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No riding experience? Dual sport start. Only road experience? Mid weight ADV, at most , to start. Enduro experience? Ride any ADV bike you like. But for everyone, if you can’t lift it, it’s too big. Large ADV bikes really have no place in highly technical terrain, so don’t kid yourself, unless you are Chris Birch or Pol Tarres. This video is good advice.
@@FreddyNietzsche.You might need to find someone you can talk to in person, who has experience, who can assess what sized bike is best for you. I started enduro 35 years ago, lifting 115kg bikes, which isn’t that heavy. The heaviest bike that I dropped off road, in a creek crossing, was a (wait for it) Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer which weighs an astonishing 285kg dry. I lifted it by myself, but only because of adrenaline. If you’d asked me to lift the bike a second time that day, I would probably have had a heart attack. I am 6ft 4inches tall and I weight north of 110kg. Suffice to say the Honda was sold and replaced with a much lighter KTM1190. Even the KTM, after 4 drops loaded, is getting too heavy for me to lift. But I’m dropping it on, say, a deep, soft, sandy track chewed up by 4WDs, and I shouldn’t be riding a bike like that in that terrain. If you don’t know what is best, go and talk to some people face to face. Like in cycling, ‘less is more’. I specifically chose my 1190 for its generally lower weight, greater height and taller suspension.
@@christopherbeneke2242 I thoroughly agree with you. I see guys who go straight to a big bike, hit the dirt, and crash constantly. Broken ribs, broken feet, punctured lungs. It destroys their confidence and they don’t end up having a good time. And then they give it away. Which is a shame.
I sold one of those "less reliable" V-Strom 1000s (2014) last May. It had 53,000 trouble-free miles on it. The new owner then took it to Utah, Yellowstone, Canada, Deadhorse Alaska, back to California, then to Mexico, Belize, every country in Central America (except El Salvador), Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile, all the way to Ushuaia. He traveled 33,000 miles in 6 months and reported that the bike was flawless. It now has a new owner in Chile. I agree not a good beginner bike, but far from "less reliable".
@@bossmonkey1126yes the Vstrom is probably the most reliable modern road bike. Look up owner reviews and they are universally glad to have owned it. It’s heavy but has superb traction control and excellent brakes.
I learned this the hard way. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes in your life, then you don't know how to ride one. Period. It matters very little how many miles you've ridden on pavement. And if you try to learn to ride dirt on a 500 pound bike, well, you're not going to learn or you're really making the choice to do it the hard way. Most likely, you'll tip it over a couple of times and then decide you never want to do that again and ride accordingly, which does nothing to make you a good offroad motorcyclist. Get a used light enduro, 250cc is perfect, ride it hard for a year, sell it for almost what you paid for it and then get a heavier ADV bike. Trying to shortcut the process won't work. My two cents.
I think there's things you need to understand on a lighter bike. You need to test the limits of traction, the effects of body position and those will be much easier to test on a lighter bike. There's so little room for error on an adventure bike that you will probably never really learn how to ride off-road if you start on one. I would only add that getting some training will really help as well
And opposite to that, I found that riding dirt bikes for nearly 20 years helped immensely when I transitioned to street riding summer 2023. Obviously doesn't translate over perfectly but it helps a ton being comfortable already controlling a bike. Honestly, I'd recommend anyone wanting to pick up riding be it street or dirt go get a little dirt bike experience in first lol. Much more preferable to wipe out off road than in traffic.
I jumped straight in with no experience. But I'm maybe a bit of a masochist. I'll soaked with sweat picking my tiger up and I'll be wanting more. Tons of fun.
Spot on. Bike size is ONLY a timing issue. Just spend 12 months or whatever riding a smaller bike, developing your craft, then graduate to something bigger IF you think that is best for you.
I drove street bikes for over 20 years from small crotch rockets to big cruisers. Then in my early 50s I bought a dirt bike. A Honda XL 250 degree. As I live in Laos it's the perfect bike. There are dirt roads and jungle trails forever. It was a an entirely different riding experience completely. I was very accomplished on the street, but in the dirt I was an absolute novice. I now have a Honda CRF 300L with a ton of upgrades. There's no jungle road that can hold me back! Dirt all the way man. Cruising the pavement is boring as hell.
I ride a ‘16 Super Tenere, I had no intentions of riding this heavy beast off-road when I bought it. It’s not the fastest or has the most HP, but it is very reliable and capable for my needs. She is a work horse.
Same here, great all around workhorse, comfortable for me to go 1000 miles per day. Speaking of offroad I would say you do not want to take any big cc and heavy beasts disregarding the brand even if you are experienced.
@@sirdirtydog705 - I bought a 2013 S10 two years ago with 5000km on the clock. Since then I can't understand the critique it receives. It is a fantastic machine. But whoever tried to connect the dots and arrived at trail bike must have been under the influence. It is great on gravel toads but never intended for technical terrain. For everything else, a great all rounder.
Buying a 2017 BMW F800 GS Adventure as my first ADV bike was a decision I now recognize as a blunder. While this bike is renowned for its capabilities, it turns out to be a cumbersome beast off-road. With the added weight of luggage, it became so heavy that it even bent the additional crash bars I had installed. For anyone considering their first adventure motorcycle, I urge you to think carefully about the weight and off-road performance before making a choice. Choose wisely to ensure a more enjoyable riding experience! I loved it on the road, and I had a lot of fun off-road, but it was heavy, expensive, and just not a good bike for a novice, so after one season, I sold it. I picked up the game-changing 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F. Yes, it is a street-legal dirt bike and very capable of touring. Although it is not the most comfortable choice for extended durations on the tarmac, I am aware that I spend a considerable amount of time off-road, and I have a profound appreciation for this motorcycle. It is lightweight, reliable, simplifies the procurement of parts, and possesses sufficient power to traverse various types of terrain. The big plus side is that I can drop it all the time, and the inexpensive plastic covers are easily replaced. Remember, if you are not dropping it, you're not trying new stuff.
Huh... My first "real" ADV bike was a Tiger 800XC (2016) (96hp btw, not 82) Loved it to bits. Did a bunch of offroad ADV classes with it. Never broke down, never had a problem, never left me stranded. The few people I know who have one have never had any issues with them. I sold mine because I wanted an exclusively offroad bike and can't afford to own two, so I traded it in for a 450excf. Which I regretted for...reasons. But I wish I still had my Tiger800. So there you have it... a contrary opinion.
Yeah I was suprised to see it mentioned in the video, most of the ones I see for sale in my area are all over 40k km (24k mi). Which to me shows that poeple love to ride them and are reliable. Doubt people would ride it that far if they are constantly fixing them. Maybe the people who are not keeping them used it a litmus test on whether they want to go further down the ADV bike rabbit hole. And now onto a bigger/better ADV bike or back to a more road going bike.
I've got an XCA and am loving it. When I did some research prior to purchasing, the negative reviews were few and far between. The only repairs/replacements I've had to make are the front indicators breaking from being dropped due them being placed way too low, but relocating them isn't a big deal.
But if it did break down? If a stick DID go through your radiator? If a rock did cut one of your coolant lines in half? If your thermostat did stick shut and over heat your engine and blow a head gastket? If your fuel injection pump DID fail 25 miles from a paved road? If a fuel injector DID fail crossing that stream back there? What then... Are you gonna carry all those extra parts with you? Tiger is a good street bike, but it's not something you want to take to a remote place where parts and assistance are nowhere to be found.
@@jeffwiemer8116 No, you're wrong about that. None of those things can happen to my DR650, because it doesn't have anything of those things to begin with. See the point here? You don't want a bike that's loaded up with tech in a remote spot, it's the last thing you want. So long as your Triumph Tiger is on the street a tow truck can get to you, so you're safe there, but if you're going to get remote you either need to bring a bunch of parts with you (including a radiator) or you're going to want to trade your Tiger in on an adventure bike. Hope this helps.
I started on a 1977 Honda CT 90 almost 30 years ago. I rode that thing up and down dirt roads and levee with my overnight bag in an old milk crate and bedroll. I was so excited when I upgraded to a 1998 KLR 650. Since then, I've owned Tigers and DR 650s, I've rented/ridden Tenere 7s and the old Buell adventure bike. With my riding style and weekend warrior rider skills, I love the middle-weight bikes.
I have literally had my CT110 on TOP OF ME when I took a too steep hill. Bruises and damaged ego, that's all I got. I'm confused af. Y'all are talking about NEW RIDERS. NEW. RIDERS. Anything over a 250 is dumb for NEW RIDERS. You have to get that ground work down pat first. I don't understand sometimes. And I've seen so much stuff from bigger bikes I never upgraded. And I can take that sand wash with ease in low range while you're still fiddling with gears.
1. Plenty of great learner bikes at 300, 350, 400, 450, and even a few at 650cc. 2. (Having grown up with 90's and 110's) While unintimidating, a CT encourages scared new rider bad habits and creates crashing scenarios that actual dirtbikes would have had no problem with. For example, whether they just hoped on a bike for the 1st time that day or have been riding a few times but with little actual instruction, the 2 biggest rapid rising skill boosts and crash reductions are as follows: You're brain tricks you into doing the wrong thing causes crashes instead of saving you, so 1. When you get scared, don't sit, that's when you should stand. 2. When you take your feet off the pegs, you lose control of the bike and are now "along for the ride." Instead of putting your feet down, actively challenge yourself to keep your feet on the pegs. Don't put your for down to try to prevent a crash, kept it on the pegs for that. only put your foot down when you've failed to save it and are for sure crashing.
My first bike was also a honda 90 too, totally stripped of all fairing, where i learnt all about gears, riding around old coal slag heaps in south wales uk, fell off that so many times... so much fun!
Super Tenere is my third motorcycle, but first ADV bike. It is absolutely the best motorcycle I’ll ever have. Super reliable, easy to work on, and I’ve dropped it over 30 times. I’ve got tons of miles offroad. It’s just a shame that Yamaha has discontinued it. I’m going to be at a loss when it comes to replacing my 2015 in several years.
I got a 2014 tiger 800 xc as my first motorcycle. As a longer rider 6'6" tall. It fits me very well and haven't had any issues with it yet. Though i did up grade the springs for my weight.
The worst thing ever done to a motorcycle was to call it " An Adventure Bike " Because you can have an adventure on any motorecycle . I had over 10 years of "adventures on a 125 cc 6 speed DKW with leading link front suspension " Ported and polished 15 bhp . 9,500 rpm ,fun fun fun .
My first ADV bike with a 21" front wheel was a Tiger 800xc. It has a few limitations for serious offroad like the air filter location but for mainly road riding with a few gravel tracks I found it great. Super fun engine on the road and decent suspension after a few cost effective upgrades.
I agree. I had the 800XC. Great road bike, but top heavy off-road and lacked the low end grunt needed for single track. But I think the thing that really killed the 800 was that Triumph introduced the next variant with cruise control. In fact, less than a year after buying mine, the cruise control edition came out, and the local dealer was swamped with trade-in bikes looking for the upgrade.
Great advice Sir Dork! Years ago I nearly bought a T7. Instead I went with a WR450 and couldn’t be happier. With the super moto setup, it rips up the canyons, with the knobbies it rips straight up a mountain. Only downside is I spend about half my time reining in that blue beast. WRs are great bikes and easy to get street legal in CO.
I’ve had the Tiger 800 XRX for over 6 years and about 33k miles with no issues. Great bike. However, I keep mine on the road. If I’m of pavement it’s going to be on a lighter bike. I like to practice but am not training hard on a heavy ADV bike that is far heavier and more powerful than needed to get the job done off road.
I've ridden about 12k miles on my '12 Tiger 800XC, so now it's got 52k miles, and after yet another lovely trip in the Texas Hill Country, on and off road, I've decided to make it a 100k mile bike. It's much more difficult to work on than the bikes you do recommend for sure, but this one has done me very well personally, including a trip from Texas to California and back without a hitch. Great vid as always. :)
I'm not mad. I've got a Super Tenere and love it. That said, it's mainly for touring with some gravel roads. I've taken in on some fairly agressive trails, but I recognize it's not the smartest thing to do. However, I also have a KLR650 that does all my serious off-road stuff. Super Ten is not a good first ADV bike, but it is capable at a fraction of the price of a BMW.
Same reason I got one. It’s a workhorse of a bike that’ll probably live longer than myself. It’s not the most off-road capable, but I got it mostly as a commuter bike anyway
It is utterly stupid to think bikes with 1200cc motors are for the dirt. So why do I own "the thick one" (we call her in German) for the 2nd time? 1. Price: If you are okay with last years colour... I paid 12,3 Euro. BMW (over 20k) 2. I am a man and need space. 3. I had a dog which rode in the tankpad - So I need a relatively flat tank. 4. The girl wants some comfort seat. 5. Overloaded on tours - I need a stable one. My critic: The first Edition was way better and higher than the one I have now. Too much computer crap installed. Yamaha wants to copy BMW - a mistake. Would I buy a Super Tenere again. I guess not, but for me she is still the best fit.
