10 Truths Which Motorcycle Industry Will Never Tell You!
In this video, I will share with you 10 simple truths that motorcycle companies will never tell you! So if you want to have a motorcycle that will serve you many years, grab your favorite drink and stay with me!
Some of the things that I am about to tell you will be obvious, for others you might even disagree with me, but I will ask you at least to give it a try before you completely ignore them, so without wasting any more time, let's begin.
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I was a motorcycle dealer for 21 years, and agree totally with you now that I'm older. Well done.
Thanks for sharing, Robert!
A motorcycle "dealer" or a motorcycle salesman? You don't even know the vernacular of the industry.
@@generalyellor8188 Don't be a dick, At Least he shared Something useful Look at yo-self, Sharing nothing And pretending to be a smart-ass The Guy Showing Us The Moon, You: LOOK AT HIS FINGER ? Grow-Up
@@generalyellor8188 Meh
6:58 Just joining your channel today. Watched this video and one other. Love the passion and looking forward to more. Of course there are honest dealers and sales people who care. Finding one is a treasure and a pleasure. With that said there is also great pleasure in seeing your passion and honesty to help people and entertain, at the same time. Thanks!
Finally, a person that truly understands what bikes are about and how to enjoy them. Good vid brother.
Thanks!
An interesting fact is also that not too long ago (I'm 63) most motorcycles had around 250-900cc, most had no more than 50 hp, they had carburators, drum brakes, lousy suspension and skinny tires - no ABS, traction control, fairings for wind protection - and they fit everybody right out of the box. People were riding them at high speeds wearing low-quality helmets and gear, they had no complaints and went on real adventures! Today we have all the technology but a bike has to be personalized first. The seat height has to be changed, the sprockets have to be messed with, bigger tires, protection bars, huge trunks, high windshields and so on have to be installed. And the average ridden yearly mileage has never been as low.
True! We live in a funny world!
@@motorcycleadventures Number 1 is the most important point. Dealers will try to sell you the most expensive bike, or the one they make the most on. If a smaller bike is not available, they will tell you that it's not good for you. Buy the bike that suits you, but don't buy the bike that looks the best. Don't try to make the bike to fit you but first find out which bike you actually need. Ask yourself how much city/country/highway you'll be riding, if you ride with a passenger or not, how economic it is, how much power you need and how much weight you can handle. Write the results down and then see which bike comes closest to this. You may be surprised. Also it can be smart to have a small scooter to go to work with and a bigger bike for weekend trips, that may be a better choice than a medium sized bike which is too big to go shopping with and maybe too small for a weekend trip. I ride my SH150i scooter every day, it's very economic and can be parked on a sidewalk in a pinch, and a NC750S which I can use for 500 km trips a day. And: It's more fun to ride a small bike fast than a fast bike slow! :)
Lol 😂😅😊 @ primo
I am 82 years old and that is why I ride a 99 Harley Softail Custom. It was about the last big twin with the simplicity of the EVO engine. I can change carb jets in about 10 minutes without removing the carburetor.
Good!
Agree with all of that. And more frequent oil changes just has to be better. When I started as a motor mechanic apprentice in the 1960s oil changes were required about every 1500 miles. Oils and engine manufacture have greatly improved, but not enough to make the inter-change mileages the manufacturers are claiming. They just want you to wear your engine and gearbox out more quickly. And governments won’t step in to stop this, as they are all wedded to selling electric vehicles and getting internal-combustion off the streets (for good or ill). Thanks for the video Pavlin. Les in UK
Thanks for watching, Leslie!
it's better to use 'cheaper' oil and change it often, than use super expensive oil and change it -not so often...
