Touring enduro. The best motorcycles for long-distance travel

Updated: 02/28/2021 15:52:12

Expert: Boris Vladimirovich Filatov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Lightweight and reliable motorcycles are required for long cross-country races. Enduro attracts novice bikers with its freedom of movement, stylish appearance, and affordable price. The motorcycle forgives mistakes for beginners, and rarely fails when falling or jumping. Historically, enduros are closely related to motorsports, but in the course of evolution, various modifications have appeared for riding in the city, country roads, etc. With the help of our experts, we will try to highlight the main criteria for selecting this bike.

TOP 5 Chinese cross-enduro motorcycles

The article is relevant for the first half of 2021.
Previously, I already reviewed the TOP 5 Chinese cross-enduro motorcycles, but now it is not very relevant. Some manufacturers disappeared into oblivion, and new ones took their place. I've changed my mind about some motorcycles. Last time I divided enduro into “sport” enduro and dual sports. This time there is no point in this, since almost all dual-purpose motorcycles are now not sold in Russia. And the ones that remain, I’ll put here. Baltmotors, however, promise to resume sales of their dual sports and, in addition to the already well-known and quite successful BM200 and 250, which are nothing more than the renamed CHINCHI, they also promise to bring new items - touring enduro motorcycles for long-distance riders, with an aerodynamic body kit and panniers. But that won’t be so soon, but now I’ll tell you about the motorcycles available for order now......

For convenience, I will name the range of prices, since everyone asks for it. The principles of Chinese motorcycle construction have not changed; the better the components, the more expensive the enduro motorcycles themselves are. To put it simply, pay the price for shit and sticks, you get shit and sticks. And then you shouldn’t be surprised that the motorcycle you bought for half a ton begins to fall apart. And so let's go......

GasGas

GasGas is the latest OEM to fall under KTM's umbrella late last year. Almost ten years after the Austrian plant acquired Husqvarna, we see that the new Husky models are different from the KTM. The same thing is now happening with GasGas.

The company unveiled its 2021 enduro bikes in September, focusing on its best-selling models. Significantly, but the new model range is “shortened” to just four enduro models and four dual-purpose models (Dual Sport)

While KTM has 14 of them (six EXC series models and eight EXC-F series). Why is that? Reducing production costs in the current environment? Maybe this too.

The GasGas models seem to be a mixture of KTM and Husky with some details and design elements. They feature the rear swingarm rocker system found on all Husky models rather than the PDS found on KTM's XC-W and EXC series models. The swingarm design is the same one found on the Husky, not the KTM. The subframe is unique in that it appears to be a composite structure like the Husky, but has a very similar airbox and side panel design to the KTM.

The most noticeable difference from KTM and Husky is the modified plastic. Earlier this year we saw Glenn Coldenhoff's factory motocross bike using red KTM plastics. But the engineers have modified it to give the bike a slightly more unique look.

Two-stroke model GasGas EC 300

As for two-stroke models, and there are only two of them - EC 250

and
EC 300
, their engines are equipped with the same fuel injection as the KTM and Husky models. This is not surprising as KTM continues to develop the TPi system and equips all motorcycle models with it every year.

The Cross-Country and Enduro models differ from each other by their WP suspension. Another change between the two is the hydraulic brakes and clutch - the XC models have Brembo braking systems and the Enduro models have Braktec.

Four-stroke model GasGas EX 350 F

What else can you say about the new models? Like the KTM, the latest generation air filter is accessible without tools through the side panel. It allows you to quickly and easily replace it.

The transparent fuel tanks hold 8.5 liters as standard and feature a relatively quick access fuel filler cap, a 'special routing' fuel line and a fuel gauge.

Model GasGas EX 350 F Cross-Country

Each of the motorcycles is also equipped with a 6-speed Pankl gearbox, a Keihin electronic management system (EMS) that regulates power for each gear, and a TPI fuel injection system. All models are equipped with Maxxis Enduro medium tires with silver rims and hubs.

The models won't come with a fan as standard, so expect it to be an option from the new GASGAS parts line. Meanwhile, the standard exhaust systems look very familiar from the 2021 KTM and Husqvarna models.

