Why I will never buy a big Touring bike ever again!
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- čas přidán 26. 10. 2022
- Regular topic on this channel that is constantly cropping up. Here I give you my main reasons for touring on smaller capacity motorcycles and why I will never buy a big touring bike again.
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Ed March has taken a C90 supercub around the world. He relates this experience about it
I was riding through Belgium in winter when it was about 0 oC. I called in at a campsite (which was closed but had an open pub) and asked how much camping was.
The owner was intrigued and walked out to have a look at my bike, as soon as he saw it he burst out laughing and called his customers outside to have a giggle too.
Then he asked where I was from and where I was going, I answered “England and I’m going to the Czech republic”.
From that moment on, all my drinks were free and I got free pizza and crisps. In the morning I had breakfast and a hot shower round his sister’s house
and they even gave me some thermal trousers and a warm jumper which I still have.
You can tour on anything and have an adventure. 👍🇦🇺
fantastic story well done you 👍
C90 Adventures is well worth a watch.
just when the stroy was getting better, (the part of the sister's house) you ended it...😂😝
“And a hot shower round his sister’s house”
HELL YEAH
@@micaelalves6804 lol, I was expecting the story should end with, that's how I met my wife.
When I was in the Air Force 40 years ago I had a CX500 Honda that I went back and forth across America on. I know an old guy in St Petersburg who went all the way to Alaska on his Vesper 250 scooter. People are brainwashed to think that they need a behemoth to go touring on. I laugh when I hear people say that a 750 size motorcycle is insufficient to go touring. Riding a lighter motorcycle is less tiring as well.
I have fond memories of the CX500, great bike. Honda should make a new one.
@@Biggus63 if they did it would probably be a parallel twin.
@@chrishart8548 unfortunately.
Three cheers for the cx500! 🇬🇧👍
@@Biggus63 Snap! If my CX500 hadn't been stolen 30+ years ago, I might still be riding it today. Definitely the best bike I ever owned and rode.
I’m new to motorcycling. Many of my friends at home and abroad were trying to convince me to get an adventure bike. I was almost convinced, I almost got one. But I don’t like the style and I was always concerned about the weight.
I got myself a Bonneville with some saddle bags. I love it and I’m off on my first tour (a short one to the coast) soon. I love it.
me too.......wear it and make do
Travel light is almost always the better option. It prevents getting tired all the time. I do like 'comes in handy' like Tyre Inflator sealant for long trips etc.
@@Odder-Being I guess I'm just strong and enjoy a challenge! Love a big adventure bike.. Also everything is more comfortable too!
I'm in the same boat, but I'm sticking with my yamaha xt250. I love it!!
That’s all that really matters right?
Yep I'm with you all the way on this one. I had an R1250GS until very recently and then I had loan of a much smaller capacity bike and thought to myself, why am I lugging this monstrous machine around when everything is so much easier on a lighter smaller bike.
So, what did you do then?
Went from Italy to Ireland, crossing from France, and all over Spain on a Meteor 350. Small bike, but exceptional with fuel economy, and all i needed was a backpack, saddlebags, and a tent and sleeping bag tied to the rear. One of the best experiences of my life.
Perfect, just perfect !
@@chokdeesam2365 it was. Nothing beats the feeling of throwing a leg across the saddle and ride off to a new destination over and over. I'm thinking about trying to do North Africa, or the Balkans next.
My apologies. But, my jealousy level went through all the gears without the clutch…😜 that sounds AWESOME!
Wow! I love the looks of the Meteor 350. Want to buy one but will I fit? Close to 6.1 (187cm)
What do you recon? And what saddle bags are you using?
@omega3556 i'm 180 and I fit fine. I'm using custom made ones, a friend of mine is a leatherworker by trade. He gifted them to me
I blame Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman with their long way round trip for the desire for big touring motorcycles. Even though the bikes were too big and too heavy for that trip. Itchy boots has proved that small capacity bikes will do the job equally well if not better in a lot of circumstances. Thank you for another well thought out intelligent video
KTM was the deciding party there ;)
Probably their worst ever business decision, caused by a lack of faith on their own products.
@@G-ra-ha-m It was a good decision by KTM because the 950 Charlie wanted had just been released and had some teething problems. Also, the KTM was lighter than the GS but it was still a big bike. When the GS that the camera man was riding broke its frame in Russia, they replaced it with a 500cc Russian made 2 stroke that made easy work out of the terrain that was bogging their GSs down.
@@jimmyjakes1823 They could have shipped them smaller KTMs :)
🤣
I think there was a part when they were in Kazikstan or Mongolia where their big bimmers just kept falling and getting stuck on a muddy stretch of road and this dude passes them on a much smaller and older bike, and they say to one another, that's the size bike we should have gotten. I think that's what you call the Penny dropping moment many still don't realise. Big bikes look cool, but are just too heavy for real off road use.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve gone steadily down from a 1200 to … an XT225. Light, great handling. The 21” front wheel irons out the bumps. Comfortable enough too with a low seat height.
I now find myself doing 300 miles a day at a slower pace, enjoying the journey on back roads … discovering places I never knew existed as before I’d blasted past them on the A roads.
Best thing I ever did was downsize. Oh … and it cost me £1600 and regularly does 110 mpg !
The XT 225 or 250 is an awesome bike. Years ago I met an old guy who toured all over the Western US on one. He said him and buddy took CT90s from the Northernmost town in Alaska to the Southern most tip of South America back in the 70s, and National Geographic met up with them at several locations along the way to take pictures and make a chronology of their adventure. I guess it was in a Natl. Geo. Mag back in the day.
The XT225 Serow has been my favourite bike I’ve owned. I did live in Uganda at the time and the bike just was perfect for it.
Very clever video, I liked it a lot. I did exactly what you described. I went in 50 years from a very small 45c.c. Bianchi gradually evolved from Moto Guzzi, Harley Davidson, up to the Triumph Storm 1750.
Enough! I was fed up.
As you say, I had lost all the taste, not to mention the gravel in the parking lots.
So I stayed put for two years.
But now I finally have a "shameful" 411 R.E. Himalayan and I rediscovered the pleasure of riding a motorbike, even alone.
Thanks for your video, so I'm not the only one who thinks this way.
In the ‘60s I visited most Western European countries on a 160cc Honda, including two Elephant rallies. Unforgettable experiences on a lovely little bike. Touring is a state of mind, it doesn’t depend on the bike.
I drooled over those Honda 160s at my local dealer. The Honda 305 Super Hawk was my dream bike. But I was happy on my new 1968 Honda 50.😎
@@billfish5913 Happy days. I too lusted after the 305 but it was way out of my reach. The CB160 was a lovely bike, I’m surprised they didn’t sell better. I had many bikes afterward but none held my affection like the 160. All the best,
Roger
My first real motorcycle with a Honda 185 TwinStar we're just a learner's permit I rode all over the state of Florida back when we had the 55 mph speed limit which it would do with the plum. I got in with a bunch of Goldwing Riders and we stopped at a rest stop and they brought out the coolers with sodas and hot dogs that they cooked on the grills at the rest stop and they said well we're surprised that little guy could keep up with us and I said but you're only going 55 miles an hour get out! I had a windshield luggage rack travel trunk and highway bars so it was pretty comfortable for touring all day. It also got me 74 miles to the gallon with the one carb. Great bye turn me on to the joy of two wheels. After I sold it a woman bought it learned how to write on it and she was going to teach her daughter how to ride a motorcycle with it makes me wonder how many people that little bike introduced to the joys of writing a motorcycle.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459
You’re so right. Speed is the enemy of touring. You’ll see so much more on a 125 on the byways than riding a GS1250 on an autobahn.
It kind of does depend on the bike, a little bit, at least, maybe just a tiny tiny bit. Motorcyclists are definately a strange breed reading these comments.
