Why Tour on an Adventure Bike vs a Cruiser?
Why Tour on an adventure bike vs a big full dressed cruiser? I have seen this question both in the comments of my videos and on forums like Reddit. It seems that some people just don't understand why anyone would want to ride an adventure bike rather than one of those big rolling living rooms.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley
Craig, You are well qualified to discuss this subject well done. I am 80 in March this year, I ride a Suzuki VStrom 650, which I purchased new in April 2018. Currently I have done 55,000 km I purchased a Suzuki Boulevard when I was 72 after Hang Gliding for 23 years. I got rid of the Boulevard which is a cruiser for the following reasons I had not had any trouble with my hips before I started riding the Boulevard . Doing a good days ride my right hip started to ache on the Boulevard Combined with that the Boulevard does not have ABS. The big advantage for me is I can ride quite comfortably standing up on the VStrom which gives my hip a rest. You can’t do that on a Cruiser. I also find the seating position much more comfortable on the VStrom and it has ABS which for me is a must have. I can still throw my leg over, but not on the motorbike. I get on and off my bike the way you demonstrated using the peg. For all you older guys and gal’s out there I highly recommend you choose an adventure bike, not a cruiser. My VStrom has been 100% reliable and I am very happy with it. I do love the Triumph 900 Tiger which I have test ridden. It is in fact a little bit lighter than the VStrom BUT more than double the price. It is not twice as good as the VStrom. Last bit of feedback is, don’t buy a bike you can’t pick up if (not if when) you accidentally drop it.
Dude, I'm 62 and just bought a Ducati Diavel V4, but you are my hero!
I’m only 33 years old but I’ve been dailying bikes for 11 years with no car. I’ve owned many Dualsports, street bikes and touring machines. I’ve always been a huge fan of Dualsports for round town commuting and off-road fun and I loved my Concours 14, Goldwing 1800 and Harley Ultra Classic for long distance touring. The Goldwing was unbeatable in terms of comfort. 800 mile days were a breeze but it was finally time for me to get a real twin cylinder adv bike so I sold the Concours and the Goldwing and got a Super Tenere (That’s how I found your channel Craig. Watching super ten videos) Here is my personal reasons for getting an Adv bike. I’m an experienced off-road rider my current Dualsport is a plated street legal WR450F. I love challenging myself in off-road conditions and the Super Ten is a handful off-road especially loaded up with gear but still obviously much more capable than a Goldwing when it comes to offroad. First is turning radius and low speed maneuvering. The adv bikes have a very wide steering lock-to-lock span. I can whip my Super ten around 180° easily in a very tight circle. Two, the ability to absorb impacts. I’ve dented two rims on sport bikes from hitting rocks and pot holes. I hit a rock in the middle of west Texas and had to hitch hike into a town to get cell service to call my father to come pick me and the bike up with a trailer 9 hours from his house because I had no other options. An adv bike with more suspension travel and spiked rims has a better chance of absorbing the impact. Third. Ground clearance and the ability to hop curbs. Sounds silly but how many times have you pulled into a business, strip center or a gas station and realize there is no cut away in the curb to go to the business you actually wanted to go? An adv bike makes easy work hopping over a curb, median or riding down a sidewalk. Fourth. Riding your bike directly to your camp site. Many times I’ve had to park my big touring machine in a parking lot then carry my camping gear 100ft to the actual tent spot. An adv bike makes it easy to ride right up to your tent spot and unload your gear. And lastly the most obvious one is an adv bike just opens up more options for you to explore. You don’t have to avoid gravel or dirt. Many times on my goldwing especially in North California in the Mt Shasta area I found fantastic dirt roads that connect two paved highways but I couldn’t take the shortcut because I didn’t trust the Goldwing on gravel/dirt. And also, the point of the “poser” adv rider is very true at least down here in Houston Texas. I meet so many adv guys at coffee shops (mostly on BMW GS of course) and they look at me like I’m fkn crazy when I ask them if they tour or do off-road on their bikes. Most of them just want to live that lifestyle in their Klim gear and Mosko moto bags and take the bike out for a Sunday cruise. But I love those guys because I buy all my bikes used for a great deal when those guys need to upgrade to the latest and greatest
tldr
@@pedlpower Zoomer tiktok brain rot 🤣
I gave up riding “Off Slab” a while ago. I travel alone mostly. ADV bikes, loaded, are heavy. I can still pick one up if I drop it in my driveway, but I never seem to drop one there, it’s always on a gravely hillside, or muddy creek etc, and at 70, I just can’t pick it up anymore in those places. Bought a BMW RT and have learned that there are more beautiful two lane road miles in this country than I could ever ride. Everybody….ride your own ride, whatever it is you enjoy, and ride safe!
just got an rt 1250 and I love it
@@SP-xd8gs My 2018 RT is my second RT! I've still got my Vstrom 650. Not sure how much longer I'll keep it though. If I get down to one bike I'll be able to put my 4Runner in the garage again. HA!
