I solo off road a lot too. Three tools I always have with me are a folding saw, a coil of rope (15m X 3.5mm) and two small rope snatch blocks. I can quickly set up a snatch pull with hundreds of pounds of pull, and it all fits in a small bag/pouch). Thrown over a large limb or secured 3 meters up a tree trunk, and you can easily upright the bike. Tied off (once upright), you can power the bike forward 2-3 meters before the rope starts to hold you back. Then reposition the setup if you need more rope assist. This is not a quick, handy rescue method. This is when you have really tried and failed to upright the bike on your own. Dark is coming and/or weather is going bad.
A true and honest opinion and riding skills review, that all new riders should watch! Well done Johannes, for your honesty, humility and public announcement!! 👍👍
I’m 65 years old and love adventure, dirt, tarmac, two track, sand! So I definitely get the weight being an issue. I have ridden a Honda CRF 300 rally for two summers now and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Rural 55-60 mph gets me from one trail to the next no problem! I’m glad I watched your video because I really was thinking of the Tenere but the weight is definitely a concern…thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot for sharing Jim, I’m happy to hear the crf300l Rally is serving you well and my video helped you in the decision. A lot has happened since I made this video. I sold the T7 and bought a DRZ and a 701, both 150 kg dual sports. It made a huge difference and I got to learn the basics of offroad riding on more forgiving bikes. Now I’m actually back on a T7 because there’s so much tarmac to cover to get to the trails here where I live. I love the T7 and it isn’t as heavy as I found it with my first ownership. Why? Most likely because I’m a much better rider now after riding the dual sports. And I’m actually looking to add the crf300l to my stable because it’s a great value - a bike that I’d love to make a build series about and ride on the local trails.
Mad props to you for the humility in your judgement. I started riding last year on a Versys 300 and even though I love that little thing I can already tell how it's not suited for serious off-road riding. I was thinking of the T7 for an "upgrade" but after seeing your video I am gravitating more toward a new KLX300 or CRF300L, maybe even a DRZ400. Thank you for your insight.
Hello Ricardo and thank you very much for your kind words! I have not ridden the Versys, but with its 175kg I would imagine its easier/better for basic offroad riding than the T7, unless you’re a very skilled rider. A CRF/KLX/DRZ will be 30kg lighter than the Versys with the same power. I’ve read many people say they improved their offroad riding skills more in a few months on a dual sport, than what they learned with years on an adventure bike. I’m glad I could help my friend. I just bought a DRZ and will make videos with first impressions, offroad riding and compare a dual sport to an adventure bike when I have some experience with the DRZ. Ride safe!
Theres no beating traditional dual sports as long as you dont mind not being able to do long highway trips. I love my v strom, it's not that bad off road with some knobbies, I do mud and sand pretty fine and it's so comfortable.
I switched from a T7 (still in my garage) to a CRF 300 L. I have replaced the suspension front and rear (much better than a T7 or a WR 250 now), modified the ergonomics, added an exhaust system and removed/replaced some part to reduced the weight wherever possible. And I love it - so much more fun on- and off-road… really perfect for the TET and alike. Saying that, the T7 is still my preference for pure long highway rides.
That sounds like an awesome bike! What exactly did you do with the suspension on the CRF? Once it hits the used market in Norway, I will take a closer look at it. My plan is to pick up a slightly used one with the suspension already done, unless I really like my newly aquired DRZ. I would love to keep the T7 for longer highway rides. I’m currently looking for a second bike, pure street for those longer trips down in Europe. Thank you for commenting!
@@JohannesDalenMC Since you didn't get an answer so far, I can at least make suggestions, on what might be a good idea to change, at the suspension. I'm two inches smaller than you and weigh 100kg. Harder spring and shock absorber on the rear! The rear suspension will be too soft for you and the shock absorber isn't up to the task. it's way too soft and will get to its limits the moment when beeing loaded with you and your baggage. it will leave few suspension travel and will bottom out offroad. especially if you plan on riding it just for fun (without baggage) at times and then traveling (with baggage) you will want a rear suspension with adjustable pre-tension. A few hundred Euro and you're good. the front suspension/fork is about okay and mostly just needs to be changed due to personal driving style/preference. I would just ride it for a few km and then decide. For me, the fork needs to be harder and the shock absorber needs to be damping more. If you are a more relaxed driver, you may be satisfied with the original. If you tend to be rather sporty, you might find that the fork compresses too much while breaking hard. I wanna (partially) ride the TET through sweden/norway/finnland in summer 2022. I did think of getting a tenere 700 for that, instead of changing the oil and filter on the crf 300 SIX+ times. Even though I am aware of the problems with mud an lifting the bike a few dozen times, your experience is giving me second thoughts about my choice. How would you describe the trail (as far as you know it) in the summertime? Is it a stupid idea to take a tenere 700 when riding alone?
@@ferdlhofreiter45 Thanks a lot for the feedback Ferdl, sounds like you’ve done your homework! The shock on my brothers 250l is just terrible. If I went with a 300l I would do the same as you, new shock and new internals in the front. Are you enjoying your 300l so far?
@@JohannesDalenMC I jsut wrote a long comment and reloaded the page, so it's gone. I'm being a little shorter now. Overall it's what I expected and I am happy. It's a great weekend ride and will stay for that. It has the expected flaws, but only the suspension wasn't acceptable for me. I didn't ride for 15 years, and had no offroad experience worth mentioning, so I'm not the first choice to evaluate the offroad capability. So far I didn't wish for more power offroad, even though I am thrashing it fairly well. I just got not quite technical terrain though. No sand, no boulders. On tarmac, it's okay, but I'm not sure, if I wanted to do my planned 4-7000km trip on it. I'm planning to (partially) do the scandinavian TET in summer 2022 and am not sure, if I could accept to take the 300. Mostly because my trip will involve quite a bit tarmac country roads and highways, and because of oil/filter changes every 1000km. Right now I'm looking into a very well offroad capable bike, that' available in germany. Since quite a few bikes aren't available in germany, I'm drawn to the KTM 690 Enduro R or the Tenere. Could I ask your opinion on the scandinavian TET in the summertime? Would you not go there anymore on a 180-200 kg bike alone? Or would you be okay with it and just compromise on certain parts? I know how much trouble a Tenere could be, yet I feel drawn towards that., and I feel drawn to stay on the TET for as long as possible.
@@ferdlhofreiter45 Thanks for sharing, appreciate that. A lot to cover here, so I’ll try to be a bit short and precise: Is the oil/filter change on the crf300l 1000km? Or was that a typo and you ment 10.000? The 450l is 1000, but that is pretty much a race bike. When it comes to TET, I have only ridden in Norway, but I think for at least Norway and Sweden, the difficulty is around the same. 9/10 times it would be okay with a Tenere 700 / 200kg adventure bike for most people. But, the one time you do drop your bike and can’t get out, it will ruin the whole trip and it can be dangerous. There are a few remote places on the Norwegian TET, but you’re never that far from help. I think the Swedish TET is even more remote. People are riding TET here in the north with a GSA1250, so it’s doable. Everyone has a different approach to how much risk they are willing to take, and I can only speak for myself - I’m not taking a 200kg bike on a TET trip more times. I would rather have a 300L than a T7. The T7 is a fantastic bike, and would work well if you know its limitations. But I did know it’s limitations, yet was I caught out in difficult situations many times - and I consider myself a very defensive rider. I just bought a 2021 Husqvarna 701 enduro so the highway stints between the TETs will be more confortable, yet I have a bike that is very capable offroad. If you want company, I’ll join you on the norwegian TET this summer 🙂
Thank you so much for all the positive comments and great bike suggestions! I have now bought my next bike, a mint DRZ: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S3ANsWvixTg.html This bike seems to get the job done as a starter dual sporter. I wish you all a great day and please ride safe! Johannes
We cannot all be Pol Tarres... My first ADV bike was also a 650 V-Strom, and I caught the same bug as you. I traded my V-Strom in for a WR250R. I am almost 60 years old, 1.77m tall, 87kgs of office worker body, and low skilled. When we go out, I am the guy that picks his bike up twice an hour. I love my WR, but you are too big for it if you do any road riding at all. Enjoy the DRZ!
@@davidc1961utube Hello David and thank you very much for commenting! The WRR is a great bike. So is the unkillable V-Strom, but its a tourer. Ride safe my friend!
I agree the DRZ400 is small enough to wrestle with in difficult terrain, yet big enough to go on the road. With aggressive tires it should take you anywhere, though the fuel tank is not very large.
@@paulh6591 Thats reassuring to hear, Paul! The bike came with a 17L safaritank, so the fuel issue is sorted. More aggressive tires are coming on tomorrow, finally got the rim locks in the mail.
