Totally agree with this I sometimes don't like riding with people who act like they are in some type of a race and miss the scenery I can ride like that at home if I want to..
@@Carado5150 he did stand up. But I don't get why so many people think that anytime you are off roading you have to always be standing up. When they just started going off road the road was easy enough to be able to sit.
I actually dig the Vlog type videos. Kinda takes the polish off and seems more real. The "hey I suck at this but you don't have to be great at it to enjoy it " approach is rather refreshing.
Haha you definitely suck less now! Tons of fun getting to know you and see you making massive improvements in your technique. Thanks for coming out to ride and train with us and I’m looking forward to watching your training video. Let’s ride again soon. Cheers my friend!
I respect anyone who can ride off-road, because it's something I would find almost impossible to do because I'd have to unlearn over ten years of riding knowledge. I'm a year-round rider, so I ride in sun, rain, cold and even snow (Although avoid snow if possible) and so the front end sliding, lack of feel, using tyre-slip to steer, etc is the EXACT opposite of everything I "know" about riding. The front tyre sliding is, in my head, a crash that is happening, the rear kicking out is a crash that is about to happen, a lack of feel from the tyres/floating sensation is a potential crash so I need to slow down or get off whatever surface I'm on. In fact, I find riding quadbikes much easier because it's so different to riding two-wheels I don't have too much cross-over of riding skill-set.
A taller seat, and flip the bar riser on the T7 to put the bars an inch or so farther forward might help you fit a bit better. ADV bike choice is all about compromise, and what type of terrain you want to prioritize. The T7 to me is that perfect middle ground. Better offroad than a big 1200, and way better on pavement than my old DRZ 400 or DR650 were. Great video. Always keep learning!
for me as a big guy the middle ground is the Africa Twin, a bit bigger and heavier than the T7 but just as capable offroad and a little more comfort and power. Harder to pick up of course, but there's the big guy advantage
T7's main weakness is that it's somewhat top heavy, and actually *harder* to lift despite being lighter than KLR lol. Total lbs matter less than center of gravity when it comes to adventuring. Africa Twin is very, very bottom heavy, especially with the DCT.
@@victoriazero8869 Africa Twin definitely has a nice low cog, T7 has seemed lighter to me but then again I've only picked up others on the trail and usually with their help
Unless you get up riding off road like I did, it takes a while to get used to it. Tip spite, in sand you guide you don't steer, trying to steer a narrow line will put you on the ground almost every time.
Yo, Spite. Your channel is coming along great. 70 yrs old. History is sporty bikes since my first 76 T140V Bonnieville. Thought it was time to learn how to play in the dirt. Picked up a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. You don't suck, I suck. Off road lessons in the spring are in the offing. Rock on dude
So happy to see you doing well on your own channel, man. Thank you for the reviews and all the educational information you have brought to this community. Keep it up, Spite!
I love your off-road struggles and adventures. Seeing you improve and grow as an ADV rider and You Tubber makes me happy. Keep making the great content!
Man it’s your personality and character that brings us here so you don’t need to have a point for us to enjoy the videos; just hearing your opinions and views is entertaining and educational
Great work Spite. One reason why a country with 10% the population of the USA (Australia) has produced so many world champions is down to all of them first starting out on pure dirt bikes as kids and master these before they get onto road bikes and still use them for practice and a bit of fun. 👍😎🇦🇺
Spite Rules!!! Really cool POV riding with awesome scenery. Love the quote, "God I love adventure riding, I'm so bad at it, but I fucking love this shit." It's making me look at dirt bike's for sale!!!
I come from a dirt background and T7 is my first dual sport. You mentioned the front end doesn’t feel planted. Get Rid of the tank bag off-road. It prevents you from the proper standing position and weighting the frond end off road. Try riding off-road without. My tank bag sits in the garage empty. Get a small side bag set up. I like my Tusk set. Once you get up in the right standby position and weight the front it will feel more stable.
"God I love adventure riding. I'm so bad at it, but God I love this sh*t." Love it. That's exactly how I felt when I started. Just keep learning and you'll be pretty competent in no time. Amusingly, when you were on YN, I initially had you pegged as a cruiser dude... glad to see I was wrong about that 😁 Nothing wrong with cruisers, but the best part of the world to see is off the pavement, IMO. Just a tip - as a tall guy, you'll have a tendency to sit down more (legs get tired standing up faster). But that works against you off road (you have a lot less control when sitting) and you'll tend to move your center of mass further back on the bike. Hence less weight on the front tire and more floating/less traction and stability. Stand as much as you can, and keep your weight forward (right up against the tank) when sitting off road. And consider getting rid of the tank bag for any kind of more technical off-roading. They majorly interfere with your ability to move around on the bike and shift your weight forward while standing, hill climbs, etc. and can really compromise your control of the bike. I use one for "ADV touring" for the convenience, but it gets relocated to the tail if I'm doing serious dirt riding.
