That's right, we need a law that states that no motorcycle should be alone in the garage, they need a companion! 😁

You're so lucky to live near that kind of landscape.

15:40 Stroopwafels! As a Dutchie, that warms my heart ;-)😀

Hej Bro, I did exactly the same way. Came from BMW Adv to T7 and added a Honda CRF 450l. Absolutely satisfied.

You’re one seriously cool over 50 year old! I’m 27 now and still at the beginning of my moto journey. Truly hope to be tearing up sandy hills and popping standing wheelies when I reach your age. 🙏🏼👌

I had to make the same decision a few months ago but after I tried the kove I had no doubt. It’s the perfect dual sport and you don’t have to do any mods to make it more “dual sport”. A big thumb up for the kove

Anyone who has the 500 seems to love it. I was amazed how different it is to the 450 exc. Slightly larger, more imposing , not as much lock on the steering. I struggled with the 500 after several days of riding the 450.

That was one hell of a test ride 😮

Had to make a similar decision, I used to ADV ride on my Suzuki DRZ for 7 years. Decided it was time for an upgrade, was looking at the Africa Twin, but after trying it out, felt that it was way too heavy for my liking. Ended up going for a Husqvarna 701 Enduro as there was a good deal for it. Really hits the sweet spot for me.

Awesome riding 🤘🏼enjoyed watching you guys riding through that cave

Im am impressed how fast you seemed to adapt to the endurobike and relatively challenging terrain. After all the 500 is quite brutal compared to a 350 for example. Look forward to your choice of companion bike.

Bästa videon hittills! Den hade allt. Spänning i grottan och mycket humor.😊

I did same thing. Gs 1250 to Ktm 690 to Beta 480rr. The Beta is amazing. 👍👍👍👍👍

One of the best videos I have seen in a few month, thank you very much! Wonderful places! Kind of Enduro dream land! And your buddies are real offroad dudes, good humor, good riding, good teaching, good life, like it very much! Hope to met you guys some day!

The ride through the Bat Cave was epic! I’m digging the smaller bike too. Awesome video Robert!

I have a '23 890 Adventure R Robert and just bought a 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F (20-23 models are mostly the same frame & engine) and it is true the best of both worlds. The 500 is just fun and crashes well 😉

Nice test drive with All in travell Steve 😄👍🏻🔥

Brilliant! I need one too

Wow, what a way to get a test ride👌alot of us are thinking the same sort of choices as we are on similar journeys with how we use our bikes - looking forward to a Kove vid

Happy to see anybody ditching the heavy bikes for lighter ones. It's a no-brainer I think. The 500EXC is a well known platform, the 450 KOVE looks amazing, but I personally fear and avoid anything the first year it's sold. Prediction: you ride the lighter bike more than the T7. You don't have to go into such serious places to enjoy having a lighter bike either!

Absolut bästa offroad video jag sett hittills. Efter många år på vägar och track så köpte jag nyligen en Tuareg 660 och har blivit så frälst att jag tittar redan på en mindre kuse… 350 eller 500 EXC. Fantastisk och inspirerande video! (Svensk i norra Kalifornien).

What an amazing video. Guys have some skills for sure!

Vilken otroligt go runda de bjöd på!

Dutch Stroopwafel cookies, talks German 😂. Nice! It looks like you guys had much much fun!

This is why I love your videos,crazy ride,crazy friends...😎

Gillar tanken med två hojar, varav en lättare. Steve är ju världsklass också!😂 Härlig video! Ska bli intressant att se ditt kommande val. 😃

Great video, thanks for sharing! I have a 2017 KTM 1090R for fast pavement rides to easy off-road trails, and a 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F for technical and difficult off-road trails. Makes no sense to try and do everything on one bike.

Dä här va ena roligt avsnitt. Blev reedit sugen på att skaffa en sånner 500 men ä inte på den nivån so i gössar. Tack för en bra och underhållande video. Mer sånt. Hälsningar ifrån Falböggspöjken i Cholula, Mexico

Wow the sand pit was awsome ! I could feel your joy !

Mycket bra jobbat, onekligen blir man sugen på att skaffa ett litet syskon. 👍🙂.

