WOW. Great vid. I'm a 72yr young biker. Totally agree with what your saying. Owned numerous bikes over the years. Watched the price of bikes go thru the roof!! I've solo toured across the US and Canada numerous times. 95% on pavement. My fav bike was a 76 BMW, R75/6. ZERO electronics on it. Even kept the original points/condenser ignition system. This was before the internet, GPS, and cell phones. All I had was a road map tucked in the top of my tank bag! Owned that BMW for 26 yrs. ZERO problems. Was forced to sell due to a career change. Felt like I sold my soul. One thing I've learned is: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The more complexity, the more weight, the more repairs, the more drama. Keep your bikes, and your life simple. Ride safe everyone.
exactly why I'm not completely satisfied with my vfr800 from 2016. so much electronics, luckily I can take my mom's cbr600f from 1993 for a ride sometimes, since my parents stopped driving couple years ago. I am actually looking to get a original cbr250 from the early 90's for fun rides. the vfr will stay for commute
I totally agree. I went from a KTM 950 Adventure to a DR650. For difficult terrain the weight and simplicity of the DR made it a much better bike for remote areas touring than the KTM.
I took a KTM 990 DAKAR from Shetland islands 16,000km to Western Sahara and back. I met a guy from the UK riding a HONDA C90. He left me for dust on the sand and tracks. He would go wherever he wanted, I had to play it safe as getting stuck on a 200kg bike without luggage wasn't an option. I returned years later on a Honda CRX125. A perfect all round bike, remember sight seeing is best done under 60mph. Don't get sucked in, this guy speaks the truth.
@@danielnewcombe8865 hi it's just me, Ernie, putting my 10 pence worth in. Australia sounds like a good place for a desert motorbike adventure. Do you do much biking out there?
If you watch the queen of motorcycle adventures, Itchy Boots, you realize that a heavy motorcycle can be a huge problem when the road gets really rough and slippery, like deep mud.
Three thoughts as a 1250GSA rider who has been “adventure” riding for 20+ years: 1) I started touring on an XR650L. When I was pretty broke as a young man it was a bike I could afford! It could go anywhere and I paid $2500 for a very well kept and modified one. It was much more affordable than my $20k+ GSA. It was also lighter. It was also worse in every other way than the GSA except on tight single track. It was slow, vibey, top heavy, got worse gas mileage, sucked at any speed over 70mph, was a pain on long straight days, would overheat, couldn’t carry much weight, etc. I later bought a KLR650 because it was supposedly better for “adventuring” which really just means carrying things on the highway, you know, touring, lol. It was a pretty terrible bike as well. 2) Agree with your 2% comment. Turns out to go on long trips you may want to be able to take a highway potentially a long way before getting to your “adventure” track. I can take my GSA 500-1000 miles on the highway extremely comfortably, THEN when I get to the area I want to explore can hop off road…. And guess what, the GSA is pretty great off-road at least for me. I’ve taken lots of courses and practice and it’s well balanced, reliable, and not actually that much heavier than a fully loaded down KLR650. Having 140hp on tap is GREAT for the ride there, and the ride modes work great for off-road. The GSA is perfect on the ride there and good on the “adventure” roads. It’s a true Swiss Army knife. 3) You generalized people…I’m 6’4” 215lbs with a 36” inseam. I simply don’t fit on smaller bikes, I’ve tried, it just doesn’t work to have your knees hitting your elbows on most bikes when you’re turning the handlebars :) All in, ride what you want, where you want, any trip is an adventure bike. I owned a Hayabusa and that thing was super fun, and a decent touring bike, but it was a pretty terrible “adventure” bike. I’m not an “adventurer” but I do ride an “adventure” bike, simply because it’s the best bike for the job and for my size and I’m fortunate enough to have enough resources to pay cash for it.
I ride a 2018 1200 GS in Brazil every single day and I never had any issues with it whatsoever. It does it all. I had a Tiger 800 and it had a higher center of mass so it would be much more inefficient in daily traffic and the heat from the engines is something else. GS's are swiss knifes indeed.
Here in India, there is a strong message reminding tourers that, "any bike you have can tour" I've toured a lot of countries, and one thing i learned... weight supercede everything else. A 300-500 cc engine bike on a reliable platform with ground clearance and proper tires, will do wondrous on adventure than any other bigger bikes.
Here people buy gs and tigers just for show, and the reality is that they never go off the road just bcos of the pricey parts, even they don't have the guts to tour a 1250 bcos they don't have time
Vast majority of adventure bike owners never go off road. If they do go “off road” it is down a dirt road - a road that most standard bikes can easily go down. Want to regularly go down dirt roads, put a different set of tires on it. Want to really go off road, buy a cheap dirt bike and have fun.
Yeah but you can't realistically do multi-day/multi-week travel or any kind of long distance travel for that matter, on a dirt bike now can you? - That's where adventure bikes come in. They do well on mid to hard offroad, depending on which bike we're talking about, they do well on roads, on highways, on high altitudes/low oxygen, in all weather, all terrain and all climates, extremely hot or extremely cold, summer or winter, they allow you to carry a normal amount of luggage and even tools with you, they allow you not having to worry or panic about running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere because they cover 6 to 9 times larger distances compared to a dirt bike or an enduro bike (30-45 miles vs 300-350 miles), they are (in general) engineered to be way, way, way more reliable and so on and so forth... Long story short, there's a reason why adventure bike segment exists... Because It's just sad that so many bike manufacturers are taking advantage of it and have turned to capitalistic profiteering and greed clownery...
@@nogerboher5266 are you sure about that? So you are going to "hard offroad" with big bike for huge distances? That's b.s. You will be going along gravel roads, trails or alike and looking for most smooth and ridable surface possible. Or will bring camera team along to film few amazing shots in desert or dried lake. Don't fool yourself or us.
@@shambu2012 So far, over the past few years, I did 74,000 (+/-) kilometers out of a total of approx. 88,000 km (or 106,000 kilometers if you count in hard sections) of TET (Trans Euro Trail), which consists out of approx. 30-35% paved backroads, paved forest and country roads and some minimal highway riding - and approx. 65-70% offroad riding, out of which approx. 30% were medium to hard offroad routes - and over the past few years, I did those trips all year round, depending on the year I went on the trips, meaning anytime from January to December, from Spring to Winter, through dozens of different countries and multiple different climate zones, 17 different terrain types, 7 different paved road types and 9 different unpaved road types, through mountain dirt paths on altitudes of 1,700m and higher all the way down to muddy forest valley riding and crossing deeper river paths, through everything from sunshine and thunderstorms all the way to pretty snow paths and dirty ice roads... Point is, I'm not fooling anyone, I'm just giving out advice. And if you look at the hardest sections of TET, those are usually found around northern and southeastern Europe, with mutual agreements on France, Italy and Croatia having the most technical roads of all countries, roads which get pretty fuckin hard to ride even for very experienced riders, all the way even to extreme levels, depending on weather and time of year you're riding them... And guess what the most used bikes are for the Balkan region, Italy and France?! Most of the images posted on TET groups on ovaer different social media channels such as Facebook, different forums and so on, are riders with Africa Twins, VStroms and Transalps aka. adventure bikes with histories dating back to the very beginning of ''adventure riding.''
@@shambu2012 i mean, i cant see why someone willth skill can do that. It wont be as comfy as a dirtbike for offroading but its not impossible and you dont have to talk down to them to make yourself feel better
Okay, so? That means there's an entire market of people who need a road bike that can handle dirt so they make adventure bike for them and dirt bikes for you. Everybody's happy.
Bikes like the GS1200 are equivalent to a Range Rover with low profile tyres, which in UK get called a 'Chelsea Tractor' ( Chelsea is a very posh area of London ) and those massive 4X4 never go off tarmac and may never even leave London. You have to be mad or brave to take a 600lb bike off the tarmac, so what happens is that to find a GS1200 you go to local bikers cafe where the owner will be drinking Cappuccino...
@@occashares That cafe is never gonna be more than a few metres from a tarmac road.... Adventure bike may A55, the only adventure is paying BMW service bills.
The motorcycle industry is just another example of the big marketing strategy that moved from the "what" to "why". They convince you about a dream or an idea and make you think their product is the only way to achieve it...take the example of gopro camera ads: big advertisement of the adventure etc...but people end up buying them and use them in the swimming pool recording their kids. The truth is: if you want to live somethjng you have to work on your inner self only...once you master it then any tool becomes handy and doable for your self expression...and never the other way around...
@davids.1126 buying a dream is the result of either being unable to dream or unable to work on realising a dream...instant gratification addiction is buying = fulfilling....the real achievement is the hardwork to move from a wishful thinking to actually doing.. and it is never easy...
@RoadDogSteve and the wish to be part of something..which means being with your ownself is not fulfilling and you need constant validation...really sad way of living
You just made me even happier with my nice simple, mechanically robust Suzuki DRZ400E. I live in Australia, where off road is easy to access (sometimes even hard to avoid). I look at others on those huge adventure bikes and I feel that my medium sized unstoppable yellow bike was a great choice.
I was thinking of a Honda XL dual sport, but the Suzuki DR series works, too. They're small, nimble with a high power to weight ratio. They're rugged as hell, and easy to fix with basic tools.
I have a 2006 Intruder M800. Only has 55 horsepower. Some friends of mine were going on an "adventure" ride and I said I wanted to join. They all had €30k adv bikes and they said they were going to go off road. That's fine I said. My Intruder has a shaft drive. One of them got a snapped chain, two dropped their bikes and needed help getting them up. I had no problem keeping up with their 120 horsepower bikes. The only service my bike needs is oil and coolant service. And brakes off course. But that's it. It's fuel injected and starts like a champ. They all looked down on me, but none of them would admit I had as much, if not more fun then they did. Just a bunch of snobs with more money than brain 😅
Suzuki M series are underestimated in general I have a Boulevard 400, which is the same Boulevard M109 with half size engine, but has enough punch for most Asian road anyway.
Just wanted to add to the topic. Last year I was in Iceland on my 650 honda, and I could go literally anywhere despite having luggage on. On the same hand, I met a lot of people on BMW GS's which when we spoke, they also admitted that because of the bike of their choosing they just physically cannot travel to the places that I did because of couple of factors. Those being the weight of the motorcycle, the lack of strength to pick them up repeatedly and when they would break down, they just couldn't repair them themselves. On the other hand, with my limited experience, I didn't drop my bike even once, I memorized my service book to be able to do almost all my repairs on the road, I packed super lightly, which my friends couldn't believe, when they saw how little stuff I took, and I prepared the bike before the trip so I made sure that everything is up for the task. Knowing this, knowing my needs as a rider, I would never pick a heavy motorcycle because it's just not made for the type of lightweight go anywhere type of adventure I prefer. And as you said, I also when traveling back home, met the same guys that came with me on the ferry, and were just sad, because they did not go where they wanted and I was kind of bummed that when I showed them my footage and photos they just felt like they've been scammed, because they just did not visit and could not visit those places because of the bikes they've chosen. Thank you, and take care Miles!
I have a honda nx 650 dominator custom build from 1995, I have a walkaround video on my YT, but it's basically an XR650L very similar @@laurentvenet2758
I think you need to define how and where you're travelling. For example, you can tour the Cameroon on paved roads or via muddy tracks. My brother toured much of the world back in the 1990s on the original F650. When he eventually came home he said if he was to do it again he would take a Honda 125 because it's the most you need most of the time, parts are everywhere, every country can fix it and if the worst comes to the worst you just throw it away and buy another one!!! The Honda 125 Trail would be perfect. However, if you need to mount the kerb at your local supermarket then you definitely need a fully loaded GS Adventure.
I had the BMW F650 for 20 years and crossed North America three times on it. On pavement I found it too small quite often and remember the day I upgraded to a 900 cc bike… One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would rather pedal a bicycle across the US than ride it on a Honda 125😮
Off road in Africa/parts of South America, I agree - 125cc is perfect, as long as you carry very minimal gear. But in North America? No. Too many high speed highways to get to/between off road sections.
My T7 1) takes me to work, 2) takes me on scenic back roads, 3) takes me to the off road vehicle park. It does all of these things extremely well, and is an absolute joy to ride. Yes, when going off road, it is only a matter of time before it ends up on the ground. That is why I don't go off road alone. More fun to ride with a buddy anyway. Totally understand and agree with the topic, Free Miles MC - so many people need to hear this. Thank you and I think your red Yamaha is a cool bike!!!!
Definitely feel like the T7 and the rest of its segments are the limit. Anything bigger is a styling exercise the smaller ADV bikes are super underrated for their tour and trail potential. But a dual sport is the real round the world bike.
How’s it do on the highway and twisty roads ? Do you ever bring a passenger? I’m looking to sell my drz and get a T700. I want a bigger bike that will be smoother for the road. I find my self in fire road and leaving the single track behind these days. I like riding canyons, fore roads, camping off the bike. I have so much beautiful riding here on the California/Nevada border. The drz doesn’t cut it with a passenger or on the road.
@@kyjelly5524 1) highway - great, plenty of power and just heavy enough to be stable 2) twisty roads - it goes around corners , but nothing like my sportbikes did 3) passenger? No.... have not hauled a passenger yet. I'm comfortable on the bike for about 1.5 hours, I'd imagine a passenger would be comfy for about 20 to 30 minutes. 90% of my rides are 45 min. or less
@@phatsmitty thank you. Man I did over 200 miles or gravel roads, twistys this weekend lol. If I had a more comfortable bike I would do more. The drz wears me out at that point.
To each his/her own…. I bought a new Triumph Tiger 900 Rally in 2021 and since have finished 3 BDR routes, the Continental Divide Route, and made it to the Arctic Ocean via Tuktoyaktuk in addition to crossing the US coast to coast. Not once have I regretted purchasing this size or style of bike and I love the “adventures” I have had. I came to the 900 after almost 20 years on a BMW 650 that just felt too small more often than too big. If someone is lured into thinking they are Pol Terres or Chris Birch by the marketing clips they’ve got much bigger problems - A man’s gotta know his limitations!! BTW - I’m over 60 years old and consider myself an average skilled rider. I do try to ride smart though and do not venture off-road alone…
I’m all for honesty and truth in advertising and the media. When bone heads cannot distinguish fantasy from reality the world becomes a dangerous place
You have to admit, u bought just the right size adventure bike. Out of the top brands.. the 900 tiger doesn't feel top heavy, and the seat height is perfect..plenty of suspension, and priced right. BMW GS, on the other hand... way overrated, and priced.
I don't think you're an average rider. You 'graduated' from that 650 knowing very well what you were getting into, so in my book that makes you well in the top 20-10% of riders.
Great explanation. I have a 1250 gsa which I did the complete Idaho bdr and I'm taking my 890 adv r to death valley in 2 days solo. If you enjoy the trip to the dirt and want to explore and have confidence in your skills then a mid level adv is perfect
Totally agree with everything you mentioned. If you have 2 identical bikes but one is lighter, it is always going to be better, especially if it's used off-road. It will be easier to control, less fatiguing. Just imagine trying to handle a 1250 GS at 268 kg in mud. It is a marketing scam, and your video proves that. Well done!
I'm looking at a second bike, and the new RE Himalayan with 40 ponnies is looking really good. It even has ride-by-wire! I'll decide in a few months after tax time between this and a Honda CB500X/NX500.
"All these points resonate with me completely. I've mentioned them many times in discussions with motorbike enthusiasts, and I get the impression that most people believe that by buying a Yamaha Tenere or a KTM, suddenly, as if by magic, they'll become the next Pol Tarres or Adam Raga. This is the reason why, for so many years, they haven't taken the plunge. Now, everyone thinks we'll conquer the mountains. That was the issue."
I think the first question before someone takes these bikes off-road is if they are physically able to handle them. I can pick my T7 up dozen times, but im 193cm, 100kg. Second is how comfortable are they with dropping it, because it WILL happen and something gets broken. And third to either if they are willing get some proper training and practice technique. T7 is pretty easy to ride off-road once you know the basics of riding and it's a lot of fun seeing what these big bikes are capable of. But people should be realistic about their ability, either physical or technical.
@@kysakexpress Why are many motorcyclists overweight? I always like to do some trekking along the way to get some exercise. I always ride in my hiking boots.
(1) I think people very often don't understand what means to use a lot of strength. Anyone who goes to gym understands this. For example, once you did your squats set, you're done for the day. No matter what you do for the rest of the day (even if you take a nap), you're done. The same with motorcycle lifting. If you lift it couple of times, you're done for the day. You will be tired, harder to concentrate, paying less attention to environment, etc. Big amount of muscles used close to the maximum power exerts the body immediately, and makes your brain go into power saving mode. This is dangerous.
I just noticed it today again (and actually on a regular basis). Went to the gym for leg day, jumped into my car and went to the supermarket. Forgot half the things I wanted to buy and parts of the ride to the supermarket I was not focused on traffic. Doesn´t happen to me on off days.
Yep, my VStrom 650 is lovely 🥰 around town, highway, and down the several km of dirt road where I live. I’d ride around Australia (where I live) or any other developed country. I can choose to stay on good roads in these countries. I am a good off road rider and can take my tank of a bike places it shouldn’t go. But no way in hell am I going anywhere near tricky stuff away from help, especially in a far off land. Tipping it over could break my leg. Could break the bike. And could be in an awkward spot that is impossible to extract from without considerable backup. Personally I’d choose a bike around 250 to tour on, the exact bike would be, as mentioned, something ubiquitous in the area I’m traveling.