Triumph Tiger 800xcx rider here (my first ADV bike), spec'd out to xca. Has 94hp (not that you need that offroad).. I did the WABDR on it on 60/40 tires, and take it through the mountains of Colorado and Montana every year.. Offroad, its biggest issue is that it has no low end grunt. It can go 60mph in 1st gear, so crawling through the rocks requires a ton of clutch work, and there's essentially no engine braking at all when descending. It's not super heavy but it carries what weight it has a bit high. Replacing the air filter requires removing the crash bars, all the plastic, and pulling the tank off.. Ya.. that sucks. Here's what the Tiger does well. If you can find some twisty on-pavement roads in between your off pavement stuff, then the Tiger rocks. Even with a set of TKC 80's (or equiv) I can (and do) drag the pegs in the twisties and is pretty flickable (for an adventure bike). Straight highway cruising is not as enjoyable as it might be on some big 1200+cc bike. When we did WABDR a few years back, we went all dirt from Oregon to Canada, and every twisty paved road we could find from Canada back to Oregon, and I couldn't be happier. Buddies on the trip had KTM 690, a Husky and a 1200GS and mine had the best balance of on and off road. I'd love something a bit more offroad capable, but I only have room for one bike.
Excellent advice Ben! I decided to start on a used (850 km) CRF 300L and have slowly added a few bits to make it fit me better. I’m 6’2 215 lbs so the bike in stock form was not great for standing position. Suffice to say new Pro Taper Bar, Zeta short levers, Zeta Pegs (size 12 boots) have made a big difference. I took the stock tires to 6000 km and on your recommendation will be installing Tusk D Sport Tires in the spring. I want to master off road riding before I consider a bigger adv bike even though I still lust after a T7.
Have you looked into getting stiffer springs front and rear? I noticed a big difference even in on road handling when I went to spring rates designed for my weight 290lbs
@ I’m prioritizing add ons for the bike and training in the following order. 2025 the bike has 6000 km on it now so stock tires are done and the Tusk D Sports are in the garage waiting to be mounted once the weather warms up. I will add a bash plate and hand guards this year and possibly splurge on the two day BMW off road training course. I’m holding off any suspension mods till 2026 as there are a ton of new compelling mid/lightweight adventure bikes coming to market. Thinking BWW 450, Himmy 450, CF Moto 450 or on the heavier side Transalp or T7. I don’t want to drop a ton of $ into suspension before I decide if the 300 L will remain in my garage for the long term. 😎
In the UK the Tiger 800 has sold well which is why there is quite a few for sale. Most have quite a few miles ie 25000 and up but they seem to hold their value well. Its hard to find one under £3000 and if you do it will have well over 40000 miles. Id say they are very reliable and popular in the UK.
All good advice. I started on a non-ABS v-Strom and found myself turning around on a lot of logging roads that looked too tough. Got a WR250 and had no regrets. The 450 himmy and CF Moto bikes are the best ways to start in ADV-land, IMHO.
I agree, my first ADV bike was the Tiger 800XC and I put over 51,000 miles on it. It took me a while to mesh with it and get my skills up to the level that this bike required. After I got good with it (Training was BIG help), I recently purchased the 1250 GS Adventure and am relearning what this bike requires again. I won't recommend either for a beginner because it's no fun to always be worried about fighting the bike's weight when you haven't developed your techniques yet
When I was looking to get my first motorcycle, I was really wanting a krl650. My wife found a listing for a 2000 drz400s for 3000 (this was in 2012) I bought it instead of the krl, and I am forever grateful to have it as my starting point. Had so many great adventures on it. I really had fun with the local dual sport events. That was a perfect bike for me to start on. Since that bike I have bought a 2012 versys 650 and another drz400sm. Next year i am looking to get another bike either a z650rs (or something similar) or the Tenere 700. To add on for first modifications (based on advice from veteran racers) suspension, brakes, and tires.
I agree with all points. I've just picked up the Tenere and I love it. But I started early in the year on a KLX300 and I'm glad I did. Put about 6000 miles on the KLX this year and I'm feeling pretty good on the Tenere on road at least. I've ordered a lowering length and a factory low seat for tackling off road stuff. Going to stick to riding the KLX on the toucher stuff while I build my skills. I would love to think I can some day be able to rip the Tenere on some gnarly single track. Great vid as always.
I love hearing this, I bought a 24 klx in November 23 and as of today I have 7200 miles on it. I've taken it to the desert around Tucson, the traffic in Roseville and on every dirt road or trail I can around Klamath Falls. I now have a 25 tenere on order, so your comment gives me hope and I love knowing there are other people out there just like me.
I somewhat agree with your opinion on the T7. I have one and am absolutely loving it. I have put on 5500 miles(mountain riding) since September with a lot of off road/ Forest Service roads. It can take me to fairly distant places very easily and it is simply a game changer for me and full of fun. But you somewhat have to be confident in your skills to maneuver it and if you do not have the experience, I can see where it could be challenging...
I've owned three of these bikes you mentioned. The super tenere was heavy but fun on the 11:17 curvey roads. Not a offroad bike to big. I also had a tiger 800 xcx. It was a awesome bike. Loved it! Okay on offroad but not great. Now i have a tenere700. Good offroad I'm the limiting factor. It is top heavy and alittle tall, but very capable! I'm getting older now in my 60's and leaning more towards small adventure bikes. Still looking for the unicorn.😂
I bought a used 2014 Triumph Tiger 800xc as my first ADV bike, even though dumber people were trying to convince me that I needed a big GS Adventure to do BDR's. Terrible idea. That Triumph served me very well, and I kind of wish I had it still.
Thanks for your videos in general and for this one too. You amazed me by putting the Ténéré 700 at the very top of your "Avoidable ADV-Bikes For Beginners" list. Why? I am a beginner. I purchased a Ténéré 700 at the age of 65 ½, two years ago. And yes I'm just about 170 cm (ca. 5 ft 7). But there's thinner saddles and lower suspension settings. And I just like the fact that the T7 has none of those useless little helpers (besides ABS on and off) but a clutch, brakes and the throttle. It's all I need. And yes I crashed the bike for the first time just 20' after I grabbed it from the dealership. Since then I participated in nearly a dozen of Enduro Training camps. That helped a lot. If someone shows you like it could be done. Until you get used to it. I made 40'000 km (ca. 25'000 miles) so far. And I wouldn't want to start with another ADV bike. As a beginner. ;)
Well i'm a glutton for punishment, very limited experience on a MC (on and off road) not to mention i'm only 5'6". On the plus side 25+ years racing mtn bikes in just about every discipline... This all being said, first bike owned is a "lowered" Tenere 700. It has taken time to get used to it and everyday i'm learning, but so far so good. I'll continue the adventure.
Great advice. I consider myself an intermediate rider and bought a T7. Definitely not a beginner bike but for me it's been a great confidence builder that I can develop my skills on. I started on a duel sport and it's probably the best way to start out. A bit annoying if you have long road sections on a single cylinder but lets you develop the basic skills and is easier to pick up when you drop it.
Great vid…I own a V-Strom 1000XT and staring to ride it off-road…and even with training seems a bit overwhelming…but hopefully with more experience/practice as I have seen folks do amazing things with them.
Just saw that you are coming to the ABR Ben, that's great news and am looking forward to seeing you up on the stage in person. I had a 1250GSA, which was a real pig off road, had a forced break with a brain tumour and now I'm recovering and have my license back, I've gone for a Tuareg 660 as an "adventure" bike, it will do it all and is way punchier than 80BHP should be, I do have a Guzzi Mandello S for other road based tours and bimbling around on, but both of those bought with a fair few £k change out of the cost of a GSA. There's a lot of common sense being imparted in this video.
You can find 2nd Gen Super Tenere for $5,000-$8,000 It’s legitimately one of if not THE most reliable motorcycles ever made. It’s right there with Goldwings, Vstroms and Twin cam Harley’s. Lots of 300,000 mile examples on the forums and facebook groups. Yamaha built the ST to ride around the world. Legitimately ride from continent to continent. It’s basically a two cylinder EFI KLR. It feels like farm equipment but it never stops. Yes the engine is underpowered but that means under stressed. That’s why it has a 26,000 mile valve check but most guys on the forums are stretching that to 40-50,000 miles. It’s definitely not a beginner bike but to say you don’t recommend it to anyone regardless of skill isn’t a fair shake. The ST is a great bike. Shaft drive, tubeless wheels, cruise control and Japanese reliability. It can go offroad the same way a GS can go offroad. Sure, most of us won’t ride either bike on technical single track but everything I’ve seen you ride on this channel I could follow on my ST, just slower. It mostly comes down to tires. The front 19in wheel on the ST and GS really suffer off-road on slick mud. To ride a big bike off-road you need an aggressive front knobby to stop from sliding the front wheel out. But then you wear your knobbies out extremely fast on a big bike. It’s all compromise
Yep, hired one in Vietnam, perfect for the conditions and that's really all that matters, handled 2 up riding , on/off road , fast enough (70kph is really the safe limit in that country) did 1000s of km and never let me down, comfy, handled carrying all my gear and light passenger, just a great ride
Glad you emphasized the top heaviness of the T7. The first time I got on my T7 when I was loading it in my trailer, I would have dropped it had the sales lady not been standing next to me and saw me falter with the bike - she put her arm up to stabilize me. That should have been my sign I had no business buying it.
Liquid-cooled and fuel injected street bike. Fine so long as you don't go anywhere a tow truck can't get to you, bad... really really bad if they can't. You might have to fix this thing yourself, alone, without a dealership anywhere for parts or assistance, it's all on you, right here and right now. You don't want street bike complexity in remote spots, not at all.
@@HRRRRRDRRRRR You're reminding me very much of a fact-resistant Trump supporter, no matter what we say you'll find a myth to counter it with and remain uninformed.
Good video. Getting back into riding at 57 (after twenty years off), I decided that my first test of any bike is to lean it over to 45 deg, pick it back up, then decide if I'd want to pick it up from horizontal with luggage on it, and being tired. I was close to buying a t7, but have a 31" inseam, and your observations of it make too big for me at this point. I decided that I want a bike under 400# fully-laden with luggage, and for now picked up a used '21 crf300L to get my off-road riding skills back.
Love that you listed the Tenere 800. Very controversial, but bang on. What people don't think about, when riding ADV, is that you will also have panniers and luggage, which adds to the top-heaviness and tippiness. I got on a friend's Tenere, and even on a slightly cambered dirt road, found myself immediately feeling unsafe when trying to put the kickstand up. It feels great when you're riding, and I can understand why people love it, but I would also mention the tiny fuel range and lack of cruise control as deal breakers. I did a trip to Alaska recently, where some of the gaps between fuel stop can be 240 miles and Tenere owners really struggle under these conditions.
I spent 10 years on my Kawasaki KLX 250 before I got my T7. The T7 was like completely having to learn how to ride again. Definitely not a beginner bike. That being said, I love my T7 and would probably give up a family member's soul before letting go of the Tenere 700. 😂
Great feedback. I can second the T7, had one for a year. Great looking and sounding bike but for riding it every day in traffic and light muddy tracks here in the UK it was just a pain. The top heavy feel for me was the tipping point not even my Tiger 900 GT Pro or a 1200 GS has this feeling. Then I can add that I am only 178cm. Chop it in and riding the Triumph Scrambler 400X at the moment.
Great recommendations, as always Ben. I came to the ADV world with a lot of off-road riding/racing experience and started with an Africa Twin. After a few years, I've come to the conclusion it's WAY to big an off-road bike for me. Yea, I've ridden a bunch of off-road, but it's not really that enjoyable of a riding experience. When I hear people say things like a certain ADV bike handles "just like a dirt bike" must have ridden way different dirt bikes than me. These overweight behemoths handle nothing like a good dirt bike. I'm downsizing soon as I decide between the Transalp and the KTM 790 Adventure which is a tough decision (I've consumed all the YT info out there, especially your's and Ian's). I'll probably roll the dice, go with the 790, and hoping I get a "good one". Keep up the great work Ben!
@@davidpoffenbarger3686 KTM are not going to survive their current administration, if you buy you will not have a warranty. Yes I agree ADV is nothing like a good dirt bike.. good luck.
Yup, agreed! I rode HDs and cruisers for 30-plus years before plunging into ADV, and yes, I wish I had just grabbed my KTM 500 right out of the gate. After a few more years of experience, I will be adequately prepared to transition to a larger ADV motorcycle for off-road adventures. However, at present, my smaller motorcycle is sufficiently capable, transporting me to various locations and even surprising me on single-track trails I have successfully navigated while carrying my camping gear during solo trips in the mountains.
