What Size Adventure Bike is Right for You? Here's how to decide.
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
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What size adventure bike is right for you? Many are facing the choice of what size ADV bike to buy. There are ups and downs to each size. I lay out a comparison chart to help you make a decision.
00:00 Intro
00:35 ADV Defined
01:35 Size Classes
03:50 Scorecard
04:30 Price
05:03 Weight
07:24 Carrying Capacity
08:44 Power
10:25 Urban Roads
11:10 Highway
11:43 Gravel
12:38 Technical Trails
14:44 Final Thoughts
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Пікірлер: 758
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@billmcmeekin7909
2 жыл бұрын
Great advice and info! The benefits of dirt biking from youth to adulthood, is often forgotten by most of us. We just progress onto the next chapter of bike, with somewhat ease. But I see so many adults getting into mid and full size adv bikes, with little or no experience. This video will help more people than you realize. If it's not fun, it's done! So hopefully this will aid many on making a "fun" purchase :-) Well done! Cheers to a wonderful 2022 riding season ehh 🇨🇦
This is the most honest and accurate review of the difference between the beefcake and midsize adv bikes. Anyone other than a pro who thinks they're going to ride a beefcake on anything other than graded dirt/gravel roads is in for an expensive surprise and disappointment. Thanks for the content. Cheers from OZ
@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart
Ай бұрын
Can you explain a little ?
I think there should be 4 size classification small up to 450cc, medium 450cc to 750cc, large 750cc to 1000cc and over sized 1000cc + . But not be restricted to just classed by engine size.
@hassosigbjoernson5738
2 жыл бұрын
A classification seems always hard. Like for example the 2016 Africa Twin. Is it "over size" or "just" mid/ large? Or the Tiger: although the Tiger 900 seems heavy and definitely large, the Tiger 800, especially the first models seem much more nimble and medium size. The weight should be considered as well. A 650 ccm V-Strom is heavier than a T7, which matters offoad but means more comfort onroad. So it's always a combination between motor size and weight.
@marcochavane3124
2 жыл бұрын
I don't know. The new 300cc 4T bikes coming out really seem to be creating their own niche like the CRF300L Rally.
@Gismo3333
2 жыл бұрын
450cc is not small, that is heavy big bike off-road. 450cc in cross bikes is the biggest you get, if I not remember wrong. More like 50-300cc is small. You don't need to go 60mph + off-road.
@yannikoloff7659
2 жыл бұрын
125cc stand proud in here as well
@mgwgeneral6467
Жыл бұрын
@@marcochavane3124 funny thing is the 300 rally is really only a 250 with a big idea
I have learnt that even old topics are worth watching when you take them on. Great work. /Rob
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
thanks!
I really appreciate your channel. It's one of only two motorcycle channels I follow, because of the great content. I'd only add one thing - adventure is in the use. Ed March turned a Honda C90 into an ADV bike because of how he used it. Not that a Goldwing or a Street Glide is no different than a T7, but that we get so caught up in having the "right" bike or gear, we can miss the adventure. Ride what you own, upgrade as you need, but most importantly - have a good time (and be safe if you can). Again, great video, great channel, great advice.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
totally agree with that sentiment,. thanks
@steveh545
2 жыл бұрын
yup. all bikes are adventure bikes. (well, if taken on an adventure). But otherwise Ian's points are valid.
@dw5523
2 жыл бұрын
@@steveh545 Ian’s points are usually valid. Like most internet commenters, I just couldn’t help but add my two cents.
@Liberty4Ever
2 жыл бұрын
Big bikes are better for highway adventures. Smaller bikes are better for back roads, dirt roads and off road adventures. My G310GS is the best I've found for my adventures, riding back roads, dirt roads and off roads, and ultralight camping. I wish it had a 5 gallon fuel tank and maybe a suspension upgrade. The CRF300L Rally looks good to me as well. A friend just bought a big GS. It's gorgeous and no doubt a very comfortable bike for long highway miles, but I have a 4Runner for that.
@dw5523
2 жыл бұрын
@@Liberty4Ever I agree. My last bike was an RE Himalayan, and I loved it, but it just couldn't do what I needed. I'm a big guy and live in the Midwest, so I need a moderately capable bike on the highway to get to more interesting riding grounds.
I’ve gone for a 2014 BMW G650gs. It seemed the right size for me as I’m not very tall. I did 3,300km over eight days and it handed the trip like a breeze 😃
You forgott to mention something very important: Emotions! Many of us buy a bike just because we like it so much (I bought an Adventure R, knowing it is lightyears better then I will ever be offroad :). Thanks for your clips mate, I like them alot. Greetings from the heart of Switzerland.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
Dude, you seriously have the most comprehensive videos, time after time, than anyone...thanks for putting all the work into keeping the rest of us fully informed.
