Since returning to riding motorcycles in May 2015 I’ve had many different bikes. And gone from touring to adventure style riding.
The reason for that is related to a day in 2016. A friend had just bought the then brand new Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin. He wanted to ride into what later became one favourite areas north of Oslo. I had two problems, was riding a touring bike, and lacked skills.
It was some intense hours but I managed to get through without tipping over. Despite the challenges I realized the type of riding appealed to me. Spring the year after I got my first adventure motorcycle.
The motorcycles – current bikes
Bought April 2026: KTM 390 Adventure R (2025/6)
2026 KTM 390 Adventure R is a cool little bike!
I’d been looking at this one since it was released. It immediately caught my attention, and is the 390 KTM should have made in the first place, but didn’t. The previous model (see below) was cool, a lot of bike for the money, but not for me.
This one however, feels like a totally different motorcycle. It’s gotten great reviews from many journalists. The first 1000 kilometers are done. Read more about that here.
Just hit me, this is actually my KTM number five!
Bought April 2026: KTM 1290 SuperAdventure S (2021)
The “Black Orange”, a 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.
My second 1290 Super Adventure S. So I knew what I was getting into. This one showed up in the classifieds. With almost everything I needed, low mileage, and in excellent condition. Price was excellent too. So it was an easy decision to make.
I did over 55.000 kilometers with the previous 1290 Super Adventure S model. So it felt a bit like coming home. This model has lots more advanced extras though. Like adaptive cruise control, and fully customizable suspension settings to mention but two things.
Why more people don’t buy this model for way less than a similar BMW 1200/1250GS is a bit strange to me. Though comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. Both gets the job done, but the 1290 is a lot more for a lot less!
Bought August 2017: Honda XL600v Transalp (1994)
Honda XL600V Transalp 1994 model.
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. Now a veteran it costs a pint per month to insure.
The motorcycles of the past
Past motorcycle ownerships from 2015 to 2026 in chronological order.
The past ownerships over the course of 11 years. As you can see BMW & KTM dominates which is a bit funny. Especially when you consider how different the brands as well as their bikes are.
KTM 390 Adventure (2024)
Bought August 2025, sold/traded April-2026.
A mini orange, 2024 KTM 390 Adventure.KTM launched a huge sale on 2024 models in 2025, as a result of overstocking or over-production that in part led to their financial challenges. I decided to take a punt.
The original idea was replace my veteran Honda Transalp (further down) with an orange. After 2500 kilometers in later part of the 2025 season I decided it was not for me, primarily due to ergonomic aspects. Plus it wasn't the offroad solution I was after. Fun bike though, and lots of value for the money.
BMW 1250 GS (2022)
Bought June 2024, sold/traded April 2026.
2022 BMW 1250 GS Triple Black, packed & ready for adventure.It happened on a whim. That's how both arrival and departure took place. The 1250 GS Triple Black is a version includes lots of options, a black engine block, plus black crank house. Information about what I added you can find here.
The 1250 GS simply is a brilliant motorcycle. One of the best in its class. So good at anyone who's ever owned one, may one day return to both the brand and the boxer concept. Parting with it didn't happen without regrets. I'll say that much!
KTM 890 Adventure (2023)
Bought January 2023, sold/traded 0June 2024.
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.
I traded it in June 2024. At the time I'd done around 25 000 kilometers on the little orange. A sum-up you may find here. More than once I've since missed its handling capabilities offroad.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2019)
Bought December 2020, sold/traded January 2023.
September 2022, packed and ready for a new adventureAnother 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.
BMW R1200 GS Adventure (2016)
Bought April 2017, write-off September 2020.
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.
BMW R1200RT (2010)
Bought June 2016, sold/traded April 2017.
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.
BMW R1150RT (2003 Twin Spark)
Bought August 2015, sold/traded June 2016.
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.
Honda NT650 Deauville (2001)
Bought May 2015, sold/traded August 2015.
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.