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Thanks for the content. I’m moving into ADV bikes from mx. Got my options down to the Tenere or KTM 890 adventure r. Great content all around and we still like camping videos despite what the algorithm says!!
@@robertryan1965go with the KTM! I bought the NORDEN 901 expedition and absolutely love it. It does feel a little heavy to me but when you ride it for long periods on the street you wont regret it.
3rd year rider 6'3, 350 and I just keep going slow on my TW200. I love how easy it does everything and I rarely get scared . the tractions badass and I know no better so for me in rural Texas I use it to shop and shoot and run errands . I love how basic it is. Sometimes I want a Roadking bad but can I go down by the river on one , or across it? buy some basic bike and be safe. I got like 4000 miles on in under 55.
I’ve been riding for many years and I still ripping my TTR-125. It’s small enough to be fun and not get away from you so you can just rip the shit out of the throttle and it doesn’t really get away from you and still big enough to rip around pretty good. It’s not spectacular but that’s why I love it.
I bought a Transalp, in part thanks to you and I love it. I appreciate your common sense and down to earth reviews. So....please stay with bikes that MEAN something to you whether for reviews or to keep.
Exactly that. @DorkintheRoad you give us better content by following what resonates with you and taking us with you. Don't second guess what others want too much, it'll get formulaic and dull. That said I'm all for a bias to bikes that are more plausible aspirations for the typical person's budget, and I bet your demographic leans that way.
Man, I would have a hard time selling my Tenere. It’s such a great bike. I’ve ridden and owned a lot of bikes and it’s just one of those machines that is more than the sum of its parts.
Your initial purchase of the T7 was what brought me to your channel. That said, I understand why you are making the choice you are, though it is sad to see it go. On your content I do prefer the more off road variant videos as that’s where my personal interest lies, but you catering to a broader audience also makes good business sense. I would rather see you succeed even if I watch less of your content, because when you do have the content I like, you do it well.
I still would love a Tenere. But, I hear you. I went out and bought a big ol air cooled DR650 put some aftermarket parts on it and I have to admit that I couldn’t stop riding it yesterday. I think I’ll keep it forever. Ride on brotha! 😎
The DR650 is a legend. Cogent Suspension and a Seat Concepts seat, and you're ready for around the world. Many people just don't understand how good it is.
@@jonwoodworker I really love it. Recent video on my channel from yesterday. I need to still do suspension, exhaust and carb work. I am really happy with my purchase. Easy to work on reliable and does what I want to do.
@majorlee1 Nice channel, I see you have some other legendary machines, I loved my CR250R. On the DR, do the suspension first. The LexxMX pipe, jet kit and airbox mod does wake it up, but the cogent stuff transforms it. I put the TST Industries turn signal kit on mine, with the DR200 brake light and a new front fender...wow...it looks so much better.
@@jonwoodworker awesome! Thanks for the tips! Definitely suspension is next 👍I love Hondas. I have 89 CR500s too that are my collectors bikes. I was going to get the XR650 but got a deal on the DR and I have a DRZ400 so I figured another Suzuki would be cool!
Sad day. That being said I’ve been following you for a while. Your the reason I purchased the 500x last year, as well as the reason I recently upgraded to a 24 t7 (while also was considering the new trans alp). Your content is a good example for an everyday rider with a detailed tear down of each bikes pros and cons.
Man I’ve been looking at the T7 for a long time. Luckily I work at a Yamaha and Husky dealer so I’ve got several miles on and off-road between the T7 and Norden (including the Expedition). I had a 2017 Super Tenere which would go most places I wanted to take it but some of the rough stuff was difficult. It was great on the street and highway but I’ve been doing more off-road riding lately. Unfortunately as of three weeks ago and after putting 31,000 miles on my Tenere I had a truck pull out right in front of me giving me nowhere to go and no room to stop. Needless to say the bike was totaled along with two broken forearms and a punctured lung. So I’ve had a lot of extra time for UA-cam which is how I discovered your Channel. Your videos have re-confirmed that the T7 is the bike I want and I will be getting one when I’m healed up. I appreciate your honest reviews and you gained another subscriber.
Sadly, I am pretty sure I'm going to sell my T7 too. You hit the nail on the head with your logic: Doing more difficult stuff on a "dual sport" bikes and using your ADV bikes as more of a touring bike. Also the part about various people breaking bones during your rides last year, plus me breaking my wrist last May makes me skittish about riding my T7 on a BDR now. I'm just not terribly interested in a big heavy bike on terrain that tests my limit. WOW, I basically said exactly what you said! The top heaviness of my T7 scares me now. It is far too heavy for me to pick up by myself. I don't want to break myself while riding it. Being broke down with my arm in a cast last June, July and part of August was NO FUN AT ALL. 8:45 Just like you, FLEET REDUCTION is part of my reasoning too! Over the last 5 months or so, I've been spending a lot of time rethinking the type of riding I will do moving forward. The T7 isn't in that "new agenda". My DRZ and KTM fit the revised agenda much better. I can totally do the WA or ID BDR on my DRZ. Depending on which part of the IDBDR I want to start on, I could easily ride the DRZ 1.5 - 2 hours to get on the route. For the WABDR, I would set up a base camp at a friend's house near Plain, WA and be on the WABDR in short order. I've been spending a lot of time over the winter doing major maintenance and a few upgrades on my ancient DRZ. It is plenty for a BDR ride that I may do.
Remember all that talk I had about selling my KTM last year and the year before under my Delta Bravo UA-cam name? LOL. Now I'm likely going to keep it for mild trail riding on trails I've ridden before, because I know they are easy and tame.