There are also many upgrade parts available from the catalog, such as a full Akrapovic exhaust system, adjustable offset triple clamps (like Teddy Blazusiak's factory car), stronger DID wheels and much more.

Place 3.5 at a price from 105 to 130 thousand rubles

These bikes are stuck somewhere between classes. They are similar to the motos from 4th place, but differ in more powerful engines. They don’t reach 3rd place due to the configuration. Such motorcycles include the Racer RC300-GY8A Enduro 300. An excellent 300 cc engine, air-oil cooling, but savings on things like handlebars, rims and hubs. On a par with it are Avantis FX and FX Lux, with “fashionable” 172FMM engines. The engine is excellent, but as in the Racer, total savings on everything. In the first batches, even the chain was installed at 428 (.). Later they came to their senses and started installing 520. And at the end of 2021, the GR2 Pro burst into the company, with the same 172 engine. Unlike its counterparts described above, GR2 is smaller in size. Among the shortcomings, a very strange solution for the air filter.

Top 1. STELS 400 Enduro

Rating (2020): 4.95

• Nomination

  Characteristics of bikes from the best Japanese brands

  A unique motorcycle that incorporates the best qualities from top Japanese models. Perfect balance and a 386 cc engine allow it to be used in sports and for travel.

• Characteristics Average price: RUB 143,000.
• Engine capacity: 386 cc
• Gearbox: manual, 5 gears
• Power: 19 hp
• Seat height: 860 mm
• Weight: 124 kg

In the competitive struggle, global brands are forced to constantly invent and design something new. At the same time, the Chinese engineer takes the best from them and implements it into his product. For us, end consumers, this is only a plus. We receive adequate equipment, with top characteristics, but at the same time at the most attractive price. This is exactly what STELS did, releasing a cross-country motorcycle that incorporated new products from Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda. This is an excellent option for sports competitions. Despite the low engine power, the bike is capable of performing the most intricate tricks. It is not afraid of off-road conditions and bumpy roads, and its appearance and loaded weight allow it to be used for banal rides.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Displacement engine
• Anodized hubs
• Attractive price
• Reinforced rims
• Durable plastic fairings

• Low engine power considering its volume
• Small capacity fuel tank (9 liters)
• No kickstarter

Comparison of characteristics of the Top 3 participants

1st place... Price from 230 to almost 300 fucking thousand rubles

ASIAWING has essentially abandoned us; you either can’t buy it, or you can, but for some inadequate money. In general, we don’t count it. But we consider the injection Avantis 250 and 300 PRO, as well as the carb 450 Pro. Moreover, for me, for enduro, the 300 is more interesting than the 450. Firstly, the injector. Secondly, although the 300 is weaker, it is also noticeably lighter. Speaking of 450s, it’s worth mentioning the BSE M8 - not a bad representative in its class... Also excellent representatives of this category are the BSE RTC-300, ZUUM CR300NC, CX300NC, which we tested not so long ago in the Crimea, as well as the top ZUUM CX300R and the latest ZUUM DX450. To their company we add the slightly atypical GR7 2T for the class in the OPTIMUM and MX Race configuration, as well as the new GR8, which, by and large, differs from the GR7 only in appearance. The motor is a licensed copy of the excellent engine from Yamaha dt230 Lanza. Good suspension and excellent brakes, but as they say, there are some nuances... You can read a detailed REPORT after a year of operation

Content:

• Choosing an enduro motorcycle under 100,000 rubles
• Enduro from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles
• Enduro from 200,000 to 300,000 rubles
• Choice of enduro motorcycle at a price of 300,000 rubles. and more
• There is no difference between Chinese and Japanese motorcycles!

It’s funny, but at the time when I rode a Chinese enduro, they often wrote to me, saying why did you choose a motorcycle from China, it’s much better to take an ancient, but Japanese motorcycle. Then, when I drove an old Japanese car, they pestered me with diametrically opposite statements: “This is a ten-fold Japanese car, it will break down, you won’t find spare parts, and if you do find it, it will be very expensive”... and so on. So it’s almost like choosing a religion, the debate is at least no less heated.

