As a 5'4" woman in her mid 50's who wanted to learn how to ride on dirt while still having the ability to A) pick up the bike, and B) keep up with interstate traffic, I also analyzed a series of motorcycles using a chart listing all the requirements and used grading scale to add points for each characteristic (a man after my own heart). The total score produced the top 4 contenders on your list! (TLDR - the Honda and Versys were the final two contenders). Luckily, I had the opportunity to sit on all 4, which I believe to be imperative before buying. Bikes like the Himalayan looked great on paper, but the engine configuration and general layout were uncomfortable for me. The DRZ was just too tall and too narrow for my purposes. So the choice really came down to the Honda CB500X and Kawasaki Versys X300. While the Honda was much more comfortable (and the one I believe you would enjoy the most), it was also heavier, so I ended up buying the Versys X300. The Versys engine is a high revving sports version taken from the Ninja - alarming after riding low revving cruisers for 30 years! It required a change to a 15-tooth front sprocket to make it manageable at lower gears (huge improvement in slow motion throttle control) and lowered the RPM without affecting the computer. But that, and a Seat Concepts upgrade, has made the Versys my constant companion for over 11,000 miles now. Mine is outfitted with T-Rex engine guards (Highly Recommended over OEM), a Ricochet bash plate, bark busters, higher windshield, and soft-luggage supports. It's been this way for the full 11K miles and I'm FINALLY going to add a lowering kit so I'm not on my tip-toes. Finding the right bike is highly personal. I wish you luck on your journey! Honestly, though, I couldn't be happier with the handling, flexibility, and lightness of the Kawasaki Versys X300.
Great comment. You've been researching. I have been riding since 1987. All bikes are a compromise. Just like your partner - LOL! You have to find one that works well enough all of the time to get along. It's really easy to get a new bike or change it. Not so for your partner. Both took me some trial and error. But you can change bikes like socks without having your feelings hurt. From what you said, I would start with something small like a Suzuki DR200 and learn dirt riding. It will not be safe in the highway. Max speed about 60, and you are wringing it's neck.
As a Versys 650 owner I can't but appreciate the Versys 300; I, too, considered it for my next buy, but here in Italy it comes with tubes, that is a deal breaker for me, unfortunately.
I am 64 this year and just bought a Suzuki DR650 I couldnt be happier. Best bike i ever owned. Old school, simple, looks great,value for money and never ages.
Yay John, I am 66 and I just did 9500 kms (I guess 7000 miles) on a DR650 around remote parts of Australia. Lowered it 25 mm which is very straightforward if you shorten the side stand. I also put on a different seat (Sargent) and a 25 Litre Acerbis tank and I am good for 520km (About 300 miles) range. Great fuel economy and did everything I asked of it. I also weighs a lot less than 450 pounds and I can pick it up on my own.
I have gone through the same thought process. I down sized from an Harley at 840 lbs to a Yamaha xt 250. Too small. May of 2022 I got a Ktm 390 adventure. That works fine. My riding now is about same as yours. I’m little older at 80.
I looked at 390 and preferred the 500x I couldn't even notice the weight difference between them. And a 390 single is really not much engine. 390 has better suspension. But it depends what the use is going to be.
@@chrishart8548Might check out Oregon motorcycle channel. They did a speed test of the 390 vs 500. The guy on the 390 was heavier. The 390 pulled away from the 500. Interesting comparison, couple different videos
As to height, Itchy Boots is 5'6" and loves her Honda 300 L Rally. She recently stated that she has no plans to purchase any different bike. In addition, she has changed the suspension and loves soft luggage. She does not want tubeless tires, as her wheels are spoked and loose spokes cause leaks in tubeless tires. Instead, she tries to keep thick treads on her tires and does so by changing them before they get fully worn down. She has not had problems with flats as a result. Another thing she looks at is standard mileage maintenance requirements, such as required oil and filter changes. This is a strong point of this 300 Rally that she loves...
I am 85 and loved my X300 . Had been riding bikes for 67 years. I found my choice for a smaller bike was the x300 , but I wish I opted for the abs . You sound like me when you are making a choice . There is no doubt in my mind I made the best choice. Good luck,
I am 72 and down sized to the CRF300L Rally. The only thing that is a con for me is the seat height. I put a low concept seat on and that helped a little. I have ridden from Chelan WA to the Giant Loop ride twice now and it has worked very well for me. I put all the usual protective gear on it and put on a new shock and front spring in fork for my weight. It handle just fine on the highway and gets 70 mpg or better. It tends to be a little top heavy but no worse than the DRZ400S witch I have ridden and had to pick up. For the kind of ridding you have described I personally don't think the horse power of any of these bikes really matters all that much. I have ridden the Himalayan and it will do 65 mph just fine and my CRF300L Rally will do 80 mph and will cruise along loaded down with camping gear at 65 mph all day long with out a problem and still get 70 mpg. I carry about 40 lb of gear in the Giant Loop Great Basin bag with there Tillamook bag strapped on top. I have there smaller panier bags strapped up front and a handle bar bag and a fender bag strapped to my wind screen because it will not fit on the front fender. So that is my two bits worth.
Of the ones you mentioned, the KTM 390 is the one I consider a relative no-brainer. It’s powerful and well-appointed for the money, with a very good suspension. If you’re shorter of inseam (I am 6’ with a 30” inseam, too), it should not feel too terribly small at standover, but you will probably have to adjust reach a bit. I can’t remember whether the 390 has the 3 locators for the bar clamps like other KTM ADV bikes. If it does, Bob’s your uncle because it’s a very simple operation to move the clamps forward to get you a bit more stretched out. I have to say I did a 🤔 when you said you didn’t want a dual sport, yet included the DRZ and the CRF in your list. They are most certainly dual sports, and both are very good tools for that job, for different reasons. I have a DRZ myself, with a properly set up suspension, and yeah, I practically need a step ladder to get onto it, and I’ve fallen over at 0mph by misjudging where my foot is going a couple of times. However, I think it makes a great light camping platform, just to gainsay your comment regarding dual sport camping capabilities 😉. Best of luck with your decision. I’m considering doing something similar moving from the DRZ, but maybe moving to a KTM 350 or 500exc-f to get ultra-light, with the trade-off of ultra-high seat. Trade-offs! Edit: how about adding Triumph’s new 400 scrambler to your list. You could go back to the future and relive your scrambler days. I do not know much about it yet, though. Maybe worth a study?
I’ve been riding a Harley Electraglide for 20 years and a Honda Goldwing for as long before. I started riding on a Honda 50 in 1968. I bought my friends 1986 BMW R80RT, another touring bike, 3 years ago because I knew the day was coming when I would give my Harley to my son, because I no longer felt safe on it with my wife in the back. That happened two weeks ago on a trip to the Black Hills, S. Dakota from my home in Wyoming. I injured my leg when placing my foot wrong at a stop and zinged my ankle, knee and hip. I rode home in pain and it took two weeks to recover. My wife said she no longer will ride with me on that bike. Getting old is a bitch. I’m glad I bought my friend’s BMW. It feels featherweight compared to the Harley and I love riding it. I had a new one in 1986 which I regretted selling. Keep the shiny side up!😎👍
I downsized from a BMW 1200gs to a royal enfield himalayan and have been more than happy. I do about 50:50 riding and also live close to the forest and blm roads/trails. The weight has not been an issue really because the himalayan carries its weight pretty low and is very well balanced.
From one aging rider to another - good thinking, sir! Something can be said for getting a little older & wiser. Like, that we do not need all those hp to impress others or ourselves. I hope the accident has not left too deep scars mentally, but might even help you to enjoy the rides while you can! Enjoy the process of picking your new bike and have tons of fun with it (as I am sure you will). Best wishes from Denmark.