Johannes just found your channel. Consider Honda XR650L @ 340 pounds it's on the heavy side, cheap, uses a carb, been around a long time. KLX, CRF and WRR are close to 300 pounds so pretty heavy for a 250. Even CRF450 is 290 pounds and is very expensive, and has the maintenance schedule of a KTM. KTM will be in the 240 pound range and also expensive but will hold it's value better when you go to sell it, they're always in demand. Suzuki DRZ400 is 320 pounds, a good reliable bike. If you want a lighter bike, go with a KTM but find a 2017 or so with the ability to add a kickstart if your worried about a dead battery in the wilderness. The newer KTMs lost the ability to add a kickstarter. So, considerations are: How light a bike do you want, Carb/fuel injection, cost per cc, reliability, ability to carry weight on the back, appropriate power for your skill level, height of the bike, maintenance schedule, electric start, range/mileage, dirt/street bias, and such. Good luck sir.
Hello Scott and thank you very much for an excellent comment- gonna pin this one so people in the same situation can use this as a guide. Just yesterday a guy commented how much good information there was in the comment section of this video! I have already bought a used DRZ, and comparing my purchase with the points you’ve made with your comment, I am sure I made the right decision! Likewise, ride safe my friend!
I came from a Africa Twin to Husqvarna 701...I have to say I made the right choice. Give it a try...it's not as comfortable as an Adventure bike but it's super capable off road and a featherweight compared to a twin
Thanks a lot for your comment Dan! I can absolutely imagine that it was a step in the offroad direction, for sure! I’m most likely not going to buy the 701 to begin with, at least not yet, mainly because of price, but I am looking at dual sports in the same category weight wise. Its reassuring to hear that you’re happy with your choice. I have test ridden the 701 and man the power, its crazy! Haha
I am another happy 701 owner. I have a Husqvarna FE350 which I use less than the 701 even in single track. You're a big lad, Johannes, the 140kg is no problem for me, 90kg and 183cm tall, long time ago power lifter too. For TET rides long oil change gaps, cush drive, pleasant road manners all make the 701 a good choice for me, but I've got stuck too.
@@TheIdlesurfer Nice to see hear from a fellow lifter Andrew! If/when I think its time to replace the DRZ, the 701 enduro is definitely something I will take a closer look at. How long have you had it for and has there been any issues?
Great honest evaluation of the situation you find yourself in. I am 61 years old and have ridden bikes for over 40 years, off road and on and find the same problem with my T7, it is great in most situations but you definitely notice the weight, but thankfully I am over the single track stuff. If I do go ride more off road I will ride my DR 650, still heavy but 40 Kg lighter than my T7, and I feel more confident on it. I have heard and read many things that ADV riders prefer more powerful, more comfortable bikes for long trips but I will put up with a less powerful, less comfortable bike on the road just to save me from being stuck somewhere dripping with sweat and exhausted from trying to get some 250 Kg behemoth out of a rut or stuck on the side of a hill.
Thank you for the comment sir. I couldn’t agree more, after being stuck many times. I’ll happily give up road performance and comfort for a lighter, easier and more offroad capable bike. Ride safe!
I appreciate your humble feedback on the T7. I got a Drz400s as my first bike last year and have been using it to explore trails and some technical off road club trails, but it's also just (barely) big enough to zip on the highway to work. The DRZ has been very forgiving for me to learn on. I keep thinking about the T7 for my next bike, but like you, I have also gotten into some sticky situations out in the wilderness on my own, and I was barely able to get my bike unstuck. I know that if I had a heavier bike like the T7, I would have had to call help to get out. So it's pushing me more toward bikes like a husky701, or beta500.
Hello Russell and thank you for sharing your experience! I’m glad to hear the DRZ has been serving you well - if you enjoy trail riding and offroad riding I would rather buy something like the 701/690 instead of the T7. The T7 is a lot better on the highway though, so it depends on what kind of riding you want to do. How about buying a second bike that will do commuting and highway riding better than the DRZ, and use the DRZ for trail riding? That’s what I’m doing, as I found the T7 to be too much of a compromise in both trail riding and highway riding. A DRZ and a used V Strom does everything better than one bike, and is also cheaper. Are you not happy with the DRZ since you’re thinking about upgrading it?
@@JohannesDalenMC Thanks for the reply. Multiple bikes would be nice, but with my current lifestyle/budget I like the appeal of compromising on a dual sport. The drz has been a pleasure, but I think I'm driven by a curiosity to try other "modern" dual sports since the Drz is the only bike I have experience with so far. Feeling slightly limited by no 6th gear when I need to ride 30-60 mins to get to fun new trails.
@@Mazer0600 I absolutely understand. It sounds like you should take a closer look at the 701, I’ve heard many good things about it! A sixth gear would have been very nice on the DRZ. I have geared mine down so anything over 80kmh is a no go. Keep me posted on what you’ll end up buying. If you buy during the off season you might get a good deal on a slightly used 701.
I have a 2019 Africa Twin. Incredible machine, but when it’s paid off I’ll be trading it for a CRF300L Rally. Also, you kind of look like Charlie Hunnam.
Hi Rob and thanks for chiming in. Sounds like we’re both going in the direction of «light is right». The CRF300L sounds like an awesome bike. When it hits the used marked I will seriously consider getting one that already has the all the upgrades :) Haha thats cool, I was a huge SOA fan back in the day when I rode my Harley 😅
Same here. I have a Tiger 900 Rally Pro that I haven’t even ridden since buying a CRF 300 Rally. The 170 pound difference allows you to go places the heavy bikes can’t. The Honda is fine on the highway for a couple hours at a time and 70 mpg gives great range.
You're an excellent presenter Johannes, this was a brilliant blend of statement/question & assertive/reflective, that combined with your openness and honesty makes you very engaging. Would really like to hear about the new 701.
Thank you very much for the kind words, I appreciate that! I just released a new video about the 701 after 1000km. Have around 3000km now after an amazing event in Sweden, and man what an excellent machine. Couldn’t be happier!
When I was shopping for a dirt biased (but streetable) bike last year I started out looking for a T7 and would have bought one if I'd found one... in hindsight I'm glad they weren't available because I ended up with the 701 Enduro instead and quickly learned that weight is king when it comes to this kind of riding (primarily dirt trails with some tarmac on the one end and some singletrack on the other)... and that 100lbs of weight savings is huge. Even the 690/701 suffer their weight a bit on the really challenging stuff, but if you're looking for a bike you can pack on miles AND ride capably offroad there is no perfect option.
Thanks for sharing your story David - sounds like you made the right choice. As you say, weight is one of the biggest factors when riding offroad. 690/701 isn’t necessarily a light bike, but much lighter than your typical adv bikes. If you go much smaller and weaker in terms of engine power, you’ll begin to really suffer on the highways. I don’t like riding highways, but it’s a necessary evil where I live and ride.
I own a T7 and a Xt250, I am 5 foot 8 inches (175cm) tall only 145 pounds (66kg). I've layed the T7 over 2 times when I was riding solo. The bike isn't that heavy to get back up. But it is heavy for technical riding. My 250 doesn't dictate where I go like the T7. But the T7 is so nice on the roads that I can't let it go. I think I will keep the T7 for light offroad and touring duties. And I will always keep a light weight dual sport for technical riding....the problem is... I need more power for the lighter dual sport now that it feels so slow after riding the T7!
Thanks for your comment Shaun! I agree, picking up the T7 is doable, but its very heavy if its on an incline, in mud or between two trees 😅 If the XT250 doesn’t have enough power, which dual sport do you think would be the one for you? I would really like to keep the T7 for touring, but there are so many cheaper options out there if I’m only touring on it (street bike), so I do see myself getting a light DS and in the near future, a cheap commuter/tourer.
@@JohannesDalenMC I like the new Kawasaki KLX 300, and the old Wr250r as well. Even looked at the KTM and Husky 350. I really like the Husky but don't know if I want the high maintenance...though it would be a lot of fun on the trails. Hoping yamaha releases a new 250 to 350cc dual sport soon now that the Wr250r is discontinued in the USA. My old 2009 xt250 has been 100 percent reliable, so i would like to stick with a made in japan bike.
@@shaunoftheguads If the KLX300S would have been available in Norway I’d pick it up new. I like it over the CRF300L because of the better suspension. If Yamaha releases a competent WR350R it would sell like hot bread, as long as it wasn’t too expensive. The WR250R in Norway used is almost the same price as a slightly used EXC500 😅 I too am going for a Japanese to begin with, just for the peace of mind.
I love your humble approach and your honesty, and yes, you have made the right decision, lighter bikes are ideal for offroad, even e-mountain bikes that are 25kg are better than any Teneré 700 offroad, try as many bikes as you can and find the one that suits you. I wish you the best of luck motorcycle Viking , and remember to have fun!
Hello Daniel and thanks a lot for the kind words! I’ve been test riding a few here and there, and quite sure which my next bike will be- it will be at least 60kg lighter than the T7, I can tell you that :D May I ask what kind of bike(s) you ride? Ride safe my friend!