I haven't even broke 1000 miles on my T7 yet. It also hasn't been fully outfitted with all the Farkle I bought for it. I still have a box of parts that are waiting to get installed. 😞
Thanks Ben for all of your reviews about the T-7. It’s sad that she has to go but it’s understandable. I’m going to put another 10k miles on my T7 while I run up and down the Baja Peninsula. She’s not perfect but damn she’s reliable, easy to work on and has made a better off-road rider. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
Great perspective. There's a T7 in my garage that isn't going anywhere, but i have given up on trying to make it a dual sport. It's just not. A suggestion for content: there is a South African company called Turkana that builds luggage for dual sport and adventure motorcycles that has recently become available here in the states. They have a rackless setup called the Madmule. Their stuff looks legit, but not alot of comprehensive reviews to go on. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
I use their products on my T7. Excellent quality, very stable and strong. Once you have fitted the mounting straps you can (with a little effort) change the pannier bags to different sizes to suit your trip.
A refreshing review and perspective on the practicalities of living with a bike that you've had long term. Appreciate your honesty and approach to what the bike means to you in context of what you've done and would like to do moving forward.. great review and content...keep up the good works from down under in Oz!
I bought a full set of MSR gear because of your channel. Been great so far, and I've tested it thoroughly. I went through your links so I feel better about supporting the channels I enjoy and trust. Carry on Sir!
I’m thinking the same thing. I’m building out my Transalp, for use on long trips and light off-road detours, but using my crf250l for shorter excursions, and more challenging terrain, or on a hitch rack. Unlike you, I’ve been a tarmac only rider, and still learning off-road/gravel skills. But the philosophy is the same.
I'm on the same page as you, and others, about serious off roading heavy, multi-cylinder ADV bikes. Going forward, for me it will be a dual sport bike for multi-day ADV style riding. I'm currently making some of the minor changes needed to make my KTM 500EXC into a more ADV focused bike. That said, I would love to spend a day on a T7, so I do envy you for that ability. Keep up the great work Ben! Those of us that can't change bikes routinely get to live vicariously through your adventures. IMHO, you and Ian are top of the heap for MC content I enjoy.
@@jkmarshall3553 There's a bunch of great vids on KTM 500 ADV conversions from somewhat budget to over the top expensive. Mine is much the same as some of the more budget builds. There's some very inspirational riders on UA-cam doing great things on a KTM 500 and they're my inspiration.
As someone who has owned the same motorcycle for 20 years and can’t get rid of it or justify owning two motorcycles, I really appreciate your tears at selling the Tenure. My condolences. I totally get it.
I bought a ktm 690 enduro about 2 weeks ago as my first bike. Loving it so far! Was looking at a few different bikes including the tenere and your channel and others have been helpful for me in making a decision
Just got back from my first rally in Big Bend on my KTM890R and a separated shoulder (would've been worse without my Leatt 5.5 underneath Klim gear). I grew up on dirt, then after 50 years on road bikes I wanted the BDR adventure marketing and all. Took the 2 day BMW off road course on a GS and bought a bunch of farkles and gear. Interestingly, one of my younger companions on the trip with an older DR650 seemed to be having more fun and did not fall down at all. Sure, my skills need improving and they will, but your rationale has got me rethinking the downside of weight on loose and unforgiving rock. Thank you!
I live up here in Portland Oregon I just got myself a 2024 T7 I haven't ridden it that much because the weather hasn't been cooperating, however I'm going to ride this bike similarly to how you just described it at 2:15 The T7 is gonna be like a touring bike/ day ride that can go on fire roads here and there, but if I wanna do any serious off-road then I'm gonna use my WR250R. Because of the weight difference.
I’ve got a Desert X and a Honda 250 Rally. I’m feeling the same way these days. I use the Honda for off road as it’s light, fun and safer and the Ducati for longer trips and road rides
I would have sold the TA, but you are right, skill level is a factor that cannot be ignored. A T7 is a very capable motorcycle. And you are content driven. Most of us don't depend on a youtube and sponsor paychecks.
I'm old, heavy, and once road motorcycles fifty years ago. I've recently become interested in motorcycles again because a younger friend of mine is buying a new 2024 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport at a very good price. My eye is drawn to the 2024 NX500, and while that bike has made many improvements with electronics over the CB500X, it still has the same 12 year old engine. Maybe having a reliable engine design that's somewhat energy efficient, easy to maintain, and will keep running for many years to come should be a good thing, but having extra horsepower can only be a good thing when it comes to long distance travel, maybe. The Tiger 850 Sport might be worth looking at.
You rock - nobody could conclude that you don't love the bike - and the extent to which you endeavored to make that clear . . . was pretty funny. Thanks again.
All those things you mention about being top heavy and the awkwardness of not being able to put your feet down well, is how I felt riding my 2016 Versys 650 lol. Everything you described was spot on to that experience.
What an amazing bike, certainly worthy of its reputation as a capable backcountry adventure bike. I can’t wait to see what the next bike will be, I literally dropped a video mid-play when I saw this was next in my feed.
A good dual sport can probably cover 70-80% of most riders' needs. Been through many bikes, big and small, and through them all, my DRZ has never left the lineup.😊
@@judge831 If Suzuki updated with a dual counterbalanced crankshaft, a 6 speed and fuel injection, they would have a huge seller (with lesser 800's being sold though, which they may not want)
As always, super great content. I’m sure the new Owner from Cali Will enjoy his new bike. Looking forward to your new content, hopefully on that hot rod 790 KTM that had you laughing all the way down the road. Anyways, be safe out there and enjoy life to the fullest.
Your new focus is music to my ears, as I am also predominantly looking for a comfortable touring bike that is also able to take me on easy unpaved roads when needed, sort of 80road/20dirt type bike. Wouldn't it be great if transformer bikes were real, we could have a Goldwing that transforms to a T7 at the flic of a switch....ah yeah, dream on 😑
In a way I got lucky. I had my eyes set on buying a T7 for years and I never came across one in the wild. The first week of this past November I saw my local dealer’s website update with a Transalp. I bought it before it was even out of the crate and have been really enjoying it. I am impressed at how well the Transalp performs off-road when you drop the air pressure, but I have a DRZ400S for when I really want to go have fun exploring.