I did pretty much the same process for my own purchase, with many of the same criteria. I'm 61, 5'7", with a year of riding experience on bikes as large as a BMW GS1150R. One downside of the Versys 300X is that the HP and torque is higher in the rev range, so you'll need to give it throttle to get through some stuff the Himalayan can just chug through. Also, keep in mind that it's not just the price (and weight) of the bike, but also the price (and weight) to fit the bike out. So go ahead and price in things like bash plates and engine guards (and factor them into the weight). My spreadsheets say that the CB500X is the best bike for my needs, but, after that came the CRF 300 LS (not available yet) and the Himalayan Scram 411. I ended up getting the Scram 411, because it's the best bike for my current abilities and how I intend to ride it. It rides fine at 60mph, and I'm not really interested in going any faster. I've only got 1,000 miles on it so far, but I'm quite happy that I made the right choice (for me).
I’m not sure if someone has mentioned this yet, but the spoked version of the 390 Adv has tubed wheels. The cast wheel version is tubeless. For your riding style the cast wheels should be plenty strong. I got to ride a KTM 390 duke and versys 300x around the west coast of Ireland and would take the KTM engine all day. It’s so engaging and fun to use. I haven’t ridden the adv, but I would expect the riding dynamics to be similarly entertaining. There is also the triumph scrambler 400 coming out this winter that looks like a great small displacement option if you aren’t doing much more than fire roads. Happy travels!
I think you'll enjoy the KTM 390 ADV more than the others. While all KTMs can go off-road, their road manners are always at the top of the heap. I had a 1190 ADV and took adventure classes with all the big BMW GS 1200s, and kept up just fine as a new rider. The bikes are more capable than we are as their pilots. If you wanna drag a knee, the KTM will do it. If you wanna go on a fire road, the KTM will do it. If you wanna commute, the KTM will do it. No complaints there. Happy riding, Señor.
You do realize the 1190 ktm and 1200 GS where more or less the same size? Otherwise i agree, i have the current gen KTM1290 SAS and it rips offroad with its rider being the big limiting factor
The 390 ADV is a small bike and gets blown around in the wind on the highway, more cramped ergonomics too. Was not nearly as comfortable for touring as the bigger bikes you mention.
@alexaiverson Agreed. He won't have it long before he realises his mistake. He'll also notice the unreliability especially coming from a Yamaha. Looking forward to the video "Why I'm selling my KTM 390".
I fall into the returning rider category, first bike a 78 Honda Hawk 400 (new) that I put 20K miles on, second bike an 81 BMW R 65 (new) that I put on 55K miles on, but marriage and kids put a squash on riding as priorities had changed. Forward 36 years; at 67, no wife, kids grown, and an itch that needed to be scratched. The itch was satisfied with a 23 Himalayan 411 cc machine (24.5 hp), yes, I looked at several other bikes including a KTM 390, but the Himi was the best fit for me. I have 4500 km on the machine now, and find it is great around town, and the rural roads of Mexico where I have retired to. The bike meets my needs except for highway travel, it responds fine to the 80 kph (50 mph) range and will do 110 (68 mph) on the flat, problem is traffic will be doing 120+. So, when the new water cooled Himalayan 450 (40 hp) that is supposedly lighter in weight I will acquire one of those.
I have the T7 as well and have looked at everything and the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure keeps coming out on top. I have watched a lot of reviews and the 390 surprises a lot of really good riders. One RU-vidr, Adventure Matt, gives very honest reviews on the 390 and he also owns a T7 and says he'd choose the 390 any day over the T7. Good luck with your decision.
I owned a 390 ADV for 6 months and sold it for a KLR. If you're mostly riding it around on the street then I'd say it's fine. It's lightweight so gets blown around on highway pretty easily, you have to make a lot of mods to get it to be comfortable in the dirt, seat was not comfortable for me, can not carry a lot of weight properly without upgrading the shock. Moving to a 21 inch front wheel was very noticeable to me offroad, ergonomics aren't cramped anymore, KLR feels much more stable with longer wheelbase on the dirt, much more planted on the highway. Just some thoughts. I thought I'd want a smaller bike at first, but small comes with its downsides too.
I bought the BMW G310GS, pre-owned, very low miles with Rally Raid level 2 upgrade suspension, tubeless spoke wheels, noisier can and engine guards. It's light, plenty of power and torque. I'm 5'10'', aged 67. Perfect.
All valid points mate. I'm 54 and just downsized from a DR650 to a CRF 300 Rally. So much easier to deal with, and crazy cheap on fuel- loving the new machine, perfect lightweight adventure bike 👍
I'm surprised you noticed a big difference between the two considering the numbers. I'm curious what you feel about that makes the differences for you?
The reality is, though, a CRF300L rally is 92% of the weight of a DR650 with 65% of the power. I have a DR650 and a 300 Honda and the Honda engine is great with long service intervals and is fuel efficient and insurance is cheaper for me but the benefits end there. A better downsize would be a KLX230.
Have had both the CB500X and the Versys 300X. I am 6 feet tall and found the Versys way comfier once I sorted out the plank they give you instead of a seat. I increased the front sprocket to 15 teeth which gets rid of the insanely short first gear and also allows you to cruise at 70 - 80mph in comfort. It really loves to rev! The CB500x had a sportier riding position but also has a gem of a motor. Not quite as revvy but that bit more power. I still regret selling them both but needs must.
Interesting conundrum... I've owned a couple of these (CB500X and CRF300L, my current ride). I liked the 500X, but I found it pretty heavy and the rear shock was a disaster over bumps - it likes to buck you off. Maybe they've addressed this, it was a few years ago that I owned one. Great fuel economy though, and fine on the highway. The 300L is pretty great actually, but I understand your reservations. As to the seat height, it squats pretty good when you get on so it's not that bad - try one out if you can, it will go literally anywhere, and the power is pretty good as it's so light. If you want pure fun and simplicity, take a look at a Honda CT125 TRAIL (or a GROM even?) - not acceptable for the interstate, but for everywhere else (at your stated preferred slow pace) I bet it would be great. VERY light as well, and 100mpg plus. Good luck on your hunt.
Thank you for your analysis. I, too, am a senior (80), 6' 2", and ride a KLR 650 in and around my NE Oregon community. For the same reasons as you've noted, I have often considered downsizing and find your information very useful. One parameter I'd add is dealership availability. Riding or hauling my bike 200 or 300 miles for dealer services has been a "deal killer". My KLR dealer is less than 40 miles away.
im 37 and have never ridden a motorcycle but i enjoy your content. i am considering taking a course because the countryside on a bike has to be an awesome thing to witness.
I stared riding at 43 in 2017. I’m 49 now, 50 in a month. These last 6.5 years of riding have been the most enjoyable of my life. Don’t hesitate to take the MSF course. You won’t regret it.
I had a similar predicament, minus your experience - I had not ridden a bike in 30 years, and was weakened by some medical issues. Went with the KTM 390. I regret it not one little bit. It handles well, and above all, it STOPS the shortest of all the ones you mentioned. It is good enough on the highway if needed, (I l cannot avoid them sometimes) wonderful on back roads at speeds of 30-65, and really enjoyable on curvy roads. I did 3000 miles in 1.5 years (95% backroads, 5 % dirt.) I'm attending dirtdaze NE 2023 this week so lots more (easy) dirt in my future. It also came with a lot of stuff standard (Abs front and back, traction control, "dirtnap" protectors and so on.) Lighter than a KLR 650, More torque and less revvy than the Versys 300, more power and a bit taller than a gs 310, Lighter than the CB500X. I hear a bit about reliability issues, but so far, so good - a bit early to tell yet. Oh, and thanks for the content!
I bought a Yamaha XT250 It will run all day at 65mph and gets 80mpg. Weighs 300 pounds wet. Plenty of power for a duel sport that does verywell on backroads at highway speed (65mph) and very nimble on the trails, back tire is tubless on my 2024 model . I go on excursions with it head from town to town, farm country into the hills to relax and camy and enjoy making long distance contacts using a QRP ham CW transceiver.
