Trail Bike Guide – Chapter 1: Features, Maintenance Costs and the Rise of Electric Models

Trail bikes have become a go-to choice for riders looking for versatility. Offering performance both on and off-road, these bikes are ideal for long journeys and the great outdoors. But with so many models available and so many equipment options, how do you make the right choice?

We have developed this guide in three chapters to best support you in the selection, customization and maintenance of your trail bike. You will find examples of trail bike models, parts and accessories as well as various tips.

Features of trail bikes: everything you need to know about their technical specifications

In a previous article, " The 5 best vintage trails " , we presented five exceptional machines, icons of a world of exploits and legendary racing heroes. Back in force, trails are now taking center stage. Present in all engine sizes, they are divided into two main families, road trails which offer comfort and equipment comparable to those of touring motorcycles and off-road trails .

Despite the diversity of models, trail bikes generally share common technical characteristics. They are distinguished by long-travel suspensions, large wheels and a high riding position. These elements allow them to adapt to both the road and difficult paths, while offering optimal visibility to the rider:

Long travel suspension

Trail bike suspensions, designed for off-road use, offer significant travel, ensuring ride comfort even on rough terrain. Although speed is not their main asset, big trail bikes compensate with power, while maintaining excellent shock absorption.

Upright and high driving position

The upright riding position of trail bikes helps anticipate obstacles and provides a clear view of the road. This height and posture are particularly suitable for taller riders, as the seat is often at a higher height than on other types of motorcycles.

What engine size should you choose for a trail?

Trail bike engines vary by model: single-cylinder for small displacement, V-twin for mid-power versions, and four-cylinder engines for road-going trail bikes. Wheels are usually spoked, and are usually 19 inches at the front for road-going trail bikes and 21 inches for off-road bikes, which enhances their robustness and adaptability to various terrains.

Small-displacement trail bikes (125 cc) are perfect for urban use, thanks to their lightness, maneuverability, and economical single-cylinder engine. Medium-displacement bikes (250 to 900 cc) offer a good compromise between power and comfort, ideal for longer journeys and capable of carrying a passenger. Finally, large-displacement bikes (over 1,000 cc) stand out for their power, with engines exceeding 100 horsepower, and are designed for long distances, combining technology and high-end comfort.

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Comparison of trail bike maintenance costs: which models are the most economical?

The cost of maintaining a motorcycle is a determining factor to consider when choosing a trail bike. While performance and comfort are essential criteria, the economic aspect also plays a major role, especially for bikers who plan to use their bike for long distances or for regular off-road use.

Between servicing, part replacements and mechanical work, the total long-term cost varies from model to model. We'll compare the maintenance costs of some of the most popular trail bikes on the market.

Suzuki 1050 V-Strom: Reliability and Affordable Maintenance

The Suzuki 1050 V-Strom is renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance . Thanks to its robust design, this bike requires less frequent maintenance than some of its competitors, reducing maintenance costs over time. The 1037cc V-twin engine is designed to be durable and requires little attention beyond standard servicing, which remains relatively inexpensive.

Maintenance costs :

• Servicing : Servicing is performed every 12,000 km, reducing the frequency of dealer visits. Servicing costs are also lower than average, due to the simplicity of maintenance operations.
• Spare Parts : Suzuki parts are readily available and affordable, which helps keep the overall maintenance cost reasonable.
• Pros : If you're looking for a reliable, economical long-term trail bike, the Suzuki V-Strom is a great choice.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: low frequency of intervention, optimized cost

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is another bike that is highly regarded for its low maintenance requirements . Powered by an 890cc three-cylinder engine, this bike is designed for performance and durability. It is ideal for riders who want a bike that can cover long distances without requiring a lot of mechanical intervention.

Maintenance costs :

• Servicing : Like the V-Strom, the Tracer 9 GT requires servicing every 10,000 to 12,000 km, which keeps maintenance costs down in the short term.
• Reliability : Yamaha is known for the reliability of its models, which helps to limit interventions between revisions. In addition, spare parts are accessible and do not represent a prohibitive cost.
• Advantages : If you are looking for a reliable motorcycle, with controlled maintenance costs and appreciable longevity, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is an excellent choice.