@@seekter-kafa up to a point, I agree. But some “poorer quality” oils are pretty terrible. Les
@@leslieaustin151 of course, you wouldnt put in the cheapest kind of oil, that goes without saying
I agree with you and Pavlin regarding oil changes. And the eradication of the internal combustion engine is ludicrous. When I bought my 1999 SAAB 93 SE Auto Cabriolet in December last year, it had only a genuine 72,000 miles on the clock. For the past 15 years it had been owned by a retired couple in south London, and were selling due to the new evil tax being imposed by the WEF puppet mayor. It had been parked in a leafy suburb under a tree that caused the roof to become somewhat blotchy. The alloy rims have all been damaged by the typical London granite curbs, and, judging by the nature of the scrape on front bumper someone recently introduced it to a concrete bollard! The bonnet catch refused to open due to being dried out, and the entire engine bay was filthy. My guess is that it has not been cleaned for years. Other than that it’s a clean car. But the really good news is that each year when it was MoT’d, it also had a full service - despite only doing an average of just 1,500 miles since the last one!! 🧐😎😜 The auto gearbox probably needs to be changed soon. It’s a wholly impractical car of course, quite quirky and not as ergonomic as my Mondeo TDCi estate that’s off the road. But I’m hoping it’s gentle treatment in the lube department bodes well for the future. As soon as prices come down a bit, I’m getting a bug-out van to convert. Peace
You are opening our eyes to a new different lifestyle Pavlin. This goes beyond motorcycle advice. Thank you. I traded my new heavy k1600 gt full of gadgets against a much lighter 2012 oil-cooled r1200rt with much less electronics. Will be traveling from Germany to Türkiye again this year. Hopefully for the 20th time. Now at almost 50, the landscape has a higher priority over the style, the bike's technology, and the steering capabilities.
Glad to help!
intresting comment you made ,Ive done something very similar ,should have kept my 2011 rt spent the money on petrol and oil
@@mart4756 The new bikes have a screen as large as a computer. I work all day on a PC. The last thing I want is to keep looking at a screen on a bike when riding it. Less is better, indeed. Year after year, bike after bike, I've gone up the steps in 20 years and ultimately spent money on a new K1600 GT. A choice dictated by my ego for always "more". It was justified by the marketing arguments of power, comfort, and safety. After owning and traveling with it from Europe to Türkiye, I realized... it's way too heavy, too expensive, too sophisticated, too bulky, too flashy, too hard to handle when stopped; the big engine heats up too much in summer traffic, it consumes a lot of gas. It encourages you to drive faster (fines), and I was always playing with electronic gadgets. There is too much side wind effect. It costs too much, and I was always worried about dropping it or scratching it. The bike was at the center of my trips. It should be part of it only. After some introspection (and Pavlin's videos) I deduced that (for my needs and in my case) the top was reached in the 2010s with BMW, just before the switch to liquid cooling. I'm back on an old bike it's cheaper to insure, to maintain, and there are plenty of spare parts on ebay. I don't care if there is a scratch, it is easier to repair. It already has more then enough power.
Very very true words… after 500tkm I agree with all… an example from my life… in the 80th my wife and I drove on a Vespa 200 with 12 HP from Vienna to Göreme in Turkey wirh all camping gear… today we drive with the car and rest in hotels… am I happier? no…. threrefore I serviced my old Transalp and the camping gear is ready for this year😊
Thanks for sharing!
Well spoken! Take that from a man that have 50 years on bikes! You are spot on!!🤩
Good, thanks!
I bought a very clean and low mileage motorcycle a couple of years ago. It sat around unused for many years but the owner before me got it, refreshed everything on it and took great care of it. But he was also very insistent on washing it all the time. This led to the rectifier under the seat to slowly start corroding which burned other electrics along the circuit and made for a fairly expensive repair.
Thanks for sharing! I hope that many will read this commend.
Pavlin, where have you been all my life? This video concisely (and mercilessly) summarizes all my beliefs with motorcycling. Don‘t just buy‘n‘brag, but RIDE the damn thing! Motorcycling is precisely about ENJOYING challenge, hardship, focus and expanding the own abilities. Greetings to Bulgaria, may you always have a safe ride! 🤙🏻
Always here for everyone who wants to listen!