Your candid, informative discussion is certainly helpful for anyone who may be interested in "downsizing" or shopping for a smaller adventure machine. I've recently downsized from my '02 Kawi Concours to a '22 Kawi KLR650. I find the KLR "Adventure" model to be very easy to handle compared to my '94 HD Ultra Classic highway touring bike and the Concours "commuter" bike. For '23 Kawi has introduced the KLR650S, "S" for short. Revzilla has a nice evaluation off that machine in its Common Tread blog. Good luck in your selection!!
I appreciate your methodical approach. I will say i have a 30" inseam also , and tho it is a tall bike , my DRZ has been one of the best bikes, and given me more adventures than i can count(25,000 miles). The reliability is unreal. All i have done is put tires, sprockets and chains on it. I do the exact kind of riding you do in the Cascades outside of Tacoma. I am 63 now. I will say i am a very experienced dirt bike rider. But i wanted to add the DRZ is very good handling on the road. Even better than the dirt. That said, and knowing a bit about these kind of bikes i will say of the 5 on your list the KTM is it. There is a reason there are so many out there. They come from the factory with good components and you dont have to do much to it out of the box. Personally i think the big adventure bike thing is a hype and i would never take one of those off road. So i like your idea. I think you will have more fun. Good luck, rubber side down!
Very nice video, and relevant to me as I'm grappling with the same sort of issues. I'm 64, 5'10", 155, 32" inseam with a base Africa Twin. It is a great bike in many ways but it is heavy, a bit top heavy, and offers more horsepower than I need. I do have some long-distance trips planned which makes me hesitant to downsize just yet. Glad to see your video as I'm sure there are many folks in our shoes. Seat height itself is a such an issue that I wonder why so few manufacturers are addressing it.
I can’t say anything negative about my 2021 G310GS that I’m approaching 12,000 miles on. I purchased it new from the dealer in Eugene, Oregon and it has been pretty close to flawless, lightweight and a very enjoyable Moto. My last bike was an Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord and while I sometimes miss its 99 horsepower I do not miss its girth and weight in the least.
Like you I am an older gentleman and have downsized from larger bikes. I did this in stages until I purchased the ktm 390. Great bike for me, will go anywhere I want to take it off road, and fabulous on road. Like every bike it needs a few accesories, handguards, bar risers, skid plate etc. A couple of comments, it is quite a tall bike, so I dont think you will be cramped. You need to take it for a really good test ride to appreciate it's qualities, a spin around the block won't do it. Good knobbly adventure tires make a world of difference.
I am in the same boat as you are; I have been riding a BMW R1200 GSA and love it except for weight. I have ridden it all over the world in everything you can think of and can pick it up but its heavy. I have looked at the mid sized adventure bikes but the trade offs to date have kept me with my GSA. 50-70 lb savings are not enough to give up the tractor features of the GSA. I had a couple of trail mc’s that I sold and added/replaced with the BMW310GS. It is a respectable little MC but it is not a GSA or Tenure. Unless the bike is very light weight the 350-400 lb bikes are still heavy if they pin you to the ground if they fall on you. I know, I got caught under the 310 with my ankle pinned in the desert earlier this year and it took a bit of work to self extract myself when you can’t lever off anything. They aren’t a light weight trail Honda or KTM. Getting a light weight reasonably powerful mc that has the features you want and like is hard. I have 2 mc’s, the heavy weight I love and the light weight that is not the heavy weight but is respectable and I can carry it on the back of my motorhome. I’d love to just have one mc that behaved like the heavy weight. I am yet to find it. Keep the Tenure and enjoy it; I don’t think the 50-75 lbs savings will give you what you will miss in the Tenure from the power loss on the pavement. (I am 67)
I had a long list when I was looking for a bike, light weight and power were my main considerations. I settled on the CRF 450L, and with modifications, has suited my needs and wants better then I expected. Good luck making up your mind!
I’m 74 and own a 2021 KTM 390 Adventure. I’ve been riding since I was 19 and to be honest I have had more fun on this bike than any other bike. One caveat is that the spoke wheel version has tube tires. I haven’t had any issues with the cast wheels and plugging a tubeless is a huge plus for me. With 6000 miles it has been dependable with just normal maintenance. I did add the Powerpart seat which made it more comfortable. I think you would be very happy with this bike. Good luck with your shopping.
Great to hear that you are still in the saddle, I've not stopped riding since I got a moped at 16 back in the 80's. I think that motorcycling is either in your blood or not, I never want to stop.
@@steveclark..I’m the same way. When I turn 90 I’ll just get someone to strap me to the Bike with some kind of Back Support, and maybe some kind of Arm Support. Then I’ll be on my way. By then, they will probably all be Automatic Transmissions so that will make it easier also. I might need a Oxygen Machine rigged up also.👍👍
I also live in Oregon and am 62 and feeling my age. I had a KTM 1090R and started to be concerned about being able to pick that up since I ride alone a lot. I decided to supplement that with a smaller bike and bought a 2020 KTM 390 Adventure. Once I had the 390 I almost never rode the 1090. I then decided to sell the 1090 and bought a T7, hoping it would still give me the big bike experience in an easier to handle package than the 1090. Unfortunately, for me, the T7 was a big disappointment, It felt nearly as heavy and awkward to handle as the 1090, while giving up massive power, 200 mile plus fuel range, and tubeless tires. I then sold the T7 and bought an 890R, and that bike absolutely nails it. It feels almost as easy to handle as my 390, but almost as powerful as the 1090. For what you are looking for, the 390 is hands down the bike. It is road biased but great for gravel/dirt roads, and has a 200 plus fuel range, tubeless tires, reasonably low seat height, reasonably low weight, all day 70MPH cruising capability, and is still fun to rip through the gears.
I am 73 and recently went with a Yamaha XT250 for off-road-oriented dual-sport riding together with a Kawasaki Versys 650 for highway wanderings. I have the minimum legally-required insurance coverage on the XT250. The Versys is not really suitable for gravel roads; but you can do that standing on the pegs and staying loose. I have a 30” inseam and I am done with tall bikes. My previous bike was a Honda CRF450L. I loved it; but it was waisted on me. If I has a 32” inseam, I would have kept it. By the way, the Honda and the Yamaha are a a breeze to upright. The Kawasaki, even at about 500 pounds isn’t really bad in that regard, but I would not take it into the woods or into deep sand! The XT can handle camping gear if you stay on mild trails. Good off-road tires are a must.
I also had a Tenere for 2 years and downsized, totally understand your thought process! Ended up with a Versys 300 and am very happy with it. It’s a stable yet nimble and light-ish chassis with a great little revvy engine. The suspension is non adjustable but the stock valving is surprisingly good and well balanced for street and light off roading. 17 liter tank is nice and the bike is well put together. Only upgrades were a seat, adjustable levers and hand guards. Only thing I would want is a bit more power because it’s adequate but lacking in torque. KTM 390 is a great choice also I believe but I just have no faith in their reliability. Kawasaki should put their 399cc engine in the Versys ;)
Hey Bruce, I sold my T7 about a year ago and replaced it with a Versys-X. My girlfriend had already had her Versys-X for a couple of years and I'd set it up well for adventure touring so was very familiar with the bike. We have done a few tours including a 4000km Australian outback trip, the 300s go great!! We're heavier riders and load the bikes up with camping gear with no issues. I'm 6'4" & with bar risers & Seat Concepts tall seat it fits perfectly. Fuel capacity is a bonus. Both bikes also have upgraded (YSS) suspension. We do have dirt bikes as well for discovering our local trails (Gas Gas EC350F & Yamaha XT 250). Only negative for the Versys is the uncomfortable stock seat, easily remedied. I'm in numerous Versys-X groups online and owners all seem to love this bike. Definitely give the VX3 a go!!