In their own way, both are partly right. In this article, I will try to express my opinion on this matter as fully as possible.

Let's divide motorcycles into several price categories: up to 100 thousand, from 100 to 200 thousand, and from 200 to 300, and from 300 thousand and more.

Choosing an enduro motorcycle under 100,000 rubles

In the price category up to 100 thousand rubles, the choice of motorcycle is clear and there is no alternative, only Chinese enduro. In theory, for this modest money for a motorcycle, you can even find a “purebred” Japanese one, but it will be difficult to call it a motorcycle. Rather, it will be rusty remains of metal and even some kind of plastic, because as we know, polymers do not decompose))) In a word, it will be a complete hemorrhoid, on the restoration of which you will spend a considerable amount, and in any case will go beyond the specified budget. Of course, you can take one, but only if you are a fan of restoring antiquities. But this has a dubious relation to riding a motorcycle. It’s also worth mentioning that Chinese enduro is priced up to 100 thousand rubles. This will be a very entry-level motorcycle. And at this point, you should decide for what purpose you need a motorcycle, for fun rides relatively close to home, or do you prefer tourist outings of several hundred kilometers. I have already touched on this topic a little in the article “The best first motorcycle for a beginner,” I advise you to read it. In short, for rides, I advise you to take Motoland XT250HS or ZUUM PX220, as they are the most durable, high-quality and generally balanced. If for tourism and comfort, then Motoland Enduro LT, ST or EX.

Enduro motorcycles from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles

At a price of 100 to 200 thousand rubles, you can take mid-level Chinese, which are quite okay. More mature suspensions and brakes are installed here. The engines, although not top-end, have quite reasonable power, which, by the way, are never inferior to their Japanese counterparts, but more on that later. At the lower end of this price segment, in the Chinese camp, motorcycles with a 172FMM engine from Zongshen rule the roost. It is simple, reliable and quite powerful, considering the price of course. This time I will not highlight any specific brand, since for a specific price you can choose motorcycles from different manufacturers that are approximately similar in characteristics and price. You can find out more about enduro motorcycles and more on our website motolifeshop.ru, or consult me ​​about choosing a motorcycle https://vk.com/evgeniy.naboka, I am open for communication. As for Chinese motorcycles at the top of this segment, there is not much choice. Or Motoland XR250 PRO or again Motoland WRX250 Lite WFA, which I recently took for myself. Oh yes, there is also the Motoland XT250STW. All these motorcycles are united by the Zongshen 170MM-2 engine, which, in fact, is the brother of the 172, but has 4 valves instead of 2 and liquid cooling.

Flaws

Brakes

If everything is generally good with the engine and suspension on the Motoland WRX250 Lite WFA motorcycle, then where did you save? And we saved money, first of all, on the brakes. The rear brakes either do not brake or are immediately blocked. No information content. And the fact that the brake foot was installed under the footrest once again proves that the manufacturer understands little about off-road motorcycles. Not only does it reduce ground clearance, but the brake also jams when grass and branches get between the foot and the frame. As for the front brakes, they are weak and ineffective. In order to go down a steep slope, you need to press the brake with all your fingers. Thank you, at least they are not blocked. I hope replacing the brake caliper with a Brembo copy will help the situation at least a little.

Accessories

Of course, I understand that in order to fit the price tag of a motorcycle into the coveted 150,000 rubles, you need to sacrifice something. The brakes were set to the cheapest. It's bad, but oh well. The carburetor has insufficient performance, but is an order of magnitude cheaper - this is also understandable. But saving on traction control devices or on a normal, folding gearbox claw is complete nonsense. As a result, the savings amounted to 800 rubles. Are you seriously??? And the fact that the Motoland company persistently installs grips on its motorcycles that are even slightly unsuitable for riding, I am already silent. By the way, the savings on grips are 50-100 rubles. maximum. Oh yes, I almost forgot about the kickstarter, which I immediately had to remove because it was in the way of my leg. And what idiot decided that removing the spring from the footrest so that it could be started with a kick was a good idea? Many will say that these are all trifles. Yes, but it’s precisely these little things that form the idea of ​​the brand as a whole.

