Go Big and Ride Small

[ErikGustav2]

Fantastic pictures.
And what a trip.

[ErikGustav2]

Does a Benelli TRK 251 qualify for "Ride small" ?

Today I bought one from 2019 with only 7 000 km on the ODO.

My plan is to replace the Shad side cases with a ALU-pack from Benelli.
And to use the bike for Pyrenées and Picos touring in the early autumn. (September)
+ more mountains and twisty roads later.
This area is an old item on the wish list. But with these pictures from Chris.
=> Just do it
My bike :

Benelli TRK 251.jpg (119.09 KiB) Viewed 1243 times

Not my bike. To show the ALU pack :

TRK 251 with ALU pack.jpeg (52.69 KiB) Viewed 1241 times

[Scott_rider]

Nice looking bike

[Godspeed]

Does a Benelli TRK 251 qualify for "Ride small" ?

Today I bought one from 2019 with only 7 000 km on the ODO.

My plan is to replace the Shad side cases with a ALU-pack from Benelli.
And to use the bike for Pyrenées and Picos touring in the early autumn. (September)
+ more mountains and twisty roads later.
This area is an old item on the wish list. But with these pictures from Chris.
=> Just do it
My bike :
Benelli TRK 251.jpg


Not my bike. To show the ALU pack :
TRK 251 with ALU pack.jpeg

Absolutely and that does look a very cool bike. I’ve often thought about the Vstrom 250 which got good reviews too, but unfortunately is now discontinued in the UK (I think)
Keep us updated on your planning and bike info…

[Godspeed]

On the 250 side of things, I’m always amazed at how heavy they are, I think yours is 164 dry, so add the 18 litres of fuel is about 182kg which is hardly any difference than the cb500x at 199 wet. It just seems that’s a lot of weight for a 250?

[ErikGustav2]

I agree, Many 250s are heavy bikes,
I tried V strom DL 1000, DL 650 and DL 250. Back to back some years ago.
650 was well up to the job, so I had no use for a 1000.
But when I tested the 250, it felt as the 650 bike with a smaller engine in it.

Of course that engine weighted less than the 650 engine.
=> I did not find any reason to buy a DL 250.
And SW motech had luggage system for 650, but not for 250

We were not he only ones, since the DL 250 dissapeared from the market,
I have seen that another Suzuki 250 model is lounched, But not in Europe (yet)

This Benelli is 176 kg, ready for the road. At least 25 kg less than the RE himalayan. or CB500x
My old Honda NX 4 is 149 kg, ready tor ride. Another 25 kg less.
All have plus and minus. Always a compromise.

I will give it a try.

https://portugal.benelli.com/product/trk-251-e5

[ErikGustav2]

Just the ferry to go and then the ride home tomorrow
Trip stats:
Mileage: 1,750
Best mpg: 157mpg
Total cost for fuel: £94

Taking the tent definitely cut the costs down and cooking my own food made the trip much cheaper. The most expensive part was the ferry cost and £200 for four night’s accommodation in Potes (though it was totally worth it!)

Got a week off in September so will probably take the PCX down to Switzerland or something like that….
C8989432-4CBB-4A17-A548-D17C8AA03253.jpeg

I hope your home now.
what a wonderful trip it looks to have been.

I have a book with proposals for trips in Europe.It has one for NW of Spain.
I try to compare the proposed route with your the information in your report.
And I as I can see.....
The proposal does not include the route Espinama- Sortes-Cangas de Onis.
It goes around the Picos, instead of crossing the national park.

ABR Picos.jpg (82.59 KiB) Viewed 1151 times

That area looks stunning in your pictures.
But you also mentioned this as trail "hard at some times"

Trail Picos 2.jpg (72.31 KiB) Viewed 1151 times

What is your view:
Is this something that should be included. To do not you miss a nice trip through the national park ?
You did it on your Innova, even it was hard. What about riding it an a small standard street bike with street tires ? Too hard ?
What was the hard conditions ? stones ? sand ? bumpy ? or ...
It looks as you left the luggage. Good idea to not ride loaded bike on this trail ?


Thanks
/Erik

[Godspeed]

It was a fantastic trail, fairly large stones at the beginning of the trail in Sotres, and the first climb was the toughest part. I had street tyres but weight of only 100kg so it makes everything a bit easier.
It would be hard to advise as the weather was good and the trail dry. The other end at Espinama was just a dirt track but steep.
I’m sure more people can offer advice

[Flintlock]

I did it going the opposite way to Godspeed on my GSA - I rarely take my bike off road - managed it - so you should have no probs Erik.

20221003_104510.jpg (124.73 KiB) Viewed 1118 times

IMG-20221003-WA0036.jpg (111.76 KiB) Viewed 1118 times

It's a stunning route

[Tonibe63]

Erik-we rode that trail in the same direction as Godspeed (Sotres to Espinema) on a 1200gs with tourance tyres and were 2 up with dry conditions. I believe most road bikes with road tyres could do it if the conditions are dry.