@@istayanonanon1819 Absolutely, its a bike I would love to own one day! I ultimately found them a bit too pricey and ‘too capable’ for my current skill level. I went with a DRZ and I still have money left for a street bike for commuting and highway rides. Do you own one?
I’m 36 years old and have ridden motorcycles since I was 19. I never did get into off-road or trail riding. The extent of off-road experience is on 4 wheels. My riding level is fairly accomplished. I have been looking at getting a dual sport to fulfill my ORV and motorcycle needs. I have done a lot of thinking about it and too realized my need for a smaller displacement, lighter motorcycle for learning the technical side of trail riding. I appreciate your honest reflection of your abilities. It further reinforces the fact that regardless of time spent in the saddle, when tackling a new approach to the sport you need to take a step back. We can all run, but running on ice is very different. The Honda CRF300L Rally is my ideal bike, however struggle with paying retail cost for something I may never enjoy as much as tarmac riding. I look forward to seeing you progress as a rider. Keep posting I’ll keep watching.
Good day Kcmoto and thank you for commenting! You said it in a simple yet beautiful way. We all need to evaluate our skill level, what we want to accomplish and what tools we need to master the skill. I tried to run on ice before I learned how to run by taking a 200kg monster offroad. The CRF300L/Rally seems to be a really good bike, but personally I wouldn’t buy it new. If you’re not sure if its for you I would buy a used bike. That way you don’t have to deal with the initial loss from buying new, and you can sell with little to no loss if you dont like it. Thanks for sticking around and ride safe my friend!
Dude!! I really appreciate your honesty & humility in this video. It took a lot of guts to tell this story & I agree with your sentiments 100%. I'm a newish rider and currently own a 2019 XT250 and an R3; I love them both. The T7 to me, or the "idea" of a T7 was awesome til I finally threw a leg over one at my local dealership. You could feel that weight bro, plus i was tippy toeing it too lol and I'm no scrawny guy (i don't think) 5'9" 200 pounds BUT yeah I wouldn't want to wrestle that thing on my own in the middle of nowhere as the sun is setting lol. ALOT of people feel the same way you do. Be patient and hold off on your next purchase as Yamaha "should" be unveiling a "mini tenere" with the 321cc parallel twin from the R3 but in a ADV package. The WR250R is no more (discontinued) and something similar or better is bound to replace it soon...
Good day my friend and thank you for the kind words! The T7 is too heavy, but I think Yamaha knew that most of the people will use it as a tourer, with the occasional hard packed gravel road, to which I think is a very good bike. But as you say, if you drop it, which you eventually will offroad, its a top heavy bike to pick up. I’ve already purchased my next bike, a DRZ400, and I’ll explain why in further detail in a future video, but one of the reasons is because it holds its worth well in the used marked and I got a great deal on this one i absolutely mint condition. So when Yamaha brings out a tenere 300 (I’ve too heard this rumor, from a Yamaha dealer) or a new WRR, I won’t lose much money on the DRZ. But that can take a few years, and I’m never buying a brand new motorcycle again as I’ve experienced how much you’ll lose with the T7 and all the upgrades. Ride safe!
Johannes, pretty much the same thinking as far as my own experience (2001 BMW F650 Dakar). If I would make a choice right now, I would consider KTM 690 Enduro R 2021.
Hello Przemek and thanks for commenting! The 690/701 seems like such awesome machines. I have considered those, but as this is a test phase for me, to see if the dual sport is something I want to continue with, I went with a much cheaper used DRZ. If I happen to like it, the bike you mention might very well be my next bike. Ride safe my friend!
690 enduro/Husqvarna 701 was on my list too, but after reading many bad experiences with the reliability of those, I went for Honda CRF250 Rally. Bad reliability is the other thing which will leave you stranded. Lower power also helps with handling as a new rider.
@@enhancdreality If I could pick without paying, it would have been the 701 or the PR7. The DRZ I chose is one third of the price of both, and that makes it a lot easier for me to try new stuff in the woods, crash the bike, tip it over without worrying etc. To me that is very valuable as a learner. Thank you for chiming in!
@@JohannesDalenMC I wanted the 2021 model of the PR7 but they aren't available in Australia. I completely understand about the price. My bike is very expensive and it's painful to think about crashing it
Hello Johannes, I stood for the same decision as you a. I was strugeling with the decision purchasing a Tenere 700. Besides I´m convinced that the new Tenere is an awesome bike i decided to buy a XT 660 R instead. With a few mods it weights around 175kg wet. That 25 kilo less and the fact that it is a 1/3 the price in Germany decided it for me I had a WR 250 R for 2,5 years and i rode around 15.000 kilometers. I have done 3 major trips mostly offroad. I learned offroad riding with it, and for me it is despite my not so big experience the best offroad bike i ever rode. The Power was offroad more than enough and the Suspension was way better than necessery for me. It gave me the confidence to explore wherever i wanted to go. When there is trail i had the feeling i can ride it. I only sold it because the lack of torque was anoying over time. The engine is reliable but quite revy as you would expect from a 250 i hope my experience could help you a little. Best regards from Germny
Guten abend mein freund! I think you made the best decision buying the xt660r instead of the T7. 25 kg is actually a huge difference and the money you saved can be used for gas. The T7 is a fine machine, but it is not 60% better than the xt660r, thats for sure! Thank you for sharing your experience with the WRR- It assures me I’ve made the right choice buying the DRZ400 for my kind of riding. Ride safe my friend, greetings from Norway.
Ex owner of wr250r, 690's, klr and 500 chiming in. I still own my 500 but I wanted to try a bigger adv bike to see if I was missing out on something, so like many peoples who watched pol tares vids, I went for a t7 lol. My verdict : I agree 100% with you. Fantastic adv bike, but thats about it. I won't sell my 500 anytime soon, and If I was you, I would look for a 690. Wr250r and DRZ are great and all, but you will miss some power. 690's are heavy, but manageable everytime, unlike the T7...
Thank you so much for the comment, Phil. I’m glad we both agree that the T7 is a fantastic bike, but also a heavy one if you want to explore more offroad than gravel roads. I’ve had the EXC500 recommended many times, and theres plenty of people putting on a cush drive hub and riding them around the world. I could see myself getting one in the future, but I think a DRZ or WRR is a cheaper, easier first step going from ADV riding to dual sporting, don’t you agree? If you could give me a quick write up on DRZ vs WRR since you’ve owned both I would be very thankful!
Wr vs DRZ, it depend... on the highway, the Z really lack a 6th gear, and start to be an outdated bike also. The WR is better everywhere else but lack the torque of the DRZ.. Thats the reason why I would suggest something a bit bigger, given your size, and by the fact that you already got used to a 200kg beast. The 500 is a weapon but its on the other end of the spectrum, too radical for a lot of people. 690's or those newer honda's 300 would be the ticket for you, I believe...
@@phil2ride312 Thanks a lot again! I’ve given the new crf300l a good look. My brother owns a crf250l rally. Out of the box I will have to upgrade the suspension, that bike is soft. Can’t get my hands on the klx300s in Norway, that has better suspension. Have you ridden the new crf300l?
@@phil2ride312 Don’t have to go full Ohlins on it, I guess stiffer springs will do plenty for someone of my skill level. But, the crf300l new is only slightly cheaper than a used 450exc. Can get my hands on a barely used one for just 20% more than the crf. Decisions decisions :)
The 990 is such a good looking bike! I would love to ride one, one day. The 701 is something I’m seriously considering, but at that price range I have to be sure thats what I want. Therefore I bought a used DRZ to try out the whole dual sport thing. Ride safe my friend and thanks for commenting!
Hi Johannes, thank you for an enlightening video! I am 100% on your page when it comes to weight of bikes versus it's purpose. I am 61 years old and have been biking for 45 years. I have owned many bikes over the years and currently have 3 motorcycles, and a Vespa 300. Each has it's place, and specific purpose. My BMW GS 1150 Adventure is now my tar & gravel "road bike", my Dakar 650 is "do it all all-rounder", My Honda XL 200 is my light little "off-road/trail riding" bike, and my Vespa is my little "town commuter". As one gets older, shorter, and weaker, the weight of the machine becomes all important. I would dread taking my GS on a technical off-road ride, as much as I'd hate to use my XL200 for a long road trip! I think you are 100% making the right decision to go lighter, if off-road exploring is your thing! Good luck in finding the right bike, and greetings from South Africa!
Good day Neville and thank you for commenting! Sounds like you have quite the stable, especially the Dakar 650, such an iconic motorcycle. Light is right to a certain degree, for road riding I too would choose big and powerful (if I had a lighter dual sport in the stable). Thank you for the greetings and ride safe sir.