I concur. Simple, reliable, and a good motor that doesn’t mind being ran up to 100mph. Really good on fast fire roads. Really stable. The KLR650 and XLR650 both feel twitchy above 70mph on dirt. The DR is rock solid at 90.
You should also add to your list new Honda Scrambler. It can do highway speeds and light off roading, Not a clunker also not too heavy. I think you’ll love it.
I enjoyed your little talk. I'm 76 and I've also been riding most of my life. I started on an Alstate MoPed at 13. I have not purchased an Adventure bike but I'm considering doing so. I've gone through the same thought process as you but still can't decide. I'm very interested to see what you ultimately do.
It is hard to beat the 250 lb KTM EXC-F bikes if you are taller. They come with good 50/50 street/dirt tires and the super light weight and horsepower makes them agile for easy quick turning on pavement or dirt. Can ride at 65 on the highway and with soft bags they are great commuters. I had one EXCF suspension lowered down 4" for a shorter inseam rider and one at full height. There are lots of off the shelf upgrade options and protection parts you can add but are great as is. They handle drops without any damage and so easy to pick up. Not at all good for longer interstate trips though but there is no fun in that for any two wheel bike, for my taste.
Consider the DR650. The seat height is 34.5 inches, and you can switch the link and lower it another inch very easily. It has a low center of gravity. Simple and reliable. No radiators to break. It does have a very effective oil cooler. The engine runs very smooth, smoother than a KLR650 even, and it will easily run up to 100 miles an hour while you’re passing a semi truck. The bike handles exceptionally well on dirt roads. The seat is uncomfortable, but replacements are easily available, as are bigger gas tanks because it only comes with a 3.2 gallon tank. It does get around 50 miles per gallon though. It actually only weighs a few pounds more than the DRZ 400 or the CRF 300 and because the weight is down low, you don’t feel it. I have owned a DR650, KLR650, XRL 650, and WR 250. The DR has the best motor. The DR is super stable whether passing a semi doing 90, or going 80 on a dirt road. The others are twitchy in those situations.
I agree with you the DR is more sensible than any adventure motorcycle on his dumb list and has a low seat. This man only lives 1 mile away from the trails though and is 70. If I didn't have to go over a highway mountain pass to get to dirt and I was 70 I wouldn't have my DR650 I'd have a blast on a something at most 250cc. A 250 can do 75mph and is much more capable off pavement. The smallest motorcycle that will do the job off pavement will always be the most fun and appropriate. I watch so many people play this dumb game of buying excessively big motorcycles they can't pick up and have way more power than necessary for the job at hand. Like realizing a 30-06 is too much gun to hunt squirrels and so he's looking for a 308 instead of buying the appropriate 22.
@@mattevans5812 If he’s only riding short highway distance I would get a CRF250F. 262 pounds. Low seat. Fuel injected and air cooled with electric starter. You can easily dual sport it.
I'm 69 yo, Have a spinal fusion, and a new total knee replacement. 30" inseam also. My Himalayan proved to be too heavy and the heat rolling off motor was bothersome .and so I settled happily for the kawasaki versys 300x. Changed front sprocket, put an air seat on it , luggage rack, top bag and soft bags with support brackets. Super stable on the dirt and very comfortable to ride. A bit revvy but you get used to it and actually have fun with it.
Hi buddy, I've had my T7 2 years also, I am 46 years old 6'1ft and I've raced in Enduro most of my life, I also find the T7 to heavy for off road and it has a poor turning circle (lock to lock) it's fantastic on the road but if that's where you're at then there's better more comfortable road bikes! I have now ordered a Honda crf300 rally, I've had the privilege of testing one over a weekend and for me it's perfect, easy, light, smooth can sit at 70mph and very capable off road 👍🏼
I’m just a few years younger than you. 5’8” with. 30 inch inseam. I did the TAT coast to coast summer of 21. I currently ride a BMW F800GS. Did the MABDR on it as well. I’m downsizing as well to smaller bike to do all the western BDR’s. I’ve narrowed it down to the Honda crf300 rally and the KTM390 adventure. While on the TAT I met a group of young men all riding KTM390’s. They were professional dirt bike riders. Two of them competed in the x games. They did 3 passes in Colorado on the stock bikes loaded down. They had zero problems. We rode together for several days. They kept up with me no problem on roads at 70-80mph. The lower clearance of the KTM wasn’t an issue for them. Just an fyi even though the crf 300 has a tall seat height it squats considerably to where even my short self can touch the ground fairly well.
in 2014 I went from bmw gs 1200 to crf250. 9 years and I love this bike. For the riding I do 50/50 it’s perfect and I’m never going back to big bike again. Lightweight and easy to handle on difficult stuffI, easy to work on, plenty and cheap parts available I will buy the crf300 rally. I live and ride in northern Thailand and love riding the tight mountain roads, dirt roads and forest trails. It’s my primary mode of transportation.
I'm in my mid 60s and, in the past 5 years, I've owned or ridden a lot of the bikes on your list. The Versys 300 is a really good bike - among the best of the 7 you're considering. But, it revs very high and runs pretty hot. That was an issue for me in the the deserts of So Cal. I think the small BMW and KTM ADVs will disappoint you. I had a 390 and was less than impressed. The CB500X (great bike if upgraded at significant expense) and Enfield are too heavy per your specs (and mine). For the last year I've been riding an Aprilia Tuareg 660. It is by far the best ADV I've thrown a leg over. It's lighter, smarter and more comfortable than the T7 - and it has tubeless tires! That said, if I'm riding alone - as I often do - I hop on my KLX 300. And, if I could keep only one bike it would be the Kawasaki. Don't be too quick to dismiss the 300cc dual sports from Honda and Kawasaki. They might surprise you. I've owned both the CRF and the KLX. I prefer the KLX because its suspension is superior to the Honda's - at least for my 6' 2", 175 lbs frame. Good luck.
I'm 72 and just bought a Tuareg 660. It is a bit tall for me, but that can be fixed. I'm glad to hear positive reports about it. I was considering the CRF and KLX, but the Tuareg 660 checks more boxes, except for ultimate nimbleness, in comparison.
Hi, I'm 58 years old and have similar concerns. I was in a serious mountaineering accident in my 20's and have a hip replacement as a result. I needed a bike I could lift, preferably a Honda. For travelling and some off road. This narrowed it down to the 250 Rally. Three years and 55000 km later I'm happy with my choice. You can do the maintenance yourself, parts are available everywhere. I've been to Croatia, the Baltics, the Autobahn, Nordkapp. All the best.
Funny thing about getting older (now 59). I can (and have) afford pretty much any bike I want. I've had Harleys, Ducati, Moto Guzzis, Triumph.... I just sold my Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Adventure and bought....a '23 KLR650 Traveler. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been happier with a bike. Sure, 'less is more' is a good moniker, but in the end you realize what just simply works for you. Digging this minimalist thing.
At 77 years, 6.1" with 31inch inside leg. I've owned and ridden lots of big adventure bikes over the years. But like yourself, three years ago, I decided to down size from my Multi Strada. My riding here in the UK is 70/ 30 Road and trail. I bought a CB 500X and added bars , heated grips and luggage.. Best move ever for me, the bike is fun to ride on road and trail. Comfortable, long distances loaded with gear not a problem, with excellent mpg. Don't really miss the big cubes on Ducati except on motorways, which I try to avoid.. Would highly recommend you try one out. The new model now has improved braking and suspension and would be a big plus....The few extra pounds in weight over the other options should not be a deal breaker. If you really want spoked wheels, "Rally Raid" can supply along with good luggage and other accessories. Given the price of the Honda with any extras, it would still be a lot cheaper than the cost of a new T7.....Happy shopping 😊
I'm 64 years old and really appreciate your thoughtful attention to finding a bike that meets your needs. My own needs and desires are different - I'm a road rider with a longer inseam than yours, but your process and honesty about your capabilities are inspiring. Thanks for sharing. (Since I ride for a different purpose, I don't have any suggestions for you. My Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a very different bike that the smaller Versys models. It's best suited for sport touring. It's okay on dirt and gravel roads, but definitely isn't an adventure bike.)