Absolutely love your channel! Your delivery is so clear and concise! Thanks so much!
Thanks for always putting so much effort into these videos, the quality speaks for itself. This was really helpful and insightful and that's saying something when there are hundreds or maybe thousands of videos about bike breakdowns. This one stood out. Thank you!
Very good break down of those two sizes, nothing really new for people who research and watch videos about motorcycles a lot, but compressed in very easy understandable package here. Hope someone who's struggling to grasp the difference sees this video! Good job!
I've watched a couple video's from this channel and must say that out of all the content I've watched, listened to, and researched in pursuit of the right ADV bike for two-up riding, this individual seems to put together all the information very well and easy to comprehend. He articulates the info very well and his experience comes through as very knowledgeable.
Your channel is the best, by far, when it comes to figuring out purchase decisions for adv bikes. Glad I found it!
Just started watching your channel a few days ago and I must say that I like it a lot. You don’t just ramble off a bunch of specs, you give details and explain “why “. I thought I wanted a KTM but I think realistically a Africa Twin would suit me much better. Thank you for the info.
Thanks!, very good comparative analysis, including the final comments!
Major consideration is can you pick it up by yourself if you lay it down in the mud? Anything over 400lbs starts to get ridiculous for most folks. So that 1250 BMW is at the fat end of no thank you.
@JontteBack
Жыл бұрын
The BMW is actually quite easy to pick up thanks to the boxer engine. You get it half way just tipping on the cylinder, and then ”easy” to back up. A slim bike, like the KTMs are more difficult because you don’t have the tipping point. I used to ride a KTM 1190 Adv R and it was a bitch for me to pick up. I have the nerdy desk rider build …
Thanks, For each section that I look at what you highlight, I note that you have a natural ability to provide good teaching. You are both methodical and pedagogical. It's a pleasure to be one of your followers. Keep up the good work. Greetings from a wintry Sweden / Pelle
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
thank you!
I’m glad you did this video. Some of the manufacturers need to watch this video bc there’s sport touring and then there’s adventure. Good video
Love the footage of you feeding those dirt corners with your mid size bike , Great presentation mate, well constructed, precise and relevant information. A thinking bike riders channel!!
Thank you ! I'm finally beginning to know which category over the other I'm going to choose (thanks to your videos :) )
Thanks for your videos! Always very informative material, makes decision making much easier.
This is a great video. I was riding big touring bikes for many years and got interested in riding farm roads near my home so picked up a used KLR. I never had any experience riding anything other than tarmac. My buddy was a excellent and he took me out a few times. Country roads were fine on the bike but we started riding in narrow roads with ruts and big puddles and that’s where I really started failing. He had a much lighter bike and could easily handle anything we road on. After ending up tangled in a barbed wire fence I gave it up. He said I needed to be riding a lighter bike and I can really appreciate your statement on too big a bike and no confidence.
All this tells me that I was very good in picking my 2017 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L. Kinda right in the middle of it all, been enjoying it so far, and watching your videos help aim me where to work on my own riding with the bike so I can keep up with it. Great video and advice
Excellent perspective. I think biggest takeaways are: 1) Don't ride bikes that intimidate you (it could save your life) 2) Be humble enough to take training/classes 3) Be realistic with where your riding skills are at and start small/light and build up
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
well said
@markcollins5026
2 жыл бұрын
Man, just don't buy more bike than you can ride !
Perfect, clear exposition..Ian and his channel is very intructive as always
Thank you, Big Rock Moto!
Great work again Ian I like your “studious” approach to your channel
Great & very useful presentation. tnx for taking the time to bring it to our community
Great video! Thanks for all your insights and valuable recommendations.
@Big Rock , My Bro you need your own TV show seriously.Each and every video explains things so well .Thank You and keep up the good work.
Thanks a lot. I have no motorbike experience and this video is very helpful to understand what the difference is. I was able to orientate myself on a new topic.
Really enjoying your content recently, particularly about ADV riding and the T7.
Thank you for consolidating the information. California dreaming from D.C. where it is been unseasonably cold the last few weeks! Took the V-Strom for a ride yesterday as the temp had climbed to 37F, I was bundled up, but I definitely need warmer gloves!
Good video Ian, the comparison is fair and would be a great help to someone on the fence between buying a big heavy ADV or middle weight bike.
Super useful! Thanks man!
In most EU countries we have 130-140 km/h on the highway (except on some German freeways where there is no limit at all). Between countries the highway are connected and this way you can travel for hours or even days. I personally use a highway speed between 130-150km/h in my GSA 1200. At this speed with a full load the GSA runs smoothly. Off the highway we usually drive at 100 km/h- 110 km/h. To move with pleasure in central Europe it is good to have good acceleration. In town we mostly use 50+;) km/h.