Hmm, at first when he was talking about the lack of power and "small size," I was like "what the hell!" What was he comparing the T7 to? An Africa Twin, BMW 1250? For a 700cc and a bike designed to kick ass off road, the T7 has more than enough power. I ride mine on the freeway and I never feel a lack of power at 70-80 mph to pass some one. Yes, the AT, 1250GS, and other bikes produce more HP, but guess what happens when you hit the dirt roads and the bike goes on off road mode. That's right, all that horsepower and torque goes way down to help you keep traction. People don't realize that. For a while there I thought that the other guy was on a different bike, like a BMW 850GS or something, 'cause he was going much after and was way ahead. It looked like it accelerated faster too. But no, he was also on a T7. So may be it was not the bike, it was the rider.
I am glad to hear you say it feels small to you haha. As a short stature rider I may have to take a look at this bike. As for it feeling underpowered, that may just be the gearing tuned more offroad.
Enjoyed the video. Don’t feel like all content has to be polished and with a purpose. After kids got older and I wanted to get back into riding, I convinced the wife to let me start dirt biking. What fun that is. And what a workout and skills development training. Get that dirt bike and then work on the skills with no worries about the bike dumping. It gives you the technique so that later with a bigger, heavier and less capable bike you are comfortable doing so much more with it.
That’s the exact area adv was made for. Street to dirt and back without a single hitch. Nice to know the CP2 umbrella does have its limitations but makes me wonder if Yamaha needs a dedicated model with greater inclination towards off road use
That looked good fun. Your off-road riding isn't as bad as you feel it is. Looking forward to seeing how these guys help you feel more confident. 😊 I agree with you about when the front starts to go, it'll be interesting to find out how to feel less panicked with that. I came off on some ice just before Christmas on my bloody driveway, really underwhelming looking fall but broke two ribs. 😅
As a fellow Big Boy (6'4" 300lb) on a Tenere: 1 1/4” lowered foot pegs, 1 5/8 Tall Rally seat, bar risers lifting the bars 1/4” and moving them forward 1 1/4”. Suddenly it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Lower pegs+taller seat lets me get my COG lower, legs straighter, so standing upright is MUCH less effort allowing longer periods standing and more standing / seated transitions without tiring or knee pain. Makes a HUGE difference.
Congratulations on one hundred thousand-plus. Your opinions evolved in this video with experience. I enjoyed that you were able to articulate this clearly and continuously. I get bored with vloggers who use the same expressions over and over again. But I got a laugh out of it that the beauty of the Valley of Fire so deeply moved you. To a stream of profanity. Hilarious.
Evolved KLR is what I've told a lot of folks having used both and owning a T7. Super reliable, only needed tech, and offroad focused. On road is a big wheeled MT07 with concessions for offroad. Wheelies? Yes. Offroad, oversized WR700 with soft stock suspension. If you can get it cheap it makes sense. Leaves money on the table for top end suspension and to drop weight. With dealers asking 12k+, you're now in Tuareg and KTM territory and the T7 loses a lot of ground.
I'm not good at riding offroad either, I'm also a new rider in general. As somebody with a platform, you have the ability to filter what the audience sees, thanks for posting videos where your riding skills aren't as good as they could be. Thanks for dealing with any hate comments. Everybody has to learn somewhere, it makes it easier to learn when you don't feel like you're alone in having to learn :)
Really enjoy watching you learn offroad. I picked up a CRF300 and I've never ridden offroad before that so I'm just soaking up everything I can find on top of actually just getting out there. The other day I took it about 10 miles up the beach with my daughter (2up) and that soft sand was really tough, I agree offroad riding is so much fun.
I love this type of content. I also love riding the Valley of Fire. I live in Central Nevada so I can do a lot of this style riding. I ride a 2013 Triumph Explorer 1200XC. It's a bit large but works really well for me. It definitely never leaves me wanting for power.
I'm in the same boat as you, love riding in the dirt but not so much picking up the bike. Even took a training course in November to try to get better. It's a work in progress. Love to see your riding videos.
I'm only at the highway ride part as I type this - I'm surprised on the knocks of it. It could be our size difference. I came from a 600lb 1200cc ADV bike to the 450lb Tenere and it's perfect to me; I've done hours upon hours on the freeway, BDR's, backroads, etc - it's tremendous. I'm 5'7" and about 175lbs though.
I too am a bit surprised by Spite’s criticism of the bike. I love my T7, and don’t find it too small for an ADV bike. I’m 6’2”; 225 lbs. came from a Triumph Tiger 1200 and didn’t find it difficult to transition to the Tenere. In fact, it’s been all smiles on and off-road.