If you want to relive the feeling you had when you started, I strongly suggest you try a TW200 for a couples of rides, specialy if you lean more on the of road riding side. Those lillte TDubs are amazing!
I have both a T7 and a CRF300L. Low 80's. Combination tarmac and gravel roads. Bought a factory low seat and lowered the T7. Retained the low seat but recently removed the lowering links and adjusted the rear preload to minimum to lower the seat height. Increasing sag on the T7 worked better for me. I bought a Dirt Napper and that solved my T7 lifting problem. EASTBOUND also has a lift. I keep a bike lift on the Honda as well because if you fall and tweak your knee, you may not be able to lift even a lighter bike. I thought the CRF300L seat height would be an issue. The CRF300L sags a lot and works OK for me as purchased. The idea was to ride the CRF300L more on gravel to develop more confidence on the T7 and that seems to be working. You may miss the sound and power of the T7.
I was fortunate to pick up the CRF 300 Rally. I have extensive backpacking and hiking experience so am used to packing and traveling light. After following your adventures for a bit, the small Rally might be a bit out of your comfort level and rack-less luggage is crucial for that bike. I have to put a plug for the CB500X or the new 450 Himalyan. Good to see you recovered and fully back at it! Hope you find your unicorn 😊
Thanks for the honesty. I saw a guy total a snowmobile with under a mile on it. He was like watch this and you can fill in the rest. This is the best information I have found . Thank you.
Hi Bruce, I would also suggest that you consider the Suzuki DR650. I recently purchased a 2022 model to slot in between my Africa Twin and my CRF450L. I believe that it is the best 50/50 relatively lightweight bike on the market. With a few basic and affordable mods you can take this bike anywhere. It’s 80 lbs lighter than your Tenere (which I also considered), has a lower seat height and center of gravity, and it’s much more nimble at slow speed. The engine is smooth and powerful with 5th gear basically functioning as an overdrive allowing the bike to cruise comfortably at 70+. The carb is no big deal, once you get it jetted properly, the fueling on a CV carb is smoother and more reliable than fuel injection (no flame outs !). Aftermarket support for the DR is incredible, you make make this bike anything you want. Easiest bike to work on I’ve ever owned. There is a reason that Suzuki has been able to sell them for over 35 years.
Enjoyed the video. Very much in parallel with you. 68 y/o and the V-Strom 650 seems to be getting more top-heavy every year. I ride a little Chinese 250 around Cuenca which is a blast to ride...light, nimble, and adequate power. So like you, I'm looking at the 400 class. The bike that I'm looking at to replace the 250 is the new Triumph 400 Scrambler.
I sold my Tenere 700 thanks to age/bike weight/solo riding, and am now loving my KTM 390 Adventure. It is brilliant on the road, weighs nothing, and can carry a load all day long.
@@leecourt8509 Not on my 2020. Over 80mph it does, but any single would. Brilliant wee bike, never let me down, heading off camping in the morning on it.
@@leecourt8509 I had a R.E. Himalayan (it went back to R.E. after 1 year due to total mechanical failure). I had a crf250L. The ktm ticks all the boxes for me. Light weight, awesome handling and brakes, quick without a daft top speed. My one concern was that it might not be a good bike for just chilling out and bimbling along. Today I rode for 2 hours and was so zoned out it was like I'd had a sauna and a great night's sleep. 40mph in 5th gear and 81mpg (uk miles per gallon) Can't recommend it enough. Plus all the awesome things like traction control and lean sensitive abs and backlit lighting. Owned bikes for 41 years, and the wee ktm is up there with any of the bikes I've owned.
I am 65, but I succeeded only once in lifting my CB500x. Lays also flat on the ground, and despite my Fortza 300 scooter is heavier, I can lift it with ease. But without doubt, the Tenere is far more (top) heavy. KTM has reliability issues, and BMW is in my country overpriced. The Honda CB500X is a bit of everything, but not extreme in anything either. Bullet proof.
I bought a DRZ400SM and a set of 18"/21" wheels to go on it. Installed a 4 gallon IMS tank and 16/38 sprockets. Absolute top speed with me laying on the tank is 102 mph but I can cruise all day at 80 mph. 10.2" of travel front and rear. Total weight fully fueled is ~330 lbs.
Great video! I am 74 and have owned over 100 motorcycles, raced motocross for decades until 2 years ago. Triumph, BSA, Ducati, BMW, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, KTM, all japanese brands, all types of use. I had to downsize for same reasons , and now own a 2018 BMW G310R, just prior to this I rode a KTM Duke 690. I live and ride on dirt roads in Vermont but this used bike was too good of a deal to pass up. Even though it is more road oriented, it has proven to be entirely satisfactory with different tires, except in one category which I have been able to adapt to. It has enough power without question but the type of power might be an issue for some. It has very low flywheel inertia so can stall suddenly if the rpm is not brought up to 2000rpm when starting off. The clutch is very smooth and progressive so easy to control. Once familiar to this it is easy to ride anywhere and the low speed torque is very strong and smooth to modulate. It gets 70 mpg and steers with precision. I imagine that the GS version would be very near perfect for your use. I would purchase the KTM 390 if I had not been presented with such a good deal on this BMW. I believe that the KTM 390 would be the best choice for your use, but the higher seat height for me would be a negative being 5ft 7in.
Additions by me! The BMW engine is tuned for high rpm power unlike the KTM which is a larger engine tuned for more low and midrange torque still with high end power. The BMW does not have suspension well suited for off road use either. What I have learned is that what ever bike you have , there will always be a good reason to get the next motorcycle. The1999 Aprilia RSV Mille is the most enjoyed motorcycle that I have ever owned.
I'm from Slovakia ... I'm 72 years old ... and I know exactly what it's about ... super great video ... my English is bad and I watch your RU-vid ... it's exactly for me ... thank you for all your videos and that's exactly what I experienced
I went through the same logic process trying to decide what to buy. I bought a KTM 390 Adventure two years ago and currently have a little over 6000 miles on it over pavement, fire roads and parts of the ORBDR. I also ride solo and needed something I could pick up if dropped.
Hey Bruce great video and I like your honest and humble sharing. Good to see you're also on the mend! I too got my T7 in late spring of 21. I'm in my mid 60's and decided to jump back into riding after the pandemic was winding down and the kiddos finally left the nest. My last biIke was a Honda 550 4! That was 40+ years ago! I too recognize some of the short comings caused by the T7 weight and top heavyness. I ride mostly on hardpacked dirt roads and gravel mostly here in Vermont and only have 4600 miles, About twice a summer I ride with friends and travel to the lakes for some over nites. I do not enjoy riding on interstate mostly becuase I feel the T7 is abit underpowered for traveling comfortably long distances at 75+ MPH. I like your point about traveling slower speeds and country rodes to enjoy the ride. Good job wirh your evaluation on smaller Advet bikes . If I downsize I wiould probably stay with a Japanese bike due to the bullet prove dependability,. I must say with all the things I dont like about the T7 I enjoy the linear power in any gear and the giddy up of 70 horsepower and of courese the blackened look. Btw did you consider that Honda is coming out with an CRF LS 300 (lower seat) and therefore easier to ride. Ride safe!
Thanks for the great video. I’m 64 with a 29” inseam. I chose a Yamaha WR250R because its 295 lb. weight, incredible engine, fully adjustable suspension, and large stator for accessories. I added a Yamalink lowering link and a lot of other accessories for adventure travel. I use the 21”/18” stock rims for off-road camping adventures and Warp9 supermoto rims for on-road and gravel adventures. For my needs, it seems to be the perfect set-up. Good luck with your selection process. I’m anxious to see what you end up with.