I bought a G310GS for my 60th birthday. I've ridden small displacement dual sport thumpers since 1975 but my serious dual sport riding days are long gone. I want to ride back roads, gravel and dirt roads, but I definitely don't want a heavy bike. That never sounded like fun and at my age, it sounds even less fun. A friend keeps trying to get me to buy an 850GS. I sat on his and it seemed way too heavy for me.
@@Liberty4Ever Thank you for sharing sir. You already have a very capable and perfectly good bike, personally I wouldn’t upgrade - its a 41 kg heavier bike as well. Ride safe my friend.
@@nevillecartwright7292 hey neville from a fellow s/ african out of usa how is the maintenance on your bmw. I ride a yamaha star venture and thinking on trading my vtx1800 for the gs.
I think that you are wise. I reached a similar conclusion about my Africa Twin. I am 5’4” and I am 66 years old. The Africa Twin is brilliant but now I own a Royal Enfield Himalayan and I am much happier. For you I’d recommend the Honda 300 Rally.
Hello Gerald and thank you very much for commenting! The AT is a brilliant bike, no doubt about it, but it is very tall and heavy. The RE Himalayan is a beautiful bike. Approachable and not very tall. The Honda 300 Rally is something I want to take a closer look at once it hits the used market in Norway. I have bought a slightly used DRZ since making this video, and its a perfect test bike to see if I like the dual sport side of adventure riding. Ride safe sir.
Currently facing a similar situation - and looking at Honda 450 RL as an alternative. I think the hesitation I have is the price point for alternative bikes new, is the same as a T7 new. Feels like a bitter pill to swallow if it's new - so perhaps used market and a different model might be a better option. Good video and ride safe!
Hello Adnan and thank you for commenting! I think the 450L is a very cool motorcycle, but I found it to be too service intense and too pricey for a motorcycle that I personally will trash around in the woods. I went with a used DRZ for a third of the price. Can’t really compare the two performance wise, but for my use and skill level the DRZ is more than enough. I’m in the market for a second bike though, that will be better on longer highway rides as I’d like to travel down into Europe as well. Thank you and likewise, ride safe and have a great day my friend!
Every motorcycle has limits and I think the T7 is one of the better options out there. If you know your own limits, the terrain you struggle with and the weight you find heavy, I am sure you can work out the a way out for each situation. Learn more, train more, prepare more. Get better tires. Going to a lighter motorcycle may not be the best option either, since you will always find new limitations or make compromises. Next time it will be sand, or water or whatever else. You can have the lightest transport method out there but if you hurt yourself there is no way you're getting out of there without help. This time it was deep sticky mud, next time it might be an unreliable motorcycle. The important matter is to have a reliable tool and be well prepared for the adventure. I wish you luck in finding a solution that works for you. :)
Bless you bro for your humble and honest reflections. Ya man weight is really important. Doesn’t matter how skilled you are when you end up in some shitty situation . I am 65 know and been on bikes since I was 14years Young And the overweight Adventure bikes are a plague and one should not go alone with them off-road. When something happens even a 100 kg bike can be overwhelming when alone. It is very easy to get caught in the situation you describe and I have been there even with big road bikes on dirt roads. One time one a gravel road I ended under my 200 kg Laverda 1000 In a deep ditch which luckily was almost dry. It took me a couple off hours to get lose an wrestle /drag the bike up and the push start it . And same with light motocross bikes out in nature struggling for hours on my own. I feel that it’s a risk you take when being on your own that you might not make it specially if you get injured But that’s is life and makes it more challenging and rewarding when you can look back and share with friends. I know the feeling of despair when struggling alone for survival but have also the great memories of surviving and that gives me a beautiful foundation for to continue living fully and Not give in for fear and ageing. Today I ride a overweight Yamaha 660 and a 300kg Honda Pan Europe and I am still pushing the limits as I always has been doing. Just go for it brother. 😉🙏👍
I came to same conclusion with my 800gs. You can do technical trails with it if tractions is good. But when it gets slippery it's just too heavy. I'm thinking about getting KTM 690 and adding Rade Garage tower and tank to it. 160kg wet should be manageable enough I think.
Hello Alexander and thank you for commenting! After the CRF300L, the most suggested bike in this video is easily the 690/701. Its a beast of a motorcycle and I would very much like to own one. I ultimately found it a bit too pricey and ‘too capable’ for my current needs, so I bought a used DRZ instead to trash around in the woods while getting better at it. Ride safe my friend!
@@alexanderzhulin3528 Thank you! I would love to one day. I’ve never been to Russia, but I was a border patrol between Kirkenes in Norway and Murmansk many years ago :)
Came to the same conclusion with my V85TT and also looking at the 690/701. Had a look at the T700 WR the past days but ultimately its too heavy too. I'm not sure if I shall replace the V85TT or wait until I can afford a second bike. Tough decision. The 890R (with Rally tower) is tempting too.
@@theunheardprophet4315 you can unless road comfort is very important for you. 701 rides more like 80/80% enduto/road bike. And it looks like new models are more reliable than 890.
Your comment are correct for learning offroad (only) and exploring tracks a lighter bike is a must.. i learned that the same way as you learned .. now i am riding a V-Strom 650 Xt because i mostly ride touring with that but for offroad i would absolutely follow your lead
Thank you for commenting. The v strom is an awesome bike, I regret selling it. It was such a good and comfortable tourer for a reasonable price. A v strom and a DRZ would make the perfect stable!
Very nice and honest and rational recommendation. Its always man and the machine combo that needs to work... Good luck to you to continue riding and enjoying your rides...We all are on this quest to figure out the balance between the power and ability to manage. The net weight does play out and the CC also makes a difference to the task on hand..
Hello Ajay and thanks for the kind words! You are absolutely right- its all a compromise. It really depends on what kind of riding you intend to do. I often find myself far from help and in the really tight and technical stuff, so this change made a lot of sense. Ride safe my friend!
I would agree when it comes to the 1000+ cc bikes but the T7 is a step above them. Still not an off-road bike but very good on most trails for a rider with moderate skills (worth noting that he is back on a T7 now)
I switched to a 250 from a 650. I was really concerned about not having enough power, but to my surprise it’s not the case. You have to adapt the roads a bit, but the smaller the road the more fun it is. Two years in now, I’m still not getting bored. Highly recommend to give it a shot. To my surprise even on the highway it’s better than a 600cc single as there are less vibrations. The only real downside is overtaking on busy large country roads. You can still do it but it needs some planning.
Thanks for chiming in! After I sold this T7, I bought a DRZ400 and that was a game changer for my riding. Became a much better rider, quicker and safer on the smaller bike. Now I have another T7 (😅) for long adventure rides and a 350 enduro bike, so I’m all set!
Hi and thanks for the kind words! If you’re biased towards the tarmac, you’ll love the T7. The CP2 engine is smooth, predictable and fun. Its not the most comfortable street bike with its long suspension, but surprisingly good with a 21 inch front as well. I have considered the regular version. The rally is a cool bike and I understand its place, but it has less ground clearance and is heavier (more fuel). I would probably go with the regular and add a bigger tank if I was going that route. Thanks for the suggestion!
I recommend taking a look at Suzuki Dr 650. I've been riding it for 5 years including 2 week trips, rally and enduro races and I think this is the most balanced 50/50 dual sport. Pros: stock weight 147 kg, old, known reliable construction from the 90's (some people doesn't like it, but in the long run i'm very happy, doing all the maintenance on my own), tons of tuning on the market. Cons : lack of performance in stock condition. Mine is tuned heavily now and it can compete with modern bikes in races. Stock - not so much
Thank you for your comment- the DR650 is a mighty motorcycle. A few hours ago a guy commented and said his 2014 DR had 297k km on the clock (!!). I actually bought the DRs little brother, the DRZ. So far I’m really liking it and the old tech doesn’t bother me at all. I just took it apart and back together for a closer inspection and to get to know the bike, its built well and easy to maintain. I guess they are pretty similar. Where are you from if I may ask?
@@JohannesDalenMC great choice, wish you luck with drz! I had a choice back then between drz and dr but stick with more longer trips than enduro. I'm from Russia, Moscow
@@Stepankurkov04 Thank you! Moscow, thats cool! I’ve never been to Russia, but I was patroling the border by Murmansk back in the army days. I know Russia is a vast land, but how is the trails around where you live? Available?
@@JohannesDalenMC Yep, you can pretty much go anywhere in the suburban zone unless it's restricted like reserves. In central region where I live we have mostly forests, fields, swamps with muddy trails, many river crossings and gravel roads. It changes a lot around 1000 km from Moscow in any direction
If you can get one a DR 650 light reliable and cheap or its little brother the drz 400... I bought a 650 to do the BDR's here in the states for the exact reason you are selling your T7 .. jmo
Thanks a lot for your comment. I actually test rode a DRZ400 today, and I liked it. It was a lot less refined than my T7 (obviously), but it was so light I could pick it up under my arm 😅
@@212driller Good day sir and thanks for your comment. I have never ridden the mighty DR, but I’m sure its awesome! I actually bought its little brother intented for the same use :)
Johanne, Last year I bought a crf250l. In winter I swapped it for a 750cc street bike. Now I am waiting for the delivery of the CRF300 Rally. I recommend you to try this one. It's a great all-rounder that will let you drive anywhere. Later this year, I plan to travel the eastern section of Poland TET part.
