You are right about the Tuareg, I had it for 5 months and it spent 3 months on the shop because it come with bunch of problems, I sold it and buy a tenere rally 2021, I’m more than happier with it and hope to keep it for a long time
I am just beginner EUC rider. Anyway I really like your channel because there are many same or similar things to concern. I've visited many motocycle vlogs, but you are far the best, at least from my point of view. Big thanks!
Maintenance costs are directly proportional to the volume of the engine. I can confirm from my own experience :D But as Pavlin said, the most important thing is to choose a motorcycle according to the planned purpose and area of use and not to fall into the sales traps.
Your no-nonsense advice and tips are always appreciated. I started riding used bikes, because they were cheap to buy, but switched to a new (but relatively inexpensive) bike, because the total cost and dependability is better with the new bike.
Yes. Absolutely. And every dollar saved is a dollar in the touring tank. What do you want to spend your hard earned dollars on? Easy answer i think. Ride safe 👍
Just done oil and coolant on my Tracer - no need to ever pay a mechanic for such simple jobs. Unfortunately the air filter and sparks are well-hidden so might not be such fun.
Hello Pavlin! Once again, thank you for your useful and informative videos, I get great benefits from your vast experience given my limited knowledge. And allow me to thank you for your Magadan series, man that is AWESOME! I've watched from the beginning every single episode and today I got see you reaching your destination! Wow just wow! I envy you and admire. I look forward to the rest of the series, great great content. Thank you Pavlin, Alex from Italy.
Thanks for all the tips. Just switched to doing my own maintenance myself. Always did my Dual Sport, but my new bike I took it to the dealer and paid way to much.
Come on Pavel Tuareg it’s a billiard motorcycle, I am sure it will never be as reliable as Tenere is , but Yamaha has problems too. Thanks for your videos bro keep going.
Agree, love my Tuareg, I have no reservations riding it thousands of miles across the US. Of course you're going to find complaints online that where everyone goes to express their subjective frustrations, the majority of owners aren't going on forums if they're satisfied with their purchase and have minimal or minor repairs.
Enjoy it then. For your information, since 2022, a small motorcycle shop in Varna sold more than 15 Tenere 700 and ZERO Aprilia. It stays in the shop and no one even touch it.
Couldn't agree more. Have a smaller Honda touring machine. Regular maintenance, keep it stock, [mostly] responsible riding. Have 71,000 miles now and never broken down.
Excellent advice for most people. Only one thing which I have found not to be correct is the Lithium Battery (LiFePO4). *9 years ago* I changed my OEM battery for a LiFePO4 battery from SkyRich and it is still going strong after ~140,000 km! The OEM (Yuasa) failed after 4 years and ~60,000 km (yes, my Moto has 200,000 km). You need to buy the correct brand - not cheap Chinese. Note, in cold temperatures, for a LiFePO4 battery, turn the ignition on (and headlight or heated grips, if possible) and leave it for 2 - 5 minutes (don't worry about the battery, it has a lot of power so 5 minutes is nothing), then start the Moto. It will start immediately.
Riding a bike is not for free. But it's a good investment, you get a huge reward from your rides ;-) As you said, Pavlin, riding style makes a difference. And if you can do maintenance by yourself. Günter/Nürnberg
I agree it is best to keep the bike as stock as possible. I don’t like that I changed the exhaust on my T7. I prefer the stock exhaust but was worried it would crack the frame in a drop. Wish Yamaha would fix that
Pavlin, could you discuss the air filter specifically please? Preparing for a trip to central Asia currently, and I'm considering replacement paper, or the oiled foam based unfilter airfilters that Yamaha fits to the t7 in Australia. But those oiled filters can apparently kill the engine, when you miss a spot and the let in sand. I was also thinking about a regular paper filter plus an oiled pre filter for the dusty areas. I haven't heard about the washable k&n filter before. Looking forward to hearing your experiences!
Also, if I may ask, would you show us your cleaning techniques on a long trip? Do you carry the filter oil, or use generic? Is it easy to find? Thanks!
