1000cc+ ADV bikes are the bikes world version of a huge lifted ute/truck, made for and marketed at men who have a issue with their package down there. We all know they can't satisfy their other half so they want the biggest thing they can put between their legs to go to the cafe around the corner to cosplay rugged men. Their bikes have probably NEVER been off road or in rain because they are scared of chipping the paint.
Yes I agree with you the XT500 was the first. The one I had was awesome until a classic case of smidsy in 1981. A bit mangled up like me. Had to sell it as parts then. Wish I had it now. would need electric start as the kick back can be a problem. I heard there may a conversion. Love your videos.
Thanks buddy, yer those old singles were a pig to start. I knew a bloke who had a Ducati 750, it kicked back & broke his leg. He sold it after that, he was too scared to start it, no wonder.
@@motorcyclecafe Hope hes still riding with electric start. My brother had the kick start pedal cut into the back of his leg when his XL500 kicked back. The honda at that time had no rubber on the pedal so the metal easily cut deep. Anyway great videos thanks heaps.
I'm glad to see what you pointed out about Itchy Boots. It's something I just realized and commented on, watching her last two videos. I said adventure bikes don't seem to be good for adventures. And pointing out how the locals were doing better riding two up. It can't be attributed to her skill level as she has plenty of miles experience.
Electronics and water: I don't understand why so many connections on any bike aren't waterproof. I seal every one I can find with liquid tape on the wire side and put dielectric grease in the contact side to keep out water. It can be a lot to do but I deal with every plug I find during other maintenance issues. I even put dielectric grease in the waterproof connectors as it fills the void inside just in case water should get in. Experience has shown me once water gets into a waterproof plug, it doesn't come out and causes detrimental harm.
You nailed it! I’m fortunate to have a few dual sport bikes, and I have a KLR650 that I use for trips where the route is pavement, gravel and fire roads. On trips with more technical terrain, I ride my DR650 with soft luggage. I have friends with the latest and greatest big bore ADV bikes,and though I’m a conservative rider, when the terrain gets tough, I’m usually waiting for my buddies, or helping them pick up their behemoths from the mud and rocks! Good video!
Hi, very interesting video. I don't think you'll get any agro for this 😊, you haven't slagged anyone off.l think 95% of the big adventure bikes don't go off road and are bought for their comfort and style (which is always subjective). I imagine that the serious off roaders do buy the smaller ones. Must be hell on the big gs when you feel the front tyre say tataa😱
@@jeremyharris5102 thanks buddy. I did take the piss a bit out of those beaks a bit and the Harley but i was just saying what many riders but not all think.
Pretty much on the money as usual but where was my old Steamer? I have fond memories riding up through the mountains in Thailand behind an early Elephant. Much as I might have stayed with that Elephant, it just always had a bit more and loathed to admit it, looked that tad more Elegant too.
@@motorcyclecafe Sorry, Triumph Tiger 885 carb 93-98 (T400), when I say old, I meant it's done 96k miles so far. They're not light and won't go far in the dirt unless you're a super fit 25 year old but they're pretty bullet proof, very comfy and heaps of fun.
Good history, though I think you glossed over the Africa Twin. It was the start of water cooled twin with over 60hp. Honda brought a gun to a knife fight. From 1986 till 1990 Honda and Yamaha (partially Elepant) crushed all other contenders.
yes mate I guess you are right, I didn't mention the Africa Twin as much as I should have. That name is a bit of a legend in the Adventure bike segment. It's hard to go into detail on them all making these sorts of videos. The new one looks pretty slick and although it has grown in size it isn't as heavy as many of other brands bikes.
Personally, I don't think the new CRF should have the name. It's not remotely related. I think the new Transalp is a closer relative (I own an RD07 for context). Great summary, though. I enjoyed it.
My 10sec synopsis: 1979 Dakar was born. Amature race until 1983, people raced on dirt bikes with giant fuel tanks and lugged gear to survive days on their own. 1983-84 BMW threw a large CC engine onto a dirt bike frame. 1986 Honda shocked the motorcycle world bringing a bike like nobody has ever seen before. Absolutly crushed all entrants. They turned a marathon into a sprint. 4 years later Yamaha figured out the secret sauce and came out with the Super Tenere. Honda relinquished the crown to Yamaha. Now manufacturers are trying to convince people their bikes are dirt bikes and not just coffee shop cruisers with over-priced luggage costing $20k
Any dual sport or adventure bike over 650 cc is just a penis waving exercise. I ride a 650 with guys riding the big ones. And unless we are trying to ride for long distance over 85mph there is no difference. I keep up and even lead. And offroad and dirt gravel all they accomplish is spinning their way through tires. Who cares if you have 100hp if you can only get 30 to the ground?