I looked for a WR250R forever for my first bike, for all of the reasons you mentioned. Went with a CB500X, but then found a DRZ that wasn’t clapped out. I’m excited to try SM wheels & have the off road setup for camping and exploring. The CBX is great, but the weight difference on the DRZ is noticeable; much easier to bring it back when I get caught off balance. Enjoy your WR!
Hi, I downsized from a 1250gs to Aprilia Tuareg 660 whilst it weighs the same as the Tenera on paper it is much smaller and carries it's weight lower down plus it comes with wire wheels that are tubeless and a few rider aids that are very easy to deal with. I couldn't believe how quickley I adapted back to standard forks which are fully adjustable as is the rear shock. I did find the suspension settled after about 4/500 miles. I'm 5ft8in with inside leg of 31in I've done 4250 miles on it during 4 months and haven't stopped smiling it's also very reassuring off tar even with the standard tyres which are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. Oh should say whilst the tank looks high it's actually the airbox the tank goes down below the seat. worth a checkout although dealers may be a bit far away in the US. I bought mine purely from watching the videos on RU-vid. Cheers Harry p.s. liked your honest appraisal.
@@mike.thomas I'm used to that as the BMW dealer was almost 2 hrs away but the Aprilia dealer is some 45 minutes. I bought mine blind,first time ever had only youtubed but am blown away with it. \if you can get a test ride do and try and find a dirt road too. Good luck as there's quite a few making the same move.
@@Harry-sb3op Thanks for the info. Yeah, the BMW dealer was also an hour away from me, but the local Indian dealership is picking up BMW, so that solves that problem if I keep the BMW. From everything I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a LOT) the Tuareg kind of splits the difference between all the available mid-size ADV bikes perfectly. I do hope to get a ride on one soon. There’s a possibility I go Husky/KTM 701/690, but those guys get a bit closer to my DRZ. Nice problems to have ;-)
Interesting video even for a 30 year old like myself. Lots of respect sir, I just subscribed. All these reasons you have pointed out are the reason I went with a TW200 but I can understand why you didnt even consider it haha. It's no street bike and it's kinda small.
You are speaking my language here. I’m almost 69 and have enjoyed my BMW 1150 gs for the last 6 years. Been on a few longer trips and a lot of local ones too. I love the bike but it is HEAVY and not an easy one to lift if I drop it. So I’m in the same boat as you. I have ridden a Honda 500 and loved it. The others you have listed are interesting and I’m looking forward to your final choice. Enjoy the rides you get to take. I live in a similar type area up here in SW Washington.
The answer to all your problems:- I downsized from a BMW 1200 GS to an Aprilia Tuareg 660 and l couldn’t be happier! What a fantastic bike! Good luck with your search buddy, l hope you find something you are totally happy with 👍🏻
For the older riders that still do 50% or more on dirt roads, I recommend the 250 lb KTM EXC-F bikes. Owned them for 20 years. They come with good 50/50 tires that you can add tubeless but the super light weight and horsepower makes them agile for easy quick turning on pavement or dirt, especially helpful for an older rider is the low center of gravity as this is felt in every axis. You can ride to 65 on the highway and with soft bags they are great urban tourers for errands and day trips. There are lots of off the shelf plug and play upgrade options and protection parts you can add but are great as is. They handle drops without any damage and you won't find an easier bike to handle in the 35+ hp category. Negatives are no traction control or ABS safety tech, not good for interstate travel, a higher price than cheaper heavier bikes in this category and the 37" seat height. They commonly get the 2" lowering suspension done and the lower seat. I find this is the best bike per pound in the shed because of the engine performance, weight and great stock suspension. If you are just taking short pavement mostly trips for errands, etc. a Scooter maybe your next best easy riding option. Any day you can ride in nice weather on two wheels is a great day!
I too am over 70, and have downsized my road bike for exactly the same reason - weight! I also bought an off road bike - the BMW G310 GS and fitted it with some Rally raid items. It is easy for me to pick up, even fully loaded with camping gets, extra fuel and water. It has gone everywhere that ai have been brave enough to venture (and that includes some very gnarly tracks). My wife has one the same, and we have done around 25,000 kms on them with no problems at all. They sip fuel, do everything we want and have tubeless tyres (since fitting the Rally Raid wheels). We are planning to keep them until we can’t swing a leg over them! All the best from New Zealand. Our RU-vid channel has some videos of them and how we have them setup.
i can vouch for the 300versy. have mine for 2 years now. seat on it is not good for highway, but ok in town. 65-70 mpg, can run all day at 60-70 mph. runs ok on fire roads, farm tracks and dirt roads. tire choice will make a difference. every ride is an adventure, and light nuff to pick up easy for me. i'm 5,8 180 lbs, with 32 inseam. i can flat foot no problem. i have fact saddle bags an added a top box. dont let the revy engine fool you. puts around town at 3-5000 rpm witch it handles fine. and the bike also handles well. my opinions.
Great video!! I downsized from the T7 recently myself. I chose the CRF300L, but partly because I will keep two motorcycles. The other is an older ST1100 I picked up used. The CRF is tall, but manageable with so much sag in the stock suspension. If I go to a stiffer rear shock, I’ll have to use lowering links. I had lowered by T7 front and rear as well. Thank you for sharing this information!
Dont blame you mate. Resently REALLY down sized from my Kawasaki Vulcan VN900 to a Royal Enfield Classic 350. One of the best decision I've made in my 50 years of biking. Back to pure basic zero mode soul biking. Same as in the glorious Mods and Rockers 60s.
I’m 65 and have a Honda AT. I’ve dropped it about 10 times. Picking it up is no fun, however from how you describe how you use your hands and arms to pick up your T7. I suggest you use your legs, it’s a lot easier., no strain on your upper body. Hope this helps
I have a tenere 700 rally and its perfect for me. What many is forgetting is load capacity. The crf300rally has only 147 kg load capacity. With full gear i am about 100 kg, protection on The bike and tools sums up 17 kg. Now its 30 kg left. No problem i only load 25 kg you think. But wait, you about maxed out The capacity a lot loaded where it imbalances a bike with a curb weight close to The same as The load. It is far far from a good setup. The Tenere has 190 kg capacity so loaded The same it has far less imbalance due to its own weight. Everyone is negative about weight but weight is also your friend. A light bike sucks on fast roads, passing trucks, side winds etc, it also sucks more when its loaded than a heavier. Sure on trails light is great until you pack it up with stuff. If you want light to do trails Get a trail bike and be very frugal with load. The cb500x idea i cannot understand, a bike at The same weight, less suspension, worse offroad and way less power makes no meaning to me but maybe for others. Lower bike and less fuel consumption perhaps?
It is a conundrum. I turn 72 in two days (9/06). I had a quadruple bypass open heart surgery last December 15th. So, of course, the natural thing to do 6 months after surgery, in the first week of June, is to buy, sight unseen, a 2023 Aprilia Tuareg 660 adventure bike (the Italian T7). I drove for 2 1/2 hours, each way, to buy it. When I get it home and unload it from the trailer I think to myself, "What have I done?" It has been 5 years since I last rode, but I'm coming from riding a 1985 BMW K100RS which is 560lbs, but it keeps its weight low. The Tuareg's center of gravity is higher. I was originally considering the Honda CRF300 or the Kawasaki KLX, but I decided that I would be giving up too much street performance and long distance ability. I saw the Tuareg 660 as the best blend of street and trail, which it likely is. I find the handle bars on the Tuareg a bit high for my bad shoulder, but I will adjust. I will lower the bike by 1.25 inches when the lowering link becomes available in a month, and then I will be able to easily flat-foot while on the bike. As a result I have had the Aprilia Tuareg 660 for 2 months and it still only has 2 miles on it because I haven't ridden it. I 'graduated' from my cardiac rehabilitation class 3 days ago, so I'm going to finally take it for a ride to celebrate. One reason that I haven't been riding it is also that, after bringing the Tuareg 660 home, I realized that my riding gear was either in storage or went missing. I also wanted to put some basic crashbar protection on the bike. That is now done. In retrospect I should have bought two bikes - a cruiser and a dual sport. I will use the Tuareg as a touring motorcycle that can tackle some rough terrain; but I won't be looking for too intense of an 'adventure' on it. I wanted to ride the TransAmerica Trail (T.A.T.), including the difficult sections, but the Tuareg is not the bike for that, at least in my hands. However, after seeing how much computer technology is involved, I think I will look for an older carbureted air-cooled dual sport and freshen it up for the TAT. Maybe a DR350 with both electric and kick start. Strip every ounce of uneeded weight and add a big bore kit, and it would be an analogue bike that is light, cheap (common), and reliable. Maybe in a couple of years I will want to trade the Tuareg in for a rig with a sidecar. Time will tell.