… changed front sprocket on my T7 to 16 teeth after 3'000 Km, since then I’m saving on gas and chain use (currently 55'000 Km and still o.k.) - try to avoid autobahn in general, and if I have to use it my speed limit is 100 K/h or 4'500 RPM which is comfortable and pretty save - I plan to use my T7 for the rest of my life
Returning after decades, just bought a used CB500X for 80% road 20% light gravel. Two things you said caught my ear: 1, don’t mess with your sprockets. A big mod discussed for the CB500X is changing to from 15t to 16t front sprocket. I must’ve seen it 20 times on forums and UA-cam. Also some people change the rear sprocket by one tooth to preserve low-end torque. Your feeling is that these changes will just add stress to the clutch plates and other items, and so will affect bike maintenance cost longevity. 2, about adding mods which will draw current from the battery, like fog lights for example, and also switching to a lithium battery. I had no idea that this in the long one can’t be handled optimally by my Honda. I’m not made of money, so I’m very receptive to what you’re saying, and I’m also very disappointed. One mod I was very much looking forward to was spending $450 on an aftermarket *slip-on* Arrow exhaust. It is so, so much better sounding than the stock exhaust, which sadly hums like a vacuum cleaner (and also is truly bufugly). My question to you is: does your reasoning extend to aftermarket slip-on exhausts? In your estimation, should I stick with what the Honda engineers designed for this bike, or would a quality brand like Arrow from Italy anticipate the engineering of my bike and so not add any stress to it? Thanks, I recently discovered your channel and I love your topics and words of wisdom, motorcycling and otherwise.
I ride my T7 at 150-160kph for hours on open highways with original gearing and no issues. It's smooth and comfortable at those speeds if you tuck down a bit.
@@gbner9991 i mean if you hold high rpm too long on motorcycle engines, you invariably condemn them to earlier failure than if you ride at a more sedate pace keeping rpms in the lower half of the rpm range
@@superwag634 that's not even proven, it's worse to lug a bike around all day. RyanF9 even did a video about it. CP2 feels perfect at those speeds. Pavlin also rides his T7 like a single cylinder, where is the fun it that? LongHaulPaul has like 250.000KM on his T7 and most of it is on highway at high speeds.
I think " regular " oil + filter Change is going to be around 200 euros, maybe more ( Portugal) , so your Numbers are very good. Tenere can do highway speed of 170 km for days with stock gearing, i actually think it gets smoother at that speed / rpm. I have done 140 / 150 for hours, One hand , me and the bike getting sleepy😊. This engine loves to Sing .
Hi Pavlin I‘ve been following you for years now and I picked up lots of good pieces of advice, like this one. The very best of all of them is: Take the bike you have in garage rather than the one in the fancy showroom and travel! Yesss 👍 I‘d like you to ask about the shoes you use for walking around. I know you showed a pair of light ones somewhere but I can’t find. Neither on your vids nor on the (very good) online course. As I’m exploring currently Morocco, I do not have so much time or good signal of internet (and no patience) to dive deeper into your toolbox of advice. Could you please send me the link?? Sincerely Peter 🇦🇹
He's said in the past that he doesn't bother much with chain and sprocket maintenance. Just replace them before every long trip. I've found that a drip lubrication system using olive oil has been very effective, if messy. My current V-Strom chain and sprockets show no visible wear and I've never needed to adjust it. It's at 48,000 km right now. 10% dirt road, 90% sealed road.
@GiancarloBenzina why if oil still clean...far too late if oil is black and contaminated...do your own research Same for oil life Lasts half of what they say Discoloured is literally cooked .
Извинявай, имам глупав въпрос ? Как миеш K&N филтъра безплатно ? Моя мотор го взех и имаше такъв филтър, но прочистващия препарат на K&N струва доста пари, и ми излиза по-евтино да купувам обикновенни филтри и да ги сменям (дори след 6 смени все още ми е по-евтино), но си пазя K&N филтъра в килера.
The manufacturer spent €millions developing the optimum machine, by modifying it, you think you know better? I have an Enfield Meteor 350 and tour two up. Listening to Pavlov we keep our luggage to a minimum, last time just 5 kilos including the cloth pannier bags, which cost €10 and work fine. Thinking about a bit more power now my mate is buying a 400 Triumph, we shall see. Whatever I am driving/riding reliability is everything.
