What bike would you buy?

T7 for sure. 

My 2018 Honda Africa Twin…Somewhere south of Cuba NM on the BDR route a couple summers ago! The bike will GOBBLE UP longs stretches of pavement with ease, and if you remember to ride it like a big dirt bike, (think XR600 on steroids!🤪) you will NOT be disappointed!  Truthfully the ONLY thing I wish this bike had was the Cruise control that Honda SHOULD have added with this generation’s switch to the “fly by wire” throttle set up, that found its way on to the 2020 and up models! I truly do NOT think you would be disappointed with any generation Africa Twin, and I would dang sure tell you to buy it if you found the right deal on the right bike BUT having said that… IF I were buying a NEW adventure bike right now, the Yamaha T7 would be my choice! While it won’t have the cruise control or some of the other more “road worthy” amenities of the Africa Twin, that 700-800cc range seems to be the “Mamma’s bear porridge” of just the right size & power for stretches of pavement, and then light/agile to ride like a dirt bike off road! With the T7 retail price likely at or less than some of the newer pre-owned bikes out there too, a NEW T7 would be REALLY hard to beat for many reasons!

Good luck! You got a tough decision to make! Ride safe! 😎 👍❗️

I've been dreaming of buying an adventure bike as well. As an avid mx and haresramble guy I also have owned street bikes for 37 years. Take my opinion with a grain of salt as I have little adventure bike experience.  Ive ridden a t7.african twin. Ktm 1090 on the street. The t7 and African twin are absolutely boring on pavement. Like riding a sowing machine. No character.  The 1090 was was awsome. I also spent a whole day on a klr650 on adventure style ride. Gravel. Decently difficult quad style trails.  Surprisingly  a capable bike if u aren't in a hurry. I could not imagine riding anymore then 50 miles on pavement however. As a current owner of a 16 year old air cooled ducati multistrada I would love to own a desert x. However I can't afford it. Personally I have decided to look for a ktm 990. Never ridden one but they tick all the boxes for me. Good in the dirt and fun on the highway.

All those are good choices.  Just be aware the KTM 890 has cam wear issues.

If buying used get the one with the best setup installed.  Lots of older guys with lots of coin build these types of bikes up with all the goodies.  Usually you can get a bike all setup with luggage, skid plate, performance mods for a decent deal. 

I’d recommend the Triumph 900 rally pro; really comfy on road, real good off-road and excellent reliability. The 890 is not good on road, uncomfortable seat, wind buffing and the engine doesn’t sound that good, though best in difficult off road over any other mid size. I haven’t ridden the 1290, but that may be a good choice if you’re comfortable with the size.