I have been riding touring bikes for 40 years but never anything off road. My 27 yr old son wants to tour Alaska so we both bought 2022 KLR’s and are in the process of outfitting them. I turn 69 in May so wish me luck. I have dropped it twice so far and am a long way from feeling comfortable yet. I’ll get there! Love your content!

Thanks for the video-makes perfect sense. I am 2k miles into my 2022 KLR and am enjoying the heck out of it. Love your vids, Dork-stay happy and healthy!

I bought a KLR in 2006. I struggled with the size and weight. I’m 5’7. I had it lowered and had a low Corbin seat. It was a beast, but I did put over 3k miles on it. Moved on to a BMW GS650 because of low seat. It was ok, but didn’t love it. Just got a 2021 XT250. Only 50 miles so far, but I’m loving it! Small, light, I don’t care about going over 50mph. Looking forward to some camping when the weather gets better and the snow melts, in Colorado that means mid June! 😃

@TommyNitro

2 жыл бұрын

Nice. People get caught up in the specs of the bikes. I think looking at the bike and your intended purposes along with your unique characteristics (build, height/weight, etc) is far more important. Tdub is a great bike.

@sliceablejoe

2 жыл бұрын

Those Xt’s are fantastic little bikes.

@philipmarr7325

2 жыл бұрын

Small bikes are great

@NPR10665

2 жыл бұрын

I ride an Africa Twin, but I keep a TW200 in the garage. It’s hard to beat a small light 200-250. Before that it was a KLX. I’ll always keep a small dual sport because they are just fun.

@SuperMopbucket

2 жыл бұрын

Im 6' and its tall, so I feel ya

I love your honesty and willingness to do what’s best for your channel !! Have loved the KLR videos but can’t wait to see the new stuff !! A lot of other channels get stale but not yours !!

A year ago I bought 2 of the klr650 adv models. One for me, one for my wife. Due to several events throughout the year we missed being able to take them out for some extended riding. We just got back from 8 days of riding at Big Bend in south Texas. We rode about 350 miles of what were called non maintained 4wd roads. Regretted trying some, but we made it, without any crashes. Things we like: fuel capacity, dependable, easy to ride. Dislikes: a little tall for my wife, wish we could lower a couple inches, just a bit heavy. Overall we enjoy them. This is our first adventure/ dual sport motorcycle.

Great commentary. Thank you. Good luck with your Norden 901 and the T7! I'm anxious to see your next videos.

Man, you're taking this all to the next level! Congrats on the new bikes! That T7 has an excellent engine and I LOVE the sound of that engine! Doing a great job and keep it up! 💯

Looking forward to all of the great content you're going to be making on these two awesome adv bikes!!!

The KLR's best feature for me... LOW TECH. I fix tech all day long, hate it. I don't want to fix tech ever again.

Looking forward to the Tenere and Norden videos. Sounds like you'll have an awesome 2022 riding season. Thanks in advance for sharing it with us.

Congrats man! I was tempted by the 901 but got scared off by the small suspension and all the big plastic body work. Went 890R instead- hopefully it works out as well as a 901 on the long highway miles! Got a new bike rack ordered up today, should be traveling on it soon!

I bought a 23 KLR 650 Adventure ABS a few weeks ago partly because of your videos. I currently also own a 22 Spyder Sea to Sky which I rode from South Carolina to South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, & back. It was a great adventure but I decided to buy a toy hauler and take my bike to where I want to ride when traveling across the country this year. The KLR is the first true motorcycle I’ve owned in 27 years. I plan to upgrade to a 1250 GSA but want to use the Kawasaki to get more riding experience first. Thanks for all your great content🙏

Looking forward to the comparison videos!

I just bought a 2023 KLR not just because of your videos but it helped. I really started looking for a CRF300 Rally but you can't get any of those in the northeast for some reason. For some other reason, KLRs are all on sale out here right now so for value wise you can't beat it. Thank you for all your help!

Good for you man! 👍 can't wait to see all the new content

You now have the two most hyped ADVs of the past year in your garage. Hard work paying off man, congrats! Super stoked for the content to come with these!

Can’t wait for future content! Thanks again dork

WAIT!!!! You found a bottle of Blantons?? NOW I'm crying!! Blantons is my absolute favorite and it's like finding unicorn tears down here in California!! I'm gonna miss the KLR. I miss Blantons more.

We are similar in that it takes me many rides, in various conditions, to decide if I like a motorcycle. I also own an AT and after a year, I agree it is a bit to heavy for me, but I know I'd never be happy on a KLR. I'd own a T7 if they were readily available but not willing to pay the mark-ups on them when the do pop up. Ian over at Big Rock Moto just picked up the 901 and it looks promising. Hopefully you'll contrast the 901 to the AT and I'm looking forward to your reviews on it. Also, learn to use that front brake, it's most of your braking power and will save your life. Keep up the great content Ben, I appreciate you!