@@DavidKD2050 when I get to take my wife’s XT250 out for a ride, it makes me brave! It feels like a mountain bike with a little motor after coming off my big bike. It’s arguably more fun, especially keeping it revving high and just letting it rip.
I've usually always bought adventure bikes in the 10K Euro range and never go offroad. I buy them regardles, because of their straight seating position, their comfortable suspension settings and their error forgivingness when going in and out of potholes and speed bumps, and unpaved roads INSIDE the city. (living in Turkey, due to these reasons, adv bikes seem to be a good choice.) Living in Germany for example, I would 110% get a sport tourer or perhaps a maxi scooter.
You can ride around the world on a 500cc anything. People have been off road riding and touring on old modified road bikes since ww11. Japanese bikes from the 80's and 90's are built well and still supported around the world today. Modern adventure bikes are too heavy, tall, and powerful.
Maybe, if you’re weak and short. Look, you can ride around the globe on the Honda C90 if you want to but will it carry all your gear? Will it do the speeds/miles you need to do? If all you want to do on a single ride is hit the trails etc, buy a dirt bike and chuck it on your truck. But, if like many of us, we might ride 300 miles to catch up with mates before travelling for days off road with all the gear that entails. That’s what ADV bikes are for. I have stacks of bikes, at least one for any occasion. You ride what is best to meet your needs for that ride. Many of you don’t have the money to be able to do that so you buy one or maybe two bikes to try and cover all. I get it. Doesn’t stop me enjoying mine.
You have the wisdom of an elder👍. I am a 65 year old dude riding a single cylinder aircooled, carburetor Honda CB125e. They built millions of those honda 125cc engines and there are very cheap to repair and get spare parts. Super easy DIY fixable in the bush. Put 50/50 Tyres on it and built DIY Leg crash bars and improved small baggage frame for soft saddle bags on back. The bike has only 10HP , weighs only 120kg, as heavy as myself for 1.90m dude, but is such an incredible reliable little donkey with best cruising speed around 65-75km/hr.at 2.5ltr/100km. Traveling 35-45 km/hr on loose gravely country roads is already fast enough!!! if you do not want to crash every 200m. So why buy a BMW 310 or 650 if you cant ride safely anyway more than above mentioned safe speeds. BMW are good as commuters. However for real world adventure, camping, fishing,hunting exploring. Those large Adventure bikes are definitly an unneccessary overkill, too powerfull and cost too much to buy and run. My bike new on the road 2 years ago was 1500€ in Australia. Thanks again for having the guts to talk about this. 🙏 Good luck and safe adventures.
I fully agree. I'm riding very fast machines on a highway and good roads, because I love the power, BUT I would never even consider to buy such a heavy nonsense marketing ADV bike and especially not for offroad. It's like those big heavy fancy SUV's with flat road tyres, the only use-case is to consume fuel.
Depends on the location too. Maybe in africa or asia or some parts of europe a 125 would be fine, but in the states unless you are strictly local and have local adventure spots, you will need to use the highway. And a bike that small will get you killed there. I'm sure there are better options for that like a dual sport with more powerful engine but not as heavy as ADV
I agree with you 100%. An adventure bike is ANY bike you take for a ride. As kids we took 40 year old two strokes to places they were absolutely not designed for and we had stupid fun. And as for the unrealistic videos, even Pol Tarrés takes weeks of controlled environment training to shoot minutes of breathtaking clips. So I say, grab what you have, put knobies on it if you want and have fun. Just know your limits. Those will usually be way lower than the limits of your bike :)
This is one of the most honest and truthful videos on this subject. I recently bought a 2012 BMW f650gs for $1,500, then fixed a few things that needed repair, bought engine crash bars, panniers (Givi,) Michelin Anakee Adventures, and changed out the heavy lead battery and regulator for a lithium battery making the bike less top heavy. In total, I spent about $4,500 in total on the bike, and this thing is like new. It already had a skid plate and top box (Vario) and I could not be happier with the Givi's. I have taken it off road on gravel, small rocks, and sand and it did fine. I don't need any more power than this has, and I bring gear like my tent, chairs, stove, etc. and this bike is all I need. It doesn't have fancy electronics, but I don't need it. It's simple and easy to maintain, and very easy to handle. Thanks for saying what many of us want to say.
I bought a 2004 F650GS some years back. It needed a lot of small repairs and a few time consuming ones. But when I was finished it was in excellent shape. It came with factory panniers and top box. I put more aggressive tires on it the second year and go on dirt back roads all the time. It’s a keeper.
Here in Vietnam every bike is an ADV bike! I have a Honda CRF 150L, couple of my buddies on a Tiger 900 and the other on a CBX 500 can't keep up with me on trails in the Jungle. Great Video!
Ive done motorcycle touring on 1000cc and 250 cc bikes....the most fun i had was on my MZ 250, yup......took less crap and was better for it too. Its just a whole marketing trick to convince you that you need more lights and gadgets you really don't need. Imagine dropping a bike that costs 12 grand plus, apart from trying to pick it up you then have to pay for the damage. Others have mentioned on other threads here that touring is the journey, the sights, the memories and the people you meet along the way.
I would like to recommend the channel of "itchy boots". Noraly, a young woman is travelling the world with motorcycle for 7 years now. All by herself. Started in India with a royal enfield Himalaya. to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia. By ship to Oman, to Emirates. By ship to Iran, then through all central asia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Caucasus, Turkey, Balkan, Netherlands. Then to Argentina for a tour to north canada. Had to stop in bolivia for Corona. Did a south Africa tour. Finished the Transamerikana tour. Is now on Africa tour. Started in Morocco down all of Westafrica, Nigeria, Kameroon, Congo, Angola, Sambia. Now with plane via Ethiopia to Madagascar for a one week site seeing... Updates about 2 times a week. She changed to a Honda since south africa tour.
You live in a created fantasy. Ppl would faster steal a car than a bike especially if you're "riding around town". Yes every type of vehicle gets stolen but i have yet to see a bike in motion get stolen😂
This is a much needed discussion. The man speaks the truth of many valid issues of a big bike's enormous cost, the many dangers of a heavy bike, the costly repairs and the staggering depreciation that a long journey will do to one's bike. Thank you!
Totally agree - look at “Itchy Boots” - she tours the world on a 300cc Honda and it’s perfect for the job. Big adventure bikes are really just rebadged road tourers - it’s image over reality.
I hired a Honda CRF300 and toured Northern Thailand. It was so much fun. Light and powerful enough for those tight switchbacks and trails. Also fast enough to keep up with traffic on the bussy dual carriage ways. 70mph all day. 😊
I can agree to many aspects. However, if you are getting older, you might also prefer the relaxed higher seat, knee angle and suspension comfort such a bike offers. And it has not to be that expensive either: I am very happy with my used BMW F700 GS!
I agree completely if you can find comfort on that motorcycle for a long trip. Some of us, however, can only manage a couple hours. I love the weight and nimbleness of your bike, but the seat is just too narrow for me unless I lean over the bars like a sportbike and push my butt almost to the pillion.
@@williambutler3630 On my KLX I fitted a Corbin custom seat, an inch lower and 2 inches wider than the original Kawasaki seat. I must say though, I still got a sore ass after around 3 hours. I angled the bars and levers for easy standing up, and if on a long journey it's not unusual for me to ride a couple of miles standing, to give my ass a rest. It's also great for airflow through the various vents in my clothing, which is super handy here in Borneo :)
I have a used single cylinder f650gs. I rode it from where I live in Michigan to where my dad lives in Texas. Its about 1500 miles, or 2400 km. It was a comfortable ride and the bike never skipped a beat. Just this week I explored some trails near my house and the bike did great. It probably would have been better on a 250cc dirtbike, but I could never have traveled 1500 miles on one of those. I think the 650 is the perfect solution for someone who only wants to own one bike. It is light and nimble enough to be fun off road, and sporty enough to be fun in the twisties while being comfortable enough for touring. I personally don't see any false advertising, only people with false expectations.
I agree 100%. I bought a 2018 Africa Twin brand new, spent another $2k on bars, and bags. Went out on a 2k mile trip through the deserts of California and Arizona. That bike was SO miserable to ride. I almost left it in Az. I couldn’t sit on that POS for more than two hours. It was constantly in the shop for electrical gremlins, and when I did take it off road. I was so terrified to drop my $17k bike. I couldn’t enjoy myself. I recently picked up a used Vstrom 650 XT for a song and a dance. It does exactly what I need it to do. It’s given me zero problems, and I don’t care if I drop it.
Kinda surprised to hear that! I think the sit up and beg riding style would kill my back and i'd be terrified of dropping the thing if I owned one, but they're still a beautiful bike. Would still own one if I could keep more than one bike.
@@srhintz what exactly is your point? I just did 9k miles on my 650 versys which is comparable to the vstrom. And 2.5k of that I had a passenger. Was very comfortable. I love my versys
100% I was watching a local (Australian) UA-cam channel, where a heap of guys went on an organised ride. There were more than a few riders with minimal riding skills and amongst those were ones who had bought Africa Twins, a Ducati Multistrada, a big V-Strom and so on. They went to one place which had a gravel driveway going down to a building. Three of the unskilled and somewhat overweight riders had to get others to ride their bikes back up and out the driveway because they'd dropped, fallen off or just lacked any confidence at negotiating such a simple task. They had bought bikes that were effectively 'bitten off more than they could chew'. They bought the dream of adventure that they will probably never achieve.
Agreed! In our opinion get a bike you can handle. The lighter the better for offroad. If you are riding in difficult terrain and you are a small person, tired after a long trip, you will not be able to pick a big motorcycle up alone, if it falls. No method will help.
Thank you - for the honesty to point out some realities. In the countless travel videos I've watched, you are the first one I've seen mention that bikes are essentially trashed/totaled/ruined by dirty off-pavement trips. Every time I see a video going North to the arctic via the Dalton or Dempster Highways, I ask myself, "Would I trash my bike/Jeep just for THAT scenery?". Going off-pavement, I ALWAYS think in terms of what I call the 'effort to scenery ratio' ... and ask myself, "Is that scenery worth the effort/price/risk?". You forgot to mention that Adventure bike marketers hire the BEST/TOP riders in the world for those advertising stunts; those skills were developed over a lifetime, including hospitalizations. Occasionally, I hear it said that the TOP/BEST riders can ride any bike (in any condition). That suggests to me that the electronic riding aids are seen/used as a crutch for/by those lacking such top riding skills ... and who think that their $money$ (for electronic riding aids) will overcome the skills that they lack. Despite countless videos outlining 'the Unicorn' travel/adventure bike, I see most bike offerings ignoring the requisite parameters (many of which you covered, too) ... instead offering heavier, more useless, but profitable, models for adventure riding. I think that the 'adventurer', challenging 'nature', is actually challenging God ... about THE MOST STUPID thing a human can do! Thanks, again ... for saying what needs to be said.
Thanks for the apretiation. The loss of value can be fixed by taking a bike there that can not Fall in value anymore. I have put my Yamaha xj through 40000 Kilometers and some quite ruff stuff. But a 500 Euro motorcycle can not become any cheaper. Also at the Moment there Seem to be a lot super cheap bikes on eBay I actually bought a second xj because of that. Somthing seems to be up with the market. Maybe I should make a video about that☺️
Did the Dempster last year- friggin epic!!! 45 days on the road camped out 30+ days, had good weather, bad weather and everything in between. No harm to my bike. Trip of a lifetime!! Just like the guy says- what you see/get in the videos is not see/get in real life…
I rode in my 20s and in my 50s i started riding again. The adventure bike immediately caught my mind. The harley crowd was calling to me as well and for once in my life I could afford it. I almost got a GS 1200, but after riding it the search continued. A 650 vstrom won the day and I have and love it still. It has not proven to be a comfortable nor confident off road bike. I'd seen many videos of vstroms doing gnarly stuff. I now have a 300L and I'm looking for more off road exploring with almost equal comfort. I agree with this video!
Beautifully done. The world is full of people trying to separate us from our money by selling an image. I see these bikes here in my neighborhood……in Florida! Hell, I can’t find a single track mountain bike trail since I moved here from Tennessee! I have no idea where these folks are going. Too high, too heavy, too expensive. You nailed it brother!
I can see the logic in most of your video, but it's not going to make me sell my 2023 R1250 GS. The amount I would use it on surfaces other than sealed road (probably only 5%), make it the perfect bike for me. Comfort and touring capability with the ability to go offroad when I want to are extremely important to me - it's knowing that the adaptability is there when I need it. All that power - well, not as much as the Multistrada or KTM in the same range, but I don't have to downshift to overtake because of all of the torque. Also, the weight has a very low center of gravity because of the positioning of the boxer engine - a huge advantage over other bikes in a similar category such as the Tiger 1200. Low speed maneuvering is also much better than other bikes in this class. I understand and appreciate what you are saying, but for my purpose, I have the perfect bike. This is my seventh bike, so I'm no noob.
He does contradict a lot of what he says in this video. Obviously a small dual sport is more capable off road, we all know that. But he also says that the vast majority of an adventure ride is going to be on pavement, that is why these big adventure bikes are much more suited to the road. No one is buying a GS if their only plan is to do hardcore off roading. A dual sport would be better for someone who’s doing mostly off road with small stretches of pavement. And while you could use a sport tourer to do a lot of the off road an ADV comes across, they are also expensive and there’s less protection items you can put on and more easily breakable fairings so you’ll tank the value of an ST quicker taking it off road. People buying second hand ADV bikes are going to expect some scratches.
He's not saying it's a bad bike, he only means that the marketing makes people believe that big adventure bikes are good off-road bikes, and in reality they are not.
He's not trying to convince you to sell your big bike. He's trying to convince you that your big bike isn't really an adventure bike and will be next to useless on actual off road journeys.
Every bike we might buy today is a compromise, as bikes have become increasingly specialised in the last 20 years. I totally agree that many of the big 'adventure bikes' are too much of a compromise, due to their size and weight, and I suspect many are realising this now, leading to the rise in availability of 'middle-weight' ADV bikes. In this class the Aprilia Tuareg is a star, being very capable off-road, but is quite expensive in this country (Australia) and is a little 'stretched' on the hghway. I bought a Honda Transalp as a cheaper, and more road-orientated solution, for an 'all round bike', and honestly - 9,400 kms in, it is doing a decent job. Fortunately we have endless miles of dirt roads here, most of which, yes, could be ridden on a road bike, but the suspension travel of a mid-sized ADV bike (and 21" front wheel) is much more comfortable/practical in this setting. Then on the long-distance sealed road sections, the Transalp is quite capable at higher road speeds. There is no 'unicorn' bike for this purpose, and every offering is a compromise, but a bike like theTransalp is relatively inexpensive, not as heavy as the 1000 cc offerings, and if it falls over? Well, it didn't cost too much. I still have a very light, very fast Ducati road bike, but the Transalp is close to ideal as a less-specialised alternative, and I find myself taking it out the most. It is easy and capable at most things. A 250 - 300cc bike, while much better in tight off-road situations, just won't do the longer road miles as well. But your point of view is refreshing and honest, and offers an alternative to the adventure bike obsession that the marketing teams have exaggerated, and which in reality don't suit as many people as they pretend. Well done.
It all depends on what you like. Some people like fancy hotels, some like to rough it. There’s no arguing that if you want to do huge miles in a day a GS will be nicer than a xj6r
@@gypsymonk8229 I think that would be a separate category, we are talking about adventure traveling (industry). If you pull your bike with a car, that's a separate category. Also, if you were being sarcastic, I missed that.
Yes you are First of all Right but in the end the gs is not really keepibg up with the advertisment promises especially when it comes to Price and utilety
Haha yea I personally prefer station wagons for touring in a car as you just have more room and it’s easier to camp with. And also cheaper, took a Holden commodore through Australia
@@zweispurmoppedyea this is not true at all. I can’t tell if they’re being serious or pointing out that people wrongly think this way and say this kind of shit.
@@-MintyyI think maybe he means that adv bikes are the 2 wheeled equivalent of an SUV. They look like they're meant for offroad and have some offroad features but in reality they're just not. It's just the look.
I just finished watching this guy crossing the Trans America trail on a Honda CT 125 Trail bike. It doesn’t matter how much power your bike has when you are knee-deep crossing a river.
Regarding height, I've fitted a lowering kit on my KLX250S, so she's really low down now, as I also lowered the adjustable suspension and moved the forks to their limit. The result is I can easily put a foot down now, paddling through boggy stuff, and so far I've never had an issue with ground clearance. I don't use it for motocross jumping, just trail rides with panniers, top-box and a little windscreen. Wider, lower seat too, from Corbin.
The biggest issue with the design of adv bikes in my opinion is the size as it relates to most riders. I dont have this issue bc i am a big guy. I look like a bear on a a bicycle when i ride my Africa Twin. I added 3 inches to the seat and I can still flat foot it. This helps tremendously with off road riding. Ive been through deep water, in the air, and on some single track. 95 percent of my riding is on pavement. If money wasn't a constraint, I'd have a different bike for every situation.