I have a 2014 RT. Great bike
I got back into bikes about 15 years ago. I started with the VStrom 650. After a few years moved on to the Triumph Tiger, then on to the 1200 GS, and finally now ride a 1200 RT. Loved all of the bikes. I'm now 65 and the RT seems to fit me just right.
I've owned over 40 motorcycles. I'm in my 50's now and ride an adventure bike. If you're going to own one bike that can do almost anything then an adventure bike is the one. I always enjoy your vids Craig. Thanks for sharing!
I agree. I used to have road bike and a light dual sports bike in my garage. I didn't like to maintain and pay insurances etc. for two bikes. Changed those two to one adventure bike which can pretty much do everything I need. I'm getting too old for trying to be an enduro ninja which I'm not. Gravel roads and easy trails are difficult enough for my skills. Adventure bike is unbeatable on long-distance trips. No matter what road conditions are, it can handle them all.
So can other bikes. You don't need a tall overweight 'adventure bike' to have an adventure. My brother inlaw travelled Europe on a Honda 175. My 600 street bike will outperform any adventure bike. Plus it's easy to handle, parking is a doddle and I can pick it up if I drop it. It has 95 hp and weighs 400lb.@@tractorfactor660
@@tractorfactor660 Yes, that’s been my experience as well. Nothing beats having millions of dollars to have all the bikes at once… I’ve tried a bunch of them. Who knows I’ll probably own a few more before I’m gone. Nothing beats being on two wheels!
8:43 I have owned many bikes over 50 years and now own a HD Switchback 103ci and a BMW R1200GS. I'm 65 and I've done long distance on both. Before each trip it's always difficult to choose between the two as both have great advantages and disadvantages. The BMW loaded is a big, heavy machine with 2-up and panniers. The HD is easy to get on and off and ride with full kit, 2 up, as the weight is low. Touring at 65-75mph, the HD feels much less intense to ride than my BMW. So I use one and then the other.
@@AMDP65 ya know I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for a HD Road king. I owned one for a handful of years and put a lot of miles on that bike. Good chance I’ll have another one. HD is heck of a good machine. Can’t have too many bikes. Problem is where to put them and how to pay for them. lol
I went from a Boulevard C50 to a Versys 650 and I love it. I'm 61 years old, and the straight up riding position of the Versys has helped my spine (with 2 degenerative discs) immensely! Once I added a handlebar riser, it gave me the perfect riding position to ride much longer than the low slung C50... like, triple the time. I also love the lighter weight and better handling of the Versys. I have since added a large Givi windscreen, T-Rex frame sliders and T-Rex lowering pegs. So, no more wind slapping the top of my helmet and the frame sliders are in the perfect spot to double as highway pegs. I paid $4,900 for my 2014 Versys (with ABS) with only 2,200 miles on it. Barely past the break-in period! ADV bikes are the way to go for an all around bike that does everything you need it to do. Can't wait to get back to the Tail of the Dragon this summer on a bike that will actually be fun to ride it with.
I have the same bike with the same mods. At 5'8", I sit perfectly upright and am very comfortable.
Nice report ! Last summer I got a perfect garage kept 12,000 2008 Suzuki Vstrom 650 and am loving it ! Had a larger windscreen & I added side Givi Bags & rear trunk. Also +1 tooth front sprocket for 600 rpm lower top gear cruise. It's a reliable mile muncher & can carry $120 groceries from store, under 'Bidenflation' no less. This bike is SO versatile - decent on Gravel roads even - that I'm planning on a 1 Lap Tour of the USA. In future I'll sure look at the Boulevard C50 / 90 but fot now the Vstrom really truly embodies all the best traits of every Enduro blended with each Street bike I've ever owned. My only "mod / upgrade" soon is a rear Darkside Car tire & a slightly more aggressive front tire for occasionally hitting gravel / dirt.
I road a 1976 super glide for years now I’m on a versus 300. I ride off road a lot. Nothing real radical as I’m 67 and don’t heal up as well as a young man. Enjoy life it’s a gift
@@elitetileandstone and the suspension is very forgiving on old body parts!
@@psalm2forliberty577 I've been a Suzuki guy for decades and would love to have a V-Strom. But I couldn't pass up the smokin' deal on the Versys, and couldn't find a reasonably priced V-Strom, despite months of searching. They really hold their value because they're great bikes!