I am 51 and just started riding a motorbike this year (a bit late in the game, I know). In any case, as many new riders, I read every article possible, watched many videos and talked to as many veteran riders before buying my first motorcycle. At the end, I decided for a Supernova Brown Meteor 350 from Royal Enfield. I could have purchased a bigger bike, but I decided to listen to the voice or reason of learning the ropes on a smaller engine and when ready purchase a bigger one. After 1600 kms I can honestly say I can´t see myself buying anything bigger than a 650 cc. For me it is all about the opportunity to appreciate the road, the sky and to be able to stop and take a picture of have a cup of coffee with ease. A second reason not to purchase a big touring bike is, at least in my neck of the woods, security. Big, expensive bikes are a bigger target for organized crime, and it would definitely increase my chances of an unpleasant encounter. Cheers!
63yo here.
13 months of riding under my belt. Last trip of the season starts tomorrow and I'll end the year with just over 12,000 miles and 400,000 vertical feet on a 500cc chinese/italian little beast. Will be upgrading to a 650 for the really big trip in 2023 and 24 but wouldn't want anything bigger.
54 year old here and used to ride in the 1990's as a 25 year old and took way too many chances, so I quit one day. Now, I'm ready with the mind and patience of a wiser man, and a Royal Enfield is a PERFECT starter bike !!!!
I'm only 46 years young, and I have started riding at 18, reading your words of wisdom and agreeing all the way. People buy motorcycles too big, heavy and expensive, suffer and hurt, only to rage sell and give up on the dream. Sensible people use their heads, get good bikes, ride easy and have fun for decades. Ride on!
I have a Meteor 350 myself. It does everything that I need. It does enough miles in a day to explore. What's more, it does it at 95mpg.
63yo here, too: After some 25yrs on BMW R75/5, I bought a Yamaha RD125LC. Handed it to a friend for a test ride. He is actually riding a twin cam. And had been riding many bikes, most years an 850 Moto Guzzi. Result: he couldn't stop smiling for the whole evening!
Moral: when I'm riding a bike, I wanna have fun! I,I,I wanna have fun. What others think: do I care?
Could not agree more. I worked my way up from 50cc through to 1600cc (over 30 bikes) and eventually found the spirit of lightweight fun a motorcycle originally gave was missing. Gave up for a year but the itch returned and I bought a Vespa which instantly made me feel 16 again. Several Vespas later and I have toured LeJoG, Wales and most of the UK on short and multi day trips, just finished a 5 country trip to Switzerland on a GTS300 Vespa. It’s brought back what I loved about bikes, freedom, simplicity, lightweight fun that really can do it all as could my RE500 classic. Love big bikes but you don’t need 200bhp or half ton of weight. Great video!
Can relate. Got out of bikes for a number of years but fancied commuting to work on a bike and the Vespa itch was growing strong. Got me a GTS 300 in 2017 and like you say, felt 16 again just like riding my 50cc Aprilia back in high school. Looved the simplicity and the eagerness of Vespa, started doing short trips with it and that grew into touring. Did Switzerland, Austria, Italy on it, the Balkans and some. Got me an R1150GS which I restored, toured the Alps twice, did 2 month long trips on it and while I love the boxer and the nature of the bike it's the Vespa that for me has the superior motiv to ride the bike. To me nothing beats having fun on a bike and that's where the weight of the bike at least for me is hindrance rather than advantage. Still have the Vespa, will never sell it. Oh, also toured Zanzibar on a RE 500 Classic, completely get what you mean. It's about the easy nature of the bike and character.
I was waiting to board a ferry at Dover in June last year (as a cyclist) and there were several Vespas on their way to Switzerland, wondering if that was your group?
@@paulwood4142 - sadly not, we took the ferry from Poole to Cherbourg and rode through France to CH, then came back through Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium taking the tunnel instead of a ferry. Wonderful trip, Belgium planned for this year but then looking to cycle through o CH (e15) next year! Where did you ride to?
I think there’s one mitigation. Large capacity bikes make journeys effortless. I had three RTs and miss the one I sold this year because it was so easy to ride and to live with. Bang it in third and chug around the Lake District, sixth and cruise up the M6. Smaller capacity bikes can do it all but it’s the way the big bikes do it.
I much prefer big bikes and will trade in the 850 GS for another RT next year. Lesson learned, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
Never ridden one but from the reports on the RT it seems to be the exception to the rule. I hate top heavy bikes, so to me it's not so much about the weight it's where the COG sits.
@@gerrybailey447 Yep, 100%, top heavy bikes are OK(ish) when you’re moving along but tricky at lower speeds. They feel clumsy.
I’m no expert but from what people say the low boxer engine makes a big difference. Weight is low down and there’s a bit of a gyroscopic effect that makes low speed riding easy. Still a big beast to push round the garage but nothing’s perfect.
As is little discussed, yes, it's all about weight distribution. How easy it is to mount and will it stand steady or want to constantly fall over. Both the Honda CMX1100 and 500 are great, the extra weight of the 1100 can be felt but that's all compared with the 500.
But you've COMPLETELY missed the point of touring. Bang it on the M-way... Totally pointless. I'm 68 and travelled a fair bit of this earth, if there's ONE thing you can guarantee it's that any M-way can be ANYWHERE in the world. My suggestion: but a RE Classic 350, use only back roads and rediscover what motorcycling is really about. (And it'll cost you less than the options on a GS)
My wife and I are currently touring from the UK to Cyprus on a Vespa 300 GTS HPE without too many problems.
The looks of derision and astonishment we get from everyone makes me feel that everyone has been suckered into the adventure bike sales pitch.
So far we are on day 22 and no aches or pains or any real issues.
We've been over mountains in Bosnia and Albania and to be honest the Vespa was a wise choice. I felt confident on it and there have been occasions when I think I could have dropped a big heavy bike on a tight hair pin bend.
Excellent! We’re planning to take our GTS300 2-up to Spain next year. Any tips?
@@ChrisinHove the GTS coped really well and other than packing as light as possible just get on it and go.
The only limiting factor is the fuel tank capacity.
I would fill up or look for a petrol station after about 60 to 80 miles.
I found two up that between 100 and 110kmh was optimum for progress and fuel efficiency.
Don't forget that putting a ruck sack or a bag between your legs at the front is ideal for a bit of extra laying age capacity.
Well, not everyone.....thats a little extreme. Most of us can tell that the ADV sales pitch, is a pitch, based on no reality. Some people fall for it, they crash, hurt themselves, crushed under large machines, and hence the current change in the marketing strategies the manufacturers are doing now. Wait for the years to come and witness small ADV bikes, finally. The DR400 since 2000, has proven this fact. There was no pitch that anybody fell for on this bike, it is what it is, a good solid, reliable, world touring potential bike, with a small engine.
@@davidcolinfisher1034 I agree that a small capacity ADV is a really good idea.
I like simple and relatively straight forward bikes that don't require menu systems and too much tech.
That being said the traction control was very useful on a bend that had a diesel spillage and definitely helped me whereby I could easily have fallen off.
I totally agree with you. The gts300 is the best all round bike I ever owned. I absolutely love mine.
Spot on! I have over 40 years of motorcycling experience and I have come to the conclusion that less is more. 😊
My favourite touring bike (averaging 12000km per tour )was my Kawi Z 14 . Comfy , stable and as fast as you feel like at any given time . I think the best tourer is the one you feel best touring on . There are no rules
I was at the edge of buying a bigger bike even though I was so happy with my 300cc scooter. Nobody around me has ever summarized the case as simple as you did in this video. Thanks for being such open hearted for the sake of motorbiking enthusiasm…
Great video Stuart! When I was flying MiG-21s in the Indian Air Force in my twenties, I rode all over the mountains and plains of India on a Yezdi 250cc 2-stroke, 24 HP, WITH a pillion and lugguage. It was easy to handle - you could tilt and pivot it around on one leg of the centre stand. Now I'm 66 and want to resume biking. And all the marketing hype is pointing me to 650 and 1100 cc monsters. I'm going for the 334cc Yezdi Adventure - 30HP, 30Nm, 150 kph (93 mph) @ 30km/l (71 mpg) - enough for me and a pillion across any terrain... Thanks for the clarity your video has given me...
👏
Nice post
It never occurred to me that a 650 was a 'monster'.
@@wildbikerbill6530 That's cos you've never had to pull one out of a muddy ditch in the rain.
@@bigglyguy8429 Did you know you're not supposed to go there? It helps! 😱
Years ago I had a Yamaha Radian - 600cc inline-4, aircooled. In 27K miles of riding it I ran out of gas once. Fortunately that was only a mile or so from a gas station, but going up a hill was a chore.