Weight

We weighed this two-wheeled horse. As a result, the motorcycle with oil and antifreeze weighs 123 kg. Accordingly, if you fill it with gasoline under the neck of the tank, the weight will be about 128 kg. This is not enough. But again, depending on what you compare it to. It weighs the same as its brothers on the 177 engine. The GR7 weighed a couple of kg less. Modern full-size four-stroke hard enduro Europeans already weigh 5-7 kilograms lighter. But if you compare it with the Japanese big three XR250, TTR250 and Djabel250, then the WRX is just fluff compared to them. In general, although this weight is excessive, given the cost of this unit, the extra kilos can be forgiven.

Enduro motorcycles from 200,000 to 300,000 rubles

But in the 200-300 thousand category, when it comes to choosing a motorcycle, everything is not at all clear. Here are both top Chinese and Japanese enduros, which are not so old anymore and have very “fun” characteristics. But let's take things in order. On my YouTube channel “Moto Life Enduro”

“ Quite a few reviews of top Chinese enduro motorcycles. This is the best that Chinese manufacturers offer. There are modern suspensions, excellent brakes, and powerful engines. In addition, all the advantages described above, such as the easy availability of both the motorcycles themselves and spare parts, have not gone away. Prominent representatives of the class are the ZUUM CX300R and Avantis 300Pro.

But such Japanese cars as Honda CRM or Yamaha WR-F certainly shouldn’t be discounted. The Japanese (especially Yamaha), in terms of characteristics, although not by a head, are still superior to the Chinese horses. Again, thoughtfulness and ergonomics are on their side. The only thing against us is age. Still, 10-12 years for hard enduro is a lot. In addition, the cost of service is not a penny at all. To thoroughly capitalize a technically complex Yamaha engine, it is often necessary to spend more than 100 thousand rubles! But nevertheless, I will leave the question of which motorcycles are better to choose, Chinese tops or Japanese hard enduros, unanswered.

Also, in this price category, European hard-enduros also appear on the scene. For the money of 200-300 thousand, most of them will be half-dead chariots. But if you search carefully and for a long time, you can stumble upon, for example, a KTM EXC200, Husqvarna, NeftNeft, well, in the sense of GasGas, or a very rare TM. Finding such motorcycles, and even in good condition, is like finding hay in a stack of needles, you will have to inject yourself more than once))) And yes, as always, we do not forget about expensive and frequent maintenance.

Choice of enduro motorcycle at a price of 300,000 rubles. and more

But at a price of 300+, it’s quite possible to choose a European motorcycle. If you want something fresh, fresh in every sense, then you should add another hundred, or even two, and take a KTM, Husqvarna or, for example, a Sherco. But for 300+ thousand rubles, a European hard enduro will still be far from ideal, but you can find one that is quite lively. A good friend of mine took a KTM EXC350F last year. Yes, it was quite shabby, but over time a friend restored it. Also, for this money it’s already possible to grab a quite “strong” Japanese car, fresh from the year of manufacture. But this time, in all respects, the Europeans will win.

There is no difference between Chinese and Japanese motorcycles!

To summarize, we can state the fact that motorcycles in each price category are actually approximately equal. You will not notice a fundamental difference between, for example, Honda or Motoland, provided that they cost the same. Each of them will have their own pros and cons. But their capabilities, as well as the joy of driving these enduros, believe me, will be the same. I have nothing against Japanese motorcycles, just like I have nothing against Chinese ones. And for the Europeans, I’m generally for it))) If you want a less well-thought-out technique, but a new one, here and now, then your choice of motorcycle should be the Chinese enduro. On the contrary, if you are ready to spend quite a lot of time searching for a motorcycle and, if something happens, a couple of months of downtime, waiting for spare parts, but at the same time acquire legendary reliability, then your choice is motorcycles from Japan.

In short, returning to the beginning of this article, the owners of Chinese motorcycles are right, as are the owners of Japanese motorcycles. So all these debates about which enduro is better are completely pointless. Don’t bother yourself and choose the motorcycle that you have enough money for and the one that you like best!

If you suddenly decide to buy a motorcycle, we will be happy to help you choose the right one.