Ichiban Number 1 Recommended Shadetree approved 1st ADV Bike: Used Ducati Multistrada 1000 miles past desmo service with bald pilot 5s and a bakers dozen error codes on the dash. Ur welcome.
Thanks Dork, this video comes 20 years too late. My first bike was the predecessor to the Ténéré (fell in love with its looks without even swinging a leg over - ouch). It was everything you mentioned - except for the power. However, what I learnt by heart with that XT 600 is to modulate the clutch. But I also learnt that anything with a high center of gravity is not for me. Towards the end, we got along fine. Particularly after an adjustable clutch lever was installed (my girl fingers are just a tad too short for the standard stuff). But manouvering on loose gravel was still of a bar-gnawing challenge. As going offroad is not possible in my country (Germany) I chose as my current bike its onroad version - a Tracer 700. With this, I am confident enough to go on gravel roads (these are fine to use here), which is enough for me. Totally happy with this bike now.
Important things about ADV bike: 1) You will drop it a lot. Don't get an expensive one. 2) Heavy is bad off road, better on highways. However, more weight is crippling offroad, and lightness is not crippling on the highway. 3) You can't put more than like 40 or 50 HP into the dirt. Get yourself something light, medium power, and cheap for your first bike. My first bike was an XR650L, I have a Himalayan now. I'll get a Trident or airhead for the roads.
I have the 411 and love it but on the swedish highways it is to slow. You have no power to drive from a situation in front of you. So I think of upgrade to a 450.
Yeah, I have the 411, and I agree, it is slow on the hwy. I'm not going to say the Himmy is right for everyone, just using it point out that there are options, you just have to really define your needs first.
@@SenorGato237The Himmy 411 is the best beginner bike on the market (IMO) - for both on and off road.Ive been teaching my 26y/o son to ride - first all on dirt (on dirt bikes) and then on the Himmy to safely learn street. I didn't realize how important learning on the street was to compliment his dirt riding learning curve (learning how to shift all the way up and down the gears, and learning to ride the motorcycle without having to think about because your head needs to be on a swivel and aware of traffic). Thinking about "driving" instead of thinking about operating the motorcycle. It add another layer that I didn't think about until we did our first street ride together (I forgot because I've been riding since I was 15). Nerve wracking but no machine better than the Himmy for him to start out on. The only "drawback" is, it's too slow for the freeway - but so is practically anything else (except the big 100+ horsepower machines because modern cars drive at ridiculous speeds on the freeway! I don't even like to ride my 150hp KTM1190 on the freeway because I know I have to cruise at 80+ mph to keep cars from blowing past me on all sides!) Anyway, sticking to backroads the Himmy is fine and it's a tractor off road. I road it myself on the northern half of the NoCal bdr and it seemed impossible to drop to me, like it was on 4 wheels or something not two! 😂 Can't wait for my son to join me on the full NoCal in June. RE Himalayan 411 - can't say enough about it for a beginner adv bike. Even as a "non beginner" (45+ years on riding street and dirt) I have a blast on the 411. Don't know what it's like to pick it up because I've never had to.
I just got my first "ADV" bike, a used KTM 690 Enduro. I'm not sure if you'd even call it an ADV (or Dual sport?), but I can't recommend it enough. For my personal exp level/ needs/ wants, I know I definitely made the right call- the first time I rode it I found myself blasting through a field on the back tire, trying to find any sort of drainage ditch or hill to jump/ climb like it was natural... I've been getting back into dirt riding over the last few years and have experience with lighter dirt bikes (300-XCW, DRZ 400, 450-EXC, YZ, RM, etc) but I really wanted something better suited for the road, yet the bigger ADV bikes feel like I wouldn't even want to ride them off road to begin with. I feel way more comfortable on the 690 than I expected, and I'm hoping it will help me gain some experience/ skill/ confidence on bigger, heavier, bikes (I mean it's already over 100 pounds heavier than what I'm used to) so I can eventually transition into something closer to the size and weight of the T7. I know KTM has its problems but the 690 has been around for a while now and I'd rather not buy a brand new bike when I know I'll be dropping it regularly. I think it may have been the ONLY option for me the more I think about it. DR/ XR 650s don't make the power I'm looking for and other bikes are a bit too much of a jump up in weight, or they're lacking in off-road capability/ fun factor. I think I hit the perfect balance!
Started on an F800GSA. Did COBDR, IDBDR, and a tour of Utah on it. No problems. Too heavy for rougher stuff. Adventurized a CRF450L. Did NEBDR, NMBDR, and AZBDR on it. I'm in love.
I think if it's gonna be your first offroad machine, the most important thing is starting with a bike you're not afraid to drop or break. The common factor between all of these bikes is that they're either heavy, expensive, or both. It's scary to drop/break an expensive thing because it's gonna be more expensive to fix it. It's scary to drop/break a heavy thing because it's gonna do more damage and be harder to pick-up. It's incredibly difficult to learn when you're afraid of breaking the bike you're on. People just don't in high stakes environments like that. The best thing somebody can do is buy a "boring" bike like a CRF300L, KLX300, or a DRZ/DR650 type bike and ride it and learn on it for a year. Just recognize that it's a stepping stone, don't sink a ton of money into a brand new one and all the mods in the world. See it for what it is and take advantage of the fact that you can beat the crap out of it. I started on a 250L Rally, and I'm going to controversially say that I think it was a bad beginner bike. Not because the bike is bad, the bigger plastics just felt more vulnerable and were more expensive. Now this could've just been a me issue, and I did have crash protection so it was never actually a problem. But it was still a mental hurdle. I sold the bike after a year and got a DR650 and I think I learned so much more, so much faster on that bike because it's an absolute tank and there's not really anything to break. Now I'm on a 701 and I love it so much, but I'm glad I spent some time on a DR first. Ultimately I do agree with Ben in that you can learn on whatever you want, some things are just easier to learn on than others. But also if you're really into the T7 but you listen to this advice and you get a small dual sport that you're not super into so you never really ride it, you might just end up learning less because you're not getting as much seat time. Either way, the most important thing is to buy a really good pair of enduro boots, especially if you're starting on a heavier machine.
I've been riding dual sport since 1994. Bikes I've owned: 2 DR-350SEs, a DR-Z400S I bought in 2006, which I still own today. During my DR-Z ownership days, I've also owned a 2007 KLR650 and two KTMs dual sport bikes. Then I bought a T7 in 2022. Moving it around the garage it felt like a tank. I shouldn't have gotten sucked in to buying one. I sold it in April of 2024. The thought of picking it up solo is one reason I said goodbye to it.
Thank you sharing ! I haven’t ridden for a few decades. Getting my second hip replacement next month. Want to ride again ! Looking at the Xr650L or the CRF 450L for a dual sport , rode a XR600R in the paste.
I'm a new rider, 3k total miles on a motorcycle, period. Have the T7 as my 2nd adv bike and love it off road. I'm 190 with a 31 inch inseam. It definitely feels heavy, and dropping it is not fun at all. Have done some fairly serious off-road in the Rocky Mountains. Only crashed 1x thus far, the stock scorpion str tires washed out on me. Have slow speed dropped it a few times. Have to stay in shape to pick it up solo. Based on your Canadian adventures, I bought a CRF250F to practice more dirt and ride when I'm not up for picking up a big bike. Feels like a toy compared to the T7 but is an absolute blast! Thanks for your content, you have really helped me personally grow as a rider.
i come from riding motocross and i felt right at home getting on the t7. did some modifications to drop the weight from the top too so it is more offroad capable. first thing that just has to happen is replacing the crappy 50/50 tyres. The scorpion rally STR are great street tyres, but not at all made for grass, mud or sand.
@@motoman7445 lithium battery instead of lead -2.5kg, removed pillion pegs -1kg, what i will do next:stock mirror replacement -1kg and custom exhaust to drop 3kg. that and when i do proper offroad riding i only ride with 6l of fuel. i think that gets me below 195kg
To all my fellow adventure riders and influencers; these bikes are not necessarily top heavy, rather they have more ground clearance and so the mass sits higher, which you feel at a stop or low speed. Yes, the T7 will feel top heavy, due to its excellent ground clearance. The same way my big, heavy Super Ténéré actually feels lighter than it is due to it’s moderate ground clearance and the fact that a bunch of that heft is the shaft drive, located way down at the bottom. Super Ténéré may not be a beginner bike, but it does in fact do off road quite well and eats highway miles in comfort (like a GS).
Awesome video Ben, it’s funny some of those bikes I’ve never heard of and that’s why I didn’t consider them. Looking forward to the next video. Thank you.
I agree! I have a BMW GS 1200 and I took it off road once and that was enough for me. It is now my touring bike which it exclls at. Great video as always.
Yes, I agree with your statement: stay away from heavy large All-road motorcycles as we'd call them here in Europe. The Grand All-roads, no matter the make, in general are travel machines for paved roads, and maybe, just maybe, a hardened gravel path to the camping site. But that's about it, what you should do with those large barges: by all means stay out of soft surface paths of any kind, since the rear wheel will shovel it selves sturdy into the soft surface all the way down to the axle and as of that moment you will not be able to continue what ever you wanted to do, since you're gonna be stuck; very stuck. You will have to make choices: the rule of a true Dirt-Bike (Moto-Cross Bike here in Europe) is: the lighter the better. So any bike over 130 Kg is considered to be heavy. Moto-Cross Bike (like the Yamaha WR450) usually weighs about just slightly over 100 Kg, at least that's what they're trying. These bikes can jump and go through soft surfaces easily. These bikes however usually do not come with a title and license plate, but that problem can be solved by getting a true Enduro version of a Dirt Bike: that's a Moto-Cross Enduro Bike with a title and license plate. Bikes like this are made to win a race. Nothing more, nothing less. So travelling with bikes like this is not a real option. This is where the good old Off-Road bikes come in: They look similar to a True Enduro bike, but they are way more comfortable, and you actually can travel with these Off-Road bikes like for example a Yamaha XT500 (the mother of all Off-Road bikes) or it's successor the Yamaha XT550 and the Yamaha XT600, which I personally have. These Off-Road bikes will not win you any race, but their Enduro version might; like the Yamaha TT500 , the Yamaha TT550 and the Yamaha TT600 and of course the entire Tenéré line up of all Yamaha XT's (As in the Paris-Dakar Enduro race). So basically it's about choices and weight --> Lightweight Enduro bike with no comfort might win you a race and is not a traveler's bike, but a slightly heavier Off-Road version is suitable for traveling but won't win you any race. We're basically mainly talking about maximum of 660 Cc air cooled one cylinder thumper bikes here. The Yamaha XTZ750 Tenëré and The newer Yamaha XT700Z and comparable bikes are in a league of their own. I'd say they could be the stronger versions for the more experienced Off-Road riders. When the accent shifts from serious off-roading to tarmac travelling and occasionally a gravel path, the grand All-Road bikes start to appear. These things look capable, but they (in general) are not capable Off-Roading bikes at all. Simply too heavy, They are ideal international travel bikes, just as long as you stay on the tarmac or maybe a hardened gravel path. There is no hard line or exact definition, I was just trying to make things a little bit more clear, so you'll be able to distinguish these Moto-Cross, Enuro, Off-Road, and AllRoad bikes apart from eachother. You guys tend to call almost all of these bikes: Adventure bikes, which is a term we do not use here in Europe. My advice would be: Go ride different bikes and feel how they feel, but ride them like you would when you own them: so take them out to a challenging terrain and challenge your self and the different bikes.
Mr. Dork, "I'm assuming" that since the Harley-Davidson PanAmerica 1250 is not on THIS list, that it might be on THE OTHER list. Correct? Well, I'm going to search for THAT list now. Nice work. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel.
Great vid! Have you reviewed the CFMOTO 450MT? I'm very new to riding in general (still on my learners in Australia) Currently I own a Honda CT110 aka postie bike. I'm interested in doing low level adventure riding to go camping not into jumps, going fast taking corners etc. One friend recommended a 2015 V-Strom 650 TX another said "don't buy a 10 year old motorcycle, get the CFMOTO 450MT" I do prefer the look of the V-Strom but also drawn to owning a new bike for that price. In terms of reliability all things considered how much can go wrong with a V-Strom? 10 years isn't a lot for a car anyway :)
Love your content. I’ve had a WR250R, DR650, KLR 650, TW200, & Super Ten. What is usually not talked about is two up ADV. The best two bikes for two up ADV in my experience, TW200 ( non hwy ) Super Ten (Hwy+gravel)
I would agree with everything on the list except the T7. If you are too new to handle a T7 then you are too new for any ADV bike and should be looking at a 300 class dual sport instead.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 lol you should see all the sub 500 miles T7s constantly being advertised for sale bc some poor guy watched ‘The Seeker’ and thought they’d be ripping like that if the got the same bike as Pol Tarres. Bikes like the V-Strom 650, CB500X, Versys 650X etc are much better bikes for inexperienced riders to manage.
t7 would be okish for 1st motorcycle only for VERY TALL riders... because is tall and center of gravity is high im not short, i can flat foot the t7 world raid (the highest seat version of all T7 variants) but the double fuel tank, the high center of gravity feels quite intimidating to me. meanwhile for example 1250gs yes is massive but at least has a lower center of gravity and the seat is not as tall. btw im still fine with my honda nx500
You most definitely don't need to be on a T7 if you are not a skilled off road rider. To say that a T7 is a good beginner bike is foolish and irresponsible. Now if you are someone that is big as a mountain and strong as an ox you might be able to get away with it.