Good day my friend! The CRF300L seems to be wildly popular - Everyone recommends it! I will go test ride one once it hits the dealers here in Norway (all sold out instantly), and really consider one if I like it and when its available on the used marked. The polish TET sounds awesome, I would love to do that one day. Ride safe!
Oh yes, the T7 has a special place in my heart already. Perhaps Yamaha has released a real Rally version by then, at 150kg with a lower centre of gravity? :)
Hey Johannes from Australia. You might check out KTM 500 EXC for mostly dirt and some highway. There are stacks of adventure accessories for KTMs on EBay and online stores. Weight without fuel is about 106kg which gives you lots of scope to build a bike to suit you that weighs a lot less than your T7. Good luck and ENJOY!
Hello Daryl and thank you for the greetings all the way from Australia! Its on top of my list of places where I want to ride. The EXC 500 is a mighty fine bike, and I would love to have one that I could build into my dream adventure bike. It was one of the bikes that I was considering, but I ultimately found it too pricey and "too capable" for my current needs. I went with the Australian favorite DRZ400 for a third of the price. I like the fact that it was so cheap, so I dont mind if things break or get damaged when I drop it. Do you own an EXC 500? Greetings from Norway and ride safe my friend!
Hi Johannes, I have a 2010 450 EXC that I could never part with. It's purely a dirt bike. I also have a 2016 690 Duke R that is awesome for road riding. Your DRZ is a good choice. Lots of gear available for it. My first suggestion is get the spring rates right for your weight in your riding gear and set the rider sag correctly. Happy touring!
I have a Tiger 800 XCx and came to a similar conclusion, to the off road I do and want to do it is way too heavy. I didn't see the Tiger, it is a great bike and serves now to its intended purposes - ADV Touring with light off road If I want to go RTW the smooth, powerful and comfortable Tiger is the choice. So I got a Husqvarna 701 Enduro. What a fantastic dual sport. It does everything, very versatile. I ride with friends that have 250-450 and I keep up with them just fine in any terrain. On road they have no chance keeping up with me. The 74 hp single is a beast. Changed the heavy exhaust to Titanium, installed a lighter and powerful LiOn battery, and a fantastic Seat Concepts. I'm 6'5 like you, 105kg and the 701 looks like a 450 with me. When I sit on a 450 it looks a 250. I think 250 cc is too small for you, you will be over correcting from the T7 - too extreme. You're a big guy. 450 cc is very good choice but on road it will not really be a good solution for medium+ distances. Which brings me back to the 690/701/700 (pick your color - orange/white/red): A ~320 lbs bike (after upgrades) with 74hp, a big chassis for tall people. Can go 95 mph on road one minute then do a single track the other. Just put good off road tires (e.g. Pirelli Scorpion XC) and you'll be smiling all day long.
This is a major point that most people need to hear but too many owners done say either due to using them mostly on road as you say or thinking a light gravel road is "offroad use"
Thank you for commenting Jay. I agree, I think there’s a lot of guys out there riding their big adv bikes, without knowing how heavy the bike really is when things get ugly. Then again, most of these bikes are used for touring, which is prefectly fine as well. The word ‘adventure’ has different meaning to different people. Ride safe my friend!
@@JohannesDalenMC I didn't mean to denigrate anyone for their form of offroad but when you look at marketing videos like the one done by pol terres and then you hear reviews some people may get the wrong impression.
@@jaybosher6144 I’m with you. The marketing done by the manufacturers these days are very effective: Pol Tarres, Chris Birch etc. I fell for it and learned the hard way, definitely!
Happy to hear Patrick - I’m actually back on a T7 now after practicing my offroad skills on a smaller dual sport for over a year. All explained in my recent videos. Good luck on yours too and ride safe 😊
I am very interested in the 690/701, but I find them a bit too pricey as a bike that I’m going to trash around in the forests and most likely drop many times. I went with a barely used DRZ. The WR450F would have been awesome, but I think its a little too performance oriented to be my everyday rider. I have only been able to test sit one, but man how light and nimble that bike is- feels like a toy! Thank you for commenting Murray and ride safe!
I’m new to trail enduro riding. I’m a smaller guy at 5’7” 170 lbs. I had V-Strom 650 which was too large so I bought a KLX300 and it was still a bit large for my skills. I found a 06 Yamaha TTR230 and that is working out perfect for me. I have lots of fun on that thing. So much more fun to be able to maneuver a lighter, smaller bike around on the dirt. It’s definitely building my confidence on trails.
Hello there and thanks for sharing! I agree the V Strom is way too big snd heavy to really enjoy trail riding. I’m happy the TTR230 is serving you well - DRZ400 is my current trails bike 🙂 Ride safe!
500 EXCF is the way to go. Don’t believe the KTM haters, here is a quick summary. Oil changes, for easy trail riding 2500km is no problem. For reliability, read of Kiwi Aaron Steinmans 140,000 round the world trip with no mechanical issues. Since the 2013 models came out, incredibly reliable motor with many riders not requiring valve adjustments for hundreds of hours. Re luggage, Giant Loop or Moscow Moto reckless, bigger tank, being 198cm you don’t need to have the travel lowered but it is easily done. Maybe a stiffer rear spring, definitely better lights and raise the gearing, 15/45 is OK. Fully loaded for camping, 155kg!
I absolutely do not believe the KTM haters - There’s more issues with them, its that simple, but they are stressed, high performance machines, so I understand it! An adventurized EXC 500 sounds like a wet dream. Expensive, but seriously capable. Perhaps in the future when my skills evolve?
Thanks for your honesty, and for not bagging the bike. It is indeed a great bike, and it is 60Kg lighter than my XTZ1200 Supertenere, so it is fine for me. Horsesw for courses as they say.
It’s not just a great bike, it’s a fantastic one! As an adventure-touring machine with good gravel manners it’s a great bike. I think some of the pro’s using it for enduro in commercials have made people think it’s a heavy dual sport, which it’s not. Thanks for watching John 🙂
Excellent point...most people need to remember the 300 lb rule....it states "Any bike that leaves the pavement should weigh less than 300 lbs" :). The DRZ400 is a little over 300 lbs but is one of the best options for a Dual Sport bike. The DR650 is about 50 lbs heavier than the DRZ but another good option...if you want to ride more pavement. The WR250R requires higher octane fuel...if that is not a deterrent, it is a good option. Change the gearing on all the bikes I mentioned to slow the engine down on the highway. KTM/Husky/Gas Gas but you are moving into another realm.
AJP PR7 probably the best right now new, CCM GP450 if you can get one, or as a leftfield suggestion probably a BMW G450X. the CCM and BMW both use a fantastic ROTAX engine. I carry a pillion so the AJP is just not suitable for me or I would have one now. it is built to be maintainable with seals and bearings of standard sizes and they are all listed with sizes in workshop manual.
My cousin had a wr250r and he went with us on a 8000km trip around Australia in mixed conditions . Bike went well and was surprised how well it also went on the highway
Thanks for sharing Don. The WRR is an interesting bike, but it’s not very common here in Norway. I ended up buying the DRZ instead and I’m very happy with it!
Great review my friend!! I bought a T7 a few months ago. I’m 5’6” 165 lbs. so last weekend I dropped it for the second time but this time I was alone. Just couldn’t pick it up on my own after some time a guy pulled over to help me. Learning how heavy it is the hard way. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷!! Thanks for sharing this video!!
Thanks Christian! Yes, it can be a handful at times, and it’s very important to be mindful where you’re riding, so you don’t end up completely alone far away from any help. When I ride alone on my new T7, I’m much more careful of where I ride and what I attempt to do. Stay safe brother, and thanks for the greetings. Congrats on the world cup 😁
@@JohannesDalenMC thank you Johannes for replying and for Messi!! I’ve noticed you take the time to respond to most if not all the comment people leave you. You are very thoughtful my friend. Looks like you are a very nice person!! Have fun and keep on riding!!!
Well said and appreciate your honest opinion. I was on the fence between the T7 and Honda 300Rally and chose the 300Rally. I’ve been rider on pavement for 41 years and now new to off-road. So far loving my bike and have taken it down some pretty rough trails and water crossings, steep hills etc…yes I’ve dropped but it’s protected with all the Outback bars and it’s cake to pick up at only 5’7” and 175lbs. A friend of mine has a much heavier bike and we struggle pulling it around on the ground trying to get it back upright. Good luck with your new choice and safe travels.