I agree with almost every point you make, and especially about the nonsense of going off-road with an ADV. However, I switched from a sports tourer to an ADV myself 2 years ago, for 2 main reasons: 1) the suspension is typically better suited for the often "adventuresome" 50-shades-of-grey road conditions in southeast Europe (and many other countries); 2) creature comforts. The elevated riding position makes for a much more relaxed knee angle and upright torso, which is so much more comfortable on long hauls. Either way, my pick was a 2nd hand V-Strom 1000, which cost me some 6.3k and works perfectly fine as travel bike.
I totally agree with you. I have ktm 390adv for 4 years and my riding buddy has ktm790 adv. When we are on sand or mud or when it rains I always have to help him to lift his bike up.
Good points in your video. Modern adv bike are too heavy for hard off-road. However adv bike have some advantages over big sport tourers like bmw k1600: upright position, spoked wheels, suspension that works off-road better. That’s why most adv bikes are used as a tourers and never roll off of pavement. Clearance is important if riding on mountain passes, deep sand and mud. If dual sport had better wind protection and better highway capabilities I’d buy one in a heartbeat
I agree with you very much and a good example, I think, is Itchy Boots with her Honda Crf 350. Simple, light, enough power and no fancy gadgets. But Puck Futin.
That's a great bike but I imagine it would be miserable going on such a long tour on it - hours of motorways , skinny seat before you get to spots where it starts being useful.
I've got two bikes. A 1995 BMW R1100RT (owned from new), and a 2019 Honda CRF250 Rally. Sure, the BMW is the one to take if you're planning 900 km in a day, but the little Honda is just fine for 300-400 km, especially if you're going to stop and get off from time to time to look at the sights. The weather/wind protection is surprisingly good, and 110 km/h still feels like cruising. The seat gets a bit hard after two hours. You can get a comfier seat, but I haven't bothered. The RT will handle gravel roads (I live on one), but slower and a lot less fun than the 250.@@ByronWWW
Living in the uk I spend 50% of my time offroad on muddy gnarly gravel trails on my gs 1250. 22K last year. Yes I have to pick up my bike regularly but the beauty of the gs is that it can do both onroad and offroad comfortably. At the weekend I do ride my enduro bike maybe 100k on hard enduro trails , ktm 300exc. But only offroad, highway speed is definitely not comfortable. So for us lucky fortunate guys who aren't banned from offroading, do many miles a year ,the large adventure bikes definitely have their place.
I still like my little Royal Enfield Himalayan. No way could I be messing about with a monster GS Far too big and far too complicated for me. My friend has one he won't even take it down a muddy farm track for fear of it getting dirty haha!
I appreciate your wisdom on the “adventure” bikes. I was also turning my head sideways wondering how a big, high hp adv bike would be able to handle offroad. It didn’t make sense. I have a Harley for cruising, yet like your thoughts on the dual sport for offroad.
You are right. In the past people would just jump on DR 650 or XT500 or Africa Twin....and make trip around the world. Or....get some old 4 cylinders 600 and fit off road tyres. Protect it and slightly modify it and here you go....I had SV 650 before Hornet 600 and before that ...XJ 600 Diversion !!!😊 ps. Hornet is much easier to kick start than SV ! 😅
She can do it. Better than 900 Diversion. She is light and it's better chain for off road. I had 600...it's fun . It had rear chock from Drag Star 650....a bit longer. It was perfect. @chrishart8548
I ride one of the big ADVs (KTM 1050 Adventure) and apart from it being heavy as a mf it is very capable offroad. Much more so than any sports tourer. I'm from southern Germany and wanted to go to the Balkans this year but I'm thinking about doing a three to four week Norway tour instead. As far offroad as possible, equipped with a tent. I'll bet you that I'll bring my bike home safe and sound.
Ktms are synonym for off roading no wonder why you prefer it over other brands. I had lc 640A, loved that bike, and I'm still kicking my ass for selling it.
@@ApocGuy oh for sure. I always thought that I didn't care that much for brands as long as the bike's right and while that still holds true I fell in love with KTM. It can go fast if you need it to, it has great balance if you go slow and offroading with it is superb. I'll do an enduro training next month on a 1300GS. I sat on a 1250GS before but never ridden one so I'm looking forward to testing out the competition but honestly, I don't know how much better it can get than my KTM.
Great vid bud, spot on with your information, I've got an old suzuki dr350, gets me everywhere, on and off road, sure its not powerful, but its simple and easy to fix. Been scoffed at a few times by a couple of big adventure bike owners, but there you go! Keep up the vids 👍
Cheer up Buddy, why so negative? Riding bikes does not make sense at all. We do it just for fun. No commercial ever told me that I need an Africa Twin to ride around the world, but it can be done. This is proven by many, many happy riders all around the world. Everybody should ride the bike he feels good on. I know many people who are really happy on their big ADV bikes. I have participated in off road trainings and was amazed what is possible on a big ADV bike if you know how to. If the value of your bike after riding it is a concern, don't even start it. Put in in your garage and look at it. I don't want to argue on specific points I disagree here. I hope everybody enjoys many safe rides on whatever bike and I hope that you will find more joy in riding again soon (I see a negative trend in your videos and I doubt that this will help to grow your channel and make a career out of it). All the best!
I am Not disagreing with that those bikes can do amazing things. My Main Problem as clear in the Videos is the public Image and how they are presented in advertisment. Don’t worry the Channel will not go in a negative Direktion. Also many positive Videos to come
Most people who buy big adventure bikes will not take them on any road you couldn’t take any road bike on. They buy them for the comfort they afford and because in their eyes they look good. If you have any off-road skills and are planning a big adventure with unknown road conditions you will be looking for the lightest bike you can get away with. Rider controls won’t be on your list.
@danielk34 I can drop the AT and pick it up easily all day, but I'm a bigger guy. Great bikes for me as anything smaller is deeply uncomfortable over long distances
You are so very correct and accurate! That's why i still own my dr650. Often the new technology catches my attention but i go back to how much i adventure on my bike, can i see myself on a big expensive bike...and i go into my barn and find that i still love my classic dr650 and very happy with my decision to spend money on gear, my trips and good food rather than an expensive bike.
I feel the same, I wish I could buy a dakar rally type bike, 450cc 300lbs! That would be awesome. If you had to use an adv bike which one would you choose?
One of the most honest and valuable videos I`ve seen on youtube. I just subscribed to your channel. That means I don't know anything about this channel and its content. Just this particular video. Being said that, I guess the big brands won't give you their top of the line machines for you to review after watching this video?. LOL
No they won’t 😂😂. But I still review motorcycles sometimes. Most of the content is more about the experience of riding a motorcycle then about the bikes itself. A lot of motorcycle travel content. Feel free to check out the motorcycle surf trip or my motorcycle trip through Iceland on a 500 euro bike ☺️
Just look at this from a different angle. They are touring motorcycles. Adventure is only used for marketing because that’s what is exciting for people. Everyone understands that big GS or Tiger or Africa are bikes to travel, not to his gravel. Manufacturers know that, and buyers know that. You need to keep with the “tradition”. Most people who can afford two bikes will keep GS and T7 in their garage. Just take it easy, mate. GS is a great bike, big and heavy, but great on highways. Not a problem to lift it by the way. People buy SUV and use them to bring kids to school and shop for groceries. Nobody do off-roading with them.
I partelly agree if you look at those bikes like that they are truly great. But I feel that many people in motorcycling especially that are new to adventure riding fall for the marketing, that’s why I made this video☺️
@@FreeMilesMCdon’t get me wrong, I am big advocate for touring bikes (you can watch my channel), as “adventure” term is so broad. But brands sell what people buy. And that is actually the problem of people who don’t really understand what they want to buy. So they buy what is fancy. Most experienced riders I met over my motorcycle life, actually downsizing from bigger bikes and feel happy about it. If you look at GS, BMW struggle with this bike in a way. It just outsold all other bikes they have. And they have plenty of great touring and street bikes. But people still buy GS and cruising along the coast on weekend. So that’s why this bike became expensive - it just needs to have electronics for every scenario. Because adjusting this bike mechanically for every type of riding would be a nightmare. Look it this as iPhone. You probably won’t ever be able to use it in all possible applications. But you have a device which you can build up for all your needs, whoever you are. And because of such flexibility it comes with the price. I am not a big fun of BMW, but have an experience with them. They just targeted to people who want great bike and price is not a question. And they are great bikes for that purpose and type of use. Those bikes rarely get big mileage. You are doing a great work with your channel!
Hey, that is a little bit strange. I didn’t delete anything what I see right now is your first comment, then my answer, and then a second comment that is quite long. and right after that you asked why I have deleted something. I don’t know if there was any other content but for sure, I didn’t delete a comment from you. Please check again and let me know if you can find your original text or if it is still gone.
WISE WORDS YOUNG MAN...SIMPLICITY IS WHAT MOTORCYCLES SHOULD BE ABOUT,..NO ROOF,NO DOORS,,ONE SEAT,ETC.LONE WOLF,,SOME TIMES YOU RUN WITH THE PACK!...PURE FUCK OFF FUN.!
Yes, and no. My first bike was a used triumph trophy 500; with scrambler pipes and somewhat aggressive tires. My second was the Suzuki 750 water buffalo. After that I bought a series of twins that I could modify to do better off pavement. For me the sweet spot is a 650 single. I do like my comforts. My two favorite bikes gen one and gen three klr. Can big bikes be ridden hard off road? Yes. Should they be? It depends racing is one thing travel is another.
My gf has been exploring all the local gravel roads and single track on a honda cb250. The only thing she has trouble with is sand. Understandable as its still running street tyres. Plans were to put oofroad capable tyres on, but we finally found an xt225 that weve been hunting for. Ive taken the cb250 on some crazy trails and didnt hold back. It handles them just fine and is mad fun.
Many people are using Honda Grom style motorcycles off road. They just put knobby tires on them. They weigh fifty pounds less than 250 cc dual sport motorcycles. Of course the ride is much rougher due to tiny wheels and fewer inches of suspension. Still, they have fun.
I do agree on the advertising, it's a false image. They never show fully loaded bikes which is a reality of touring. Have to get to the starting point of a big trip first. That's the difficult part with having to take all sorts of gear and supplies. I rather have a bigger stronger bike for highways than a moped that's just enough for offroad. That's the reason big bikes sell. Comfort on long journeys is important too. If one lives near nice motorcycle country roads, sure use a light bike.
i remember years ago i went on an overseas cycling trip and when i got home I went to the local bike shop to pick up a secondhand bicycle for 500 bucks. i was spotting my tan lines from the trip and struck up a conversation with another customer who was there to pick up his 2000 dollar bike. he said he was envious of my adventure but that it was out of his budget. i looked at his brand new bike and my second hand one and offered only a smile.
People have crossed continents on 49cc scooters and bicycles. Which proves that big motorcycles are not a requirement to make such a trip. The cheapest adventure motorcycle is probably the Honda Trail 125. If riding on loose dirt, switch the tires to knobbies. Done. Just don't go places where you need to ride faster than 50 mph.
I just bikepacked the 48 states on a fat tire bicycle. Shit, give me a motor on anything and I’d go anywhere. In fact, I’m thinking about a North America back country tour on a small scooter. In all the years I’ve been adventuring, the riders have always expressed that they wished they had smaller bikes; the very reason I clicked on the video.
Good points made. How are dual sports when you need to spend days on end in the saddle? I heard it was quite hard, because on an enduro you are not supposed to sit all the time. And how about pannier options? Maybe it is actually better to look at "beginner" adventure bikes like KTM 390 adventure or Kawasaki Versys X 300
I have a 2011 KLR 650. We are able to find back roads that are rough, huge puddles, etc. I have dropped this tank a number of times but it doesn't evidence any damage. I ride with a few friends, and we can help each other in a jam. I enjoy rides that have some challenges a lot more than riding the twistys.
The majority of “so-called” big Adventure bikes only see off-road riding across a garden path or through the camping site. Itchy Boots rides through everything on a Honda Crf300 (Alaska) Not sure if I would recommend buying a secondhand bike from her. I was able to ride across a field on my Honda Vfr750F but most important, I’m an ex MotoCross racer. Get experience on courses will help getting you out of trouble. Greets from Düsseldorf 😉
I love the minimalist studio. I live and ride my bike around Africa. I don’t recommend anything over 450cc. I’m not in Itchy Boots league but, I ride everywhere. Speed limit is 80km (50 mph) and roads are poor or non existent. There’s unmarked speed bumps everywhere. Often times there’s no shoulder. You will have to ride trails and ford creeks and carry across rapid water. Drivers follow no rules and are very dangerous while pedestrians, trucks, cars, push carts, rickshaws, motorcycles, cattle, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, baboons, monkeys, zebra, and an occasional giraffe and elephant will bolt in front of you. Smaller the better.
Sounds like my trip to Kenya recently.. true I rented a car but I can see where you're coming from, I take my hat off to you sir!! I noticed on a very challenging and wet 'road' to a small village with HUGE potholes and dips ( a challenge in the 4x4) that locals on those little Chinese bikes just took it in their stride.. I couldn't believe it.. I remember thinking.. 'would I ride on my Enfield 650 here?' Yes but it would be 'very' risky
@@clausentumsoton I ride a Hawk 200 slightly modified. You should be better off on a dual sport or small adventure. Boda Boda riders have to be the best rides in the world. Riding slow is much harder than riding fast. Bodas have sometimes 5 passengers on a 100 cc road bike and ride through dirt, sand and mud and never wreck.
As a short guy at 5’8” I find most adventure bikes way to big, way to heavy and way too under powered. My dirt bike is a WR450F with a cut seat and a 1 inch lowering rear bracket. It’s a great bike but I want to get into cross country adventure riding. So I am building a scrambler, we will see how it turns out.
@@FordManiac76 tall guy here, yep. AT is a perfect size for me, I get it being too much for someone smaller but it makes me chuckle to hear people say these bikes don't go offroad when I've done BDRs on mine
As another shorter 5'8" guy... I've quickly learned that flat footing is way over rated... Practice some trial skills will help a whole lot. - Currently scooting around on a WR250R
There's a coffee shop at a race track near to where i live. The car park there is absolutely full of ADV bikes. I think most people's biggest adventure on an ADV is an adventure to a coffee shop and home again...
There was a British mini tv series in the 1990s about three regular dudes/blokes who chucked in their jobs and went off around the world on XT350s. They thought about using bigger bikes but realised after the first few drops and breakdowns that they'd made the right choice. (It was excellent tv btw.) Also, Nick Sanders took the fastest RTW record using an R1 (after having previously circumnavigated the Earth twice by pushbike, once on an Enfield Bullet, and once on a Triumph Daytona.) And then of course there's 'C90 Adventures' on this here UA-cam, by Ed March - who spent a few years traversing Europe, Asia and N and S America in a highly entertaining fashion on an old Honda moped. None of the bikes used were big adventure bikes.
Adventure starts when things go off plan. Bikes today do everything possible to remove the unexpected and reduce the skills necessary to actually ride them. My daily rider and adventure bike is a 990 Adventure. It does everything I want, including single track with a weeks worth of camping gear. However I agree with you, to a point. The marketing of “adventure” bikes is ridiculous. Actual adventure is about the rider. The rider NEEDS the skills that are currently being stuffed into all the computers on bikes (and cars) today. Everything I do with the 990 I used to do on a KLR, which is why I’m putting carbs on the 990, and ditching the ABS. Fewer systems I can’t fix in the field and more real adventure. Keep it up brother.
You already have the perfect adventure bike, the bike you already own! Just use that bike and ride!! My "adv-bike" is a sports tourer the Yamaha FJR1300. Superb on the highway but I also ride it on gravle roads... of course not as superb on gravle but it works, you do have to respect the weight, 292kg!
A bit of an opinion from a cruiser rider.. 1. Electronics used "from the go" (aka being on bikes new riders use to learn themselves the WHAT TOs and HOW TOs) typically produce crappy riders.. In general, all those electronic aids can support the already developed / existing good riding habits, but can never really fix or even seriously mitigate the bad ones. I personally have none and frankly, I don't really miss them - and more, their absence forces me to ALWAYS focus on riding and ALWAYS drive in such a way, that I do return home (aka without any incidents). 2. Electronics as a mitigation for bad a/o unsuitable design (specs) of a bike per its intended a/o marketed use feels like a "let's save the day by something unrelated" afterthought. I think this is a general "let's produce bigger & stronger, but limit it electronically" kind of a trend. It's the same in many industries, and I tend to think it's just to save money on extra development. 3. In general - the ability to lift the bike is a good indication, if that particular model is suitable for the rider at that time. Yes, some practice can improve one's skills in doing so, but it cannot beat one's physical capabilities & limits. I myself have no issues lifting a Suzuki VL800 Intruder, but I'm still struggling a bit to do the same with the Suzuki Boulevard C90T (after one and half seasons). 4. Engine power is fine to have, but it's not a defining characteristics of a bike.. I did more touring (mountain roads and passes in Austria and Slovenia - paved roads only, of course (*)) on a 805ccm bike than I did on a 1462ccm one, mostly because it was much easier to handle. The trip TO and FROM a certain destination might be a different story, but for longer trips (4-5 days and more), the lower engine cubature did not really play such a role. 5. Lighter bikes are definitely more nimble, meaning, they are more suitable for multiple roles. Again, the VL800 was a perfect bike for both doing trips and daily commuting to work, as well as for going out for coffee or lunch in the vicinity (lets say some 30km from the place where I live).. The C90T is a different story - it's a great tourer, but sucks in the role of a commuter (wading through traffic is quite a chore) and is not that "nifty" for just riding out for a coffee. Ride hard & ride safe. (*) Back in 2017, while in Slovenia with my GF & fully loaded and in the middle of a forest, a road suddenly ceased to be paved and turned into one mostly used by forest machinery. On the VL800, we managed to get through it rather easily, though I admit I did not really enjoy it too much. This year, we had to pass some 500m on a similar road (my GF on VL800, myself on the C90T), and I have to say, it felt exhausting and most of the time, one could not stick a sharpened hair into my ass - that's how I felt. A video of it is here: ua-cam.com/video/iNzdoBWM2rY/v-deo.html
While most likely nothing stops marketing, it's good to share views like this. It's all the old song, we need certified diver's watches for the office etc.. it's ok to dream, but the ADV advertising I can't stand anymore. Ad nauseam repeating one theme, where a guy backflips a locomotive-strength bike on dunes, almost rams local shepherds who in turn applaud him in a colonial fashion.. It's up to individuals to stay sober and humble, it doesn't necessary go against the ability to enjoy life and have fun.
