The all new Solo s1103 in the Solstice Series of LED off road lamps.

The 45 °/15 ° elliptical beam pattern makes a great low 'fog' light with great depth while still illuminating the side of the track strongly.

Equipped with Vision’s brand new 10 watt LED technology, with each 10 watt Solo producing 900 lumens (!) making them the brightest LED off road lamp on the market in only a 2” x 2” square housing. Not only are they the brightest, they are the most efficient with the s1100 drawing only 0.75 amps due to their advanced electronic drivers which are also responsible for their 50,000 hour life span and variable 9 - 50 Volt DC input.

The Solstice Solo’s main feature is the 4 sided channel design that allows you to interlink it on all four sides with another Solstice Solo pod or other various available mounting hardware for flat, tube or even helmet mount making it the only modular light with the ability to make any shape or length with the available spot and eliptical flood beam patterns mixed throughout your custom configuration.

There is a huge amount that can be said for this machine. The EXC model has been around for what seems like forever and a day. This bike was much waited for by FRGB when we heard this was on the cards, and we have to say we are not disappointed.

Less raw power than its bigger 300cc brother but by no means should be overlooked when considering which bike to buy.

As with all the XC range, larger 9 1/2 litre clear tank, kick and electric start with MX suspension, 6 speed box and larger bore exhaust to the rear pipe.

Both the 250 and 300-XC are in theory identical apart from a few more cc's but for those lucky enough to be able to spend time on both bikes, there is a few primary differences that are essential when looking at what you are going to use them for.

For some 'mad' reason, which can only be put down to engine characteristics - both bikes handle very differently.

The 250-XC is definitely more manageable with smoother power and suited to the smooth fast rider that doesn't need power to get out of the corners. The 300-XC suspension feels harsher on standard suspension even though exactly the same weight and size.

Without a doubt, easier to ride and more forgiving thus Stan has been primarily using this bike for extreme events or on race events where the course/weather is going to cause issues.

One bike? - get a KTM 250-XC

FRGB

Now this little rascal would surely please the rider who likes to think he can take the big bikes off-road and get his knee down on the tarmac whilst undertaking serious mileage. Oh yeh, and carry enough gear for him and his other-half on the back.

Stan from Front Row GB uses this to pack up the pressure and head off anywhere, be it the North West 200, Moto GP or just a back road trip of Ireland or the Alps. In total of 4 mates have gone for the 990R over its competitors and none have been disappointed. A more basic model than its 990S companion but for me better suspension for off-road and no real need for ABS?

This is a fantastic all-rounder for the rider that wants to do the mileage in comfort and the KTM luggage system works really well, with the only gripe being you cannot fit a helmet in any of the panniers, although we are all running 31L panniers and there is a larger version, which must be like having a transit van on either side.

KTM also do a grip type bag that snuggly fits inside the panniers, which is really handy when getting to the destination, rather than carrying the panniers just pull the grip out.

Tyres are restrictive but again its really down to what you are going to use it for. More than adequate for some fun but i'm sure there are better variations out there for different aspects of riding.

A good rider on one of these will embarrass a sports bike and we do have some Talon supermoto wheels that have yet to see some sticky rubber, maybe on the way to the Mugello Moto GP in July.

Be aware that it appears the spoked wheels need to bed in and then get re-balanced.

Although the bike appears basic, the lockable front tank storage compartment is very handy along with the 12v lighter socket on the dash.

Fuel range is around 160 miles per tank, we are burning a bit more with the Akropovic pipes, which again, not really warranted but sound good.

We do have a 2-in-to-1 exhaust and a rear mounted tank care of Adventure Spec, havent got round to trying it as there are generally plenty of garages where we are riding. In the evnet you are caught out we have taken a bike to 31 miles with the reserve light on???? Better not to test this too much!

For the adventure type bike, we would be interested to try something that is expected to do the distance, do some dirt and put a smile on your face like the Adventure R.

FRGB