 model. It is a perfect trail bike, but the weight can keep it back from very tight tracks. It is a power machine (54Hp), but feel a bit noisy. All in all, it is a very capable beast...
Good to hear mate. Those 500's have some grunt!
Hi, have you ever weighted your bike? Factory data aren't real always.
I'm looking for a dual sport bike not heavy since I'm not tall
@@silviocarter7031 130 kg wet
@@csbalazs01 with the two exhausts?
From your experience, Is It a reliable bike for some hundreds miles on/off travelling? (I'm looking for a lightweight dual).
@@silviocarter7031 yes, it is absolutely capable. (DRZ400 is also a good choice.)
But if I’d buy again I would pay a bit more for a much lighter KTM exc
I want to get this bike so bad. This is like what an updated drz would look like lol not too crazy on service intervals, can carry a passenger and not 10k
What's stopping you?!
@@onthebackwheel not a dealer in site!
@@abones7243 :(
Iv still got my 09 te450 and if these bikes are anything like the old girls.. they'll be great bikes.. I love my husky and have no reason to upgrade it.. plenty more power than I actually need.. handles well and still starts every time 👍
Yeah just an upgraded 2011 era Husqy, nothing wrong with that! I had an 07, it had some grunt that's for sure
Yep, I agree. Still looking for a good enough reason to replace my TE 630, and really not finding many compelling reasons other than 'shiny and new is so perrrtttyyy' :-)
Unless things have changed it still has a close ratio gear box. The six gears it has have about the same spread as the five in the DRZ. However the addition of the balancer shaft compared to the old TE510 will be a game changer. The unbalanced motor was a paint shaker. I loved that motor. I just hated the gear box and the vibes.
Oh yeah, those older Husqy motors put out the grunt but they had those old school vibes haha. I'm keen to try the new one out when I get back to Aus and see how much its changed, if at all
I has a street legal TC510 and I was always wishing for a balancer and more gearing
Fuelling is terrible,i'm sitting with the ECU here at the computer trying to find someone to flash it once we dump both tailpipes for a single...flames out every time you are off the gas,doesn't rev right,and has the reaction as if an Italian's welders cap was left in the pipe....i'll get back to you later once we sort it!(2020/21 model....ECU No; ZN0B103AALV000490).
I've heard they can be bad until they've been flashed by a dealer with the arrow/latest map. Those pipes are bloody heavy too! Are you in Aus or somewhere else?
Importer/dealer is no longer here in the UK,i'm hoping SWM get their finger out in the NY an appoint a new one....they've had over 6mths
@@williamrae9954 damn. Hearing more and more that they have a good product but poor support. I know in Aus most people are sweet with the latest map
@@onthebackwheel I've just emailed the factory,hopefully,out of courtesy they'll take the ECU back and retune it...await reply to see what the script is...needing to follow AJP's customer back up!
@@williamrae9954 fingers crossed bud, let me know how you go. Sounds like they need to pull their finger out in the UK
I have a 29" inseam. I love the seat height of the 250L. Bikes that have seat heights more than 35" are just too tall.
Do you know the brand of headlight used in the bike at 3:08? Thank you.
No sorry. Cool build though
Thanks for your review.
I am about to purchase a 500 enduro bike here in Melbourne Australia . I don’t necessarily want to spend lots money on the latest KTM however with this bike even though very cheap (around $9500 here in Australia) what do you actually get? It appeals to me and my budget. Yes the componentry is good the suspension brakes handlebar wheels and tyres. But what about the most critical parts? Engine, cooling system and associated running gear ( gearbox etc). I have seen some online information that makes me believe even though these are assembled in Italy many of the parts are manufactured in China and are prone to early breakdown It makes sense as the price is much much lower then the competition. Is this true? Does anyone REALLY know if the critical parts are made in China and assembled in Italy ? Anyway if they are made in China well that’s ok but the expectation would be that the quality wouldn’t be as good as the other brands which of course you pay lot more for. As for me my application is that this would be a bike for the off road for fun and NOT a serious off road venture, just something capable of trail riding and the occasional more challenging tracks. I am in a dilemma really as I like the idea of buying this bike and up until I researched deeper was very excited ( I am ready to buy now) brand new at a great price or the thought of perhaps a KTM only couple years old in good condition for maybe only couple thousand more, knowing full well the bike will last.
I would love to hear back from current owners or past owners chiming in with their thoughts. I would particularly like to hear from current owners of this latest model bike whether it’s this years model or last years with some input?
Thanks for the review by the way I am hoping for lots input as I am sure I wouldn’t be the only one with these questions
Cheers
Jeff
(Australia)
Hey Jeff thanks for the kind words. I just got home from holidays but I think I'll be able to answer most of your questions tomorrow (usa time). If not, jump on the swm owners australia facebook page. There is a ton of info on there from real owners. Everyone seems very happy with their 300's and 500's
OnTheBackWheel
Look forward to your reply mate!
I will also check out on Facebook thanks for the tip 👍
@@onthebackwheel They're basically 2010 Husky's. These guys literally took over the same factory and tooling. I have a TE630 and have looked at a SuperDual (which is an Adv evolution of the big TE630 dual sport) and SWM have done a very good job of addressing many of the more questionable design elements and faults that Husky had in the the 630 back in 2010.