I am new in the motorcycle adventure world, but even I understand the values of these lessons. I did travel a lot in my life, 74 countries (by the DXCC list). In my world, travel experiance is the most valuable investment one can do in oneself.
You are one practical, pragmatic, and No-BS guy. Love it.
I agree with everything you say apart from the issue of cleaning. Cleaning with "motorcycle cleaners" will eventually ruin the finish of your motorcycle as most of them are very caustic. However, if you clean the bike with ordinary car shampoo frequently, use polish on the painted parts and coat the surfaces of the bike with protective oils it will last a long time. Kerosene or WD 40 will take off oily residues as bike cleaners are designed too without damaging the finish. I have a 21 year old R1150GS (that I've had for 19 Years and 90 thousand miles) that is evidence of this and which is used as my winter bike on Northern Ireland roads which are coated in road salt from November to late March. The other thing I do with all my bikes is coat the underside of the tank with car underbody wax to protect the surface which usually isn't painted much and which you can't easily access to clean the salt off on a regular basis.
Let's be honest, 99% of people will wash their bikes with whatever they have. People like you are not so many.
Totally agree with you . Especially the oil and oil changes . I change mine 3 times every 10,000 miles . I also use turbo diesel oil , it's capable of withstanding very high temperatures and with 100s of 1000s of miles covered it's proved a good choice 👍
Thanks for sharing!
100% agree ,i avarage 24000 miles a year just on work commute, Always change oil around 3000/5000 miles ,I do approximately 4 oil changes per year. airfilter ,coolent full flush with break fluid , clutch fluid and spark on the 6 month mark , do alot of heavy riding in town bike and by keeping on top of services keeps the bike pering like a kitten .never let's me down .
Thanks for sharing!
every video like this simply proves my choice of my DR650 means I am a genius! It only took me 45 years to learn this!
Good!
Totally agree with all your points. I've owned my Ducati ST4 for nearly 15 years. put 36,000 miles on her. The only things I do are change the oil and filter every year, and get the belts/valves done every 2-3 years. Never had a problem, and don't intend to "upgrade" to anything else. Simple bike, with no "toys" just a pure riding experience.
Thanks for sharing!
Big mile between oil changes will probably equal big problems when you least want them. Oil change is cheaper than a big bill on the road. Agree completely. Simple, sensible advice. Safe, happy travels 👍
Thanks for taking the time again, Richard!
So how often should I change oil then approximately?
@@bochiebochie depends on usage, but I would not exceed 10000km, (6000 miles) and I would change it more if the usage was hard. Just my opinion, though.
A key thing I keep in mind is that automobiles always have separation between motor oil and transmission lubricant. Most motorcycles use the same oil to lubricate the engine's moving parts AND the transmission's moving parts. That implies to me that with my oil doing "double duty," it definitely should not have to wait more than about 5,000 miles / 8,000 kilometers before it is changed, regardless of higher values that may be in my owner's manual. I also use very high quality oil so I know what is handling both the engine and transmission duties. If your owner's manual specifies a shorter interval, like 3,000 miles / 5,000 kilometers, then definitely follow that guidance, not this random guy on the Internet. As Scotty Kilmer (KZhead personality) likes to say - "Oil is cheap. Engines (and motorcycle transmissions) are expensive."
@@teneretraveller8980responding with above numbers are you talking about mineral, semi or full synthetic?
Love this video. Some of these points are simple but you explain them very well and help keep us grounded.
Happy to help!
I have kept my T7 as simple as possible. She's pretty much stock, apart from a luggage system, a Hepco/Becker center stand (-1kg compared to the orig. Yamaha one), a higher windshield and a titanium exhaust, the latter saving around 2,5 kgs. I love the Ténéré for the simplicity, which was exactly the reason why I bought it...