Congrats - when it rains it pours! Enjoyed the KLR content and looking forward to your thoughts on the T7 - she's a beauty!

You lucky bugger! Congrats on getting your hands on the T7 AND the Norden! Looking forward to all the new content.

Love the new ending, almost like a blooper reel 😁

Nice!…We appreciate ALL the different experiences with different bikes that your sharing with us!…Thx!👌👍😉

Choice is good, and you got some good ones to choose from! I really wanted a T7 when they released but find myself enjoying the 1090 back up plan (le sigh) quite alot as well. Enjoy dude!

what a twist! Congrats and look forward to your experience with these two bikes.

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Congrats! I gotta say I was on the brink to get a KLR cause I had a deposit on a T7 sitting there for so long. Fortunately I decided for the T7 and I finally got it delivered last month. I'm absolutely loving it!

..I wish I would be able to buy your bike, but it is just like a dream. Gone I am 67 years old with 67k mile of KLR 1 st gen and running so far like a clockwork. My only problem is that I can't work on it no place no tools and totally depending on shops. I have a fair amount of rust already on it, specially front wheel spikes, grill and driving stick ( handlebar) I dropped it few times but only during dismount, recently my lowering assy. Bolt fell out and dragged me to the ground at the parking lot. I love this bike from the first site, has stronger suspension, doohickey done, and running without vibration at higher speeds of 75/80. My mind is on a new gen but heart with what I do have. Retired with low income, looking for almost new but even less than MSRP. And I must love it as I do this one.

You also have the coolest merch! Bought a T-shirt and a sticker. You must be from the PNW. I live on the East side about 2 miles from the Idaho border. Son and daughter live in the Seattle area. Son has an ancient Kawasaki dirt bike he's fixed up.

I have 2017 and 2021 Africa Twins. These bikes are alike only in their name. The 21 practically requires only thinking what you want it to do and it does it. Both are a little heavy but the 21 is far more manageable than my R1250GSA which is reserved for street riding. The 17 is going to be sold.

Excellent decision. I look forward to your comparison of the T7 and the Norden.

Thanks dude, good to know the KLR still holds up to its kind.

Holy crap! That bike is beautiful and will probably make me want one. Oh wait, i already want one, but, i will stick to the klr for atleast 10k miles. Thanks for all the great content you make!

Looking forward to your review and thoughts on your T7 and the 901. I think you are making a good content decision. I believe you will enjoy both bikes very much. I'm glad to hear you are trying the Husqvarna/KTM. I have a KTM and a couple of my riding buddies also have Husqvarna and KTM'S and both brands have been very reliable. Since ownership of my KTM I love it!! I still have my Africa Twin and I'm on the fence weather or not to sell it, but for now I'll keep it. Just waiting for the rain and snow to stop and Looking forward to sunny days ahead. Enjoy your new bike and the Husqvarna when it arrives.

Nice! I have a vstrom right now, and a norden and T7 is something that i've been looking at for more off road stuff.

Love the content! Found the channel when I was looking for reviews of the 2022 KLR. Current bike is a `94 Harley Road King that was a deal I couldn't pass up, but am getting tired of wrenching on it every weekend. I'm 6'2 and 300 lbs and the Road King fits like a glove. But, I am 20 miles from the Idaho mountains and thousands of miles of forest roads to explore. Torn between the more capable KLR and the more comfortable V-Strom 650. My budget is whatever the Road king is worth, which is around $8k -$9k.

Yeah, the T7 is still pretty much unobtainium right now while new KLR's are languishing on lots at every dealersip, at least where I am. So again, kudos to you for being able to score one and a Norden within the same week. Can't wait to see your videos comparing them and comparing them back to the KLR and Africa Twin.

Oh, I would love the Norden 901! Let me wear out my KLR for a while. Good luck with the new bike.

You should have Kawasaki recognition man. I was about to buy another 2001 KLR with 37K on the clock. My wife said 'why don't you just buy a new one, that KZread guy says new one is reliable'. I didn't ask questions. We bought it that week.

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome

A man is the one that recoignise and addresses his limitations and move on to improve. Saying what you said, while telling the incident with a non abs thing, just makes you look a good human being. we all have been in those situations of panic, and certainly technology can help us to avoid nasty moments. ABS should be part of any motorcycle with the option of disconnect it Cheers from argentina! Note : what a change of events, lucky you, The Tenere 700 is one of my favorite motorcycles indeed, enjoy it!!!!

