My motorcycles, current & previous

Since returning to riding motorcycles in May 2015 I’ve owned seven different bikes. Two are currently in my possession.

Bought January 2023: KTM 890 Adventure (2023)

Current bike

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure, packed and ready.

Winter 2022 I made the decision to try something new. And put in an order for a bike I’d never tried. The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure was launched November last year. It wasn’t at my dealers until January 2023.

So I took a punt. Went well last time with the 1290 (see further down). I’ve not been disappointed this time either. Considerably smaller, lighter and with less horsepower or torque. But by no means a sloth. It has the same “genes” as its big brothers, and the same dual nature.

End of the 2023 season I’ve done ca 19.000 kilometers with this motorcycle. A sum-up at 16k you may find here.


Bought August 2017: Honda XL600v Transalp (1994)

Current bike

Honda XL600V Transalp (1994)

Had wanted to own one of these for some time. One day a decent candidate showed up in the classifieds. The day after I went to check it out. Came home with bike number 2 in the evening.

XL600 is the first of 3 versions, produced between 1987 – 1999. Some claim it’s the best of them all. A motorcycle that works, whether on local gravel and forest roads, on longer journeys. This motorcycle is surprisingly good on gravel and dirt. It is also very good on the road.

If you’re considering some cheap fun, a motorcycle that can be used for almost anything, commuting, or longer expeditions, Honda Transalp XL600v is an excellent choice.


Bought December 2020: KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2019)

Traded in January 2023

2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventrure S

September 2022, packed and ready for a new adventure

Another of those things not planned. Fall 2020 I started looking for a replacement for the BMW R1200GSA, a write off after an accident.  Made the decision not to buy anything new. At the time I didn’t know how riding again would work, if at all.

December 2020 a KTM1290 Super Adventure S popped up. Never owned a KTM , the bike has gotten great reviews. Price was pretty good so, done deal. One only knows what one has experienced. And what an experience. You can read more about that here.


Bought April 2017: BMW R1200GS Adventure (2016)

Write-off September 2020

BMW R1200GS Adventure 2016

BMW R1200GS Adventure (2016)

Saw an ad in the online classifieds on a Sunday afternoon. It was almost brand new. The previous owner had taken it back to the dealer after 1500 kilometers. It was too tall for him. Monday morning I was on the phone. Monday past lunch it was a done deal. I could not let this motorcycle go.

The “Red Cow”

The GS Adventure is a phenomenal bike. Does everything I need a bike to do, and then some. A Swiss Army Knife on two wheels, no more, no less. Mid-June 2020 I regrettably had a serious accident.  The bike was written off in the fall. Too costly to repair. I received a settlement equal to the price of a similar bike.

Up til the point of the accident I’d done >55.000 enjoyable kilometers with it. Early September 2020 the insurance company decided it was a write-off. I got a decent compensation and that was the end of my ownership.


Bought June 2016: BMW R1200RT (2010)

Sold/traded April 2017

BMW R1200RT - 2010

BMW R1200RT (2010)

One Saturday morning I checked the national classifieds. There it was, very well kept, with low mileage and useful extras. I rode 2 hours up to a BMW dealer that morning, returning home with a new motorcycle late afternoon. Mid-July I rode it down to Europe. That “story” begins here.

The ultimate touring machine

If you want a reliable touring motorcycle, one that can handle sharp curves, or hairpins, the oil cooled RT is one to consider. A motorcycle that even can handle a bit of gravel if you end up on such roads.

The 2006-2012 GS/RT models do have an Achilles heel. One it is good to be aware of. In my case the issue was exposed after riding on the Autobahn in high speed over some time. So you need to ride hard to provoke it to happen. 2012 or newer should not have this issue.

Autumn 2016 I did more gravel riding. Realized the RT would not quite cover my needs. Research for the next, potential candidates was started.


Bought August 2015: BMW R1150RT (2003 Twin Spark)

Sold/traded June 2016

Motorcycles: BMW R1150RT 2003

BMW R1150RT Twin Spark version (2003)

Why and how did I end up with (the first) “beemer”? Well I always liked the boxer engine motorcycles. Rode one in 1978 for the first time. Wanted to try one again and was sold, immediately. They are very relaxed to ride, exceptionally comfy, have power in plenty (for me), and low RPM torque.

Agricultural yet poised

That switch happened on a whim. I had read myself up on which of the R1150RTs to buy. Twin-spark version is the one to have. This means 2003 or, in the US, 2004 models. The gearbox on this motorcycle is quite “agricultural”, makes clunky noises.

If you are looking for a relatively cheap solution, the R1150RT is solid alternative.

The R1150RT stayed with me through fall, and parts of spring the next year. As plans for a Euro-trip evolved into something more serious, decided I wanted something newer. Honestly don’t think it would have been any problem.


Bought May 2015: Honda NT650 Deauville (2001)

Sold/traded August 2015

Motorcycles: My first bike in 32+ yrs, a 2001 Honda-NT650 Deauville

Honda-NT650 Deauville (2001)

My first motorcycle in 32+ years. I wanted to (re)start with something modest. After a bit of research I landed on the “Dullsville”. Nicknamed by a journalist who considered it dull, boring, or as interesting as a glass of water.

I quickly came to the conclusion that the journalist was right. Additionally, being a tall guy and the Deauville is somewhat small, it was difficult to find a good sitting position. Not one for the long hauls although I did some pretty long day tours with it.

Old Honda motorcycles are seldom a catastrophe, even if you buy one with high mileage like i did. The engine on the Deauville is rock solid. The bike is a medium sized, affordable, reliable machine, one more for local or national touring. Somewhat limited in power, a one person’s motorcycle, at least if you pack it up to go touring.

After 5-6000 kilometers I was ready for something bigger, and more powerful.