Adventure bikes, any you moto guys ride?

KennyT
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KennyT 3/25/2020 1:22pm
3/25/2020 1:22pm
Bauer wrote:
I have an Africa Twin that I love riding. Did a couple of 5-day trips down in Baja with Simon Cudby, Todd Huffman, TC Corbitt, Randy...
I have an Africa Twin that I love riding. Did a couple of 5-day trips down in Baja with Simon Cudby, Todd Huffman, TC Corbitt, Randy Commans, Seiji Ishii, Chris Glaspell, Aaron Raine, Scott Harden and Scott Cox and had a blast. We took in portions of the Baja 1000 course as we worked our way from Tecate to Mike's Sky Ranch, to Gonzaga Bay, to Bay of LA to San Francisquito and back again.

I had quite the adventure both trips...you ain't felt nothing until you've high-sided a 530 lb bike in a Mexican sandwash tapped out in 4th gear! That was on Day 2 of the first trip, but I made it the entire 5 days. It really helps when you go with a great group of guys, including our chase team of Juan Carlos Pacheco Banuelos of Baja Voyager. I highly recommend them if you are going to do Baja! It's also nice when you have one of the best moto photographers in the world along for the ride...photos courtesy of Simon Cudby and one of my two favorite cops, Aaron "Raineman" Raines.










































4th gear in a sand wash? Crazy bastards! If I was on that ride you guys would have had to send out a search party. I would have been waddling through that sand wash with both legs straight out doing 10 mph
Great pics
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Harv379
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Harv379 3/25/2020 9:50pm
3/25/2020 9:50pm
poor mans adv bike. ridden her some places, spent some nights together.


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dkg
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dkg 3/26/2020 10:52am
3/26/2020 10:52am
Motofinne wrote:
They are pretty cool. The new KTM 790 Adventure R Rally looks like a weapon. Really, really expensive but you get Cone Valve forks, Trax shock...
They are pretty cool. The new KTM 790 Adventure R Rally looks like a weapon. Really, really expensive but you get Cone Valve forks, Trax shock, carbon fiber engine protection, Akrapovic Ti slip-on etc. That is probably a bike that you could rip around a moto track with smaller jumps.
I've been looking at this bike. Anyone have any experience with it?
TooOld4WFO
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TooOld4WFO 3/26/2020 1:09pm
3/26/2020 1:09pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2020 1:15pm
Yes I have a KTM 790R. Not the Rally which currently is very few numbers to be released and almost certainly have all been spoken for as it is. Plus you need to be a giant. Over 6’ would be almost mandatory unless you like being on 500 pound bikes on your tip toes.
I’m 6’ 190 pounds and even on the R I can not flat foot it with stock seat. The Rally is even taller.

I came off a 13 BMW 800F model. I consider myself off road to the bone. An adventure bike was as close to a street bike I was willing to go. I had the BMW since new. Only 13,000 miles on it and almost all 2 up. A horrible pig off road. You felt the weight to a degree that you didn’t want to drop it off road.
Believe the hype about the 790. It absolutely lives up to it. Thankfully I had the BMW experience to appreciate the KTM all that more.
The KTM is or will be the new standard of a middle weight adventure bike.
I get easily a hundred more miles over the BMW. So greater fuel capacity. Tanks are unique and the best thing about the bike. They carry the fuel low. Super low. This makes for an amazingly light feeling mid weight. This one aspect shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s huge for this style bike.
In Rally mode the fly by wire is so responsive you need to be thinking when using liberal amounts of throttle. This motor is way more responsive then my BMW was. Wheelies are pretty easy on this bike. Not so on the BMW. First gear and pop the clutch to loft it. KTM you can do just going from first to second.
I could go on more. Understand I ride or use this bike mainly for 2 up riding. I have a 18 Husky 350FE for solo riding off road. We have been off road on the KTM and much more so then the BMW due to greater confidence.
Bigger bikes then even the 790 generally mean greater comfort on the road. You turn less RPM which will always be more comfortable. I’m about 4500 at 75 mph. But 80-85 will take me to 5000. My BMW had even more engine feel.
If I was going to Yosemite or out of the State the 790 is great. My 350 I truck it to ride vs just getting on it and going. Tire selection for great off road doesn’t always translate well to street use. And if it does it wears pretty quick.