I have ktm 500 exc-f since 6 years, awesome bike and good complement really to T7

Fyhelvete vad kul det såg ut att vara. MERA!

Hey you Swedes are really damn funny! Really entertaining video my friend

Really nice, after 12 years of motorbike, my 8th bike was a 2023 Habyabusa, I sold it for a 2024 T7. Best choice ever ^^

I own both the T7 and a 500excf. As someone who loves all forms of onroad and offroad motorcycling, these two bikes are the perfect arsenal to do do anything from long distance motocamping/commuting/street shenanigans to local trail riding and every bit of technical offroad/single track ive thrown myself at.

I have a DesertX for touring, gravel and light to medium off road but I’ll probably buy the Kove 450 Rally for solo exploring Arizona and Mexico.

Coming from street bikes/baggers with light dirt riding to a used tour kitted T7. The first thing I thought about is reducing the weight, took off the heavy gear and put on a Mivv Dakar exhaust. Those extra 20kg really make a difference off-road technically and mentally. I still worry about getting stranded on the T7 due to a drop at a bad angle.

Well done on the riding and effort! That cave was crazy! I also appreciate the translation.

Wow, that’s one way to test out a Bike you’ve never been on before. That was Tough, but you made it through. I do think you would have had a better test of the Bike riding through Trails like you would want to Ride on. Great Video, i was really impressed with the KTM 450. Big Howdy from Texas. Looking forward to the next Video. New Subscriber.👍👍

Härliga åkställen 👍

LOVED this video. Ive wanted a 500 excf for so long. I don’t even need one lol.

Hahaha, this was cool to see tjommi 🙌🏻 Damn, there is no doubt, there is a different weapon for each use case. Loved the saying in the car.... damn I wish this bike was 100 kg more 😂 I can see a 500 in the future for you 🤣

450 rally has decent power and good handling ,riding one right now

Nice test ride👍..different bike bring different experience n thought..should try the dirt bike sometimes n explores those rally trails n have fun..😁

I recently bought T7 World Raid and I love it. But this video comes just on time. As, I was thinking about going more steep off-road here in the Balkans.

I wouldn't discount a DRZ400 or Honda 300L Rally either. Lots of great options out there. Looking forward to seeing what you pick 😄

There are really crazy bikers in Sweden but it's the best lifestyle there is... Perfect work-life balance

Love the horses comparison :)

Robert my friend what did those two guys do to you....wow...very tough ride. I hope the beer was in sufficient quantity afterwards. Greetings from Bulgaria

What a beautiful sounding language ❤ I almost understood what you and your friend were saying .. very soothing

On this episode of 'Cave riding with Robert'.. 😆 I think the Swedish mountain troll is your friend, Steve MK.. 🤣 Steve - "This is life." Amen, brother. You guys are living the dream. 🙏

Wow that was a satisfying testride! I am also in the process of building an adventure enduro. Mine is based on Swedish finest, a Husaberg 70 degrees FE 450. Everything is almost too easy on these bikes 😅. My problem is that it is hard to find spares and aftermarket solutions, for the KTM 500exc everything is available. The Kove looks like an off the shelf ADV Enduro, very tempting…

Smaller biges for more grazy adventures. I have loved my Honda CRF300 Rally. It makes me wanna go everywhere. Rally Raid 2 suspensions, Black Widow exthaust, EJK and 14/45 sprockets made it even better. And some other mods... Owned it now a year and now waiting for winter again. I'd like to test drive that Kove 450 too.

Bra drag där, ser skoj ut :D skulle va fint med en 500 som komplement till 890r

What a great video. The two rally class rider really gave you a work out. Your not too bad your self. I had a 530 KTM and I just loved the sound of that engine on excelleration and the fact that see would pull hard in any gear from down low on the revs. I think I've heard good ratings but horsepower is down compared to the KTM rally and the KTM 500. Also the weight is up there with your T-7 I think.

Nice video ! I went for the 701 enduro (husky) wich is the perfect middle between an T7 and a real Enduro bike. Only 160 kg with full tank and servicing is only each 10 000kms. Real road capable bike and very good at offroading. It just need an rally tower, I went for the rade garage, but the rebel one is also very good.