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent vid and makes perfect sense. There is a lovely feel as you flip down the visor and roll on the throttle immediately after an oil change. The beautiful smooth feel of the gearbox and softer sound of the engine is reassuringly blissful and worth the effort and expense, especially if the oil has been changed by the rider. It's definitely worth learning how to do it yourself if you have the tools and motivation. And will help to ensure more frequent oil changes too! 👍
Well said!
Such clever advices ! Before I passed my driving licence, I rode a Honda 125 CM for years. Daily commuting, short trips, long trips. Basically every kinds of trips except off-road (don't ask a bike to do what it's not made for). Very simple, very sturdy, super easy to maintain and fix, when necessary... As a result, the most reliable bike I ever had. Keeping it as simple as possible is one of the main (if not the main) key to travel on a bike.
Thanks for sharing!
Keeping it simpel is also the best strategy for evetything else, but the work you do. Simple jobs are unfortenerly bad payed
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Amen, brother. Experience comes with miles and obstacles. If you truly want to ride - hold your nose and dive in. Just be mindful of your limits until you're ready to exceed them.
Absolutely!
Highly interesting and precise information to the core of the motorcycle riders ❤ Loved this vlog 💐😊
Thanks, man!
Love the advice especially points 5 to 9 and your summary in 10. Bought my new bike for the way it handles and because the 'fit' feels right for me, being a tall guy. A bit too much in terms of electronics but couldn't find the right bike anymore without ride by wire. My old and trusted bikes are outlawed in the metropolitan area where I live because supposedly they pollute more than a new 6 cylinder three-liter plus car. Hopefully I won't miss the throttle and clutch cables ... at night alongside the road
Thanks for sharing!
A+ video Pavlin! Such good and honest advice. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Thank you kindly for all the good stuff you give on YT! I wanted to learn how to ride a bike. I loved my Puch Dakota moped, and when I now much later purchased a used Honda CB500 for equal ~1500 USD I knew the basics. Then, after having swept the Net for all info possible I made the P-lots unsafe for weeks, then step by step on roads. I'll never go on long journeys with an old 1998 bike but that was never my intention. I'd say I've spent my money well, and I've got reasonably fluent as my own grease monkey.
So much common sense thinking , applicable to any owner of any vehicle! Great video, great advice! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Really enjoy your down to earth, no nonsense motorcycle wisdom.
Thanks, man!
I totally agree with you but I noticed it is often when you wash your motorcycle that you find potential problems. Loose screws, leaks, broken spokes, nails in tires, worn off brake pads, chain that needs tension, etc…
Fair enough, but if you do a regular maintenance, you will see it as well.
i guess you have a point there ;
I found this video accidentally, and I love it. There is much wisdom here. I wish more people used their bikes for riding and adventures instead as an excuse to buy more and more things. As it comes to adventures I say the smaller bike the better. Last summer I rode a 3-month trip around Europe, from UK to Gibraltar, Venice, the Alps, to Poland and then back to England. My "adventure bike" was Yamaha MT-125 and my wife's bike was Honda CB-125R. And we had only A1 driving licenses too. It was more than enough for an adventure of lifetime. And pretty cheap too. Modern bikes are excellent machines indeed. We changed oil three times, we kept chains oiled and as it was said here: the simpler the better. So if a 125ccm bike is good for trips like that, imagine what you can do with your nice 600 or a 1000ccm motorcycle and all that "proper" adventure equipment! You can ride to the moon.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Martin!
You are very right. I own a "bigger" 150 cc and have been riding for 8 years (2 different bikes but both 150 cc) all around my country (Argentina). Extreme heights, distances, winds, temperatures, and never had any problems. I love offroading and in that regard these bikes are super very agile and capable. I like to say that the smaller the bike, the greater the adventure.