If you REALLY need an unkillable, lightweight, no-nonsense lowcost mule with offroad capabilities to travel the world: Suzuki DR 650 is the way to go. Rock solid, huge community around the world, excellent spare parts supply, the easiest bike to work on I have ever experienced. Downsides: Yes, it’s an older design (and quite heinous by modern fancypants beauty standards), the seat is tolerable at best when it comes to long distance comfort, it’s carbureted and it’s barely putting you up to highway speed (low rpm torque ist the name of the game)… but that’s about it.
I have a DR650. Love it. Great bike. Also picked up a Tiger 900 Rally for the things it can't do, like cover huge distances fast and still get me to the sights and camping spots. My DR is my go to back country bike for the PNW.
You are right about the Tuareg, I had it for 5 months and it spent 3 months on the shop because it come with bunch of problems, I sold it and buy a tenere rally 2021, I’m more than happier with it and hope to keep it for a long time
Thanks for sharing!
The best advice I’ve ever got or given is stop falling for sales pitches … look for living examples…
Good!
I am just beginner EUC rider. Anyway I really like your channel because there are many same or similar things to concern. I've visited many motocycle vlogs, but you are far the best, at least from my point of view. Big thanks!
Thanks, man! Glad to help!
1. learn how to repair your own shit
2. learn how to repair your own shit
3. learn how to repair your own shit
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Learn how to wipe your extractions.
Maintenance costs are directly proportional to the volume of the engine. I can confirm from my own experience :D
But as Pavlin said, the most important thing is to choose a motorcycle according to the planned purpose and area of use and not to fall into the sales traps.
Exactly!
Your no-nonsense advice and tips are always appreciated. I started riding used bikes, because they were cheap to buy, but switched to a new (but relatively inexpensive) bike, because the total cost and dependability is better with the new bike.
Glad you think so!
Absolutely all advice super best for daily use motorcycle and some time for Turing
Yes. Absolutely.
And every dollar saved is a dollar in the touring tank. What do you want to spend your hard earned dollars on?
Easy answer i think.
Ride safe 👍
Well said!
Just done oil and coolant on my Tracer - no need to ever pay a mechanic for such simple jobs. Unfortunately the air filter and sparks are well-hidden so might not be such fun.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Pavlin! Once again, thank you for your useful and informative videos, I get great benefits from your vast experience given my limited knowledge. And allow me to thank you for your Magadan series, man that is AWESOME! I've watched from the beginning every single episode and today I got see you reaching your destination! Wow just wow! I envy you and admire. I look forward to the rest of the series, great great content. Thank you Pavlin, Alex from Italy.
My pleasure!
Thanks for all the tips. Just switched to doing my own maintenance myself. Always did my Dual Sport, but my new bike I took it to the dealer and paid way to much.
Thanks for sharing!
Come on Pavel Tuareg it’s a billiard motorcycle, I am sure it will never be as reliable as Tenere is , but Yamaha has problems too. Thanks for your videos bro keep going.
Agree, love my Tuareg, I have no reservations riding it thousands of miles across the US. Of course you're going to find complaints online that where everyone goes to express their subjective frustrations, the majority of owners aren't going on forums if they're satisfied with their purchase and have minimal or minor repairs.
Enjoy it then. For your information, since 2022, a small motorcycle shop in Varna sold more than 15 Tenere 700 and ZERO Aprilia. It stays in the shop and no one even touch it.
Couldn't agree more. Have a smaller Honda touring machine. Regular maintenance, keep it stock, [mostly] responsible riding. Have 71,000 miles now and never broken down.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent advice for most people. Only one thing which I have found not to be correct is the Lithium Battery (LiFePO4). *9 years ago* I changed my OEM battery for a LiFePO4 battery from SkyRich and it is still going strong after ~140,000 km! The OEM (Yuasa) failed after 4 years and ~60,000 km (yes, my Moto has 200,000 km). You need to buy the correct brand - not cheap Chinese.
Note, in cold temperatures, for a LiFePO4 battery, turn the ignition on (and headlight or heated grips, if possible) and leave it for 2 - 5 minutes (don't worry about the battery, it has a lot of power so 5 minutes is nothing), then start the Moto. It will start immediately.
Thanks for sharing!
Riding a bike is not for free. But it's a good investment, you get a huge reward from your rides ;-) As you said, Pavlin, riding style makes a difference. And if you can do maintenance by yourself. Günter/Nürnberg
Indeed it is!