I agree. What you are saying with applauding in colonial fashion is right as well. I did not want to go that far in my video, even tho it’s also somthing that I recognize
I ride ADV myself and find it comfortable since I never ride off road. What actually bugs me is the soulless, uninspiring, function-before-design looks of all ADV bikes while there is no actual function to all of it since they do not allow you any serious off-roading. Trade off for nothing. I never look back at my Transalp when leaving parking place and I don't care if it's dirty, it was nothing to look at straight from the factory. And KTMs look like robot-ants.
Maybe the old adv bikes with the dual headlights and so on could be for you I think they look great. Yamaha tdm 850 also is a road focused enduro that can look with some minor modifications like out of a mad max film. Moto Morini makes good looking bikes but I don’t like how they perform and the Chinese engine replica. But they will release during this year hopefully ,a 1200cc vtwin bike with an engine engineered in Italy courius if that maybe is any good
@FreeMilesMC CFMoto has a tweaked version of that engine now with a longer stroke that increases the power a bit, thay Benelli also seem to use, maybe MotoMorini will pick it up
@@blikkiesblignaut6999 I like the look of adventure bikes too. Ktms headlights are not my favorite but generally speaking, I do like the looks of ADV bikes. I do think it’s an acquired taste though. I find it hard to look at a cruiser and be impressed these days. I used to be the opposite
Only benefit of having the r1250 gs is that the boxer sticks out so far that it causes the bike to sit at a 45 degree angle if it rolls onto its side. The best method to lift it is to actually turn the front tire towards the side you are lifting towards and then walk it up once you are at a lock with the handle bars. Even smaller people can get it up due to this. 99% of the adventures can not do this or course.
Haha 😂 Servus, dir ist schon klar das du niemals eine Einladung bekommen wirst wenn BMW und alle anderen ihre neuen ADV Bikes vorstellen werden. 😂😂 Aber du hast zu 100% Recht, das will nur keiner wirklich hören. Reiseenduros sind nicht für die große Reise um die Welt gemacht. Die Marketingabteilungen verkaufen dir nur einen Traum. Ich habe eine 13 Jahre alte Kawasaki Versys 650 (Erstbesitzer, 140.000 km) und eine Moto Guzzi V85TT ganz neu. Mit der Versys fahre ich in der Woche (Beruflich) circa 50 km Schotter/Forststraße und das geht mit den richtigen Reifen völlig unproblematisch. Recht viel mehr habe ich Fahrerrisch auch nicht drauf, ADV Bike oder nicht, das Limit setzt nicht das Bike sondern mein können. Und das ist bei den meisten so, so ehrlich muss man sich auch mal machen. Ein guter Fahrer kann mit fast allem abseits befestigter Wege fahren. Einem weniger versierten Fahrer hilft auch sein 20.000 Euro plus X Motorrad nicht viel. Sein eigenes können richtig einschätzen ist das A und O meiner Meinung nach. Sag bitte auch in Zukunft deine Meinung 👍🏻👍🏻 es gibt schon genug Influenza die das hohe Lied der Marketingabteilungen aller Hersteller bereitwillig singen. Für ein Testbike oder Einladung zum Event. Servus Robert 😉😉
Viele überschätzen sich total. Sie denke boah das was mir die Werbung verspricht kann ich auch. Aber die Realität und die Physikalischen Gesetzte kann man nicht austricksen. Zu mal die GS und ähnliche konsorten auch teilweise wie die Sau fahren. Nur weil man mehr Leistung hat heißt das noch lange nicht das man andere in Gefahr bringt. Z.B. dicht auffahren. In den Kurven mal eben überholen oder aus dem nichts links an einem vorbei brettern so das man selber fast vom Sattel fällt. Ich habe die GS fahrer mittlerweile als Karl Dall abgestempelt das Lichtspiel mit dem Schlappen linken Auge erinnert mich an dem Komiker.
Danke für den Kommentar. Weil das ist schon eine Sache mit der ich in der Vergangenheit gehadert hab und mich dann aus moralischem Gewissen dazu entschlossen hab das so zu machen. Ich bin allein schon unten durch weil ich selbst in positiven Reviews erlich die negativen Sachen spezifisch und begründet benenne: Ducati Scrambler- blöde upsell Taktik mit der Entfernung des abschaltbaren abs in den billigeren Modellen. Ist ein super bike Honda Hornet- super hässlich trotzdem ein tolles Motorrad. Harley nighster-super Motorrad aber zu schlecht verarbeitet, zu teuer und nicht konkurrenzfähig. Gleichzeitig bin ich aber meist immer sehr begeistert von Motorrädern weil im entefekt sind die meisten Motorräder wirklich gut heute und man kann vieles sorglos kaufen. Also ich bin auch bei positiven Sachen sehr erlich zu begeistern.
Die gs ist ansich schon ein cooles bike. Aber hast schon recht. Und man weis immer nicht ob’s eine zivilstreife ist wen man einem der Motorrad hot Spots in Deutschland langfährt.
Diese ganzen Influenza kannst zum Großteil in die Tonne klopfen. Die sind doch alle mehr oder weniger käuflich und/oder bestechlich. Beispiel gefällig... Ein UA-camr in UK hatte von Honda eine Transalp zur Verfügung gestellt bekommen und lobte das Teil natürlich. Ich bin die auch schon Probe gefahren und die ist nicht so gut wie uns allen immer wieder gesagt wird. Will nur keiner hören. Es gibt auf UA-cam einen einzigen der die Transalp ohne Marketing Brille beurteilt... Und da fiel sie leider durch. Ich habe in dem Video vom UK UA-camr folgenden Kommentar gepostet (auf Englisch) der keine 5 Minuten online war und dann gelöscht wurde...😎😎 "Such nach dem UA-cam Kanal von BTGMoto und dann nach dem Video "I bought an Aprilia 660 and sold my BMW R1250GS" ab Minute 2:50 wird es interessant. Der Kollege kann fahren und hat Ahnung. Seine Einschätzung deckt sich zu 100% mit der meinen und ich kann bei weitem nicht so gut fahren wie er. Der größte Unterschied zu seiner Meinung und der von allen anderen im Netz...er musste sich entscheiden was er mit seinem!! Geld kauft. Da ging es nicht um Marketing und ein Presse Motorrad von Honda das er nutzen konnte. Darüber darf dann ruhig nachgedacht werden... ;-)" Alles verlogen bis zum geht nicht mehr.
@@uglybiketours4344 also gibt tatsächlich find ich noch ein paar Leute die da erlich rangehen. Spitescorner ist ne gute Adresse. Würd gern selber mir mal zur Transalp ein Bild machen. Weil der Motor ist ja Hammer also da kann es schon mal nicht dran liegen. Und die ist ja als gemütliche eher Straßen lastige reiseenduro angelegt, kann mir eigentlich nicht vorstellen wie Honda da viel verbocken kann. Muss ich wohl mal selber nach schauen
Blame Charlie & Euan.....since then everybody thinks they need a huge ADV bike to go on an adventure. They don't - a lightweight bike will be far better.... Most people would be better off with a Sports Tourer, as they don't ride off-road.
Many people don't realize that charlie and Euan had also a crew on 4x4 constantly riding behind them and helping them if shit happens, I bet not everything was filmed when they fall on there heavy BMW Gs.
They were originally trying to get a deal with KTM for the 950 adventure but KTM backed out so they had to make the whole thing into an advert for the GS1300 which you can see in a few points in the show wasnt cut out for the job (one broke down and had to be replaced when they were in the middle of nowhere and it was just too heavy). KTM must've been kicking themselves after though.
I like the addition of the spoon my man! I hope you are doing well, you still seem a little bit exhausted. I hope you can find rest and not have to chase anything. I will pray for you. Greetings from the Netherlands
I am doing better after the motorcycle surf trip. Being at home helped. A new trip is ofcourse also coming when the weather gets comfortable. But for now happy to enjoy home for a bit
What about the general upright seating position on the adventure bikes. Are they truly that much more comfortable to ride long distance? I had a 2007 Honda St 1300 that I rode all over California and also Pennsylvania when I moved there but it was very uncomfortable after 100 mi. I thought about a Goldwing but they seem too big and bulky. The adventure bike to me seems to have plenty of power be lightweight and very comfortable for long rides but I could be wrong.
very interesting, do you have a video with bike recommendations for big adventures? I am looking to buy a vstrom 650xt, which is heavy, but do not have plenty of electronics, it is a basic enough bike and very reliable, although heavy indeed. Ohter options I have considered is the g310gs, the 450MT, 390 adv
There's a lot of sense to this video. I just completed a solo trip from the bottom of Tasmania to the top of Cape York on an old KLR650. When l got to the off-road section, which spanned around 800 kms, there was nothing bigger than a 700cc bike to be seen. I dropped the KLR several times in deep sand, and although l was able to lift it or had other riders around me to help, it was certainly no easy task. Cape York presented challenges far greater than your average fire track, but l don't expect I'll be doing that again anytime soon, and 90+% of my riding will be on tar or gentle gravel. As I near 60yo, I'm aware that limiting factors multiply with each passing day. For me, I'd probably look for a RE Himalayan, or even an old Yamaha XT 250, to do any serious dirt riding in the future. I don't feel the need or have the skillset to go much above 80 kph in dirt, so that type of bike will suffice. My local surrounds have LOTS of long, winding roads that beg to be ridden, so at some point soon l can see myself on an older model, Aprilia Caponord, Ducati Multistrada or even the lovely Triumph Trophy, because was much as anything else, my body appreciates an upright riding position. A really useful video. Thank you!
I would like to know what would you use an adventure bite for? I’ve bought a rally pro because I like the look of it but not intended to use it off-road wash your thoughts on that I would like to know.
Who needs hi tech when you got a spoon for the microphone. lol
Hahahaa
As in many cases simple works just fine ☺️
Too bad it wasn't a clean spoon....looks like pasta sauce on it.
@@-runningwithscissors-9766those are provisions for the next trip 😉
@@FreeMilesMC an old time mechanic told me the word KISS. keep it simple stupid. Enough said.
WOW. Great vid. I'm a 72yr young biker. Totally agree with what your saying. Owned numerous bikes over the years. Watched the price of bikes go thru the roof!! I've solo toured across the US and Canada numerous times. 95% on pavement. My fav bike was a 76 BMW, R75/6. ZERO electronics on it. Even kept the original points/condenser ignition system. This was before the internet, GPS, and cell phones. All I had was a road map tucked in the top of my tank bag! Owned that BMW for 26 yrs. ZERO problems. Was forced to sell due to a career change. Felt like I sold my soul. One thing I've learned is: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The more complexity, the more weight, the more repairs, the more drama. Keep your bikes, and your life simple. Ride safe everyone.
KISS is sweet
I have a 73 R75/5 after more than 40 years, at 66 I wouldn't sell it, I still ride it.
exactly why I'm not completely satisfied with my vfr800 from 2016. so much electronics, luckily I can take my mom's cbr600f from 1993 for a ride sometimes, since my parents stopped driving couple years ago. I am actually looking to get a original cbr250 from the early 90's for fun rides. the vfr will stay for commute
I do have a BMW from 2012. With electronics and stuff. But no problems yet after some tours all over europe.
you talk about simplicity but was it simple for you needing go remove half of your r75 to get to the battery? bmw will be bmw....
Great video and spot on! I have a modified Suzuki DR650 and it will do anything I need it to. Simple and reliable.
Great information in this video!
I totally agree. I went from a KTM 950 Adventure to a DR650. For difficult terrain the weight and simplicity of the DR made it a much better bike for remote areas touring than the KTM.
@ Makes total sense and congrats on the DR650!
I have an adventure bike, it’s a 14’ Triumph Bonneville. It’s an adventure bike because every time I go out for a ride, I’m on an adventure.
Exactly thats what i want to hear ☺️😍
rrrright! same feeling here (I have a Vespa, a Harley, a Ducati .... they are all adventure to me!)
That’s me on my Buell XB9SX, every ride an adventure.
I have many adventure bikes, from scooters to Mt-10sp lol here in 🇵🇭🙌
Everyday is an adventure 😂
lol….right! I ride a 650cc Maxi scooter all over the country. And have a blast doing it.
I took a KTM 990 DAKAR from Shetland islands 16,000km to Western Sahara and back. I met a guy from the UK riding a HONDA C90. He left me for dust on the sand and tracks.
He would go wherever he wanted, I had to play it safe as getting stuck on a 200kg bike without luggage wasn't an option. I returned years later on a Honda CRX125. A perfect all round bike, remember sight seeing is best done under 60mph.
Don't get sucked in, this guy speaks the truth.
I am from the Shetland Islands live in Australia now, never thought I would hear that place in a motorbike video
@@danielnewcombe8865 hi it's just me, Ernie, putting my 10 pence worth in. Australia sounds like a good place for a desert motorbike adventure. Do you do much biking out there?
@@danielnewcombe8865I was at army cadets with a Daniel Newcombe... That's not you is it?😅
@@northseacowboy I was in the army cadets at the fort
@@danielnewcombe8865 Lol that must have been you then... Small world 😂 hope you are doing well 😊
If you watch the queen of motorcycle adventures, Itchy Boots, you realize that a heavy motorcycle can be a huge problem when the road gets really rough and slippery, like deep mud.
She's just bought herself a fully refurbished and upgraded '87 XT600 in Germany for her next RTW trip.
or if you're a girl pretending to be a man.
@@keyboarddancers7751 Nobody asked goofy🤓
I have owned a few XT600s. Too heavy. Her Honda XR300 was the perfect choice in my view.
She’s awesome.
Can you provide a link for your mic-spoon? I'm using a spatula and getting a lot of background noise.
Are you using a wood or plastic spatula ?
This seems to be a known, and common problem. Maybe a different brand spatula?
😂😂😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
@@dennisvillacorte4122 What will they think of next ? - as they say, every day is a school day 😂
The empty bookshelf and spoon microphone convinced me, before you even said a word.
a natural!!! way to go
His mind and bookshelf are open.
As soon as I saw the spoon, I knew with certainty that this guy knew exactly what he was talking about.
Every library starts with one book, usually in the bathroom!
@@MaverickRenegade LOL
Three thoughts as a 1250GSA rider who has been “adventure” riding for 20+ years:
1) I started touring on an XR650L. When I was pretty broke as a young man it was a bike I could afford! It could go anywhere and I paid $2500 for a very well kept and modified one. It was much more affordable than my $20k+ GSA. It was also lighter. It was also worse in every other way than the GSA except on tight single track. It was slow, vibey, top heavy, got worse gas mileage, sucked at any speed over 70mph, was a pain on long straight days, would overheat, couldn’t carry much weight, etc. I later bought a KLR650 because it was supposedly better for “adventuring” which really just means carrying things on the highway, you know, touring, lol. It was a pretty terrible bike as well.
2) Agree with your 2% comment. Turns out to go on long trips you may want to be able to take a highway potentially a long way before getting to your “adventure” track. I can take my GSA 500-1000 miles on the highway extremely comfortably, THEN when I get to the area I want to explore can hop off road…. And guess what, the GSA is pretty great off-road at least for me. I’ve taken lots of courses and practice and it’s well balanced, reliable, and not actually that much heavier than a fully loaded down KLR650. Having 140hp on tap is GREAT for the ride there, and the ride modes work great for off-road. The GSA is perfect on the ride there and good on the “adventure” roads. It’s a true Swiss Army knife.
3) You generalized people…I’m 6’4” 215lbs with a 36” inseam. I simply don’t fit on smaller bikes, I’ve tried, it just doesn’t work to have your knees hitting your elbows on most bikes when you’re turning the handlebars :)
All in, ride what you want, where you want, any trip is an adventure bike. I owned a Hayabusa and that thing was super fun, and a decent touring bike, but it was a pretty terrible “adventure” bike. I’m not an “adventurer” but I do ride an “adventure” bike, simply because it’s the best bike for the job and for my size and I’m fortunate enough to have enough resources to pay cash for it.