As it's right in the middle a person at 5'7" and another 6'+ are going to have very different experiences. I'm exactly your stature so it's definately a "bigger" bike for me in dealing with it's height and the weight that resides higher than numerous other models. On paper the Taureg seems a better fit but I simply trust the Yamaha more.
Great video, and super informative. As you said you’re having a lot of fun, and by the video it sounds, and looks like it. Really like the open ended casual laid-back layout of the video. Looking forward to the next few videos of you out there getting that off-road experience. Keep the rubber side up, and as always be safe.
Spite, Iv been a dirtboy since I was 12 and am now 28. It's awesome you love/ want to improve riding off road. I strongly suggest riding sub 350 pound dual sports. It makes learning dirt skills a lot easier. The T7 is still a big, heavy bike. A WR250 is a perfect bike for doing more dirt things. Keep learning and enjoy the journey!
I'm a quite experienced rider. When you got over that rocky ledge at 0 mph, that's when I'd be off the bike. If you have an inside leg of 30 inches, or less in my case, the fact is, these bigger bikes ain't going to help you in tricky situations. Nor is a lowering seat you get on the Pan-America. I really want to go to Moah, but need a different way of thinking about these bikes before I do.
Little late to respond but yeah keep it up man. I come to your channel for you. It's great listening to you. Talk about whatever you're doing. Be it motorcycle reviews or just putting around through the back country . It's all enjoyable to me. Now. As far as you're riding goes, I have no opinion there off road as I have not experienced in that area, but I'd love to check it out one of these days.
In the silt any shift in weight to the front will wash it out. When you get that feeling in the front, do *not* follow your instinct to close the throttle. Stay on it and ride the rear brake, then feather the clutch if you need to slow down more. Under good traction, definitely use the front brake as the main brake.
Just gonna put this here.... there is a reason they chose t700's to take Spite there and not a Gs1250's. A huge heavy bike with 150+ hp is exactly what you don't want there. I think the lack off experience refracts the rating he gave that bike.
Stepped seats always put me 3" too low and 4" too close to the bars. That's why I have a KLR because It was the only bike in the showroom that I could operate. If you build up the front of the seat even with the back and slide back to where you fit. The middle of the step is where I fit.
Get out of my head! I picked up adventure/off road riding in my mid 20's. every time I think to myself, "man I suck at this" but I just love it too much. yeah I might have a dumb tumble to two and am not the fastest guy out there but I'm okay with that. I'm still figuring it all out and having a great time doing so. Glad I'm not the only one who feels the same way
I own a 2023 and love it. However , I agree with everything you said except I hate the seat. The power is adequate but nothing special, I think it’s great power for off road. I’m six foot, 225lbs , the T7 makes me feel cramped up a little.
I'm excited to see how the rider training goes. I am new to riding ADV bikes as well. I have actually been looking into some training. I also like this style of video also. Keep up the great work!
4:21 Fun fact: That very intersection is where I got pulled over for the first time driving on a permit. I was hooking a right facing north (Spite is looking South). It was a no turn on red, and 2 squad cars were at the Wendy's waiting for a dumb teen like me (back then) to F up lol. Memories
Hell ya broooother. lol. This bike is high on my list for next wheels. I started on the TW200 so the 700 feels like natural progression. I wanna be able to keep up with my buddies on the highway but still go on the forest roads. Hope you keep doing off road stuff I enjoy it for sure.
Hi, I think you revving the bike to high while driving on road. You should use the gears more often. ;-) Anyway, the Tenere has been designed for Trails. Riding this bike in curvy roads it's a blast. Regards
I like watching the places you go to. Almost as much as what you are talking about. I have never had the opportunity to ride in a place like this. Unfortunately, life and family get in the way. Plus, I didn't start riding again till 4 years ago. I've been to some fun places, but I have a lot more to see.
I'd be proud to just ride the pavement out there. It looks beautiful in an "unearthly" kind of way, like you said. Your dirt skills are better than mine, and apparently you were sick and had a weak arm here, too. But man, who could pass up a ride like that? Looking forward to the next video.
idk if you have done it before, but you should take the BMW experience in Spartanburg SC they have an array of obstacles on and off road sand n what not. I think that would be something you would really like spite. Would be cool to see you do a video on it and to gain more experience
I haven’t had a chance to ride it, but I got to sit on a demo setup at a motorcycle show a couple years ago and the T7 didn’t feel as much like an “adventure” bike as it felt like a really butched up 25% road / 75% off-road dual sport bike with a few key cool guy rallybro features mandated by Marketing. More of a spiritual evolution of something like what we’ve wanted the DRZ400 to become than a competitor for the F850GS or a Tiger 900.