I would love to see the Aprillia Toureg 660 vs Transalp as your next comparison, I think those are 2 of the best ADV bikes for people who are honest about what they want from a middleweight ADV bike. If I hadn't found a Tiger 900 Rally for 10K I would probably own a Toureg 660 right now.
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve I absolutely love it. It's a pavement princess right now, I got crash bars on it. But I'm too cheap to put 60/40 tires in it till I use up the sport touring tires it came with. I'm looking at Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires, unless I find a second set of rims on the cheap so I can have sport touring tires on 1 set of rims and some 40/60 tires in the other set.
Sad to see it go (I have a soft spot for that motor) but completely makes sense. I did something kinda similar when I picked up my DRZ400S a few years back to get into dirt riding from only street riding. After my time on the DRZ400, I found I really like the tight single track trails, which it can do, but man does it suck to have to pick it up or fall over just because I can't get both feet down...So I picked up a cheap 250cc dirtbike for Snotgun messing around but keeping the DRZ for woods and other ADV riding..
If u get the other comments sorry I lost. Anyway, I am 68, living on SS. I HAVE A 22 KLR and always looking. I find I have trouble getting out of the way of fast drivers. And it is, well u know. Anyway I thought, as most of the time, u did great job with video. Keep it up. I will no longer look at T7. NOT LIKE I CAN AFFORD ANYTHING SOON. AND NOT SURE I CAN HANDLE GETTING OUT IN HEAT, TO GO DO BDR,S AS I HAD WISHED WHEN I GOT MY KLR.
Agree with all of your points. I have a 1250 GS and a Versys 300, and I find myself having more fun offroad on the Versys than I do on the GS. That said, for blasting miles on the highway, the GS is definitely the way to go lol
I can see why the T7 is moving on. With my 36" inseam everything else in the category feels cramped to me. Tall SC seat and Acerbis tank fixed the 2 main issues with the bike for me. I also have a Beta for the dual sporty stuff too. Good luck with the orange bike, I hope you find it as reliable as the T7!
Gidday Ben, thanks for the many hours of manly T7 content. I’m awaiting delivery of the Himalayan 450 to replace my trusty but gutless 411. My guess is you will testing the 450 before the year is out. Cheers.
I had the luxury of learning on a smaller dirt bike when I was younger. I got to learn a lot of the basics of weight transfer and balance, throttle, and clutch control before stepping up to a bigger heavier africa twin was fairly easy. I couldn't imagine starting out on a bigger adv bike.
Just got my 22 white Tenere and I am absolutely in love with it. The seat concepts is a must. The Tank is about 30miles -40miles less range than the average in its weight class but that's a good trade off for the hp. An auxiliary gas can will fix that for me on long trips. Acerbic makes a 6.1gal tank for the T7. Overall this is my forever SHTF bike
Many of us ADV guys that like more adventurous trails are migrating to smaller, typically single cylinder bikes. I myself have made this slow transition. Africa Twin to KTM 790 for SWM650.
I’m new to your channel and I absolutely love it - thank you! I have a question to ask you, but I first wanna give you a brief background. I’ve been riding 2strokes for many years, starting with a Suzuki PE 175, followed by an RMX 250 and a DRZ400 (my only 4 stroke). As I’ve gotten older, my love of single-track riding has diminished a bit. I now find myself far more interested in dirt roads, and paved surfaces. I am currently looking at purchasing a Tenere 700 but I’m also intrigued with the Norden 901. Maybe I should just re-watch your videos concerning those two bikes, but I figured I’d reach out in the event that you had some additional thoughts to help my decision process. Thank you.
smaller,lighter,is always better.stopped to help 2 riders pick up their bikes.i love my xt 250.a crf 300 might be in the future.or a drz 400.thanks for all the great vids.
I would keep the xt250 if I were you. Get another bike if you want, I have a 300 and I love it, and I had a DRZ, and loved that one too, but I think you’ll be sorry if you ever sell that xt250.
Would love you see you take the shiny new 790 and exclusively run 87 unleaded in it for the time you have it. It’s interesting what guys are seeing in the 890/901 camp running regular
Yea your conclusion is what a friend and I have come to. One more road oriented bike and one offroad oriented bike is the best solution. Of course I can only afford one at the moment so i have a klx300 which is great for me.
Back now with a T7. It's a great all arounder for anyone who wants a dual sport and adventure bike but only has space for 1. I've done some stuff on the T7 that surprised me. It a very capable bike.
I agree with dual sports being the right choice for harder off road adventures. I honestly think manufacturers have given a false sense of what adventure bikes are actually for by getting pro riders to ride a heavily modified version of the bikes in cool looking advertisements. In reality adv bikes are designed to take you around the world and be capable of crossing multiple types of terrain. They're not dirt bikes so why try and ride them like one.
Thanks for the review of the Tenere’. I think I’m going for the TransAlp instead. My garage will be - heavy: Triumph Scrambler 1200XE - medium: TransAlp 750 - light: CRF300 Rally.
I think regular viewers know the bike in your immediate future. While I look forward to and enjoy all of your content, I beg you, please get a CFMOTO IBEX 450 as soon as you can. That's the bike I'm getting as soon as it hits my local dealer. EXCELLENT !
I put the longest dog bones on my t7 that I could find. All the talk of how tall, and top heavy it is, were true. Lowering it 2 and a half inches was a game changer. Boosted my confidence a ton, both because my feet can reach the ground, and because it doesn't feel as top heavy. I don't think it feels any more top heavy than my 901 does. 901 is still stock hight. Front suspension on my t7 has always sucked though. Jars my wrists on the chuch holes, and rocks. Just my experience.
I had a T7 as my only bike. Sold it because it wasn’t right for me. …Bought a drz400 and loved it off road, but something was missing. Now I’ve bought another T7 because I missed her so much. It’s the perfect main bike with a more offroad focused bike as backup.