Oh Pavlin, you could have said "RTFM (read the f….g manual) of your motorcycle" which I would strongly advice to every motorcyclist - a very good read and often a life-saver as well. Same goes for the safety instructions of a pressure washer (1.5 meters etc.). Modern washing liquids are solvent-free and still work as the stuff (or sometimes even better) which we used 15-20 years back. Point 4 - bullocks as it´s said “once a year or max 16.000 KM, whatever happens first”. Following this advice to the point means that a bike should see at least once a year a workshop from inside for an oil change. But, as with washing, it´s at the owners discretion to have the oil changed or not to save some pennies (at the wrong end). I love farkles and people should buy them but only if something (eg. lousy headlight, buying aux lights in addition) needs to be improved. Don´t allow clever marketing people to tell you what you need - they´re just behind your money. The annotation of yours I liked the most was about Adventure - every ride on every bike to every place, by every person with whatever intention can be considered as an Adventure. No one needs EUR 25k+ so called ADV-bikes with most doubtful off-road capabilities to experience an adventure (besides, why anyway longing to buy a big fat ADV bike to go off-road when most of the interesting part of the world is reachable on paved roads?). Take what you have and go! See the world, meet people, enjoy every moment, create your own adventures, your own memories, stop longing or envy others already doing it - go for it yourself, to the next village, next big town, neighboring country - whatever suits you, but GO! Cos as it´s correctly mentioned in the vid - those memories will last till your last breath which is what counts in life. Stay safe Pavlin and take care, Q
Thanks for taking the time, WV!
An excellent video and wonderful advice- many pearls of wisdom were evident. Keep up the great content.
I will, thanks!
Loved your video and a happy subscriber now. Thanks for the great advice
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video sir. I agree with all points. Specially the engine oil change point. RE service guys always told me to have a 5000-7000 kms interval between oil changes but I always got it done between 3000-4000 depending on rides and usage. As a result...I got an economy of 42-46 kmpl on my RE classic 350 even after 46K kms.
Thanks for sharing!
I work at a RE dealership. Yes the 350 classic is Soo nice. Thick clutch and break lever is nice. So balanced and the little crackle from exhaust.
Truth! That is why after many big bikes I have bought myself crf250 rally. It just suits me most!
Great! Enjoy it!
@@motorcycleadventures 👍👍👍👌
then it means youre not doing adventure riding but enduro.. singles are aweful, useless as an adv bike ;
Tell that all the riders that traveling on it trough the continents, like itchy boots.... Clearly you have different view/opinion on adventure riding and...Stick to it.
I agree with everything besides the oil one. I don't know about other bikes, but specifically in the Honda NC700/750 community there are loads of guys with 250-400K KM (trouble free) on the clock who stick to the 12,000 km oil change intervals. Granted, that's a low-stressed, long-stroke engine making 50-ish bhp, but it's still something.
This only means that they can have even more km if they shorten the intervals.
Great advice, most of which I already worked out many years ago!
Totally agree! I actually replace the oil every few thousand km, much more often than suggested. As for the mods - there are some that are extremely handy or borderline a necessity - but how many are there really depends on the machine, its model and what you want to do. Simple as that. Also, the word about the travels - YES! It's the experience that makes it great. Why own a cool motorcycle if you can't travel or can't use it the way it should be used? I know some guys who have supersport bikes, but they don't go on track and these machines are too powerful for riding around a city. Sure you can do it, but then you're not using its full potential.
Well...it is what it is! Everyone is free to buy or to do whatever he or she likes!
Super sport bikes on streets? It makes no sense to me at all.
Well said! I'll keep my Gazelle! I have never really understood the eager for 250-300kg's "adventure" bikes, size of a small car, that never leaves the tarmac. I'm so truly happy for my KTM 690 Duke. That's my Gazelle! And gadgets...yep, so true. When I look back on my motorcycle years (40 of them this year) I can honestly say, that most breakdowns are due to electric failure. And mostly poor made electrical connections. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!
big adventure bikes are fantastic you just need to use them properly and not as enduro ;
Great advice, and happy to hear about washing the bike, I have been riding for some 50 plus years, and was even reluctant to wash my motocross back in the day.... and I also appreciate hearing the other tips, as most come naturally, yet I feel some relief hearing from you. Thank you
Good to hear!
