I am 63 yrs old, have had ''hundreds and hundreds of bikes'' (figure of speech) (currently 5) and the BEST bikes I have and have had are the Single Cylinder bikes. They are just So Simple, torquey, fun, easy to ride and maintain. I LOVE/LOVED them all. (my 2 cents)
I did have a 2018 R9T UGS, and absolutely loved that air cooled boxer engine. Sounded incredible even with stock exhaust and thought it looked so good, reminded me of when I was growing up with the Japanese dirtbikes using bright colors (YZ and CR mostly). Unfortunately the suspensions were pretty budget and the passenger comfort was non-existant. If BMW makes a new Scrambler with proper suspensions, I'd probably buy one again :) Haven't tried the classic R9T, but suspensions are certainly higher quality. The Africa Twin is definitely worth a try. It's not a head turner like the R9T, but damn does it do everything well, in comfort. And the engine has a lot of torque. My friends Tiger 800 feels underpowered compared to my Africa Twin, they have about the same HP, but the torque on the AT is right there, through the entire rev range, while the Tiger starts going above 6-7000rpm.
@@Speedytrip I bought the Pure. My list I was choosing from was the African twin, Trumph T120, Triumph Scrambler, Ducati Scrambler. Bike I've owned 76 Triumph Bonneville, BMW K100RS, Kawasaki KLR, CB 350, Hodaka ace...Bike I'm lusting over now is the new BMW R 1250 RT bit over my budget.
@@mowler8042 Just goes to show how diversified many of us motorcyclists are...going from an R9T Pure to a R1250RT, its like going from a Mini cooper to a Rolls Royce hehe My friend has a T120, awesome bike, but engine felt a bit too refined for my taste (which can be a plus for some), the R9T has much more character and my Scrambler 865 also sounded much better :) I tried the R1200RT (I think a 2007) and even back then the suspension was like a freakin magic carpet. Also tried a K1600GT and that engine is crazy for a touring bike...rented it for a 3000km trip and it was fun and comfortable, but not the kind of bike you hop on for a quick ride, if you sit on it, you're leaving for the day (or week). I might eventually consider an R1250GS at some point...but I couldn't have that as my only bike, I'd also need to have a light toy to go along. I also love the Husqvarna Norden 901 concept, that could be a replacement for my Africa in a few years...
A bit controversial but I like the f850gs a bit more than the Africa Twin. The stock suspension feels more planted, despite being unadjustable, the bike has less issues, feels lighter and has better value in most markets.
Miras Khakimzhan The F850gs I tried felt a bit on the firm side (keep in mind our roads here are terrible) but I can see how some could prefer it. The engine also felt a bit too refined for my taste (almost as smooth as an inline 4 without the sound or punch up top), which obviously can be a plus for many. The beemer does look better and is certainly more modern than the 2019 Africa. :) Would the f850gs be your top bike?
Speedytrip top bike - oh hell no. I actually prefer my modded f800gs a bit more. My top bike is probably a hypermotard because I’m a vain asshole. Following that is a scrambler xe, which I know you have a bit of a gripe with, but that bike just speaks to me.
Miras Khakimzhan Hypermotards are certainly entertaining bikes! For the XE had it not been from the suspensions, it probably would have made it on my list :) Had to look up the tm300, 2 strokes just never get old!