I'm shocked that you are selling your CRF 450, but there's only so much time in the day for riding, and you can't ride them all at the same time anyway. I'm eager to see what gets added to your fleet in the coming months
Thanks for another great video. Hopefully it has over 7,500 miles on it. If not, the new CA owner won’t be able to register it at DMV. It’s getting so difficult here.
Are you buying a mighty DR650?!?!?! Is a current UA-cam reviewer finally going to review my bike? Makes sense, you being so close to the fine folks at Procycle. That would/will be great! Cogent Dynamics suspension and Seat Concepts will be your friend. Thanks for the great content 👍
Just came across your channel after learning that Honda came out with the transalp and after watching your video i believe the transalp is perfect for my needs. Iv got a rebel 500 and keep doing things on it, that cruisers shouldnt do (thankfully i havent dinged or scratched it at all!) haha. But i feel the transalp is going to be a great upgrade. Also im definitely going to be subscribing because you are the same height, build, and short in seam height as me lol. So i want to see what i can look forward too or problems i might run into
Missed opportunity here. Should have ran a pole for the bikes replacement and then a lottery of the folks for a small prize gloves or somthing! Just food for thought my dude. My guess Aprilla Toureg 660.
Yes that's the way I'm heading, keeping my KLX400r (DRZ) for more demanding shorter rides/trips and then looking to acquire something better suited to long trips that might include some freeway, twisties on tar, dirt roads, fire trails and creek crossings included. Have put a deposit down on a Himalayan 450, hope it carries its weight well. Still my eye on a low km F800gs, it's a hard call as the Himalayan won't be here till late March, early April.
. I invited a rider staying night at my house. Next morning he proposed me to ride his T7. I sat on it , started it, started to roll i garden and stop at gate entrance, pulled out and just told him "not for me dude" In 10 sec, i hated the position, the high gravity center, the all big front and the weight inertia. Came back to ride my 117kg beta 390rr. I prefer to suffer 90% of time and have a blast riding the impossible 10 per cent like a piece of cake ;) Small roads, regular stops, that's all I need with light 6 kg camping gears and clothes for tarmac liaisons in between off road backcountries for indefinite and infinite travel. Have good times keep the good work !
I love my old 1993 Yamaha XTZ Super Tenere , the classic Paris Dakar rally bike. Definitely not an off road bike unless you are a pro-rider, (and i'm not) works ok on dirt roads but is awesome as a touring bike. I dont think those bikes were imported to the US. I guess ADV bikes wasn't a thing in USA back then.
I suggest Suzuki 800de because you didn't have one and you could compare it (and it's comfortable and easy to use offroad), 790 because you liked it, new BMW F 900 GS because it's New
I just traded in my T7 World Raid for a 2024 Norden 901, not the Expedition model, and for similar reasons. I have a Husky 701 for dual sporting and being able to ride to the trails and on them. I'm also lucky to have a 2 stroke husky for the crazier stuff. But for daily riding, including motorways (highways), I want a bigger bike that's more manageable off-tarmac for dual-track, gravel roads and scenic routes. I tried the Norden's orange sister last Summer and immediately understood what fuel pods bring to the party. So six months later, there are now 3 Huskies in the garage, one for every occasion. I just hope between them they bring enough reliability that the Yammie gave me every ride.
I believe your audience is interested in what got you growing, small dual sports like your DRZ. Unfortunately there aren't many in that category. I personally don't really care about which bikes you ride, it's the riding itself that I like to see and watching you grow as a rider.
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I just wanted to thank you for the Tenere content. You helped convince me to buy one for myself, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
I'm happy to hear it!
NO
Thanks for the content. I’m moving into ADV bikes from mx. Got my options down to the Tenere or KTM 890 adventure r. Great content all around and we still like camping videos despite what the algorithm says!!
@@robertryan1965go with the KTM! I bought the NORDEN 901 expedition and absolutely love it. It does feel a little heavy to me but when you ride it for long periods on the street you wont regret it.
Very true comment!! “Treat my big adv bikes as touring bikes that I can tackle interesting stuff when I get where I’m going!”
3rd year rider 6'3, 350 and I just keep going slow on my TW200. I love how easy it does everything and I rarely get scared . the tractions badass and I know no better so for me in rural Texas I use it to shop and shoot and run errands . I love how basic it is. Sometimes I want a Roadking bad but can I go down by the river on one , or across it? buy some basic bike and be safe. I got like 4000 miles on in under 55.
Where are you at in Texas? Have you ever been to Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer?
I’ve been riding for many years and I still ripping my TTR-125. It’s small enough to be fun and not get away from you so you can just rip the shit out of the throttle and it doesn’t really get away from you and still big enough to rip around pretty good. It’s not spectacular but that’s why I love it.
i am outside san antonio@@marcochavanne
I’ve been looking for one in decent shape with low miles, but everyone is charging new TW200 prices for older units with a few thou on the clock.
Yea there super fun@@bravofighter
Couldn't agree more about the shift to lighter bikes rather than ADV bikes for harder terrain. I recently gave up my Tiger 800xc for an XR650L
Man what a tall bike that xr650
Dual sports for life!
I bought a Transalp, in part thanks to you and I love it.
I appreciate your common sense and down to earth reviews. So....please stay with bikes that MEAN something to you whether for reviews or to keep.
Exactly that. @DorkintheRoad you give us better content by following what resonates with you and taking us with you. Don't second guess what others want too much, it'll get formulaic and dull. That said I'm all for a bias to bikes that are more plausible aspirations for the typical person's budget, and I bet your demographic leans that way.
@@wjcfergusoninsane meat riding, have some self respect
Man, I would have a hard time selling my Tenere. It’s such a great bike. I’ve ridden and owned a lot of bikes and it’s just one of those machines that is more than the sum of its parts.
Your initial purchase of the T7 was what brought me to your channel. That said, I understand why you are making the choice you are, though it is sad to see it go. On your content I do prefer the more off road variant videos as that’s where my personal interest lies, but you catering to a broader audience also makes good business sense. I would rather see you succeed even if I watch less of your content, because when you do have the content I like, you do it well.