What a brilliant vid. Thorough, knowledgeable, interesting, logical and so well presented. I'm really starting to get into this channel
GREAT video man!!! Thanks
Your welcome!!! I tune in for nearly every episode that talks about bike that I can't afford for another 20 year
Great article Rob, really good practical advice
@Big Rock Moto: Superb 8 characteristics table! I love It and it actually also works pretty well if you add a third column with light weight bikes... Unless you don't want to include dual purposes in the same chart.
Well done, keep up the good work 💪🏼
I feel so clear now thank you so much !!
Thanks for a nice overview of the genre. I have a 1st gen KLR 650, and a ‘21 Honda CRF Rally. Sometimes I wish that the KLR was a bit bigger, and that the Rally was a bit smaller. After many decades of riding, I’m thinking of getting a strictly dirt bike to hone my off-road skill set. Happy Trails
Excellent episode. I totally concur with your conclusions. I tried trail riding back in my 20's on a Honda Hawk. BIG mistake. Immediately learned to be quite accomplished in the "dirt" on a DKW 125. Over the years, graduated to trials on a Bultaco. When you have the right machine for the type of riding you prefer, it becomes pure pleasure. Thanks for all the effort you put in to your blog.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
thanks
Awesome job!
Thanks for your insights. It does truly open my mind and reminded me of important considerations when choosing the type of motorcycle. Greatly appreciated.
Great channel. Great delivery. Thank you so much also for converting some numbers to the metric system.
Another great video. I love your channels growth and improvement over the last year. I agree with you 100%. I spent 3 years riding a CB500X before getting my Africa Twin 1100. Riding the smaller bike was great for learning, and i actually think my next ADV will be something in between in size. A T7 or a KTM 890. I don't really subscribe to taking my ADV on single track much, but love to ride them on dirt roads and gravel. I do think i want to keep a lighter dual sport in the garage for the more technical stuff. Love your editing, and the preparation you are putting into your videos. Thanks Ian.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Excellent brake down between the different bikes. I have a Honda NC700X that I have set up and used as a adventure bike and I just changed to a Honda CRF300L Rally because the 700 is just to heavy for me to be picking up. I guess I am a little more of a off road rider then I thought I would be at age 70.
@biomorphic
2 жыл бұрын
And I'm sure you would appreciate it even more if it was lighter. I think an adventure bike should not weight more than 130 kg, and the Honda is 153 kg. I don't understand why dirty bikes are 110 kg, and dual sport are so heavy instead. I would rather pay more for a dual sport if they could keep the weight down.
@Gismo3333
2 жыл бұрын
@@biomorphic - Then you cant bring what you need to take with you. The lighter the bike, the less you can put on it.
@joeybobbie1
2 жыл бұрын
You should check the ItchyBoots Videos. She Rides a CRF300 Honda and has traveled the World on it. Right now She’s going from the Tip of South America all the way to Alaska. She is the very Top of Adventure Riding. You will be Amazed at what she puts that Bike through.
@johnpagejr.7628
2 жыл бұрын
@@joeybobbie1 your a little late telling me that because I have followed her from day one. I don't think I have missed a single video. But thanks for mentioning her the more of us watching the better it is for Noraly.
@johnpagejr.7628
2 жыл бұрын
@@jonlough3074 I plan on it Thanks
Thx you for your time doing such explicative video. It give a lot of important info to take a final decision which motorcycle to buy. Again thank you.
You reflect my thoughts exactly. That's why I own both a big 1200 and smaller 800 adventure bikes. Best of both worlds. Both second hand bikes.
Great video! Really liking your content. You hit on some very important points. So many factors to consider when buying your first adv bike or upgrading as I did(klr to Africa twin). Where you live in relation to where you want to ride and if you never carry a passenger are also big factors. I loved the agility and simplicity of my klr but it wasn’t fun riding loaded on the highway to go on adv trips that required a good chunk of asphalt to get to the off-road areas. I also believe your age and fitness level matter.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
good points thanks
Great advice 👍
Thank you!
Very informative! Thank you.
Thanks for this review. I live in Idaho and it's windy. I found that my Dr 650 is significantly affected by cross and head winds. I blew a clutch driving into a significant headwind. My companions on bigger bikes had no issues at all. I'm upgrading to a vstrom1000 just for horse power.
Thank you for such an informative video. Your advice make a lot of sense.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
thanks
Hi Ian, great video. I'm a new subscriber who gew up riding dirt bikes but not ridden in 20 years - back to beginner level. 🤣 Your videos are a big help in planning how to safely start riding again.