Thanks for this perspective, vid makes some good points but adv bikes are not all bad
I love my R1250GS but not skilled enough or big enough (at 5'10") to deal with it off road at this point. Still a fantastic sporty touring bike.
KLR 650=PHEW!!! Try lifting it?
I ride a 2018 1200 GS in Brazil every single day and I never had any issues with it whatsoever. It does it all. I had a Tiger 800 and it had a higher center of mass so it would be much more inefficient in daily traffic and the heat from the engines is something else. GS's are swiss knifes indeed.
Here in India, there is a strong message reminding tourers that, "any bike you have can tour" I've toured a lot of countries, and one thing i learned... weight supercede everything else. A 300-500 cc engine bike on a reliable platform with ground clearance and proper tires, will do wondrous on adventure than any other bigger bikes.
Here people buy gs and tigers just for show, and the reality is that they never go off the road just bcos of the pricey parts, even they don't have the guts to tour a 1250 bcos they don't have time
A Royal Enfield Himalayan would be PERFECT!
TRK 251 is perfect for me 😊
@@markymarknj If it was 30kg lighter. Still, it's alright. They could drop 20kg by redesigning the body and removing all the superfluous parts.
@@elm-neo I need to drop that much in body weight! That would make more difference for me than a lighter bike... 😁
Vast majority of adventure bike owners never go off road. If they do go “off road” it is down a dirt road - a road that most standard bikes can easily go down. Want to regularly go down dirt roads, put a different set of tires on it. Want to really go off road, buy a cheap dirt bike and have fun.
Yeah but you can't realistically do multi-day/multi-week travel or any kind of long distance travel for that matter, on a dirt bike now can you? - That's where adventure bikes come in. They do well on mid to hard offroad, depending on which bike we're talking about, they do well on roads, on highways, on high altitudes/low oxygen, in all weather, all terrain and all climates, extremely hot or extremely cold, summer or winter, they allow you to carry a normal amount of luggage and even tools with you, they allow you not having to worry or panic about running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere because they cover 6 to 9 times larger distances compared to a dirt bike or an enduro bike (30-45 miles vs 300-350 miles), they are (in general) engineered to be way, way, way more reliable and so on and so forth... Long story short, there's a reason why adventure bike segment exists... Because It's just sad that so many bike manufacturers are taking advantage of it and have turned to capitalistic profiteering and greed clownery...
@@nogerboher5266 are you sure about that? So you are going to "hard offroad" with big bike for huge distances? That's b.s. You will be going along gravel roads, trails or alike and looking for most smooth and ridable surface possible. Or will bring camera team along to film few amazing shots in desert or dried lake. Don't fool yourself or us.
@@shambu2012 So far, over the past few years, I did 74,000 (+/-) kilometers out of a total of approx. 88,000 km (or 106,000 kilometers if you count in hard sections) of TET (Trans Euro Trail), which consists out of approx. 30-35% paved backroads, paved forest and country roads and some minimal highway riding - and approx. 65-70% offroad riding, out of which approx. 30% were medium to hard offroad routes - and over the past few years, I did those trips all year round, depending on the year I went on the trips, meaning anytime from January to December, from Spring to Winter, through dozens of different countries and multiple different climate zones, 17 different terrain types, 7 different paved road types and 9 different unpaved road types, through mountain dirt paths on altitudes of 1,700m and higher all the way down to muddy forest valley riding and crossing deeper river paths, through everything from sunshine and thunderstorms all the way to pretty snow paths and dirty ice roads...
Point is, I'm not fooling anyone, I'm just giving out advice. And if you look at the hardest sections of TET, those are usually found around northern and southeastern Europe, with mutual agreements on France, Italy and Croatia having the most technical roads of all countries, roads which get pretty fuckin hard to ride even for very experienced riders, all the way even to extreme levels, depending on weather and time of year you're riding them... And guess what the most used bikes are for the Balkan region, Italy and France?! Most of the images posted on TET groups on ovaer different social media channels such as Facebook, different forums and so on, are riders with Africa Twins, VStroms and Transalps aka. adventure bikes with histories dating back to the very beginning of ''adventure riding.''
@@shambu2012 i mean, i cant see why someone willth skill can do that. It wont be as comfy as a dirtbike for offroading but its not impossible and you dont have to talk down to them to make yourself feel better
Okay, so? That means there's an entire market of people who need a road bike that can handle dirt so they make adventure bike for them and dirt bikes for you. Everybody's happy.
Bikes like the GS1200 are equivalent to a Range Rover with low profile tyres, which in UK get called a 'Chelsea Tractor' ( Chelsea is a very posh area of London ) and those massive 4X4 never go off tarmac and may never even leave London. You have to be mad or brave to take a 600lb bike off the tarmac, so what happens is that to find a GS1200 you go to local bikers cafe where the owner will be drinking Cappuccino...
A good comparison to that is good old Hummer for Americans. People who NEED Hummers
"GS1200 you go to local bikers cafe where the owner will be drinking Cappuccino..." And whats wrong with that?
@@occashares That cafe is never gonna be more than a few metres from a tarmac road.... Adventure bike may A55, the only adventure is paying BMW service bills.
@@chrissmith2114 Actually the service bills are not that high. Do you own one?
@@occashares Only buy Japanese.... cars and bikes.
The motorcycle industry is just another example of the big marketing strategy that moved from the "what" to "why". They convince you about a dream or an idea and make you think their product is the only way to achieve it...take the example of gopro camera ads: big advertisement of the adventure etc...but people end up buying them and use them in the swimming pool recording their kids.
The truth is: if you want to live somethjng you have to work on your inner self only...once you master it then any tool becomes handy and doable for your self expression...and never the other way around...
Well said. That's why I ride a kawasaki z300. Cheap, easy, and keeps up with other bikes on rides. Lose the ego 🙏🏼
I think it's called what's trending.... lol
@davids.1126 buying a dream is the result of either being unable to dream or unable to work on realising a dream...instant gratification addiction is buying = fulfilling....the real achievement is the hardwork to move from a wishful thinking to actually doing.. and it is never easy...
@RoadDogSteve and the wish to be part of something..which means being with your ownself is not fulfilling and you need constant validation...really sad way of living
"What" to "why"
🎯
You just made me even happier with my nice simple, mechanically robust Suzuki DRZ400E.
I live in Australia, where off road is easy to access (sometimes even hard to avoid). I look at others on those huge adventure bikes and I feel that my medium sized unstoppable yellow bike was a great choice.
I was thinking of a Honda XL dual sport, but the Suzuki DR series works, too. They're small, nimble with a high power to weight ratio. They're rugged as hell, and easy to fix with basic tools.
In Indonesia mostly klx 230 ...nice light bike too
@ariohardickdo3418 absolutely!
I was thinking the same thing with my dr650.
I sold bmw 800 for the reason mentioned in this video and never looked back.
Those huge adventure bikes with big price tags & slow parts availability. No thanks.
I have a 2006 Intruder M800. Only has 55 horsepower. Some friends of mine were going on an "adventure" ride and I said I wanted to join. They all had €30k adv bikes and they said they were going to go off road. That's fine I said. My Intruder has a shaft drive.
One of them got a snapped chain, two dropped their bikes and needed help getting them up. I had no problem keeping up with their 120 horsepower bikes. The only service my bike needs is oil and coolant service. And brakes off course. But that's it. It's fuel injected and starts like a champ. They all looked down on me, but none of them would admit I had as much, if not more fun then they did. Just a bunch of snobs with more money than brain 😅
Suzuki M series are underestimated in general
I have a Boulevard 400, which is the same Boulevard M109 with half size engine, but has enough punch for most Asian road anyway.
an M800 is totally the wrong bike to take off roading, that is nowhere near the same thing.
@@RaptorGooseGaming any bike can go off-road. Even goldwings 😉
You took your Intruder off road? Ok champ. Sure.
@@davebevin sure did. And by "off-road" most mean not paved. 😝 that's what 99.9% of all adventure bikes do too.
Just wanted to add to the topic. Last year I was in Iceland on my 650 honda, and I could go literally anywhere despite having luggage on. On the same hand, I met a lot of people on BMW GS's which when we spoke, they also admitted that because of the bike of their choosing they just physically cannot travel to the places that I did because of couple of factors. Those being the weight of the motorcycle, the lack of strength to pick them up repeatedly and when they would break down, they just couldn't repair them themselves. On the other hand, with my limited experience, I didn't drop my bike even once, I memorized my service book to be able to do almost all my repairs on the road, I packed super lightly, which my friends couldn't believe, when they saw how little stuff I took, and I prepared the bike before the trip so I made sure that everything is up for the task. Knowing this, knowing my needs as a rider, I would never pick a heavy motorcycle because it's just not made for the type of lightweight go anywhere type of adventure I prefer. And as you said, I also when traveling back home, met the same guys that came with me on the ferry, and were just sad, because they did not go where they wanted and I was kind of bummed that when I showed them my footage and photos they just felt like they've been scammed, because they just did not visit and could not visit those places because of the bikes they've chosen. Thank you, and take care Miles!
Super interesting feedback. Which 650 Honda do you have ? Thank you
I have a honda nx 650 dominator custom build from 1995, I have a walkaround video on my YT, but it's basically an XR650L very similar @@laurentvenet2758
Good information. This the other side of the marketing hype about the big adventure bikes
Honda NX 650 Dominator 1995 custom build, I've de a short introduction of it
Thanks for sharing your experience. Could you explain how you pack light?
I think you need to define how and where you're travelling. For example, you can tour the Cameroon on paved roads or via muddy tracks. My brother toured much of the world back in the 1990s on the original F650. When he eventually came home he said if he was to do it again he would take a Honda 125 because it's the most you need most of the time, parts are everywhere, every country can fix it and if the worst comes to the worst you just throw it away and buy another one!!! The Honda 125 Trail would be perfect. However, if you need to mount the kerb at your local supermarket then you definitely need a fully loaded GS Adventure.
I had the BMW F650 for 20 years and crossed North America three times on it. On pavement I found it too small quite often and remember the day I upgraded to a 900 cc bike… One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would rather pedal a bicycle across the US than ride it on a Honda 125😮
Ask Mongrel Dog Productions on YT where he takes his GSA. He mounts more than a kerb, my friend.
@@notexpatjoebest of both worlds Po. Enjoy & ride safe.
Off road in Africa/parts of South America, I agree - 125cc is perfect, as long as you carry very minimal gear. But in North America? No. Too many high speed highways to get to/between off road sections.
@@notexpatjoewelcome and enjoy your stay. Tl
The wooden spoon is a clever visual metaphor for this video’s message. ((You shouldn’t spend $$$ to be a UA-camr or an Adventurer)) Genius 👏🏼
My T7 1) takes me to work, 2) takes me on scenic back roads, 3) takes me to the off road vehicle park. It does all of these things extremely well, and is an absolute joy to ride. Yes, when going off road, it is only a matter of time before it ends up on the ground. That is why I don't go off road alone. More fun to ride with a buddy anyway. Totally understand and agree with the topic, Free Miles MC - so many people need to hear this. Thank you and I think your red Yamaha is a cool bike!!!!
Definitely feel like the T7 and the rest of its segments are the limit. Anything bigger is a styling exercise the smaller ADV bikes are super underrated for their tour and trail potential. But a dual sport is the real round the world bike.
How’s it do on the highway and twisty roads ? Do you ever bring a passenger? I’m looking to sell my drz and get a T700. I want a bigger bike that will be smoother for the road. I find my self in fire road and leaving the single track behind these days. I like riding canyons, fore roads, camping off the bike. I have so much beautiful riding here on the California/Nevada border. The drz doesn’t cut it with a passenger or on the road.
@@kyjelly5524 1) highway - great, plenty of power and just heavy enough to be stable 2) twisty roads - it goes around corners , but nothing like my sportbikes did 3) passenger? No.... have not hauled a passenger yet. I'm comfortable on the bike for about 1.5 hours, I'd imagine a passenger would be comfy for about 20 to 30 minutes. 90% of my rides are 45 min. or less
@@phatsmitty thank you. Man I did over 200 miles or gravel roads, twistys this weekend lol. If I had a more comfortable bike I would do more. The drz wears me out at that point.
@@kyjelly5524i have a T7 ist not such a big difference
To each his/her own…. I bought a new Triumph Tiger 900 Rally in 2021 and since have finished 3 BDR routes, the Continental Divide Route, and made it to the Arctic Ocean via Tuktoyaktuk in addition to crossing the US coast to coast. Not once have I regretted purchasing this size or style of bike and I love the “adventures” I have had. I came to the 900 after almost 20 years on a BMW 650 that just felt too small more often than too big. If someone is lured into thinking they are Pol Terres or Chris Birch by the marketing clips they’ve got much bigger problems - A man’s gotta know his limitations!! BTW - I’m over 60 years old and consider myself an average skilled rider. I do try to ride smart though and do not venture off-road alone…
Riding smart is really important. As this video is mostly about the attitude and marketing around these bikes not encouraging that☺️
I’m all for honesty and truth in advertising and the media. When bone heads cannot distinguish fantasy from reality the world becomes a dangerous place
You have to admit, u bought just the right size adventure bike. Out of the top brands.. the 900 tiger doesn't feel top heavy, and the seat height is perfect..plenty of suspension, and priced right. BMW GS, on the other hand... way overrated, and priced.
I don't think you're an average rider. You 'graduated' from that 650 knowing very well what you were getting into, so in my book that makes you well in the top 20-10% of riders.
Great explanation. I have a 1250 gsa which I did the complete Idaho bdr and I'm taking my 890 adv r to death valley in 2 days solo. If you enjoy the trip to the dirt and want to explore and have confidence in your skills then a mid level adv is perfect
Totally agree with everything you mentioned. If you have 2 identical bikes but one is lighter, it is always going to be better, especially if it's used off-road. It will be easier to control, less fatiguing. Just imagine trying to handle a 1250 GS at 268 kg in mud. It is a marketing scam, and your video proves that. Well done!
Spot on! I'm an Aussie and my 25HP Himalayan does just fine in the national parks and on the freeways to get there, no need for 140HP monster.
I'm looking at a second bike, and the new RE Himalayan with 40 ponnies is looking really good. It even has ride-by-wire! I'll decide in a few months after tax time between this and a Honda CB500X/NX500.
@@charliequach6399 Mate you can't go wrong with a CB500x I absolutely love my 2022 model. I can't see myself wanting anything else. Love it.
@@yendor9078 CFMOTO has a new model 800MT-X coming out next year. I'm looking forward to it.
"All these points resonate with me completely. I've mentioned them many times in discussions with motorbike enthusiasts, and I get the impression that most people believe that by buying a Yamaha Tenere or a KTM, suddenly, as if by magic, they'll become the next Pol Tarres or Adam Raga. This is the reason why, for so many years, they haven't taken the plunge. Now, everyone thinks we'll conquer the mountains. That was the issue."
I think the first question before someone takes these bikes off-road is if they are physically able to handle them. I can pick my T7 up dozen times, but im 193cm, 100kg. Second is how comfortable are they with dropping it, because it WILL happen and something gets broken. And third to either if they are willing get some proper training and practice technique. T7 is pretty easy to ride off-road once you know the basics of riding and it's a lot of fun seeing what these big bikes are capable of. But people should be realistic about their ability, either physical or technical.
Yeah, I'm going for a scooter. Maybe also trade it to some other brand in another country depending on how common spare parts are etc.
@@kysakexpress Im in the lack of all of those things 🤣
@@kysakexpress Why are many motorcyclists overweight? I always like to do some trekking along the way to get some exercise. I always ride in my hiking boots.
Who are Pol Tarres and Adam Raga?
The most fun I have ever had on a motorcycle was going down to the coast on a 125 cc Honda in Brazil.
(1) I think people very often don't understand what means to use a lot of strength. Anyone who goes to gym understands this. For example, once you did your squats set, you're done for the day. No matter what you do for the rest of the day (even if you take a nap), you're done. The same with motorcycle lifting. If you lift it couple of times, you're done for the day. You will be tired, harder to concentrate, paying less attention to environment, etc. Big amount of muscles used close to the maximum power exerts the body immediately, and makes your brain go into power saving mode. This is dangerous.
I just noticed it today again (and actually on a regular basis). Went to the gym for leg day, jumped into my car and went to the supermarket. Forgot half the things I wanted to buy and parts of the ride to the supermarket I was not focused on traffic. Doesn´t happen to me on off days.
You guys are obviously soft, I have no problem remembering the eggs in the shopping after training...take some concrete pills
Yep, my VStrom 650 is lovely 🥰 around town, highway, and down the several km of dirt road where I live. I’d ride around Australia (where I live) or any other developed country. I can choose to stay on good roads in these countries. I am a good off road rider and can take my tank of a bike places it shouldn’t go. But no way in hell am I going anywhere near tricky stuff away from help, especially in a far off land. Tipping it over could break my leg. Could break the bike. And could be in an awkward spot that is impossible to extract from without considerable backup. Personally I’d choose a bike around 250 to tour on, the exact bike would be, as mentioned, something ubiquitous in the area I’m traveling.
@@DavidKD2050 when I get to take my wife’s XT250 out for a ride, it makes me brave! It feels like a mountain bike with a little motor after coming off my big bike. It’s arguably more fun, especially keeping it revving high and just letting it rip.
Yep central nervous system does not want to be taxed like that repeatedly without recovery.