You should give the type of riding you will do some real great thought. Do you solo mostly? A big heavy adventure bike could be a liability off road. Sure you can ride to moto. But how hard will you moto a 500 pound plus bike?
The 790 is perfect for what we do. I paid full retail for it since I got the only one that came to the dealer in my area for 19. I would do it again easily.



On our way to hit Highway 1 and marvel at the California coast for a couple days. Calif, damn I love your beauty but hate your laws.
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Muzzle
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Muzzle 3/26/2020 2:42pm
3/26/2020 2:42pm
I'm a BMW guy (but I'm also admittedly biased since I work for them Wink ) . I love the bike for its on-road capabilities but haven't explored the off-road side much as I'd like. I need some different tires before I go too far in the dirt, but that will be coming soon.


gt80rider
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gt80rider 3/26/2020 4:40pm
3/26/2020 4:40pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2020 4:42pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
Dollar for dollar, nothing beats a KLR650. It will literally go anywhere, and you won’t feel guilty when you drop it on a trail somewhere.
Indian_Dunes_4ever wrote:
....but it's just so ugly. I can't get past that. Been thinking about a DRZ-400.... lighter than an adventure bike. They are bulletproof and don't require...
....but it's just so ugly. I can't get past that.

Been thinking about a DRZ-400.... lighter than an adventure bike. They are bulletproof and don't require the crazy maintenance of BMWs, or KTMs.

Imo, the drz is the best bang for the buck by far of adv bikes that are more off road oriented... It is like a factory Uber works bike right off the floor compared to the klr....

Imo... You have two choices.... Go the BMW/ktm big bike way, greater than a 500... These are great for the street, riding two up, and can do easy trails no problem ..

The second choice is more off road... Like the klr, drz, the 450L, etc... These suck on pavement for anything more than a short ride, but are much better adapted to more challenging off road...
1
wilh72
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wilh72 3/26/2020 4:57pm
3/26/2020 4:57pm
AK74 wrote:
I bought this Yamaha Super Tenere last year. Absolutely love it. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/03/23/412588/s1200_20200323_154614.jpg[/img]
I bought this Yamaha Super Tenere last year. Absolutely love it.


What motor are in those? I have a 2015 fz07 and absolutely love the motor but it’s not meant for any type of off road riding, but Yamaha use them for flat track.
1
stantdm
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stantdm 3/26/2020 5:30pm
3/26/2020 5:30pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2020 5:31pm
I have a Yamaha Super Tenere. A terrific pavement, gravel and dirt road bike but a little too heavy to be a good single track trail bike. I like it because it is a reliable motorcycle and has spoked rims with tubeless tires so I can plug a tire easily should the need arise. It might be the best motorcycle I have owned for touring on all kinds of roads at a relaxed pace with plenty on tap if you should need it. It looks just like the white one
above except it is blue.
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JustMX
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JustMX 3/26/2020 6:37pm
3/26/2020 6:37pm Edited Date/Time 3/26/2020 6:43pm
I have a 1989 klr 650 that I have had for 21 years.

I haven't put as many miles on it as I would like.

Mostly used it when I was promoting races and I would throw it on the trailer with heavy equipment behind a water truck and then ride it home to get another load.

A lot of miles as a pit bike at events too.

Stone cold reliable and easy to fix. Unbelievable amount of salvage and aftermarket parts since the Gen 1 klrs ran from 87 to 2007.

All those BMW and KTM bikes look awesome, but I am not sure why you need a 1200cc machine for backroading or dirtroading. I am old and like things that I don't have to have a laptop to fix. Complicated electronics and sensors are not my friend.

