I’m Selling My Tenere 700 - Here’s Why
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- If you don’t plan on taking your motorcycle into very technical stuff where you might get stuck, the Tenere 700 is a fantastic bike. Well rounded, balanced, easy to ride and reliable as a rock.
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A true and honest opinion and riding skills review, that all new riders should watch! Well done Johannes, for your honesty, humility and public announcement!! 👍👍
Hello Nelio and thank you very much for the kind words. Ride safe my friend!
Mad props to you for the humility in your judgement. I started riding last year on a Versys 300 and even though I love that little thing I can already tell how it's not suited for serious off-road riding. I was thinking of the T7 for an "upgrade" but after seeing your video I am gravitating more toward a new KLX300 or CRF300L, maybe even a DRZ400. Thank you for your insight.
Hello Ricardo and thank you very much for your kind words!
I have not ridden the Versys, but with its 175kg I would imagine its easier/better for basic offroad riding than the T7, unless you’re a very skilled rider. A CRF/KLX/DRZ will be 30kg lighter than the Versys with the same power. I’ve read many people say they improved their offroad riding skills more in a few months on a dual sport, than what they learned with years on an adventure bike.
I’m glad I could help my friend. I just bought a DRZ and will make videos with first impressions, offroad riding and compare a dual sport to an adventure bike when I have some experience with the DRZ.
Ride safe!
Theres no beating traditional dual sports as long as you dont mind not being able to do long highway trips.
I love my v strom, it's not that bad off road with some knobbies, I do mud and sand pretty fine and it's so comfortable.
Yes, the Tenere doesn't function as a boat.
I’m 65 years old and love adventure, dirt, tarmac, two track, sand! So I definitely get the weight being an issue. I have ridden a Honda CRF 300 rally for two summers now and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Rural 55-60 mph gets me from one trail to the next no problem! I’m glad I watched your video because I really was thinking of the Tenere but the weight is definitely a concern…thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot for sharing Jim, I’m happy to hear the crf300l Rally is serving you well and my video helped you in the decision.
A lot has happened since I made this video. I sold the T7 and bought a DRZ and a 701, both 150 kg dual sports. It made a huge difference and I got to learn the basics of offroad riding on more forgiving bikes. Now I’m actually back on a T7 because there’s so much tarmac to cover to get to the trails here where I live. I love the T7 and it isn’t as heavy as I found it with my first ownership. Why? Most likely because I’m a much better rider now after riding the dual sports. And I’m actually looking to add the crf300l to my stable because it’s a great value - a bike that I’d love to make a build series about and ride on the local trails.
You nailed it. People like to talk about the "best" bike, but what matters is the best bike for YOU and how you ride 🙂👍
Exactly, and as long as you’re on two wheels I’m happy for you 😁
Very nice and honest and rational recommendation. Its always man and the machine combo that needs to work... Good luck to you to continue riding and enjoying your rides...We all are on this quest to figure out the balance between the power and ability to manage. The net weight does play out and the CC also makes a difference to the task on hand..
Hello Ajay and thanks for the kind words!
You are absolutely right- its all a compromise. It really depends on what kind of riding you intend to do. I often find myself far from help and in the really tight and technical stuff, so this change made a lot of sense.
Ride safe my friend!
This is a very concentrated answer on the question (task/man/machine), we have to solve!! Well done, thanx!!
You're an excellent presenter Johannes, this was a brilliant blend of statement/question & assertive/reflective, that combined with your openness and honesty makes you very engaging.
Would really like to hear about the new 701.
Thank you very much for the kind words, I appreciate that!
I just released a new video about the 701 after 1000km. Have around 3000km now after an amazing event in Sweden, and man what an excellent machine. Couldn’t be happier!
Great honest evaluation of the situation you find yourself in.
I am 61 years old and have ridden bikes for over 40 years, off road and on and find the same problem with my T7, it is great in most situations but you definitely notice the weight, but thankfully I am over the single track stuff.
If I do go ride more off road I will ride my DR 650, still heavy but 40 Kg lighter than my T7, and I feel more confident on it.
I have heard and read many things that ADV riders prefer more powerful, more comfortable bikes for long trips but I will put up with a less powerful, less comfortable bike on the road just to save me from being stuck somewhere dripping with sweat and exhausted from trying to get some 250 Kg behemoth out of a rut or stuck on the side of a hill.
Thank you for the comment sir. I couldn’t agree more, after being stuck many times. I’ll happily give up road performance and comfort for a lighter, easier and more offroad capable bike.
Ride safe!
I appreciate your humble feedback on the T7. I got a Drz400s as my first bike last year and have been using it to explore trails and some technical off road club trails, but it's also just (barely) big enough to zip on the highway to work. The DRZ has been very forgiving for me to learn on. I keep thinking about the T7 for my next bike, but like you, I have also gotten into some sticky situations out in the wilderness on my own, and I was barely able to get my bike unstuck. I know that if I had a heavier bike like the T7, I would have had to call help to get out. So it's pushing me more toward bikes like a husky701, or beta500.
Hello Russell and thank you for sharing your experience!
I’m glad to hear the DRZ has been serving you well - if you enjoy trail riding and offroad riding I would rather buy something like the 701/690 instead of the T7. The T7 is a lot better on the highway though, so it depends on what kind of riding you want to do. How about buying a second bike that will do commuting and highway riding better than the DRZ, and use the DRZ for trail riding? That’s what I’m doing, as I found the T7 to be too much of a compromise in both trail riding and highway riding. A DRZ and a used V Strom does everything better than one bike, and is also cheaper.
Are you not happy with the DRZ since you’re thinking about upgrading it?
@@JohannesDalen Thanks for the reply. Multiple bikes would be nice, but with my current lifestyle/budget I like the appeal of compromising on a dual sport. The drz has been a pleasure, but I think I'm driven by a curiosity to try other "modern" dual sports since the Drz is the only bike I have experience with so far. Feeling slightly limited by no 6th gear when I need to ride 30-60 mins to get to fun new trails.
@@Mazer0600 I absolutely understand. It sounds like you should take a closer look at the 701, I’ve heard many good things about it! A sixth gear would have been very nice on the DRZ. I have geared mine down so anything over 80kmh is a no go.
Keep me posted on what you’ll end up buying. If you buy during the off season you might get a good deal on a slightly used 701.
Mate a very humble and honest video greatly appreciated. G'Day from Sydney.
Thank you very much for the nice comment my friend.
Wow Australia, how cool. Riding in Australia is very high on my bucket list!
@@JohannesDalen Hope you get the chance to enjoy a motorcycle adventure down this way
@@MotoPassport Thank you my friend, please ride safe!
I solo off road a lot too. Three tools I always have with me are a folding saw, a coil of rope (15m X 3.5mm) and two small rope snatch blocks. I can quickly set up a snatch pull with hundreds of pounds of pull, and it all fits in a small bag/pouch). Thrown over a large limb or secured 3 meters up a tree trunk, and you can easily upright the bike. Tied off (once upright), you can power the bike forward 2-3 meters before the rope starts to hold you back. Then reposition the setup if you need more rope assist. This is not a quick, handy rescue method. This is when you have really tried and failed to upright the bike on your own. Dark is coming and/or weather is going bad.
Dude!! I really appreciate your honesty & humility in this video. It took a lot of guts to tell this story & I agree with your sentiments 100%. I'm a newish rider and currently own a 2019 XT250 and an R3; I love them both. The T7 to me, or the "idea" of a T7 was awesome til I finally threw a leg over one at my local dealership. You could feel that weight bro, plus i was tippy toeing it too lol and I'm no scrawny guy (i don't think) 5'9" 200 pounds BUT yeah I wouldn't want to wrestle that thing on my own in the middle of nowhere as the sun is setting lol. ALOT of people feel the same way you do. Be patient and hold off on your next purchase as Yamaha "should" be unveiling a "mini tenere" with the 321cc parallel twin from the R3 but in a ADV package. The WR250R is no more (discontinued) and something similar or better is bound to replace it soon...
Good day my friend and thank you for the kind words!
The T7 is too heavy, but I think Yamaha knew that most of the people will use it as a tourer, with the occasional hard packed gravel road, to which I think is a very good bike. But as you say, if you drop it, which you eventually will offroad, its a top heavy bike to pick up.