Great video!!! Keep up the great work
Thanks for the video👏
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome 😊
good advice Ian as always.
Excellent analysis and advice again!
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
Good video Ian, very useful information.
I agree with everything you've said. And yes starting with a big bulky bike is difficult. I started with my BMW R1200GS LC
Excellent content
Great video, very informative. I wish you talked about tires more but honestly it’s probably a whole video worth
Thanks for the advice, its very valuable. I was busy making that decision now, and it's very clear in my mind now that mid-size is a better choice for me as it's my first bike, I wanna do reasonably off road, use the bike most of the time for my Monday to Friday job, able to do long distance travel (ie 800 to 2000kms), and in a long run when I've gained confidance I can do distances like Cape Town to Zimbabwe ie just over 5000 kms round trip.
Great video 👍
Riding skills should not be underestimated. Ive been riding 500-850cc bikes and once i got a GS1200 and went off roading....i dropped that pig of a bike so much that i was tired from picking it back up each time. It's also not just the size overall but the height of these european bikes too. At shy of less than 6' tall, my heels don't touch the ground and going reverse was tough at times. 😅
This is basic motorcycle information, nicely presented. It occurs to me that Ian is to Adventure Motorcycling as Colin Fletcher is to Hiking! I'd like to see a similar presentation to this one about selecting a dual sport vs. an adventure bike. Thanks.
I just discovered your channel and very much impressed. Very clear and informative. I fully agree with your points. Keep it up. Well done From the Philippines
Another awesome video! Whenever I see the notification of one of your videos I pause everything else just to watch what’s new.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thank you!
Weight low-down is a benefit, I feel. You allude to this. I used to love my old R1100GS for this, but my XB12X Ulysses had a low c of g with its fuel in the frame. The T7 looks really top-heavy.
Right to the point! I’ve recently moved from a GS1200 Adv to 890R and after some mods it seems perfect to me (at 6ft6 and 240 pounds). 50 kilos less of a bike and superb off-road suspension gets the work done :-)
@michaelbmw1931
Жыл бұрын
Exactly . No More gs for me too. Too heavy. It is dangerous.
Very nice explanation. Thanks. I've only done off roading once, but I'm seriously considering trying it for real. ✌️
Thank you 🙏🏽
Well done stay blessed.very informative vedio
Thanks!
Great breakdown of considerations. The weight factor is a bit misleading as the Boxer twin and KTM low-mounted fuel tanks *really* belie their weight with great balance at low speeds. (As you’ve talked about before.) Nice breakdown!
Great description, clear concise and well thought out. I’ve had small, medium and large. 4 BMW GS’s and now I would only go for mid size. The Tenere is the best.
Well considered and useful analytic framework, not just between those arbitrary categories but within them. I'd add one more row: rider fit. Larger displacement doesn't necessarily mean more room for the rider but, just as for the other characteristics, those tend to go together. As someone with long legs, distance between seat and foot peg is a key variable and, for that reason, I'm looking forward to the time when I afford to park a GS Adventure next to my slightly cramped, "adventure-style" Versys 1000.
Thanks for a great video/
Thanks for the great video! As in many things: in the end it is also something personal preference. Also, I think it's good that you state the "normal case". Somewhere there will always be exceptions (e.g. I chose the Tiger 900 Rally Pro because I can load 226kg - a GS1250 10kg less ;)) Greetings from Germany
Good Comparison Ian and very true words :-)
i love the way u use both measurement systems.
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
learned the hard way
Well said, nice video.
Thanks Rob, now I know where to go, my compass is on!
Carrying Capacity. Pulling a Glamper with a kitchen and bath
That was a excellent video - very helpful in sorting through the many choices. Great video!
@BigRockMoto
11 ай бұрын
Many thanks!
I like the video and would also add Traffic efficiency to the comparison
Thanks for the information From a Australian here thanks
man you got all the information in the world about this and we got the same first name! Thanks for the information homie
In Asia we typically use 70cc to 150cc road bikes all year round all weathers. Usually with the cheapest road tires we can find. Keep the technology simple you may need to repair it alone mile from any where
@basedpatriotLT
2 жыл бұрын
Why do you not like 300cc or so? Way better than 70cv or 150cc. Or is it because of the price?
Once again, GREAT video!
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good advice…so I bought the GSA and a dirt bike for the trails 1 hour away and the GSA for exploring the Smoky’s from Nashville. Perfect!
I still hope to own a big GSA but when I looked around, the best bang for my buck was the KTM 950/990 adventures. They can do it all and can be had for a song.
Thanks for the great video! Greetings from Poland
Excellent presentation..👍👍👍👍👍
Great video!
@BigRockMoto
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the visit