I still would love a Tenere. But, I hear you. I went out and bought a big ol air cooled DR650 put some aftermarket parts on it and I have to admit that I couldn’t stop riding it yesterday. I think I’ll keep it forever. Ride on brotha! 😎
That’s a great bike.
The DR650 is a legend. Cogent Suspension and a Seat Concepts seat, and you're ready for around the world. Many people just don't understand how good it is.
@@jonwoodworker I really love it. Recent video on my channel from yesterday. I need to still do suspension, exhaust and carb work. I am really happy with my purchase. Easy to work on reliable and does what I want to do.
@majorlee1 Nice channel, I see you have some other legendary machines, I loved my CR250R. On the DR, do the suspension first. The LexxMX pipe, jet kit and airbox mod does wake it up, but the cogent stuff transforms it. I put the TST Industries turn signal kit on mine, with the DR200 brake light and a new front fender...wow...it looks so much better.
@@jonwoodworker awesome! Thanks for the tips! Definitely suspension is next 👍I love Hondas. I have 89 CR500s too that are my collectors bikes. I was going to get the XR650 but got a deal on the DR and I have a DRZ400 so I figured another Suzuki would be cool!
Sad day. That being said I’ve been following you for a while. Your the reason I purchased the 500x last year, as well as the reason I recently upgraded to a 24 t7 (while also was considering the new trans alp). Your content is a good example for an everyday rider with a detailed tear down of each bikes pros and cons.
Thank you for the Exit interview on the Tenere. Good for you, we all make a living. Looking forward to the next bike!
Man I’ve been looking at the T7 for a long time. Luckily I work at a Yamaha and Husky dealer so I’ve got several miles on and off-road between the T7 and Norden (including the Expedition). I had a 2017 Super Tenere which would go most places I wanted to take it but some of the rough stuff was difficult. It was great on the street and highway but I’ve been doing more off-road riding lately. Unfortunately as of three weeks ago and after putting 31,000 miles on my Tenere I had a truck pull out right in front of me giving me nowhere to go and no room to stop. Needless to say the bike was totaled along with two broken forearms and a punctured lung. So I’ve had a lot of extra time for UA-cam which is how I discovered your Channel. Your videos have re-confirmed that the T7 is the bike I want and I will be getting one when I’m healed up. I appreciate your honest reviews and you gained another subscriber.
Hey whats a good bike similar to this on but better for highway riding. Im 6'5
@@vivahernando1 I would look into the Honda Transalp
Sadly, I am pretty sure I'm going to sell my T7 too. You hit the nail on the head with your logic: Doing more difficult stuff on a "dual sport" bikes and using your ADV bikes as more of a touring bike. Also the part about various people breaking bones during your rides last year, plus me breaking my wrist last May makes me skittish about riding my T7 on a BDR now. I'm just not terribly interested in a big heavy bike on terrain that tests my limit. WOW, I basically said exactly what you said!
The top heaviness of my T7 scares me now. It is far too heavy for me to pick up by myself. I don't want to break myself while riding it. Being broke down with my arm in a cast last June, July and part of August was NO FUN AT ALL.
8:45 Just like you, FLEET REDUCTION is part of my reasoning too!
Over the last 5 months or so, I've been spending a lot of time rethinking the type of riding I will do moving forward. The T7 isn't in that "new agenda".
My DRZ and KTM fit the revised agenda much better. I can totally do the WA or ID BDR on my DRZ. Depending on which part of the IDBDR I want to start on, I could easily ride the DRZ 1.5 - 2 hours to get on the route. For the WABDR, I would set up a base camp at a friend's house near Plain, WA and be on the WABDR in short order.
I've been spending a lot of time over the winter doing major maintenance and a few upgrades on my ancient DRZ. It is plenty for a BDR ride that I may do.
Remember all that talk I had about selling my KTM last year and the year before under my Delta Bravo UA-cam name? LOL.
Now I'm likely going to keep it for mild trail riding on trails I've ridden before, because I know they are easy and tame.
I haven't even broke 1000 miles on my T7 yet. It also hasn't been fully outfitted with all the Farkle I bought for it. I still have a box of parts that are waiting to get installed. 😞
You would love a 690/701/700.
Yeah, my DRZ is about as heavy as I would want to go for that BDR.
Thanks Ben for all of your reviews about the T-7. It’s sad that she has to go but it’s understandable. I’m going to put another 10k miles on my T7 while I run up and down the Baja Peninsula. She’s not perfect but damn she’s reliable, easy to work on and has made a better off-road rider. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
Great perspective. There's a T7 in my garage that isn't going anywhere, but i have given up on trying to make it a dual sport. It's just not. A suggestion for content: there is a South African company called Turkana that builds luggage for dual sport and adventure motorcycles that has recently become available here in the states. They have a rackless setup called the Madmule. Their stuff looks legit, but not alot of comprehensive reviews to go on. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
I use their products on my T7. Excellent quality, very stable and strong. Once you have fitted the mounting straps you can (with a little effort) change the pannier bags to different sizes to suit your trip.
The T7 content got me watching your channel. Sad to see it go, but looking forward to what’s next.
A refreshing review and perspective on the practicalities of living with a bike that you've had long term. Appreciate your honesty and approach to what the bike means to you in context of what you've done and would like to do moving forward.. great review and content...keep up the good works from down under in Oz!
I bought a full set of MSR gear because of your channel. Been great so far, and I've tested it thoroughly. I went through your links so I feel better about supporting the channels I enjoy and trust. Carry on Sir!
I’m thinking the same thing. I’m building out my Transalp, for use on long trips and light off-road detours, but using my crf250l for shorter excursions, and more challenging terrain, or on a hitch rack.
Unlike you, I’ve been a tarmac only rider, and still learning off-road/gravel skills.
But the philosophy is the same.