Great advice Palvin. So relate to everything you presented.
Thanks, man!
Thanks Pavlin, great advice. On the engine oil, the commercial team at the manufacturer will go for the longest drain interval that will not cost them for oil consumption under warranty. The design engineers want no more than 50% of what ends up in the handbook. The other issue is that dealers can use any old oil, it just needs to brown, slippery and cheap. Thank you.
Thanks for watching, Ray!
Absolutely true. The best oil is fresh oil, but users rather believe the manufacturer even when they know the manufacturer's business is selling new bikes and not making old ones last.
Absolutely sensible and brilliant advice. As someone who’s not only ridden and toured for decades and built both cars and bikes I don’t get the point of spending on the latest and greatest when keeping it simple has always been the best. The most important point has to be changing oil more frequently and I’ll add to that filter changes as well. Changing your oil and filter more regularly is far cheaper than a rebuild or new engine.
Thanks for taking the time, Dave!
My last bike Kawasaki Z1000 2006 had 60k miles on it when I sold it. Ridden every day except in the white. I cleaned the bike every week regardless if it needed it or not. Changed parts as needed. Still looked new when I sold it. My current Z gets the same treatment. Never use a pressure washer. Only about 30% of the bike actually gets dirty from the road. Clean by hand with quality products.
Air filter or some other filter?
@@igwearinze5184 oil filter
Interesting video! Thank you
Glad you liked it!
This is sound advice based on experience and I concur with everything said. I think that the most valuable piece of information is that concerning oil changes. Regardless of the bike you ride change the engine oil frequently ( I change mine about every 6,000 Km) It is now 25 years old, as strong as an Ox and has no oil loss either from leaks or bypassing the rings and being burnt. Keep up the good work my friend.👍
Thanks for taking the time, Robert!
I’m still driving my Kawasaki Z1000 from 1977, and I did exactly that. Every year or max 10K I changed the oil and oil filter. It’s still running. I sometimes enjoy it more than my KTM 890 Adventure, although I must say since I’m driving that bike I’m abel to explore more remote Area’s because off-road is the best.
10 out of 10, congrats. I'm also a automobile trainer in Africa and i can assure you the same principles apply 👍👍
Good! Thanks!
Hello cor, what is ‘automobile trainer’ please? Same as mechanic?
This is the best motorcycle related video I ever seen. Thank you much.
Glad it was helpful!
Sensible advice as per usual. Thanks again Pavlin
My pleasure!
Excellent advice. I would like to add that one of the most important priorities when buying a motorcycle is weight. A lightweight motor cycle is easier to handle and more pleasurable to ride. It will not need such a large engine to go fast. It will almost certainly be much cheaper to run because it will use less fuel and components such as tires and brake pads will last much longer.
Well said!
Good video and all of your points are accurate. I do like and appreciate some creature comforts that my new Africa Twin has that either of my other two bikes do not have though. This is probably the last new bike I will buy so it's getting set up how I want it. Mostly that it just some engine guards and auxiliary lighting for at nigh and luggage for traveling. I ride where there is an abundance of large wildlife at night and I want to be able to see them. Other than that the AT has all of what I want. On the topic of engine oil, not all oil is created equal many years and a few million miles as taught and proven that to me. A big thing is oil filtration, buy good filters and change them every oil change. Honda has almost a 13000km oil change interval in the manual, but it says to only change the filter every other oil change! That is the most absurd thing I have ever read and no way I agree with that either. Also when/if adding any electrical accessories take time doing the wiring! soldered connections, sealed with shrink tube is a must and even on the weather proof connectors on an OEM harness set up I always use a little dielectric grease on the seals to help insure they stay watertight and keep moisture out. The extra time spent doing these things can safe a lot of frustration down the road. Do it right the first time.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Very true indeed Pavlin, great video and mentality.