What about a recommendation coming from a dirtbike experience been trail riding a long time. Looking for adventure bike mainly for road and dirt roads. I already own a ktm 350 excf plan on keeping for off-road mainly. I was thinking a used vstrom 650. Some experience on the road nit allot.
You speak a great truth. Ive owned a T7, XCX and GS750. Got rid of them for the many reasons you mentioned. Another reason to start small or buy used is less expensive to fix when you drop them and break stuff while learning.
I think one of the most important things with anyones FIRST adventure/offroad bike is the ability to comfortably flat foot the bike, this is a huge confidence builder to any new rider. My first 'adventure' bike was the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, and it's now my exclusive local greenlane and offroading bike, especially in winter. I toured all over Europe and all the unsurfaced passes like Sommeiller, Finestre, Assietta, etc. The bike is incredibly beginner friendly, chugs around with no effort, is very easy to get feet down for the majority of riders, and is pretty much bulletproof, its not a fast or powerful bike by any means though 😅 The Himalayan 411 is also the bike I lend to anyone who wants to try going off the roads. Next was the Himalayan 450 which I've done similar large tours on, and is better for taller riders than the 411 was, is quite top heavy though compared to the 411. However is MUCH comfier and easier to live with on long journeys, loads more power compared to the 411. And now I have the Voge 900 DSX, seems great so far, but need more time to give a better verdict.
I think my absolute favorite bike to learn on that was mid-sized, and very easy to handle, was my 2016 BMW G650GS. It was incredibly easy to get your feet down, and the weight was low which made it easy to catch if you started to tip, or lift if you went down. Bit of a pain to work on though. The V-Strom 650 was what I got after that, but I never had a chance to take it on fire roads or do anything besides errands and maybe a couple trips out on pavement like to the coast. It was top heavy, and a tiny bit tall for me (28" inseam here) but it was still an amazingly reliable, and absolutely fantastic bike to ride. Incredibly easy to work on too. I've had my Tiger 900 now for coming up on 2 years in June and have taken it off pavement to the High Steel Bridge up here in WA. It's one of the easiest bikes I've ridden given how low the weight sits. Very manageable if you begin to tip and pretty easy to lift. My one beef is having to take it into the dealership to get the maintenance code cleared since I do all my own work. I adored my Versys 650 but it nearly ended my passion for riding because of how often I dropped it, and how badly taking it into the mountains ended. That was the trip that landed me in the ER with a concussion. It's an incredibly fun bike, but its so fricken top heavy and so unwieldy when you come to a stop if you can't get your feet down. You've owned one. I'm sure you know what I mean. If Kawasaki redesigned it with the weight sitting low like on the Tiger, or G650GS, I'd absolutely jump at the chance to get another one. Ramblings aside - Excellent video. All the bikes you named, are ones I wouldn't even recommend to a new rider in general. A lot of power, and very tall seat heights can be pretty intimidating. Throttle control is so important and it's risky to dive straight into a bike that has the high potential of getting away from you. Thanks as always, for continuing to contribute valuable knowledge. Stay safe!
I owned a small dirt bike as a teenager and then a Honda CB750 for several years in the mid 70s (just pavement with this one of course ). I didn’t own or ride a bike from 1977 until 2024 when I bought a Tenere 700. I was mostly interested in riding off road but nothing too crazy. I was somewhat intimidated at first but quickly gained confidence and after 5000 plus miles I am super happy that I bought that bike. Granted I’m not a first time rider but it had been an awfully long time. I am 6’ 1” tall so the height of the T7 wasn’t an issue (like everyone I have dropped the bike multiple times doing stuff I shouldn’t have). Just offering my two cents…
Not surprised at all with the T7 choice and I own one lol not great for short riders off-road because it does carry its weight pretty high so when the going gets slow she becomes very tippy, if your tall not as big of an issue but I’m 5’7” and can say if your short like me, not the best on tight slow technical terrain
I have a question in regards to the tenere. I myself haven't ridden one but got to sit on one. I am 6'7" and can flat foot the tenere with a Lil bend in my knees still. (I know lack of beginner aids is still a factor) so I was curious do you think as a new rider who is tall and strong enough to handle the weight is the tenere still a poor choice?
Great vid and solid logic. I rode a little bit at about 14, then almost none til age 63. I "started" then with an 11 year old KLR 250, then bpight a new Versys X300, then a 9 year old Husaberg FE390 (for real off road work and the western 2/3 of the TransAmerica Trail). Then a Vstrom 650XT for trips and very light gravel roads, - I stil own and ride the last three. Nothing helped me learn as much as riding 250 lb bikes... Jeep trails, rocky mountain passes in Colorado and Moab, UT. For anyone seeing this - take Dork's advice - you'll be a better rider, learn more quickly and be safer. I'm finishing the eastern 1/3 of the TAT on the Versys X300 and have learned to really appreiate lighter weight bikes everywhere but on longer trips on pavement (where the Vstrom shines!). Pick the right tool for the job and be honest about your skill levels. You'll have WAY more fun. I'm 76 and still riding - hope to finish the TAT this year. Ther older I get, the more I love lighter bikes. Thanks again, Dork, for a very useful, practical video.
As an ex GSA rider I have to agree with the content fully. I bought my GSA to ride on the road as I have minor knee and hip issues and it was by far the most comfortable bike out there. I have a few years of off road experience as well as many years of MTB experience and, even as a fairly experienced off roader, the only one of these bikes I would use for proper off road adventure would be the 700 Tenere. I have taken my GSA off the paved roads a few times but that was mainly for a short cut or where my sat nav had a brain fart! These were little more than fire roads and one forest track which was dry and firm, if a little rocky. People see the advertising videos and think they are an off road god because they have a fancy bike - which is why the second hand market is so buoyant! Great video and very carefully considered.
Hi from Mexico !! Im 57, and has past 35 after I ride and own a motorcycle and I bought on March 2024 an old R1200 GS Adventure 2007. From that date i add 17,000 kilometers to odometer and last week I made a 100 Km off road route. Not very techical road but with few river cross. I made it. Lets say it was some kind easy but the key is not exceed your riding capacities. Still a buch of things to learn and practice related to off road roads but im happy with my GS. Im pretty sure it will be more fun riding a smaller bike like a DR650 or an old XR500, I understand your point for catalog all that big bikes to be avoided by beginers but some time, like me, I bought the bike I can afford at that moment cause it was a bargain and was a no brainer offer ( 3K USD ) for almost mint condition motorcycle, so, I decide to learn all that I can on that GS
Hey Ben just bought a set of Wayfair tires for my 300 rally & was wondering if I can use the stock tubes or do I need a new set of tubes as well?? Thanks.....
The only brand new bike I ever bought…. Triumph 800 XCA, beautiful! Electrical issues, new wiring loom, alarm problems, top heavy, cuts out at low revs…. Sold in within 12 months. Broke my heart! (Now ride a ‘95 Dr650 and adore it).
I began on T7 as a first timer four years ago. My experience is that the no frills T7 is a bonus. You don't get distracted with electronics settings. I'm tall, 6f2, so the hight was not an issue for me.
Having ridden a T7 for two years, but GS etc for over 50 years before, I love mine. This may sound mean, but it’s not intended to be. If you have 30 inch legs, basketball or adv riding may not be your thing? Sure you can do both but?? As far as rider aids goes - my opinion is they get in the way and are expensive to fix when they break. To me, learning on a bike with no rider aids is the way to go. Then, you know how to ride.
I’m new to dual sporting and I find sand unpleasant and soft sand difficult. The dirt bikes seem to do much better in it. Is it the weight of the wr250r that doesn’t like the sand ?
Some very good advice here. I live in Tanzania and spend a fair bit of time off road. To do so, I use either my Africa Twin CRF1000, or my KTM 890 Adventure R. The KTM is capable, but the 690 would be a better choice. The AT is a beautiful ride, and great for getting to the start of the off road, but off road it just does not match up.
T7 AND Dr650. Best of both worlds to me. I pick one or the other based on what my ride is, how many hwy miles, will there be any single track, how many miles am I doing today, etc.... I started with the DR then got the T7 about 3 years later because i wanted a bike with longer freeway legs. Love them both.....could not pick one over the other if i could only keep one. So for me....its BOTH!
Couldn’t agree more on your list. We saw a bunch of guys on the TET with GSs and one Super Tenere. They were even older than us (we’re 60s) and bikes were muddy but the Yamaha is massive. The T7 is super tall and just not for me. My steed: a 690 Enduro R “adventurised”. Light, skinny, powerful and super frugal on gas. That bike is with an old buddy in the US and at home in the UK I bought a 701 and have modified it to my needs. My 890 is up for sale!
After a 40-year break in riding, I wanted a light-ish dual sport. Was lucky to find a modified DR650 in the net. It has a titanium muffler and a lithium battery. It's handy and nimble in all circumstances and as a skinny old-timer I can just about pick it up. Wouldn't change it for a heavier one for all the money in the world.
I am an inexperienced rider who just bought a 2001 BMW F650GS. I didn't want an anemic, playground toy for a first bike but also knew I was not ready for anything past 650/750 cc's. I don't ride off road at all at the moment, but for a first bike in general, this thing is incredible. forgiving suspension, easy to work on and maintain, pretty well known for bulletproof reliability (save for fork seals and water pump issues). Pretty huge aftermarket support, even now after 20+ years. They made a ton of these bikes in this generation, like 100k or something over the 6 years, and they can be had for 2500-3500 for a really nice example. Mine is pretty roached, and I bought it in running condition for the price of a box of parts. If anyone wants to get into serious ADV riding, I'd throw my weight behind this bike. It's a great machine. I know it's not the point of this video, but for any other noobs out there who want to know what they SHOULD get, this is my recommendation to my fellow squids.
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First rule….if you can’t pick it up, on your own, fully loaded, then it’s too big
This should be a pinned comment!
Or you just need to do squats.
Add uneven, not ideal ground to that equation maybe as well.
Or if you can’t pick it up, don’t ride it where the risk of needing to pick it up is high, and ride within your skill set. Know when to say when.
@@bluezhawg2104 Now you know, most people have problems knowing when to say when, and following through.
No riding experience? Dual sport start.
Only road experience? Mid weight ADV, at most , to start.
Enduro experience? Ride any ADV bike you like.
But for everyone, if you can’t lift it, it’s too big.
Large ADV bikes really have no place in highly technical terrain, so don’t kid yourself, unless you are Chris Birch or Pol Tarres.
This video is good advice.
I agree with this. I learned how to ride dirt on the big GS and picked up a ton of bad habits that I had to unlearn when I bought a KTM 500.
graham jarvis
How do you determine if you can lift a fully loaded bike that you don't yet own ? Quite often it's about technique rather than pure strength.
@@FreddyNietzsche.You might need to find someone you can talk to in person, who has experience, who can assess what sized bike is best for you. I started enduro 35 years ago, lifting 115kg bikes, which isn’t that heavy. The heaviest bike that I dropped off road, in a creek crossing, was a (wait for it) Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer which weighs an astonishing 285kg dry. I lifted it by myself, but only because of adrenaline. If you’d asked me to lift the bike a second time that day, I would probably have had a heart attack. I am 6ft 4inches tall and I weight north of 110kg. Suffice to say the Honda was sold and replaced with a much lighter KTM1190. Even the KTM, after 4 drops loaded, is getting too heavy for me to lift. But I’m dropping it on, say, a deep, soft, sandy track chewed up by 4WDs, and I shouldn’t be riding a bike like that in that terrain. If you don’t know what is best, go and talk to some people face to face. Like in cycling, ‘less is more’. I specifically chose my 1190 for its generally lower weight, greater height and taller suspension.
@@christopherbeneke2242
I thoroughly agree with you. I see guys who go straight to a big bike, hit the dirt, and crash constantly. Broken ribs, broken feet, punctured lungs. It destroys their confidence and they don’t end up having a good time. And then they give it away. Which is a shame.
I sold one of those "less reliable" V-Strom 1000s (2014) last May. It had 53,000 trouble-free miles on it. The new owner then took it to Utah, Yellowstone, Canada, Deadhorse Alaska, back to California, then to Mexico, Belize, every country in Central America (except El Salvador), Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile, all the way to Ushuaia. He traveled 33,000 miles in 6 months and reported that the bike was flawless. It now has a new owner in Chile. I agree not a good beginner bike, but far from "less reliable".