KTM 890 Adventure: Higher quality, but higher cost

The KTM 890 Adventure is a motorcycle designed for trail and off-road enthusiasts. Although KTM is a brand synonymous with performance and quality, maintaining its motorcycles can be more expensive. KTM parts are generally more expensive than those of its Japanese competitors, but they are also known for their durability, which means you won't need to replace them as often.

Maintenance costs :

• Spare parts : KTM parts are made of high-quality materials, which explains their higher price. However, their robustness allows for less frequent replacements, which proves to be an advantage in the long run.
• Overhauls : Overhauls are also more spaced out, but labor costs at KTM are often higher than at other brands, due to the mechanical complexity of some models.
• Pros : If you're willing to invest a little more in maintenance, the KTM 890 Adventure offers exceptional performance and increased longevity, justifying its higher maintenance costs.

BMW R 1300 GS: top performance and optimised maintenance

The BMW R 1300 GS is the latest generation of the renowned GS series, renowned for its blend of ruggedness, comfort and performance on all types of terrain. Equipped with a 1,300 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine, this bike stands out for its ability to deliver a smooth and powerful ride, ideal for both long journeys and off-road adventures.

Maintenance costs:

• Servicing : The BMW R 1300 GS requires servicing every 10,000 km , which is similar to other bikes in its class. BMW also offers maintenance packages, making it easier to manage costs in the long run.
• Reliability : BMW's boxer engine is renowned for its robustness and durability. The parts are of high quality, and although some components may cost more than average, the overall reliability of the model helps to minimise interventions outside of regular servicing.
• Pros : This bike offers an ideal combination of power, versatility and durability. If you are looking for a machine that can swallow up the miles with few mechanical worries while ensuring optimal performance, the BMW R 1300 GS is a benchmark on the market. Thanks to its well-established dealer network and technical support, it also guarantees reliable and efficient maintenance.

Other maintenance costs to consider: tires, pads and chain

Beyond regular servicing and spare parts, some components of trail bikes require more frequent servicing, thus generating a difference in the overall maintenance cost.

The tires

Tyre wear is a key consideration, especially if you regularly ride off-road. Off-road tyres typically wear out faster than those designed for road use, meaning they need to be replaced more frequently. Tyre prices vary depending on the model, but heavy-duty trail bikes like the BMW R 1300 GS will have more expensive tyres than lighter models like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 .

Brake pads

Trails, especially those used for off-road, put a lot of strain on the brakes, which causes the pads to wear out more quickly. In fact, replacing the pads is a regular operation, especially if you often ride on rough terrain.

The chain

Chain maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your motorcycle. The chain must be lubricated regularly, and replacing it is a significant cost in the long run. Some motorcycles are equipped with shaft drive systems, which reduce chain maintenance costs, but these motorcycles are often more expensive to purchase.

Which model is the most economical in the long term?

In terms of long-term maintenance costs, Japanese models like the Suzuki 1050 V-Strom and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT are among the most affordable, due to their mechanical simplicity and the availability of cheap parts. These models are known for their reliability , and require little maintenance, making them ideal for budget-conscious riders.

Conversely, brands like KTM and BMW , while offering high-quality, high-performance motorcycles, are often associated with higher maintenance costs. These bikes require specific parts and more advanced mechanical skills, which increases the cost of servicing and repairs.

How to reduce your trail maintenance costs?

Whatever model you choose, there are a few tips to limit the maintenance costs of your trail:

1. Maintain your motorcycle regularly : Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns. Remember to check tire pressure, lubricate the chain, and have your motorcycle serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Compare prices of spare parts : there are alternatives to original parts, which are just as reliable and sometimes more advantageous.
3. Do some repairs yourself : For DIY bikers, doing some simple tasks, like replacing brake pads or maintaining the chain, can significantly reduce costs.

