Part 2: Lightweight Adventure Bikes Set to Dominate | Stickman Vinyls

Part 2: Lightweight Adventure Bikes Set to Dominate

Lets continue with more Lightweight Adventures

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 - Courtesy of www.biketurkiye.com

The tagline is “Any road, any time.” Kawasaki seemed to have built the model off the KLR650’s DNA.

The 296cc engine is derived from the Ninja 300, along with the slip-and-assist clutch but has been re-tuned for more low-end and mid-range torque. It is also frugal on fuel as the tank could last for as far as 250 miles between fill ups.

The bodywork gives an appearance of a larger bike and provides pretty good wind protection for road riding. While the Versys-X is definitely more road-oriented, it is decent when ridden off-road too, due to the long-travel suspension, and 19” front and 17” rear wheels.

Kawasaki had also designed mounting points into the bike to carry lots of luggage.  

 

Suzuki V-Strom 250

Suzuki V-Strom 250 - Courtesy of Suzuki

The V-Strom 250 fits into the V-Strom family among its 650cc and 1000cc brothers.

But while its bigger bros are powered by V-Twin engines, the little guy’s engine is a parallel-Twin. Additionally, while the bigger bikes are off-road capable, the V-Strom 250 is very much a road bike.

Suzuki was honest during its launch, calling it a commuter bike with more low-end and mid-range torque that’s friendly to beginners.

However, you could still ride it down a mild unpaved trail and doesn’t intimidate at all, so as Suzuki said, it is a great start for beginners to experience a taller bike and some light off-roading.

 

What we are waiting for: KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 390 Adventure (undergoing testing) - Courtesy of cycleworld.com

Knowing the Austrian giant and their “Ready to Race” tagline, the 390 Adventure promises to be an exciting lightweight adventurer.

It is still in development, but the engine should be derived from the ultra-fun 390 Duke and RC 390. Then, mixed with KTM’s off-road and adventure motorcycle expertise and you will have one great lightweight adventure motorcycle.

All we can say to KTM is this: HURRY UP!

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