The V-Strom is super reliable. Anything orange or has a B,W or M in the name is something to avoid.
@@bossmonkey1126yes the Vstrom is probably the most reliable modern road bike. Look up owner reviews and they are universally glad to have owned it. It’s heavy but has superb traction control and excellent brakes.
Vstrom shares the podium with KLR as the most capable bulletproof bikes produced.
My impression is the 650 is a bit more reliable, so the 1000 may be relativley "less", but they're both very solid. 51K miles on my 650, no issues.
Agreed. Well said man. Dork missed on that one.
I learned this the hard way. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes in your life, then you don't know how to ride one. Period. It matters very little how many miles you've ridden on pavement. And if you try to learn to ride dirt on a 500 pound bike, well, you're not going to learn or you're really making the choice to do it the hard way. Most likely, you'll tip it over a couple of times and then decide you never want to do that again and ride accordingly, which does nothing to make you a good offroad motorcyclist. Get a used light enduro, 250cc is perfect, ride it hard for a year, sell it for almost what you paid for it and then get a heavier ADV bike. Trying to shortcut the process won't work. My two cents.
I think there's things you need to understand on a lighter bike. You need to test the limits of traction, the effects of body position and those will be much easier to test on a lighter bike. There's so little room for error on an adventure bike that you will probably never really learn how to ride off-road if you start on one. I would only add that getting some training will really help as well
And opposite to that, I found that riding dirt bikes for nearly 20 years helped immensely when I transitioned to street riding summer 2023. Obviously doesn't translate over perfectly but it helps a ton being comfortable already controlling a bike. Honestly, I'd recommend anyone wanting to pick up riding be it street or dirt go get a little dirt bike experience in first lol. Much more preferable to wipe out off road than in traffic.
I jumped straight in with no experience. But I'm maybe a bit of a masochist. I'll soaked with sweat picking my tiger up and I'll be wanting more. Tons of fun.
Spot on. Bike size is ONLY a timing issue. Just spend 12 months or whatever riding a smaller bike, developing your craft, then graduate to something bigger IF you think that is best for you.
I drove street bikes for over 20 years from small crotch rockets to big cruisers. Then in my early 50s I bought a dirt bike. A Honda XL 250 degree. As I live in Laos it's the perfect bike. There are dirt roads and jungle trails forever. It was a an entirely different riding experience completely. I was very accomplished on the street, but in the dirt I was an absolute novice. I now have a Honda CRF 300L with a ton of upgrades. There's no jungle road that can hold me back! Dirt all the way man. Cruising the pavement is boring as hell.
I ride a ‘16 Super Tenere, I had no intentions of riding this heavy beast off-road when I bought it. It’s not the fastest or has the most HP, but it is very reliable and capable for my needs. She is a work horse.
Same here, great all around workhorse, comfortable for me to go 1000 miles per day. Speaking of offroad I would say you do not want to take any big cc and heavy beasts disregarding the brand even if you are experienced.
@@sirdirtydog705 - I bought a 2013 S10 two years ago with 5000km on the clock. Since then I can't understand the critique it receives. It is a fantastic machine. But whoever tried to connect the dots and arrived at trail bike must have been under the influence. It is great on gravel toads but never intended for technical terrain. For everything else, a great all rounder.
I own a 2016. Ecu flash,exhaust and suspension upgrade.
You'd be amazed on how it does off road.
Buying a 2017 BMW F800 GS Adventure as my first ADV bike was a decision I now recognize as a blunder. While this bike is renowned for its capabilities, it turns out to be a cumbersome beast off-road. With the added weight of luggage, it became so heavy that it even bent the additional crash bars I had installed. For anyone considering their first adventure motorcycle, I urge you to think carefully about the weight and off-road performance before making a choice. Choose wisely to ensure a more enjoyable riding experience! I loved it on the road, and I had a lot of fun off-road, but it was heavy, expensive, and just not a good bike for a novice, so after one season, I sold it.
I picked up the game-changing 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F. Yes, it is a street-legal dirt bike and very capable of touring. Although it is not the most comfortable choice for extended durations on the tarmac, I am aware that I spend a considerable amount of time off-road, and I have a profound appreciation for this motorcycle. It is lightweight, reliable, simplifies the procurement of parts, and possesses sufficient power to traverse various types of terrain. The big plus side is that I can drop it all the time, and the inexpensive plastic covers are easily replaced. Remember, if you are not dropping it, you're not trying new stuff.
You’re the first person I’ve seen here that regrets the smaller BMW ADV. Gives me second thoughts on my next bike
Huh... My first "real" ADV bike was a Tiger 800XC (2016) (96hp btw, not 82)
Loved it to bits.
Did a bunch of offroad ADV classes with it.
Never broke down, never had a problem, never left me stranded.
The few people I know who have one have never had any issues with them.
I sold mine because I wanted an exclusively offroad bike and can't afford to own two, so I traded it in for a 450excf. Which I regretted for...reasons.
But I wish I still had my Tiger800.
So there you have it... a contrary opinion.
Yeah I was suprised to see it mentioned in the video, most of the ones I see for sale in my area are all over 40k km (24k mi). Which to me shows that poeple love to ride them and are reliable. Doubt people would ride it that far if they are constantly fixing them.
Maybe the people who are not keeping them used it a litmus test on whether they want to go further down the ADV bike rabbit hole. And now onto a bigger/better ADV bike or back to a more road going bike.
I've got an XCA and am loving it. When I did some research prior to purchasing, the negative reviews were few and far between. The only repairs/replacements I've had to make are the front indicators breaking from being dropped due them being placed way too low, but relocating them isn't a big deal.
But if it did break down? If a stick DID go through your radiator? If a rock did cut one of your coolant lines in half? If your thermostat did stick shut and over heat your engine and blow a head gastket? If your fuel injection pump DID fail 25 miles from a paved road? If a fuel injector DID fail crossing that stream back there? What then... Are you gonna carry all those extra parts with you? Tiger is a good street bike, but it's not something you want to take to a remote place where parts and assistance are nowhere to be found.
@ None of the issues described are specific to Triumph Tigers and could happen on any bike when riding off-road.
@@jeffwiemer8116 No, you're wrong about that. None of those things can happen to my DR650, because it doesn't have anything of those things to begin with. See the point here? You don't want a bike that's loaded up with tech in a remote spot, it's the last thing you want. So long as your Triumph Tiger is on the street a tow truck can get to you, so you're safe there, but if you're going to get remote you either need to bring a bunch of parts with you (including a radiator) or you're going to want to trade your Tiger in on an adventure bike. Hope this helps.
I started on a 1977 Honda CT 90 almost 30 years ago. I rode that thing up and down dirt roads and levee with my overnight bag in an old milk crate and bedroll. I was so excited when I upgraded to a 1998 KLR 650. Since then, I've owned Tigers and DR 650s, I've rented/ridden Tenere 7s and the old Buell adventure bike. With my riding style and weekend warrior rider skills, I love the middle-weight bikes.
I have literally had my CT110 on TOP OF ME when I took a too steep hill. Bruises and damaged ego, that's all I got. I'm confused af. Y'all are talking about NEW RIDERS. NEW. RIDERS. Anything over a 250 is dumb for NEW RIDERS. You have to get that ground work down pat first. I don't understand sometimes. And I've seen so much stuff from bigger bikes I never upgraded. And I can take that sand wash with ease in low range while you're still fiddling with gears.
1. Plenty of great learner bikes at 300, 350, 400, 450, and even a few at 650cc.
2. (Having grown up with 90's and 110's) While unintimidating, a CT encourages scared new rider bad habits and creates crashing scenarios that actual dirtbikes would have had no problem with.
For example, whether they just hoped on a bike for the 1st time that day or have been riding a few times but with little actual instruction, the 2 biggest rapid rising skill boosts and crash reductions are as follows:
You're brain tricks you into doing the wrong thing causes crashes instead of saving you, so
1. When you get scared, don't sit, that's when you should stand.
2. When you take your feet off the pegs, you lose control of the bike and are now "along for the ride." Instead of putting your feet down, actively challenge yourself to keep your feet on the pegs. Don't put your for down to try to prevent a crash, kept it on the pegs for that. only put your foot down when you've failed to save it and are for sure crashing.
My first bike was also a honda 90 too, totally stripped of all fairing, where i learnt all about gears, riding around old coal slag heaps in south wales uk, fell off that so many times... so much fun!
Super Tenere is my third motorcycle, but first ADV bike. It is absolutely the best motorcycle I’ll ever have. Super reliable, easy to work on, and I’ve dropped it over 30 times. I’ve got tons of miles offroad. It’s just a shame that Yamaha has discontinued it. I’m going to be at a loss when it comes to replacing my 2015 in several years.
Love my 22 Super Tenere... I suspect Yamaha will have a new gen version at some point.
@@DaveWithANikonsupposedly there’s a Tenere 900 coming out. It better have shaft drive.
@@TheKittySquisher no need to replace it . With parts and mechanical ability the thing will last longer than you will 👌
@@TheKittySquisher Shaft drive was a major selling point after decades of chain maintenance. We'll see what they do...
Easy to work on ? you've obviously not done a valve clearance check.Tommy Tickle
I got a 2014 tiger 800 xc as my first motorcycle. As a longer rider 6'6" tall. It fits me very well and haven't had any issues with it yet. Though i did up grade the springs for my weight.
The worst thing ever done to a motorcycle was to call it " An Adventure Bike " Because you can have an adventure on any motorecycle . I had over 10 years of "adventures on a 125 cc 6 speed DKW with leading link front suspension " Ported and polished 15 bhp . 9,500 rpm ,fun fun fun .
Spot on!
My first ADV bike with a 21" front wheel was a Tiger 800xc. It has a few limitations for serious offroad like the air filter location but for mainly road riding with a few gravel tracks I found it great. Super fun engine on the road and decent suspension after a few cost effective upgrades.
I agree. I had the 800XC. Great road bike, but top heavy off-road and lacked the low end grunt needed for single track. But I think the thing that really killed the 800 was that Triumph introduced the next variant with cruise control. In fact, less than a year after buying mine, the cruise control edition came out, and the local dealer was swamped with trade-in bikes looking for the upgrade.
Great advice Sir Dork! Years ago I nearly bought a T7. Instead I went with a WR450 and couldn’t be happier. With the super moto setup, it rips up the canyons, with the knobbies it rips straight up a mountain. Only downside is I spend about half my time reining in that blue beast. WRs are great bikes and easy to get street legal in CO.
To make things easier...the top adv bikes for beginners: anything used below 650 that you can easily pickup if you drop it
I’ve had the Tiger 800 XRX for over 6 years and about 33k miles with no issues. Great bike. However, I keep mine on the road. If I’m of pavement it’s going to be on a lighter bike. I like to practice but am not training hard on a heavy ADV bike that is far heavier and more powerful than needed to get the job done off road.
I've ridden about 12k miles on my '12 Tiger 800XC, so now it's got 52k miles, and after yet another lovely trip in the Texas Hill Country, on and off road, I've decided to make it a 100k mile bike. It's much more difficult to work on than the bikes you do recommend for sure, but this one has done me very well personally, including a trip from Texas to California and back without a hitch. Great vid as always. :)
I'm not mad. I've got a Super Tenere and love it. That said, it's mainly for touring with some gravel roads. I've taken in on some fairly agressive trails, but I recognize it's not the smartest thing to do. However, I also have a KLR650 that does all my serious off-road stuff. Super Ten is not a good first ADV bike, but it is capable at a fraction of the price of a BMW.
Same reason I got one. It’s a workhorse of a bike that’ll probably live longer than myself. It’s not the most off-road capable, but I got it mostly as a commuter bike anyway
It is utterly stupid to think bikes with 1200cc motors are for the dirt. So why do I own "the thick one" (we call her in German) for the 2nd time?
1. Price: If you are okay with last years colour... I paid 12,3 Euro. BMW (over 20k)
2. I am a man and need space.
3. I had a dog which rode in the tankpad - So I need a relatively flat tank.
4. The girl wants some comfort seat.
5. Overloaded on tours - I need a stable one.
My critic: The first Edition was way better and higher than the one I have now. Too much computer crap installed. Yamaha wants to copy BMW - a mistake. Would I buy a Super Tenere again. I guess not, but for me she is still the best fit.
Love it as always, bot a 300 rally back in October & I love this thing!! Thanks Ben keep up the great content 🤗😊
my 1st ride not super rare but took some luck and quick fone call to get.
Triumph Tiger 800xcx rider here (my first ADV bike), spec'd out to xca. Has 94hp (not that you need that offroad).. I did the WABDR on it on 60/40 tires, and take it through the mountains of Colorado and Montana every year.. Offroad, its biggest issue is that it has no low end grunt. It can go 60mph in 1st gear, so crawling through the rocks requires a ton of clutch work, and there's essentially no engine braking at all when descending. It's not super heavy but it carries what weight it has a bit high. Replacing the air filter requires removing the crash bars, all the plastic, and pulling the tank off.. Ya.. that sucks.