Assuming they have taken the same approach with the evolving the TE310 and TE511 into the RS 300 R and RS 500 R respectively, then you will be buying a well made and tested bit of kit at a good price. Not going to be the lightest or fastest compared to the new euro stuff, but certainly good enough for dual sport and at least intermediate level trail riding (and to be frank, a good rider on one of these could still do a lot if they invested a little in the suspension).
@@TheMadMagician87 m
@@TheMadMagician87 The RS500R is the old TE510 not the TE511 which was a BMW designed engine.
Started thinking of this after pricing Tenere World Raid. Also not a fan of touch displays. Just think it will break first hard spill. Yamaha you got so much right and yet so much wrong. Rode my friends KLX300SM just need something a tad larger.
HELL WITH THE PRICES OF KTM, EVEN BETA THIS LOOKS DAM GOOD. MIGHT GIVE IT A SHOT..
Good bikes
Any chance you making a SWM 300 Video?
Yes mate, I can do one up
Hi, do you have any information how many HP does it have in stock and how many after re-mapping and exhaust change?
I did have the info but can't remember any more. I know it makes great HP after the remap
@@onthebackwheel I have heard that AJP PR7 use the same engine and with Athena ECU can improve power to 68 HP. That will be awesome for that bike.
@@kicekap 68 would be mighty impressive. The PR7 uses the 600cc SWM motor though. I'm actually pretty keen to check out the AJP. There is a dealer about 50 minutes from me
Very intriguing and agree it would make a great light ADV bike. Compared to CRF450L it has more oil capacity (so longer service intervals), it is lighter weight, and it is cheaper. But maybe not as reliable? But almost half the price of a KTM500. I think you can get a bigger Safari tank or just add a rack and Roto Pak. Website says weight is 112 kg. Is that true?
The website is being extremely generous. It was weighed at 129, but thats the American version with the evap and everything. I'm pretty sure it's the same weight as the 450L. The engine has a good reputation, the odd electrical gremlin seems to be the only issue but they seem to be getting sorted
@@onthebackwheel yeh I watched a review by Dirt Bike Mag and they said 285 pounds (129 kg). But other websites say 255 pounds?
@@glossblack1098 yeah I'm not sure what to believe. I'll ask some owners that have weighed theirs and let you know
@@glossblack1098 ok I got an answer from someone who weighed his, 136kg with a full tank. He said changing the pipe is 6kg too
@@onthebackwheel ok thanks, that's consistent with what you said and Dirt Bike Mag video. The Australian website says 112 kg which is obviously wrong. Price is good and only a tad more than a DRZ400.
THANKS BRO, I LIKE IT TOO.
Anyone on here with the 2019 SWM S500R? Do you have any issues starting the bike hot? And does it start on gear other than neutral? I have a 2019 RS500R and see both these issues along with flareouts. I wonder if anyone has a good fix for these issues documented somewhere.
Did you get the arrow map installed? That and the O2 sensor delete are the most common fixes
@@onthebackwheel , no I haven't. Is there a guide or blog post for both or either of these items you could share? I'm not super handy with bikes yet but getting there. Just ordered many connector and OBD-II kit for debugging.
@@shanmukhasreenivas1 if you are on Facebook there is a SWM Owners Australia group. Lots of info and help on there
I’ve got a 2019 rs 500 it’s awesome
Nice mate. I'm hearing pretty well all positives for it and the 300
What is the wet weight of the 2019?
@@fredreyes8345 136kg wet and ready to ride
I was thinking about buying one, but 300 lbs is too heavy.... What a shame... Thanks.
@@fredreyes8345 I'd try one out first. Changing the exhaust saves over 13 lbs too
Same price as a new drz400 in Australia. If it's a reliable bike I would be interested in giving it a go.. 6 gears and EFI. Arrow pipe and remap definitely, and the bigger tank. Hope the 6th gear has some highway legs
Seems to be getting a good reputation. It won't be drz400 reliable, but it also has a butt load more power
@@onthebackwheel yeah did some research and watched some owner videos.. not as reliable as a KTM or Husqvarna from reports. Watched a video where one owner went from drz > rs500 > drz. His list of problems with the Rs500 included leaving him stranded in the bush on 3 seperate occasions, coolant leaks, oil leaks, overheating easily, starting issues, electronic issues, and some problems with the airbox/intake..
@@slakk5093 looks like it still needs more time to iron out the kinks then. I've been on the SWM owners facebook page for a couple of years keeping an eye on things and here mostly good things, but its definitely no DRZ. Might be the Beta is a better option atm, it has seperate oil for engine and trans and a very good reputation. Price is definitely higher though
@@onthebackwheel Thanks I'll have a look at the Beta options 👍 I'm looking at building a lightweight adv bike. I have a Drz now, and seeing if there's something else out there or if i buy a new drz and move my parts across from my current one. Mine is 15yrs old now. 2005 model
@@slakk5093 the Beta 500 is a beast. Not going to be a DRZ in terms of reliability, but would be a blast on shorter adventure rides. I wish Suzuki would just update the 400!
