1st machine, considering a KTM 530cc XC-W or KTM 690 Enduro

[Soldier.x.x]

The consensus among friends who ride is that KTM is the brand to buy. I live deep in the foothills of the Northern Sierra Nevada mountain range (California, USA) on 12 acres - enough land to learn to ride on. There are many places to ride nearby, but doing so necessitates some rural highway driving in addition to the offroad adventures.

I'm a large human, 120 kilos, 1.85M tall, in my 40's and retired. Exploring the countryside and backcountry rural highway trips is the dream. Fully aware that every dream is full of risk and pitfalls, I'm ignorant. I don't even know the right questions to ask, interested to read the feedback from the experienced riders.
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Happiness ensues.

[Irn-Bru]

Highway trips means the 530 shouldn't be considered IMO, maintenance will become a pain and probably not geared for 70mph+ long runs. The 690 is more road oriented and more of an all-rounder. TBH, in the states even the 690 might not be up to the task, a bigger adventure bike might be but the 690 is a good place to start to see what you want to do, or you might want a collection of bikes, no bike can do it all. It's quite powerful for a beginner but I know you yanks don't like to mess about. I would suggest a DRZ since I love them, but they are a bit shit on long straight roads, the 690 definitely has the power for it (40bhp vs 70 on the KTM). Your weight isn't a big deal, you'll just have to mess on with the suspension a bit at some point.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM