Best Bike for a Motorhome?

[Richard n Ann]

I’ll keep saying it..... 390 Duke! Pocket sized cheap fun!

Can't wait for summer when I park the car up for a few months (unless it's raining ) king of the road!

 

[Tigertom]

I’m not allowed a m/bike. She wants me to live

Haha, I rarely feel more alive than when I’m on a motorbike

 

[Wikky]

Yep, I agree 100%. Small enough for the garage, big enough for two I can't fit panniers on the incoming 790 so I might just keep the 390 for the van. Big smiles per miles.

Panniers can be fitted on the 790. The side supports are removable. There is a bloke on youtube showing what he used and how to fit them.

 

[Vansflyer]

Panniers can be fitted on the 790. The side supports are removable. There is a bloke on youtube showing what he used and how to fit them.

Ta for that, will have a look. KTM only list one for the LHS if you have the top box rack. The Mrs insists on the top box whether we need shopping or not, it makes her feel secure and I get that.

 

[Wikky]

Ta for that, will have a look. KTM only list one for the LHS if you have the top box rack. The Mrs insists on the top box whether we need shopping or not, it makes her feel secure and I get that.

That's understandable. I have a givi topbox with backrest. My wife feels more comfortable with that also.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wikky]

Ta for that, will have a look. KTM only list one for the LHS if you have the top box rack. The Mrs insists on the top box whether we need shopping or not, it makes her feel secure and I get that.

Sw Motec.
Views from the man cave on youtube.

 

[Vansflyer]

Sw Motec.
Views from the man cave on youtube.

Do you have a link please, I can only find the options for the Adventure 790. I have seen panniers and top boxes but not on the same bike? Many thanks.

 

[Tigertom]

Givi quick release pannier frames with lomo throw over panniers, quick to fit and quick to take off, relatively cheap as well.
Some folk reckon you might get stuff nicked from throw overs.......it’s never happened in the entire history of the world........maybe

 

[Lucky]

Thinking about the KTM 390,m and fitting one through a garage door, how wide and tall is it? Or perhaps more importantly, how wide can it be after removing mirrors?

I'm particularly concerned about width as Wiki says its 873mm which is too much for the next mh I'm considering.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Thinking about the KTM 390,m and fitting one through a garage door, how wide and tall is it? Or perhaps more importantly, how wide can it be after removing mirrors?

I'm particularly concerned about width as Wiki says its 873mm which is too much for the next mh I'm considering.

The handlebars are quite wide, I took the weights off mine and fitted bar end mirrors so they're slightly less wide now.
I'm sure I read somewhere you can cut them down probably on the 390 Facebook page

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[franknjan]

If your motorhome garage isn't very big, you can always carry your motorcycle like this.

I was thinking of buying a trailer. I think I'll save myself some money and buy a roof rack.

 

[Nasher]

If your motorhome garage isn't very big, you can always carry your motorcycle like this.
View attachment 471064
I was thinking of buying a trailer. I think I'll save myself some money and buy a roof rack.

What you really need is a pickup truck

 

[A S R]

Thinking about the KTM 390,m and fitting one through a garage door, how wide and tall is it? Or perhaps more importantly, how wide can it be after removing mirrors?

I'm particularly concerned about width as Wiki says its 873mm which is too much for the next mh I'm considering.

Do you want me to measure mine for you?

 

[Lucky]

I'd appreciate that seeing as you've done a few things to narrow and lower yours, especially changing the mirrors. I guess I could wiggle the bars a little on entry if I'm getting close.

 

[A S R]

I'd appreciate that seeing as you've done a few things to narrow and lower yours, especially changing the mirrors. I guess I could wiggle the bars a little on entry if I'm getting close.

No, not me. Think you’re getting me confused with Richard & Ann. The only thing I’ve done to get my 390 Duke in the garage is remove the standard mirrors. They take about 30 seconds to put back on with a 14mm spanner. I’ll measure the width and heights of the garage door and bike in the morning for you anyway.
I still have to give it a slight wiggle from side to side to get the bars in though.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lucky]

My wrong, but I'd appreciate the info. Thx.

 

[A S R]

Righty ho, done some measurements and photos so hopefully you can work out if it’s gonna work for you or not.

1.Garage door opening is = 84 1/2cm wide and 114cm high.
2. Inside garage = 125cm high, 129cm wide, 218cm long.
3. Duke 390 = 87cm wide, 109cm ( TFT screen ) high, 193cm long.
4. Duke 390 = 115cm high to home made sat nav mount.
5. Duke 390 = 153kgs wet.

Now, I’ve added on a home made Garmin sat nav plate where the clocks mount which increases the bikes height by 6cm. It doesn’t affect getting the bike in because once the front wheel goes in the garage the wheel drops down to the garage floor giving the extra room needed.
As previously mentioned I remove the standard mirrors which takes seconds with a 14mm spanner. This lives on a hook in my garage so is always at hand. They take about 30 seconds to put back on so no problem there either. The bike does have the KTM optional extra hand guards on. I honestly couldn’t say if this increases the bikes standard width or not. I had them on from new. I just give mine a slight lean from side to side to get the bars through the garage door. Not a problem though. The front wheel locates into a wheel chock then 4 ratchet straps keep it rock solid.
hope this helps.