I’ve already purchased my next bike, a DRZ400, and I’ll explain why in further detail in a future video, but one of the reasons is because it holds its worth well in the used marked and I got a great deal on this one i absolutely mint condition. So when Yamaha brings out a tenere 300 (I’ve too heard this rumor, from a Yamaha dealer) or a new WRR, I won’t lose much money on the DRZ. But that can take a few years, and I’m never buying a brand new motorcycle again as I’ve experienced how much you’ll lose with the T7 and all the upgrades.
Ride safe!
@@JohannesDalen Awesome!!! The DRZ is a solid choice. Time tested and reliable ;-) You ride safe as well broski. :-D
@@nightfury6836 Likewise broski ;)
Well said. I too respect him for being open and honest. Really cool.
@@oosteveo315 Thank you, I’m overwhelmed by all the kind words. You guys are awesome. Have a nice day and ride safe my friends.
I switched from a T7 (still in my garage) to a CRF 300 L. I have replaced the suspension front and rear (much better than a T7 or a WR 250 now), modified the ergonomics, added an exhaust system and removed/replaced some part to reduced the weight wherever possible. And I love it - so much more fun on- and off-road… really perfect for the TET and alike. Saying that, the T7 is still my preference for pure long highway rides.
That sounds like an awesome bike! What exactly did you do with the suspension on the CRF?
Once it hits the used market in Norway, I will take a closer look at it. My plan is to pick up a slightly used one with the suspension already done, unless I really like my newly aquired DRZ.
I would love to keep the T7 for longer highway rides. I’m currently looking for a second bike, pure street for those longer trips down in Europe.
Thank you for commenting!
@@JohannesDalen Since you didn't get an answer so far, I can at least make suggestions, on what might be a good idea to change, at the suspension.
I'm two inches smaller than you and weigh 100kg.
Harder spring and shock absorber on the rear!
The rear suspension will be too soft for you and the shock absorber isn't up to the task. it's way too soft and will get to its limits the moment when beeing loaded with you and your baggage. it will leave few suspension travel and will bottom out offroad. especially if you plan on riding it just for fun (without baggage) at times and then traveling (with baggage) you will want a rear suspension with adjustable pre-tension. A few hundred Euro and you're good.
the front suspension/fork is about okay and mostly just needs to be changed due to personal driving style/preference. I would just ride it for a few km and then decide.
For me, the fork needs to be harder and the shock absorber needs to be damping more.
If you are a more relaxed driver, you may be satisfied with the original. If you tend to be rather sporty, you might find that the fork compresses too much while breaking hard.
I wanna (partially) ride the TET through sweden/norway/finnland in summer 2022. I did think of getting a tenere 700 for that, instead of changing the oil and filter on the crf 300 SIX+ times.
Even though I am aware of the problems with mud an lifting the bike a few dozen times, your experience is giving me second thoughts about my choice.
How would you describe the trail (as far as you know it) in the summertime?
Is it a stupid idea to take a tenere 700 when riding alone?
@@ferdlhofreiter45 Thanks a lot for the feedback Ferdl, sounds like you’ve done your homework! The shock on my brothers 250l is just terrible. If I went with a 300l I would do the same as you, new shock and new internals in the front.
Are you enjoying your 300l so far?
@@JohannesDalen I jsut wrote a long comment and reloaded the page, so it's gone.
I'm being a little shorter now.
Overall it's what I expected and I am happy. It's a great weekend ride and will stay for that.
It has the expected flaws, but only the suspension wasn't acceptable for me.
I didn't ride for 15 years, and had no offroad experience worth mentioning, so I'm not the first choice to evaluate the offroad capability.
So far I didn't wish for more power offroad, even though I am thrashing it fairly well. I just got not quite technical terrain though. No sand, no boulders.
On tarmac, it's okay, but I'm not sure, if I wanted to do my planned 4-7000km trip on it.
I'm planning to (partially) do the scandinavian TET in summer 2022 and am not sure, if I could accept to take the 300.
Mostly because my trip will involve quite a bit tarmac country roads and highways, and because of oil/filter changes every 1000km.
Right now I'm looking into a very well offroad capable bike, that' available in germany.
Since quite a few bikes aren't available in germany, I'm drawn to the KTM 690 Enduro R or the Tenere.
Could I ask your opinion on the scandinavian TET in the summertime?
Would you not go there anymore on a 180-200 kg bike alone?
Or would you be okay with it and just compromise on certain parts?
I know how much trouble a Tenere could be, yet I feel drawn towards that., and I feel drawn to stay on the TET for as long as possible.
@@ferdlhofreiter45 Thanks for sharing, appreciate that. A lot to cover here, so I’ll try to be a bit short and precise:
Is the oil/filter change on the crf300l 1000km? Or was that a typo and you ment 10.000? The 450l is 1000, but that is pretty much a race bike.
When it comes to TET, I have only ridden in Norway, but I think for at least Norway and Sweden, the difficulty is around the same. 9/10 times it would be okay with a Tenere 700 / 200kg adventure bike for most people. But, the one time you do drop your bike and can’t get out, it will ruin the whole trip and it can be dangerous. There are a few remote places on the Norwegian TET, but you’re never that far from help. I think the Swedish TET is even more remote. People are riding TET here in the north with a GSA1250, so it’s doable. Everyone has a different approach to how much risk they are willing to take, and I can only speak for myself - I’m not taking a 200kg bike on a TET trip more times. I would rather have a 300L than a T7.
The T7 is a fantastic bike, and would work well if you know its limitations. But I did know it’s limitations, yet was I caught out in difficult situations many times - and I consider myself a very defensive rider.
I just bought a 2021 Husqvarna 701 enduro so the highway stints between the TETs will be more confortable, yet I have a bike that is very capable offroad.
If you want company, I’ll join you on the norwegian TET this summer 🙂
Thank you so much for all the positive comments and great bike suggestions!
I have now bought my next bike, a mint DRZ:
czcams.com/video/S3ANsWvixTg/video.html
This bike seems to get the job done as a starter dual sporter.
I wish you all a great day and please ride safe!
Johannes
We cannot all be Pol Tarres... My first ADV bike was also a 650 V-Strom, and I caught the same bug as you. I traded my V-Strom in for a WR250R. I am almost 60 years old, 1.77m tall, 87kgs of office worker body, and low skilled. When we go out, I am the guy that picks his bike up twice an hour. I love my WR, but you are too big for it if you do any road riding at all. Enjoy the DRZ!
@@davidc1961utube Hello David and thank you very much for commenting!
The WRR is a great bike. So is the unkillable V-Strom, but its a tourer.
Ride safe my friend!
Congrats - and have a blast. I really considers that bike.
I agree the DRZ400 is small enough to wrestle with in difficult terrain, yet big enough to go on the road. With aggressive tires it should take you anywhere, though the fuel tank is not very large.
@@paulh6591 Thats reassuring to hear, Paul! The bike came with a 17L safaritank, so the fuel issue is sorted. More aggressive tires are coming on tomorrow, finally got the rim locks in the mail.
Great humble and honest review! I currently ride the XR650L as my dual sport, and looking at the T7. However, for my real off-road fix I ride my Beta 300, and I love it!
Thank you sir!
That Honda is an awesome bike, and I can imagine its a hoot to ride the Beta! So you have two bikes and looking for a T7 to fill the the more road oriented riding?
Thanks for commenting and ride safe!
Live and learn. Thanks for the honest input. I stuck my gs700 in a snow drift once and had to drag it out on its side, it was quite a workout.
Hello Rick and thank you for commenting. Live and learn, you said it!
Ride safe my friend.
I love your humble approach and your honesty, and yes, you have made the right decision, lighter bikes are ideal for offroad, even e-mountain bikes that are 25kg are better than any Teneré 700 offroad, try as many bikes as you can and find the one that suits you. I wish you the best of luck motorcycle Viking , and remember to have fun!
Hello Daniel and thanks a lot for the kind words!
I’ve been test riding a few here and there, and quite sure which my next bike will be- it will be at least 60kg lighter than the T7, I can tell you that :D
May I ask what kind of bike(s) you ride?
Ride safe my friend!
Johannes Motorcycle Adventures
Ever consider the Husqvarna 701/ktm 690?