Every motorcycle is an "adventure motorcycle".
Isn't there something about an adventure is using inappropriate items, in ways they weren't intended to 😂
I've usually always bought adventure bikes in the 10K Euro range and never go offroad. I buy them regardles, because of their straight seating position, their comfortable suspension settings and their error forgivingness when going in and out of potholes and speed bumps, and unpaved roads INSIDE the city. (living in Turkey, due to these reasons, adv bikes seem to be a good choice.) Living in Germany for example, I would 110% get a sport tourer or perhaps a maxi scooter.
Yeah, here in Ukraine there is no point in road bikes. An adv would suit these roads just fine
You can ride around the world on a 500cc anything. People have been off road riding and touring on old modified road bikes since ww11. Japanese bikes from the 80's and 90's are built well and still supported around the world today. Modern adventure bikes are too heavy, tall, and powerful.
Correct 👍🏻, they are over engineered and overly technical basically not suitable for the purpose the manufacturer says they are built for
Marketing bullshit, selling the nonsense to people as usual. Nothing new under the sun. Yes, especially tall, designed to fall.
Maybe, if you’re weak and short. Look, you can ride around the globe on the Honda C90 if you want to but will it carry all your gear? Will it do the speeds/miles you need to do?
If all you want to do on a single ride is hit the trails etc, buy a dirt bike and chuck it on your truck. But, if like many of us, we might ride 300 miles to catch up with mates before travelling for days off road with all the gear that entails. That’s what ADV bikes are for. I have stacks of bikes, at least one for any occasion. You ride what is best to meet your needs for that ride. Many of you don’t have the money to be able to do that so you buy one or maybe two bikes to try and cover all. I get it. Doesn’t stop me enjoying mine.
Dang, thats a whole lotta world wars. I'm sure bikes got a lot better since then
You have the wisdom of an elder👍.
I am a 65 year old dude riding a single cylinder aircooled, carburetor Honda CB125e. They built millions of those honda 125cc engines and there are very cheap to repair and get spare parts. Super easy DIY fixable in the bush. Put 50/50 Tyres on it and built DIY Leg crash bars and improved small baggage frame for soft saddle bags on back. The bike has only 10HP , weighs only 120kg, as heavy as myself for 1.90m dude, but is such an incredible reliable little donkey with best cruising speed around 65-75km/hr.at 2.5ltr/100km.
Traveling 35-45 km/hr on loose gravely country roads is already fast enough!!! if you do not want to crash every 200m. So why buy a BMW 310 or 650 if you cant ride safely anyway more than above mentioned safe speeds. BMW are good as commuters. However for real world adventure, camping, fishing,hunting exploring. Those large Adventure bikes are definitly an unneccessary overkill, too powerfull and cost too much to buy and run. My bike new on the road 2 years ago was 1500€ in Australia.
Thanks again for having the guts to talk about this. 🙏
Good luck and safe adventures.
I fully agree. I'm riding very fast machines on a highway and good roads, because I love the power, BUT I would never even consider to buy such a heavy nonsense marketing ADV bike and especially not for offroad. It's like those big heavy fancy SUV's with flat road tyres, the only use-case is to consume fuel.
Depends on the location too. Maybe in africa or asia or some parts of europe a 125 would be fine, but in the states unless you are strictly local and have local adventure spots, you will need to use the highway. And a bike that small will get you killed there. I'm sure there are better options for that like a dual sport with more powerful engine but not as heavy as ADV
A BMW bike's maintenance isn't expensive. You're hela broke if regular maintenance bills are too much for you to afford
I agree with you 100%. An adventure bike is ANY bike you take for a ride. As kids we took 40 year old two strokes to places they were absolutely not designed for and we had stupid fun. And as for the unrealistic videos, even Pol Tarrés takes weeks of controlled environment training to shoot minutes of breathtaking clips. So I say, grab what you have, put knobies on it if you want and have fun. Just know your limits. Those will usually be way lower than the limits of your bike :)
This is one of the most honest and truthful videos on this subject. I recently bought a 2012 BMW f650gs for $1,500, then fixed a few things that needed repair, bought engine crash bars, panniers (Givi,) Michelin Anakee Adventures, and changed out the heavy lead battery and regulator for a lithium battery making the bike less top heavy. In total, I spent about $4,500 in total on the bike, and this thing is like new. It already had a skid plate and top box (Vario) and I could not be happier with the Givi's. I have taken it off road on gravel, small rocks, and sand and it did fine. I don't need any more power than this has, and I bring gear like my tent, chairs, stove, etc. and this bike is all I need. It doesn't have fancy electronics, but I don't need it. It's simple and easy to maintain, and very easy to handle. Thanks for saying what many of us want to say.
I bought a 2004 F650GS some years back. It needed a lot of small repairs and a few time consuming ones. But when I was finished it was in excellent shape. It came with factory panniers and top box. I put more aggressive tires on it the second year and go on dirt back roads all the time. It’s a keeper.
Here in Vietnam every bike is an ADV bike! I have a Honda CRF 150L, couple of my buddies on a Tiger 900 and the other on a CBX 500 can't keep up with me on trails in the Jungle. Great Video!
Especially in town with scooters swarming around you! That's an adventure.
Ive done motorcycle touring on 1000cc and 250 cc bikes....the most fun i had was on my MZ 250, yup......took less crap and was better for it too.
Its just a whole marketing trick to convince you that you need more lights and gadgets you really don't need.
Imagine dropping a bike that costs 12 grand plus, apart from trying to pick it up you then have to pay for the damage.
Others have mentioned on other threads here that touring is the journey, the sights, the memories and the people you meet along the way.
Bigger concern is becoming a target when riding around places where your shiny expensive bike cost as much as peoples houses in the area.
I would like to recommend the channel of "itchy boots". Noraly, a young woman is travelling the world with motorcycle for 7 years now. All by herself. Started in India with a royal enfield Himalaya. to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia. By ship to Oman, to Emirates. By ship to Iran, then through all central asia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Caucasus, Turkey, Balkan, Netherlands. Then to Argentina for a tour to north canada. Had to stop in bolivia for Corona. Did a south Africa tour. Finished the Transamerikana tour. Is now on Africa tour. Started in Morocco down all of Westafrica, Nigeria, Kameroon, Congo, Angola, Sambia. Now with plane via Ethiopia to Madagascar for a one week site seeing... Updates about 2 times a week. She changed to a Honda since south africa tour.
You live in a created fantasy. Ppl would faster steal a car than a bike especially if you're "riding around town". Yes every type of vehicle gets stolen but i have yet to see a bike in motion get stolen😂
@@youtubehatestruthtellers8065 you should go to nyc. They steal bikes moving, non moving, even parked inside homes. You got it, theyll take it!
Do you think she will brag about her problems? I won't believe for the life of me that a single white woman in India didn't have problems.
@@youtubehatestruthtellers8065I wish I wouldn't have to correct you, but in Mexico City big bikes from expensive brands do get stolen in motion 😔
This is a much needed discussion. The man speaks the truth of many valid issues of a big bike's enormous cost, the many dangers of a heavy bike, the costly repairs and the staggering depreciation that a long journey will do to one's bike. Thank you!
My 1986 Trail 110 is quite adventurous. Gets 89 mpg. Has crawl gears and is light. Goes where most other bikes can't...
Totally agree - look at “Itchy Boots” - she tours the world on a 300cc Honda and it’s perfect for the job. Big adventure bikes are really just rebadged road tourers - it’s image over reality.
Itchy what???😂😂😂
I hired a Honda CRF300 and toured Northern Thailand. It was so much fun. Light and powerful enough for those tight switchbacks and trails. Also fast enough to keep up with traffic on the bussy dual carriage ways. 70mph all day. 😊
@@The_Touring_JediYou should look her up. Enriching the scene with her content.
@@sunhead-x Give me a break...who watches that shit.
@@The_Touring_Jedishe gets praised by basically the whole adv community for a reason 🤷. But if you don't like it, it's fine 😉
I can agree to many aspects. However, if you are getting older, you might also prefer the relaxed higher seat, knee angle and suspension comfort such a bike offers. And it has not to be that expensive either: I am very happy with my used BMW F700 GS!
Yes you are right about that. And I do think those bikes are amazing in that regard ☺️
My KLX250 is pretty upright and relaxed, to the point wind resistance is an issue at higher speeds. So I ride slower and enjoy the scenery :)
I agree completely if you can find comfort on that motorcycle for a long trip. Some of us, however, can only manage a couple hours. I love the weight and nimbleness of your bike, but the seat is just too narrow for me unless I lean over the bars like a sportbike and push my butt almost to the pillion.
@@williambutler3630 On my KLX I fitted a Corbin custom seat, an inch lower and 2 inches wider than the original Kawasaki seat. I must say though, I still got a sore ass after around 3 hours. I angled the bars and levers for easy standing up, and if on a long journey it's not unusual for me to ride a couple of miles standing, to give my ass a rest. It's also great for airflow through the various vents in my clothing, which is super handy here in Borneo :)
@@williambutler3630 I put on the comfort seat, that works fine for me😉
I have a used single cylinder f650gs. I rode it from where I live in Michigan to where my dad lives in Texas. Its about 1500 miles, or 2400 km. It was a comfortable ride and the bike never skipped a beat. Just this week I explored some trails near my house and the bike did great. It probably would have been better on a 250cc dirtbike, but I could never have traveled 1500 miles on one of those. I think the 650 is the perfect solution for someone who only wants to own one bike. It is light and nimble enough to be fun off road, and sporty enough to be fun in the twisties while being comfortable enough for touring. I personally don't see any false advertising, only people with false expectations.
I agree 100%. I bought a 2018 Africa Twin brand new, spent another $2k on bars, and bags. Went out on a 2k mile trip through the deserts of California and Arizona. That bike was SO miserable to ride. I almost left it in Az. I couldn’t sit on that POS for more than two hours. It was constantly in the shop for electrical gremlins, and when I did take it off road. I was so terrified to drop my $17k bike. I couldn’t enjoy myself. I recently picked up a used Vstrom 650 XT for a song and a dance. It does exactly what I need it to do. It’s given me zero problems, and I don’t care if I drop it.
What do you think about those Chinese bikes off Amazon?
Kinda surprised to hear that! I think the sit up and beg riding style would kill my back and i'd be terrified of dropping the thing if I owned one, but they're still a beautiful bike. Would still own one if I could keep more than one bike.
Yeah that should be real comfortable for 2k miles GTFO
@@srhintz what exactly is your point? I just did 9k miles on my 650 versys which is comparable to the vstrom. And 2.5k of that I had a passenger. Was very comfortable. I love my versys
@@junglejarred6366 the versys is about perfect.
100%
I was watching a local (Australian) UA-cam channel, where a heap of guys went on an organised ride.
There were more than a few riders with minimal riding skills and amongst those were ones who had bought Africa Twins, a Ducati Multistrada, a big V-Strom and so on.
They went to one place which had a gravel driveway going down to a building. Three of the unskilled and somewhat overweight riders had to get others to ride their bikes back up and out the driveway because they'd dropped, fallen off or just lacked any confidence at negotiating such a simple task. They had bought bikes that were effectively 'bitten off more than they could chew'.
They bought the dream of adventure that they will probably never achieve.
A lot of these riders should consider smaller adv bikes
I think that was Shonky the CRF300L Rally chap - ua-cam.com/video/Gc0BpJ5dKKU/v-deo.htmlsi=QfGSaQ3dE59UC7HL
Ok so that was a little fraction of all "world bikers".
So you’re basing your decision on Amateurs?
yeah let's just gatekeep everybody who enjoys riding because they are beginners, why bother trying am I right? Everyone should just stick to cars.
Agreed! In our opinion get a bike you can handle. The lighter the better for offroad. If you are riding in difficult terrain and you are a small person, tired after a long trip, you will not be able to pick a big motorcycle up alone, if it falls. No method will help.
Thank you - for the honesty to point out some realities. In the countless travel videos I've watched, you are the first one I've seen mention that bikes are essentially trashed/totaled/ruined by dirty off-pavement trips. Every time I see a video going North to the arctic via the Dalton or Dempster Highways, I ask myself, "Would I trash my bike/Jeep just for THAT scenery?". Going off-pavement, I ALWAYS think in terms of what I call the 'effort to scenery ratio' ... and ask myself, "Is that scenery worth the effort/price/risk?".
You forgot to mention that Adventure bike marketers hire the BEST/TOP riders in the world for those advertising stunts; those skills were developed over a lifetime, including hospitalizations. Occasionally, I hear it said that the TOP/BEST riders can ride any bike (in any condition). That suggests to me that the electronic riding aids are seen/used as a crutch for/by those lacking such top riding skills ... and who think that their $money$ (for electronic riding aids) will overcome the skills that they lack. Despite countless videos outlining 'the Unicorn' travel/adventure bike, I see most bike offerings ignoring the requisite parameters (many of which you covered, too) ... instead offering heavier, more useless, but profitable, models for adventure riding. I think that the 'adventurer', challenging 'nature', is actually challenging God ... about THE MOST STUPID thing a human can do!
Thanks, again ... for saying what needs to be said.
Thanks for the apretiation. The loss of value can be fixed by taking a bike there that can not Fall in value anymore. I have put my Yamaha xj through 40000 Kilometers and some quite ruff stuff.
But a 500 Euro motorcycle can not become any cheaper.
Also at the Moment there Seem to be a lot super cheap bikes on eBay I actually bought a second xj because of that. Somthing seems to be up with the market. Maybe I should make a video about that☺️
Did the Dempster last year- friggin epic!!! 45 days on the road camped out 30+ days, had good weather, bad weather and everything in between. No harm to my bike. Trip of a lifetime!! Just like the guy says- what you see/get in the videos is not see/get in real life…
I rode in my 20s and in my 50s i started riding again. The adventure bike immediately caught my mind. The harley crowd was calling to me as well and for once in my life I could afford it. I almost got a GS 1200, but after riding it the search continued. A 650 vstrom won the day and I have and love it still. It has not proven to be a comfortable nor confident off road bike. I'd seen many videos of vstroms doing gnarly stuff. I now have a 300L and I'm looking for more off road exploring with almost equal comfort. I agree with this video!
Actually maybe you can make your vstrom more offroad capable there is a big aftermarket I made a video about it a month ago
Beautifully done. The world is full of people trying to separate us from our money by selling an image. I see these bikes here in my neighborhood……in Florida! Hell, I can’t find a single track mountain bike trail since I moved here from Tennessee! I have no idea where these folks are going. Too high, too heavy, too expensive. You nailed it brother!
I can see the logic in most of your video, but it's not going to make me sell my 2023 R1250 GS. The amount I would use it on surfaces other than sealed road (probably only 5%), make it the perfect bike for me. Comfort and touring capability with the ability to go offroad when I want to are extremely important to me - it's knowing that the adaptability is there when I need it.
All that power - well, not as much as the Multistrada or KTM in the same range, but I don't have to downshift to overtake because of all of the torque.
Also, the weight has a very low center of gravity because of the positioning of the boxer engine - a huge advantage over other bikes in a similar category such as the Tiger 1200.
Low speed maneuvering is also much better than other bikes in this class.
I understand and appreciate what you are saying, but for my purpose, I have the perfect bike. This is my seventh bike, so I'm no noob.
He does contradict a lot of what he says in this video. Obviously a small dual sport is more capable off road, we all know that. But he also says that the vast majority of an adventure ride is going to be on pavement, that is why these big adventure bikes are much more suited to the road. No one is buying a GS if their only plan is to do hardcore off roading.
A dual sport would be better for someone who’s doing mostly off road with small stretches of pavement.
And while you could use a sport tourer to do a lot of the off road an ADV comes across, they are also expensive and there’s less protection items you can put on and more easily breakable fairings so you’ll tank the value of an ST quicker taking it off road. People buying second hand ADV bikes are going to expect some scratches.
He's not saying it's a bad bike, he only means that the marketing makes people believe that big adventure bikes are good off-road bikes, and in reality they are not.
He's not trying to convince you to sell your big bike. He's trying to convince you that your big bike isn't really an adventure bike and will be next to useless on actual off road journeys.
Every bike we might buy today is a compromise, as bikes have become increasingly specialised in the last 20 years. I totally agree that many of the big 'adventure bikes' are too much of a compromise, due to their size and weight, and I suspect many are realising this now, leading to the rise in availability of 'middle-weight' ADV bikes. In this class the Aprilia Tuareg is a star, being very capable off-road, but is quite expensive in this country (Australia) and is a little 'stretched' on the hghway. I bought a Honda Transalp as a cheaper, and more road-orientated solution, for an 'all round bike', and honestly - 9,400 kms in, it is doing a decent job.
Fortunately we have endless miles of dirt roads here, most of which, yes, could be ridden on a road bike, but the suspension travel of a mid-sized ADV bike (and 21" front wheel) is much more comfortable/practical in this setting. Then on the long-distance sealed road sections, the Transalp is quite capable at higher road speeds. There is no 'unicorn' bike for this purpose, and every offering is a compromise, but a bike like theTransalp is relatively inexpensive, not as heavy as the 1000 cc offerings, and if it falls over? Well, it didn't cost too much.