I'm on the same page as you, and others, about serious off roading heavy, multi-cylinder ADV bikes. Going forward, for me it will be a dual sport bike for multi-day ADV style riding. I'm currently making some of the minor changes needed to make my KTM 500EXC into a more ADV focused bike. That said, I would love to spend a day on a T7, so I do envy you for that ability. Keep up the great work Ben! Those of us that can't change bikes routinely get to live vicariously through your adventures. IMHO, you and Ian are top of the heap for MC content I enjoy.
Thank you very much. I appreciate the compliment!
A KTM 500 EXC "adv" bike sounds 100% right! Wish you could post pics of your mods!!
@@jkmarshall3553 There's a bunch of great vids on KTM 500 ADV conversions from somewhat budget to over the top expensive. Mine is much the same as some of the more budget builds. There's some very inspirational riders on UA-cam doing great things on a KTM 500 and they're my inspiration.
As someone who has owned the same motorcycle for 20 years and can’t get rid of it or justify owning two motorcycles, I really appreciate your tears at selling the Tenure. My condolences. I totally get it.
Just came home, from two weeks in the PNW. Massive props to you riding in that nasty weather.
A light drizzle ?
I bought a ktm 690 enduro about 2 weeks ago as my first bike. Loving it so far! Was looking at a few different bikes including the tenere and your channel and others have been helpful for me in making a decision
Good call leaving the heavier bikes for street. I agree with dualsports for more offroad. We ain't gettin' any younger!!😂
The age thing and the T7 being big top heavy beast is exactly why I have very little desire to ride my T7 now.
Sad to see it go but thanks for the honesty
Just got back from my first rally in Big Bend on my KTM890R and a separated shoulder (would've been worse without my Leatt 5.5 underneath Klim gear). I grew up on dirt, then after 50 years on road bikes I wanted the BDR adventure marketing and all. Took the 2 day BMW off road course on a GS and bought a bunch of farkles and gear. Interestingly, one of my younger companions on the trip with an older DR650 seemed to be having more fun and did not fall down at all. Sure, my skills need improving and they will, but your rationale has got me rethinking the downside of weight on loose and unforgiving rock. Thank you!
I live up here in Portland Oregon I just got myself a 2024 T7 I haven't ridden it that much because the weather hasn't been cooperating, however I'm going to ride this bike similarly to how you just described it at 2:15 The T7 is gonna be like a touring bike/ day ride that can go on fire roads here and there, but if I wanna do any serious off-road then I'm gonna use my WR250R. Because of the weight difference.
dual sport/adv bike combo is the best combo if you can afford it.
My Tenere 700 is lovely, it will never let me down on a trip. Hope you find your KTM the same :)
I’ve got a Desert X and a Honda 250 Rally. I’m feeling the same way these days. I use the Honda for off road as it’s light, fun and safer and the Ducati for longer trips and road rides
My 250 rally terrorizes these city street just fine , it's not just for offroad .
Great machine thanks for all the content
I would have sold the TA, but you are right, skill level is a factor that cannot be ignored. A T7 is a very capable motorcycle.
And you are content driven. Most of us don't depend on a youtube and sponsor paychecks.
I'm old, heavy, and once road motorcycles fifty years ago. I've recently become interested in motorcycles again because a younger friend of mine is buying a new 2024 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport at a very good price. My eye is drawn to the 2024 NX500, and while that bike has made many improvements with electronics over the CB500X, it still has the same 12 year old engine. Maybe having a reliable engine design that's somewhat energy efficient, easy to maintain, and will keep running for many years to come should be a good thing, but having extra horsepower can only be a good thing when it comes to long distance travel, maybe. The Tiger 850 Sport might be worth looking at.
It is a sweet bike. Great job on the content!
You rock - nobody could conclude that you don't love the bike - and the extent to which you endeavored to make that clear . . . was pretty funny. Thanks again.
All those things you mention about being top heavy and the awkwardness of not being able to put your feet down well, is how I felt riding my 2016 Versys 650 lol. Everything you described was spot on to that experience.
What an amazing bike, certainly worthy of its reputation as a capable backcountry adventure bike. I can’t wait to see what the next bike will be, I literally dropped a video mid-play when I saw this was next in my feed.
A good dual sport can probably cover 70-80% of most riders' needs. Been through many bikes, big and small, and through them all, my DRZ has never left the lineup.😊
I have a DRZ and a T7. If I could only have one, I don't think I could let the Z go.
If it weren't for the single cylinder vibration and too narrow seat, I'd agree
and 5 gears , and carburetor and..@@judge831
@@judge831 If Suzuki updated with a dual counterbalanced crankshaft, a 6 speed and fuel injection, they would have a huge seller (with lesser 800's being sold though, which they may not want)
Can’t wait for the next bike!
I was one of the one's that liked the Norden content but looking forward to your time on the 790.
As always, super great content. I’m sure the new Owner from Cali Will enjoy his new bike. Looking forward to your new content, hopefully on that hot rod 790 KTM that had you laughing all the way down the road. Anyways, be safe out there and enjoy life to the fullest.
😢 didn’t see that one coming. But understand why it’s happening.
Your new focus is music to my ears, as I am also predominantly looking for a comfortable touring bike that is also able to take me on easy unpaved roads when needed, sort of 80road/20dirt type bike.
Wouldn't it be great if transformer bikes were real, we could have a Goldwing that transforms to a T7 at the flic of a switch....ah yeah, dream on 😑
Congrats on the 790, I’m looking forward to that for the exact reasons you mentioned
In a way I got lucky. I had my eyes set on buying a T7 for years and I never came across one in the wild. The first week of this past November I saw my local dealer’s website update with a Transalp. I bought it before it was even out of the crate and have been really enjoying it. I am impressed at how well the Transalp performs off-road when you drop the air pressure, but I have a DRZ400S for when I really want to go have fun exploring.