Robert schnauft wie eine Dampfmaschine😀(hätte ich auch), klasse Video!

Haha, what a test ride !!

I went the exact same route as you. Started on a GSA, ditched that for a T7 after a demo ride. Picking up a Beta 500 RS in a few weeks to go along side the T7

I just downsized from the small 390 adv bike to a 500 for the same reasons as you. I bought the 390 because it was the smallest adv bike, but what I didn't know at the time was that I'd be picking it up a lot in the tough stuff. Got a on list for the 24' 500 exc-f and took delivery a couple weeks ago. It is more fun, confidence inspiring and ridiculously capable in every possible way than a small adv bike. I love it. Will probably sell the 390 as I can't bring myself to ride it anymore with the 500 right next to it. The Kove looks great, but the lack of dealer network, parts, service, reliability longevity unknown, Chinese resale values are too many checks against it for now. If it takes off in a few years and proves itself I'd consider one.🍻

Wonderful episode Rob and what an Adventure Stewe MK brought You on. There are a lot of goodies in the video, the Dakar pants... mine looks new in comparison 😂. Maybe Stewe need my pair now... can't blame You if You got some claustrophobic feelings in that cave 👀😅. I'm sure You got a better idea on how to proceed from this testride. See You out there 💪🤠🔥

1:48 🤣 I'm showing this to my wife because we are in a very similar situation! Thank you!

Jädrans, det där sandtaget ser ju helt fantastiskt kul ut att åka i!

Awesome, honest video for T7 fans Robert! I love my T7 but fear of the wheels sliding out due to the weight (I broke a rib last time) is taking some of the fun away. I'm thinking a 2023 Yamaha WR450 would be good for the gnarly enduro sections; although I'll still be riding RallyMoto's Kielder Dark Skies on my T7 at the end of October...

At first I thought "dam, my wife only has one horse..." Then you went into that tunnel 🤣👍 chapeau 👏

Cool, Robert! Shipping on time we may have a Cove 450 for you to ride in time for SKOG™24 🤞

I have a FE450 and it really ables me to have fun adventures on TET or singletracks. No worries when I get stuck or drop it. Light ADV seems so much better.

I got a 450 exc and made it more advenury! Go light, go fast, save your body!

Love your friends knackered, but much loved KLIM pants !

Roberto boa tarde. Seu vídeos estão cada vez melhores, sou teu fã aqui do Brasil não perco um vídeo seu, você me inspirou a voltar andar de moto . E obrigado por ter colocado as legendas em português... Cara sou teu fã, um grande abraço do Rodrigo aqui do Brasil.

I like the horse comparison, my wife also has horses. We can many more horses into one stable with motorcycles. What about the KTM690 Enduro? I done a week in the Pyreneese on my T7WR with a lad on the KTM690, with some off road, and my friend thinks it’s the orange Unicorn, and a better service schedule to the 500. You’ve got some great skills Robert, some of that was narly.

What a coincidence in timing! During the last days I've decided to downsize due to a change in priorities. My Tiger 1200 Rally will probably give way to a KTM 690 Enduro. 🇸🇪🌲🏍️ Thanks for the content, enjoying your vids ✌🏻

I need to get my wife some horses so that I can get more bikes, good idea!

These smaller bikes are cool ! Im not worried about my T7. I’ve downsized from Super Tenere so T7 for me feels like a toy. Super Tenere was a tank off-road but never had a serious problems. Of course you have to think twice before you go somewhere.

Very nice drive Robert. Clock 15:10 you driving on "Höglandsleden" ? Very nice track

Oh Steve! The world is so small. He's my friend. I was at AER too :)

Damn you have the best life .. wish I could ride offroad here in Germany..

I literally did the same thing, but unfortunately had to replace T7. I got Husqvarna 501 today after couple of buddies took me on hard enduro with that weapon. :)

The next level to Valhalla😀

I had the same idea as you. Got rid of the GS Adventure and now have a Husqvarna FE501 with a rally tower and bigger tank. Soon to be joined in the new year by a Tenere 700!!