The Yamaha FJ1200 & Kawasaki GPz1100 I had later would have been brutal.
Absolutely spot-on! I gave up biking about ten years ago (maybe a bit longer) having taken exactly the path described here. I ended up with my dream bike, a BMW 1150GS but hardly used it after the first month's ownership had worn off. It was just to much of a faff to get it out of the garage and manhandle it around to get it pointing in the right direction. I had been riding since I was 17 starting with a Triumph Trailblazer and then an original T140E I bought new as the Meriden factory teetered on the edge. I was really happy with those old bikes but then got into the rut of chasing the Dream. Changed my bike every year and spent a fortune but nothing really satisfied. In the end I found that I was only taking the GS out for its annual service and MOT. Then a few weeks ago we were on holiday in North Yorkshire and I heard a lovely sound moving all around the hills where we were camped. Out for a walk I saw a yellow bike parked in a lay-by with the rider looking at a view and having a brew. I got talking. His bike was a Royal Enfield Meteor and he had taken this same journey, finally finding peace in that bike. That got me excited all over again. A 350 single. I started researching. I'm getting one!. Thanks.
I think I am in ( almost ) similar situation as you.
I just want to assure you , I’ve had the halcyon grey classic 350 for about 3 months , I absolutely love it . If your going longer ranges and need to maintain 70mph I’d consider the 650 Royal Enfield
Anything but an RE 350. Being from India. I would never touch one.
Ofcourse, it was the only bike here in the beginning until the Japanese bikes started to hit our shores around the mid 80's.
Light weight bikes anyday, but not an RE for me, better and well made bikes are available 😊👍
@@Akkiben What would you suggest instead?
Brilliant story Kevin, I'm of the same mind.
Another thing with smaller & much cheaper bikes, strangers don't think you're a snob, like they do when on an expensive big bike.
As the owner of a Honda ST11100 for the last 30years, I have to agree with just about everything you say. Every year that passes, the bike seems to get heavier. Reversing and parking are the worst challenges. In my retirement,I am facing the prospect of selling the bike I have owned for the last 24years.
Honda, get this man a modern Magna.🤜🤛
I currently own a Yamaha Stratoliner 1854cc, and it's a great bike. However, I was in Oregon and rented a Suzuki 650cc V-Strum. The thing was incredible. Light as a feather, plenty of storage (panniers), could cruise all day comfortably at 90mph with excellent gas mileage. I was blown away by it. That was 5 years ago now and I still think about how marvelous it was.
I have a vstrom 1000. Its only about 15kg heavier. Its the most comfortable bike ive ever ridden. Guzzles a bit of gas though.
I borrowed a 650 V-Strom on a trip to France a few years ago and was seriously impressed for all the same reasons that you list.
I have a stratoliner as well, what a bike. Totally different experience vs. ducatis, goldwings, and. Smaller ktms that ive had or still have. I wont sell the strat anytime soon.
The GS has just become an embarrassing Cliché's. Had 2 of them back in the day and one day at a bike stop I watched A dozen or so guys on GS1200s pull into the car park, all the gear and no idea. One dropped his bike trying to avoid a pothole puddle at the entrance. That was it for me. They are just part of motorcycle flex culture now!
Cue the big Tourer owners throwing their toys out of the pram!🤣
The GS owner.......its just another wa@#er with a BMW.
If they nod or wave it's a real surprise,iv almost given up on them.
@@ScotlandsGold Same when Arly riders.
@@Omar-vj9ro when l had a Vespa they would wave more that others ! So now I’ve got a Harley l wave at everyone- though l did before tbh. First trip to France it took a while to realise the guys on the big blue bikes were cops! Had one wave back though lol
Spot on. I’m 57 and recently bought a Honda CB500x. I absolutely love it. So much I’ve bought a top box and roll bag and I’m off touring Europe next year.
I’m looking forward to it a lot more than I did with my previous touring bikes (GS etc)
The fun factor on a manageable 500 in the Alps is going to be off the scale. I think more and more enlightened bikers are waking up.
That's going to be an awesome trip on the CB500. Plenty of go and no risk of dropping it in the hairpins on roads like the Stelvio pass. Have a great trip! 👍
👍 nice one and good luck 👍 shove it up those so called adventure touring models ridiculous price tags!
Imminently getting myself a 650 V-Strom after years of heavy machines. Test riding it was a revelation, and way more fun than the Hayabusa's I have been riding around on.....
I'm 57 in March and I too have just got a CB500x, absolutely love it and am planning a Europe trip next year. Had a CB500f, and planned to get an NC750x, but after trying an NC750s, I thought the suspension was very crude, and much prefer the smoother 500 engine. The power on my 500f was enough for the vast majority of riding I do, and of course the economy is legendary, I'm averaging 88mpg on the 500x, that's measured and calculated from fill up to warning light, not the computer. The main thing that keeps my speed down is the condition of many of our roads, cannot imagine why anyone would want more than 750cc if you think logically, anything above that just seems to be in 'diminishing terms' territory.
@@BibtheBoulder I've had a V-strom 650 for 13 years now and out of my other 2 bikes (Pan European & CBR600F) and pretty much every other bike I've test ridden it's the best of the lot in terms of the perfect balance of comfort, power delivery, weight, agility, range, luggage capacity and value for money.
My first bike was a Yamaha XJ750 Seca that I will never forget the joy of riding. Many of the points in your video reminded me of how easy it was to ride this bike and how fast it really was and easy to maneuver. Like the masses, I was sucked in to bigger is better. I miss those less stressful, carefree riding days.
Rode a bicycle across the U.S. three times, it weighed 25 pounds, and I carried 20 pounds of gear for camping.
The smaller bikes rarely have cruise control, heated seats and grips, things like that. Goldwings are pretty lightweight "feeling" and have things like reverse, but like you said, are expensive and have their place and time for use. This is why we all need 8 motorcycles, one for each scenario we have in our lives. Thanks for the video.
Honestly, in this day and age, there is a bike for everyone. We live in great times.
ALL of which can be added.
@@tommynikon2283 Adding cruise control is a pain and never as good as the factory, just like cancelled turn signals. Heated stuff yes... but you often get some stupid button that just looks bad and to be honest we don't want to drive a frankenstein - we want a ligitimate bike that was made for long distance riding.
My touring bike has faktory cruise control that I use so little i must say its pointless to me.
I ride in Norway, and IF there is little traffic on a motorway you can use it. But motorways are in my opinion not fun on motorcycle its boring so I avoid them. Riding in germany on the autobahn its even less useful with the cruise conttol because of traffic and the same goes for large parts of Europe unless you plan to go slow behind slow moving traffic you change speed all the time.
So I dont really use it at all, and i would not consider it to be necessary on a new purchase. But that is me, others might find them awesome.
Riding in Norway on the Coast you notice a lot of tourists and lot of them use massive touring bikes, on thos very narrow winding roads its not a problem to ride a big tourer IF you are used to this Riding. But arranging tours and runs i have seen if there is massive forrige bikes in the mix we need to reduce the speed with a good but, we need to include far more stops and breaks because people are tired, and the distance is reduced on stints.
For me that show very clearly the marketing with effortless travel on adventourous roads are a total scam, because people joining the tours for exactly that reason with those exact bikes are the opsite.
I see the ones who join with medium capacity bikes are faster, have less need for breaks, we can reach farther, and when we arrive they are less tired and more energetic than those on big bikes.
None of these tours have i ever used cruise control. To be honest where i can use cruise control namely on boring slabs of motorway i rather use a car. Why because its so boring i can just as well use a car.
You think like my hubby.
I always say "drive what suits you and be happy with it", but this summer, when I was cruising my favourite road (the old military road at Sally's Gap - Wicklow - Ireland) I found myself "stuck" behind a tour bike that resembled battlestar Galactica more than anything else. I watched the rider navigating inclines, declines, hairpins, potholes and surprise sections with copious amounts of freshly deposited gravel, I totally understood his need for using as much of available road as possible, so i hung back at 30km/h waiting for an opportunity to pass safely. When he did stop at a viewpoint parking, I just checked to see he was OK. We had a chat about how terrible the road was, bikes in general and Royal Enfields (since I was on my classic 500).