Here's what the Tiger does well. If you can find some twisty on-pavement roads in between your off pavement stuff, then the Tiger rocks. Even with a set of TKC 80's (or equiv) I can (and do) drag the pegs in the twisties and is pretty flickable (for an adventure bike). Straight highway cruising is not as enjoyable as it might be on some big 1200+cc bike. When we did WABDR a few years back, we went all dirt from Oregon to Canada, and every twisty paved road we could find from Canada back to Oregon, and I couldn't be happier. Buddies on the trip had KTM 690, a Husky and a 1200GS and mine had the best balance of on and off road.
I'd love something a bit more offroad capable, but I only have room for one bike.
Excellent advice Ben! I decided to start on a used (850 km) CRF 300L and have slowly added a few bits to make it fit me better. I’m 6’2 215 lbs so the bike in stock form was not great for standing position. Suffice to say new Pro Taper Bar, Zeta short levers, Zeta Pegs (size 12 boots) have made a big difference. I took the stock tires to 6000 km and on your recommendation will be installing Tusk D Sport Tires in the spring. I want to master off road riding before I consider a bigger adv bike even though I still lust after a T7.
Have you looked into getting stiffer springs front and rear? I noticed a big difference even in on road handling when I went to spring rates designed for my weight 290lbs
@ I’m prioritizing add ons for the bike and training in the following order.
2025 the bike has 6000 km on it now so stock tires are done and the Tusk D Sports are in the garage waiting to be mounted once the weather warms up.
I will add a bash plate and hand guards this year and possibly splurge on the two day BMW off road training course.
I’m holding off any suspension mods till 2026 as there are a ton of new compelling mid/lightweight adventure bikes coming to market.
Thinking BWW 450, Himmy 450, CF Moto 450 or on the heavier side Transalp or T7.
I don’t want to drop a ton of $ into suspension before I decide if the 300 L will remain in my garage for the long term.
😎
In the UK the Tiger 800 has sold well which is why there is quite a few for sale. Most have quite a few miles ie 25000 and up but they seem to hold their value well. Its hard to find one under £3000 and if you do it will have well over 40000 miles. Id say they are very reliable and popular in the UK.
All good advice. I started on a non-ABS v-Strom and found myself turning around on a lot of logging roads that looked too tough. Got a WR250 and had no regrets. The 450 himmy and CF Moto bikes are the best ways to start in ADV-land, IMHO.
I agree, my first ADV bike was the Tiger 800XC and I put over 51,000 miles on it. It took me a while to mesh with it and get my skills up to the level that this bike required. After I got good with it (Training was BIG help), I recently purchased the 1250 GS Adventure and am relearning what this bike requires again. I won't recommend either for a beginner because it's no fun to always be worried about fighting the bike's weight when you haven't developed your techniques yet
When I was looking to get my first motorcycle, I was really wanting a krl650. My wife found a listing for a 2000 drz400s for 3000 (this was in 2012) I bought it instead of the krl, and I am forever grateful to have it as my starting point. Had so many great adventures on it. I really had fun with the local dual sport events. That was a perfect bike for me to start on. Since that bike I have bought a 2012 versys 650 and another drz400sm. Next year i am looking to get another bike either a z650rs (or something similar) or the Tenere 700.
To add on for first modifications (based on advice from veteran racers) suspension, brakes, and tires.
I agree with all points. I've just picked up the Tenere and I love it. But I started early in the year on a KLX300 and I'm glad I did. Put about 6000 miles on the KLX this year and I'm feeling pretty good on the Tenere on road at least. I've ordered a lowering length and a factory low seat for tackling off road stuff. Going to stick to riding the KLX on the toucher stuff while I build my skills. I would love to think I can some day be able to rip the Tenere on some gnarly single track. Great vid as always.
You have the same dual sport I do and love it. My ADV bike will be a Tenere regardless of what Dork has to say. Of course I'm not a beginner.
I love hearing this, I bought a 24 klx in November 23 and as of today I have 7200 miles on it. I've taken it to the desert around Tucson, the traffic in Roseville and on every dirt road or trail I can around Klamath Falls. I now have a 25 tenere on order, so your comment gives me hope and I love knowing there are other people out there just like me.
I somewhat agree with your opinion on the T7. I have one and am absolutely loving it. I have put on 5500 miles(mountain riding) since September with a lot of off road/ Forest Service roads. It can take me to fairly distant places very easily and it is simply a game changer for me and full of fun. But you somewhat have to be confident in your skills to maneuver it and if you do not have the experience, I can see where it could be challenging...
I've owned three of these bikes you mentioned. The super tenere was heavy but fun on the 11:17 curvey roads. Not a offroad bike to big. I also had a tiger 800 xcx. It was a awesome bike. Loved it! Okay on offroad but not great. Now i have a tenere700. Good offroad I'm the limiting factor. It is top heavy and alittle tall, but very capable! I'm getting older now in my 60's and leaning more towards small adventure bikes. Still looking for the unicorn.😂
I bought a used 2014 Triumph Tiger 800xc as my first ADV bike, even though dumber people were trying to convince me that I needed a big GS Adventure to do BDR's. Terrible idea. That Triumph served me very well, and I kind of wish I had it still.
what's yalls opinion on the cf moto 450 MT for a new rider?
Thanks for your videos in general and for this one too. You amazed me by putting the Ténéré 700 at the very top of your "Avoidable ADV-Bikes For Beginners" list. Why? I am a beginner. I purchased a Ténéré 700 at the age of 65 ½, two years ago. And yes I'm just about 170 cm (ca. 5 ft 7). But there's thinner saddles and lower suspension settings. And I just like the fact that the T7 has none of those useless little helpers (besides ABS on and off) but a clutch, brakes and the throttle. It's all I need. And yes I crashed the bike for the first time just 20' after I grabbed it from the dealership. Since then I participated in nearly a dozen of Enduro Training camps. That helped a lot. If someone shows you like it could be done. Until you get used to it. I made 40'000 km (ca. 25'000 miles) so far. And I wouldn't want to start with another ADV bike. As a beginner. ;)
Well i'm a glutton for punishment, very limited experience on a MC (on and off road) not to mention i'm only 5'6". On the plus side 25+ years racing mtn bikes in just about every discipline... This all being said, first bike owned is a "lowered" Tenere 700. It has taken time to get used to it and everyday i'm learning, but so far so good. I'll continue the adventure.
Great advice. I consider myself an intermediate rider and bought a T7. Definitely not a beginner bike but for me it's been a great confidence builder that I can develop my skills on. I started on a duel sport and it's probably the best way to start out. A bit annoying if you have long road sections on a single cylinder but lets you develop the basic skills and is easier to pick up when you drop it.
Great vid…I own a V-Strom 1000XT and staring to ride it off-road…and even with training seems a bit overwhelming…but hopefully with more experience/practice as I have seen folks do amazing things with them.
Just saw that you are coming to the ABR Ben, that's great news and am looking forward to seeing you up on the stage in person. I had a 1250GSA, which was a real pig off road, had a forced break with a brain tumour and now I'm recovering and have my license back, I've gone for a Tuareg 660 as an "adventure" bike, it will do it all and is way punchier than 80BHP should be, I do have a Guzzi Mandello S for other road based tours and bimbling around on, but both of those bought with a fair few £k change out of the cost of a GSA. There's a lot of common sense being imparted in this video.
Hallelujah!! How true. Great work. I could not have said it better. 😎👍🏻👍🏻 Biggest is never better off piste’.
Good advice. I started on a 125, went to xt 500 and xt 600. Now Im looking for something between 300-500.
Great video! Just starting our research and finding this all very helpful. Off to watch the tier list!
You can find 2nd Gen Super Tenere for $5,000-$8,000
It’s legitimately one of if not THE most reliable motorcycles ever made. It’s right there with Goldwings, Vstroms and Twin cam Harley’s. Lots of 300,000 mile examples on the forums and facebook groups. Yamaha built the ST to ride around the world. Legitimately ride from continent to continent. It’s basically a two cylinder EFI KLR. It feels like farm equipment but it never stops.
Yes the engine is underpowered but that means under stressed. That’s why it has a 26,000 mile valve check but most guys on the forums are stretching that to 40-50,000 miles.
It’s definitely not a beginner bike but to say you don’t recommend it to anyone regardless of skill isn’t a fair shake. The ST is a great bike. Shaft drive, tubeless wheels, cruise control and Japanese reliability.
It can go offroad the same way a GS can go offroad. Sure, most of us won’t ride either bike on technical single track but everything I’ve seen you ride on this channel I could follow on my ST, just slower. It mostly comes down to tires. The front 19in wheel on the ST and GS really suffer off-road on slick mud. To ride a big bike off-road you need an aggressive front knobby to stop from sliding the front wheel out. But then you wear your knobbies out extremely fast on a big bike. It’s all compromise
Finally somebody that knows what he's talking about!
Thanks for the advice! I’m still a rookie a year in and I still ride my Honda XR 150
Yep, hired one in Vietnam, perfect for the conditions and that's really all that matters, handled 2 up riding , on/off road , fast enough (70kph is really the safe limit in that country) did 1000s of km and never let me down, comfy, handled carrying all my gear and light passenger, just a great ride
Man, I have missed ya...dont know how I lost your videos..veered off somehwere..anyway good to see you up and running, and doing your thing..
Glad you emphasized the top heaviness of the T7. The first time I got on my T7 when I was loading it in my trailer, I would have dropped it had the sales lady not been standing next to me and saw me falter with the bike - she put her arm up to stabilize me. That should have been my sign I had no business buying it.
a buddy of mine was selling his and while loading on his trailer, the bike fell and broke his tibia.....
Liquid-cooled and fuel injected street bike. Fine so long as you don't go anywhere a tow truck can't get to you, bad... really really bad if they can't. You might have to fix this thing yourself, alone, without a dealership anywhere for parts or assistance, it's all on you, right here and right now. You don't want street bike complexity in remote spots, not at all.
@@BillySBC What's complex about the T7?
@@HRRRRRDRRRRR must be the ABS on/off button. 🙄 sO cOmPLex.
@@HRRRRRDRRRRR You're reminding me very much of a fact-resistant Trump supporter, no matter what we say you'll find a myth to counter it with and remain uninformed.
Good video. Getting back into riding at 57 (after twenty years off), I decided that my first test of any bike is to lean it over to 45 deg, pick it back up, then decide if I'd want to pick it up from horizontal with luggage on it, and being tired. I was close to buying a t7, but have a 31" inseam, and your observations of it make too big for me at this point. I decided that I want a bike under 400# fully-laden with luggage, and for now picked up a used '21 crf300L to get my off-road riding skills back.
Love that you listed the Tenere 800. Very controversial, but bang on. What people don't think about, when riding ADV, is that you will also have panniers and luggage, which adds to the top-heaviness and tippiness. I got on a friend's Tenere, and even on a slightly cambered dirt road, found myself immediately feeling unsafe when trying to put the kickstand up. It feels great when you're riding, and I can understand why people love it, but I would also mention the tiny fuel range and lack of cruise control as deal breakers. I did a trip to Alaska recently, where some of the gaps between fuel stop can be 240 miles and Tenere owners really struggle under these conditions.
When did Yamaha make the Tenere 800?
@@deerinmyyard8430 I think he's talking about the T7, but he could be talking about he Tiger 800...
@@deerinmyyard8430 Sorry, yes, the T7!
Solid video, even as an experienced rider I enjoy watching videos like this. Nice job Dork
Really like your style! Please keep this kind of videos coming. Thank you!
I spent 10 years on my Kawasaki KLX 250 before I got my T7. The T7 was like completely having to learn how to ride again. Definitely not a beginner bike. That being said, I love my T7 and would probably give up a family member's soul before letting go of the Tenere 700. 😂
Great feedback. I can second the T7, had one for a year. Great looking and sounding bike but for riding it every day in traffic and light muddy tracks here in the UK it was just a pain. The top heavy feel for me was the tipping point not even my Tiger 900 GT Pro or a 1200 GS has this feeling. Then I can add that I am only 178cm. Chop it in and riding the Triumph Scrambler 400X at the moment.
Great recommendations, as always Ben. I came to the ADV world with a lot of off-road riding/racing experience and started with an Africa Twin. After a few years, I've come to the conclusion it's WAY to big an off-road bike for me. Yea, I've ridden a bunch of off-road, but it's not really that enjoyable of a riding experience. When I hear people say things like a certain ADV bike handles "just like a dirt bike" must have ridden way different dirt bikes than me. These overweight behemoths handle nothing like a good dirt bike. I'm downsizing soon as I decide between the Transalp and the KTM 790 Adventure which is a tough decision (I've consumed all the YT info out there, especially your's and Ian's). I'll probably roll the dice, go with the 790, and hoping I get a "good one". Keep up the great work Ben!