I like your reviews Spite, I am 6'2 250, and i think your reviews are more reflective of how i would feel on the bike you review...most other reviewers are yammies size, meaning they will experience the bike different than me n you..thats why your calling out the weak tenere roadability, because it doesnt pull us the same
I am 5 11 and only 65 kg, glad to hear it is a "small" bike, also love low down torque for the hils and roosts, for me I am planning buying a 'slow" (0-60 4.5 sec, not too shabby tbh) T7 and getting rid of my MT09SP cause the 09 is just too fast and fun on road and hence a licence killer....
5:00 interesting. My 2015 versys 650 - while geared and tuned as a sports tourer had plenty of grunt even at 75 to get to 100. It weighed 475 wet, not including me at 240 pounds I suppose due to it being meant for a different purpose?
Wasn't that Seinfeld's pitch, 'a show about nothing' 🤣. Great work as always, I havnt got into much adventure riding, for me its usually full enduro or full road but really enjoyed this episode.
I can't lie. There were a couple of times where I thought that you'd lose it, but you pulled through, so that's a win. It's nice to have these types of pointless video's every now & again, especially with views like that. It's even got me jonesing for some off road action for myself & I've been a blacktop only rider for 20+ years.
Spite, you need to get out and ride more ADV stuff. Nice bikes are all well and good, but there's no substitute for saddle time and confidence. Go ride a few BDR's on your KLR. It is capable of each and every one of them, you just need to get it there. The highway drone across TX to the western BDR network will be boring, but you can pull off four BDR's over about 2 weeks if you plan it right. Do NM, CO, then loop back south and do UT and AZ before headed home. By the end of it you'll be a phenomenal off road rider. Burn up whatever tires are on the KLR while crossing TX, put on a new pair of Anakee Wilds or TKC80's in NM as you start, and probably put a new rear on somewhere in UT or northern AZ, and it'll last until you get back home to TX. I'd be happy to guide you on the AZ BDR. I've been on all of it at least once, and most of it several times.
I had the same color T7. Absolutely loved it but I work at a dealership and someone offered me a price I couldn't refuse for it. Lucky have a 450rl now but I do miss my yama
On a scale of One to STAHP! how bad did I do?
Solid not bad my friend, as long as you had fun and come out in one piece, anyone does well
Step away from the dirt.
Not bad
Having fun and not getting hurt? Sounds good to me! My dirt riding skills are pretty mediocre but it's always fun playing in the dirt
I'll give you the exact opposite marks you gave the Tenere 🙂 The real question is would you feel better on any other Bike on this specific trip?
My favorite Spiteism for today, “I can’t wait to watch the footage and actually see what the area around me looks like!” Lord I know that feeling.
Totally agree with this I sometimes don't like riding with people who act like they are in some type of a race and miss the scenery I can ride like that at home if I want to..
I think your two biggest gripes about the T7 (smaller adv and low end torque) are the main reasons why everyone loves this bike lolol just sayin 😅
Yea literally what I was thinking. Get an Africa Twin if you want more speed and size.
No kidding you want speed get an R1 you want all dirt get a dirt bike no bike does it all
That and he doesn't stand up.
@@Carado5150 he did stand up. But I don't get why so many people think that anytime you are off roading you have to always be standing up. When they just started going off road the road was easy enough to be able to sit.
Exactly!
Something tells me Spite didn’t agree with the decision to stop making off road content on a certain other channel
I actually dig the Vlog type videos. Kinda takes the polish off and seems more real. The "hey I suck at this but you don't have to be great at it to enjoy it " approach is rather refreshing.
Haha you definitely suck less now! Tons of fun getting to know you and see you making massive improvements in your technique. Thanks for coming out to ride and train with us and I’m looking forward to watching your training video. Let’s ride again soon.
Cheers my friend!
I'll schlep the KLR up to Bend!
Or bring it down to Baja to perfect that sand riding technique
That’s actually not too bad for your age Spite! If one watches it on 1.5 speed, it looks totally normal😂
Cheers to both of you, happy y’all met!
I respect anyone who can ride off-road, because it's something I would find almost impossible to do because I'd have to unlearn over ten years of riding knowledge. I'm a year-round rider, so I ride in sun, rain, cold and even snow (Although avoid snow if possible) and so the front end sliding, lack of feel, using tyre-slip to steer, etc is the EXACT opposite of everything I "know" about riding. The front tyre sliding is, in my head, a crash that is happening, the rear kicking out is a crash that is about to happen, a lack of feel from the tyres/floating sensation is a potential crash so I need to slow down or get off whatever surface I'm on.
In fact, I find riding quadbikes much easier because it's so different to riding two-wheels I don't have too much cross-over of riding skill-set.
