The only mid-weight ADV I have seen with cruise control is the Moto Guzzi V85TT. It also has shaft drive which is a plus. I looked at bikes in this class, but found most of them too small for my height and frame. You are correct in saying that even changing air filters is a horror on most of them, much less valve adjustments. While the mid-weights are inexpensive, to get them where you need them costs a lot of money. I ended up finding a BMW R1200 GSA, late 2017 model, that had literally everything on it. It was in brand new condition with low mileage. There are great alternatives out there, you just need to check around.

@Chase_N

2 ай бұрын

Yep, a lot of wishful thinking on my part. Really, besides the 12,000 mile valve adjustment inspection intervals, the Aprilia Tuareg would be a unicorn bike as it comes with cruise control. I've seen the new Honda Transalp can have aftermarket cruise control added to it too, but that's something I fear could void the warranty. The R1200 GSA was a fully matured design and will serve you well. It's a well proven bike, congrats! Thank you for watching!

I agree the valve clearance checks and the costs to having them done on most modern bikes are a deal breaker for me. Ive had bikes that were the old lock nut and screw adjuster types that were simple and easy to do yourself. Back in those days I actually enjoyed doing them. But removing cams and diassembling half of the machine to check and adjust valves NFW. Thats one of the many reasons why I have had Harleys, Buells, And a collection of older screw type valve adjuster bikes in my stable over the past 30 years.

@Chase_N

3 ай бұрын

Yeah, it puzzles me why they haven't changed things. It's not as if it's impossible or overtly expensive, H-D did it with the RevMax in the Pan Am & (everyone seems to forget they exist now) Sportsters. The Aprilia Tuareg hurts the most, I know firsthand how expensive their services run having previously owned one. A near unicorn bike- 80Hp,50Tq, under 500 pounds, & very capable off-road. Only 12k miles before you have to tear it down and check valve clearance though. I really wish Buell they wouldn't have murdered Buell, they were great bikes. Most guys just didn't get it. If I hadn't gotten a screaming deal on a Sportster, an XB9S would've been my 1st bike. 30 years is a long time to be on 2 wheels these, I've only been riding for 15 years, I can't imagine how it will change in another 15. It's nice to hear about the experience guys with a lot of years riding have had. Thank you for watching!

@paulwojnar2291

3 ай бұрын

@Chase_N . Thank you for your video broadcasts.. Enjoy listening to your views on things motorcycling and life in general.

@davidbrayshaw3529

3 ай бұрын

Moto Guzzi still have the "old fashioned" screw and locknut adjuster on their V7. The Royal Enfield range, the same. The Kawasaki W800 uses a shimmed system, but you can at least get at the shims without having to remove the camshaft or rocker arms (clever system!), and they're not noted for being "high wear" components, despite 6,000 check intervals. Why can't more bikes be like that.

@Chase_N

3 ай бұрын

@@davidbrayshaw3529 I think it's a couple factors. Cost. It's cheap for production as far as tooling and R&D, the flip side is it gives dealer service centers a payday. It's also proven tech. Hey, something that's worked for 100 years can't be wrong, right? I'm sure there are other reasons but those are off of the top of my head. Thank you for watching and commenting!

Agree with your take, Chase....my Electra Glide was my first bike with cruise control and it's a game-changer...my PAS having it is awesome. Another thing (since I've never had them and I now do on the PAS) I've learned I might not be able to live without ever again - heated grips! What a revelation! Peace, brother!

@Chase_N

3 ай бұрын

Yeah, heated grips make a bigger difference than I thought they would. I got at least one ride every month except January (the roads had snow on them the whole month). Part of that is the fairing, but I instantly recognized the contribution the heated grips make. Warm hands vs cold & cramped make for a much more enjoyable ride! Thank you for watching and have fun on that Pan Am S!