Thanks for honest opinion. Well done! Good luck with your new bike! Actually, planning is the most important thing here, since even tractor can be desperately stuck in mud.
Thank you Vasily! Yes you are correct, now that I’m a better and more experienced rider, it’s a lot easier to scan the terrain and understand where I should and shouldn’t ride.
A very good suggestion and a bike that I’ve been interested in - but as you say the high maintenance is a big downfall. I have a DRZ and a 701 enduro now, looking for that ultimate unicorn 😁 Happy new years my friend!
Hey Johannes, I think a good option for you would be the CRF300l / rally as some other people already have mentioned. Keep us updated and thanks for your content.
Hello Nils and thank you for commenting! The CRF300L is a very interesting bike, and I’m going to test ride it as soon as its available at the local dealer. I previously responded to people suggesting the bike that I might swap my DRZ for the CRF if I dont like the DRZ - but the DRZ had been an absolute blast so far and I couldn’t be happier with it. Do you own one? If not, which bike do you ride? 🙂
I traded my T7 for a new ktm 690 enduro r, T7 is a very good bike but it's simply outclassed by the 690: much lighter, much better power to weight ratio, far superior component.
Thanks for the comment John, thats very interesting. The 690/701 has been suggested many times, and its a machine I’m going to take a closer look at in the future. Right now I found it a bit too capable and pricey for my current needs, thats why I went with the DRZ. Ride safe my friend!
Keep the T7 for the road and easier trails and get a used dirt bike for the technical stuff. I actually bought a 99 Suzuki DR350 dirt model (converted street legal where I live)which is about the same power output but actually a little lighter. The DRz only has a 5 speed gearbox where the 350 has 6. If you find a 98/99 they have a cartridge fork which in my case I have done a full racetech goldvalve rebuild. It does great off road. While obviously not as capable as my Beta 300 2t it'll get you virtually anywhere us mere mortals dare to go.
Thanks for the suggestion Philip. I did sell my T7 and bought a DRZ, which I still own and love. However, I found it to be lacking on extended tarmac trips (obviously), so I bought a 701 enduro as well. Very happy with both bikes and have started to attend enduro practice with my DRZ 🙂
Last year I decided to ride motorcycle again after 25 years of abstinence. After much deliberation and research on the Internet, I decided on the Yamaha WR450F 2022 because I wanted to ride more offroad. In Germany, you can register the bike and drive it on the road, but only with 20 hp. You can uncorked it in about 20 minutes, its not a big deal. I looked at the Honda CRF450L, Yamaha WR250R, DRZ and the Husky 701 and came after driven 1500 km mainly offroad with the WR450F to the realization that the WR450F is the right bike for my purposes. The other bikes are too heavy and are not more manufactured so too old. When the WR was delivered I could immediately ride it after 25 years without a bike. I do not race or hard enduro and still have to practice a lot and learn because driving offroad is not so easy. The bike weighs 118 kilos fully fueled and is still heavy for me because I'm only 170 cm tall. The Husky 701 weighs over 150 kilos. You always have to concentrate driving offroad because the WR450F has an incredible amount of power but with the Yamaha app you can be somewhat downregulated. If you want to ride both onroad and offroad the WR450F is the best choice. Onroad but not for long distances because not very comfortable, but it goes and i'm not interested to ride long distances. For me about 50 Km onroad is ok and if i want go further i take the bike in my car. Oil change must be made every ca. 700 km and the tank is also relatively small which are disadvantages, but for that the bike offroad is just fantastic and you can enjoy really hard offroad rides. It has already disassembled me a few times in the wood but it was never a problem to pick up the bike and ride on. If I imagine the same with a Husky 701 or Yamaha T7, no chance.
DO NOT GET A WR250R!!! YOU ARE WAY TO BIG AND HEAVY FOR IT. What you need to look at is a 400cc range. WR or YZ from Yamaha or the CRFs of Honda. The issue with the Huskys and the KTMs is that they are not reliable at all. You don't want to exchange being stuck because of weight for 6 hours with being stuck in the middle of nowhere for 12 hours becauae of a malfunction. You are also very right with the cost. Any bike you take on REAL adventure would get messed up, and there is absolutely no justification for doing it to a $10k bike. The right way to go is get 2 cheap and reliable bikes for light adventure and harder adventure/off-roading. I have a 2003 BMW Dakar - fantastic for adventure and medium off road ($3500) very reliable. And an xr400r for off road/hard adventure ($2000). Even 400 might be a bit too small for you. Someone like you might feel like it's a kiddy bike. If that is the case go for the XR650L. It has electric start and it's powerful but nimble. Don't let anyone tell you stories about how it's a pig and can't move. I'm 5'7" and I did all the hard adventure and Enduro that you can imagine on it (when I was new for motorcycling). Get 2 bikes and you will have lots of change from your T7... Good luck.
Good day Ozi and thank you for the comment. You make a lot of very good points and I agree with everything you say. I want a reliable bike, and I want it to be light. I also want it to be cheap so I dont get "upset" when things break when I drop it in the woods, on rocks etc. Many people suggest PR7 or the Husky 701- both very good bikes, but also as costly as the T7. For the money I got on selling the T7, I have purchased a barely used DRZ400, and Im in the market for another bike, mainly for road use. Good luck to you too and ride safe my friend!
Brilliant vid! I'm a sports bike rider who wants to get a T7 or v strom 1050de! I want it so I can go on trails in a group. One thing I've learnt watching vids on them is, you have to be able to pick it up, when you fall, cos you will drop it! I looked at the Africa twin and Thought, not a chance In hell😅😄😃
Great humble and honest review! I currently ride the XR650L as my dual sport, and looking at the T7. However, for my real off-road fix I ride my Beta 300, and I love it!
Thank you sir! That Honda is an awesome bike, and I can imagine its a hoot to ride the Beta! So you have two bikes and looking for a T7 to fill the the more road oriented riding? Thanks for commenting and ride safe!
Good story! For what you’re going to try next, I think XT250 is the lightest bike with high reliability, but it’s probably too small for your size. So, second-handed WR might be the best option! (WR might be expensive because Yamaha lo longer makes them!)
Hello Pooyan, thanks a lot for the suggestion! A lot has happened since I made this video - After I sold the T7 I bought a used DRZ, which I absolutely love for offroad riding. It really opened up so much more trails. It was slightly lacking the highway comfort that I need when riding in Norway and europe, so I just bought a Husky 701 too. Thanks for watching 🙂
People looking for the perfect unicorn bike for off road and on road just don't realise every extra kilo on the road is beneficial for stability and worse for off road. 150kg max weight for off road 200kg min for on road for decent stability.
You are right Chris, the weight will make it more stable on the highway. The T7 is so easy to ride offroad (I explain why in my review of the T7) that it makes you think its a heavy dirt bike, but its not.
I test rode the 701 enduro a month ago. I could definitely see myself picking one up in the future, but they are slightly above my current budget and what I’d like to spend on a motorcycle that I will toss around in the woods and learn on. Do you own one? Thanks for commenting, Chris :)
Gas tank way to small for adventure riding But if it had a bigger tank it would be a keeper , there are after market tanks but pricey, Drz400 are great bikes , nothing fancy but are super reliable and cheap to own , and the best thing is you just don’t get upset picking it up after you drop it, so many parts around for them, just an opinion
@@burt101welly6 Did you know that I already bought a DRZ when posting this comment? And yes, not getting upset when dropping it and breaking something is one of the reasons I bought it!
I bought my wife a yamaha XT250 which I ended up riding more. Moved up to a Husqvarna 501. Both are great bikes on single track. Maybe the new CRF300L/Rally. That would fit between my current two bikes. I've been looking at Adventure bike for more 2up riding, but I always remember that ADV bikes are not really dirtbikes no matter how well someone above my skill level can handle one. My choices would be the Honda 300 Rally or Husqvarna 701 Long Range edition. At least plastics are cheap on any dirtbikes compared to your Yamaha T7. Cheers!
BTW, whatever bike you chose, I hope you redo the front/rear suspension with stiffer springs...I had that done to my Husky 501 before it even left the showroom floor.
Good day sir and thanks a lot for your comment! The CRF300s has been suggested many times, so it seems like a very popular choice. I will keep an eye out for a used one as soon as someone has done all the upgrades and figures out the bike wasnt for them (like I’ve done with my T7). You’re absolutely correct, springs is the first thing I do to all the bikes I’ve had, most important upgrade. Why Yamaha put expensive, fragile ABS plastic on the T7 is beyond me. Every panel is cracked, and held up by gorilla tape 😅 Ride safe my friend!
I have an old 660 Tenere and I found exactly the same. I've recently bought a CRF300L, and it is fabulous for the price. It'll need a bit of customisation - suspension mainly, but kg for kg it is much less effort on the trail .