Hi, I bought a Tennere 700 in 2021 And sold it 12 months later, For the exact same reasons you have just explained. And went back riding on pavement , I am Sixty-five years of age and still enjoy Riding dirt. I brought myself a can am Spider love it to bits, but thinking of buying myself URAL with sidecar, Because I still like the dirt road Adventure.
Just landed on your channel as I am mulling over whether to get a bike at age 72. I rode a small bike as a teenager but not at all since then. I'm recently retired. Lots of time on my hands. People think I am crazy to even consider it. We shall see. Sub'd and followed.
Great channel. I'm right where you are -- 68 and facing similar issues and questions. I made my own similar spread sheet. I ended up getting a lightly used Versys 300X ABS and have been very happy with it. It feels substantial, but is not too heavy, a reliable Japanese twin that looks great. (Altho I like13th earl's suggestion about changing out the sprocket for a little more room in first gear.) I just spent a weekend at an adventure rally on a relatively new RE Himilayan, which I liked and felt very confident riding. It had some great features but felt buzzy, and build quality seemed less solid to me. When the owner lent it to me, they told me to ignore certain indicators or sounds because it was" just part of the bike". Small scramblers might just fit your bill. Just saw an Australian review which made me look again at the Bennelli Leoncino 500 Trail which I think comes in at about 400lbs.
Hey Bruce. So many of your points resonate with me as well as I head in to my 7th decade. I was strictly a street rider until last summer. I own a 2016 BMW R1200 RS which I love. I wanted to get off road and maybe motocamp abit so I ordered a Honda crf300 Rally. While waiting for it (over a year) I road a crf 250. Off road was a whole new ball game for me. I do not intend to single track or rock crawl. My intention is gravel roads and logging roads here in B.C. The seat height is disconcerting for sure if you are use to a street bike. I bought a lowered seat that dropped it a couple inches so now solid balls of foot (I'm 5'8") and with gear a bit lower. I bought the Honda for dealer support and reliability. So far so good as I plod around the backroads. Standing up is my current assignment. Having fun with the new challenges. Good luck with the new bike you choose.
Good video, thank you! I started riding “late” at 57 and put 4K miles on a Triumph Tiger 660, including a week and over 800 miles at North Carolina ‘s famous roads. I love that bike! We did some gravel roads but I would need better tires to do maybe 80/20. Anyways, the Tiger has 80HP, the more on that category, and it’s just over 400 lbs. Good luck and ride safe!
Definitely the BMW and the KTM are the best options. They are surprisingly larger in real life than you think. Actually there's little difference in size between the 310gs and the 750gs. I like the 310. Also Rally raid makes a whole line of suspension upgrades and spoke wheel upgrade. The KTM is just a notch better equipped from the dealer, but I believe the seating position might be a tad more snug than the BMW. Happy bike shopping!😊
I sold my Harley in 2019 and in fall of 2022 decided I wanted to return to riding. I ordered a smaller lighter BMW G310 GS. It was delivered in January 2023. The bike has preformed flawlessly, and my Jacksonville FL BMW dealership, as well as other BMW motorrad dealerships I've stopped at across the country are a pure joy. At 6 ft tall with a 30 inch inseam, the bike fits perfectly, and the light 380 lb. wet weight is easy to handle, and the fuel economy of 72-74 mpg is fantastic. The down side is the bike is light, and as such side winds can be an issue. The bike likes on the road speeds of 45-60 mph, so if you plan on riding highways allot then I would recommend you keep the T7. Off road, due to being 65, I only ride improved dirt roads. I leave the technical and deep sand stuff for the younger riders so the stock rims and tyres are fine.
Hi Bruce, I'm age 60 and a new rider. Im 6'0 195lbs with a 32 in inseam. I own the Versys 300x and I've looked at all the bikes on the list. First off all these bikes are small compared to a full size bike like the T7. The BMW and KTM are even smaller than the Versys and Honda. I really liked the KTM but I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike and leaning forward a little more than I liked. Seat was 33 in tall. Honda fit and finish was superior to the other bikes and ergonomics felt good. You sit into the bike more than on top of the bike. But considerably cost more. The Versys has good ergonomics and runs good and you sit down into the bike more than on top of it. Seat is 32in hi. After putting 3k miles on the Versys I will say it can do it all. But 1st gear is like a tractor so all my street riding I start in second gear. It likes to rev and it is a bit buzzy on the Highway around 75mph. The bike does lack the passing power but can do probably 95mph. It's very good at back roads where your doing between 40 and 60. It does gravel well too. That being said I didn't ride it but I thing the Honda is the best of the bikes your looking at. I don't trust KTM that it won't leave me stranded. And the BMW is bit small.
I like the Suzuki DR650, light (380 lbs), simple single cylinder, enough torque and HP. Easily cruise all day at 80 mph, excellent on dirt roads etc.. More street orientated than the DRZ400 with more low end torque..
I agree. Simple and low cg. The motor is so willing to run all the way to 100mph. And it is awesome on dirt roads with good tires. I ran heavy tubes and Kenda K270 tires and had no flat problems and the tires worked great on dirt roads while being smooth on pavement.
I am 65 retired with similar riding experience as you. I own a KTM 390 in the Philippines (where I spend half the year) and an Aprilia Taureg 660 in the US for BDR type rides. I have had a steep learning curve off road on the Tuareg, broken bones and such but I am younger than you and finally getting it down. I came very close to getting the T-7 before I bought the Tuareg and I sat on one at a dealership. The T-7 felt very tall to me, but that didn't really matter because I am 6'3". To the point: You will love the 390, no question, it is so much easier to maintain your balance after a big bike like the T7. Mine came with alloy wheels and no tubes but the US version may come with spokes and tubes. The engine is the balls, so much fun but not scary powerful. I think the American one has better tech than mine too, an added plus for you to have adjustable front shocks and a traction control button. Any way best of luck and stay safe.
I would suggest adding the Suzuki DR650SE to your list given your checklist. I believe it would hit most of them except for the tubeless tires. I recommend this one from personal experience and from thousands of reviews for reliability/durability. Good luck with your choice!
I’m 66, 6’4”, and have a dr650 that you should consider in your list. It is 1” lower than the drz400. It is a a light (370 lbs.), inexpensive,@$7K, reliable, very customizable dual sport. Not top heavy. If you want more road capable, V-strom650. But nothing wrong with others on your list.
Try a KTM 690/Husqvarna 701 SM (not enduro). Has a 34” seat, 335 pounds, tubeless and 74 HP. I’m 74 and ride a Husqvarna 701 Enduro and BMW 1200GS. I can still pick up the 701 but not the 1200.