I agree it is best to keep the bike as stock as possible. I don’t like that I changed the exhaust on my T7. I prefer the stock exhaust but was worried it would crack the frame in a drop. Wish Yamaha would fix that
Totally agree!
I run used oil through a stack of 5 coffee filters and re-use it. you can also add some boiled water for coolant
Ok
Don't get a Lithium battery,... until Pavlin gets a free one from his sponsor and puts up a promotional video 😁
I won't! I have at least 2 promotions offers per week for anything related to motorcycles. How many of them you have seen on my channel?
Pavlin, could you discuss the air filter specifically please? Preparing for a trip to central Asia currently, and I'm considering replacement paper, or the oiled foam based unfilter airfilters that Yamaha fits to the t7 in Australia. But those oiled filters can apparently kill the engine, when you miss a spot and the let in sand. I was also thinking about a regular paper filter plus an oiled pre filter for the dusty areas. I haven't heard about the washable k&n filter before. Looking forward to hearing your experiences!
I might do it
Also, if I may ask, would you show us your cleaning techniques on a long trip? Do you carry the filter oil, or use generic? Is it easy to find? Thanks!
… changed front sprocket on my T7 to 16 teeth after 3'000 Km, since then I’m saving on gas and chain use (currently 55'000 Km and still o.k.) - try to avoid autobahn in general, and if I have to use it my speed limit is 100 K/h or 4'500 RPM which is comfortable and pretty save - I plan to use my T7 for the rest of my life
Thanks for sharing!
Returning after decades, just bought a used CB500X for 80% road 20% light gravel.
Two things you said caught my ear:
1, don’t mess with your sprockets. A big mod discussed for the CB500X is changing to from 15t to 16t front sprocket. I must’ve seen it 20 times on forums and UA-cam. Also some people change the rear sprocket by one tooth to preserve low-end torque. Your feeling is that these changes will just add stress to the clutch plates and other items, and so will affect bike maintenance cost longevity.
2, about adding mods which will draw current from the battery, like fog lights for example, and also switching to a lithium battery. I had no idea that this in the long one can’t be handled optimally by my Honda.
I’m not made of money, so I’m very receptive to what you’re saying, and I’m also very disappointed.
One mod I was very much looking forward to was spending $450 on an aftermarket *slip-on* Arrow exhaust. It is so, so much better sounding than the stock exhaust, which sadly hums like a vacuum cleaner (and also is truly bufugly). My question to you is: does your reasoning extend to aftermarket slip-on exhausts? In your estimation, should I stick with what the Honda engineers designed for this bike, or would a quality brand like Arrow from Italy anticipate the engineering of my bike and so not add any stress to it?
Thanks, I recently discovered your channel and I love your topics and words of wisdom, motorcycling and otherwise.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@motorcycleadventures but you didn’t answer my question! :-)
(regarding the *slip-on exhaust* )
I ride my T7 at 150-160kph for hours on open highways with original gearing and no issues.
It's smooth and comfortable at those speeds if you tuck down a bit.
Let’s see if it makes 70,000km like that 🤷♂️
The future will show.
@@superwag634 already at 50.000KM with no issues. Not sure what you mean.
@@gbner9991 i mean if you hold high rpm too long on motorcycle engines, you invariably condemn them to earlier failure than if you ride at a more sedate pace keeping rpms in the lower half of the rpm range
@@superwag634 that's not even proven, it's worse to lug a bike around all day. RyanF9 even did a video about it. CP2 feels perfect at those speeds. Pavlin also rides his T7 like a single cylinder, where is the fun it that?
LongHaulPaul has like 250.000KM on his T7 and most of it is on highway at high speeds.
I think " regular " oil + filter Change is going to be around 200 euros, maybe more ( Portugal) , so your Numbers are very good. Tenere can do highway speed of 170 km for days with stock gearing, i actually think it gets smoother at that speed / rpm. I have done 140 / 150 for hours, One hand , me and the bike getting sleepy😊. This engine loves to Sing .
Fair enough!
Hi Pavlin
I‘ve been following you for years now and I picked up lots of good pieces of advice, like this one.
The very best of all of them is: Take the bike you have in garage rather than the one in the fancy showroom and travel! Yesss 👍
I‘d like you to ask about the shoes you use for walking around. I know you showed a pair of light ones somewhere but I can’t find. Neither on your vids nor on the (very good) online course.