I have nephew that works for Amazon in seattle that has been bugging me to come up.

I was planning to fly up early this fall and find a klr and ride it back to NE tn, doing about 400 miles a,day on secondary roads and maybe even hitting some of the trail networks that are being added.

It was kind of a stretch before things went to crap with covid 19. Might just have to do some work on my klr and start taking some overnight trips instead and perfecting my kit and camping skills.

This is about an hour from me and looks like a great 0lace to get started
https://ridebdr.com/mabdr/

dkg
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dkg 3/26/2020 10:50pm
3/26/2020 10:50pm
TooOld4WFO wrote:
Yes I have a KTM 790R. Not the Rally which currently is very few numbers to be released and almost certainly have all been spoken for...
Yes I have a KTM 790R. Not the Rally which currently is very few numbers to be released and almost certainly have all been spoken for as it is. Plus you need to be a giant. Over 6’ would be almost mandatory unless you like being on 500 pound bikes on your tip toes.
I’m 6’ 190 pounds and even on the R I can not flat foot it with stock seat. The Rally is even taller.

I came off a 13 BMW 800F model. I consider myself off road to the bone. An adventure bike was as close to a street bike I was willing to go. I had the BMW since new. Only 13,000 miles on it and almost all 2 up. A horrible pig off road. You felt the weight to a degree that you didn’t want to drop it off road.
Believe the hype about the 790. It absolutely lives up to it. Thankfully I had the BMW experience to appreciate the KTM all that more.
The KTM is or will be the new standard of a middle weight adventure bike.
I get easily a hundred more miles over the BMW. So greater fuel capacity. Tanks are unique and the best thing about the bike. They carry the fuel low. Super low. This makes for an amazingly light feeling mid weight. This one aspect shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s huge for this style bike.
In Rally mode the fly by wire is so responsive you need to be thinking when using liberal amounts of throttle. This motor is way more responsive then my BMW was. Wheelies are pretty easy on this bike. Not so on the BMW. First gear and pop the clutch to loft it. KTM you can do just going from first to second.
I could go on more. Understand I ride or use this bike mainly for 2 up riding. I have a 18 Husky 350FE for solo riding off road. We have been off road on the KTM and much more so then the BMW due to greater confidence.
Bigger bikes then even the 790 generally mean greater comfort on the road. You turn less RPM which will always be more comfortable. I’m about 4500 at 75 mph. But 80-85 will take me to 5000. My BMW had even more engine feel.
If I was going to Yosemite or out of the State the 790 is great. My 350 I truck it to ride vs just getting on it and going. Tire selection for great off road doesn’t always translate well to street use. And if it does it wears pretty quick.

You should give the type of riding you will do some real great thought. Do you solo mostly? A big heavy adventure bike could be a liability off road. Sure you can ride to moto. But how hard will you moto a 500 pound plus bike?
The 790 is perfect for what we do. I paid full retail for it since I got the only one that came to the dealer in my area for 19. I would do it again easily.



On our way to hit Highway 1 and marvel at the California coast for a couple days. Calif, damn I love your beauty but hate your laws.
Thank you. At 6’3”, I should be good. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with the bike.
1
whateversclever69 3/27/2020 12:57am
3/27/2020 12:57am
I know that they’re really great to ride, and functionally great. I don’t know if it’s my moto background but I just have a tough time thinking that they look at all “cool”.

On the other hand, ya don’t have to look cool to have a LOT of fun on a motorcycle.
1
mxmaniac
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mxmaniac 3/27/2020 1:25am
3/27/2020 1:25am
TooOld4WFO wrote:
Yes I have a KTM 790R. Not the Rally which currently is very few numbers to be released and almost certainly have all been spoken for...
Yes I have a KTM 790R. Not the Rally which currently is very few numbers to be released and almost certainly have all been spoken for as it is. Plus you need to be a giant. Over 6’ would be almost mandatory unless you like being on 500 pound bikes on your tip toes.
I’m 6’ 190 pounds and even on the R I can not flat foot it with stock seat. The Rally is even taller.