 

[Wikky]

Snug as a bug in a rug

 

[Lucky]

REALLY useful, thanks.

 

[Scotch mist]

Thanks A S R , just the info I was looking for , I carry a Honda sh125 but would sometimes like to take something bigger & the duke 390 or 690 is on my radar
so great info

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[A S R]

Thanks A S R , just the info I was looking for , I carry a Honda sh125 but would sometimes like to take something bigger & the duke 390 or 690 is on my radar
so great info

If it’s a bike just for motorhome trips then the 390 is perfect. If it’s going to be more of a day to day bike then the 690 would be better.

 

[Lucky]

If i could fit a KTM 690R Enduro I'd be in seventh heaven but I expect they are too tall for most motorhomes. The seat height alone is 910mm. Now, maybe if I took off the wheels before sliding it in...

You think I jest

 

[A S R]

I looked at a LOT of makes and models before settling on the 390 Duke. It is perfect for me. Most were too tall. I really wanted a KTM 690 SMC R. Nope.
I have my 1150 GS for touring on so just needed a “small” bike to carry about. <Broken link removed>

 

[Vansflyer]

The 390 is pretty much perfect for "van life". My 790 fits in the garage and I have the payload available for the extra weight but I am still pretty tempted to keep the 390 as "the tender" for the van. The 790 will be more fun on my own if I fancy a proper run out but otherwise the 390 has every base covered for us when we are away.

 

[joner8888]

Righty ho, done some measurements and photos so hopefully you can work out if it’s gonna work for you or not.

1.Garage door opening is = 84 1/2cm wide and 114cm high.
2. Inside garage = 125cm high, 129cm wide, 218cm long.
3. Duke 390 = 87cm wide, 109cm ( TFT screen ) high, 193cm long.
4. Duke 390 = 115cm high to home made sat nav mount.
5. Duke 390 = 153kgs wet.

Now, I’ve added on a home made Garmin sat nav plate where the clocks mount which increases the bikes height by 6cm. It doesn’t affect getting the bike in because once the front wheel goes in the garage the wheel drops down to the garage floor giving the extra room needed.
As previously mentioned I remove the standard mirrors which takes seconds with a 14mm spanner. This lives on a hook in my garage so is always at hand. They take about 30 seconds to put back on so no problem there either. The bike does have the KTM optional extra hand guards on. I honestly couldn’t say if this increases the bikes standard width or not. I had them on from new. I just give mine a slight lean from side to side to get the bars through the garage door. Not a problem though. The front wheel locates into a wheel chock then 4 ratchet straps keep it rock solid.
hope this helps.

Hello, I just found your forum reply on google search.
I used to be a member on here ,now resurrected back now kids have grown up and don`t want to be seen with father in a motorhome and Mrs keeps telling me to go on holidays.
So, what i was wondering was, i always have preferred bikes to anything else ,ST1300 Pan at the moment.
I was looking to buy a motorhome again ,Kontiki 635 /2016 , and the rear garage door aperture is 800mm wide and 1135mm high.
For years now i have battled down through France /Spain on a bike but now i`m older, i`ts a chore , and i only like biking through towns and villages.
It seems after searching a KTM Duke 390 is a good fit .
Would you think a Duke would fit ?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[peterc10]

It is not just about dimensions. What does Swift say about the weight limit of the garage? Also putting a heavy load behind the rear wheels may well overload your maximum rear axle weight.

 

[joner8888]

It is not just about dimensions. What does Swift say about the weight limit of the garage? Also putting a heavy load behind the rear wheels may well overload your maximum rear axle weight.

I did wonder about that , i am a bit of a chancer , do motorhomes get pulled in often for checks?

 

[peterc10]

I did wonder about that , i am a bit of a chancer , do motorhomes get pulled in often for checks?

Sometimes. And especially if your back end is sagging .

 

[A S R]

Hello, I just found your forum reply on google search.
I used to be a member on here ,now resurrected back now kids have grown up and don`t want to be seen with father in a motorhome and Mrs keeps telling me to go on holidays.
So, what i was wondering was, i always have preferred bikes to anything else ,ST1300 Pan at the moment.
I was looking to buy a motorhome again ,Kontiki 635 /2016 , and the rear garage door aperture is 800mm wide and 1135mm high.
For years now i have battled down through France /Spain on a bike but now i`m older, i`ts a chore , and i only like biking through towns and villages.
It seems after searching a KTM Duke 390 is a good fit .
Would you think a Duke would fit ?

I have absolutely no idea on the chassis configuration on a Kontiki but on my Burstner the chassis legs go right to the rear bumper ( which is bolted directly to the chassis ) and is actually the tow bar. Therefore the garage weight limit is a lot more than most others who’s chassis finish just after the rear axle. I also have two rear axles so any weight is nicely spread across them both.
The KTM 390 Duke is a cracking “ little “ bike though despite its relatively small cc. You need to use the gearbox a lot more than a bigger bike but believe me, it can get a shift on and handles extremely well. There are other bikes out there just as capable and would probably fit too but definitely have a test ride on a 390 first. Some find them a bit too buzzy. I don’t.
I have to wiggle the handlebars slightly to get them through the door and remove the mirrors too because with them on it’s too tall. They only take a minute at most to put on / remove.