Honda XL 350
My first bike was a used 1986 Honda XL 350. The 137kg (302lbs) light enduro with kick start was great to ride. But with around 22 hp (17 kW) it didn’t have a lavish performance. For me as a beginner it was enough to have a lot of fun.
Kawasaki ZZR500
Since some friends were more on the road with street bikes, I looked around in this segment. My heart beat faster with the Kawasaki ZZR 500 and so I bought my first new motorcycle. With the color that was fashionable at the time and a rev range that most others could only dream of.
However, this also needed the in-line 4 cylinders. Below 7000 rpm not much happened and only from 10 000 rpm the bike came a live before the red zone started at 14 000 rpm.
Just for info for those who don’t know this model. The motorcycle was actually a ZZR 600 which was produced for Austria with a reduced displacement. The performance of 71hp (52kw) was of course significantly less than the almost 100hp (74kw) of the 600 and had a negative effect due to the same weight.
This could only be compensated with rev orgies, which encouraged a very brisk driving style. The fantastic brakes helped here, without ABS at the time but controlled with 2 fingers for perfect stutter braking.
On many tours alone and with friends I was able to gain many beautiful experiences. So it happened that I had already exceeded 20,000km in 2 seasons and it was clear to me that something bigger and therefore more durable had to be found.
Kawasaki ZZR 500
In favor of longevity and better drivability, the Kawasaki was sold again and replaced with a Honda.
Honda VFR 750 (RC36)
The technical finesse of a single-sided swingarm and the excellent reputation for reliability brought me to the Honda VFR 750. After a long search I fell in love with a white BJ 1990 with around 20,000 km on the clock.
A friend had the previous model and assured me that 100,000km would not be a problem for this bike. That should also come true as I sold it with around 120,000km. She still had the first valve clearance adjustment and no oil consumption!
The V4 engine had completely different characteristics. The engine pulled through like a turbine with around 100 hp (74 kW) from 4000 rpm up. With that, the rev orgies were also a thing of the past, which also had a positive effect on my driving style.
With this bike I rode a lot in the Italian Alps, to the Atlantic and up to the North Cape.
Honda XL 350
It was time to part with my first motorcycle.
Honda VFR 1200 DCT
Tech gimmicks always had an appeal and when Honda released a VFR with a dual clutch transmission (DCT) I was on the hunt again. Even though I didn’t need the 170+ horsepower or the 1200cc displacement, I wanted this toy.
It was again a white from the first series with around 18,000 km. At the beginning, the missing clutch lever took some getting used to, but over time I wouldn’t want to be without the DCT anymore. Many wonderful kilometers later (and counting) I was standing on an old Italian military road and I thought it would be great with a lighter and slightly more off-road oriented vehicle.
VFR 750 RC36
Two very similar bikes in the garage were just too much. It was with a heavy heart that my loyal and still very good Honda was sold. Hope the new owner enjoys it for a long time.
Suzuki DR650
When I was looking for what to do with an ‘off-road’ motorcycle, I found the Trans American Trail in the USA. One thing led to another so I bought a 2005 Suzuki DR650 there.
The Suzuki is a compromise between off-road capability and on-road stability and weighed in at around 170kg. The power of 45ps (33kw) was enough.
My vehicle was already completely modified and prepared for enduro hiking. I did many of my off-road tours with it and was more than happy with her.
Yamaha XT660R
Because of the great experiences, I now needed something comparable in Europe. After a long search I found what I was looking for in a Yamaha XT660R.
This was already well modified and has a 2 in 1 titanium exhaust system which by itself brings a weight reduction of 12kg and a higher ground clearance.
Excel rims, a stable engine guard and various other protective parts complete the package. The power of 48hp (35kw) and a weight of 175kg with a full tank is also good for slightly more difficult enduro hikes.
BMW G650X Challenge
Many enduro trips, mostly on the various Trans Euro Trails, later I wanted something a little more ambitious. I found this on a BMW G650 XChallenge.
This model was only built for a short time and is therefore difficult to find. Mine is a first registration in 2009 with approx. 35,000km on the clock. But since the motor is extremely durable, I’m not worried. The incredible low weight of 156kg and 53hp (39kw) promise good driving performance.
Thanks to a good suspension these can also be used. The good but getting used to rear air suspension had already been replaced with an Öhlins damper.
Suzuki DR 650
After many great adventures and miles, it’s time to switch to a slightly more powerful model.
KTM 690 Enduro
I came across this KTM more by accident. I was looking for a replacement for my DR650 but everything more modern weighed around 200kg.
This KTM 690 with BJ 2013 belonged to a friend and has only run 7000km. The 67ps (49kw) at a slightly higher rev level have an easy time with the approximately 150kg.