I came off a 13 BMW 800F model. I consider myself off road to the bone. An adventure bike was as close to a street bike I was willing to go. I had the BMW since new. Only 13,000 miles on it and almost all 2 up. A horrible pig off road. You felt the weight to a degree that you didn’t want to drop it off road.
Believe the hype about the 790. It absolutely lives up to it. Thankfully I had the BMW experience to appreciate the KTM all that more.
The KTM is or will be the new standard of a middle weight adventure bike.
I get easily a hundred more miles over the BMW. So greater fuel capacity. Tanks are unique and the best thing about the bike. They carry the fuel low. Super low. This makes for an amazingly light feeling mid weight. This one aspect shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s huge for this style bike.
In Rally mode the fly by wire is so responsive you need to be thinking when using liberal amounts of throttle. This motor is way more responsive then my BMW was. Wheelies are pretty easy on this bike. Not so on the BMW. First gear and pop the clutch to loft it. KTM you can do just going from first to second.
I could go on more. Understand I ride or use this bike mainly for 2 up riding. I have a 18 Husky 350FE for solo riding off road. We have been off road on the KTM and much more so then the BMW due to greater confidence.
Bigger bikes then even the 790 generally mean greater comfort on the road. You turn less RPM which will always be more comfortable. I’m about 4500 at 75 mph. But 80-85 will take me to 5000. My BMW had even more engine feel.
If I was going to Yosemite or out of the State the 790 is great. My 350 I truck it to ride vs just getting on it and going. Tire selection for great off road doesn’t always translate well to street use. And if it does it wears pretty quick.

You should give the type of riding you will do some real great thought. Do you solo mostly? A big heavy adventure bike could be a liability off road. Sure you can ride to moto. But how hard will you moto a 500 pound plus bike?
The 790 is perfect for what we do. I paid full retail for it since I got the only one that came to the dealer in my area for 19. I would do it again easily.



On our way to hit Highway 1 and marvel at the California coast for a couple days. Calif, damn I love your beauty but hate your laws.
Great insight, thank you mate
1
WhiteTaco
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WhiteTaco 3/27/2020 6:47am
3/27/2020 6:47am
Yes, 1090r.
The handling off-road is good considering the weight. We blast down jeep trails and can pick through the rutted sections. My problem is the seat height. At 5’10” anything so slow and technical that requires me to touch the ground gets a little scary.



G-man
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G-man 3/27/2020 6:52am
3/27/2020 6:52am Edited Date/Time 3/27/2020 6:54am
Good post! Cool

Would luv to get one but I already have five motorcycles and each one serves it's own purpose....

Maybe one day, but like some others mentioned, I have one friend in So Cal and one in AZ (who never rides his Africa Twin) so wouldn't really have anyone to ride with.

I'm not into the going off on my own adventure--maybe if I was younger but not at my "advanced age"... Smile
Crossup
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Crossup 3/27/2020 7:09am
3/27/2020 7:09am
Great thread. I bought this 07 BMW r1200GS as a fixer upper. Love this bike. A few of my friends have recently bought adventure bikes and we get out pretty often, 50/50 street and fire roads.


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Utrider
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Utrider 4/3/2020 8:15am
4/3/2020 8:15am
I have a 2014 Moto Guzzi Stelvio. It's a 1200cc good time. I've taken it through Laguna Diablo and from Bay of LA to San Francisquito back to Hwy 1 through El Arco.

It's way better as a touring bike than it has any business being.

They stopped building them in 2017 due to Euro 4 emissions, but they can be had for a song all decked out.

They have a great support community online.

I rented a KTM 790 Adventure S a couple of months ago it was nice, but I would have to have it with the big Guzzi.

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