@@davidpoffenbarger3686 KTM are not going to survive their current administration, if you buy you will not have a warranty. Yes I agree ADV is nothing like a good dirt bike.. good luck.
Beginner,if you want to be an adventure rider start with the dirt bike simple is that.
Yup, agreed! I rode HDs and cruisers for 30-plus years before plunging into ADV, and yes, I wish I had just grabbed my KTM 500 right out of the gate. After a few more years of experience, I will be adequately prepared to transition to a larger ADV motorcycle for off-road adventures. However, at present, my smaller motorcycle is sufficiently capable, transporting me to various locations and even surprising me on single-track trails I have successfully navigated while carrying my camping gear during solo trips in the mountains.
Good rundown. But the biggest mistake you can make as a new (off-road) rider is to NOT take a training course.
Ichiban Number 1 Recommended Shadetree approved 1st ADV Bike: Used Ducati Multistrada 1000 miles past desmo service with bald pilot 5s and a bakers dozen error codes on the dash.
Ur welcome.
It'll always be your number 1 bike - if you never ride again.
Thanks Dork, this video comes 20 years too late. My first bike was the predecessor to the Ténéré (fell in love with its looks without even swinging a leg over - ouch). It was everything you mentioned - except for the power. However, what I learnt by heart with that XT 600 is to modulate the clutch. But I also learnt that anything with a high center of gravity is not for me. Towards the end, we got along fine. Particularly after an adjustable clutch lever was installed (my girl fingers are just a tad too short for the standard stuff). But manouvering on loose gravel was still of a bar-gnawing challenge.
As going offroad is not possible in my country (Germany) I chose as my current bike its onroad version - a Tracer 700. With this, I am confident enough to go on gravel roads (these are fine to use here), which is enough for me. Totally happy with this bike now.
Important things about ADV bike:
1) You will drop it a lot. Don't get an expensive one.
2) Heavy is bad off road, better on highways. However, more weight is crippling offroad, and lightness is not crippling on the highway.
3) You can't put more than like 40 or 50 HP into the dirt.
Get yourself something light, medium power, and cheap for your first bike. My first bike was an XR650L, I have a Himalayan now. I'll get a Trident or airhead for the roads.
Solid points. Do you have the 411 or 450?
I have the 411 and love it but on the swedish highways it is to slow. You have no power to drive from a situation in front of you. So I think of upgrade to a 450.
Yeah, I have the 411, and I agree, it is slow on the hwy. I'm not going to say the Himmy is right for everyone, just using it point out that there are options, you just have to really define your needs first.
@@SenorGato237The Himmy 411 is the best beginner bike on the market (IMO) - for both on and off road.Ive been teaching my 26y/o son to ride - first all on dirt (on dirt bikes) and then on the Himmy to safely learn street. I didn't realize how important learning on the street was to compliment his dirt riding learning curve (learning how to shift all the way up and down the gears, and learning to ride the motorcycle without having to think about because your head needs to be on a swivel and aware of traffic). Thinking about "driving" instead of thinking about operating the motorcycle. It add another layer that I didn't think about until we did our first street ride together (I forgot because I've been riding since I was 15). Nerve wracking but no machine better than the Himmy for him to start out on. The only "drawback" is, it's too slow for the freeway - but so is practically anything else (except the big 100+ horsepower machines because modern cars drive at ridiculous speeds on the freeway! I don't even like to ride my 150hp KTM1190 on the freeway because I know I have to cruise at 80+ mph to keep cars from blowing past me on all sides!) Anyway, sticking to backroads the Himmy is fine and it's a tractor off road. I road it myself on the northern half of the NoCal bdr and it seemed impossible to drop to me, like it was on 4 wheels or something not two! 😂 Can't wait for my son to join me on the full NoCal in June. RE Himalayan 411 - can't say enough about it for a beginner adv bike. Even as a "non beginner" (45+ years on riding street and dirt) I have a blast on the 411. Don't know what it's like to pick it up because I've never had to.
I just got my first "ADV" bike, a used KTM 690 Enduro. I'm not sure if you'd even call it an ADV (or Dual sport?), but I can't recommend it enough. For my personal exp level/ needs/ wants, I know I definitely made the right call- the first time I rode it I found myself blasting through a field on the back tire, trying to find any sort of drainage ditch or hill to jump/ climb like it was natural...
I've been getting back into dirt riding over the last few years and have experience with lighter dirt bikes (300-XCW, DRZ 400, 450-EXC, YZ, RM, etc) but I really wanted something better suited for the road, yet the bigger ADV bikes feel like I wouldn't even want to ride them off road to begin with. I feel way more comfortable on the 690 than I expected, and I'm hoping it will help me gain some experience/ skill/ confidence on bigger, heavier, bikes (I mean it's already over 100 pounds heavier than what I'm used to) so I can eventually transition into something closer to the size and weight of the T7.
I know KTM has its problems but the 690 has been around for a while now and I'd rather not buy a brand new bike when I know I'll be dropping it regularly.
I think it may have been the ONLY option for me the more I think about it. DR/ XR 650s don't make the power I'm looking for and other bikes are a bit too much of a jump up in weight, or they're lacking in off-road capability/ fun factor. I think I hit the perfect balance!
Started on an F800GSA. Did COBDR, IDBDR, and a tour of Utah on it. No problems. Too heavy for rougher stuff. Adventurized a CRF450L. Did NEBDR, NMBDR, and AZBDR on it. I'm in love.
I think if it's gonna be your first offroad machine, the most important thing is starting with a bike you're not afraid to drop or break. The common factor between all of these bikes is that they're either heavy, expensive, or both. It's scary to drop/break an expensive thing because it's gonna be more expensive to fix it. It's scary to drop/break a heavy thing because it's gonna do more damage and be harder to pick-up. It's incredibly difficult to learn when you're afraid of breaking the bike you're on. People just don't in high stakes environments like that.
The best thing somebody can do is buy a "boring" bike like a CRF300L, KLX300, or a DRZ/DR650 type bike and ride it and learn on it for a year. Just recognize that it's a stepping stone, don't sink a ton of money into a brand new one and all the mods in the world. See it for what it is and take advantage of the fact that you can beat the crap out of it. I started on a 250L Rally, and I'm going to controversially say that I think it was a bad beginner bike. Not because the bike is bad, the bigger plastics just felt more vulnerable and were more expensive. Now this could've just been a me issue, and I did have crash protection so it was never actually a problem. But it was still a mental hurdle. I sold the bike after a year and got a DR650 and I think I learned so much more, so much faster on that bike because it's an absolute tank and there's not really anything to break. Now I'm on a 701 and I love it so much, but I'm glad I spent some time on a DR first.
Ultimately I do agree with Ben in that you can learn on whatever you want, some things are just easier to learn on than others. But also if you're really into the T7 but you listen to this advice and you get a small dual sport that you're not super into so you never really ride it, you might just end up learning less because you're not getting as much seat time. Either way, the most important thing is to buy a really good pair of enduro boots, especially if you're starting on a heavier machine.
I've been riding dual sport since 1994. Bikes I've owned: 2 DR-350SEs, a DR-Z400S I bought in 2006, which I still own today. During my DR-Z ownership days, I've also owned a 2007 KLR650 and two KTMs dual sport bikes.
Then I bought a T7 in 2022. Moving it around the garage it felt like a tank. I shouldn't have gotten sucked in to buying one. I sold it in April of 2024. The thought of picking it up solo is one reason I said goodbye to it.
Isn't the KLR650 heavier than the T7?
Thank you sharing ! I haven’t ridden for a few decades. Getting my second hip replacement next month. Want to ride again ! Looking at the Xr650L or the CRF 450L for a dual sport , rode a XR600R in the paste.
I'm a new rider, 3k total miles on a motorcycle, period. Have the T7 as my 2nd adv bike and love it off road. I'm 190 with a 31 inch inseam. It definitely feels heavy, and dropping it is not fun at all. Have done some fairly serious off-road in the Rocky Mountains. Only crashed 1x thus far, the stock scorpion str tires washed out on me. Have slow speed dropped it a few times. Have to stay in shape to pick it up solo.
Based on your Canadian adventures, I bought a CRF250F to practice more dirt and ride when I'm not up for picking up a big bike. Feels like a toy compared to the T7 but is an absolute blast!
Thanks for your content, you have really helped me personally grow as a rider.
Just switched from street to ADV after 40 years. I think I made a decent choice with my Transalp 750.
i come from riding motocross and i felt right at home getting on the t7. did some modifications to drop the weight from the top too so it is more offroad capable. first thing that just has to happen is replacing the crappy 50/50 tyres. The scorpion rally STR are great street tyres, but not at all made for grass, mud or sand.
Curious what you did to drop weight from the top?
@@motoman7445 lithium battery instead of lead -2.5kg, removed pillion pegs -1kg, what i will do next:stock mirror replacement -1kg and custom exhaust to drop 3kg. that and when i do proper offroad riding i only ride with 6l of fuel. i think that gets me below 195kg
To all my fellow adventure riders and influencers; these bikes are not necessarily top heavy, rather they have more ground clearance and so the mass sits higher, which you feel at a stop or low speed. Yes, the T7 will feel top heavy, due to its excellent ground clearance. The same way my big, heavy Super Ténéré actually feels lighter than it is due to it’s moderate ground clearance and the fact that a bunch of that heft is the shaft drive, located way down at the bottom.
Super Ténéré may not be a beginner bike, but it does in fact do off road quite well and eats highway miles in comfort (like a GS).
Awesome video Ben, it’s funny some of those bikes I’ve never heard of and that’s why I didn’t consider them. Looking forward to the next video. Thank you.
I agree! I have a BMW GS 1200 and I took it off road once and that was enough for me. It is now my touring bike which it exclls at.
Great video as always.
Yes, I agree with your statement: stay away from heavy large All-road motorcycles as we'd call them here in Europe. The Grand All-roads, no matter the make, in general are travel machines for paved roads, and maybe, just maybe, a hardened gravel path to the camping site. But that's about it, what you should do with those large barges: by all means stay out of soft surface paths of any kind, since the rear wheel will shovel it selves sturdy into the soft surface all the way down to the axle and as of that moment you will not be able to continue what ever you wanted to do, since you're gonna be stuck; very stuck. You will have to make choices: the rule of a true Dirt-Bike (Moto-Cross Bike here in Europe) is: the lighter the better. So any bike over 130 Kg is considered to be heavy. Moto-Cross Bike (like the Yamaha WR450) usually weighs about just slightly over 100 Kg, at least that's what they're trying. These bikes can jump and go through soft surfaces easily. These bikes however usually do not come with a title and license plate, but that problem can be solved by getting a true Enduro version of a Dirt Bike: that's a Moto-Cross Enduro Bike with a title and license plate. Bikes like this are made to win a race. Nothing more, nothing less. So travelling with bikes like this is not a real option. This is where the good old Off-Road bikes come in: They look similar to a True Enduro bike, but they are way more comfortable, and you actually can travel with these Off-Road bikes like for example a Yamaha XT500 (the mother of all Off-Road bikes) or it's successor the Yamaha XT550 and the Yamaha XT600, which I personally have. These Off-Road bikes will not win you any race, but their Enduro version might; like the Yamaha TT500 , the Yamaha TT550 and the Yamaha TT600 and of course the entire Tenéré line up of all Yamaha XT's (As in the Paris-Dakar Enduro race). So basically it's about choices and weight --> Lightweight Enduro bike with no comfort might win you a race and is not a traveler's bike, but a slightly heavier Off-Road version is suitable for traveling but won't win you any race. We're basically mainly talking about maximum of 660 Cc air cooled one cylinder thumper bikes here. The Yamaha XTZ750 Tenëré and The newer Yamaha XT700Z and comparable bikes are in a league of their own. I'd say they could be the stronger versions for the more experienced Off-Road riders. When the accent shifts from serious off-roading to tarmac travelling and occasionally a gravel path, the grand All-Road bikes start to appear. These things look capable, but they (in general) are not capable Off-Roading bikes at all. Simply too heavy, They are ideal international travel bikes, just as long as you stay on the tarmac or maybe a hardened gravel path. There is no hard line or exact definition, I was just trying to make things a little bit more clear, so you'll be able to distinguish these Moto-Cross, Enuro, Off-Road, and AllRoad bikes apart from eachother. You guys tend to call almost all of these bikes: Adventure bikes, which is a term we do not use here in Europe. My advice would be: Go ride different bikes and feel how they feel, but ride them like you would when you own them: so take them out to a challenging terrain and challenge your self and the different bikes.
At 39y I started the motorbike adventure, and my choice for first one. Honda Transalp 750, a bit high, but I am loving it. What do you think?