54 yo, 32" inseam here, also your neighbor in WA. I've ridden a bunch of bikes and own several including a KTM 390 adventure. I'll give you some quick insight into the 390. 1) It's a good bike. 2) It can do highways if you want. I'm 200lbs and was on I90 today going 75 (no luggage, just empty sidebags). The bike was stable and happy but the head buffeting from the wind is bad. One look at the stock windshield and no surprise. However, I'm not a big fan of this bike on interstates (mainly because of low weight and being blown around like a leaf), so if you don't plan to be on them much, it's perfectly fine at 55-60 on rural roads. Expect to spend money out the door on basic farkle. The stock bike is really bare and what is there is more decor than equipment. 3) You will want to upgrade the skid plate b/c factory is plastic (more of a splash guard). Black Dog Cycle Works is a popular choice. 4) The engine guards are OK, but you would probably want to upgrade them if you expect to drop the bike on any rocky kind of surface - they don't protect the tank. 5) The pegs suck. The peg mounts are slanted (what was KTM thinking?) You will want after market pegs that give you a flat standing area - I went with Black Dog Cycle Works here, too. 6) There is no centerstand, though aftermarket ones are available. 7) The stock seat sucks. The ergo one is better but raises the standover height a tad. The only other option is, obv, custom. I'm using the ergo. 8) Handguards are toys - you will want to put on Barkbusters 9) Alternator / stator output is low (any bike this size has low output); I think it's like 230 watts IIRC. If you want to run a full set of heated gear, it probably won't happen. 10) You will want risers. I don't put risers on for fun like some (my F850GSA doesn't have them), but on this bike it's a must, and more so given your height. 11) Stock windscreen is not great. I'm still looking for an aftermarket solution I like. 12) There are lowering kits available, but probably not as many options as for the Tenere - check those out to see if you can get the height to where you want before you commit. 13) You won't get many luxuries. It has ABS, traction control, etc. But no cruise control or luxury like that. Turn by turn nav sucks. Get a Garmin Zumo XT if you don't have one. But it's fun as heck. There are a bunch of YT channels on it where guys (and gals) gave up their heavier ADV bikes and went with this. It's so light you can flick it all over the place. It ALMOST feels like a dirt bike. The big one you need to remember is: reliability and repairs. All bikes can come out with a lemon, but let's say KTM isn't like the big 4 Japanese companies when it comes to reliability. And if/when something goes wrong, it's not like there's a KTM dealer on every corner as you might find with Yamaha or Honda or Harley (BMW has the same issue). If you break down while out and need a tow, you may need an expensive tow. It also lugs below 4K rpm (10k rpm redline). Not a problem, just you need to be aware of that. Lots of adv bikes have nothing stable until 3-5k rpm, so you'll just need to use a lot of clutchwork in the lower revs. So, the 390 is definitely worth a consideration. Get on one, and look at the "must replace" items I mentioned and see if you would need them and factor that into cost. You could also look at dual sports. The big thing there, again, is seat height. I'm not sure what lowering is available and/or if it makes sense with their suspensions. Keep us updated - I'm curious what you will go with! Stay safe, have fun!
I'm 76 years, 5'11", I was mostly riding big bikes over 1000cc for the last 25 years, this year I decided to step down to a smaller bike I choose the Honda CB500x mostly because of the lighter weight, it's just over 400 lbs it's easier to move it around and pick it up when I drop it, I have less than 1000 miles so far, I like it the 500x is definitely a keeper if I'm still able to ride when I'm 80 plus then this is the bike that will let me do that. As I get older I lost the urge to go faster, the 500x will cruise about 65 comfortable it will do 75 but not comfortable
KTM690 all the way for me, with a Rade Garage fairing and gas extension kit. 322lbs dry vs 412lbs dry for the T7. With the Rade Garage kit it holds 5 gallons, and consistently gets 50mpg. It's qualified for tough tech and you don't suffer at 80mph on the highway. I started ADV riding on an 890 - which is an awesome bike, but I like being able to do tough tech, and quickly switched to the 690 and am stoked. 3500 miles on it in 12 months.
I’m an Excel comparator too, down to the green positive attribute red negative. At 66 my riding style has changed, grew up on dirt bikes and had a DR350 for over 20 years; beat the crap out of it. Didn’t ride for about 10 years then bought a DR650. Love the tractor power, hate the weight! Struggle to lift it after a day of riding.. My riding is changing from live for single track to more forest roads and pavement. The DR650 doesn’t do the dirt great and doesn’t do the hwy great but it does do both fairly well. Has enough power to carry my camping gear reasonably comfortable at 60-65mph and still works ok on single track, not great just ok. In the dirt I need the lightest bike possible but light bikes don’t do well on the hwy. on the hwy I need a heavier twin but heavier twins are hard to pickup when they fall over in the dirt.. it’s all a compromise. And as we age and loose muscle & stamina that compromise becomes more challenging. So even though the DR650 is not perfect, it might be the best compromise for me at this age..
I just recently went to a yamaha demo days and rode the T7 and fell in love with it. Its the ergonomics and motor that like. Im age 60 and ride mostly pavement but the seat to peg height is wonderful and I can easily get my feet down.
I just watched this video. I have watched a number of your others. I am 72 years old and for the road I ride my Harley softail heritage classic. I know it's not an "adventure bike" but I was one of the first to get a Honda CRF300L (not the rally). I am about 5'6" and small and love the Honda. It can hold all the camping gear I could ever need (thanks to Nelson Riggs gear). I have a roto pack, MSR 30oz bottles, and paniers that have a gas tank under on the tool box side. I know it has tubes but they make tubes that are pretty much puncture proof or of course you can convert to tubeless. I did put a lowering link on mine and had a place in Medford shave the seat some. I did think about the Rally version but decided on the lighter L and have been more than happy with it. Again, I have seen a number of your videos. I don't think you live too far from my area in the very north eastern part of California. The only ones I ever let service my Harley are in Medford -Thunderstruck - The guys there are fantastic
I'm not old old yet but I downsized, I got the royal Enfield but not the Himalayan, I got the classic 500 really cheap when the Himalayan came out and everyone traded in. The classic is the original Himalayan in my mind , originally it was only the classic 500 that could actually make it across the Himalayas so that's what the locals used. I've fitted nobbly tires 'continental TKC80' and the large cargo rack and it's all I could dream of😍 it's the army green color one so it really looks the part. I paid £3200 for the bike in 2017 with 800 miles on it. The rack from India cost £170 with metal pannier box's, a screen that came free on the bike, tires £140 and I was ready to go on basically a new adventure bike for £3600 about $3900. Can't put fuel in it without it gathering a crowd around it all firing questions at me "is it a WW2 bike?" " did I restore it? " 😄 no it's practically brand new👍 I've had and have a lot of bikes but the royal Enfield classic 500 "enduro" 😂 brings me the biggest smiles when riding especially with 100 miles per gallon fully loaded with camping gear👍
I feel you have made many valid points. A few will require a unicorn motorcycle to fulfill but going to a smaller displacement motorcycle will solve some issues with the T7 you had. Personally, I wouldn't bother going tubeless if you are going off-road. You are just as likely to bend a rim or tear out a tire sidewall as you are getting a nail/screw. Inevitably, you'll want a tube and all associated tools along anyway. Anything smaller in displacement is going to have tube tires unless you get something that has cast alloy rims....which aren't good for off road. In regards to seat height, for dual sport motorcycles, if you plan on going off road, the only motorcycle with a lower seat would potentially be a Yamaha XT250.
I would encourage you to go back and look at the Suzuki. I currently ride a Triumph Tiger 800. Now in my 60s, I experiencing many of the same issues you brought up. My youngest son begin riding on a DRZ 400. After installing lowering links, this turned out to be a great bike for him. On the recent ride, I took the opportunity to ride it and was amazed at the "freeing" I felt with the light weight. I agree about low on power but it truly was an excellent bike. I still find myself shaking my head and surprised at how much I liked it.
As a life long dirt rider, I can tell you the over 400cc Adventure bikes are a compromise offroad to get better long distance road manners than dual sports. Sounds like your off roading is in moderation. I think test rides are a must before you pick another bike. I think either the CRF 300 or the Versys 300 could be made for you. The Honda will be better off road and the Versys on road. Most bikes can be lowered front and back, I believe the CRF can. But for 70/30 the Versys with adventure tires sounds like the bike for you.