@@istayanonanon1819 Absolutely, its a bike I would love to own one day! I ultimately found them a bit too pricey and ‘too capable’ for my current skill level. I went with a DRZ and I still have money left for a street bike for commuting and highway rides.
Do you own one?
Good video mate. I am looking at the T700 but will probably have a biased towards tarmac vs off road. Have you thought of Honda crf 300 rally?
Hi and thanks for the kind words!
If you’re biased towards the tarmac, you’ll love the T7. The CP2 engine is smooth, predictable and fun. Its not the most comfortable street bike with its long suspension, but surprisingly good with a 21 inch front as well.
I have considered the regular version. The rally is a cool bike and I understand its place, but it has less ground clearance and is heavier (more fuel). I would probably go with the regular and add a bigger tank if I was going that route.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Love your approach. I'll stick to my Drz you helped me with my confusion about owning A t700
Thanks for honest opinion. Well done! Good luck with your new bike! Actually, planning is the most important thing here, since even tractor can be desperately stuck in mud.
Thank you Vasily!
Yes you are correct, now that I’m a better and more experienced rider, it’s a lot easier to scan the terrain and understand where I should and shouldn’t ride.
Hello Johannes,
I stood for the same decision as you a. I was strugeling with the decision purchasing a Tenere 700. Besides I´m convinced that the new Tenere is an awesome bike i decided to buy a XT 660 R instead. With a few mods it weights around 175kg wet. That 25 kilo less and the fact that it is a 1/3 the price in Germany decided it for me
I had a WR 250 R for 2,5 years and i rode around 15.000 kilometers. I have done 3 major trips mostly offroad. I learned offroad riding with it, and for me it is despite my not so big experience the best offroad bike i ever rode. The Power was offroad more than enough and the Suspension was way better than necessery for me. It gave me the confidence to explore wherever i wanted to go. When there is trail i had the feeling i can ride it. I only sold it because the lack of torque was anoying over time. The engine is reliable but quite revy as you would expect from a 250 i hope my experience could help you a little.
Best regards from Germny
Guten abend mein freund!
I think you made the best decision buying the xt660r instead of the T7. 25 kg is actually a huge difference and the money you saved can be used for gas. The T7 is a fine machine, but it is not 60% better than the xt660r, thats for sure!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the WRR- It assures me I’ve made the right choice buying the DRZ400 for my kind of riding.
Ride safe my friend, greetings from Norway.
When I was shopping for a dirt biased (but streetable) bike last year I started out looking for a T7 and would have bought one if I'd found one... in hindsight I'm glad they weren't available because I ended up with the 701 Enduro instead and quickly learned that weight is king when it comes to this kind of riding (primarily dirt trails with some tarmac on the one end and some singletrack on the other)... and that 100lbs of weight savings is huge.
Even the 690/701 suffer their weight a bit on the really challenging stuff, but if you're looking for a bike you can pack on miles AND ride capably offroad there is no perfect option.
Thanks for sharing your story David - sounds like you made the right choice. As you say, weight is one of the biggest factors when riding offroad. 690/701 isn’t necessarily a light bike, but much lighter than your typical adv bikes. If you go much smaller and weaker in terms of engine power, you’ll begin to really suffer on the highways. I don’t like riding highways, but it’s a necessary evil where I live and ride.
Dude... So refreshing bro. Thanks for the honest review. Hit all the points that keep me up at night. Excellent insight.
Happy to hear James!
Wow you frankness is much appreciated!!. At 5'8 and 165 lbs my 310 GS is awesome on and off road. Good luck on your journey my friend!!
Happy to hear Patrick - I’m actually back on a T7 now after practicing my offroad skills on a smaller dual sport for over a year. All explained in my recent videos.
Good luck on yours too and ride safe 😊
Hi Johannes, thank you for an enlightening video! I am 100% on your page when it comes to weight of bikes versus it's purpose. I am 61 years old and have been biking for 45 years. I have owned many bikes over the years and currently have 3 motorcycles, and a Vespa 300. Each has it's place, and specific purpose. My BMW GS 1150 Adventure is now my tar & gravel "road bike", my Dakar 650 is "do it all all-rounder", My Honda XL 200 is my light little "off-road/trail riding" bike, and my Vespa is my little "town commuter". As one gets older, shorter, and weaker, the weight of the machine becomes all important. I would dread taking my GS on a technical off-road ride, as much as I'd hate to use my XL200 for a long road trip! I think you are 100% making the right decision to go lighter, if off-road exploring is your thing! Good luck in finding the right bike, and greetings from South Africa!
Good day Neville and thank you for commenting!
Sounds like you have quite the stable, especially the Dakar 650, such an iconic motorcycle. Light is right to a certain degree, for road riding I too would choose big and powerful (if I had a lighter dual sport in the stable).
Thank you for the greetings and ride safe sir.
@@JohannesDalenthank you my friend! Stay safe too!
I bought a G310GS for my 60th birthday. I've ridden small displacement dual sport thumpers since 1975 but my serious dual sport riding days are long gone. I want to ride back roads, gravel and dirt roads, but I definitely don't want a heavy bike. That never sounded like fun and at my age, it sounds even less fun.
A friend keeps trying to get me to buy an 850GS. I sat on his and it seemed way too heavy for me.
@@Liberty4Ever Thank you for sharing sir. You already have a very capable and perfectly good bike, personally I wouldn’t upgrade - its a 41 kg heavier bike as well.
Ride safe my friend.
@@nevillecartwright7292 hey neville from a fellow s/ african out of usa how is the maintenance on your bmw. I ride a yamaha star venture and thinking on trading my vtx1800 for the gs.
Currently facing a similar situation - and looking at Honda 450 RL as an alternative. I think the hesitation I have is the price point for alternative bikes new, is the same as a T7 new. Feels like a bitter pill to swallow if it's new - so perhaps used market and a different model might be a better option. Good video and ride safe!
Hello Adnan and thank you for commenting!
I think the 450L is a very cool motorcycle, but I found it to be too service intense and too pricey for a motorcycle that I personally will trash around in the woods. I went with a used DRZ for a third of the price. Can’t really compare the two performance wise, but for my use and skill level the DRZ is more than enough. I’m in the market for a second bike though, that will be better on longer highway rides as I’d like to travel down into Europe as well.
Thank you and likewise, ride safe and have a great day my friend!
Your comment are correct for learning offroad (only) and exploring tracks a lighter bike is a must.. i learned that the same way as you learned .. now i am riding a V-Strom 650 Xt because i mostly ride touring with that but for offroad i would absolutely follow your lead
Thank you for commenting. The v strom is an awesome bike, I regret selling it. It was such a good and comfortable tourer for a reasonable price.
A v strom and a DRZ would make the perfect stable!
@@JohannesDalen Yes.. I agree
I’m 36 years old and have ridden motorcycles since I was 19. I never did get into off-road or trail riding. The extent of off-road experience is on 4 wheels. My riding level is fairly accomplished. I have been looking at getting a dual sport to fulfill my ORV and motorcycle needs. I have done a lot of thinking about it and too realized my need for a smaller displacement, lighter motorcycle for learning the technical side of trail riding. I appreciate your honest reflection of your abilities. It further reinforces the fact that regardless of time spent in the saddle, when tackling a new approach to the sport you need to take a step back. We can all run, but running on ice is very different. The Honda CRF300L Rally is my ideal bike, however struggle with paying retail cost for something I may never enjoy as much as tarmac riding. I look forward to seeing you progress as a rider. Keep posting I’ll keep watching.
Good day Kcmoto and thank you for commenting!
You said it in a simple yet beautiful way. We all need to evaluate our skill level, what we want to accomplish and what tools we need to master the skill. I tried to run on ice before I learned how to run by taking a 200kg monster offroad.
The CRF300L/Rally seems to be a really good bike, but personally I wouldn’t buy it new. If you’re not sure if its for you I would buy a used bike. That way you don’t have to deal with the initial loss from buying new, and you can sell with little to no loss if you dont like it.
Thanks for sticking around and ride safe my friend!