A taller seat, and flip the bar riser on the T7 to put the bars an inch or so farther forward might help you fit a bit better. ADV bike choice is all about compromise, and what type of terrain you want to prioritize. The T7 to me is that perfect middle ground. Better offroad than a big 1200, and way better on pavement than my old DRZ 400 or DR650 were. Great video. Always keep learning!
for me as a big guy the middle ground is the Africa Twin, a bit bigger and heavier than the T7 but just as capable offroad and a little more comfort and power. Harder to pick up of course, but there's the big guy advantage
T7's main weakness is that it's somewhat top heavy, and actually *harder* to lift despite being lighter than KLR lol. Total lbs matter less than center of gravity when it comes to adventuring. Africa Twin is very, very bottom heavy, especially with the DCT.
@@victoriazero8869 Africa Twin definitely has a nice low cog, T7 has seemed lighter to me but then again I've only picked up others on the trail and usually with their help
Kept hoping to see some good aventure terrain but didn't.
Took me almost a month to get my 2019 V-Strom seating and reach position right, but now I can travel for hours, no probs
It is interesting how not only you offer general motorcycle content, but also actual riding progress as a creator and that's refreshing.
Unless you get up riding off road like I did, it takes a while to get used to it.
Tip spite, in sand you guide you don't steer, trying to steer a narrow line will put you on the ground almost every time.
Yo, Spite. Your channel is coming along great.
70 yrs old. History is sporty bikes since my first 76 T140V Bonnieville. Thought it was time to learn how to play in the dirt. Picked up a Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
You don't suck, I suck. Off road lessons in the spring are in the offing.
Rock on dude
So happy to see you doing well on your own channel, man. Thank you for the reviews and all the educational information you have brought to this community. Keep it up, Spite!
I am super happy to see you getting better! Dirt riding is a challenge but the only way to get better is practice!
I love your off-road struggles and adventures. Seeing you improve and grow as an ADV rider and You Tubber makes me happy. Keep making the great content!
Man it’s your personality and character that brings us here so you don’t need to have a point for us to enjoy the videos; just hearing your opinions and views is entertaining and educational
Great work Spite. One reason why a country with 10% the population of the USA (Australia) has produced so many world champions is down to all of them first starting out on pure dirt bikes as kids and master these before they get onto road bikes and still use them for practice and a bit of fun. 👍😎🇦🇺
Spite Rules!!! Really cool POV riding with awesome scenery. Love the quote, "God I love adventure riding, I'm so bad at it, but I fucking love this shit." It's making me look at dirt bike's for sale!!!
I come from a dirt background and T7 is my first dual sport. You mentioned the front end doesn’t feel planted. Get Rid of the tank bag off-road. It prevents you from the proper standing position and weighting the frond end off road. Try riding off-road without. My tank bag sits in the garage empty. Get a small side bag set up. I like my Tusk set. Once you get up in the right standby position and weight the front it will feel more stable.
"God I love adventure riding. I'm so bad at it, but God I love this sh*t."
Love it. That's exactly how I felt when I started. Just keep learning and you'll be pretty competent in no time.
Amusingly, when you were on YN, I initially had you pegged as a cruiser dude... glad to see I was wrong about that 😁 Nothing wrong with cruisers, but the best part of the world to see is off the pavement, IMO.
Just a tip - as a tall guy, you'll have a tendency to sit down more (legs get tired standing up faster). But that works against you off road (you have a lot less control when sitting) and you'll tend to move your center of mass further back on the bike. Hence less weight on the front tire and more floating/less traction and stability. Stand as much as you can, and keep your weight forward (right up against the tank) when sitting off road. And consider getting rid of the tank bag for any kind of more technical off-roading. They majorly interfere with your ability to move around on the bike and shift your weight forward while standing, hill climbs, etc. and can really compromise your control of the bike. I use one for "ADV touring" for the convenience, but it gets relocated to the tail if I'm doing serious dirt riding.
Hmm, at first when he was talking about the lack of power and "small size," I was like "what the hell!" What was he comparing the T7 to? An Africa Twin, BMW 1250? For a 700cc and a bike designed to kick ass off road, the T7 has more than enough power. I ride mine on the freeway and I never feel a lack of power at 70-80 mph to pass some one. Yes, the AT, 1250GS, and other bikes produce more HP, but guess what happens when you hit the dirt roads and the bike goes on off road mode. That's right, all that horsepower and torque goes way down to help you keep traction. People don't realize that.
For a while there I thought that the other guy was on a different bike, like a BMW 850GS or something, 'cause he was going much after and was way ahead. It looked like it accelerated faster too. But no, he was also on a T7. So may be it was not the bike, it was the rider.
Hi from Australia- Your delivery is very relatable, very much appreciated. Cheers
"I'm so bad at this but I fucking love this shit"....
Best quote of the day for me.... Hahaha.....
You really have a nice voice for this. Chill style, relaxed. That's why it ao chill to watch. Keep them videos coming spite!
"I am so bad at it but I fucking love this shit" - We all felt that one, we've all been there.
