Overland Expo Recap – Two-Wheel Transportation Trends

What’s Trendy in Two-Wheel Transportation, As Displayed At Overland Expo-West

By Randy Reek

I recently had the chance to attend Overland Expo-West in Flagstaff, Arizona. This is the place to see the latest vehicles, equipment, and gear for the broad “overlanding” market. Overlanding has been defined as traveling cross-country, preferably off the paved roads for maximum adventure.

Overland Expo-West by TGH Creative

Tens of thousands of people attended and were able to view hundreds of exhibits. These ranged from modified Jeeps costing over $100,000 to “overland” camping vehicles that cost over $500,000 to simple tents. But I kept an eye out for two-wheel vehicles. There were plenty to see, from more traditional dual-sport motorcycles, cycles with side cars, to numerous bicycle options.

There were several brands of large “adventure” motorcycles on display. But it seems that the trend is slightly reversing and many brands are introducing (or testing the market) with smaller ADV motorcycles. Evidently, riders are tiring of heavy, complicated, and EXPENSIVE 1,000 cc adventure bikes that cost more to buy, maintain, and insure than many automobiles.

CSC Motorcycles has been ahead of this trend for many years. The CSC RX3 Adventure remains the best value in light ADV bikes – NOW only $3,995.00 (plus fees) with tons of standard features and accessories.

The new 2020 CSC RX4 will be arriving in July and the 450cc motor will answer the needs of riders who need more power for long-distance highway riding or heavy loads including two-up riding. At only $5,395.00 (plus fees), the RX4 costs less than HALF of much of the competition.

2020 CSC RX4 – with OPTIONAL knobby tires in Moab, Utah

Of course, the all-time value leader is the CSC TT250 Enduro. This dual-sport cycle still costs ONLY $2,195.00 delivered (plus fees.)

The CSC TT250 is simply fun to ride!

The base bike is a great platform to customize for your style of riding – adding rear rack, soft bags, different gearing or even new wheels and tires (if you want to be a road warrior!)

OPTIONAL – TT250 Aluminum Super Moto wheels and tires!

The only criticism the TT250 receives is when it is compared to bikes in different categories:

• The CSC TT250 Enduro is not as fast as a larger, fuel-injected Enduro or Super Moto. But the 230cc air-cooled motor is super-dependable, simple to tune, and cheap to maintain.
• The CSC TT250 Enduro won’t keep up with racy motocross bikes on the track. It won’t compete with motocross bikes on jumps or whoops. But the light-weight TT250 is street-legal in all 50-states so you can ride it in town and on the highway to the woods.
• The CSC TT250 Enduro won’t be as comfortable on long-distance rides as other dual-sports, including the CSC RX3 or RX4. Riders HAVE taken the TT250 on some LONG rides – see the article on the 2,000-mile Rocky Mountain Adventure. But the TT250 is only half the price of the CSC RX3 Adventure, and yet is a versatile motorcycle for riding on and off the road.

Attending the Overland Expo reminded me just what a tremendous value the CSC TT250 Enduro is in the market today. One of the hottest trends is fat bikes, and fat bikes with electric motors. Many of these were on display – and on the back of Jeeps and campers.

E-Fat Bikes on Display – by TGH Creative

E-Enduro Bike – by TGH Creative

E-Fat Bikes are the hot, trendy ride (if you have BIG bucks!)

Prices for electric fat bikes start at about $3,000 and go to OVER $7,000!!! Let’s compare what you get with an E-fat bike compared to a TT250:

Range: E-Fat Bike: 50 miles or less (then recharge overnight) vs. TT250: 150 miles (60+ MPG, then refill the 2.9-gallon tank anywhere and be back on the road in five minutes.)

Speed: E=Fat Bike: 20 to 25 mph vs. TT250: 55 mph (70 mph or higher with optional highway gearing.)

Suspension: E-Fat Bike: none or minimal shocks vs. TT250: adjustable front and rear shocks.

Load capacity: E-Fat Bike: one-person or 250 pounds vs. TT250: 600-pounds or two-riders and gear.

Electric Fat Bike cost: $3,000 to over $7,000 vs. CSC TT250 Enduro cost: $2,195.00 – DELIVERED (plus set-up and documentation fees.)

Included equipment and accessories: E-Fat Bike: none vs. TT250: Headlight, LED tail light, LED turn signals, rear view mirrors, digital speedometer, tachometer, locking gas cap, steel bash plate, large front and rear risk brakes with stainless steel brake lines, electric start and kick starter, ignition and fork security locks, 300-watt alternator and handlebar switches pre-wired for accessories.

Standard – locking gas cap and 2.9-gallon gas tank

Standard – steel bash plate, kick starter and electric start

This doesn’t include the OPTIONAL accessories to make the TT250 even more capable off-road, like a full-skid plate, knobby tires, and CSC billet aluminum rear rack and soft luggage.

OPTIONAL – TT250 full aluminum skid plate

OPTIONAL CSC rear billet aluminum rear rack

TT250 tricked out with OPTIONAL knobby tires, skid plate, hand guards and exhaust

For the critics out there, the CSC TT250 Enduro is NOT the perfect dual-sport, motocross, or  adventure bike. BUT – the CSC TT250 Enduro remains the BEST value in a bike that can be used for commuting, trail riding, or ADV-light touring. Shop around – or attend an “Overland Expo –  and I think you will agree!

CSC TT250 Enduro – shown with OPTIONAL rear rack and top case

The CSC TT250 Enduro is also the value-leader when compared to some popular “novelty” rides. Compare the TT250 to the 125 cc Honda Monkey that costs $3,999.00:

Honda Monkey at Overland Expo – by TGH Creative

Compare the TT250 to the 49 cc Honda Ruckus scooter that costs $2,749.00:

Plus, CSC Motorcycles ships the TT250 to YOUR door! Add gas and RIDE!

CSC preparing TT250’s for delivery to happy customers!