Johannes just found your channel. Consider Honda XR650L @ 340 pounds it's on the heavy side, cheap, uses a carb, been around a long time. KLX, CRF and WRR are close to 300 pounds so pretty heavy for a 250. Even CRF450 is 290 pounds and is very expensive, and has the maintenance schedule of a KTM. KTM will be in the 240 pound range and also expensive but will hold it's value better when you go to sell it, they're always in demand. Suzuki DRZ400 is 320 pounds, a good reliable bike. If you want a lighter bike, go with a KTM but find a 2017 or so with the ability to add a kickstart if your worried about a dead battery in the wilderness. The newer KTMs lost the ability to add a kickstarter. So, considerations are: How light a bike do you want, Carb/fuel injection, cost per cc, reliability, ability to carry weight on the back, appropriate power for your skill level, height of the bike, maintenance schedule, electric start, range/mileage, dirt/street bias, and such. Good luck sir.
Hello Scott and thank you very much for an excellent comment- gonna pin this one so people in the same situation can use this as a guide. Just yesterday a guy commented how much good information there was in the comment section of this video!
I have already bought a used DRZ, and comparing my purchase with the points you’ve made with your comment, I am sure I made the right decision!
Likewise, ride safe my friend!
Had a 17 KTM 500, never needed a kicker in 4 years!
I own a T7 and a Xt250, I am 5 foot 8 inches (175cm) tall only 145 pounds (66kg). I've layed the T7 over 2 times when I was riding solo. The bike isn't that heavy to get back up. But it is heavy for technical riding. My 250 doesn't dictate where I go like the T7. But the T7 is so nice on the roads that I can't let it go. I think I will keep the T7 for light offroad and touring duties. And I will always keep a light weight dual sport for technical riding....the problem is... I need more power for the lighter dual sport now that it feels so slow after riding the T7!
Thanks for your comment Shaun!
I agree, picking up the T7 is doable, but its very heavy if its on an incline, in mud or between two trees 😅
If the XT250 doesn’t have enough power, which dual sport do you think would be the one for you?
I would really like to keep the T7 for touring, but there are so many cheaper options out there if I’m only touring on it (street bike), so I do see myself getting a light DS and in the near future, a cheap commuter/tourer.
@@JohannesDalen I like the new Kawasaki KLX 300, and the old Wr250r as well. Even looked at the KTM and Husky 350. I really like the Husky but don't know if I want the high maintenance...though it would be a lot of fun on the trails. Hoping yamaha releases a new 250 to 350cc dual sport soon now that the Wr250r is discontinued in the USA. My old 2009 xt250 has been 100 percent reliable, so i would like to stick with a made in japan bike.
@@shaunoftheguads If the KLX300S would have been available in Norway I’d pick it up new. I like it over the CRF300L because of the better suspension.
If Yamaha releases a competent WR350R it would sell like hot bread, as long as it wasn’t too expensive. The WR250R in Norway used is almost the same price as a slightly used EXC500 😅
I too am going for a Japanese to begin with, just for the peace of mind.
well said
@@JohannesDalen Don't you think 300cc dual sports would be a bit too weak for someone your weight + luggage for long distance adventure riding?
Great video! Nice bike! Good insight for newer off roaders like myself!
Thank you Bert- ride safe my friend!
What Awesome honesty, Great review, wise men learn from listening, this is a lesson in "Want"
Hello Tomas, I appreciate the kind words. Thanks a lot for watching and commenting!
I came from a Africa Twin to Husqvarna 701...I have to say I made the right choice. Give it a try...it's not as comfortable as an Adventure bike but it's super capable off road and a featherweight compared to a twin
Thanks a lot for your comment Dan!
I can absolutely imagine that it was a step in the offroad direction, for sure!
I’m most likely not going to buy the 701 to begin with, at least not yet, mainly because of price, but I am looking at dual sports in the same category weight wise. Its reassuring to hear that you’re happy with your choice.
I have test ridden the 701 and man the power, its crazy! Haha
701 is a good call I’ve got the Ktm sas 1290 but in an ideal world I would love a second bike
@@michaelletford4786 I test rode the 890r on my recent TET trip. The engine was like a rocket, can’t imagine how crazy the mighty 1290 must be 😅
I am another happy 701 owner. I have a Husqvarna FE350 which I use less than the 701 even in single track. You're a big lad, Johannes, the 140kg is no problem for me, 90kg and 183cm tall, long time ago power lifter too. For TET rides long oil change gaps, cush drive, pleasant road manners all make the 701 a good choice for me, but I've got stuck too.
@@TheIdlesurfer Nice to see hear from a fellow lifter Andrew!
If/when I think its time to replace the DRZ, the 701 enduro is definitely something I will take a closer look at. How long have you had it for and has there been any issues?
Johannes, pretty much the same thinking as far as my own experience (2001 BMW F650 Dakar). If I would make a choice right now, I would consider KTM 690 Enduro R 2021.
Hello Przemek and thanks for commenting!
The 690/701 seems like such awesome machines. I have considered those, but as this is a test phase for me, to see if the dual sport is something I want to continue with, I went with a much cheaper used DRZ. If I happen to like it, the bike you mention might very well be my next bike.
Ride safe my friend!
I bought a 690 enduro r as a new rider 6mos ago and i love it.
@@jonbob6635 Thanks for chiming in, I’m glad you’re happy with the new bike, thats awesome!
690 enduro/Husqvarna 701 was on my list too, but after reading many bad experiences with the reliability of those, I went for Honda CRF250 Rally. Bad reliability is the other thing which will leave you stranded. Lower power also helps with handling as a new rider.
Johannes, great review, weight is often a problem, at least when you ride alone! A tip for your coming videos, please look in to the lens...ride safe!
Hello Alvar and thanks for chiming in!
Thats a very good tip, I think I’m usually watching the screen on my iphone 😅
Ride safe my friend!
Bless you bro for your humble and honest reflections. Ya man weight is really important. Doesn’t matter how skilled you are when you end up in some shitty situation . I am 65 know and been on bikes since I was 14years
Young And the overweight Adventure bikes are a plague and one should not go alone with them off-road. When something happens even a 100 kg bike can be overwhelming when alone.
It is very easy to get caught in the situation you describe and I have been
there even with big road bikes on dirt roads. One time one a gravel road I ended under my 200 kg Laverda 1000
In a deep ditch which luckily was almost dry. It took me a couple off hours to get lose an wrestle /drag the bike up and the push start it . And same with light motocross bikes out in nature struggling for hours on my own. I feel that it’s a risk you take when being on your own that you might not make it specially if you get injured But that’s is life and makes it more challenging and rewarding when
you can look back and share with friends. I know the feeling of despair when struggling alone for survival but have also the great memories of surviving and that gives me a beautiful
foundation for to continue living fully and Not give in for fear and ageing.
Today I ride a overweight Yamaha 660
and a 300kg Honda Pan Europe and I am still pushing the limits as I always has been doing. Just go for it brother.
😉🙏👍
I have a 2019 Africa Twin. Incredible machine, but when it’s paid off I’ll be trading it for a CRF300L Rally. Also, you kind of look like Charlie Hunnam.
Hi Rob and thanks for chiming in. Sounds like we’re both going in the direction of «light is right». The CRF300L sounds like an awesome bike. When it hits the used marked I will seriously consider getting one that already has the all the upgrades :)
Haha thats cool, I was a huge SOA fan back in the day when I rode my Harley 😅
Same situation with my BMWF800GS Adventure.Incrreibke machines,but i need a lighter bike
Mine due to arrive in just 1 month 😁
@@malybullg That’s awesome, please let us know how you like it!
Ride safe Malcolm 🙂
Same here. I have a Tiger 900 Rally Pro that I haven’t even ridden since buying a CRF 300 Rally. The 170 pound difference allows you to go places the heavy bikes can’t. The Honda is fine on the highway for a couple hours at a time and 70 mpg gives great range.
I came to same conclusion with my 800gs. You can do technical trails with it if tractions is good. But when it gets slippery it's just too heavy.
I'm thinking about getting KTM 690 and adding Rade Garage tower and tank to it. 160kg wet should be manageable enough I think.
Hello Alexander and thank you for commenting!
After the CRF300L, the most suggested bike in this video is easily the 690/701. Its a beast of a motorcycle and I would very much like to own one. I ultimately found it a bit too pricey and ‘too capable’ for my current needs, so I bought a used DRZ instead to trash around in the woods while getting better at it.
Ride safe my friend!
@@JohannesDalen Nice one, enjoy it!