I would love to see the Aprillia Toureg 660 vs Transalp as your next comparison, I think those are 2 of the best ADV bikes for people who are honest about what they want from a middleweight ADV bike. If I hadn't found a Tiger 900 Rally for 10K I would probably own a Toureg 660 right now.
How’s the Tiger so far?
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve I absolutely love it. It's a pavement princess right now, I got crash bars on it. But I'm too cheap to put 60/40 tires in it till I use up the sport touring tires it came with.
I'm looking at Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires, unless I find a second set of rims on the cheap so I can have sport touring tires on 1 set of rims and some 40/60 tires in the other set.
Sad to see it go (I have a soft spot for that motor) but completely makes sense. I did something kinda similar when I picked up my DRZ400S a few years back to get into dirt riding from only street riding. After my time on the DRZ400, I found I really like the tight single track trails, which it can do, but man does it suck to have to pick it up or fall over just because I can't get both feet down...So I picked up a cheap 250cc dirtbike for Snotgun messing around but keeping the DRZ for woods and other ADV riding..
Any chance of you looking at the apprilia tuareg?
If u get the other comments sorry I lost. Anyway, I am 68, living on SS. I HAVE A 22 KLR and always looking. I find I have trouble getting out of the way of fast drivers. And it is, well u know.
Anyway I thought, as most of the time, u did great job with video. Keep it up. I will no longer look at T7. NOT LIKE I CAN AFFORD ANYTHING SOON. AND NOT SURE I CAN HANDLE GETTING OUT IN HEAT, TO GO DO BDR,S
AS I HAD WISHED WHEN I GOT MY KLR.
Agree with all of your points. I have a 1250 GS and a Versys 300, and I find myself having more fun offroad on the Versys than I do on the GS. That said, for blasting miles on the highway, the GS is definitely the way to go lol
...a 1200RT and a 310GS here....I can agree the 310 is actually more "FUN"....but the RT for the miles...!!!
I can see why the T7 is moving on. With my 36" inseam everything else in the category feels cramped to me. Tall SC seat and Acerbis tank fixed the 2 main issues with the bike for me. I also have a Beta for the dual sporty stuff too. Good luck with the orange bike, I hope you find it as reliable as the T7!
Gidday Ben, thanks for the many hours of manly T7 content. I’m awaiting delivery of the Himalayan 450 to replace my trusty but gutless 411. My guess is you will testing the 450 before the year is out. Cheers.
I had the luxury of learning on a smaller dirt bike when I was younger. I got to learn a lot of the basics of weight transfer and balance, throttle, and clutch control before stepping up to a bigger heavier africa twin was fairly easy. I couldn't imagine starting out on a bigger adv bike.
Wow, what a lucky Patreon member for getting his hands on the Dork in the Roads T7! That’s like owning Elvis’s Cadillac. One of them...
Just got my 22 white Tenere and I am absolutely in love with it. The seat concepts is a must.
The Tank is about 30miles -40miles less range than the average in its weight class but that's a good trade off for the hp. An auxiliary gas can will fix that for me on long trips. Acerbic makes a 6.1gal tank for the T7.
Overall this is my forever SHTF bike
Many of us ADV guys that like more adventurous trails are migrating to smaller, typically single cylinder bikes. I myself have made this slow transition. Africa Twin to KTM 790 for SWM650.
It is fathomable that you choose the most popular bikes for your content but also interesting and valuable that you let us know your favorite 👍
I’m new to your channel and I absolutely love it - thank you! I have a question to ask you, but I first wanna give you a brief background. I’ve been riding 2strokes for many years, starting with a Suzuki PE 175, followed by an RMX 250 and a DRZ400 (my only 4 stroke).
As I’ve gotten older, my love of single-track riding has diminished a bit. I now find myself far more interested in dirt roads, and paved surfaces. I am currently looking at purchasing a Tenere 700 but I’m also intrigued with the Norden 901. Maybe I should just re-watch your videos concerning those two bikes, but I figured I’d reach out in the event that you had some additional thoughts to help my decision process. Thank you.
smaller,lighter,is always better.stopped to help 2 riders pick up their bikes.i love my xt 250.a crf 300 might be in the future.or a drz 400.thanks for all the great vids.
I would keep the xt250 if I were you. Get another bike if you want, I have a 300 and I love it, and I had a DRZ, and loved that one too, but I think you’ll be sorry if you ever sell that xt250.
I am looking forward to your purchase of the 790 adventure you rode the other day.
I agree. Thanks man. Dig your videos.
Would love you see you take the shiny new 790 and exclusively run 87 unleaded in it for the time you have it.
It’s interesting what guys are seeing in the 890/901 camp running regular
Yea your conclusion is what a friend and I have come to. One more road oriented bike and one offroad oriented bike is the best solution. Of course I can only afford one at the moment so i have a klx300 which is great for me.
Back now with a T7. It's a great all arounder for anyone who wants a dual sport and adventure bike but only has space for 1. I've done some stuff on the T7 that surprised me. It a very capable bike.
So glad to see the t7 go now please go out and get another klr maybe this time with abs because dork on a klr is the highest form of content
Any man that talks to his bike especially when parting ways is OK in my world. 😎
I agree with dual sports being the right choice for harder off road adventures. I honestly think manufacturers have given a false sense of what adventure bikes are actually for by getting pro riders to ride a heavily modified version of the bikes in cool looking advertisements. In reality adv bikes are designed to take you around the world and be capable of crossing multiple types of terrain. They're not dirt bikes so why try and ride them like one.
Sold mine as well because it was too top-heavy for proper off-road use. Fun bike but ultimately not good on the road and not good off it.
I literally wait for the end - "Ah, thank yooooo"!!
Thanks for the review of the Tenere’.
I think I’m going for the TransAlp instead.
My garage will be - heavy: Triumph Scrambler 1200XE - medium: TransAlp 750 - light: CRF300 Rally.
I think regular viewers know the bike in your immediate future. While I look forward to and enjoy all of your content, I beg you, please get a CFMOTO IBEX 450 as soon as you can. That's the bike I'm getting as soon as it hits my local dealer. EXCELLENT !
