That was a great ride, I'm happy with that performance, I'm 64, so I'm not out to bust a gut, Ive watched many reviews, but this is the best as I'm in NZ. So cheers for that
Very interesting take on your experience yesterday, John. I think you need to look at some risers so that your not so hunched over. Also, some adjustable foot pegs that can be moved back an inch or so in order to more evenly distribute your weight over the bike. In addition, you need some Shinko's, like the ones on your DR. You also need some kind of vibration isolator grips and heavier bar end weights. Lastly, you need to see if the preload adjustment on the rear suspension will get rid of any excessive bounce. Do everything else first and if that really improves the experience, then think about investing in the rear suspension, to get the stability you want. This bike has the basic power and gearing and light weight to do what you want it to do. But the other aspects need to be tuned in order to make it your own. The gas milage can't be determined yet. You need to get out of the break in period to see if the EFI computer adjusts itself to a less rich mixture. Rich keeps the engine running cooler during break in... but gives lousy gas milage. Gord
You're right about the riding position. The weight is more centered, like a road bike. Scramblers are great on gravel roads, just not a match for any dual sport or ADV bike with a larger front wheel - and with less weight plowing in the rough stuff. I rode part of the TAT with a fellow on a DRZ Super Moto. Even with knobbies installed, he was not able to keep up.
If I could give a 2 thumbs up I would. I really appreciate your objective and personal review. All other reviewers have simply been sales related. I am still considering a purchase, I have to wait a few more months though. This bike seems to be the one to get.
Definitely more off-road oriented tires would be a huge improvement on the trails at the expense of on road handling, just like anything else out there. Then again there is a limit to tubeless off road tires, so definitely no single track but anything else outside this and extreme dirt riding could be a go with proper tires. Add a windshield and throw some soft luggage and you have your own adventure bike
Good description for Royal Enfield...lugging around. I tested a Hunter and it took a long time to get to 60mph and then wouldn't go much higher. My Speed 400 is supposed to arrive this month.
Great video! Thanks for doing it. I just got a new 2023 RE Scram 411 and its REALLY smooth at 70 mph. At all speeds really. Maybe they made improvements in the engine balance. I think these small engines do not mind reving and you wont wear them out doing so. My Scram also has a 19 inch front wheel and also feels less stable off road than other dual sport type bikes. Is it just the 19 or something else. Anyway, great looking bike, enjoy!
I would guess the 19" front coupled with the more vertical steering head angle and the extra weight will make the sand two track riding feel more unstable than a Himalayan having a 21" front and lower overall feel to it.
congrats on your new bike Johnny, haven't seen you Ya-who-in so much about any bike I've seen ya on (-: Hee hee you drove across the country on a vespa and didn't have so much to say my friend. Nice vid there
That's true I really didn't have a lot of talking in the cannonball trip - I was mostly focused on grinding to the checkpoints. That was an amazing trip, though.
Im not surprised it wasn't as confident offroad as the DR650 which is a proper dual sport vs a street bike with 19inch rim and a little extra suspension travel. But I would have expected it to be relatively comfortable on the sort kf terrain you rode. I wonder if the wet conditions played into it. Solid vid, looking forward to more impressions! How tall are you btw?
Loved the ride! - did you switch to ''off-road'' and/or ''traction control'' mode when riding that wet trail? -- just curious if it'd would have felt different. -- am 1 week away from getting mine, can't wait! -- great review and thanks brother!
I'm getting this bike for just the types of off roading you were showing. Would the bike perform better if you had a more off road tire than the 70/30s the bike comes with?
Yes I love GAIA. Just on my iPhone. I have the vibration reducing Quad Lock mount, but on rougher trips I switch to a backup phone and use GAIA offline with no cell service
Honda bikes ground clearance: Scrambler SCL500: 6.1 inches, Adventure CB500X: 7.1 inches Adventure Transalp: 8.3 inches. This Triumph Scrambler? 7.7 inches!! Not too far from the KTM ADV 390 at 7.9 inches. Only downside is that shorter riders most likely will stay away. And please stop with the P3N15 jokes!
Hello, good afternoon, I'm Brazilian. This motorcycle is coming to Brazil in the next few months. I'd like to know if it's good for traveling with my wife, etc. I saw that it reaches 160km/h, which is a good speed in Brazil. I'd like to know more.