Ping me if you'll be adventuring in Russia :)
@@alexanderzhulin3528 Thank you! I would love to one day. I’ve never been to Russia, but I was a border patrol between Kirkenes in Norway and Murmansk many years ago :)
Came to the same conclusion with my V85TT and also looking at the 690/701. Had a look at the T700 WR the past days but ultimately its too heavy too. I'm not sure if I shall replace the V85TT or wait until I can afford a second bike. Tough decision. The 890R (with Rally tower) is tempting too.
@@theunheardprophet4315 you can unless road comfort is very important for you. 701 rides more like 80/80% enduto/road bike. And it looks like new models are more reliable than 890.
Hey Johannes, I think a good option for you would be the CRF300l / rally as some other people already have mentioned. Keep us updated and thanks for your content.
Hello Nils and thank you for commenting!
The CRF300L is a very interesting bike, and I’m going to test ride it as soon as its available at the local dealer. I previously responded to people suggesting the bike that I might swap my DRZ for the CRF if I dont like the DRZ - but the DRZ had been an absolute blast so far and I couldn’t be happier with it.
Do you own one? If not, which bike do you ride? 🙂
Great review man. You're a natural 👍
Thank you Darragh, that means a lot! Ride safe my friend.
I think the husky 701 would fit the bill at 70hp, and 160kg in weight. 250cc, I think is too small, as is the Drz400, at just 40 HP.
The Husky is one awesome machine, and I agree. The T7 is a road bike made usable in the dirt, the 701 is a dirt bike made usable in the street.
I chose the 701 and it is fantastic. Takes a lot of money in mods to make it into a comfortable adventure style bike, though
@@enhancdreality If I could pick without paying, it would have been the 701 or the PR7.
The DRZ I chose is one third of the price of both, and that makes it a lot easier for me to try new stuff in the woods, crash the bike, tip it over without worrying etc. To me that is very valuable as a learner.
Thank you for chiming in!
@@JohannesDalen I wanted the 2021 model of the PR7 but they aren't available in Australia.
I completely understand about the price. My bike is very expensive and it's painful to think about crashing it
@@enhancdreality Yeah they are very hard to get here in Norway too. I am very interested in a comparison between the 701 and the PR7!
Ex owner of wr250r, 690's, klr and 500 chiming in. I still own my 500 but I wanted to try a bigger adv bike to see if I was missing out on something, so like many peoples who watched pol tares vids, I went for a t7 lol. My verdict : I agree 100% with you. Fantastic adv bike, but thats about it. I won't sell my 500 anytime soon, and If I was you, I would look for a 690. Wr250r and DRZ are great and all, but you will miss some power. 690's are heavy, but manageable everytime, unlike the T7...
Thank you so much for the comment, Phil. I’m glad we both agree that the T7 is a fantastic bike, but also a heavy one if you want to explore more offroad than gravel roads.
I’ve had the EXC500 recommended many times, and theres plenty of people putting on a cush drive hub and riding them around the world. I could see myself getting one in the future, but I think a DRZ or WRR is a cheaper, easier first step going from ADV riding to dual sporting, don’t you agree?
If you could give me a quick write up on DRZ vs WRR since you’ve owned both I would be very thankful!
Wr vs DRZ, it depend... on the highway, the Z really lack a 6th gear, and start to be an outdated bike also. The WR is better everywhere else but lack the torque of the DRZ.. Thats the reason why I would suggest something a bit bigger, given your size, and by the fact that you already got used to a 200kg beast. The 500 is a weapon but its on the other end of the spectrum, too radical for a lot of people. 690's or those newer honda's 300 would be the ticket for you, I believe...
@@phil2ride312 Thanks a lot again!
I’ve given the new crf300l a good look. My brother owns a crf250l rally. Out of the box I will have to upgrade the suspension, that bike is soft. Can’t get my hands on the klx300s in Norway, that has better suspension.
Have you ridden the new crf300l?
@@JohannesDalen Nope but I've heard good things. Some suspensions work still might needed.
@@phil2ride312 Don’t have to go full Ohlins on it, I guess stiffer springs will do plenty for someone of my skill level. But, the crf300l new is only slightly cheaper than a used 450exc. Can get my hands on a barely used one for just 20% more than the crf. Decisions decisions :)
Great review my friend!! I bought a T7 a few months ago. I’m 5’6” 165 lbs. so last weekend I dropped it for the second time but this time I was alone. Just couldn’t pick it up on my own after some time a guy pulled over to help me. Learning how heavy it is the hard way. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷!! Thanks for sharing this video!!
Thanks Christian! Yes, it can be a handful at times, and it’s very important to be mindful where you’re riding, so you don’t end up completely alone far away from any help. When I ride alone on my new T7, I’m much more careful of where I ride and what I attempt to do. Stay safe brother, and thanks for the greetings. Congrats on the world cup 😁
@@JohannesDalen thank you Johannes for replying and for Messi!! I’ve noticed you take the time to respond to most if not all the comment people leave you. You are very thoughtful my friend. Looks like you are a very nice person!! Have fun and keep on riding!!!
I try my best, thanks for noticing 😊 all the best my friend!
Very good and honest review man. Good stuff. Subbed.
Thank you my friend, ride safe!
If you can get one a DR 650 light reliable and cheap or its little brother the drz 400... I bought a 650 to do the BDR's here in the states for the exact reason you are selling your T7 .. jmo
Thanks a lot for your comment. I actually test rode a DRZ400 today, and I liked it. It was a lot less refined than my T7 (obviously), but it was so light I could pick it up under my arm 😅
Dr650 is the way to go, it is the best light adventure bike in my opinion. I love mine.
@@212driller Good day sir and thanks for your comment. I have never ridden the mighty DR, but I’m sure its awesome! I actually bought its little brother intented for the same use :)
@@JohannesDalen Any DR you buy will be good and super reliable…
@@davyboycolon530 Awesome! At my current skill level I prefer reliability over performance :)
maybe in the future, once you are more experienced, you can come back to the Teneré, so don´t worry, be happy and enjoy the woods:)
Oh yes, the T7 has a special place in my heart already. Perhaps Yamaha has released a real Rally version by then, at 150kg with a lower centre of gravity? :)
Great story mate and gave me lots to think about. I am considering buying a T7, and as you say it is designed for more highway riding, but I think that will suit my riding more than an enduro.
Thank you Simon!
In the end it all boils down to one single compromise: Do you want to sacrifice highway comfort for offroad capability? Go lighter, but if you are okay with sacrificing offroad capability for highway comfort the Tenere 700 is an excellent bike. And, the T7 can do lots of offroad riding as shown by other riders, but if things get a bit technical it will be a lot harder than on a light bike.
Best of luck with your purchase and ride safe!
Johanne,
Last year I bought a crf250l. In winter I swapped it for a 750cc street bike. Now I am waiting for the delivery of the CRF300 Rally. I recommend you to try this one. It's a great all-rounder that will let you drive anywhere. Later this year, I plan to travel the eastern section of Poland TET part.
Good day my friend!
The CRF300L seems to be wildly popular - Everyone recommends it! I will go test ride one once it hits the dealers here in Norway (all sold out instantly), and really consider one if I like it and when its available on the used marked.
The polish TET sounds awesome, I would love to do that one day. Ride safe!
Finally a big guy who's honest. If you don't ride with company big bikes are a problem off road. Period.
I would agree when it comes to the 1000+ cc bikes but the T7 is a step above them. Still not an off-road bike but very good on most trails for a rider with moderate skills (worth noting that he is back on a T7 now)
Very good video, explanations and decision.
For offroad ligher is most often better.
Good luck.
Thank you for the kind words 🙂
Great video. Brought me to my senses. I was considering the T700, but like you I will be often solo riding in remote place. My last bike was a drz400 and I think the T700 is just too heavy. I will probably end up with a 300L or 300 rally. 6 gears and that light clutch. Add yss suspension kit and extra fuel tank
Thanks for watching and the kind words, I’m glad the video was helpful. Sounds like a much better bike if you like to travel alone, and to remote places. The CRF300L and the rally version is a bike that was recommended to me at least a couple of hundred times in the comment section of this video. I ultimately bought a DRZ and I love it. I haven’t ridden the 300, but I have ridden the 250. It definitely needs suspension work!