I still have a very light, very fast Ducati road bike, but the Transalp is close to ideal as a less-specialised alternative, and I find myself taking it out the most. It is easy and capable at most things. A 250 - 300cc bike, while much better in tight off-road situations, just won't do the longer road miles as well. But your point of view is refreshing and honest, and offers an alternative to the adventure bike obsession that the marketing teams have exaggerated, and which in reality don't suit as many people as they pretend. Well done.
Thanks for this nice comment. Going though Australia on a transalp honeslty sounds like a dream☺️
Simplify your life! This you can apply to basically everything.
Nice video man! And I love that you put your microphone on a wooden spoon😂.
It all depends on what you like. Some people like fancy hotels, some like to rough it. There’s no arguing that if you want to do huge miles in a day a GS will be nicer than a xj6r
Some like to pull their bike on the trailer.
@@gypsymonk8229 I think that would be a separate category, we are talking about adventure traveling (industry). If you pull your bike with a car, that's a separate category. Also, if you were being sarcastic, I missed that.
Yes you are First of all Right but in the end the gs is not really keepibg up with the advertisment promises especially when it comes to Price and utilety
So would a bunch of other bikes
Wouldn't a Goldwing be even nicer?
This is the same in the car world id you don't have a SUV you can not go on long journey
Haha yea I personally prefer station wagons for touring in a car as you just have more room and it’s easier to camp with. And also cheaper, took a Holden commodore through Australia
Aren't the big and heavy "adventure" bikes just single track SUVs?
@@zweispurmoppedyea this is not true at all. I can’t tell if they’re being serious or pointing out that people wrongly think this way and say this kind of shit.
@@-MintyyI think maybe he means that adv bikes are the 2 wheeled equivalent of an SUV. They look like they're meant for offroad and have some offroad features but in reality they're just not. It's just the look.
I just finished watching this guy crossing the Trans America trail on a Honda CT 125 Trail bike. It doesn’t matter how much power your bike has when you are knee-deep crossing a river.
Regarding height, I've fitted a lowering kit on my KLX250S, so she's really low down now, as I also lowered the adjustable suspension and moved the forks to their limit. The result is I can easily put a foot down now, paddling through boggy stuff, and so far I've never had an issue with ground clearance. I don't use it for motocross jumping, just trail rides with panniers, top-box and a little windscreen. Wider, lower seat too, from Corbin.
The biggest issue with the design of adv bikes in my opinion is the size as it relates to most riders. I dont have this issue bc i am a big guy. I look like a bear on a a bicycle when i ride my Africa Twin. I added 3 inches to the seat and I can still flat foot it. This helps tremendously with off road riding. Ive been through deep water, in the air, and on some single track. 95 percent of my riding is on pavement. If money wasn't a constraint, I'd have a different bike for every situation.
And how would you take the bikes with you? Would you have a truck following you all the time?
@fuglbird that would be cool too, but I was thinking more along the lines of "I am taking this bike today" or "I'll take that bike tomorrow."
I agree with almost every point you make, and especially about the nonsense of going off-road with an ADV.
However, I switched from a sports tourer to an ADV myself 2 years ago, for 2 main reasons:
1) the suspension is typically better suited for the often "adventuresome" 50-shades-of-grey road conditions in southeast Europe (and many other countries);
2) creature comforts. The elevated riding position makes for a much more relaxed knee angle and upright torso, which is so much more comfortable on long hauls.
Either way, my pick was a 2nd hand V-Strom 1000, which cost me some 6.3k and works perfectly fine as travel bike.
I totally agree with you. I have ktm 390adv for 4 years and my riding buddy has ktm790 adv. When we are on sand or mud or when it rains I always have to help him to lift his bike up.
We need more spoon-microphones on UA-cam videos! Love it. 😁
Good points in your video. Modern adv bike are too heavy for hard off-road. However adv bike have some advantages over big sport tourers like bmw k1600: upright position, spoked wheels, suspension that works off-road better. That’s why most adv bikes are used as a tourers and never roll off of pavement.
Clearance is important if riding on mountain passes, deep sand and mud.
If dual sport had better wind protection and better highway capabilities I’d buy one in a heartbeat
I agree with you very much and a good example, I think, is Itchy Boots with her Honda Crf 350. Simple, light, enough power and no fancy gadgets. But Puck Futin.
it got dropped in a river... imagine that was a gs 😅
@@shaneryan9076
And she was lucky it dropped in the shallow part of the river. 😂
@@shaneryan9076 Upside down! A GS would have sunk deep in the silt, for a geologist to find a million years hence. Gigantosaurus?
That's a great bike but I imagine it would be miserable going on such a long tour on it - hours of motorways , skinny seat before you get to spots where it starts being useful.
I've got two bikes. A 1995 BMW R1100RT (owned from new), and a 2019 Honda CRF250 Rally. Sure, the BMW is the one to take if you're planning 900 km in a day, but the little Honda is just fine for 300-400 km, especially if you're going to stop and get off from time to time to look at the sights. The weather/wind protection is surprisingly good, and 110 km/h still feels like cruising. The seat gets a bit hard after two hours. You can get a comfier seat, but I haven't bothered. The RT will handle gravel roads (I live on one), but slower and a lot less fun than the 250.@@ByronWWW
Living in the uk I spend 50% of my time offroad on muddy gnarly gravel trails on my gs 1250. 22K last year. Yes I have to pick up my bike regularly but the beauty of the gs is that it can do both onroad and offroad comfortably.
At the weekend I do ride my enduro bike maybe 100k on hard enduro trails , ktm 300exc. But only offroad, highway speed is definitely not comfortable.
So for us lucky fortunate guys who aren't banned from offroading, do many miles a year ,the large adventure bikes definitely have their place.
Yes and as it sounds you also have realistic expectations what your big bike can do ☺️. As ofcourse they can handle the the one or other trail
I still like my little Royal Enfield Himalayan.
No way could I be messing about with a monster GS Far too big and far too complicated for me. My friend has one he won't even take it down a muddy farm track for fear of it getting dirty haha!
I appreciate your wisdom on the “adventure” bikes. I was also turning my head sideways wondering how a big, high hp adv bike would be able to handle offroad. It didn’t make sense. I have a Harley for cruising, yet like your thoughts on the dual sport for offroad.
You are right. In the past people would just jump on DR 650 or XT500 or Africa Twin....and make trip around the world. Or....get some old 4 cylinders 600 and fit off road tyres. Protect it and slightly modify it and here you go....I had SV 650 before Hornet 600 and before that ...XJ 600 Diversion !!!😊 ps. Hornet is much easier to kick start than SV ! 😅
Haha yes exactly that can be a way to do it. In the end getting going matters Most ☺️
An old xj600 with off road tyres we be great for a round the world trip.
She can do it. Better than 900 Diversion. She is light and it's better chain for off road. I had 600...it's fun . It had rear chock from Drag Star 650....a bit longer. It was perfect. @chrishart8548
My humble dl650a/xa(v-strom) can do it all.
I ride one of the big ADVs (KTM 1050 Adventure) and apart from it being heavy as a mf it is very capable offroad. Much more so than any sports tourer. I'm from southern Germany and wanted to go to the Balkans this year but I'm thinking about doing a three to four week Norway tour instead. As far offroad as possible, equipped with a tent. I'll bet you that I'll bring my bike home safe and sound.
Ktms are synonym for off roading no wonder why you prefer it over other brands. I had lc 640A, loved that bike, and I'm still kicking my ass for selling it.
@@ApocGuy oh for sure. I always thought that I didn't care that much for brands as long as the bike's right and while that still holds true I fell in love with KTM. It can go fast if you need it to, it has great balance if you go slow and offroading with it is superb. I'll do an enduro training next month on a 1300GS. I sat on a 1250GS before but never ridden one so I'm looking forward to testing out the competition but honestly, I don't know how much better it can get than my KTM.
Hey in trying to find resources to start adv motocamping. I'm based out of Sicily atm. Any advice
@@dracolupine9441you’re literally on youtube asking where to find information on something…😉
@@dracolupine9441 I suggest you start by taking part in an enduro course. Before wrecking your bike you should learn to ride off-road
Great vid bud, spot on with your information, I've got an old suzuki dr350, gets me everywhere, on and off road, sure its not powerful, but its simple and easy to fix. Been scoffed at a few times by a couple of big adventure bike owners, but there you go! Keep up the vids 👍
Cheer up Buddy, why so negative? Riding bikes does not make sense at all. We do it just for fun. No commercial ever told me that I need an Africa Twin to ride around the world, but it can be done. This is proven by many, many happy riders all around the world. Everybody should ride the bike he feels good on. I know many people who are really happy on their big ADV bikes. I have participated in off road trainings and was amazed what is possible on a big ADV bike if you know how to. If the value of your bike after riding it is a concern, don't even start it. Put in in your garage and look at it. I don't want to argue on specific points I disagree here. I hope everybody enjoys many safe rides on whatever bike and I hope that you will find more joy in riding again soon (I see a negative trend in your videos and I doubt that this will help to grow your channel and make a career out of it). All the best!
I am Not disagreing with that those bikes can do amazing things. My Main Problem as clear in the Videos is the public Image and how they are presented in advertisment.
Don’t worry the Channel will not go in a negative Direktion. Also many positive Videos to come
I ride f850gs simply because it's awesome:)
He's right lol you just drank the ADV kool aid
Most people who buy big adventure bikes will not take them on any road you couldn’t take any road bike on. They buy them for the comfort they afford and because in their eyes they look good. If you have any off-road skills and are planning a big adventure with unknown road conditions you will be looking for the lightest bike you can get away with. Rider controls won’t be on your list.
@danielk34 I can drop the AT and pick it up easily all day, but I'm a bigger guy. Great bikes for me as anything smaller is deeply uncomfortable over long distances
You are so very correct and accurate! That's why i still own my dr650. Often the new technology catches my attention but i go back to how much i adventure on my bike, can i see myself on a big expensive bike...and i go into my barn and find that i still love my classic dr650 and very happy with my decision to spend money on gear, my trips and good food rather than an expensive bike.
Same here😂
😄 so true. I have a space for a triumph tiger sport 660. But my old school brain keeps me in line
If I travelled the globe on gravel it would be on a DR.
I think you have the right kind of bike. The fact is the KLR 650 sold so many more bikes than the rest because of the larger tank and cargo area.
I feel the same, I wish I could buy a dakar rally type bike, 450cc 300lbs! That would be awesome. If you had to use an adv bike which one would you choose?
One of the most honest and valuable videos I`ve seen on youtube. I just subscribed to your channel. That means I don't know anything about this channel and its content. Just this particular video. Being said that, I guess the big brands won't give you their top of the line machines for you to review after watching this video?. LOL
No they won’t 😂😂. But I still review motorcycles sometimes. Most of the content is more about the experience of riding a motorcycle then about the bikes itself. A lot of motorcycle travel content. Feel free to check out the motorcycle surf trip or my motorcycle trip through Iceland on a 500 euro bike ☺️
Just look at this from a different angle. They are touring motorcycles. Adventure is only used for marketing because that’s what is exciting for people.
Everyone understands that big GS or Tiger or Africa are bikes to travel, not to his gravel. Manufacturers know that, and buyers know that. You need to keep with the “tradition”. Most people who can afford two bikes will keep GS and T7 in their garage.
Just take it easy, mate. GS is a great bike, big and heavy, but great on highways. Not a problem to lift it by the way.
People buy SUV and use them to bring kids to school and shop for groceries. Nobody do off-roading with them.
I partelly agree if you look at those bikes like that they are truly great. But I feel that many people in motorcycling especially that are new to adventure riding fall for the marketing, that’s why I made this video☺️
@@FreeMilesMCdon’t get me wrong, I am big advocate for touring bikes (you can watch my channel), as “adventure” term is so broad.
But brands sell what people buy. And that is actually the problem of people who don’t really understand what they want to buy. So they buy what is fancy. Most experienced riders I met over my motorcycle life, actually downsizing from bigger bikes and feel happy about it.
If you look at GS, BMW struggle with this bike in a way. It just outsold all other bikes they have. And they have plenty of great touring and street bikes. But people still buy GS and cruising along the coast on weekend. So that’s why this bike became expensive - it just needs to have electronics for every scenario. Because adjusting this bike mechanically for every type of riding would be a nightmare.
Look it this as iPhone. You probably won’t ever be able to use it in all possible applications. But you have a device which you can build up for all your needs, whoever you are. And because of such flexibility it comes with the price.
I am not a big fun of BMW, but have an experience with them. They just targeted to people who want great bike and price is not a question. And they are great bikes for that purpose and type of use. Those bikes rarely get big mileage.
You are doing a great work with your channel!
@@FreeMilesMC why did you delete my next comment which I spent time writing?
Hey, that is a little bit strange. I didn’t delete anything
what I see right now is your first comment, then my answer, and then a second comment that is quite long. and right after that you asked why I have deleted something. I don’t know if there was any other content but for sure, I didn’t delete a comment from you. Please check again and let me know if you can find your original text or if it is still gone.
Good points. Especially when you follow Noraly on Itchy Boots. One of the most skilled tourers off road. She rides a 250 or 300cc small light bike.
WISE WORDS YOUNG MAN...SIMPLICITY IS WHAT MOTORCYCLES SHOULD BE ABOUT,..NO ROOF,NO DOORS,,ONE SEAT,ETC.LONE WOLF,,SOME TIMES YOU RUN WITH THE PACK!...PURE FUCK OFF FUN.!
Yes, and no. My first bike was a used triumph trophy 500; with scrambler pipes and somewhat aggressive tires. My second was the Suzuki 750 water buffalo. After that I bought a series of twins that I could modify to do better off pavement. For me the sweet spot is a 650 single. I do like my comforts. My two favorite bikes gen one and gen three klr. Can big bikes be ridden hard off road? Yes. Should they be? It depends racing is one thing travel is another.
My gf has been exploring all the local gravel roads and single track on a honda cb250.
The only thing she has trouble with is sand. Understandable as its still running street tyres. Plans were to put oofroad capable tyres on, but we finally found an xt225 that weve been hunting for.
Ive taken the cb250 on some crazy trails and didnt hold back. It handles them just fine and is mad fun.
Many people are using Honda Grom style motorcycles off road. They just put knobby tires on them. They weigh fifty pounds less than 250 cc dual sport motorcycles. Of course the ride is much rougher due to tiny wheels and fewer inches of suspension. Still, they have fun.
I do agree on the advertising, it's a false image. They never show fully loaded bikes which is a reality of touring.
Have to get to the starting point of a big trip first. That's the difficult part with having to take all sorts of gear and supplies. I rather have a bigger stronger bike for highways than a moped that's just enough for offroad. That's the reason big bikes sell. Comfort on long journeys is important too.
If one lives near nice motorcycle country roads, sure use a light bike.
i remember years ago i went on an overseas cycling trip and when i got home I went to the local bike shop to pick up a secondhand bicycle for 500 bucks.
i was spotting my tan lines from the trip and struck up a conversation with another customer who was there to pick up his 2000 dollar bike.
he said he was envious of my adventure but that it was out of his budget.
i looked at his brand new bike and my second hand one and offered only a smile.
People have crossed continents on 49cc scooters and bicycles. Which proves that big motorcycles are not a requirement to make such a trip.
The cheapest adventure motorcycle is probably the Honda Trail 125. If riding on loose dirt, switch the tires to knobbies. Done. Just don't go places where you need to ride faster than 50 mph.
Yeah, they used to walk across countries as well 🙄
Even on a simple unicycle
I just bikepacked the 48 states on a fat tire bicycle. Shit, give me a motor on anything and I’d go anywhere. In fact, I’m thinking about a North America back country tour on a small scooter. In all the years I’ve been adventuring, the riders have always expressed that they wished they had smaller bikes; the very reason I clicked on the video.
Good points made. How are dual sports when you need to spend days on end in the saddle? I heard it was quite hard, because on an enduro you are not supposed to sit all the time. And how about pannier options? Maybe it is actually better to look at "beginner" adventure bikes like KTM 390 adventure or Kawasaki Versys X 300
I have a 2011 KLR 650. We are able to find back roads that are rough, huge puddles, etc. I have dropped this tank a number of times but it doesn't evidence any damage. I ride with a few friends, and we can help each other in a jam. I enjoy rides that have some challenges a lot more than riding the twistys.
High center of gravity. Heavy.
Tank is a mild description.
The majority of “so-called” big Adventure bikes only see off-road riding across a garden path or through the camping site.
Itchy Boots rides through everything on a Honda Crf300 (Alaska)
Not sure if I would recommend buying a secondhand bike from her.
I was able to ride across a field on my Honda Vfr750F but most important, I’m an ex MotoCross racer.
Get experience on courses will help getting you out of trouble.
Greets from Düsseldorf
😉
I agree that experience is quite important. And the crf 300 is in my opinion a brilliant bike for that. Would love to ride it ☺️
I love the minimalist studio.
I live and ride my bike around Africa. I don’t recommend anything over 450cc. I’m not in Itchy Boots league but, I ride everywhere. Speed limit is 80km (50 mph) and roads are poor or non existent. There’s unmarked speed bumps everywhere. Often times there’s no shoulder. You will have to ride trails and ford creeks and carry across rapid water. Drivers follow no rules and are very dangerous while pedestrians, trucks, cars, push carts, rickshaws, motorcycles, cattle, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, baboons, monkeys, zebra, and an occasional giraffe and elephant will bolt in front of you. Smaller the better.