He had quite the opinion about "light cheap bikes produced in Thirdworld counties having all sorts of issues with cooling in hot weather", but I wished him well at departure after making sure i was first to pull out of the parking. Taking his advice in regards of cooling, I opened up a bit faster (60 km/h) to get that cooling air flowing. I noticed that after a few turns he stopped trying to keep up with me - but then again, he wouldn't be needed to drive that fast with all that superior cooling and that - very gentlemanly for him to consider my poorly build classic 500 let me go first and get that needed cooling and make an effort to make sure I was getting well away on the road.
foot note 1: yes - you are correct if you sense a bit of tongue in cheek there
foot note 2: No, it doesn't require a big tour bike to be classified as a douche nozzle - it's always the attitude - not the type, model or brand of bike that gives it away :)
foot note 3: yes - he would have probably laughed at me on the motorway overtaking me with 180km/h and be able to take his kitchen sink with him at the same time - I'd be getting one of those big boys if that was my thing too.
Love your thinking my friend ❤️ it's all about horses for courses init . Whatever floats your boat if it works for you, you've cracked it , stay safe mate 👍
rofl
that was a spot on comment!
I ride an F800 GS Adventure and love it for its light Off-road capabilities and being a great allrounder. I am 31 years old and have been riding mountain bike trails, dirt bike parks as well as trails in the Forest. Maybe that's why I feel more confident handling the bike. Its definitely a big behemoth of a bike and not the best option for a Pensioner trying to finally travel the world.
Check out what Pol Tarres can do on a Teneree 700, skill plays a big role too
Im so glad you made this video Stuart..I have been seriously contemplating buying a BMW touring bike, my sensible side had made all of the points that you had mentioned about the practicality of owning this type of bike but i was getting very good at ignoring those nagging doubts about practicality for 95% of all the riding I would be doing, my desire was based on your final point you made about European road with little or no speed limits..20 years ago i rode from Calais all the way down to the south of France and into Italy 2 up with a masses of luggage on an old 850 BMW air head and it never missed a beat even when doing between 90-100mph, hour after hour for most of a full night which is exactly what it was designed to do..but realistically how often are we going to have the opportunity to do that kind of riding. Extremely rarely ..so you have helped me see sense and not waste my money of a big touring bike ...thank you
Best commentary and advice I’ve heard so far as what type of bike to get or not to get. Thank you for your excellent presentation with honest and impartial advice. Also great scenery! Done those routes myself many times and recognised the passes and roads.
Most people don't like to think they have been taken by a sales pitch or a smooth talking sales person but it happens to us all. Being in my 50s now the classic 350 is all the bike I need. Once again very well said and a great video.
I ended up getting a T100 as my first bike last this summer (got a great deal on a 2018) but the Classic 350 was the one I was lusting after all through my learning and practicing this past winter. Still have images of it as wallpaper on my phone.
Thank You Nathen. I'm sure I replied to you earlier, but the reply has vanished! How odd!
@@IrishBog I have a T100 too 👍. A great first (and last) bike. I've had all sorts over the years but the T100 just has something really special about it 👍
The problem is, Nathan, please NAME three companies that distribute 350's worldwide.
I'am 61, since my 60th I came back to Motobikes, after a long time suffering. And when I considered what I should buy, I was shocked by all that, you've well told about the changing market. In the 80ties I had a BMW 60 Policemachine and that was a really "heavy bike" - but today? None of the big bikes, even if I had the money, would get my interest. I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan with only 24 HP and 3,1ltr fuel for 100 km. Till now I was riding 7.800 km, was in Swizzerland, Italy, Austria, in the mountains and up the mountains ... and I never was disappointed! Thats my way to travel, enjoying that I'am free, having the time, I need and no reason to go with 170 HP 220 km/h like a foul in rage ... I would never change my choice. The 21th century ist not more the age of stronger, bigger, faster! But the people need time to think about! 🙄🦋🌻😎
So true that Stuart. I have owned all sizes of bikes in my time . Now at 83 I ride a 250 Rebel . I get just as much pleasure riding it as I ever did with the others , plus the fact that it's light and easy to manage. Pleasure is not proportional to cylinder size ...
I get a lot of stick for riding a small G310gs from my mates who ride r750's and r1250's. The 310gs is the smallest BMW GS. But I absolutely love it. It's riden daily and not an inconvenience to hop on for short trips like the bigger bikes.
I have a 650gs, it was cheap and available but yeah I don't know how long I will have it, it's really too heavy for me.
Couldn't agree more. When I started riding in the 70s, the majority had one bike. That's all we could afford. It had to do everything, ride to work, take the girl friend out, ride out with your mates and in the summer go on your holidays. I had a memorable holiday riding through France to Spain on a 250 single 2 stroke. Two up with panniers, loaded rack and a tank bag. You had to work the bike to get the best from it. But that was part of the fun and achievement.
I went from a single cylinder 650 thumper (KLR-650) to a K1600 GTL which is about the biggest most powerful touring bike you can buy and I don't regret buying the GTL at all!
Anything is better that coming off a KLR 650, Defend your biggest heaviest bike theory all you like, it will nothing when its tipped over on you, and your foot is underneath, and there is no one around to lift if off, and your cellphone is out of reach.....its more common than you might think.....
@David Colin Fisher Been there, done that on my KLR, tore a hamstring when it tipped over on me. I was able to pick it up with one leg and ride 300 miles back home on one butt cheek.
Yeah, but a KLR has most of the big bike negatives w/o the midsize bike positives.
Me looking at my klr 650 outside.... hey she gets me there 😢
I have a 95 Thunderbird and an Africa Twin Adv Sport. And as different as they are, they've both done everything I've asked from Touring to commuting to carrying DJ gear. Whilst the Thunderbird is now limited to dry days out, i'd still have every confidence it could do what I ask again.
Have to say though, the Africa Twin is probably the best compromise I've come across.
Same here, but with a 2002 Bonneville :)
Brilliant stop and think video, a back to logical reality narrative that makes so much sense.
Very well done mate, I sincerely hope that this video's message hits home with a ton of riders out there.
Two thousand miles around northern Spain this summer on a gs12 with the missus and full heavy luggage. I honestly can not think of a smaller bike that would have had the comfort, handling (fantastic on those hundreds of hairpins) or economy. 56mpg over those 2k. Pillion comfort is vital for a harmonious holiday and she had no complaints on her first ever trip abroad. ED: I wrote this whilst listening, i see you got the same mpg with your later model gs.
The GS12 is a nice bike, but try hairpins with a CVT 250cc scooter: my friend with his GS12 had a sore foot from changing gear - I just enjoyed the scenery :) .
Perhaps part of the fun of a smaller bike or scooter, is 'doing the impossible', like Ed March does...
a Royal Enfield 650 would have done it
@@maakamakana7007two up with luggage? 😂
Bang on
Thanks for filling me in on where motorcycling went over the last 40 years, Stu- I stopped riding in 1980 and returned 18 months ago on a RE Meteor.. Can't relate to anything over 650cc. Love my 350.
I really enjoyed that particular ride - we have spectacular scenery up here in the North and you showed it perfectly.
BMW airheads are 250s wth a modern 400/600cc engine equivalent 🙂
Been doing a lot of homework on what I want for my next bike. This video was very helpful. Thank you.
Spot-on message. Having had litre+ motorbikes (KTM 990 Adventure currently), I couldn’t agree more. Last year I bought for my son an older Yamaha XT-225. I flew out to pick it up, and it took about a day to ride it back home. I so thoroughly enjoyed the ride even though the bike struggled to sustain above 100kmh. I just simply rode slower, and enjoyed the ride. I still like to take it out once in a while for a quick blat around the neighbourhood and leave my 990 and the 530 in the garage.