Great honest video so rare. Great input. Subscribed.
Thank you very much for the kind words and subscribing my friend, have a great day!
Digging your vids Nordmenn! Love solid peeps!!!
Getting stuck in the mud is what we all dream about lol... do you have any pic's / vid's on that. I think it would be fun to see.
I too stay away from 48 owner bikes w/ a gazillion miles on them... lmao
I do have a video where my first T7 is completely stuck in mud and I had to call for help to get it out 🫣
Thanks for the advice! I was planning to switch to a T7 next year! 😅
Thanks for watching!
The T7 is a fantastic bike in so many ways, I would highly suggest you test ride one anyways.
What kind of bike do you have and what are you looking for?
Happy new year by the way 🙂
@@JohannesDalen Sure it is a fantastic bike, but as you pointed out, rough terrain is not it´s specialty . Last week I involuntarily traveled through an area wrecked with heavy rain, and despite my Honda 160 trail machine not being a lightning, I managed to get it out of a deep canal that had carved its way into the dirt road all by myself after the engine stopped running. It weighs just 120 kg. I´ll better stay with it! Have a great new year!
@@tabuleirocmd My friend I'm sorry I haven't responded to your last comment. I just found it in the "possible spam" folder, and had to approve it, I don't know why but it has happened a lot lately..
Sounds like a light bike is the way to go for you too then 😁 Have a great year you too!
Very honest sharing, thank you!
Really appreciate the review. I was going to buy one of these for my first bike. Might look at Honda 300 instead
Thank you sir!
I would really reflect on what kind of riding you do, what kind of trails you have nearby and what you enjoy the most. I dont think the T7 is suited as a first bike because its so tall and top heavy. Good luck!
Honda CRF300L looks a great bike.
Just found your video on the DRZ acquisition, and was curious why you sold your T7. Now I know. I bought a new 2019 DR650 last summer and now have over 8000 kms. My first bike capable of off road. I love it in the bush and twisty roads, but not so much on the highway after a few hours. Looking forward to watching more of your vids, amd learning more about DRs from others. Cheers from Vancouver Island
Hello John and thank you for commenting!
The DR650 seems like a perfect compromise between serious offroad and light highway use. Its always a compromise between the two, and the T7 is on the other side of DRZ/DR - more highway capable but less offroad capable. In the end it really depens on how you ride and what you enjoy. With the T7 I had several days back to back with 5-7 hours of highway riding, and personally thats not for me. I’d much rather ride smaller backroads and gravel roads than the highways. I might buy a second bike just for the highway rides (like down in Europe), but we’ll see.
Thank you for subscribing and ride safe my friend!
Very honest and very sensible. All the best and enjoy
Hello John, thank you for commenting and thank you for the kind words.
Ride safe my friend!
Appreciate your honesty. I would suggest you look at the honda crf300l or the 300 rally.
Thank you Adam. I will absolutely check out the CRF300L as soon as it arrives at the dealerships. Once it available on the used marked I might pick one up. Until then I have bought a used DRZ.
Ride safe!
Wow, very honest reason, like your modesty a lot… thank you for sharing!
Thank you and thank you for watching 🙂
Well said and appreciate your honest opinion. I was on the fence between the T7 and Honda 300Rally and chose the 300Rally. I’ve been rider on pavement for 41 years and now new to off-road. So far loving my bike and have taken it down some pretty rough trails and water crossings, steep hills etc…yes I’ve dropped but it’s protected with all the Outback bars and it’s cake to pick up at only 5’7” and 175lbs. A friend of mine has a much heavier bike and we struggle pulling it around on the ground trying to get it back upright. Good luck with your new choice and safe travels.
Hello Maurice, sounds like you made the right choice - best of luck with your new bike and the offroad riding!
Thank you for this video. I fully understand your point of view. Please take z CRF 300 Rally for a spin. It might be a right bike for your needs and experiences. Cheers!
Hello Rafal and thank you for commenting!
The CRF300L Rally seems like an awesome bike. Unfortunately its not available for test riding in Norway yet, as they all sell out immediately. Once the regular version hits the used market in Norway, I will take a closer look for sure!
Ride safe my friend.
I’m new to trail enduro riding. I’m a smaller guy at 5’7” 170 lbs. I had V-Strom 650 which was too large so I bought a KLX300 and it was still a bit large for my skills. I found a 06 Yamaha TTR230 and that is working out perfect for me. I have lots of fun on that thing. So much more fun to be able to maneuver a lighter, smaller bike around on the dirt. It’s definitely building my confidence on trails.
Hello there and thanks for sharing! I agree the V Strom is way too big snd heavy to really enjoy trail riding. I’m happy the TTR230 is serving you well - DRZ400 is my current trails bike 🙂 Ride safe!
Good video, props for being honest
Good day Lukasz and thank you. Ride safe my friend!
100% with you Johannes. I started with a BMW R1200GSA and have been getting lighter and lighter since. Now going for a Husky 701.
Thank you for watching and commenting. Interesting, check out my other videos - I think you’re in for a little surprise 🙂
Hi, like your videos. I have a suggestion...
Keep the T7 and fit a small ATV winch to pull yourself out.
Hello Nick and thank you for the nice words and the suggestion!
A winch would have solved the problem, no doubt. I’m struggling to explain exactly why, but I feel that if one needs a winch to get out of certain situations, perhaps one is riding the wrong bike for that kind of riding? Does what I’m saying make any sense?
Good story!
For what you’re going to try next, I think XT250 is the lightest bike with high reliability, but it’s probably too small for your size. So, second-handed WR might be the best option! (WR might be expensive because Yamaha lo longer makes them!)
Hello Pooyan, thanks a lot for the suggestion!
A lot has happened since I made this video - After I sold the T7 I bought a used DRZ, which I absolutely love for offroad riding. It really opened up so much more trails. It was slightly lacking the highway comfort that I need when riding in Norway and europe, so I just bought a Husky 701 too.
Thanks for watching 🙂
My cousin had a wr250r and he went with us on a 8000km trip around Australia in mixed conditions . Bike went well and was surprised how well it also went on the highway
Thanks for sharing Don. The WRR is an interesting bike, but it’s not very common here in Norway. I ended up buying the DRZ instead and I’m very happy with it!
Nice video. I own a T7 myself and like it a lot. I've been stuck a few times and one time it was impossible for me to get out so I had to walk out of the forest and retrieve it the next day with help. But 99% of my riding it's been fine and I like it a lot.
I would like to try a lighter ADV bike to see how they feel. I do ride about 50/50 asphalt/off-road so I'm not sure a change for something lighter will be good for me. As you say: the T7 is great for touring and not too rough off-road. I'm like you experience-wise when it comes to ADV. But if I see something that looks too hard/complicated, I turn back or go around =)
Subscribed to your channel and looking forward to watching more from you.
//Dark Visor Motovlog 🇸🇪
Thanks for commenting!
The T7 is a mighty fine bike and I liked it in pretty much every aspect besides the weight. Its now sold and I have bought a used DRZ to see how I like a lighter ADV/dual sport bike.
Thanks for sticking around and ride safe söta bror!
Thanks for posting sir and hello from Phoenix, Arizona, USA! This is the First video I ever watched of yours, I saw your comment on another YT channel I think enduro C cross training (the Aussie YT channel). Anyway I have a ktm 390 adv (my first motorcycle) and I agree with you, the T7 is too heavy. I’m now looking at the DR650 or CRF300l, do you have any opinion on either of those… I want to trade in my ktm but don’t know what bike to get.
Hello Bryan and nice to meet you!
I havent ridden either, but I’ve heard and read good things about both. The CRF300L has been suggested by many to me, after I posted this video. The best advice I can give is that you should ride both. I have ridden the DRZ (almost DR650 little brother) and the crf250l rally. The DRZ felt shaky, unrefined but had loads of character, in a good way. Torque down low where you want it. The CRF250 rally felt gutless, but a lot smoother than the DRZ. I’ve heard the new 300 version is a lot snappier, which is interesting. I will give the 300 a hard look once it reaches the used marked in Norway.
I dont think you can go wrong with either. Both are lightweight and very reliable.
Ride safe my friend, please keep me posted on which bike you’ll end up with!