I got a crf250l that im learning on for my 2nd year now. Know that there isn't a perfect bike. A tenere will be very comfortable getting to the mud. A crf250l very comfortable once in the mud. Very light for highway. Find your compromise. Good Luck!!
I'll throw in a vote for DR-Z. I've had my DRZ for 17 years and have ridden it off road more weekends than not. I've never had a problem with it. It will cruise OK at 70 MPH. (I have actually had it up to 102 just to see if there was a third digit on the speedo. There is. :-) ). For reference, I am 6'2" and weigh 210 lbs and pretty strong for 55, and I also have a BMW R 1200 GS adventure, and a KTM 640 Adventure. I did add higher handlebars and a steering damper but the stock suspension is fine on the DRZ. I like the DRZ because if I get stuck on a trail I can actually pick the back end up and move it around and picking it up if I drop it is very easy. Can't so easily to do this with the KTM and no way with the BMW - you are completely at it's mercy. For anything under 100 miles, the DRZ is the perfect motorcycle. Also for the DRZ, there is very little maintenance. I just did my first valve check at 25,000 miles and everything was exactly right where it should be. Just change the oil and make sure you ride it offten so the carb does not gum up and you'll be fine - it is an amazingly well built machine. Good luck with your next bike.
Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I did actually buy a DRZ which I still own. I’ve also added a 701 enduro to the stable, so now I’m using the DRZ for enduro practice.
Happy to hear the change of bikes worked out for you. I’ve been happy with both my DRZ and 701, but it is time to buy something bigger again, for a bit more road comfort.
Not from personal experience, but hearing the Himalyan may be a good choice. It's undoubtedly the cheapest choice, but some channels on YT really love it. I've currently got a 2015 F800GT, but will likely follow your lead toward V-Strom 650XT as my only adventures include dirt/gravel fire roads without the technical paths like the one changing your mind on the T7.
Hello Joseph, thanks a lot for the suggestion. The Himalayan is a very popular bike and I’m sure it’s a good one! However, it is still just as heavy as the T7, and I needed something much lighter. So after I sold the T7 I bought a DRZ, which I love. I’ve also added a 701E to the garage so I can go on longer trips. The v strom 650 is a fantastic bike, if I ever buy a heavier bike again it will most likely be a v strom. Have a great day and thanks for watching 🙂
690/701 is a very interesting machine. Its a bike I will take a closer look at when/if I feel the need to upgrade my newly acquired DRZ. Thank you for the wisher, ride safe Bryan!
“Humbling experience” = pain in the ass. lol I once spent 3 hours with a buddy helping, pushing a xr650l across 100 yards of muddy freshly plowed corn field. Sticky mud. It was horrible. Had to dig away mud every 3ft or so.
Haha yeah, I said it in the nicest way I could. But yeah, it was a major pain in the ass, but it was also humbling because I thought I could never get stuck and not get my bike out. It was like a wake up call, if you understand. Ride safe my friend!
I got a G650 xcountry prepared like a Xchallenge which is more the one you should be looking for and It's about 50kg less than the T7. It's pretty reliable, easy on the highway and poor fuel consomption. For me It's the best for long distance TET.
Hello Lewis and thank you for commenting. The G650s are very cool bikes and I’ve heard good things about them, but I’ve never seen one for sale in Norway. It has the specs that I would want. I bought a used DRZ which has the same specs but a less peppy engine. I am very happy with it so far and I have big travel plans for me and the «little» bike. Ride safe!
I’ve held off getting a T700 for this very reason. 500 EXC-F or FE501 is the bike you should be riding. Not cheap, but they will take you anywhere and you can lift them up when things go bad.
Thanks for the suggestions Chris. I can imagine those bikes being awesome for the gnarly trails, but as you say, they are not cheap. Since this whole dual sport thing is new to me, I went with a used DRZ. Just uploaded a video showing it now, if you are interested. Ride safe!
T7 is over 200kg, it's 206kg and if you have additional things, crash bars, fog light etc. weight go over 220kg, I know because I have xt660r, stock 184kg but with top case and central stand, fog light, alarm, crash bars etc. it's over 200kg, probably around 205kg!!
Yeah the T7 is very heavy if you take it on the trails, but the strange thing is that while its moving, it actually feels a lot lighter. It’s when you stop and the bike begins to lean you feel the weight. Those 200kg comes crashing down incredibly fast if you’re not paying attention!
Why are you not considering the 2019-2021 KTM 690 ER? It has more power and is 45 kg lighter? Also much, much more frugal on fuel. I have ridden 3 690's, all over the world on extreme adventure riding. I would not chose anything else on the current market right now. The T7 feels soft and sluggish in comparison yet does not offer top spec suspension/brakes etc in return. People are always talking about Japanese reliability but actually, there are many weaknesses in Japanese bikes such as fragile clutches and fragile frames that crack etc etc that KTM's do not have. Nowadays there are more KTM dealerships world wide than Yamaha. Personally I do not see the downside in owning a bike that is actually built for the job that is 45 kg lighter than the T7 and has the best standard suspension and brakes available. The reliability thing is a myth, perpetrated by people who have not owned the latest KTM 690 models. Sure back in 2008 they had valve train problems but from 2015 built models onwards that is in the past. Lindon Poskitt did 246,000 Kms on his 690 whilst racing in 11 different countries.
Thanks a lot for commenting James - the timing of your comment couldn’t better. I never ask anyone to subscribe, but please check back on my channel tomorrow at this time. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Have a great day.
Without knowing some of your other preferences I would say either the Honda CRF300 Rally with suspension and exhaust upgrades, or the AJP PR7 if you want higher spec and more power, but are happy to spend some extra cash. Don't be put off by the lesser known brand, this bike is designed by people serious about this kind of riding and is comprised of high quality parts made for performance.
Hello there and thank you for the suggestions! Both bikes are very interesting - the crf300 wasn’t available in Norway at the time and the AJP PR7 is a very rare bike up here. I bought a used DRZ and now own a 701E as well. Very happy with both!
I stopped riding ten years ago but I used to ride an XTZ750 (daily commuting and touring) which is a very similiar weight to a T7 although obviously by comparison, it was a stone age machine. Nonetheless modern motorcycle design can only disguise 200 kgs/450 lbs up to a certain point. I'm a very big muscular fellah and on the two separate occasions when I (carelessly) dropped my XTZ on tarmac, it was a huge physical challenge to get the thing upright again on my own and the thought of having to lift it more than once within a 24 hour period still gives me the shudders! There are so many YT vids available showing off the amazing skills of folk such as *Birch,* *Tarres* and *That Guy on an Africa Twin* as well as many much less capable dirt riders; this creates a false impression in too many people's minds regarding the true practicality of these 200kg/450lb behemoths on the dirt. *Mr Johannes* speaks powerful words of wisdom. Riders are buying into motorcycle manufacturers' unrealistic dreams. The only way to get the full value for money out of the truly massive capability of today's big ADV bikes is to spend good money receiving a lot of good quality professional off-road training. Otherwise *ride with a friend.*
Hi! With a "real" enduro, like a ktm exc you will not be satisfied on longer intermediate road sections... its built for rough ride - and nothing else. With a dual-sport enduro, like ktm 690/husky 701 you will probably get the best of the two worlds...I know they are expensive, but worth each cent. With the T7 you have done a good choice, but >200kg is good for onroad, and normal offroad sections... of course with enough skills, also good for tough offroading. So you have to answer some questions for yourself: do you need onroad capability? do you need long service-intervalls? do you need reliability? my "career" starts in 1989: kawasaki z500, honda dominator 500, yamaha fz 750, ktm lc4 600 ('93), yamaha trx 850, ktm lc4 640, ktm lc8 950 adventure, husky te610
Thank you very for much sharing your thoughts! Since I’m going to use my motorcycle as a commuter as well, I ruled out a full bred enduro early on. I did look at the 690/701, and I really like them, but I ultimately found them a bit pricey and ‘too capable’ for my current needs. I bought a used DRZ- long service intervals, reliable and cheap. I still have a lot of money left from selling the T7, and I’m in the market for a used road bike for longer trips on tarmac. Maybe a used v strom. Thats an impressive list of bikes sir! Ride safe!
Honest video men ! You're right , you just choose the wrong bike for your kind of use.. Im riding my Tenere 700 for the past year , Winter with alot of off-road and summer only tarmac , and I love the bike ! For me it's perfect , i switched my CRF1000L for the Tenere and was the best choice I've ever made. Seems like you want more enduro stuff , and you making the right choice! If you are a guy like me that loves off-road the same as the tarmac , the T7 is the one and only 😈 Cheers from Portugal 🇵🇹
Obrigado meu amigo! The T7 is such an awesome bike, it really is. Its a joy on the tarmac and very capable off road. I’m glad that you’re happy with your bike change. Ride safe my friend, I’ve heard Portugal is like the ultimate offroad country in Europe!