I've gone to an ADV bike for touring and it's the best decision I ever made. I've owned a bunch of Harleys (I still have a 2020 Sportster in the garage) and I loved every one of them. I'm close to 66 years old, and although my health and agility are great, I became tired of wheeling around 700-900 pound motorcycles. I was one of those die hard cruiser guys that said I'd never get rid of my big Harley for an ADV motorcycle. They aren't for everyone, but ff you can get past the looks (and all the plastic) ADV bikes offer excellent comfort, handling and power. Good video.
For the type of riding I do, I guess I made my decision when I shed all of my bikes down to one: Honda Goldwing DCT Tour. This one does it for me.
Nice, Enjoy your ride.
And to add that, this is my wife’s favorite bike for her as a passenger (and why I made the switch). If I only ride solo, the Wing is great at that too. LD touring is where it stands out like no other. Definitely not a track day bike, but its a lot of fun hustling through the mountain roads like a sport tourer. A 2nd bike would be a KLR.
DCT Goldwing…… might as well just drive a car.
@@danpendlebury3972until you spend a day on a DCT Tour, especially on twisty roads, yer blowin smoke oota ye arse
The reason I chose my Super Tenere for a travel bike is simple. It puts me in a riding position that's comfortable, keeps me alert and the ability to react and control the bike much quicker.
I did a trip of over 5k miles on one back in 2019 in 10 days. No issues at all and would do it again in a heartbeat. It's only downfall is it is cramped when riding 2 up which I don't do too often. I sold mine a few years ago as I also have a newer Goldwing. I replaced the Super Tenere with a DR650 which is better as a play bike than the S10 for local riding.
I took my Honda NC750x cross country last year (8000 trip km total) and loved every minute of it. You just can’t beat that neutral riding position.
Spot on. I am 63 years old, been riding for almost 50 years now. This video got me thinking about my progression. I had one bike for decades.. a sport touring street bike. A decade ago I went and got a dual sport and a small dirt bike. 3 bikes now and I have the choice to decide. I will say all 3 of my bikes are Japanese bikes. Your perspective and given reasons were that of a mature, seasoned rider. Thank you.
Having grown up riding Enduro and Motocross bikes, Sport/Adventure touring bikes just seemed more a natural fit for me in adulthood given my height and 34" inseam. Great review Craig.
You truly have the best channels for bike riders on You Tube!
I grew up in the USA and swore by cruisers for years, could not be swayed into anything else. But I moved to Australia 20 years ago. I did stick to my Harley for many of those years, because cruiser/Harley culture is massive here. But as I got older, started losing friends and realised how short life really is, I wanted to see more and more of my world while I had the chance. Here, there are many roads where cruisers aren't the best option. Most roads outside the cities are two-lane, twisty roads, and even though they're often paved you can't count on them to be smooth. Lots of dirt, too. Way more dirt roads by percentage than back in the States. I don't seek out the dirt, but if the place I want to go happens to be at the end of a dirt road, I don't want to have to turn around. I'm now on a V-Strom and don't think I'll ever go back. Some day I won't be up for long road trips, and perhaps I'll find myself opting for a relaxed small cruiser or cafe racer - hopefully electric - that I can buzz around town on. But I'll never go back to a big 250kg cruiser. ADV bikes can't be beat for my needs.
Ride the bike you like and find works for you. I am the wrong side of 60. with a few health issues. I chose to by a modern classics triumph. It felt familiar and reminded me of the bikes I rode 40 years ago. I toured on it quite happily doing 5 or 6 hundred mile days not knowing any better. It worked for me. I moved on to a big full size ADV. It works for me. Very happy with it. I just ride it down the road for coffee and cake. Mostly. I've been all the way to the end of the road in Tuktoyaktuk for a coffee. I stopped for coffee in Dawson City, Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, before I headed home. Still trying to get it clean. Not sure where I'm going next. I will stop someplace for coffee and It will be an Adventure. Ride whatever kind of bike you like and find works for you.
I’m very much in agreement having done a lot of big bike touring. Ready to try the adventure bike now at 69. I’ll take a peek at the triumph. My challenge is standing up those huge behemoths. The lighter adv bikes are so much easier. Cheers! 👋🏻
Truer words were never spoken! Great video. Bought my adventure bike last year and have very much enjoyed it ever since. At times, I do miss the "couch" ride, but not enough to regret my decision. Back road twisties, fire roads and "off-pavement" adventures are now my "pleasure" rides. They do not disappoint! Thanks for the vid!