Thank you so much! Excellent information for a newbie ❤
you're funny AF, I love this. And content is delivered effectively and efficiently. well done!
Mr. Dork, "I'm assuming" that since the Harley-Davidson PanAmerica 1250 is not on THIS list, that it might be on THE OTHER list. Correct? Well, I'm going to search for THAT list now. Nice work. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel.
Great vid! Have you reviewed the CFMOTO 450MT? I'm very new to riding in general (still on my learners in Australia) Currently I own a Honda CT110 aka postie bike. I'm interested in doing low level adventure riding to go camping not into jumps, going fast taking corners etc. One friend recommended a 2015 V-Strom 650 TX another said "don't buy a 10 year old motorcycle, get the CFMOTO 450MT" I do prefer the look of the V-Strom but also drawn to owning a new bike for that price. In terms of reliability all things considered how much can go wrong with a V-Strom? 10 years isn't a lot for a car anyway :)
Love your content. I’ve had a WR250R, DR650, KLR 650, TW200, & Super Ten. What is usually not talked about is two up ADV. The best two bikes for two up ADV in my experience, TW200 ( non hwy ) Super Ten (Hwy+gravel)
I currently have....a wr250r, a tw200, a klr650 and a tiger 800 (and a couple of other things)
Nice video, my first ADV bike, was a 2014 Adventure R, still own it. I got it new on my 40th birthday.
I would agree with everything on the list except the T7. If you are too new to handle a T7 then you are too new for any ADV bike and should be looking at a 300 class dual sport instead.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 lol you should see all the sub 500 miles T7s constantly being advertised for sale bc some poor guy watched ‘The Seeker’ and thought they’d be ripping like that if the got the same bike as Pol Tarres.
Bikes like the V-Strom 650, CB500X, Versys 650X etc are much better bikes for inexperienced riders to manage.
As an enduro rider who bought a t7 this is correct. Riding big bikes off-road is difficult because small mistakes are harder to correct.
t7 would be okish for 1st motorcycle only for VERY TALL riders... because is tall and center of gravity is high
im not short, i can flat foot the t7 world raid (the highest seat version of all T7 variants) but the double fuel tank, the high center of gravity feels quite intimidating to me.
meanwhile for example 1250gs yes is massive but at least has a lower center of gravity and the seat is not as tall.
btw im still fine with my honda nx500
You most definitely don't need to be on a T7 if you are not a skilled off road rider. To say that a T7 is a good beginner bike is foolish and irresponsible. Now if you are someone that is big as a mountain and strong as an ox you might be able to get away with it.
What about a recommendation coming from a dirtbike experience been trail riding a long time. Looking for adventure bike mainly for road and dirt roads. I already own a ktm 350 excf plan on keeping for off-road mainly. I was thinking a used vstrom 650. Some experience on the road nit allot.
You speak a great truth. Ive owned a T7, XCX and GS750. Got rid of them for the many reasons you mentioned.
Another reason to start small or buy used is less expensive to fix when you drop them and break stuff while learning.
Hah!! I was really expecting the GS to be the #1, but no, it is a Yamaha - you really surprised me here 😂😂 Good video, though 👍
I think one of the most important things with anyones FIRST adventure/offroad bike is the ability to comfortably flat foot the bike, this is a huge confidence builder to any new rider.
My first 'adventure' bike was the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, and it's now my exclusive local greenlane and offroading bike, especially in winter. I toured all over Europe and all the unsurfaced passes like Sommeiller, Finestre, Assietta, etc. The bike is incredibly beginner friendly, chugs around with no effort, is very easy to get feet down for the majority of riders, and is pretty much bulletproof, its not a fast or powerful bike by any means though 😅 The Himalayan 411 is also the bike I lend to anyone who wants to try going off the roads.
Next was the Himalayan 450 which I've done similar large tours on, and is better for taller riders than the 411 was, is quite top heavy though compared to the 411. However is MUCH comfier and easier to live with on long journeys, loads more power compared to the 411.
And now I have the Voge 900 DSX, seems great so far, but need more time to give a better verdict.
This was fun! Safe Travels buddy!
I think my absolute favorite bike to learn on that was mid-sized, and very easy to handle, was my 2016 BMW G650GS. It was incredibly easy to get your feet down, and the weight was low which made it easy to catch if you started to tip, or lift if you went down. Bit of a pain to work on though. The V-Strom 650 was what I got after that, but I never had a chance to take it on fire roads or do anything besides errands and maybe a couple trips out on pavement like to the coast. It was top heavy, and a tiny bit tall for me (28" inseam here) but it was still an amazingly reliable, and absolutely fantastic bike to ride. Incredibly easy to work on too. I've had my Tiger 900 now for coming up on 2 years in June and have taken it off pavement to the High Steel Bridge up here in WA. It's one of the easiest bikes I've ridden given how low the weight sits. Very manageable if you begin to tip and pretty easy to lift. My one beef is having to take it into the dealership to get the maintenance code cleared since I do all my own work.
I adored my Versys 650 but it nearly ended my passion for riding because of how often I dropped it, and how badly taking it into the mountains ended. That was the trip that landed me in the ER with a concussion. It's an incredibly fun bike, but its so fricken top heavy and so unwieldy when you come to a stop if you can't get your feet down. You've owned one. I'm sure you know what I mean. If Kawasaki redesigned it with the weight sitting low like on the Tiger, or G650GS, I'd absolutely jump at the chance to get another one.
Ramblings aside - Excellent video. All the bikes you named, are ones I wouldn't even recommend to a new rider in general. A lot of power, and very tall seat heights can be pretty intimidating. Throttle control is so important and it's risky to dive straight into a bike that has the high potential of getting away from you. Thanks as always, for continuing to contribute valuable knowledge. Stay safe!
What do you think of the Harley Davidson Panamerica, Ducati Dessert X, and Multistrada?
Absolutely agree with every bike on this list! Start small and light and work your way up as desired.
I had a CRF 250L for a short stint. Awesome beginner bike! So would the CRF 300L or Rally. Reliable and can go off and on road.
I owned a small dirt bike as a teenager and then a Honda CB750 for several years in the mid 70s (just pavement with this one of course ). I didn’t own or ride a bike from 1977 until 2024 when I bought a Tenere 700. I was mostly interested in riding off road but nothing too crazy. I was somewhat intimidated at first but quickly gained confidence and after 5000 plus miles I am super happy that I bought that bike. Granted I’m not a first time rider but it had been an awfully long time. I am 6’ 1” tall so the height of the T7 wasn’t an issue (like everyone I have dropped the bike multiple times doing stuff I shouldn’t have). Just offering my two cents…
Not surprised at all with the T7 choice and I own one lol not great for short riders off-road because it does carry its weight pretty high so when the going gets slow she becomes very tippy, if your tall not as big of an issue but I’m 5’7” and can say if your short like me, not the best on tight slow technical terrain
I have a question in regards to the tenere. I myself haven't ridden one but got to sit on one. I am 6'7" and can flat foot the tenere with a Lil bend in my knees still. (I know lack of beginner aids is still a factor) so I was curious do you think as a new rider who is tall and strong enough to handle the weight is the tenere still a poor choice?
Great vid and solid logic. I rode a little bit at about 14, then almost none til age 63. I "started" then with an 11 year old KLR 250, then bpight a new Versys X300, then a 9 year old Husaberg FE390 (for real off road work and the western 2/3 of the TransAmerica Trail). Then a Vstrom 650XT for trips and very light gravel roads, - I stil own and ride the last three. Nothing helped me learn as much as riding 250 lb bikes... Jeep trails, rocky mountain passes in Colorado and Moab, UT. For anyone seeing this - take Dork's advice - you'll be a better rider, learn more quickly and be safer. I'm finishing the eastern 1/3 of the TAT on the Versys X300 and have learned to really appreiate lighter weight bikes everywhere but on longer trips on pavement (where the Vstrom shines!). Pick the right tool for the job and be honest about your skill levels. You'll have WAY more fun. I'm 76 and still riding - hope to finish the TAT this year. Ther older I get, the more I love lighter bikes. Thanks again, Dork, for a very useful, practical video.
As an ex GSA rider I have to agree with the content fully. I bought my GSA to ride on the road as I have minor knee and hip issues and it was by far the most comfortable bike out there. I have a few years of off road experience as well as many years of MTB experience and, even as a fairly experienced off roader, the only one of these bikes I would use for proper off road adventure would be the 700 Tenere. I have taken my GSA off the paved roads a few times but that was mainly for a short cut or where my sat nav had a brain fart! These were little more than fire roads and one forest track which was dry and firm, if a little rocky. People see the advertising videos and think they are an off road god because they have a fancy bike - which is why the second hand market is so buoyant! Great video and very carefully considered.
Hi from Mexico !! Im 57, and has past 35 after I ride and own a motorcycle and I bought on March 2024 an old R1200 GS Adventure 2007. From that date i add 17,000 kilometers to odometer and last week I made a 100 Km off road route. Not very techical road but with few river cross. I made it. Lets say it was some kind easy but the key is not exceed your riding capacities. Still a buch of things to learn and practice related to off road roads but im happy with my GS. Im pretty sure it will be more fun riding a smaller bike like a DR650 or an old XR500, I understand your point for catalog all that big bikes to be avoided by beginers but some time, like me, I bought the bike I can afford at that moment cause it was a bargain and was a no brainer offer ( 3K USD ) for almost mint condition motorcycle, so, I decide to learn all that I can on that GS
Hey Ben just bought a set of Wayfair tires for my 300 rally & was wondering if I can use the stock tubes or do I need a new set of tubes as well?? Thanks.....
The only brand new bike I ever bought…. Triumph 800 XCA, beautiful!
Electrical issues, new wiring loom, alarm problems, top heavy, cuts out at low revs….
Sold in within 12 months.
Broke my heart!
(Now ride a ‘95 Dr650 and adore it).
I began on T7 as a first timer four years ago. My experience is that the no frills T7 is a bonus. You don't get distracted with electronics settings. I'm tall, 6f2, so the hight was not an issue for me.
Having ridden a T7 for two years, but GS etc for over 50 years before, I love mine. This may sound mean, but it’s not intended to be. If you have 30 inch legs, basketball or adv riding may not be your thing? Sure you can do both but?? As far as rider aids goes - my opinion is they get in the way and are expensive to fix when they break. To me, learning on a bike with no rider aids is the way to go. Then, you know how to ride.
I’m new to dual sporting and I find sand unpleasant and soft sand difficult. The dirt bikes seem to do much better in it. Is it the weight of the wr250r that doesn’t like the sand ?
Awesome video! People always have their.. interesting.. opinions but keep your channel true like thus far.
Some very good advice here. I live in Tanzania and spend a fair bit of time off road. To do so, I use either my Africa Twin CRF1000, or my KTM 890 Adventure R. The KTM is capable, but the 690 would be a better choice. The AT is a beautiful ride, and great for getting to the start of the off road, but off road it just does not match up.
Totally agree with you. I started on a KTM 1190 and it has been a steep learning curve. It’s big, it’s heavy, it fast AF.
T7 AND Dr650. Best of both worlds to me. I pick one or the other based on what my ride is, how many hwy miles, will there be any single track, how many miles am I doing today, etc.... I started with the DR then got the T7 about 3 years later because i wanted a bike with longer freeway legs. Love them both.....could not pick one over the other if i could only keep one. So for me....its BOTH!
Couldn’t agree more on your list. We saw a bunch of guys on the TET with GSs and one Super Tenere. They were even older than us (we’re 60s) and bikes were muddy but the Yamaha is massive. The T7 is super tall and just not for me. My steed: a 690 Enduro R “adventurised”. Light, skinny, powerful and super frugal on gas. That bike is with an old buddy in the US and at home in the UK I bought a 701 and have modified it to my needs. My 890 is up for sale!
After a 40-year break in riding, I wanted a light-ish dual sport. Was lucky to find a modified DR650 in the net. It has a titanium muffler and a lithium battery. It's handy and nimble in all circumstances and as a skinny old-timer I can just about pick it up. Wouldn't change it for a heavier one for all the money in the world.
I am an inexperienced rider who just bought a 2001 BMW F650GS. I didn't want an anemic, playground toy for a first bike but also knew I was not ready for anything past 650/750 cc's. I don't ride off road at all at the moment, but for a first bike in general, this thing is incredible. forgiving suspension, easy to work on and maintain, pretty well known for bulletproof reliability (save for fork seals and water pump issues). Pretty huge aftermarket support, even now after 20+ years. They made a ton of these bikes in this generation, like 100k or something over the 6 years, and they can be had for 2500-3500 for a really nice example. Mine is pretty roached, and I bought it in running condition for the price of a box of parts.
If anyone wants to get into serious ADV riding, I'd throw my weight behind this bike. It's a great machine. I know it's not the point of this video, but for any other noobs out there who want to know what they SHOULD get, this is my recommendation to my fellow squids.