I put the longest dog bones on my t7 that I could find. All the talk of how tall, and top heavy it is, were true. Lowering it 2 and a half inches was a game changer. Boosted my confidence a ton, both because my feet can reach the ground, and because it doesn't feel as top heavy. I don't think it feels any more top heavy than my 901 does. 901 is still stock hight.
Front suspension on my t7 has always sucked though. Jars my wrists on the chuch holes, and rocks.
Just my experience.
2024,790 Adventure👍low seat height, and low center of gravity. Great power, rider aids, and priced right
I see a KTM 790 in your future!
Yes. Get one !
He said he would get a Husqvarna before he would get a KTM, so I think you might be a little off. Good guess though.
I'm not saying he's getting a GS...but he's getting a GS.
🤫sshh😆
Orrrr a Tuareg 660 :)
I had a T7 as my only bike. Sold it because it wasn’t right for me.
…Bought a drz400 and loved it off road, but something was missing.
Now I’ve bought another T7 because I missed her so much. It’s the perfect main bike with a more offroad focused bike as backup.
Since I ride only off road and mostly motocross now, I got a YZ250F. 229lbs wet and 40 HP. I don’t miss the street. Cars hurt when they hit you 😢
Can't wait to see what replaces the crf450. I thought you would hold on to that a bit longer.
I'm shocked that you are selling your CRF 450, but there's only so much time in the day for riding, and you can't ride them all at the same time anyway. I'm eager to see what gets added to your fleet in the coming months
Good vid they come and go smart to do that. Keep one or two maybe is all
Thanks for another great video.
Hopefully it has over 7,500 miles on it. If not, the new CA owner won’t be able to register it at DMV. It’s getting so difficult here.
Are you buying a mighty DR650?!?!?! Is a current UA-cam reviewer finally going to review my bike? Makes sense, you being so close to the fine folks at Procycle. That would/will be great! Cogent Dynamics suspension and Seat Concepts will be your friend. Thanks for the great content 👍
The Kove bikes are looking mighty appealing.
Just came across your channel after learning that Honda came out with the transalp and after watching your video i believe the transalp is perfect for my needs. Iv got a rebel 500 and keep doing things on it, that cruisers shouldnt do (thankfully i havent dinged or scratched it at all!) haha. But i feel the transalp is going to be a great upgrade. Also im definitely going to be subscribing because you are the same height, build, and short in seam height as me lol. So i want to see what i can look forward too or problems i might run into
Missed opportunity here. Should have ran a pole for the bikes replacement and then a lottery of the folks for a small prize gloves or somthing! Just food for thought my dude. My guess Aprilla Toureg 660.
I had the same thought this winter and bought a wr250r. Still have my Tuareg 660, but gonna do harder off-road on the wr..
800GS and WR250r my fun combo
Yes that's the way I'm heading, keeping my KLX400r (DRZ) for more demanding shorter rides/trips and then looking to acquire something better suited to long trips that might include some freeway, twisties on tar, dirt roads, fire trails and creek crossings included. Have put a deposit down on a Himalayan 450, hope it carries its weight well. Still my eye on a low km F800gs, it's a hard call as the Himalayan won't be here till late March, early April.
. I invited a rider staying night at my house. Next morning he proposed me to ride his T7. I sat on it , started it, started to roll i garden and stop at gate entrance, pulled out and just told him "not for me dude" In 10 sec, i hated the position, the high gravity center, the all big front and the weight inertia. Came back to ride my 117kg beta 390rr. I prefer to suffer 90% of time and have a blast riding the impossible 10 per cent like a piece of cake ;) Small roads, regular stops, that's all I need with light 6 kg camping gears and clothes for tarmac liaisons in between off road backcountries for indefinite and infinite travel. Have good times keep the good work !
I got a 23 450RL last year. And got rid of it last year. Dont blame you there. Youre gonna miss t T7
I want to see a review of the new Himalayan 452.
So Transalp, what about the Norden for freeway capable/comfy? That's what Im leaning towards as my daily commuter. Great content as always, thanks!
Would love to see you get on the list for the CFMoto 450😊
Back to the Grom!!!
Can't wait to see the ct125 build! 😅
Would love to see a long term test on a KOVE or Tuareg 660.
hmm , but why ??? 😪
Cheers from Geece !!
another T7 lover !!
Personally I have a KLX 300 and love it
I love my old 1993 Yamaha XTZ Super Tenere , the classic Paris Dakar rally bike. Definitely not an off road bike unless you are a pro-rider, (and i'm not) works ok on dirt roads but is awesome as a touring bike. I dont think those bikes were imported to the US. I guess ADV bikes wasn't a thing in USA back then.
I suggest Suzuki 800de because you didn't have one and you could compare it (and it's comfortable and easy to use offroad), 790 because you liked it, new BMW F 900 GS because it's New
I just traded in my T7 World Raid for a 2024 Norden 901, not the Expedition model, and for similar reasons. I have a Husky 701 for dual sporting and being able to ride to the trails and on them. I'm also lucky to have a 2 stroke husky for the crazier stuff. But for daily riding, including motorways (highways), I want a bigger bike that's more manageable off-tarmac for dual-track, gravel roads and scenic routes. I tried the Norden's orange sister last Summer and immediately understood what fuel pods bring to the party. So six months later, there are now 3 Huskies in the garage, one for every occasion. I just hope between them they bring enough reliability that the Yammie gave me every ride.
Not a bad decision, we all have are own comforts. Enjoy them 🎉
I believe your audience is interested in what got you growing, small dual sports like your DRZ. Unfortunately there aren't many in that category. I personally don't really care about which bikes you ride, it's the riding itself that I like to see and watching you grow as a rider.
I foresee an orange Kool-Aid appearing in Ben's garage!
I do look good in orange...
Yeah right! We all know you’re making room for that ibex 450😏