I'm 65 and have both. A 2010 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer and a 2022 Kawasaki 650 KLR Adv bike. I have driven to the maritime provinces (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) from eastern Ontario on both. Depends which route I take to determine the bike. This year, I'm staying in Canada, going thru Quebec so I will be almost entirely on the trans-Canada Hwy, so it will be the V-Star. When I cross into the States and go thru New York, Vt, NH and Maine, I take the KLR cause I'm entirely on secondary hwy's. If I could only have one bike it would be the KLR. It's bulletproof, easy to handle, simple and has a massive fuel range. It's a pack-mule!
I own a clapped out 08 KLR, and a 1985 GL1200 ltd goldwing . Life is good
I bought a BMW R1250GSA just over a year ago. Why did I buy it?. Shaft drive, long travel suspension with the amazing telelever front end, 30 litre petrol tank and room to stretch my creaky 65 year old 6'2" frame. It's not perfect but it comes very close. Keep up the great reviews.
I have a cruiser but I am looking to trade it for an Adventure bike soon!
Great video. I rode a Harley FLHTP at work 10 years. When I retired, I knew I didn’t want to continue riding one for pleasure. Bought a Super Tenere a week after I retired.
I don't even pretend to ride in the dirt but I do love backroads in out-of-the-way places. From gravel to interstate, I'm good to go.
I've gone across America twice on a small ADV bike. Honda CB500X. Fantastic experience! Has it's limitations for sure. But added a Corbin seat and a Puig tinted screen and it was great.
I ride a 2021 GSA. I chose this bike because its the bike of my dreams. I tried almost all the other types and stuck to this one because it ticks the boxes. I went off road with it twice and quickly came to a realization that off-roading, with my age, can only be fun if you're on a trails bike, a quad, or a 4X4 car. I love your content. Thanks.
After a bunch of abdominal surgeries and the loss of some of my strength I have a blast riding a Suzuki tu250x as my daily ride. I am 62 and plan to retire in about 36 months Thank you for sharing this video. I live in Higganum Connecticut USA
I went from a big Harley to a sportsters 883 Iron 2017 however I also have owned a vstrom 1000 and loved both. I really love Harley but not that practical I plan on changing in the next few years over to a BMW GS Urban. The country roads and such outside the CBD are dreadful here also do light off-road and BMW have a place that does off-road training. I ride most of the time alone and would cover about 35, 000 km a year when I do road trips
Great advice, sensible points. Have you seen Matt Spears drive an old Goldwing on a dirt BDR type road, the Magruder Corridor in northern Idaho? He thrashed the thing, but it amazingly took it.
Great video. I'm 69 and I love my 23 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. I haven't been on any long distance rides yet but will in the future.
Many great points, thanks for this video. Here's to many more safe rides!
great video great and informative information. The plus and minuses of each type I will be travelling around Australia later this year and you have given me some food for thought. Stay upright
I had a Harley then bought a KTM 890S adventure bike. And I’m so glad I have the KTM. It’s such a great all around machine. It puts the biggest smile on my face. Great Video!
I have a BMW R1250GS (2019) and a Harley Road Glide (2022). In 2023, I put 30,000 miles on those two bikes (with about 1,000 on my wife's Can-Am Spyder RT (2017)). I love all of the bikes. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Which bike to I ride each day depends on where I am going, who will be joining me, and how long I will be gone. I don't go looking for dirt roads, but if I find them, I hope that I am on the GS! I got my medical release yesterday after hand surgery in January. Once the weather warms up and dries out a little more, I may be spending more time on the road than at home. I am a 40/60 rider. If the temps are in the 40's or higher and the change of rain is in the 60 percentage or less, I will start a ride. If the temps drop or the rain chances increase after I am on the road, I have proper gear to handle that and will keep riding!
I am blessed to have two motorcycles, my “me” bike (a 2018 Yamaha Super Tenere) and my “we” bike (a 2024 Harley Davidson Road Glide Limited). The best of both worlds.
Several reasons. One is my age, well over 60, 2. Living with previous injuries and age related atrophy. 3. Australia, its fricken huge, and a lot of roads are dirt or rough, long travel suspension is advisable. 4. Fuel range, refer back to Australia being fricken huge. 5. Comfort, refer back to 1, 2, and 3. I spent over 30 years punting a Moto Guzz lemans 3 as a daily rider, play racer and long distance tourer, I've earned a bit of comfort in my dotage. Whatever you ride, enjoy. Don't worry about anyone else's opinions. Cheers.
I agree with everything you said. I absolutely loved that you said ride what you want, who cares what others think. 👍
Turned 65 and within 3 weeks, picked up a 1250 GS Trophy. The Sport Glide is up for sale, put 7000 miles on it the last 12 months. Doing a trip to Baja Mexico the middle of March 2024 on the adventure bike, pavement only. It's so nice to ride on 2 lane canyon and mountain roads and highways.