Did the same….got a FE350s. Great companion to my T7

"Be equal in a marriage" this comparison was great :-)

The ktm 500 all the way... great video! What system are you guys using to communicate? So cool....

kove 450 rally definitly !!!!!!!!

That was excellent Robert...the 500 is a beast...and the 450 is such a cool Rally/Dakar bike...and the T7 is fantastic! ...so many great bikes out there. But having a bike 50 kilos lighter is very welcome on a rally! My XR650R feels so light compared to the T7, but its 20 years old and i don't want to wreck it, so I'm looking at maybe a CRF rally, or a WR Yamaha . Cheers Steve

Wise Decision

I started with a smaller bike (Beta 390) and just added the T7. The weight difference is something I need to get used to.

I've gone from Vstrom 1000 to 650 to Versys 650 to an Electric Unicycle , i never had so much fun offroad !

haha before I watch I was about to suggest the Kove 😄 I have a T7 as well, but my wife has no poney so I can keep only one….The Kove guy in France told that the 450 has a 2000kms valve check interval, which is a bit high in maintenance for me. But it is still in my head, that bike is insane.

500. The end. A friend of mine tried a Beta in the US ... needed a part... 2 weeks. Will be same with China bike. The KTM 500 has dealer support. I have one. Love it. It's the end all. I also have the SM swap. 2 bikes in one. GET IT! Oh... and add a Rekluse clutch asap.

Great video, Robert. Looking forward to see you on the Kove 450. No Kove bikes in Germany so far :-( And I doubt any KTM's reliability (I'm used to Japanese bikes). Cheer from Nürnberg, Günter

Don't let us hanging like that at the end! :D

I'm like a Finnish photocopy of your bike situation. I own the T7 and CRF300L now and I'm looking in to the EXC 450-500 and/or the Kove 450. I've already been asking the Finnish importer for months to get to ride the Kove but they have some regulatory issues in the EU that push the launch here until next year. There is still no clear date set but it's possible that early 2024 we at least get to see one in the country. I'm gonna do a test ride immediately whenever it's possible. Even during winter if they let me I have a good deal on the 2023 model 450 EXC now that I might go for thoguh... Awesome video as usual ✌

Perfekt testkörning! Är själv sugen på en 500 som lättare adv - vet du om den var omdrevad eller hade en styrdämpare monterat?

Hi, you also have the AJP PR7, it's a 600cc bike manufactured in Portugal, weighs only 150kgs.

Kove... just makes sense for the channel.

Always a tough decision to decide how dirty you want your dual sport to be. Subscribed

Great riding, but wonder about breathing in those exhaust fumes in the cave!

Check out the new Fantic XEF 450 Rally, it is based on the Yamaha WRF 450, think the changed the gearing and maybe oil volume. Weight 140 kg dry and 30 liters fuel capacity.

There seems to be am overwhelming enlightenment of sorts lately with this mass exodus of ADV riders progressively moving to smaller steeds. I too went from a GS to an Africa Twin to an 890 ADV R to a 450L and now I am on a KTM 500 EXC-F. The lighter weight bikes are so much easier to handle at slower, more technical speeds off-road and they ultimately make the average/non-pro rider more effective when things get technical. I'd like to add in another true ADV bike to my stable in the near future for trips where I need to slab it for long sections n between trails but I have yet to decide if that means going all the way back to a full-size GS/GSA or if another 890 will find its way into my garage. Either way, I am happy to have my 500 and there's no way I'd take a Chicom startup bike over a well established, fully backed, known quantity like the KTM 500. But at the end of the day it's great to see that others are slowly making a move to smaller, lighter bikes as well, because lets be honest here, as we age we really do need all the help we can get in order to stay active in this hobby/sport. In regards to the video, that tunnel/drainage ditch y'all rode in was epic, I'd kill for an opportunity to ride something like that. In regards to the Kove 450, I can't speak with experience as I haven't ridden one, but from all reviews and ride reports they say the power delivery is more like a 350, so a feeling of something between a 450 Rally and a 500 like you hope for is not likely. IMHO, a 500 with subtle mods to turn it into an ultra lightweight ADV bike of sorts is the ticket and that's exactly what I did with mine. Best of luck with your decision and a warm hello from Texas.