You're spot on Stuart, I hardly rode my 250 Kg bike as it was a pain to get out and manoeuvre. I think I covered less than 3K miles in three years on it. I bought a Meteor this year and have done over 3K already, you can't keep me of it, I'm like a teenager again. 😀
Awesome 😎👍👍
The Meatier is mightier :)
Spot on once again Stuart, 2 weeks ago I completed an 1800 klm trip on my Himalayan in the company of a friend on a late model Harley Road King and my son on his Kawasaki Vulcan, I was supposed to be riding my 1996 Harley FLSTF but due to an electrical issue I was forced at the 11th hour to take the Royal Enfield, I have to admit that I was not looking forward to it because it is set up primarily for off road riding.
A day into the trip I realised that I had seriously under estimated the bike, with fully loaded panniers and 60/40 tyres it handled beautifully, was comfortable to ride easily maintained highway speeds even through the Adelaide hills were I indulged in some peg scraping and had enough in reserve to overtake if need be, the biggest annoyance i had was having to stop whilst the other bikes filled up with petrol.
I thoroughly enjoyed riding that little bike, it has once again proved itself to be an extremely capable Motorcycle, anyone who says that you can't tour on a small to mid range bike is talking rubbish, I apologise for the length of the comment.
This video is spot on and a very refreshingly honest change. We could disagree - but we’d be wrong ! Well done Stuart for having the bravery and honesty and integrity to make this. Thank you .
I’m seventy years old now. I’m finding it difficult to motivate myself to take my Kawasaki ZZR1200 out
especially with the amount of traffic out there not forgetting the condition of the roads as there are more pot holes everywhere and let’s not forget fixed and mobile speed cameras. No wonder electric bicycles getting popular.
My opinion is based on only four years of riding and experience of a handful of bikes in total. That said, I thoroughly enjoy my GSA and the versatility it gives. Whilst big, they are nimble and can be taken down narrow Derbyshire lanes as much as motorway cruises alike. Technique helps moving the bike manually, and builds confidence when in low speed corners. Every ride leaves a smile, even if popping to the shops! It’s 50/50 if I take my GSA or my Interceptor 😂
Morning Stu. Good video. I have recently got to the same mindset as you. I’ve had 3 1100cc bikes and enjoyed them when I was a bit younger. As I’ve gotten older I found the Blackbird (I still have) more of a struggle to ride comfortably and even worse to go camping on. Since May I’ve downsized to a 650 Enfield and it has made biking so much easier and more enjoyable.
Good on you 👏 I think now smaller capacity machines are much better, I started off in the 60s with anything I could get my hands on , didn't care what it was as long as it had 2 wheels and an engine , I've had allsorts of machines nothing elaborate but functional, I'm still riding a 35 year old B M W K 75c which has never let me down , I'm 72 and am thinking of getting a lighter bike for practical purposes, one off my sons has a limited edition yammy R1 , his insurance is £1600 , mine is £ 50 fully comp big difference in bikes and insurance & running costs, but hay hoe , a bikes a bike regardless, enjoy whatever you ride 😉 😀.
Blackbird XX ✌️✌️
I'm a Bird rider too. Nothing like it.
I also have a Triumph Thruxton.
Looking at a Street Triple next.
But never an RE for me 😁
Once again, I couldn’t agree more.
My RE 350 Classic goes everywhere, in style and comfort and great economy, more smiles to the gallon than anything else I’ve ever owned
Really great vlog, having had a big smash 11 years ago I was desperate to get back in the saddle. I bought a street twin with GIVI panniers and added a small screen . Like you I thoroughly enjoy the size and practicality.Thanks for posting
Spot on Stu.....Ive no bike at present but had an Africa Twin which was a pain to get out of my shed. I've even had all my bike gear on, ready to go on a blast, opened the shed door, looked at the bike and thought "I can't be arsed", and locked the shed door up. Then I went onto a CB500X and realised, to me, that is the ideal bike, manageable and powerful enough. I too used to get caught up in bhp figures, and am now looking at buying a 200cc scooter.
You couldn't have put it any better! I have the exact feeling about huge, heavy motorbikes. Top heaviness, high seat height and lower fuel economy are just some of the pitfalls one can encounter, not to mention the exorbitant high sale price! And with that high price comes higher insurance premiums. Well done Stuart, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Cheers.
I still enjoy my 1200gs rallye, I feel it is very easy to ride, effortless, comfortable, and brings a big smile even for shorter distances. Very personal choices I think, and I agree marketing has a lot to do with our choices.
I too have a R1200GS Rallye after ten years on my Triumph Explorer xc. I now really enjoy the Rallye it’s beautiful, slender and very agile given that the weight is low down. I’ve recently got back from Northern Spain and wanted a different adventure bike, the GS was a no brainer and it doesn’t feel big on the move. Sadly the Tory’s are hell bent on removing my personal liberties to enjoy motorcycling which annoys me very much, more than caring, or having an opinion about other bikers chosen tool to enjoy motorcycling. So what ever you ride, good on ya as I’ve made many friends from the two wheeled community.❤
I started riding small displacement two stroke singles off road and later, as a teenager, owned a Yamaha 200cc twin street bike that got me everywhere I needed to go. I eventually acquired a 650 Triumph Bonne in the late 70’s and thought I was the boss. Later on I had a 750 Yamaha triple shafty and rode it across Canada in comfort. After numerous sport and enduro bikes, I later got into sport touring with a Honda ST-1100. Eventually I went back to a smaller displacement Kawi 650 Versys which was a great commuter and had a Honda CFR 250 dirt bike for off road riding. Today I am riding a KTM 390 Adv, and it brings a smile to my face every time I swing my leg over it. It is small, light, and nimble, and a great commuter, but still able to handle highway riding at 70-75mph fairly easily, and also handle moderate off road riding. At 65yo, after over 50 years of riding, I have done full circle, being back on a small displacement single and absolutely loving it.
Absolutely agree 100%. Its so rare to see a big GS being ridden by a lone rider!! They always have to go out in groups in case of difficulty. You can have so much more fun on a smaller, lighter machine that will fill your pleasure zones to overflowing and so much easier on your wallet. The secret of touring is in what not to take. You dont need all that gear. Travel light and make do. Travel smart with a smile!! :)
On the spot bmw gs is only for tar roads
I am from south Africa here if you have not a bmw then you can't ride with the group or guy because your bike is not a BMW so to ride a motorcycle is no more about to enjoy it but now what kind of motorcycle you have
That's why bmw have riding school
When you buy a motorcycle that is not a bmw they're no reason for a riding school or lessons all they the dealer wants you to do to enjoy and have fun with your bike
Thanks for the honest reply on the hidden side of the gs 👍👍👍🇮🇱🇮🇱
Keep riding and be safe and enjoy motorcycles riding
Ya, I agree, there seems to be a whole "group" of group riders who rationalize these big bikes, but you rarely see them alone. And when I do, I most certainly not be the one who helps lift their bike off their broken legs. I would call the fire department, and help them remain conscious and thats about it.
Thats definely not True. I do it all with one GS!? Touring wih my boys, off roading. Name it and the the GS is the capabele motorcycle. And yes I did a lot of aff road on my one!
So so true Stuart , as a biker in my youth I too have realised at 65 what I require is a machine around 350cc, I am strongly considering either a Himalayan or a Classic 350 to go on leisurely jaunts across the UK for a week or two, maybe the realisation comes with age 🤔
Hey there! I just turned 60 years old three days ago. I bought the classic 350 back in June. I’ve been on bicycles and mopeds my whole life but not a motorbike. So I’m a new rider. The classic 350 is an amazing bike! I absolutely love it. You won’t be sorry you bought one! Cheers from the Pacific Northwest.
When I was seventeen I used to tour from London to The Isle of Sky and the Lake District on a Yamaha 80. With a ruck sack on the back I went away for months at a time. Nobody told me I couldn't. A trip to Glasgow took three days via Lincoln, York and Berwick on Tweed. Biking was fun in those days.
Well, thank your for this video and explanations. I'm going to get motorcycle driving licence this year and was considering such bike to buy. Someting inside me whispered it was not good idea. And your video was the right answer. Good luck on the road!
Thank you Stuart for a very honest , real-life view of big bikes. I think many motorcyclist go through an evolution of bikes, starting with small cc bikes progressing to bigger ,faster bikes and then go back to the roots , with efficient,smaller bikes. Ideally, it would be nice to have several bikes. At the age of 64, I am still enjoying my GS , even though I agree with everything you said. Crazy, isn’t it…..who said motorcycling has to do with reason ❤. Enjoy and ride safe, whatever you may be riding….p.s., just discovered your channel, you have a new fan!