Spot on! ‘Know Yourself’ isa pretty good motto for me. Im no dirt bike whizkid but. I love touring on my R1200. GSA because of the flexibility it offers to tackle gravel roads and backroads without having to lock myself in to a boring mainstream route.
You come up with the right idea between the two machines. I will pick adventure motorcycles for my riding occasions
Enjoyed vid... 70 yo riding 55+ years. My bike now a himalayan. I avoid freeways but can occasionally do them. Maintenance and roadside repair pretty easy. Low tech. User friendly... They're looked down upon by many but I am having fun knowing it keeps running pretty much anywhere.... Im not a daily marathon rider. Miss to much..It's good so many choices...
Great experience, thank you sir for your truthful facts about ADV BIKES 🎉
Well said brilliant 👍
I love it.. What an awesome video I can't believe how many people Tell me wow you ride all that way on an adventure bike you need a Harley I tell them been there done that this suits me much better. They still don't get it! It's the weirdest thing ever that I'm not allowed to NOT want to be on a Harley anymore.😂😂
Wise words. I rode a M50, until I realized it was not nearly as comfortable as it was good looking. I made an unexpected return to motorcycling 12 years later, as an empty nester, on a CB500X. SO much more enjoyable to ride. Might try a Tiger 850 one day, but content for now 👍
Fantastic video, I have toured both and both, as well as an out and out tourer and a sports tourer and all were fun but all different. No I don't ride on dirt but I do way more the 4K miles a year. Lets face it going touring on a bike whatever it is, is great. I bought my Tiger because I liked it and it did all I wanted.
Not pulled the trigger yet, but I’m switching to a large capacity scooter. The built in luggage space under the seat cannot be beat, the (semi) step through design makes it very manageable when pushing it around even the shortest of riders, and it rivals big tourers on wind protection and comfort. Yeah it cannot corner like a sports bike, but I can carry my 1911 in the glove compartment. Try that on your gixxer. 😂
Wife wanted me to go to just one bike in the garage to save space. I was ready for a change so I sold the Harley and traded my versys x300 and bought a transalp 750 just this week. Could not be happier (but I will miss the 300). Anyway I have had many bike but always go back to dual sport types. The 750 is more like a big dual sport that I will be able to tour as well as do the backroads. So excited!
Great video! I road my 2003 road king screaming eagle for years and loved it. I sold it and bought the 23 tiger 1200 rally pro and wow so very impressed with it. I’m over six foot three and the rally pro fits me perfectly. The ride is ten times better. After riding all day I am no longer sore and tiered but fully relaxed. I miss the looks and sound of the Harley but that’s about it. With the faring on the road king I did have a bit more wind protection but not a big difference. In the rain on the tiger is unbelievable compared to the road king. The rain deflects well and I can stay much drier than on the road king.
Agreed 👍 I traded a 2022 CVO Limited Road Glide for a Pan America absolutely love it. Nimble , fast drivable and comfortable. Very good insight.
I got to test ride a CVO Pan America last week and wow! It looks big and unwieldy but looks are deceiving; I felt that it was easier to ride than the Honda NC750X DCT I rode to the demo. I would never use or need the power of the Pan America but just the excellent suspension and ride quality is reason enough for an upgrade. You chose well.
Another enjoyable video. I have a harley ultra classic and a triumph tiger i enjoy both of them, rode the harley today and can’t come to terms to sell either of my bikes, two different bikes w two different types of rides, enjoying life.
I'll be 68 this year and have a Suzuki DR650 that needs restoring, a Honda CBR1000RR (Fireblade, in the UK) which is not good for my back after an hour in the saddle, but huge fun for that hour, and a BMW F750 GS that's my touring/moto-camping steed. I had a cruiser a few years ago, but sold it for all the reasons you mentioned. Great vid, and you have a new subscriber.
Man, you are the best 👍
As you get older, the lighter the righter.. I own many bikes but my travel bike is also my old Super Tenere. Handlebar risers and a slightly higher screen made it near perfect.
I grew up racing dirt bikes so I was an instant fan of adventure bikes. I got my first in 2006. All that said, I am envious of bikes with power windshields for touring. Put the windscreen up on the highway, down in town.
Great video!
For me it is all about riding position and comfort. I have a knee issue and it is far more comfortable to have my legs stretched out in front of me. I know you have cautioned about guys in their 60’s riding the heavy bikes, but I need to be comfortable. Thank you for your content.
Timely video! Looking to down size from my HD ultra. Great on the freeway to get to thedestination. Not as much fun when we hit the curves! Currently out shopping BMW F750 Gs, Moto Guzzi V85, Triumph etc. Trying find that balance of good long distance with fun to ride once I get to my destination. Wish me luck!