I am glad to hear you say it feels small to you haha. As a short stature rider I may have to take a look at this bike. As for it feeling underpowered, that may just be the gearing tuned more offroad.
Great video, bud. “Giant Loop bag to the Giant Nuts” had me rolling!!
I cannot believe how fun this motorcycle is and I feel incredibly lucky to have been in a place to get one when I did.
Enjoyed the video. Don’t feel like all content has to be polished and with a purpose.
After kids got older and I wanted to get back into riding, I convinced the wife to let me start dirt biking. What fun that is. And what a workout and skills development training.
Get that dirt bike and then work on the skills with no worries about the bike dumping. It gives you the technique so that later with a bigger, heavier and less capable bike you are comfortable doing so much more with it.
Did you see a courier in Goodsprings 🤣love the vids keep up the great work bro
As a fellow, "Bad off roader"
You're out there doing it and having fun, that's all that matters. You'll get better with time.
That’s the exact area adv was made for. Street to dirt and back without a single hitch. Nice to know the CP2 umbrella does have its limitations but makes me wonder if Yamaha needs a dedicated model with greater inclination towards off road use
That looked good fun. Your off-road riding isn't as bad as you feel it is.
Looking forward to seeing how these guys help you feel more confident. 😊
I agree with you about when the front starts to go, it'll be interesting to find out how to feel less panicked with that. I came off on some ice just before Christmas on my bloody driveway, really underwhelming looking fall but broke two ribs. 😅
As a fellow Big Boy (6'4" 300lb) on a Tenere: 1 1/4” lowered foot pegs, 1 5/8 Tall Rally seat, bar risers lifting the bars 1/4” and moving them forward 1 1/4”. Suddenly it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Lower pegs+taller seat lets me get my COG lower, legs straighter, so standing upright is MUCH less effort allowing longer periods standing and more standing / seated transitions without tiring or knee pain. Makes a HUGE difference.
How did you move the bars forward? And which lowered pegs do you use? Looking for these solutions too….
Congratulations on one hundred thousand-plus.
Your opinions evolved in this video with experience. I enjoyed that you were able to articulate this clearly and continuously.
I get bored with vloggers who use the same expressions over and over again. But I got a laugh out of it that the beauty of the Valley of Fire so deeply moved you. To a stream of profanity. Hilarious.
Absolutely my favorite style of riding Spite, can’t wait for more videos of this sort!!!
Great, helpful review for me! Your honest assessment of bikes are really helpful and valuable for "non-pros" like me! Keep up the good work!
Evolved KLR is what I've told a lot of folks having used both and owning a T7. Super reliable, only needed tech, and offroad focused.
On road is a big wheeled MT07 with concessions for offroad. Wheelies? Yes.
Offroad, oversized WR700 with soft stock suspension.
If you can get it cheap it makes sense. Leaves money on the table for top end suspension and to drop weight.
With dealers asking 12k+, you're now in Tuareg and KTM territory and the T7 loses a lot of ground.
i think is the first time I listen to a youtuber persona saying that does not like the Tenere 700.
Great video as usual.
It's only on road that I don't like it. Off road it's a ton of fun
Our local Yamaha dealer and his mechanics also,are not the biggest fan of the t7...
😅
I'm not good at riding offroad either, I'm also a new rider in general. As somebody with a platform, you have the ability to filter what the audience sees, thanks for posting videos where your riding skills aren't as good as they could be. Thanks for dealing with any hate comments. Everybody has to learn somewhere, it makes it easier to learn when you don't feel like you're alone in having to learn :)
Really enjoy watching you learn offroad. I picked up a CRF300 and I've never ridden offroad before that so I'm just soaking up everything I can find on top of actually just getting out there. The other day I took it about 10 miles up the beach with my daughter (2up) and that soft sand was really tough, I agree offroad riding is so much fun.
KLR pro tip have 14 tooth and 17 tooth front sprockets. Get the Eagle Mike prevailing torque nut so swaps only take a few minutes.
This video was very cool. I enjoyed every bit of it. Do more!
I used to think that I was most jealous of your time at champ school. Now, I think it's this exact video right here.
I love this type of content. I also love riding the Valley of Fire. I live in Central Nevada so I can do a lot of this style riding. I ride a 2013 Triumph Explorer 1200XC. It's a bit large but works really well for me. It definitely never leaves me wanting for power.
I'm in the same boat as you, love riding in the dirt but not so much picking up the bike. Even took a training course in November to try to get better. It's a work in progress. Love to see your riding videos.
More of this stuff Spite, definetly more of it!
I'm only at the highway ride part as I type this - I'm surprised on the knocks of it. It could be our size difference. I came from a 600lb 1200cc ADV bike to the 450lb Tenere and it's perfect to me; I've done hours upon hours on the freeway, BDR's, backroads, etc - it's tremendous. I'm 5'7" and about 175lbs though.