Last year I rode Auckland to Invercargill for the Burt Munro, a round trip of some 3,260km (2,065 miles) on a Royal Enfield single 500, with a mix of camping and motels on the way there and back. A fantastic trip which the 500 completed with aplomb. Was riding with an Indian Scout, BMW GS1200 and a Interceptor 650 who never felt that I'd held them up at any point. So agree absolutely, with Stuart's comments. Don't hold yourself back from touring just because you don't have a "tourer".
Best advice video I have watched in ages. You speak for many and you make tonnes of sense
Couldn't agree more. I toured over 7,000 kms around Thailand on a 350 Forza, perfect choice, ideal and more than adequate performance / power to a manageable weight ratio, for a reasonable price, very economic and comfortable, plenty powerful enough for motorway driving at max. allowable speeds, I also use it as a daily run around, shopping's a breeze with acres of storage space. I rarely use motorways touring and want to enjoy the environment at sensible speeds.
I test drove a Honda X-ADV 750 and immediately decide it was too heavy and too hot around the jewels in a tropical climate, sacrificing economy, maneuverability and convenience just for a bigger engine.
I love my BSA 250 singles. I ride mine two up at 60 MPH and it has plenty of throttle left over. You can ride it all day without getting exhausted or walking like a crab when you get off it. Outside of motorways they are the perfect size for commuting green laning errand running and everyday riding. Lightweight great for stopping and smell the roses kind of riding. If the old English manufacturers were still in business and they sold their bikes they would be able to sell as many bikes as they could build. A high horsepower crotch rocket is only good for the racetrack.
Thank you for this reality check. I am a big guy with a relatively mid sized or even “small” Vulcan S 650. I’ve already encountered friends and salespeople telling me the bike is too small and I will outgrow it and need something bigger, but so far I have genuinely enjoyed almost every minute on the little Vulcan and with every ride I think I get farther away from wanting anything bigger.
The Vulcan 900 is my dream. I’d rather have the belt than chain. I love them both. I think I’m terms of capacity, the 650 is all I’d ever need. The 900 would be indulgence….
as someone who is looking to get into motorbiking this has been very useful advice from a well seasoned rider, thank you
Hi, as a teenager I rode my Suzuki GT 185 from N. Yorkshire to Cornwall, and to the Lakes District on camping holidays and back without any issues and now own a RE 350 classic (and love it ) after owning big bore bikes. One suggestion I would make for the big bike riders is to reverse into tricky parking (pebbles or rocky) areas so you can drive straight out, instead of reversing, depending of course on the incline.
Regards
Ha, did the same with a bit of cheating - put the GT185 on the Royal Mail carriage at Padington & took it off at Truro. Had a great tour of North & South Cornwall though - soft south southern shi* that I am.
Never mind, we can't help where we are born eeeh bye gum
Dave, I had one too back in the eighties. Loved it but fuel range was less than 100 miles on a full tank as I remember it. Still a great bike !
I was a motorbike courier in Sydney and crossed the bridge everyday, it is stunning 😍
Hey there, I had a Suzuki GT100 while in college -- what a fun bike !
So, I can very well relate to your GT185 ( which I think would be even more fun ).
I still remember, and wish I could drive it again.
The most sensible big touring bike was the R100RT
It feels light and nimble because the weight is low, the power was sensible and adequate, shaft drive and factory panniers that were not overly big. Plus the screen and seat worked well for me for the 20,000 miles that I owned mine,
I really did sell it because I went overseas,! And I would buy another one tomorrow!
I bought an R100RS and still have it after 46 years and it still is the only large capacity motor bike that I really enjoy riding. I have a fleet of C50/70/90's that I bought one at a time, secondhand and cheap years ago and I love them and use them for most of my riding. I also bought a few crash damaged and seriously neglected ones which I now use for parts. I bought one in Lebanon and rode it home to Ireland and another I bought in Sweden and put 30,000 trouble free kilometres on it before arriving home on it. Pre covid I had been hiring mid sized motor bikes such as the KTM Adventure 650 and BMW F 650 GS and touring the Alps on them and they were ideal, anything bigger would be unwieldy. My friend has a 79 R100RT which he bought second hand twenty five years ago and he would not sell it for any money he likes it so much.
I user to have a bmw f650, which was my first bike. I took it back for servicing and they lent m e an old 1100 rt for a few hours. I thought it would feel massive, compared to mine. It was bigger....but what a joy. The weight felt like it was all at the bottom and it was a cinch to ride at walking speed in traffic. It had panniers and a big screen. So I reckon touring on these would be great. Cheers.
I’ve only been riding motorcycles a few years, but I’ve crossed the US twice on a Yamaha 250 VStar. Every motorcyclist I met told me I needed a bigger bike. I sold the 250, and spent $2500 acquiring a Honda Shadow 600. I’ve been to Mexico and Alaska on the 600, and everyone is still telling me I need a bigger motorcycle for long distance touring. Both bikes did the job just fine. The Honda seems to be finished a little better, and I’m now able to get speeding tickets anywhere in the US 👍, but I kind of miss that little 250. If I really want something more comfortable, I’d probably just drive my Toyota Camry and be done with it. I’m 67 years old and have congestive heart failure, so this isn’t being reported by somebody who is just young and tough.
It's amazing how you managed to verbalize every thought in my head, lol. My journey started at 250cc in the 1970s and many years later, it led me to an ST1300. I soon realised I wasn't enjoying riding anymore. Now I have 4 bikes in the garage. The biggest is a 600 single, the smallest is a 150. I'm enjoying it again.
Hi Stuart.
I started riding motorcycles at sixteen years old. The bike that I lusted after, was a Norton Commando 850, after seeing one on the cover of BIKE magazine.
Some three years later, I bought one and had a couple of wonderful years riding. That Norton made a massive sixty BHP.
Wife, mortgage and Daughter happened, so four wheels replaced two.
Over the years, I had a couple of cheap bikes, but always said that I would treat myself to something big and powerful someday.
In 2017, I was in the happy position of having the spare cash to buy that bike, and not wanting to do anything like touring, I looked for a big, powerful naked bike.
What I chose, was a Yamaha MT09. Yes, it had plenty of power, but was extremely uncomfortable to ride and in relatively slow moving traffic, the throttle response was awful.
I reckon that I put less than fifty miles on the thing before parking it up!
About a year later, I sold it back to the dealer, losing almost four thousand pounds!
I'm getting a bit old and knackered for two wheels now. However, the three-fifty Enfield does look extremely tempting...
Thank you for all the videos. I look upon you as the motorcycling voice of reason!
Go for the 350 classic. Running in a little bit of a pain but so worth it
I haven't ridden a bike for over 30 years after a crash on my Honda CBX550. I'm now 61 and 3 months ago I bought a Royal Enfield 350 classic red and chrome. It cost a little bit more than what you lost on your bike. Stuart is right about all the advertised hype on big bikes. Take a test ride on a classic RE 350 . You might be surprised how enjoyable it is for normal everyday riding.
Great review Stu,, I generally agree especially as I am getting closer to 60. My best ever bike to do everything was a Yamaha fj1200. A low seat and centre of gravity, low revving and torquey engine, all day comfort, great for commuting, slim enough to filter, great at low speed and motorway cruising too. It did everything I needed well without costing a fortune, a rare thing in modern motorcycling! Keep up the great work Stu, one of the best channels on here 👍
After owning 32 bikes my fj 1200 was the best. Loved it.
@@yeoie0257 amazing machines, I wouldn't part with mine, ever! 👍
Great machine.
I identify and agree with every single word you said in this video, I have owned huge bikes for years now, and I don't get the fun I used to have in the 80's on smaller machines. My smallest bike i currently own is a Honda ST 1300. After watching your video I have decided to downsize and get the enjoyment back from motorcycling. I have subscribed to your channel as it is so good. Cheers, Steve, Dorset, England.