Appreciate it!
well done enjoyed your presentation thanks and learnt a couple of things ciao paul
Glad it was helpful!
The dealership is the only place that knows how to properly maintain your motorcycle. If you can not maintain your motorcycle yourself, you will have problems on a trip sooner or later. If money is not a problem and you only ride in populated areas, this might not be true but something that you could easily fix by your self could end your trip if you have to rely on others to fix things for you. You can only use genuine XXXX parts to maintain the bike because they are the best. (This is BS! You can get better parts after market and many automotive parts can be used as direct replacements. Sorry, this last sentence was somehow deleted.)
Fair enough!
Excellent as always Pavlin! It makes me happy that I own a Suzuki DR650 - maybe the most basic adventure bike there is. Thanks again for great content.
My pleasure!
The DR650 is a bullet proof little bike. I had one for almost 5 years. I just sold it actually the beginning of this week. Great dependable bike however it wasn't fitting all my needs any longer. I have a new Africa Twin sitting at the dealer waiting for weather to improve so I can get it home here. The DR650 I had wasn't big enough to have a passenger that was an adult, and may of my miles are road miles. Not always payment though, actually when I am working during the summer I put on about 650 miles a month all on gravel road. My old Heritage Softail is not meant for gravel road at all. My daughter is getting it so I will be down to one bike to take care of, and utilize far better.
You explained in details... very good!
Glad it was helpful!
Another suitcase of wisdom from you Pavlin - thanks for uplaoding these excellent insights - I start my first tour of France and Spain in May - you have inspired me my friend - Maf in the UK
Fantastic!
I don't agree, buy what you can afford and really like. Life is too short to make compromises. Not everyone wants or has the time for adventure travels but wants to enjoy every free minute with something special. Also some don't keep their bikes for many years and don't care about longevity.
Fair enough!
i never own bike longer than 2years but still maintain them as well as i can afford ;
Wonderful video. It reaffirms some thoughts I've been having, as I compare my 2022 KLR to all the folks with their Tenere 700s, BMWs, etc. I wanted SIMPLE and reliable. I have kept my modifications simple as well, and only when riding has convinced me the change was needed. Example: loads of KLR owners swap out the windscreen and I thought of doing it, but I LOVE the small windscreen because I actually like the airflow at speed. But I live in a hot climate, so...I need the air! Crashbars were done after recommendation, and that was 100% the right thing to do, to save the bike from my learning phase, and it makes me a little less fearful of trying some new skills, so good investment. Anyway, now I love my bike. Instead of getting bigger bags, I will learn to ride with less and lighter gear. Simpler is better.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Awesome practical advice, thanks a lot
Any time!
Thanks mate. Good simple advice!
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice as ever!! Ken Rockwell is the perfect person to quote!!!
Good!
Great video and very good advice , thankyou 👍🏍
Glad to help!
This is one of the very best videos on motorcycle travel I have ever watched. Keep it simple - spend the money on skill development and travel is my personal mantra for motorcycling. It doesn't matter what you have - my most memorable trip was on a 1973 Honda 500/4. No windscreen, a duffel bag bungied on the back seat. Just get out there!
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience, Terry!
LOL, what can I say other your video was educational and eloquently delivered. I don't own a bike and never have but could not stop watching your video, it was like an accident on the road you should not be looking at but you still keep looking at it! This is my second video I have watched after your trip to turkey and I liked your style and the cool presentations, so continued watching. Well done my friend I wish you the very best and may god take you from strength to strength!
Thanks for taking the time and for the good words, Margaret!
It was great informative 🙏 thanks for your time and video
My pleasure!
Well explained. I can fully relate to your view. Thanks for a very honest channel.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent advices.
Glad it was helpful!
Good vid. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for the informative video. Ride safe 🏍
Any time!
I agree, this also applies in small displacement motorcycle/scooters
True!
Excellent advice Impressive I support you all the way buddy
Much appreciated!