Just did the CO BDR solo, 1200mi, on my 2019 Honda 450L. 75lbs of gear can cruise at 65mph on tarmac and manage the toughest of trails at low speeds. I ride it naked as a trail bike in Northern AZ and as my BDR bike for adventure camping. It is a good blend I have BMW GSA1200 for gravel road adventure touring double upped with the wife. To give her a taste of the sweet life :-)
Hello Mike and thank you for commenting! A 450L and a GSA - thats as close to a perfect stable as you can get I think! I’m going for a similar setup, although a bit cheaper: the DRZ for TET rides and a used v strom or similar bike for the longer distance rides. Ride safe my friend!
Thank you for the suggestion! The 690/701 has been suggested many times, and its a machine that I am very interested in. I didnt buy one because of a few reasons though, mainly because of its price and how capable it is. For my skill level the barely used DRZ I found is more than enough and a lot cheaper. When/if I want to upgrade the DRZ, the 690/701 is at the top of my interest list, as they are awesome bikes. Ride safe!
I have some experience in dirtbikes and If You would like to learn some skills try enduro school. They rent bikes and some oriented people can explain You some techniques. They have different bikes so You can try few brands in one session. If I have to suggest You bikes, please consider: 1. Yamaha Wr450 2012 to 2016 2. Honda 450 L 3. KTM 500 EXC 2016, poor suspension but setting will help a lot. 4. AJP PR7
Enduro school is a very good tip - As soon as I can find one locally I will do it. Regarding the bike recommendations the list looks very solid. I picked up a used DRZ one hour ago. I went cheap and reliable to see if the dual sport thing is something I like. I can definitely see myself getting a proper enduro bike in the future though. Thanks for the suggestions Tomasz!
@@JohannesDalenMC Which one do You choose? 400 cc or mayby 650? Old types of frames and suspension doesn't help to improve skills. But this bikes are very durable. I was riding on DRZ400 SMC and for me was to weak. My husky 250 2T was more aggressive and gives more fun. But 400 in town was quite good. I am waiting for Your opinion. Have fun mate.
@@kicekap I went with the 400. I have uploaddd a new video showing it :) I agree that old design, frame, suspension etc can limit the progress, but just how much I dont really know. It is skill dependant too, a racer would feel the difference, but a beginner/intermediate like me won’t. Do you agree?
I'm 58, 6'0", 155lbs started riding 7 years ago on a WR250R and it was a fantastic bike. I used it on trails and for adventure touring in the states. It will cruise on the highway all day long at 70+mph. However, I did find that it became marginally underpowered when traveling in high elevation states like Montana and Nevada where the speed limit is also higher at 80mph.... I had an Africa Twin last year that I used on the Idaho Backcountry Discovery route and a ride from Los Angeles to Florida. Recently switched it out for a KTM 790R which is much, much better for me off-road. I could not pickup the Africa Twin where I can the 790R. I suspect the 790R is also easier to pickup than the T700 due to the fact that it will not fall as flat as the Africa Twin or the T700 due to the unique gas tank and lower center of gravity. The 790R fly by wire with cruise is now something I will never again do without. Having said this. The 790R is still a school bus on single track compared to the WR250R. Unfortunately there is no unicorn. The WR gearing means you're in 3rd gear simply getting thru intersections.... Good luck....
Good day sir and thank you very much for sharing. I agree, the T7 and AT is harder to pick up than the 790, both due to the gas tank but also the much higher centre of gravity on the T7 and AT. You are right, there is no unicorn bike, you either have to pick trail worthiness or highway capability. With the used DRZ I bought after selling my T7 I’ve now got a much better offroad motorcycle, but less capapble on the highway. I’m looking for a second bike that will be better at highway riding and commuting, perhaps a V Strom or simmilar. Ride safe!
@@JohannesDalenMC Good move. Given your size, and coming from the T700, the WR would probably feel odd and you'd notice the missing low end torque. I actually bought one (my second WR) for one week back in June while I still had my Africa Twin, thinking I would do a two bike scenario. The WR came with what turned out to be a hideous aftermarket exhaust which was the main reason I flipped it.... but I also realized how weird it was to use 3 gears to get through city intersections from a stop. I ended up selling that WR and the Africa Twin and going to the 790R. Aside from its cruise control, the 790R is not as good as the Africa Twin on the interstate.....so yet one more "no unicorn" data point....(I had a Kaoko manual throttle lock on the Africa Twin which helps but is not nearly as useful as real cruise in getting to hands free.) My riding buddy who has a 790S, loved his V-Strom and he frequently talks about returning to a 2 bike scenario. Will stick with my 790R school bus for now. Am recovering from a botched stream crossing two weeks ago on the Idaho backcountry discovery route where ankle got twisted... I can't really blame the bike or it's weight as I once did this did this with the WR... One thing I have learned from all of this is I will never get a bike (like the Africa Twin) that I can't confidently pickup on my own. Cheers!
Great video Johannes 👍 My honest advice: get a mountain bike! As a former adventure rider, I loathed having to turn around and go back the way I came (it stinks of defeat!). I've ridden the length and breadth of Thailand on a number of different motorcycles, my favourite being my old 2004 BMW R1200GS. Like you, I ask myself, "I wonder where this trail leads to?" Now, at the wrong side of half-a-century, I only mountain bike. I never have to turn around and go back the way I came, even when the trail ends: I drag my bike through thick jungle, up/down ridiculous slopes, under/over fallen trees, etc. This is my definition of 'real' adventure!
Hello Simon and thank you for the comment! That’s a first, someone recommending a bicycle to a motorcycle rider! I hear what you are saying, and the lightweight of a bike must be very nice to deal with when things get sticky. You say you drag your bike through thick jungle, do you live in Thailand? I take it you are english by your name?
@@JohannesDalenMC Thank you for your reply Johannes. It's surprising how the on and off-road riding-skills can be applied to both motorbikes and bicycles, the main difference is that you are the engine with a bicycle 😝 I found this video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KlwCr3Gj6KM.html) a couple of weeks ago and found it a very interesting comparison (I'm still thinking of another ADV-motorbike, that's why I'm watching and subscribed to your channel 🤫). I had thought about the T7, but now I'm back to eyes-only for BMW's big GS. Everything on two-wheels is a series of compromises, the secret is knowing exactly what you want out of the bike. You are right on both counts BTW: I'm British and have lived in Thailand for 32-years.
@@SimonJackMTB Ian has a very informational channel and I've been watching his videos for a long time. You are correct, knowing what you want out of the bike is probably the hardest and most important step of choosing your next motorcycle. Since you already have your MTB for trail riding, I guess nothing could be better for exploring Asia than a big GS :) Thailand sounds very exotic. I've never been to Asia but I would love one day, hopefully on my motorcycle!
Hello Nick and thank you for the nice words and the suggestion! A winch would have solved the problem, no doubt. I’m struggling to explain exactly why, but I feel that if one needs a winch to get out of certain situations, perhaps one is riding the wrong bike for that kind of riding? Does what I’m saying make any sense?
I know it sounds old but getting your hands on a XR 650L or the kickstart only XR 600 would be a good option. In fact the 650 is still in production as far as I know.
I bought a 2004 DRZ after selling this bike which was a complete game changer. 50 kg drop instantly made me a much better rider and I’ve since taken the DRZ on MX and enduro practices. I’ve added a 701 enduro for adventure and rally riding too, and I love both bikes. I can’t see myself buying something heavier than 160kg anytime soon for the kind of riding that I enjoy. The XRs are great suggestions, but never available for sale here in Norway.
Whatever you choose, 1st consider the weight. Husqvarna makes a 401 cc bike that might be interesting, but again check the weight. The 300 cc Honda or Kawasaki might do the job. I think KTM has something in the 500 cc range that may also work. ..... Good luck and of course let us know what you choose.
Thank you for the comment John. I’ve already bought my next bike and chose it because of its relatively low weight. Went with a barely used DRZ400. Ride safe!
Have had both the drz400 & xr650l. Your fuel range will be alot less, like 100 miles. They are buzzy at highway speeds. But they are fun, light, and go most anywhere. My suggestion... rider lessons / course
Man, if the mud is bad enough you could be driving anything and you will not get out. I,ve encountered places during hikes that i would not be able to walk accross never mind drive. I do agree with all of the other points and one important one is this: if offroad is that important then just get the lightest option above an enduro that you can get like the Himalayan, ktm/husk 690, honda crf300l or rally etc.
Thats a total fair call, Follow what your heart says. I'd say maybe a different tire and lower pressure if you're going to ride it in those sort of places. KTM690 or Husky 601 might suit what you want.
Thanks for chiming in! I did go for more aggressive tires after my TET trip, but it wasn’t enough. I sold the T7 and bought a DRZ. I love the DRZ but it doesn’t cut it on the highway, so I now have a 701 in the garage too 😁 so good suggestion!