I recommend taking a look at Suzuki Dr 650. I've been riding it for 5 years including 2 week trips, rally and enduro races and I think this is the most balanced 50/50 dual sport. Pros: stock weight 147 kg, old, known reliable construction from the 90's (some people doesn't like it, but in the long run i'm very happy, doing all the maintenance on my own), tons of tuning on the market. Cons : lack of performance in stock condition. Mine is tuned heavily now and it can compete with modern bikes in races. Stock - not so much
Thank you for your comment- the DR650 is a mighty motorcycle. A few hours ago a guy commented and said his 2014 DR had 297k km on the clock (!!).
I actually bought the DRs little brother, the DRZ. So far I’m really liking it and the old tech doesn’t bother me at all. I just took it apart and back together for a closer inspection and to get to know the bike, its built well and easy to maintain. I guess they are pretty similar.
Where are you from if I may ask?
@@JohannesDalen great choice, wish you luck with drz! I had a choice back then between drz and dr but stick with more longer trips than enduro. I'm from Russia, Moscow
@@Stepankurkov04 Thank you!
Moscow, thats cool! I’ve never been to Russia, but I was patroling the border by Murmansk back in the army days.
I know Russia is a vast land, but how is the trails around where you live? Available?
@@JohannesDalen Yep, you can pretty much go anywhere in the suburban zone unless it's restricted like reserves. In central region where I live we have mostly forests, fields, swamps with muddy trails, many river crossings and gravel roads. It changes a lot around 1000 km from Moscow in any direction
@@Stepankurkov04 That sounds awesome!
Jip, you are right. I have an XT250 for off-road and though its not high performance it does very well off road. I also have a T700. Absolutely awesome, especially on gravel roads, but it does not entice me to get stuck in mud or rocks. My riding opportunities is not that adventurous though, so the T700 suits me well.
This is a major point that most people need to hear but too many owners done say either due to using them mostly on road as you say or thinking a light gravel road is "offroad use"
Thank you for commenting Jay. I agree, I think there’s a lot of guys out there riding their big adv bikes, without knowing how heavy the bike really is when things get ugly. Then again, most of these bikes are used for touring, which is prefectly fine as well. The word ‘adventure’ has different meaning to different people.
Ride safe my friend!
@@JohannesDalen I didn't mean to denigrate anyone for their form of offroad but when you look at marketing videos like the one done by pol terres and then you hear reviews some people may get the wrong impression.
@@jaybosher6144 I’m with you. The marketing done by the manufacturers these days are very effective: Pol Tarres, Chris Birch etc.
I fell for it and learned the hard way, definitely!
As a Yamaha WR250r owner with moderate single trail experience I believe it would be a good choice for your needs. It must be said the WR is not a road bike but if you are only riding mainly locally it won't be an issue, its tuff and of course reliable, however as pointed out their are compromises with any bike. I was looking to upgrade to the T7 but you have highlighted the exact issue i was worried about being a lone rider "Bike Weight". I have been in a few sticky situations out on my own yet have managed the WR comfortably to get out of trouble. Just ensure you add a rotopax fuel container as the fuel capacity is a draw back, but this can be upgraded to a bigger fuel tank if need be. All the best out there bud and keep safe.
Hello Shane and Lynda, thanks a lot for sharing your experience with the WR!
After selling my T7, I bought a DRZ. It was either the DRZ or the WR- I’ve been very happy with the DRZ. I became a much better rider and I enjoyed the lower weight. But just as the WR, the DRZ is not really a road bike. Okay for local rides, but I still want to ride further away from home and still be able to ride the trails wherever I go. So I recently bought a 701 enduro as well, for the increased road worthiness. Will report back how I like it when I’ve gotten to ride it more (winter here in Norway).
All the best to you too, ride safe and enjoy the holidays my friend 🙂
I agree 100%. I started adventure riding almost two years ago with a 750GS. Have dropped it a few times during trail riding and yes, too heavy. I have already tested out a couple of dirt bikes and am seriously considering of buying a dual sport or a dirt bike. The GS is great on and off road but it is tooooo heavy to pick up on my own.
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience!
I bought a dual sport after I sold the T7. Bought a DRZ, which has been a total game changer for my offroad riding. As you say, the GA is great on road, and the DRZ isn’t. That’s the trade off. Therefore I went out a few weeks ago and bought a Husqvarna 701 enduro. Same weight as the DRZ for offroad riding, but more power so it sits easier on the highway. It’s no GS, but I hope it’s the ultimate compromise for my kind of riding.
Which dirt and dual sport bikes are you considering? 🙂
DRZ! Looks like you bought one. I've had mine since 2006. I still love it. I can't bring myself to sell it even though I'm about ready to buy a T7.
The change from the T7 to the DRZ is the single biggest game changer I’ve experienced in my motorcycle career - the difference in weight makes it so much better in every aspect besides riding fast in a straight line.
Good honest video. Many of us are learning even the middleweight adventure bikes are pretty heavy off-road. We have to be selective about what we ride on these adventure bikes. The KTM exc and Husky fe 350s and 500s are the shizzle. I bought a used 18 fe350s with 240 miles on it. A used one might be the way to go for you?
Thanks a lot for your comment and suggestions. I haven’t ridden any of the KTM/Husky enduros, but they do seem really awesome. Even used they come in at a pretty penny, so I might go for a much slower dual sport from Japan to begin with, but I definitely see myself going that direction in the future.
The exc500 adventure builds out there look awesome.
I didn’t mention this in the video, but this will be my only bike, and commuting on something that needs maintenance like a KTM seems a bit much. I assume you also have other bikes?
@@JohannesDalen I hear you! Yes, I also have a 790 for longer stuff. Youll have fun either way! cheers
@@MobMoto Thank you sir. Is it the R you have? Not sure if theres a difference in engine performance s vs r, but I met a guy during TET. He had an 890r and we swapped bikes. That engine is the craziest thing I’ve ever ridden, what an absolute missile!
Great story and beautiful self-insight. Yes, the Husky 701 seems like the obvious choice-if it wasn't so expensive. How about a Honda CRF300? Greetings from Denmark!
I totally agree with you on this subject.
Either a full enduro... or a 600 cc with some age will work if you can strip him down.
Thank you for commenting. I went in the middle of full enduro and 600cc with some age: 2004 DRZ 😄
Good, honest, humble video.
Well done.
Give it two years, your skill levels will be way up, you will buy that T7 back again.
My recommendation would be keep it, buy a 2nd set of wheels, have 2 pairs for your different useage.
80/20 and 20/80 tyres....
Thank you, Michael!
It’s already gone, the T7 is extremely popular so it went fast. I’ve bought my next bike, a DRZ in mint condition.
Thats a very good recommendation, having two wheels would make it a lot more practical!
Ride safe my friend!
Good honest review, I've tried the T7 nice bike for the road, but I was put off by the weight and also the rear subframe is welded to the main frame. So I won't be trading my crf 250L just yet.
I wouldn’t either now that I know what I know about the T7 and the riding that I enjoy and do. Thanks for commenting 😊
Great to hear an honest opinion. I own a SWM RS500.
Hi John and thanks for the comment!
I’ve heard about SWMs before, but never seen one. Just did a quick google search and the RS500 looks really awesome. 115 kg dry with 500cc? Hows the maintenance schedule on it?
@@JohannesDalen As with all dirt bikes it's all about the use. Large oil capacity and one if the best cylinder head ever made. My bike is now a Rally bike with the large safari tank and after 6000 klms still have not adjusted my valves. Bang for buck is exceptional. If you are heading towards enduro/ adventure riding this is the best for both, it works. Based on the Husqvarna if old made in Italy . If you look thru Google or CZcams there are many posts in the bikes capabilities. You being a tall dude also will help. Me I'm only 5'9. Short legs.. not so much fun when you can't touch the ground.
@@johnclowes3502 Thats awesome, strange that I haven’t heard more about them before? Sounds like the bike you have is the reliable and easier to maintain version of the EXC 500?
I will look into these bikes and get a notification when one comes for sale. Thanks a lot for the heads up, John!
Way to be humble and know your limitations. Keep it up!
Thanks for commenting and watching Luke 🙂
what's that seat you've got on it? is it any good?