I had 2 BMW K1600GTL for touring with my wife and a BMW S1000XR for my solo riding. Now i have a Can-Am Spyder for touring with the wife and a 1250 GSA for solo riding. I have to admit that the big cruising bikes got a little to heavy for me
I could’ve not said it any better. I totally agree with you 100%. At 63. I still have two bikes. In my stable. A.HD Ultra, And my 1000 cc Kawasaki Versys SELT…. I would’ve dumped the HD years ago, but it’s the only bike that my wife feels comfortable on when we ride Two up…The Kawasaki, on the other hand is my fun factor, ride around The world do it all motorcycle. I prefer the Kawasaki over my HD any day simply because of all the reasons you listed in your video. Anyways, great content. I’m a big fan of your channel. Be safe out there, and live life to the fullest.
Great video! Thanks. I was inspired by Ewan and Charlie, and I am proud of it. Thay being said, I have been riding since 1983, and I also ride a dirt bike, but for sure Long Way Round inspired me to trade in my KLR650 for and ADV bike. I am on my 3rd Tiger, the 1200, and I love it. I do ride on dirt roads (this summer on the Trans Tiaga and next year the Dempster). I put about 22,000km/ year and Tiger Barb enjoys the pillion position. I tell you this only to say that my large ADV does everything that I need it to do, and it does it well. Thanks, Ewan and Charlie.
I went from a v vision also to riding a tiger 800 , and for lightweight dual sporting a kdx200 with plates the weight difference and fun factor is huge cheers
Great video with common sense knowledge and experience. At 66 I’m still riding dual sports and dirt bikes but, I can see the advantage of the adventure bike in my not too distant future. I’m my not really interested in the big cruiser or even a big adventure bike… at least not yet😜
Very thoughtful
Craig, for me it's a big Adv bike hands down. Even on a pure road tour. Just got back from 8-day Baja tour....and yes we were in the dirt quite a bit. Sand is always a challenge. Couldn't find a Starbucks to hang out at though...😁 Love the channel.
Yeah man! Spot on… got a naughty Hypermotard for this thrills n giggles but 890Adv R is actually used more often to commute and needless to say to travel… 20,000km a year including load of gravel… South Africa is gravel road paradise Come visit👍😎
I agree on all counts. I just picked up a Tiger 800. I was going to take a trip up to Hyder, AK this summer on my Kawi ZZR 1200, but the Tiger will be so much better past the end of the pavement getting up to Salmon Glacier. I was riding my dads XR 350 dirt bike when I was 12. I couldn't get close to getting the toes of both feet on the ground.
Agree 100% very well said I will take a backroad over an interstate any day.
Here in the UK the monster Harley, Indian and even Goldwing easy chairs are too big. Some do have them and love them, but in towns where we have mini roundabouts their turning circle means only too skilled riders can turn. I have just moved up to a BMW R1200 GS, the upright position is better for longer rides and is so much more engaging as a style of bike.
Craig, that was articulated well. I hope you and Kathy are doing well.
We are, thank you!
I did a lot of touring on my Honda Aero 750, even gravel roads. But the nice thing my 2004, F650Gs is the seating position. With your feet underneath you instead of forward, is more natural and comfortable. You can stand up anytime for a stretch or to get above the windscreen. Even if you never do back roads, it’s a nicer way to ride. But the negative is the seat height. If you’re staying on the street, find a way to lower it.
Great comments as usual , I love my Ryker ( 3 wheel) not an big or adv but something different , love to ride and do my small adventure that how i squeeze my lemon as you say. Alain & Yellow
Super Tenere for the win🎉 love my S10 bought it in 2015 now with 70k and not a single problem (I do all the maintenance myself) love your channel
long and soft suspension travel is ideal for touring. we don't know how that road quality would be anywhere
I just turned sixty yld, rode Harleys for fifteen years. Nowadays I ride a 2023 Honda NC 750 X with DCT. Over the years I developed tendonitis and arthritis on most of my joints from lifting wheights. Don't think that I could pick up a Harley if I dropped it . With the Honda I can see myself riding well into my seventies.
Awesome video, you covered all of the important points. I have a T120 now, and I may be trading my Wing for a Triumph Tiger 850, I have found that the Tigers fit better than the Africa Twin I used to own. Honestly the AT was a completely emotional purchase that just ended up not working for me after lowering it and adding a few comfort options. The Tigers have a dual seat height that works well for me, maybe it’s next in the garage!
My mom just took her 1250gs and my Daughter took her SV650x to Daytona bike week from Austin. Mom is in her 60s and my kid is 20. Mom has been riding since she was 12 her last few bikes have been BMW GS's she's looking to upgrade to the 1300. She likes them because it has power if she needs it and she likes being able to see in traffic better. Shes never had a cruiser but in the past shes had a few UJM bikes.