Also, I put the high exhaust for camel with the scorpian pipe, sounds awesome and keeps the frame safe from the drop hazard.

I’m excited Dork for the next year of videos.

I look forward to your new reviews!

Wow good choice. I thought you might go for the Triumph 900 adventure pro but that might be to similar to the Africa Twin. The Norden 901 is a great choice. I know Ian from Big Rock Moto seems to love his.

Congratulations 🎉🎊

Can't wait to see the new content 👍👍👏

I'm excited for the future content!!!!!!

I bought a T7 about 3 weeks ago, went on a trip 150miles asphalt to ride dirt for the weekend, loved it on and off the street. Dropped it a couple times, rookie moves but she is tippy when youre not moving. Highly recommend crash bars ASAP !! Favorite part of the bike is how cool it sounds when you roll off the throttle! and they're super stylish! can't wait to get some luggage for it. Been wondering how hot the bike can get before it starts to get damaged. Found the engine temp up to 230 F a couple times when I was in the dirt going slow (guess i could read the manual eh?)

Best of luck with the new bike, I would recommend taking a class on riding the bigger adventure bike and would make a video on that.

I am torn in two... I im only getting one shot at this... one bike.... I want the DRZ400... but I love the look and upgraded tech of the KLR650.. DRZ gives me hella parts! Klr seems to be what I'm going for though... and im okay with the seat height... I'll get used to it thank you for the content... I can't wait till I can make my own ride videos (nothing to touch your quality) but I want to have a record of my own skills improving! Ride safe and good luck with your surgery!!

LOL! Just yankin’ yer chain a bit. Good video and sense of humor!

Wow look at that Blue! Love it.

Thank you for investing Enough time to do great content and then moving on to a different bike for the same reason. Your coverage of the KLR has helped steer my decisions for ADV riding. I’m on the list for a CRF 300 rally but I feel I would’ve jumped the gun to a KLR without your content, so thank you for doing what you do and I’m glad to see you’ll be getting on a different bike to review for us.

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to hear my stuff has been useful!

I really liked my heavily modified 2013 klr BUT, wanted no oil burning, more power and some bells and whistles like cruise. Definitely a beginner or purist bike(simple) or easy to work on. My 2021 atas is great, reliable, handles awesome and modern. T7 is nice but very very tall, smallish tank and no cruise.

Interested in the Norden videos! I ride a KTM 890 with 3,000 miles and I haven’t had any issues or break downs! But as always love the videos and your content!

I really look forward to see you on a Norden Husqvarna. I have myself my eyes on a Husqvarna 701 and outfit it to a Rally/Adventure bike. But it's still in dream/planning stage. :)

Well, I have to say, I don’t have a KLR and I don’t really want one. I did watch most of your KLR videos, but mainly just because I like your channel and your content in general. The Tenere and the Norden 901 both are very intriguing to me, so I’ll still be checking out your vids. Man, New Bike Day X 2 is awesome!!

Ben, you will love the T7. I have had one for a year now(50th gift from my cool wife). It’s a blast. Did section 3 of the Washington BDR last year and it was a beast. Hard to pick up so do t fall off lol!

@justsomedude445

2 жыл бұрын

WA BDR ? i ride out of Cashmere/Wenatchee WA right on the route

Hot Damn! Dems some bikes! Funny how fast things can change. Can't wait for some fresh content.

Awesome stuff, I was actually thinking you were going to go for one of those new Ducati Desert jobbers. Either way its all good. It doesn’t matter what you ride because Bigfoots don’t discriminate.

Anxious to see the T7 content. That said I'd like your impression on a CB 500 X and if you want tech I don't think there's another bike with more tech than the H-D PanAm. Would love to get your take on both. New too the channel and if there's info about either you've done I'll find it but I'm guessing it's not something you've really considered. Keep up the good work. 👍👍

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/pIdhxtNyYLDKgdY.html

Both of these hitting you at the same time is a sign that you're doing things right, I hope it's brings many more to the channel.. I assume Beards will be helping with the vs content, looking forward to your rides, can't wait to see the Norden unveiled

Congratulations on the 901, what options are you selecting? Opps just got the extension that you have changed to the T700. Congratulations. I have had the blessing to ride both the 890 (almost 901) and a T7. Prefer the purchase price and maintenance cost of the T7, but prefer riding the 890. You are very lucky that Oregon has no sales tax, flipping bikes in all other states is painful. Looking forward to Giant Loop and TouraTech. Stay safe and practice locking up the brakes. Considering safety, the traction control can prevent you from a fall, and also cause a fall when left on off road. T7 does not have traction control.

as a new rider and having bought a klr 650 adventure non abs i have to say i am loving it, i have previous experience with non abs vehicles and the bike handles as i expected.