Very sensible and sound advice sir .... Thank you .
Always welcome!
Very good advice, I especially enjoyed and agreed with number 9 😊
Thanks for taking the time, Alan!
Very real and good advice, everything here is true. Great video.
I appreciate that!
Good knowledge. Thank you.
My pleasure!
very good advise!
Thanks for watching!
Hello Pavlin. Thank you again. I always come back to your channel to learn interesting things and it is always totally worth it. I agree with every point you covered. I would add 1 point, which may be sensitive; for some reasons many KZheadrs are issuing opinions about certain motorcycles indicating they are the best. And guess what, it would be BMW or KTM top models, somehow smaller and much more reliable motorcycles according to them are always behind. I think that if they actually travel the world and not use them to go to coffee shop on Sunday, they would quickly change their minds. The problem is that they influence the market and people listen to them. You always say things as they really are - well done again!
It is what it is!
hey very useful and real , thank you much love !
Glad it helped!
Good tips, I was already aware of it but still good to hear it from someone else
Good!
Loved this video! I just about fell off my chair with the comment about "big heavy elephant" - I too have realized that and down-sized. Great observations!
Thanks for sharing!!
Excellent words of wisdom. Thanks and God bless.
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome mature advice
Thanks, man!
Fantastic advice
Glad it was helpful!
Man, you always share pure and absolute wisdom. Thanks as always, Pavlin!
I appreciate that!
Thanks for your explain, very good i can know everything here😍
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, Pavlin, for all the good advice given.
Glad it was helpful!
I bought a 1999 883 Sportster to use for transportation. I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles and have gone through 37 back tires and 17 front ones and 3 belts in 25 years on the original engine. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years.
Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed your video and agree with about 80% of what you say! Too many things to go wrong now but when these extra toys are working as they should, they are benefiting! Some of us have experienced near death situations with our health, like battling cancer and heart attacks! Therefore, having the best and latest while we can is very enjoyable! I do like the simplicity of your bike! Yamaha do make very reliable bikes, my Ten 1200 was extremely reliable. Keep up the great work you do for all of us.
Thanks for taking the time, Ewen!
Very realistic points! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
wonderful advice
Glad it was helpful!
i have 13 bikes, one of them is Kawa KLR600 from 1985.....i have it since 1997. with 17.000km was on it, i am changing oil and filter (it cost me 6$ for oil (tractor oil 10W40 mineral, not for MOTO with wet clutch) plus 4$ filter) every 5000km and guess what, it has more then 130.000km now without any engine problem....have had burnt ignition coil once and changed doohickey at around 80kkm, right on time as it was half broken....only electronics on the KLR is CDI box, turn signal relay and rectifier(voltage regulator)....and lighting bulbs :))))
Helpful advice
Glad to hear that!
My fellow bikers. Listen to this man- and strive to follow his advice. Safe riding out there!
Good!
Great video👏👏👏👏
Thank you! Cheers!
Great advice, as usual!
Glad it was helpful!
Hola- Hey I just wanted to say that this video was fantastic and so many people need to hear it. I’ve been riding ( not long RTW trips but as my mode of transport for commute, weekends and small trips) and plan on longer rides when the kids grow (but we ride together on our Ural- and they have bikes now) and I have the time (as I do love the work I do) that said -simpler, smaller, less kit on bike is key (unless it’s a necessity for your specific rides) My example- selling my full kitted GSA 800 cause thinking that’s what I needed and getting a smaller Honda 250 Rally.. basic, cheap, and capable of doing everything the GSA could do, don’t get me wrong, GSA was fantastic but was too much for my needs. Anyhow Great info in this vid- loving your channel!
Thanks for watching and sharing your story!
i just.....loved your video.Finally, a reasonable person with a motorcycle!!Greetings from Greece.
Glad you liked it!
Excellent Video and sound advice in all areas presented. The same holds true irrespective of manufacturer.
Glad it was helpful!