Last Updated on: December 4, 2025
The season for motorcycle riding in my part of Norway is definitely over. Well, unless you fancy riding with spike tires and snowmobile suit.
Actually it’s been over since mid October for me. We got into a cold period. And as a result, plus experiences on a last ride to the west country, I decided enough was enough. When having a form of Raynaud’s syndrome riding in cold weather, for longer periods without stop, can be a rather unpleasant experience.
I don’t have space for all three current bikes home or in my garage. So two had to go in winter storage elsewhere. It costs a bit of money, but that’s just how it is. Maybe one day, etc etc.
Season is over, a goodbye (next year)
First in was the 2024 KTM 390 Adventure. It’s been a fun, if somewhat unfamiliar acquaintance. Not the least because of its size. I’ve decided it won’t be a long lasting ownership. Instead it will find its way into motorcycle classified during spring 2026.
Season is over: last run with the KTM 390 Adventure.
Just to be clear, I don’t sell my 390 Adventure because I am dissatisfied. Or because of quality issues. The trolling of KTM motorcycles, claiming these are particularly much worse than other brands, is a bit tiresome to be honest. If you have read some of my posts on KTM motorcycle ownerships then you know have have over 80.000 kilometers done on now three KTMs.
None of them have given me grief or trouble of any kind. So if your impression is that all KTM is bad, then I recommend alternative information sources.
The 390 Adventure (previous model) is really a good bike for the price. A small lightweight, do it all, motorcycle. It simply doesn’t suit me ergonomically. That’s the most important reason why a goodbye come spring. I also have a preference for low-end torque, something the 2024 390 lacks completely. But it is a frisky little machine which, once you rev it up, is peppy enough for the many.
I’ve been “all over the place” with it and not one second felt it was incapable or unsafe. Road manners are excellent as well.
A “see you in spring” (?)
Originally I was thinking about parting with my 2022 BMW 1250 GS this fall. Now I am not so sure. We’ve had a good run. Over 35k kilometers during almost two full seasons. The BMW 1250 GS arguably is one of the best allround motorcycles money can buy. I will maintain that, even if I one day should switch to something else.
Some issues there has been on these, especially the first models. The only issue I’ve had was a defect battery. Else it’s been absolutely flawless. Those who appreciates comfort, do long distance touring, ride gravel, dirt and a bit of offroad, you will be hard pressed to find many equally good alternatives.
Before sent it in for hibernation a couple of extras were added. Like additional struts for the standard crash bars, and aluminium hand guards.
My 2022 BMW 1250 GS with extra protection.
In my honest opinion the factory protection on this motorcycle isn’t optimal. But that’s not exceptional. You can find more details about it in this post. I also turned in the defect BMW Navigator VI which on the last ride, was completely overtaken by ghosts. Something these are infamous for.
The warranty claim was accepted and replacement should arrive in good time before season start. I will write more about the replacement later. Suffice to say, it will mark a paradigm shift for me, with regards to GPS on a motorcycle.
Season is over, but my partnership with this motorcycle likely will continue through the 2026 season.
The stayer (for now)
My trusty old steed, the veteran 1994 Honda XL600v Transalp sleeps in the garage, as it has for the past seven or eight years. Now upgraded with some rather cheap, but highly useful, auxiliary lights. The headlight alone simply wasn’t good enough for riding in darkness, or even twilight.
The good old Transalp ready for seasons second last ride.
At one point I might decide sell it and get something else. But these old Hondas have something about them. And that something became very clear to me when going from the brand new KTM 390 Adventure and right over to the 30 years older Transalp. So we shall see.
For the money I once paid for the old Honda nothing comes even close with regards to value.