Your main argument against cruisers is the reduced lean angle and weight. Totally agree on that. First corner on my first cruiser 42 years ago resulted in scraping the footpegs, exhaust and even the frame on the Suzuki L 650 G. Sold it next week in favour of the Kantana 650G that was everything the L was not. You seam to forget that there is a class of bikes between the Cruisers and adventure that offers even more comfort, namely the sport tourers My current bike is the awesom BMW R1250RT and its as fast in the twisties as any of my more sporty bikes, but at the same time offer all the luggage capasity and comfort anybody would need. Its even more frugile than my older bikes. I belive many adventure riders would be better of on such a bike, but also that they are too set in their minds to admit it.
I traded my Street Glide for the Pan America last year. I love the Pan America ADV bike, it’s a great ride.
While I love my Indian Challenger it is a big and heavy bike. Like you stated on the interstate it is a dream to ride however it is just like you said at slow speeds and maneuvering in tight spaces is a chore. After much research I picked me up a 2013 Honda NC700X manual 6 speed that I am in the process of setting up for touring. In the past I have owned 2 Versys 650 a klr650 and a Vstrom 650 which I really enjoyed riding as commuters. then I jumped on the bagger bandwagon to be cool like my riding buddies. They did not like a ADV bike being in the mix of their big bad cruisers and I always caught crap from them which I thought was foolishness. Now I am 61 Years old with bad shoulders a bad ankle, a bit of a bad attitude…..lol among with other pains which come with age. I look forward to riding a lighter more manageable bike again. will I keep my challenger? Time will tell. I hope my buddies accept me and my metric ADV into the group but if not so be it. I am going to do me like you said. Thanks for all your positive encouragement on different riding styles. Mel H.
My "road touring" bike is a 18' Honda Goldwing Tour even though I do like the bike, I have to admit I have it for one major reason....My wife likes to tour with me and she LOVES the comfort of the Wing. If she didn't tour with me, I'd have large ADV bike to hit the road on... In fact, I'm considering adding a mid-size ADV bike for long solo touring, but at this point in my life, I don't have the time or money to support three motorcycles, take solo trips as well as road tours and off-roading(talk about 1st world problems....🤣)
Similar story here. My wife’s wishes was my initial prompt to switch to my DCT Tour, but it is an amazing bike and I have come to like it so much I got rid of my other bikes and now just ride this. Didn’t need ‘em.
@@4940markhutchins .. I have learned to like the riding style of the Goldwing over the Harleys and Victorys I've had. But my primary riding is still off-road, so for the foreseeable future the Wing will be my "other bike"..😉
I'm 48 and just picked up my first "geezer glide", a 2003 Kawasaki Voyager XII. What an eye opener it is. The best part is an underfolded AK-47 fits in a saddlebag.
I own an Indian Scout and a BMW R18 Classic…both great bikes but I’m now thinking of getting a Triumph Tiger 900 or possibly a Moto Guzzi V85TT or Aprilia Toureg.
I have a sport tourer, the best alternative....and my wife loves it as well.
Good video!
I was able to mount highway pegs on my Africa Twin. Also upgraded the seat to get a backrest. It’s faster and handles much better than my FLHTC Harley Electra Glide Classic.
For that rare occasion I decide to ride on a dirt road! 😂 The riding position is really nice on the adventure bikes too. My HD FatBoy S is fun, but it hurts my butt and my back after about 4-500 miles. The R1250 GSA is so comfortable. It’s my new cruiser.
Craig...I gave serious consideration this winter to trading in my Wing for a smaller bike as my wife I believe is done riding with me. I was leaning towards a FJ 1300 or Kawasaki Concourse due to the availability on the used market as either could be had cheaper than an ADV bike like what you have. The Triumph you ride is intriguing to me but, with the lack of dealer network nation wide it does give me pause when considering that brand. In the end I will go yr to yr with my bike and see what happens moving forward.
Missing from this conversation are sport touring bikes that have a touring bias. Think R1200RT and the Triumph Trophy. Better wind pro than an Adv, more agile than an adv (smaller wheels). Downsides are clamshell bags and less off-road capability, but having owned both, if you quit riding off-road, the RT is a heck of a riding experience…
Agreed! I'm a recent convert to a BMW RT. It has the characteristics of a big bagger yet is much lighter, nimble, and confidence-inspiring.
You are probably right. My GS is the road more orientated version. I like doing a little bit of gravel or dirt. Yeah its not proper off road but it gets me places I wouldn't go on a regular road bike.