Why that silly dual exhaust?
Its for emissions and noise. Thankfully they do an Arrow single pipe with the matching engine mapping. It also saves a ton of weight
Will it Land In Malaysia?... Cause this bike already Taken My Heart 😍❤️❤️🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥
I had a look and I can't see a distributer for Malaysia, but lots of places around there. So it could be coming eventually?
@@onthebackwheel nah.. Maybe they aren't... But it's okay... Hope someday they will.. Hahaha...
@@anthonyadams9520 Fingers crossed!
@@onthebackwheel yeahhh... This kinda bike is gaining popularity among Dual sport motorcyclist and Sumo guys like me 🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥
You forgot to mention that the engine needs to be revised every 10.000km (6250miles) and that for me is a no go.
If that wouldnt be the case, it would be the unicorn everybody is searching for
I think 10000 is fine for the style of bike it is, that's a lot of riding. I'd have to see what guys are actually rebuilding them at too
How many Km do you want? 25k service intervals? It's an updated Husky TE510 so that makes it a older enduro race bike. I have the 18 RS500R and it's been excellent
There are plenty of reports on Cafe husky and adventure Rider of guys going 25000 km before doing a rebuild
Wait, I just looked and it’s actually super expensive… at least where I live
Oh really? What country?
Backed by shinray one of the biggest Chinese bike manafacurers. Built in the husky factory and engineered by the top man at KTM and are cheap as chips.. Should see plenty of them on the roads/tracks depending on distribution and dealerships. Which seems to be the problem for so many good bikes not getting to the UK. Dealers seem scared of anything that isn't Japanese. I remember when no one would sell Japanese bikes. Calling them JAP-CRAP. Chinese bikes will eventually match the Japanese machines and out sell them..
I'd be very keen to see them take off. The early dealer network in Australia isn't amazing, so hopefully it takes off
The Rs 500R in Spain is limited to 27 hp. 😢😭
Oh that sucks!
@@onthebackwheel You can delimit at the dealership by swaping escapes for arrows and changing the map, then give 60 hp, but it is illegal here ! We have to pass vehicle inspections mandatory in Spain!You can delimit at the dealership by swaping escapes for arrows and changing the map, then give 60 hp, but it is illegal here ! We have to pass periodic inspections of vehicles mandatory in Spain! Anti-pollution rules.
@@jamocerwin5841 do they check for those changes? Seems a shame
The Honda crf 450 l is also limited in origin by 27 HP and is worth almost 11000 euros!! shameful.
@@onthebackwheel In inspections you are tested for gases and decibels, and in current vehicles connect obd2 to review. It's a tax collection operation by the state!
Its not the same as 2010 husqvarna or newer.those huskys had BMW engines.
These bikes have the new updated MV Augusta engines, maybe the best engines ever made designed & made in Italy.
2010 was still the TE510 and 310 depending on the time of year. End of 2010/2011 they went to the BMW te449/511. Agree though, beast of a motor!
To tall and not near enough fuel capacity. Also still Too short on oil intervals. I do the Idaho BDR every yr. Down and back its 2600 miles. So for me must be 3000 mile oil chainge. I usually while not riding any BDR's, I change the oil on the DRZ400 every 1000 miles. She has over 40,000 miles of zero issues. Even the big 650 is still too tall.
2600 miles, that's a proper adventure ride, definitely not suited to a bike like this! A safari tank sorts out the fuel range, I wish manufacturers put bigger tanks on. I've never had an issue with seat height, but it seems like it's a major concern for a ton of riders. One thing about the drz, they are bloody reliable that's for sure
@@onthebackwheel yes. I have a 30 inch inseem. A dzr400 is about 37 inches seat hieght stock. Had ti buy an adjustable soupys lowering link for the rear and add a heavier spring for loads, big 4 gallon tank, slide the forks up through tripple clamps just so I could tiptoe. And im fine with tip toe. There is an SMW dealer near me, and asked about the super dual. But too tall and not enough lowering links. So reaching the ground is a big deal, but also with bad back, i have trouble even picking up the d rz, so what ever next bike i get, will be low, light, but very capable. Or I have an airbag system I am working on to assist in lifting the bike. So T7 is out, 790 is out.....so yes, ill be patiently waiting on the new 2022 ktm/husky 490/501 to come out. That sir, will be my unicorn. At least im crossing my fingers it checks every box off. If not, then its the ktm 690 for me.
@@drzrider3440 sounds like you've got it sorted! I'm a bit worried about how heavy the 490/501 will end up weighing, I've got a feeling it will be more than a 690/701.
Did they put it on a diet yet? They blew it with so much weight it's not even comparable to other brands like that. Compare it to DRZ not euro bikes.
Still the same weigjt. Its more in the crf450l class than 500exc
If you ditch the dual exhaust and put the Arrow system on and then run a lithium battery... You're at the same weight as the Honda. You're at less weight than an RMX450. At that point only the modern Beta and Austrian bikes come in at a lower weight.
Budget light? Haha *screams in third world salary*
:(