Brilliant vid! I'm a sports bike rider who wants to get a T7 or v strom 1050de! I want it so I can go on trails in a group. One thing I've learnt watching vids on them is, you have to be able to pick it up, when you fall, cos you will drop it! I looked at the Africa twin and Thought, not a chance In hell😅😄😃
Great inside!!! I will always remember that!!!
Hello Ray, thanks for commenting and I’m glad it was helpful!
Ride safe!
Hey Johannes from Australia. You might check out KTM 500 EXC for mostly dirt and some highway. There are stacks of adventure accessories for KTMs on EBay and online stores. Weight without fuel is about 106kg which gives you lots of scope to build a bike to suit you that weighs a lot less than your T7.
Good luck and ENJOY!
Hello Daryl and thank you for the greetings all the way from Australia! Its on top of my list of places where I want to ride.
The EXC 500 is a mighty fine bike, and I would love to have one that I could build into my dream adventure bike. It was one of the bikes that I was considering, but I ultimately found it too pricey and "too capable" for my current needs. I went with the Australian favorite DRZ400 for a third of the price. I like the fact that it was so cheap, so I dont mind if things break or get damaged when I drop it.
Do you own an EXC 500?
Greetings from Norway and ride safe my friend!
Hi Johannes, I have a 2010 450 EXC that I could never part with. It's purely a dirt bike. I also have a 2016 690 Duke R that is awesome for road riding.
Your DRZ is a good choice. Lots of gear available for it. My first suggestion is get the spring rates right for your weight in your riding gear and set the rider sag correctly.
Happy touring!
How honest. Thank you.
And thank you for watching!
Any of the other motorcycle brands close to the Yamaha 700 cc are weight 10 to 30 pounds different. Is not the bike is what your need are? You can get a150cc maybe ride over that mud but can you take it on a 500 miles Trip?
Found your video as I am considering T700. I am 6’1, 190lbs and expected to put 260lbs with gears.
3 years experience in riding in the city. I have never done trail or gravel nor dirt.
I am looking at T700 to do long trip most likely doing 60 paved, 40 unpaved. Will be doing some training for 3-4 months before doing long trips.
I wanted crf300l but it seems just not enough power for me to be safe on the highway. Any thoughts?
Hello Kevin, thanks a lot for your question! Like me you’re a big guy and it’s reasonable to think the 300 engine would struggle, especially on the highway. If you’ve never done any dirt or offroad riding, starting out on a 200kg adventure bike is like starting out in the deep end of the pool trying to learn how to swim. The T7 is a great bike for touring and easy gravel roads, but as soon as you reach something a bit more technical you’ll going to struggle with its weight and top-heaviness.
Personally I would have gone with the 300L rally no doubt. I stay away from the highway at all cost. The T7 will be much better going fast in a straight line, but for all else I think the much, much lower weight of the 300L would do you better. It is all about compromise - how much on road comfort and capability are you willing to sacrifice to achieve better offroad capability?
If you said you’d do 90/10 road/offroad, I would have suggested the T7, but 60/40 is dual sport territory.
I highly suggest you test ride both. Best of luck with your purchase Kevin, and please keep me updated 🙂 Ride safe and have fun my friend!
I have enough trouble pulling out my 01' kx125 out of sticky mud, especially if there's a hill or incline on the back or front side. Couldn't imagine even attempting that with double the weight. XD
Hey Johannes! I've also owned a 2017 Africa Twin and basically went through the same experience as you. For the type of riding we both enjoy, small bikes are the best.
You were inquiring on one of my videos about my old DRZ400. They're awesome bikes and they're bulletproof, you'll love them. You also said in your video you're interested in the WR250R, but are skiddish about the displacement for your size. For reference, I'm 6'7". At your size, if you plan on packing it down with luggage and traveling with it, I'd probably lean towards the DRZ, but I basically used my DRZ (and now my WR) as plated dirtbikes.
You'll like the DRZ if you like low end punch, but the WR250R is much easier to maneuver on tighter trails with almost the same power as the DRZ way up in the rev range. It's also a much more refined bike than the DRZ in general as well. I rarely ride road anymore so I can't give you a very comprehensive comparison on the two there, but I enjoy riding the WR more on the street, even though the DRZ does feel like it moves faster. Totally anecdotal, but I've had no issues with the WR in my 3 years of ownership, while my DRZ in the 2 years I've owned it left me stranded twice due to carby issues.
Thank you so much for this comment, and also for the awesome dual sport videos you’ve made, I’m sure they have helped many guys in the same situation like me picking their next DS!
I am going to test ride a DRZ today, and a WRR in two weeks (unless I like the DRZ so much that I’ll buy it). I haven’t ridden the WRR, but things like power up top and 250cc makes me look the other way. I rarely ever go beyong 60 mph on the highway, and now being used to the T7, I do like bottom end grunt.
Thanks again for you help my friend!
@@JohannesDalen you’re absolutely welcome man, can’t wait to start seeing some DRZ content on your page!
@@OgreMoto Thank you sir, ride safe!
I was in exact same position w my africa twin. Dropped down to a dr650 which is great but old school design and although they are very reliable, it doesn't give me that much confidence given its old carburated design. Looking now to the T7 for a touring/adventure bike. I know it will be an anchor if I get it stuck and I am ok with that limitation. Need to have a small dual sport for that stuff.
Totally agree with you. It’s way to heavy for off road.
Thanks for chiming in!
What kind of bike(s) do you own and how do you ride, if I may ask?
Good review man, good job.Im afraid of that to...
Thank you Vidoje, ride safe!
Same situation here. I'm kind of a very experienced street rider (32 years) and started 5 years ago with offroad riding. I gave me the same questions you did and have choosen a 97 MZ Baghira. Because of long distances I wanted to have a dual sport where I can sit on for longer. You will wonder how much can break at such an old bike. After a season I'd been that frustrated that I sold it and bought the lightest dual sport you get on the market. It was a 3 year old 690 from 2014 and meanwhile I did the ACT Greece and Italy and some TET on the balkans. Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia. Still I'd like something not branded by KTM, but the only choise would be a CRF or a SWM. So I guess I will keep it.
Thank you for sharing your story! I have a 2004 DRZ and I’m already fixing fuel leaks from both the carb and the petcock 😅 I’m not worried anything will break on the DRZ, they are solid as rocks.
The 690 is a very interesting machine, its a bike I might consider when/if its time to upgrade the DRZ. The CRF300L I’ll take a closer look at when it reaches the used market here in Norway.
Couldn't get the bike out of the mud? Do you even lift?
I had a DRZ400 for a short while, with the idea of getting into adventure riding. It can be modified alot to get it where you want but if you keep the stock transmission ratio's I feel there will always be a compromise between riding it on the street vs the dirt. Mine was geared with a 15 tooth sprocket up front, i can't remember if i had the 44 on the back of the 47. Wasn't too bad - would have liked to ride a WR250R to compare though.
For what its worth I am about 67kg and 173cm. The 400 pulled me fine, a 250 does too - 250 might not be to good with you being 100kg though! Best to ride and see what you think.
What about the DR 650?
Welcome and thanks for the comment, Booki. An adventurized DRZ with a big tank going through Mongolia does sound awesome, huh?
I too would have liked to test ride the WRR and compare it to the DRZ, but I’m not sure how I like the sound of having to wring the engine out to get to the powerband.
The DR650 is an interesting bike, but I havent ridden one. They are even rarer than a DRZ in Norway.
What bike(s) do you ride now?
@@JohannesDalen The DRZ is probably as close to an "enduro" dualsport/adventure bike you can get! - i think its the right choice considering you don't want to rev the motor out on the WR.
Currently have a 2018 Gas Gas EC 300, wanting to get an adventure bike though! Have been looking at the Tenere's but not sure if I can handle the weight being a much smaller guy then yourself!
@@Booki89 Thats good to hear, looking forward to riding it offroad.
Have you ever ridden the T7? I recall Dave Lomax from Adventure Spec said that the T7 kinda fooled him. I remember not understanding what he ment, but I do now. While you have momentum the bike is so nimble and agile, but as soon as it stops, those 200kg come crashing down like a rock.
Good thinking in my opinion. I have a 250 rally. Dropped it twice on the first day on the TET. And had no problems lifting it back up. Good luck with Your DRZ. Hej då:)
Thank you Rune!
For us adventurous riders «light is right» seems to be spot on.
Ride safe!