Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
Goofy Footer

Big Miles on Small Bikes

Recommended Posts

I see some guys put serious big miles on their small bikes. Like taking a "race motor" clear across the county on a 7,000 journey big. I also see plenty of bigger "dualsport" or "adventure" bikes with low miles for sale.

What gives?

What are your thoughts on Big miles on Small (500cc or less) bikes?

Ticking time bombs or chicken wing it, potential rebuilds be damned - you only live once?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I rode my 350 back from big bear all road pretty much and felt like my motor was in need of work after, it wasn't but just rung out for 4 hours going threw back roads felt like it took a tool. Weird cause 4 hours almost non stop in desert going similar speeds didnt. I also think the crazy low mileage big adventure bikes is people get all caught up in the idea and don't follow threw or life gets in the way. It takes serious commitment to put on miles on a bike if you don't commute.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I see some guys put serious big miles on their small bikes. Like taking a "race motor" clear across the county on a 7,000 journey big. I also see plenty of bigger "dualsport" or "adventure" bikes with low miles for sale.

What gives?

What are your thoughts on Big miles on Small (500cc or less) bikes?

Ticking time bombs or chicken wing it, potential rebuilds be damned - you only live once?

I've ridden big mileage trips on small bikes and big bikes. I think it's really all about YOU and the particular mission statement at hand.....the assumed mission statement is traveling on dirt as much as possible

I don't generally ride faster than ~60mph when forced out on the pavement on a smaller bike and I try to be a minimalist with gear. I also like the freedom of choices offered by a smaller bike when/if you decide to drop the gear and free ride/explore along the way. That's the beauty of small bike dualsporting.......not so terrain limited......bear in mind that you're not going to cover as many miles each day since you're riding a smaller bike at slower speeds on more varied terrain........enjoy it rather than bomb by it.....if you have the time, go small/go light/go far....

I've also gone on trips where I'm riding at least 50% slab/easy terrain and dialing it up to sustained stretches of ~80mph across big miles..........might as well ride in comfort on a bigger/roadworthy bike......

I think you already know the answer to your conundrum :coolio: .........one bike isn't gonna cut it :big_boss: ........

If "I" was limited to one bike, and thinking I may go on a few long trips (with an emphasis on DIRT), I'd likely choose a 4 stroke/500 dualsport for the shear flexibility of use on varied terrain and anticipated life of the larger engine (as opposed to the 350).......for general purpose stuff/tricky terrain/FUN it's hard to beat a modern/fuel injected 350......my 350XCF-W is STILL "my" favorite bike......and it's fun to goof around on a 2 stroke once in a while just for a change of pace/power delivery/riding style......

My VStrom is nothing more than a SV650 street bike in Adventure dress......it's a commuter/LIGHT ADV bike (in my hands)........at some point I may pick up a 690.......I don't see the point in going any larger than a 990 (off-road)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll never forget the first long SDAR ride I did on my 530exc. Some of the group was on bigger bikes and the ride included a significant portion of slab. I remember pinning the 530 to keep up. Within a couple week of that ride, I purchase my 950 Adventure. I'm glad I did. I have the option now to pick a bike suitable for the ride. And I really do enjoy riding my 950A. I did a 1000 mile trip on it in May and had a blast. But there were A LOT of trails I didn't take on because the bike wasn't suitable for them. But I would never had wanted to ride my small bike that long distance (which included 300 miles of Freeway on the way home). There are trade off either way.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I prefer traveling on the big bikes....I'll take my 950 almost anywhere, I've got over 40,000 miles on her.

I have a smaller bike.... 2000 KTM640 and don't ride it anymore so i will sell it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

in every third world country they ride 125cc bikes with 200 lbs of farm produce (in some places 4 or more family members) strapped all over it as well as modified 3 wheeled taxi bikes carrying people around.

Adam Riemann rode through the Himalayas on locally soured Indian (or maybe Chinese) 150 cc 4 strokes. You can go anywhere. Its a state of mind. for years in the 70s I rode a CB100 Honda all over the place I even trail rode the thing. Its all a state of mind, drive 350 series diesel truck or a Toyota mini truck, just adjust to what you are driving.

Go Big or go home.....or go little and also get home.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Smaller is better. Too many times whilst on the GS I have looked at a trail and dreamed about heading off cross country. But then I look at the Anakee 3'a and think about picking up that pig after going down in a sand wash. Now with the EXC, I may not have cruise control and heated grips, but I can ride anything.

Also, when I did Cabo on the GS I packed so much crap because I had the room. Now I carry a backpack with tools, a change of bike shorts and shirt, and do laundry every night in the sink. Way more adventurous!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×

Important Information