Looking forward to the videos. On my 4th KlR. 2018 highly mod. Grew up racing motocross until the age of 18. Had many bikes, ridden many. Seen Jesus several times. Now in my 50's I find it to be a pleasure to ride and a ton of fun. However, my next bike will be the the T7, when it becomes available to the mortal man. Again, looking forward to the review and videos!

So, your final 15 seconds clarified what I thought was a major dis from your local Yamaha dealer: that the T7 you streamed about recently was a reneging of the "buy" offer and you ended up with the Norden only. Appears you scored on both of them. Have heard great response from riders of them both and looking forward to you camparisons.

The Norden looks like a great choice, especially if it's actually available!

I bought a 2004 KLR as my first ever motorcycle. 3 months into riding my friends convinced me to ride from LA to Cabo and back in two weeks. Add a couple BDRs and hundreds of day trips. I put around 20k miles on the bike in 4 years and never felt like I needed something else. Then the T7 happened. And I’ll admit my decision to buy one was 90% emotional. I loved the aesthetics. I loved the ethos of the bike. So a couple weeks ago a dealer called and said a used one came in with 180 miles on the odometer. I bought it over the phone because 5 people had already signed up for test rides. Only now do I understand what I was missing in the KLR. Once you’ve experienced twin cylinder power and modern suspension and geometry, the KLR rides like an itch that you just can’t scratch. 10k + OTD fees is worth the unadulterated joy I feel every time I get on that T7. Even when most of that riding has been to the grocery store.

I think you need to be awarded the “James Brown” award (aka “the hardest working man in show business”). You put out so much good content I’m always amazed when I see another video! Here’s to you Ben, the hardest working man on KZread!!

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, man. That's so nice

I really love the look of the Norden, but I'm a short boi so I got a Tiger 800 Low. Very happy with it so far, but damn.... I keep lookin at those Nordens!

Is your klr diesel like the one the marines use that's what I want Diesel , what's the price

I’m looking to buy my first motorcycle. Having never owned one and looking at them used, What would be considered high mileage for a KLR? It’s a tough question to find the answer when they’re just so reliable. Thank you!

daaang! thats a juicy little nugget at the end of the vid. thanks for posting!

@DorkintheRoad

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching all the way to the end 😉

I don't blame you. I felt the dr650 I had was the perfect balance of power and capability (and light by today's standards). The more I ride, the more I realize I need a dual sport and a road or adventure bike. The problem with adventure bikes is they are so insanely expensive nowadays. Still hoping for a 400-500cc unicorn bike. Until then my dr350 is great. 6spd, hwy speed no problem, light and torquey!

You'll like the Husky. I was a motocross rider and sometime racer from the later 1970's and 1980's. I had a few Husky's and loved them. Certainly challenge to go up against the Japanese bikes of that time in motocross, but hare scrambles, anything thru tight woods, they were mine! Anyway, that is a long time ago, looking forward to it. The T7 is interesting as well, but I really look forward to the Husky.

Please tell me your thoughts about the Tuareg and if you will ever try one

I’m interested what you have to say about the 901

I bought my 2022 kawasaki klr650 adventure back in February after watching your videos. It was a great bike and loved learning the adventure aspect of riding, I rode road only bikes for 10 plus years. But I did trade it in 2 weeks ago for a 2022 honda africa twin adventure sports and I have no regrets. You should try the newest generation. Lots of tech and features. Plus a nice boost in power! Looking forward for new content!

Ha! I casually watched your vids when you bought your KLR. Patiently I sat back and waited for you to get rid of it. Been there done that... and tried it again with a DR650 which gave me the same issue: Most time on any bike is on the road. I'm tellin ya as great as these bikes are, try spending any time on Southern Ca. desert state roads @ 70mph is a chore. Screw nostalgia; I wanna ride with power and confidence. Got me a Suzuki V-Strom 10fiddy Adventure. More than happy now.

Hey man love your video's. Came across them as I am looking to buy a dual sport/adventure bike. I'm a disabled veteran that works at the VA in Pittsburgh so it cant be a huge bike. I'm interested in buying it. Let me know if its still for sell.

Just bought a KLR after not having a bike for 20 years. Will move up after I get accustomed to riding again. I feel like a beginner again.