I have a different point of view. I used to ride middle weight Bike, 650-800, i bought a 1290 sas 2021, mind blown off, but too much troubles with the vendors... They messed up my bike to a point I had to sell it back. I recently bought the Norden 901 Expedition as i started riding offroad a lot as well as going on long road trips. But to me. On the road the Norden isn't enough. To pass a car with my girlfriend and luggages I have to shift down at least 2 gears so i can safely pass a single car... For me, it lacks power. 105hp isn't enough for a 230kg bike + 2 people and luggages...
I see your point, with all the fuel economy and all, but I don't have to care about what gear is in on the 1290 and for me it makes it all. I have all what I need and even more for every situation on the road.
It's my take. I know I'm not right about everything but I think this is quite important
Well said Stuart. I have had smaller bikes most of my life and found them to be capable and much more fun than the big bikes I have owned.
At 62 I now have a cb500x I bought new 3 years ago and it does everything I need.
Interesting that you're not the first person in the few hours this article has been up who has indicated that when you give yourself a reality check the CB500X is the 'go to' bike. Love the idea of its weight, flexibility (the joys of an adventure bike for the real world when you probably don't plan riding to Siberia or across Africa on it) and of course, Honda build quality. Must book a test ride with my local Honda dealer...
I'm 66, 42 years experience, and at a measly 5'7"....I'm looking hard at the 500X too. I WANT to go offroad, and I NEED to be able to PICK it up.
Completely agree. I’m a bit late to this party at 60 but after a lifetime of big tourers swapping my R1250 RT for 3 new Royal Enfields was a fine decision. Interceptor,Classic 350 and Scram 411 and it’s the Scram which I go to most often because it does everything so well….including touring👍🏻
For me, a ol' git returning rider set on Moto camping and relaxed touring that comment comes as a bit of a.... surprise. I'm thinking about the 650, a Himmy and most probable, a 350 Classic. For me it's the appeal of the J series and that gurt fat individual saddle, but we'll see.
Thank you very much for your insight! It gives tons of context to an inner debate of mine.
I'm a new rider and got myself a beautiful 1100 Honda Rebel with big saddle bags.
Could not ask for more and ALMOST went for a big adventure bike. Really glad I did not.
First, beautiful video, and quality production value. I loved the stone walls and rolling country side. Your points are well made. I’m one of those guys who believes “bigger is better”. I’m 6’2” 235LBS, a big bike just feels right. And let’s face it; my wife’s ass will never be the cute little thing it was when I married her. Regards,
When you're big you need a bigger bike and also 2 up. That's basic ergonomics
I’m currently in Peru, I left cartagena, colombia. 4 months ago. Been up and over more mountains than I can remember, across rivers and shaky bridges. My bike is a Honda XRE 300 abs. There’s been more than one occasion where I thought to myself thank god I don’t have a bigger, heavier bike, I never would’ve been able to go to half the most beautiful places or navigate through some of the muddy, rainy, gravely roads.
Interesting video, when I moved to rural Spain 15 years ago. I tried all
Sorts of bikes that would deal with our local mountain roads. Eventually going for smaller capacity bikes. I had an RE classic from new which I sold because I thought I needed more power and instantly regretted. A year ago I bought a new Himalayan with the adventure kit. It pretty much covers all the bases for my location. My wife after a recent illness decided after many years that she wanted to jump back on the pillion seat. Whilst we had many adventures on the Himi, 2 up it’s a strain on open roads but doable. Not wanting to go down the big bike route for many of the reasons you mentioned. I bought a 2018 Vstrom 650. It’s perfect and we have ventured much further afield. It’s just at the top end of the compromise, weight, manoeuvrability etc. The crazy thing is as you said. We don’t go anywhere quicker than we do on the Himi. Just a bit more comfortable. Great video mate.
thank you for also putting the reasons we buy more powerful bikes. More torque means less strain on engine, less revs, less noise, more comfort. Especially 2 up, with sadles and stuff. The Himalayan is "fine" but no way I would drive on it with a passenger, and its engine doesn't like to rev as much as the Suzuki's. The VStrom 650 is geat. I pushed to the Tiger 800 but it's comparable
Who the heck makes the Himalayan??
That's our problem in North America. We've all fallen prey to "bigger is better" mindset, so our continent doesn't import any small to mid-size brands.
I agree 100% Stuart. I regularly ride a 1970 Honda C90 and use it for all sorts of rides from shopping to touring. I can't tell you how many riders come up to me and tell me that they've lost the fun of riding for exactly the reasons you described and are considering downsizing. Others I meet have already downsized and enjoy their riding again like they used to before they joined the big bike merry go round.
I enjoyed your video and, as I've only just discovered your channel, I've subscribed. Cheers, Stefan.😊
Somewhat agree
I've got a vstrom 1050 which is big in that it's large and heavy (and I totally feel it moving it around!) but doesn't have the power or price tag of the big boys.
I love that it's got the alu luggage all build in and that it's got great power and stability to take a passenger but hate windscreens! First thing I did was replace the screen with a shorty one.
I've had all sorts of bikes, some too heavy as you describe. The one I love and still use is a Suzuki GR650 It's 37 years old and is the most comfortable of them all. It goes fast, never breaks down. I had to fit a new alternator and starter motor. That's all (beyond normal simple servicing). The speedo is going round again at 26K.
Have to say, I love the GS and It's the best bike I've had. For me, the GSA is just too big and who really needs a 300 mile tank range? Im lucky enough to own an Interceptor 650 as well as the GS. Love riding the 650 but for long distance tours it's the GS every time.
Another GS fan here. Don't disagree with Stuart as it makes sense I have sort of gone down the same path. For years I rode Sports Tourers and over the years amongst many others owned three Honda Blackbirds. During that time I test rode a few Beemers but they all felt like Tractors so I stayed with four cylinder bikes. And then literally on a whim I brought a GS without test riding it and loved it. My logic had changed in that I no longer wanted to poodle about on high powered bikes but rather ride one that was slower and no longer have to worry about losing my licence or worse. At 72 it is a lump to push around so I avoid doing that as much as I can but I like its high profile on the road and the advantage of having a great deal of vision of the road ahead.
Thanks so much for clearing that up.. Great attitude. My 250 will be suffice & safe.. I will watch this again. The sceneries are fantastic.
Very interesting points made in this video and I think they are largely correct points. It's always worth buying the "best" bike, which is an individual choice based on the kinds of rides you plan to do, budget, as well as what trips your trigger aesthetically (looks, feel, sound). There's no wrong choice and whatever works for someone is the right bike.
All that said, I think GS's often get a bad rap from many in "the rest" of the biking world. I live in Northern Ireland now and only know one guy who rides one, but he's cool, not snobby. He's an instructor and did my CBT a few years ago when I moved here from the US and needed to get my UK license (I am a long-time dirtbike an steetbike rider and 64 years old). In the US, I had several pals with GS's and none of them were snobs, and didn't mind riding with a guy who kept buying Speed Triples, or at least none were snobby-er than typical brand-centric types that like other kinds of bikes. Sure, they tended to have the opinion that GS's were the best bikes, which was probably true for the riding they wanted to do, which to be fair leaned toward longer trips that included dirt roads. But they were not overly chauvinistic about it - at least not so much that they couldn't laugh at themselves. Maybe I just got lucky in the GS owners I know.
My brother in law is a Harely guy and I took a rented Harley to a rally in GB with him and thought that was fun. I get it after going - not for me but I get it. There is more "conformity" in the Harley world but there's also positive in that it's very social, and I found they were nice people.
I've ridden a few GS1200's over the years and also test rode the new 1300 recently because BMW were giving away test rides in Belfast - soI am not unfamiliar with them. Back in the US, I took a 2016 GS1200 on dirt raods in the area where I often rode my dirtbike to access actul single track trails and I was impressed with the way the GS carried it's weight for being such a tank.But in comparison to a KTM250xcw, riding a GS is an exercise in focussed constraint, which I thought blunted the fun out of having the thing off pavement. And I'm not the biggest fan of the 360° firing order but the pull of the boxer I found rewarding and the things do stick to the road. Did not find the GS unwieldy.