I agree completely. Done with off roading mostly, I LOVE my R1200RT. I test rode both the GS and the RT on a windy and slightly rainy day in 2015 and the choice was clear...RT for the win! I also liked the Yamaha FJR, but that BMW boxer engine growl and slightly lower CG made the BMW my first choice.
Agreed! I had Kawasaki Concours14 similar to Yamaha FJR 1300 but BMW RT is at another level@@Robnord1
I have to ride a mile up/downhill on a semi-annually graded dirt road on a 2008 R1200RT. It does surprisingly well up and down a pretty steep section with minor ruts and is pretty smooth on the section that can have washboards in it. I don't see the point of a GS-- unless you're an exceptional rider, it's too heavy for anything that's really off-road. I'd rather have the comfort of an RT for long distances. Mine is rock-solid when I ride through high winds through the desert to visit my father in AZ. Great weather protection for myself and a ton of gear. Handles great and gets over 40 mpg cruising at 85-90 mph. If I'm looking for a capable off-road bike with touring capabilities, I'd go for the Kove 450-- pretty light, 3 gas tanks, good off-road suspension, and capable for real off-road. Anything heavier than that and it's going to suck when you drop it in the dirt/sand.
I might be the one who commented that helped prompt this video, so thanks! I wasn't just talking about the big harley and Indian tourers though. I ride a victory cruiser right now, but have considered a different bike for longer touring trips. I plan to do it with my wife, so her comfort is equally as important as mine. I do live out west also, which might factor into my choice considering the time and distance between destinations. Heck, i regularly travel over 70 miles each way for work. I guess maybe i need to try and demo an adv or two and see for myself what they feel like. I'm not a fan of the goldwing. I've looked at the fjr and really wasn't a fan of the cramped knees and extra hand pressure on the bars. I'm really interested in a triumph trophy, but have never seen one in person.
I've had a Victory Cross Country since 2015. Ridden it to every state in Australia. Now I feel the need for something new. I've considered The Honda Transalp 750, which keeps selling out. The Africa Twin, which costs about double. In between, in price and size, I've found The BMW F900GS. With the lowering kit, I think it will do.
I went from a big touring cruiser… not to an ADV but to a big *sport tourer*. No, not the Honda Goldwing… but rather the BMW R1200RT. As long as your adventuring is the on-pavement variety, something like this might be the right choice for you!
I was very tempted by an RT but wound up on a Harley low rider ST.
Good bike. FJ13000s are quite popular in that range too. My uncle gave up Harleys for one a decade and a half ago.
I’d love to ride a bagger for a year, but for my 200ish mile day trips, and the fact I have to split traffic to get out of NYC gridlock, that may have to wait until I retire. Til then, ADV is the best compromise. And I’m not old enough to age the squid out of me!
Ii bought my adv bike when I came back from Yellowstone the year of the flood because with all the snow the guys with adventure bikes went everywhere when I was limited to maintained black tops.
I’ve done multiple long rides on a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and I can’t imagine a better bike to do it on. The riding position makes long days painless.
A revealing story from a different perspective. We hardly see any big touring bikes in the UK. Maybe the new BMW 1300. We gawp at Goldwings and rarely see a Harley. I have just changed from a dual sport Zero DSR to a medium size touring bike with a reverse gear - an Energica Experia. I do move it around sitting on it - in slow speed forward and reverse.
I have Both a Goldwing, and an f800gs. The gs is my off-road bike, however, I took a 2500 mile trip, mixed pavement and gravel that I would never take my wing on. I love both bikes, and average 4-5 thousand miles on each, and I live in Montana. Just an added note: I turn 61 next week
Crossing my fingers to get a Tiger 900 GT Pro at Mom’s at some point soon. Greetings from over the border (RI).
This weekend might be a good time to take a look.
@@LivingOffTheSlab yeah but no $$ right now. Riding a versys 650 is my consolation for now…
Thank you, Craig, for this interesting US point of view. In Europe, very few people are travelling with heavy Harleys or Indians. The huge cruisers are actually rich boy toys to grab a cup of coffee. Adventure bikes are the choice for serious bikers and for long distance rides
Hello sir! great video! i have changed from adv to a Harley! they are both great bikes! just wondering what boots you are wearing? cheers Martin
In this video I was just wearing a pair of Timberland work boots. My riding boots are either a Forma Tera Evo low, or TCX X Desert ADV boots
I'm in my early 50's but I have decided that a Victory Cross Country is just more than I need and I'm stuck between a Tiger 660 and a Tiger 850 I guess it depends on if I sell or trade.
After 16 years on supersport bikes, I wanted more comfort without sacrificing performance and a big, heavy, cruiser just didn’t look fun to me. So I got a Multistrada and, in my mind, it’s a Sport Tourer, not an ADV. It’s so much fun to ride.