The T7 could not be more over-rated. Or apparently more over-priced. The Norden is definitely fun and different. Guess you’re watching Ian like the rest of us ha.

i just bought a new Husqvarna Norden 901 , traded down from a ktm1090r for something lighter , only have 632 miles on it thus far , yup the market is insane i sold my 1090r way too cheap by the looks of things , this is my 5th KTM , welcome to the club that appreciates performance.... looking forward to your take on the diff , i did try to talk myself into a 700Tenere' for the lower running cost and maintenance overall , rode my friends a few times but just couldnt no offence to anyone who has one and loves it , i would not be happy with it , you will love the handling of that 901 it feels like its half the size and weight of my 1090r which was set up pretty well , i cant wait for proper springs to be available that really outta really make it light on its feet

What do you think about the Harley Pan America?

Man, nice I'm 68, I'll stick with my 2022 KLR, it's great for me !

Just doing some research online, here in Utah there are a couple places that say they have several Tenere t700 and super t700. If you ever make it down this way I think you might be in luck.

How much are wanting for the klr?

I bought a CRF because of your channel, and I’m still here... So yeah, there’s that. The day that you stop riding off road is the day that I will most likely unsubscribe from your channel. Till then, keep putting out dual sport/adventure riding content on whatever you choose to ride. Thank you.

I just knew you were going to say Norden. Definitely my next bike, if I can find one.

I like your videos and content very much. Can I be so bold as to recommend that you do some practice panic braking regularly for your safety as ABS won't do a damn thing for you if you have a mental lapse on the front brakes. Not meant to be harsh, I think you are a super nice guy.

I'm curious to see which bike you keep longer T7 or Norden.

@Chumbucketsecret

2 жыл бұрын

Whichever reliability lets him keep 😉

04:15 takes character to admit that you have improvements to make

The Nordin 901 is an 890R that looks good. I totally get it. Just really love my 850GSA.

Way to go Dork, The Husky is so much nicer looking than the KTM in my opinion. I’d also suggest a Moto Guzzi V85TT. Somehow these are available? Mine is the perfect compliment (for me) to use alongside my DR-400Zs. I too was looking for the T7. The MG is somewhere between the KLR and the Norden901. Super simple engine, traction control, ABS, shaft drive, 6 speeds. Blah blah blah. Anyway, sounds like you now have your hands full with potential review bikes, but one day you should at least give the V85TT a look see. If you’re ever down here in Colorado you can take “Lucy the Guzzi” (V85) for a test.Blaze on.

Based on my own (limited) experiences, including several diaper-fillers, I will never buy another bike without ABS and fuel injection. ABS has definitely saved an ER visit twice on my Himalayan, and that is a very basic ABS system. Fuel injection allows me to ride from the coast over the Andes to the Amazon here in Ecuador without any issues or fiddling or re-jetting or any of that. Being able to switch off the ABS to the real wheel is obviously a big plus off road. The two hottest bikes in one garage! I am jealous, and eager to see your experiences and hear your opinions. Big Rock Moto had the T7 recently, and is riding the 901 now, so having both of you weigh in will be interesting. Cheers!

@MrEtnorb

Жыл бұрын

Ian from Big Rock sold his Norden. I understand he had problems with a blown shock, not sure if that was a factor.

Moving on up to the East side ..... Way to go.

Ready for the T7 content…I see them on cycle trader for msrp… I don’t get large mark up you mentioned…the Nordan looks cooI too. I like my Husky chain saw.

In Australia you can only get ABS equipped bikes apart from enduro/race bikes. It is one reason why the DR can’t be sold here anymore.

Not a good financial decision but a great wellness and mind state decision. I bet you feel on top of the world right now, and you deserve it man.

@JeffKendallWeed

2 жыл бұрын

It’s not even a bad financial decision. He could sell it for within a few hundred of the purchase price (which is probably $1k more than MSRP) after a few thousand miles. When it costs about $1k/week to rent a motorcycle, it’s an amazing deal to buy something so sought after like the 901. A 901 Sold on AdV rider last week for $16k- tho in a state with sales tax.

@MotorcyclesOffroad

2 жыл бұрын

@@JeffKendallWeed dude it was a response to something he said in the video. We don't have to break down the financials.

@justsomedude445

2 жыл бұрын

@@MotorcyclesOffroad ill take wellness and state of mind of monetary gain any day

@justsomedude445

2 жыл бұрын

@@JeffKendallWeed wow ! i cheap sold my 1090r im still mad at myself i should know better ! but it went to a good home so wtf , diggin the 901 goin for its 1st service next week where they will unlock the 'explorer' mode and swap out all the parts ive gathered , cannot wait

Love KLR, and looking forward to Husky4You!

@davidfuller764

2 жыл бұрын

Plus: ABS it’s a thing now

Try having a 21 Pan America special and a 17 KLR, everyday it is a tough decision on which one to ride.