I too am a bit surprised by Spite’s criticism of the bike. I love my T7, and don’t find it too small for an ADV bike. I’m 6’2”; 225 lbs. came from a Triumph Tiger 1200 and didn’t find it difficult to transition to the Tenere. In fact, it’s been all smiles on and off-road.
As it's right in the middle a person at 5'7" and another 6'+ are going to have very different experiences. I'm exactly your stature so it's definately a "bigger" bike for me in dealing with it's height and the weight that resides higher than numerous other models. On paper the Taureg seems a better fit but I simply trust the Yamaha more.
Great Video Spite! It's the kind I really enjoy watching.
100K subs!!! Congratulations!!!
Nice one Spite very engaging video! Like I said I support you and love the fact your getting more peoople into your videos !
Great video, and super informative. As you said you’re having a lot of fun, and by the video it sounds, and looks like it. Really like the open ended casual laid-back layout of the video. Looking forward to the next few videos of you out there getting that off-road experience. Keep the rubber side up, and as always be safe.
Hell yeah Spite. Keep it up. Thoroughly entertained
Spite, Iv been a dirtboy since I was 12 and am now 28.
It's awesome you love/ want to improve riding off road.
I strongly suggest riding sub 350 pound dual sports. It makes learning dirt skills a lot easier.
The T7 is still a big, heavy bike. A WR250 is a perfect bike for doing more dirt things.
Keep learning and enjoy the journey!
I'm a quite experienced rider. When you got over that rocky ledge at 0 mph, that's when I'd be off the bike. If you have an inside leg of 30 inches, or less in my case, the fact is, these bigger bikes ain't going to help you in tricky situations. Nor is a lowering seat you get on the Pan-America. I really want to go to Moah, but need a different way of thinking about these bikes before I do.
I've been waiting for this!
This was a god one😀. Love my XSR700 because the absent of technology.
Appreciate the work you put in to this channel.
Spite,
I found myself playing with the volume a lot on the video
music's ok just a touch loud at times.
I did enjoy the vid, thanks for posting it!
I'll try to balance it out a bit better in the next one 👍
Loved the video but definitely had to turn it down for all the guitar riff interludes otherwise I would have woken up the entire household.
So the guy that loves the Himalayan says the Tenere is too small and underpowered?!?
Doing shots every time Spite says “don’t get me wrong” …. 😂😂
Little late to respond but yeah keep it up man. I come to your channel for you. It's great listening to you. Talk about whatever you're doing. Be it motorcycle reviews or just putting around through the back country . It's all enjoyable to me. Now. As far as you're riding goes, I have no opinion there off road as I have not experienced in that area, but I'd love to check it out one of these days.
In the silt any shift in weight to the front will wash it out. When you get that feeling in the front, do *not* follow your instinct to close the throttle. Stay on it and ride the rear brake, then feather the clutch if you need to slow down more. Under good traction, definitely use the front brake as the main brake.
Love this king of videos keep going!
bruh i got no issue w yammie but hes got so much animosity to adv bikes its pretty fun to see your channel do better 😂👌🙌
Just gonna put this here.... there is a reason they chose t700's to take Spite there and not a Gs1250's. A huge heavy bike with 150+ hp is exactly what you don't want there. I think the lack off experience refracts the rating he gave that bike.
Stepped seats always put me 3" too low and 4" too close to the bars. That's why I have a KLR because It was the only bike in the showroom that I could operate. If you build up the front of the seat even with the back and slide back to where you fit. The middle of the step is where I fit.
Good video. I liked the format and your impressions regarding the Tenere.
Get out of my head! I picked up adventure/off road riding in my mid 20's. every time I think to myself, "man I suck at this" but I just love it too much. yeah I might have a dumb tumble to two and am not the fastest guy out there but I'm okay with that. I'm still figuring it all out and having a great time doing so. Glad I'm not the only one who feels the same way
I own a 2023 and love it. However , I agree with everything you said except I hate the seat. The power is adequate but nothing special, I think it’s great power for off road. I’m six foot, 225lbs , the T7 makes me feel cramped up a little.
I'm totally fine with videos like this as well. Lol, glad you had a good experience there, it all helps with improving. 😄
I'm excited to see how the rider training goes. I am new to riding ADV bikes as well. I have actually been looking into some training. I also like this style of video also. Keep up the great work!
4:21 Fun fact: That very intersection is where I got pulled over for the first time driving on a permit. I was hooking a right facing north (Spite is looking South). It was a no turn on red, and 2 squad cars were at the Wendy's waiting for a dumb teen like me (back then) to F up lol. Memories
Hell ya broooother. lol. This bike is high on my list for next wheels. I started on the TW200 so the 700 feels like natural progression. I wanna be able to keep up with my buddies on the highway but still go on the forest roads. Hope you keep doing off road stuff I enjoy it for sure.