As I’m exploring currently Morocco, I do not have so much time or good signal of internet (and no patience) to dive deeper into your toolbox of advice. Could you please send me the link??
Sincerely Peter 🇦🇹
I don't have a link Peter. They are very light, made from real leather and I use leather insoles as well.
Okay, I should find such shoes here in Morocco!
Thanks Pavlin
Sound advice.
Good!
To the point
Okay
Can you say more about chain and sprockets ? Maintenance, durability, recomendations..?
He's said in the past that he doesn't bother much with chain and sprocket maintenance. Just replace them before every long trip.
I've found that a drip lubrication system using olive oil has been very effective, if messy. My current V-Strom chain and sprockets show no visible wear and I've never needed to adjust it. It's at 48,000 km right now. 10% dirt road, 90% sealed road.
Yes, I never worried about them.
Do you plan take a motorcycle trip to South America? Specially going to Brazil any time soon?
Yes, at the end of this year.
Also bulk buy oil
Might help.
I adhere to the 80% rule. I only use 80% of my engine’s horsepower/torque.
You mentioned Aprilia here. I wonder, what are your thought on ne CF moto MT 450??
I haven't seen it!
you missed brake pads an tyres
They are more like spare parts, not really maintenance.
Same oil specification same oil regardless of brand and change soon as discoloured
2x oil 1 filter !
Thanks for sharing!
Every oil change gets a new filter. No risk, not much expense.
@GiancarloBenzina why if oil still clean...far too late if oil is black and contaminated...do your own research
Same for oil life
Lasts half of what they say
Discoloured is literally cooked .
New video = like!
Great!
Извинявай, имам глупав въпрос ? Как миеш K&N филтъра безплатно ? Моя мотор го взех и имаше такъв филтър, но прочистващия препарат на K&N струва доста пари, и ми излиза по-евтино да купувам обикновенни филтри и да ги сменям (дори след 6 смени все още ми е по-евтино), но си пазя K&N филтъра в килера.
Можеш да го измиеш с обикновен обезсмаслител и да го смажеш с обикновено моторно масло
70,000 km and NO: tire, brake, rad fluid, brake fluid changes?
Tires, brake pads are more like a spare parts, not maintenance. Still with the stock brake fluids.
Do it yourself, use the "savings" to buy better materials.
Okay
The manufacturer spent €millions developing the optimum machine, by modifying it, you think you know better? I have an Enfield Meteor 350 and tour two up. Listening to Pavlov we keep our luggage to a minimum, last time just 5 kilos including the cloth pannier bags, which cost €10 and work fine. Thinking about a bit more power now my mate is buying a 400 Triumph, we shall see. Whatever I am driving/riding reliability is everything.
Yes, everybody knows better. They have to, who else would otherwise fill pubs, forums, bars, biker meetings, social networks with wise advice. ;-)
@@GiancarloBenzina Good point Giancarlo.
Well said!
The Japanese track record building motorcycles 🤔🥃
True
That's just not true, the Aprilia Tuareg has proven to be very reliable with a few flaws that were fixed immediatly.
Proven reliability means at least a few years and thousands of km. Aprilia is far away from these milestones.
Every battery will die when you need it the most. Lithium batteries are a safe bet.
Ok
Who takes an infant on a long trip....
Many
If you REALLY need an unkillable, lightweight, no-nonsense lowcost mule with offroad capabilities to travel the world:
Suzuki DR 650 is the way to go.
Rock solid, huge community around the world, excellent spare parts supply, the easiest bike to work on I have ever experienced.
Downsides: Yes, it’s an older design (and quite heinous by modern fancypants beauty standards), the seat is tolerable at best when it comes to long distance comfort, it’s carbureted and it’s barely putting you up to highway speed (low rpm torque ist the name of the game)… but that’s about it.
I know it very well, but definitely not for me.
I have a DR650. Love it. Great bike. Also picked up a Tiger 900 Rally for the things it can't do, like cover huge distances fast and still get me to the sights and camping spots. My DR is my go to back country bike for the PNW.
LOL! This is one, not the one, as the one does not exist!
@@GiancarloBenzina no one ever referred to it as ‚the one‘ if I recall correctly
Tell us your opinion about communist Bulgaria
A lot of pros and cons, like any regime.