Sounds like my trip to Kenya recently.. true I rented a car but I can see where you're coming from, I take my hat off to you sir!! I noticed on a very challenging and wet 'road' to a small village with HUGE potholes and dips ( a challenge in the 4x4) that locals on those little Chinese bikes just took it in their stride.. I couldn't believe it.. I remember thinking.. 'would I ride on my Enfield 650 here?' Yes but it would be 'very' risky
@@clausentumsoton I ride a Hawk 200 slightly modified. You should be better off on a dual sport or small adventure. Boda Boda riders have to be the best rides in the world. Riding slow is much harder than riding fast. Bodas have sometimes 5 passengers on a 100 cc road bike and ride through dirt, sand and mud and never wreck.
I ride a SUZUKI DR200SE here in Kenya. Light and reliable.
@@nduthiguy Where did you get it?
I ride a Hawk 200 modified. Parts are abundant.
Idk about "scam" but you do make some valid points for them not being ideal in some situations.
It was with a catchy title in mind. A little bit of clickbait as long as I delivere is alright. ☺️
@FreeMilesMC Yea it was a good video. Thanks!
As a short guy at 5’8” I find most adventure bikes way to big, way to heavy and way too under powered. My dirt bike is a WR450F with a cut seat and a 1 inch lowering rear bracket. It’s a great bike but I want to get into cross country adventure riding. So I am building a scrambler, we will see how it turns out.
Adventure bikes are for tall guys!!
@@FordManiac76 tall guy here, yep. AT is a perfect size for me, I get it being too much for someone smaller but it makes me chuckle to hear people say these bikes don't go offroad when I've done BDRs on mine
As another shorter 5'8" guy... I've quickly learned that flat footing is way over rated... Practice some trial skills will help a whole lot.
- Currently scooting around on a WR250R
There's a coffee shop at a race track near to where i live. The car park there is absolutely full of ADV bikes.
I think most people's biggest adventure on an ADV is an adventure to a coffee shop and home again...
Most 70s motorcycles were adventure motorcycle
Only we were too cool to call them ' adventure motorcycles'.
Sounds like something my Nana would have called them.
There was a British mini tv series in the 1990s about three regular dudes/blokes who chucked in their jobs and went off around the world on XT350s. They thought about using bigger bikes but realised after the first few drops and breakdowns that they'd made the right choice. (It was excellent tv btw.) Also, Nick Sanders took the fastest RTW record using an R1 (after having previously circumnavigated the Earth twice by pushbike, once on an Enfield Bullet, and once on a Triumph Daytona.) And then of course there's 'C90 Adventures' on this here UA-cam, by Ed March - who spent a few years traversing Europe, Asia and N and S America in a highly entertaining fashion on an old Honda moped. None of the bikes used were big adventure bikes.
Mondo enduro. Dr350s.
@@desconnell7995 👍 thanks! I'll have to find a copy and rewatch it.
Adventure starts when things go off plan. Bikes today do everything possible to remove the unexpected and reduce the skills necessary to actually ride them. My daily rider and adventure bike is a 990 Adventure. It does everything I want, including single track with a weeks worth of camping gear. However I agree with you, to a point. The marketing of “adventure” bikes is ridiculous. Actual adventure is about the rider. The rider NEEDS the skills that are currently being stuffed into all the computers on bikes (and cars) today. Everything I do with the 990 I used to do on a KLR, which is why I’m putting carbs on the 990, and ditching the ABS. Fewer systems I can’t fix in the field and more real adventure. Keep it up brother.
You already have the perfect adventure bike, the bike you already own! Just use that bike and ride!! My "adv-bike" is a sports tourer the Yamaha FJR1300. Superb on the highway but I also ride it on gravle roads... of course not as superb on gravle but it works, you do have to respect the weight, 292kg!
I love the Yamaha 1300 engine ☺️
@@FreeMilesMC I know, It's a beast!
For me Tracer 900 GT works better lol.
I had a fur. Loved it. Could not afford tires and tickets. Too many vibes from handlebars
I think any bike has the potential to be an ‘adventure bike’. People go around the world on Vespas or Honda C90s.
Absolutely right about that ☺️
A bit of an opinion from a cruiser rider..
1. Electronics used "from the go" (aka being on bikes new riders use to learn themselves the WHAT TOs and HOW TOs) typically produce crappy riders.. In general, all those electronic aids can support the already developed / existing good riding habits, but can never really fix or even seriously mitigate the bad ones. I personally have none and frankly, I don't really miss them - and more, their absence forces me to ALWAYS focus on riding and ALWAYS drive in such a way, that I do return home (aka without any incidents).
2. Electronics as a mitigation for bad a/o unsuitable design (specs) of a bike per its intended a/o marketed use feels like a "let's save the day by something unrelated" afterthought. I think this is a general "let's produce bigger & stronger, but limit it electronically" kind of a trend. It's the same in many industries, and I tend to think it's just to save money on extra development.
3. In general - the ability to lift the bike is a good indication, if that particular model is suitable for the rider at that time. Yes, some practice can improve one's skills in doing so, but it cannot beat one's physical capabilities & limits. I myself have no issues lifting a Suzuki VL800 Intruder, but I'm still struggling a bit to do the same with the Suzuki Boulevard C90T (after one and half seasons).
4. Engine power is fine to have, but it's not a defining characteristics of a bike.. I did more touring (mountain roads and passes in Austria and Slovenia - paved roads only, of course (*)) on a 805ccm bike than I did on a 1462ccm one, mostly because it was much easier to handle. The trip TO and FROM a certain destination might be a different story, but for longer trips (4-5 days and more), the lower engine cubature did not really play such a role.
5. Lighter bikes are definitely more nimble, meaning, they are more suitable for multiple roles. Again, the VL800 was a perfect bike for both doing trips and daily commuting to work, as well as for going out for coffee or lunch in the vicinity (lets say some 30km from the place where I live).. The C90T is a different story - it's a great tourer, but sucks in the role of a commuter (wading through traffic is quite a chore) and is not that "nifty" for just riding out for a coffee.
Ride hard & ride safe.
(*) Back in 2017, while in Slovenia with my GF & fully loaded and in the middle of a forest, a road suddenly ceased to be paved and turned into one mostly used by forest machinery. On the VL800, we managed to get through it rather easily, though I admit I did not really enjoy it too much. This year, we had to pass some 500m on a similar road (my GF on VL800, myself on the C90T), and I have to say, it felt exhausting and most of the time, one could not stick a sharpened hair into my ass - that's how I felt. A video of it is here: ua-cam.com/video/iNzdoBWM2rY/v-deo.html
While most likely nothing stops marketing, it's good to share views like this. It's all the old song, we need certified diver's watches for the office etc.. it's ok to dream, but the ADV advertising I can't stand anymore. Ad nauseam repeating one theme, where a guy backflips a locomotive-strength bike on dunes, almost rams local shepherds who in turn applaud him in a colonial fashion..
It's up to individuals to stay sober and humble, it doesn't necessary go against the ability to enjoy life and have fun.
I agree. What you are saying with applauding in colonial fashion is right as well. I did not want to go that far in my video, even tho it’s also somthing that I recognize
I ride ADV myself and find it comfortable since I never ride off road. What actually bugs me is the soulless, uninspiring, function-before-design looks of all ADV bikes while there is no actual function to all of it since they do not allow you any serious off-roading. Trade off for nothing. I never look back at my Transalp when leaving parking place and I don't care if it's dirty, it was nothing to look at straight from the factory. And KTMs look like robot-ants.
Maybe the old adv bikes with the dual headlights and so on could be for you I think they look great. Yamaha tdm 850 also is a road focused enduro that can look with some minor modifications like out of a mad max film.
Moto Morini makes good looking bikes but I don’t like how they perform and the Chinese engine replica.
But they will release during this year hopefully ,a 1200cc vtwin bike with an engine engineered in Italy courius if that maybe is any good
If you never go off-road and don’t like how an ADV looks why don’t you buy something else?
@FreeMilesMC CFMoto has a tweaked version of that engine now with a longer stroke that increases the power a bit, thay Benelli also seem to use, maybe MotoMorini will pick it up
Good one 😂. And you are correct. But I like the look. Thanks, I will name my KTM Robot Ant.
@@blikkiesblignaut6999 I like the look of adventure bikes too. Ktms headlights are not my favorite but generally speaking, I do like the looks of ADV bikes. I do think it’s an acquired taste though. I find it hard to look at a cruiser and be impressed these days. I used to be the opposite
Only benefit of having the r1250 gs is that the boxer sticks out so far that it causes the bike to sit at a 45 degree angle if it rolls onto its side. The best method to lift it is to actually turn the front tire towards the side you are lifting towards and then walk it up once you are at a lock with the handle bars. Even smaller people can get it up due to this. 99% of the adventures can not do this or course.
Good stuff! And agree! You don’t need much to have an adventure. Most importantly you need get up of a couch!
Yes exactly thats the First Stepp☺️
Haha 😂 Servus, dir ist schon klar das du niemals eine Einladung bekommen wirst wenn BMW und alle anderen ihre neuen ADV Bikes vorstellen werden. 😂😂 Aber du hast zu 100% Recht, das will nur keiner wirklich hören. Reiseenduros sind nicht für die große Reise um die Welt gemacht. Die Marketingabteilungen verkaufen dir nur einen Traum. Ich habe eine 13 Jahre alte Kawasaki Versys 650 (Erstbesitzer, 140.000 km) und eine Moto Guzzi V85TT ganz neu. Mit der Versys fahre ich in der Woche (Beruflich) circa 50 km Schotter/Forststraße und das geht mit den richtigen Reifen völlig unproblematisch. Recht viel mehr habe ich Fahrerrisch auch nicht drauf, ADV Bike oder nicht, das Limit setzt nicht das Bike sondern mein können. Und das ist bei den meisten so, so ehrlich muss man sich auch mal machen. Ein guter Fahrer kann mit fast allem abseits befestigter Wege fahren. Einem weniger versierten Fahrer hilft auch sein 20.000 Euro plus X Motorrad nicht viel. Sein eigenes können richtig einschätzen ist das A und O meiner Meinung nach. Sag bitte auch in Zukunft deine Meinung 👍🏻👍🏻 es gibt schon genug Influenza die das hohe Lied der Marketingabteilungen aller Hersteller bereitwillig singen. Für ein Testbike oder Einladung zum Event. Servus Robert 😉😉
Viele überschätzen sich total. Sie denke boah das was mir die Werbung verspricht kann ich auch. Aber die Realität und die Physikalischen Gesetzte kann man nicht austricksen. Zu mal die GS und ähnliche konsorten auch teilweise wie die Sau fahren. Nur weil man mehr Leistung hat heißt das noch lange nicht das man andere in Gefahr bringt. Z.B. dicht auffahren. In den Kurven mal eben überholen oder aus dem nichts links an einem vorbei brettern so das man selber fast vom Sattel fällt. Ich habe die GS fahrer mittlerweile als Karl Dall abgestempelt das Lichtspiel mit dem Schlappen linken Auge erinnert mich an dem Komiker.
Danke für den Kommentar. Weil das ist schon eine Sache mit der ich in der Vergangenheit gehadert hab und mich dann aus moralischem Gewissen dazu entschlossen hab das so zu machen.
Ich bin allein schon unten durch weil ich selbst in positiven Reviews erlich die negativen Sachen spezifisch und begründet benenne:
Ducati Scrambler- blöde upsell Taktik mit der Entfernung des abschaltbaren abs in den billigeren Modellen. Ist ein super bike
Honda Hornet- super hässlich trotzdem ein tolles Motorrad.
Harley nighster-super Motorrad aber zu schlecht verarbeitet, zu teuer und nicht konkurrenzfähig.
Gleichzeitig bin ich aber meist immer sehr begeistert von Motorrädern weil im entefekt sind die meisten Motorräder wirklich gut heute und man kann vieles sorglos kaufen. Also ich bin auch bei positiven Sachen sehr erlich zu begeistern.
Die gs ist ansich schon ein cooles bike. Aber hast schon recht. Und man weis immer nicht ob’s eine zivilstreife ist wen man einem der Motorrad hot Spots in Deutschland langfährt.
Diese ganzen Influenza kannst zum Großteil in die Tonne klopfen. Die sind doch alle mehr oder weniger käuflich und/oder bestechlich. Beispiel gefällig... Ein UA-camr in UK hatte von Honda eine Transalp zur Verfügung gestellt bekommen und lobte das Teil natürlich. Ich bin die auch schon Probe gefahren und die ist nicht so gut wie uns allen immer wieder gesagt wird. Will nur keiner hören. Es gibt auf UA-cam einen einzigen der die Transalp ohne Marketing Brille beurteilt... Und da fiel sie leider durch. Ich habe in dem Video vom UK UA-camr folgenden Kommentar gepostet (auf Englisch) der keine 5 Minuten online war und dann gelöscht wurde...😎😎
"Such nach dem UA-cam Kanal von BTGMoto und dann nach dem Video "I bought an Aprilia 660 and sold my BMW R1250GS" ab Minute 2:50 wird es interessant. Der Kollege kann fahren und hat Ahnung. Seine Einschätzung deckt sich zu 100% mit der meinen und ich kann bei weitem nicht so gut fahren wie er. Der größte Unterschied zu seiner Meinung und der von allen anderen im Netz...er musste sich entscheiden was er mit seinem!! Geld kauft. Da ging es nicht um Marketing und ein Presse Motorrad von Honda das er nutzen konnte. Darüber darf dann ruhig nachgedacht werden... ;-)"
Alles verlogen bis zum geht nicht mehr.
@@uglybiketours4344 also gibt tatsächlich find ich noch ein paar Leute die da erlich rangehen. Spitescorner ist ne gute Adresse.
Würd gern selber mir mal zur Transalp ein Bild machen. Weil der Motor ist ja Hammer also da kann es schon mal nicht dran liegen. Und die ist ja als gemütliche eher Straßen lastige reiseenduro angelegt, kann mir eigentlich nicht vorstellen wie Honda da viel verbocken kann. Muss ich wohl mal selber nach schauen
very true.
Thank you for the video and sharing your thoughts with us.
Blame Charlie & Euan.....since then everybody thinks they need a huge ADV bike to go on an adventure. They don't - a lightweight bike will be far better....
Most people would be better off with a Sports Tourer, as they don't ride off-road.
Many people don't realize that charlie and Euan had also a crew on 4x4 constantly riding behind them and helping them if shit happens, I bet not everything was filmed when they fall on there heavy BMW Gs.
Blame the Dakar from 1983 to early 2000s (Meoni victory on a KTM 950).
They were originally trying to get a deal with KTM for the 950 adventure but KTM backed out so they had to make the whole thing into an advert for the GS1300 which you can see in a few points in the show wasnt cut out for the job (one broke down and had to be replaced when they were in the middle of nowhere and it was just too heavy).
KTM must've been kicking themselves after though.
I like the addition of the spoon my man! I hope you are doing well, you still seem a little bit exhausted. I hope you can find rest and not have to chase anything. I will pray for you.
Greetings from the Netherlands
I am doing better after the motorcycle surf trip. Being at home helped. A new trip is ofcourse also coming when the weather gets comfortable. But for now happy to enjoy home for a bit
What about the general upright seating position on the adventure bikes. Are they truly that much more comfortable to ride long distance? I had a 2007 Honda St 1300 that I rode all over California and also Pennsylvania when I moved there but it was very uncomfortable after 100 mi. I thought about a Goldwing but they seem too big and bulky. The adventure bike to me seems to have plenty of power be lightweight and very comfortable for long rides but I could be wrong.
Remember, guys. Adventure bikes aren't supposes to weigh a kjghpillion pounds. Your average dual-sport will do just fine
very interesting, do you have a video with bike recommendations for big adventures? I am looking to buy a vstrom 650xt, which is heavy, but do not have plenty of electronics, it is a basic enough bike and very reliable, although heavy indeed. Ohter options I have considered is the g310gs, the 450MT, 390 adv
Actually vstrom 650 is a good pick just needs a Bit of Modifikation there is a Video on it on the Channel Featurinh some intense offroading
There's a lot of sense to this video. I just completed a solo trip from the bottom of Tasmania to the top of Cape York on an old KLR650. When l got to the off-road section, which spanned around 800 kms, there was nothing bigger than a 700cc bike to be seen. I dropped the KLR several times in deep sand, and although l was able to lift it or had other riders around me to help, it was certainly no easy task. Cape York presented challenges far greater than your average fire track, but l don't expect I'll be doing that again anytime soon, and 90+% of my riding will be on tar or gentle gravel. As I near 60yo, I'm aware that limiting factors multiply with each passing day. For me, I'd probably look for a RE Himalayan, or even an old Yamaha XT 250, to do any serious dirt riding in the future. I don't feel the need or have the skillset to go much above 80 kph in dirt, so that type of bike will suffice. My local surrounds have LOTS of long, winding roads that beg to be ridden, so at some point soon l can see myself on an older model, Aprilia Caponord, Ducati Multistrada or even the lovely Triumph Trophy, because was much as anything else, my body appreciates an upright riding position. A really useful video. Thank you!
I would like to know what would you use an adventure bite for? I’ve bought a rally pro because I like the look of it but not intended to use it off-road wash your thoughts on that I would like to know.