Interesting. Everyone makes the T7 sound like a unicorn ADV. love the honest perspective. Great vid. Keep up the good work.
Hi, I think you revving the bike to high while driving on road. You should use the gears more often. ;-) Anyway, the Tenere has been designed for Trails. Riding this bike in curvy roads it's a blast. Regards
I like watching the places you go to. Almost as much as what you are talking about. I have never had the opportunity to ride in a place like this. Unfortunately, life and family get in the way. Plus, I didn't start riding again till 4 years ago. I've been to some fun places, but I have a lot more to see.
The Tenere came with lots of that ADV patina.
Congrats on a 100k subs man!!! You deserve it✌🏼❤️💪🏼
Sounds like Yamaha needs to make a CP3 based ADV motorcycle....
I'd be proud to just ride the pavement out there. It looks beautiful in an "unearthly" kind of way, like you said. Your dirt skills are better than mine, and apparently you were sick and had a weak arm here, too. But man, who could pass up a ride like that? Looking forward to the next video.
idk if you have done it before, but you should take the BMW experience in Spartanburg SC they have an array of obstacles on and off road sand n what not. I think that would be something you would really like spite. Would be cool to see you do a video on it and to gain more experience
Another UA-camr doesn’t understand the use case for a tenere… what a a surprise 🤷♂️.
I haven’t had a chance to ride it, but I got to sit on a demo setup at a motorcycle show a couple years ago and the T7 didn’t feel as much like an “adventure” bike as it felt like a really butched up 25% road / 75% off-road dual sport bike with a few key cool guy rallybro features mandated by Marketing. More of a spiritual evolution of something like what we’ve wanted the DRZ400 to become than a competitor for the F850GS or a Tiger 900.
I like your reviews Spite, I am 6'2 250, and i think your reviews are more reflective of how i would feel on the bike you review...most other reviewers are yammies size, meaning they will experience the bike different than me n you..thats why your calling out the weak tenere roadability, because it doesnt pull us the same
While yam continues to make fun of squids, I'm glad to see you making real content. I like the adv videos.
I am 5 11 and only 65 kg, glad to hear it is a "small" bike, also love low down torque for the hils and roosts, for me I am planning buying a 'slow" (0-60 4.5 sec, not too shabby tbh) T7 and getting rid of my MT09SP cause the 09 is just too fast and fun on road and hence a licence killer....
CONGRATS on the off road school! What a fantastic opportunity for you.
The Tenere is an ATV with a scrambler motor. I'd like to see Yamaha come out with a true street worthy scrambler.
5:00 interesting. My 2015 versys 650 - while geared and tuned as a sports tourer had plenty of grunt even at 75 to get to 100. It weighed 475 wet, not including me at 240 pounds
I suppose due to it being meant for a different purpose?
It looks like it Ben. It will be interesting to compare it with the KLR for a rookie rider like me…and you…😅
Wasn't that Seinfeld's pitch, 'a show about nothing' 🤣. Great work as always, I havnt got into much adventure riding, for me its usually full enduro or full road but really enjoyed this episode.
Finally a good review on this bike from a normal rider who can give us some real insight on the bike.
Congrats! 100k subs!!!
Spite talking about the Tenere like most of us would talk about a tw200 😂
I can't lie. There were a couple of times where I thought that you'd lose it, but you pulled through, so that's a win.
It's nice to have these types of pointless video's every now & again, especially with views like that. It's even got me jonesing for some off road action for myself & I've been a blacktop only rider for 20+ years.
Hey Spite
I'm a new rider
Love you content
Look forward to seeing your off road progress
Ride safe and you will ride long. 😎
Spite, you need to get out and ride more ADV stuff. Nice bikes are all well and good, but there's no substitute for saddle time and confidence. Go ride a few BDR's on your KLR. It is capable of each and every one of them, you just need to get it there. The highway drone across TX to the western BDR network will be boring, but you can pull off four BDR's over about 2 weeks if you plan it right. Do NM, CO, then loop back south and do UT and AZ before headed home. By the end of it you'll be a phenomenal off road rider.
Burn up whatever tires are on the KLR while crossing TX, put on a new pair of Anakee Wilds or TKC80's in NM as you start, and probably put a new rear on somewhere in UT or northern AZ, and it'll last until you get back home to TX.
I'd be happy to guide you on the AZ BDR. I've been on all of it at least once, and most of it several times.
I like the experience flow video. Thank you for the opinion on T7. Nice basic bike!
What a super fun looking trip. You need to get on a Tiger next!
I had the same color T7. Absolutely loved it but I work at a dealership and someone offered me a price I couldn't refuse for it. Lucky have a 450rl now but I do miss my yama
100k....... top stuff, mate.