I currently ride a Ducati SuperSport with touring kit and it fits my needs really well, but have been thinking a used GS would be better for the days-away rides I occasionally do, and the benefit of a drive shaft. But I'd also want something to ride "for fun", like the SS, which is pretty confortable for what it is, but not as comfy as a GS. If I did get assimilated into the Borg and get a GS in the future I'll be waving for sure and pretending I'm not on a BMW 🙂 Get what you want, ride what you got, don't judge, and have fun.
I have done a few foreign tours on old two stroke Lambrettas, fitted with modern ignitions and touring 225cc barrel kits, they are capable of cruising at 60mph almost everyday of the week and can do around 75mph in favourable conditions for short periods. The way I see it is as long as I can keep in front of the HGV's I'm doing fine.
Excellent video Stuart😀 thank you.
Biking constantly since 1977, currently riding a 790 Bonneville and an SH300 Honda. Having had over 50 bikes of all sorts, I know that small bikes are less hassle, cheaper and, in the most, just as capable as big bikes. Often ego gets in the way of sensible choices.
My next bike will most likely be a Royal Enfield 350 or a Honda Forza/ADV 350.
Might even get both...😁
Keep up the good work 👍
SH300 owner to, best bike I've had so far.
I owned a relatively tiny Honda CG125 when I was a young chappie. It coped wonderfully well touring from Harwich - Holland - Belgium - France - down to Marseille in the far south; & then return via a rather different route. We were two-up, with a tent strapped to the front mudguard/forks, large top box stuffed full, two jumbo leather panniers, a big tank-bag, of course with Janet on the pillion. 2,000 miles round trip in 1979, 103 mpg, no breakdowns or problems at all. Of course I had to cruise at a mere 50 - 55 mph, as the small engine only had 11 bhp, but it never missed a beat at all. Even managing to climb the mountain passes of the Central Massive & ride through the low clouds.
So in short, a colossal bike might have been a fair bit faster, but my little CG125 did the journey just fine. There is no way that I could afford a big bike anyway; I was working mega-hours to save for a deposit to buy a house as a first-time-buyer, so all my dosh went into saving.
I therefore fully support your reasoning about some of the negatives of large behemoth bikes. NB. I have ridden Honda 750 & Honda CBX 1000 six cylinder around Brands Hatch & raced 400cc bikes also, so I have a little experience of the larger bikes. But, I really loved my little CG125, it served me soo well over the years, economical, comfortable, reliable, rather underrated.
I live in Portugal, 25 km away from Lisbon city centre and ride all year round. I own a few bikes, and usually there are always three that are being ridden. Currently, the bigger one is a ZZR1400 slightly customised for touring duties (love the power and torque), the middle one is an SV650 (love the narrowness, weight, and fabulous torquey engine), and the smaller one is a CBF125 (what many dispatchers ride, love the nimbleness and fuel economy). The first one is for touring and 150+ km trips, the 650 for 30-150 km trips, and the 125 to go filtering in Lisbon, including a 20km wide open throttle motorway commute. In heavy traffic, there isn't a better bike. It's astonishing the amount of abuse a Honda 125 can stand! It just needs a bit of oil in that engine to keep running.
Wise words. Our buttons are always being pushed to upgrade to something bigger and faster. I've downsized to a ktm 390 adv and it tours very capably on heavily policed Australian roads, especially with the addition of a cruise control ecu. Its brought back the joy of motorcycling to me and I will try very hard to avoid 'upgrading' to bigger bikes again.
Started late in life with a Rebel 300. After 18 months the Siren song of a Versys 650 lead me to a dealership where the points you make became apparent upon examination. Sharing your experience confirmed my impressions and I thank you. Many say you can tour on anything, the trick is to get out of your driveway and go!
This would have to be one of the best videos made. Well done. Creating memories fir the right reasons, pure gold
Hi Stuart, Thoroughly enjoyed this video of yours. I have experienced all the issues you have had in the past whilst owning the large BM's and Kwakis. After a few years of no bikes I have recently bought the new RE 350 meteor super nova. Am now experiencing the best biking I have ever had. Long may it last. regards, david blenkinship, Leyland, Lancs.
Great advice and pointers thank you!
Love my 1259 GSA great on Scottish roads well sprung and damped. Great riding position for 6ft rider and my girlfriend loves the height and comfort too. That’s why it wins almost all road test comparisons for adventure bikes - yes it goes up forest tracks too and the boxer engine has a relatively low centre of gravity. It takes me no longer to get out of the garage than my 500cc bike for some reason !
Someone spoke my mind 😁💓
With today's tech, there is a bike for everyone. XD. What a time to be alive.
Started in a sport bike. Tour, go out, ride slow. Whatever. Second I can afford one I'm getting an H2.
Life is short. Ride what you want. Scooter or zx 14. Whatever brings the smiles.
Spot on comment Graham - I git back today from a 3 day 746 mile tour through France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg, on a 1250GSA. Comfort, safety, agility, power, tank range luggage. Amazing in gales on motorway mile munching, fantastic in the twisties in sport mode. Try doing that on a RE350 🤷🏻♂️.
Spot on Ralph I love my gs and as you say it's all about that great feeling you get when you swing your leg over it
Great scenery. When I lived in the UK I loved doing 3 day touring trips on my Street Triple 675. With a gel seat it was comfortable, handled great on rural roads and went like stink. I never wanted anything bigger.
I have a 125cc Yamaha scooter and a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter. The Yammie is great in urban areas being light and peppy easy to handle. The Burgie will cruise on motorways at 120kph happily and with my spouse can accommodate two full face helmets and jackets under the seat. No apparent loss of power with two on board either. The sometimes distain for scooters on the part of many bike riders is unwarranted. They can offer a lot of fun, flexibility and competence. Not mentioned is the issue of complexity in many modern bikes and high end scooters that can compromise touring. Royal Enfield and single cylinder Asian bikes and scooters being some exceptions that with only a basic kit of parts can be great vehicles for adventure.
I just finished a 1500km road trip around the Vosges, Alps and Black Forest on a BMW G310R. I picked this bike after sitting and testing on plenty of 300cc, and this one fit like a glove (plus had a end of summer dale that put it at under 5000 euros with 5 year guarantee). Then I added a top case, wind shield and engine protection and made it very versatile to go to work and run errands comfortably.
My motorcycle is just a toy and I love how cost efficient this little one is. Plus, I can actually pick it up when I drop it.
I expected to come back from the trip frustrated about its limits but in reality, I am the ones with the limits (skill, confidence). Except for one or two times that I wanted to overtake and didn’t feel confident on the acceleration, she handled everything like a charm.
At this point, getting a bigger one will probably decrease the fun factor of motorcycling for me.
And if anyone is curious, I spent less than 100 euros in gas in the entire 1500km trip.
agree with you 200% - touring the uk riding 2 up with rucksacks and full top box in the 80s on my 250 superdream was brilliant fun
What a great video! You’ve managed to articulate exactly how I feel. I’ve had many large capacity machines. Have taken a modern 2.3l Rocket 3 over the Pyrenees and down into Spain, a gs12 over the highest paved pass sun the alps etc etc. I always thought it was about power and speed. However, for the exact reasons you talk about, I simply wasn’t enjoying motorcycling anymore, so I stopped. Then I rode an Interceptor 650. My joy of motorcycling has returned!!!!!! AND you can work on it yourself without computers etc, which creates that special bond between man (or woman) and machine. It’s real motorcycling, rediscovered. Thanks for all your hard work bring us these great videos!
good video, mate! When I started (and im still at the start) I was mesmerized by these huge GS bikes and thought I was directly going to get one of these, then driving school came and I found that I was a little bit too small and too scared to even get on anything this high. In Germany we still have a lot of open speed highways, but 70 mph ... I could manage to squeeze that out of my 125cc. Yes I want a bigger bike, but I really am just looking for a little increase, so I won't be the slowest kid on the highway, apart from that I love my tiny bike, the gasoline consumption is super low and Im not ready to go off-road yet anyway. thanks for speaking sense this topic. I still find these huge bikes mega cool, but I probably won't get anyway nearer than buying a scrambler type bike when I manage to do the big license. Have an amazing day!
Very wise thoughts, your great experience and knowledge in motorcycles is immediately noticeable, greetings from Mexico.
This made a lot of sense, mate. It was always in the back of my mind and needed just that little push and you did it. Marketing hype is all it is, hype!