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The rise of electric trail bikes: lasting revolution or fleeting trend?

Electric motorcycles are gaining popularity in many market segments, and trail bikes are no exception. Models like the Zero DSR/X and DSR/X Black Forest Edition are ushering in a new era in the world of off-road two-wheelers. While electric motorcycles first conquered the urban realm with scooters and lightweight motorcycles, their foray into the world of trail bikes begs the question: are electric motorcycles the future of trail riding, or are they just a passing fad?

The advantages of electric trails: silence, ecology and simplicity

Electric trail bikes have advantages over traditional combustion models. Here are some advantages that could appeal to bikers looking for new experiences:

• Silence : The first and not least advantage is the silent operation of electric motors. Off-road, you can fully enjoy the natural landscapes without disturbing the environment, which is a huge plus for nature lovers.
• Environmentally friendly : Electric motors do not emit CO2, making electric trails a more environmentally friendly choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. At a time when climate concerns are at the heart of debates, this dimension is a strong argument for their adoption.
• Mechanical simplicity : Electric motorcycles are mechanically simpler, with fewer moving parts, which reduces the risk of breakdown and makes them easier and less expensive to maintain. No oil changes, no filters to change: electric trails require much less maintenance.

Current limits: price, autonomy and charging infrastructure

Despite these advantages, electric trail bikes face several challenges, particularly regarding their price , their autonomy and the recharging infrastructure , two critical elements for off-roading.

• Limited range : One of the major obstacles to the adoption of electric trail bikes for off-road use is their limited range . While models like the Zero DSR/X have respectable performance (around 290 km in the city and 180 km in mixed mode), these distances are far from those of trail bikes with combustion engines. In off-road use, the range is further reduced due to the power requirements. This is a real problem in remote environments where charging stations are rare.
• Charging infrastructure : Another challenge is the availability of charging stations in remote areas. While electric charging stations are becoming common in urban areas, they are still very rare in the wilderness, where trails are often used. This requires bikers to plan their routes carefully and anticipate charging stops, which is not always practical in an off-road travel setting.
• Recharge time : Unlike a gas tank that takes a few minutes, a full charge takes several hours (about 10 hours on a standard outlet), even with fast charging stations. This can be a hindrance on long expeditions, where racking up the miles is a priority.
• Cost of electric: €23,695 including tax and €26,720 including tax for the Black Forest Edition.

Technological progress: improvements to come?

Despite these obstacles, the rapid evolution of technologies in the electric field suggests a promising future for electric trails. Batteries are becoming more and more efficient, with autonomy and recharge times constantly improving. Companies like Zero Motorcycles are investing heavily in research to offer motorcycles capable of competing with thermal trails, both in terms of performance and autonomy .

Additionally, governments and businesses are starting to develop infrastructure to support the rise of electric vehicles. The network of charging stations is expected to expand in the coming years, making off-road adventures on electric motorcycles much easier.

For what types of drivers?

Electric trail bikes are an ideal option for riders who mainly use them in urban or semi-urban areas, with occasional light off-road excursions. For those who enjoy long off-road expeditions far from civilization, thermal models are still more suitable for the time being. However, for environmentally conscious riders willing to sacrifice a little autonomy for mixed use, these bikes offer a new and revolutionary experience .

In the city, for example, electric trail bikes offer an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on power or driving pleasure. With their immediate torque , electric motors offer lively and dynamic acceleration, perfect for weaving through city traffic while retaining a certain versatility for short excursions off the beaten track.

Conclusion: electric trail – future or simple trend?

So, are electric trail bikes the future of off-road motorcycles or just a passing trend? The answer will depend largely on technological advances in batteries and charging infrastructure . For now, they seem like a viable option for urban or suburban use, but their mass adoption in the world of off-road adventure will still require a few years of evolution.

With the rise of environmental concerns and rapid advances in the electric industry, it is likely that electric trails will continue to evolve and become more widespread. They represent a real choice for the future for those who wish to combine driving pleasure and respect for the environment.

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