Thinking about dual sport/ ADV bike

[SRTie4k]

I suspect the down low "POP" of the T7 is primarily what makes me think it's so much more suited for the dirt. The power application of Tuareg is a whole lot softer across the band including that very bottom end which makes me think it's just not quite as adept at getting the front tire up off the ground and over obstacles.

That said, that's REALLY just my gut impression with little to minimal time on either one actually spent riding in the dirt.

I may just bring the Tuareg over to Hodges Village Dam for a true test.

I have a bit of an issue with people talking about power characteristics of adventure bikes like they're dirt bikes or dual sports. Something like 85% of adventure riders will never see more than a dirt road, nevermind try to hop their bikes over a fallen tree. Really talking about single track at all on an adventure bike seems...frankly kind of ridiculous. It's not what they're meant to do at all. They're basically sport tourers that can handle rougher terrain than a traditional sport tourer.

I've exclusively owned adventure bikes now since 2016, and I've jumped a log once in that entire time on my 1290 (it was successful!). 9 times out of 10 the tree is too big, or not actually on the ground and requires you turn around, or maybe you get lucky and can ride it through the woods. On a dirt bike you can literally lift he bike over or drag it under. On a mid sized adventure bike, the chance of that being successful is next to nil.

All that being said, I'm mostly a "miles" type of rider. I ride somewhat easier adventure tracks to put down as many miles as I can in a day, to see as much as I can see. I do some technical stuff, but it's not frequent and it certainly isn't single track. That kind of technical riding on an adventure bike seems like kind of a novelty, more for marketing purposes than actual use case.

[FriskyDingo]

......Also equally tempted to get a Duke 690 as a track toy instead; need to find a friend with one of those too.

I don't make it to N.Haven often (never), and don't have any friends, but if you find yourself in the N.Stonington/Ledyard/Voluntown/Griswold area we could try and meet up for a ride. My 2013 is all set up for the track too, full race pack with cam, exhaust, intake, tune and Penske/Andreani suspension.

[OreoGaborio]

I have a bit of an issue with people talking about power characteristics of adventure bikes like they're dirt bikes or dual sports.

I know, right? It's like comparing lateral G's or 0-100 times of sports cars like they're race cars going to the track trying to win a race or something. Like, what's the point, right?

Merely stating that, for that reason, the T7 felt like, to me, it would be easier to maneuver in the shit if you found yourself in it.

[xrocket21]

I have a bit of an issue with people talking about power characteristics of adventure bikes like they're dirt bikes or dual sports. Something like 85% of adventure riders will never see more than a dirt road, nevermind try to hop their bikes over a fallen tree. Really talking about single track at all on an adventure bike seems...frankly kind of ridiculous. It's not what they're meant to do at all. They're basically sport tourers that can handle rougher terrain than a traditional sport tourer.

I've exclusively owned adventure bikes now since 2016, and I've jumped a log once in that entire time on my 1290 (it was successful!). 9 times out of 10 the tree is too big, or not actually on the ground and requires you turn around, or maybe you get lucky and can ride it through the woods. On a dirt bike you can literally lift he bike over or drag it under. On a mid sized adventure bike, the chance of that being successful is next to nil.

All that being said, I'm mostly a "miles" type of rider. I ride somewhat easier adventure tracks to put down as many miles as I can in a day, to see as much as I can see. I do some technical stuff, but it's not frequent and it certainly isn't single track. That kind of technical riding on an adventure bike seems like kind of a novelty, more for marketing purposes than actual use case.

Last year at Southwick some absolute animal entered an adventure bike in a Jday!!!! Blew my mind. He wasn't fast, but A for effort in my book.

[SRTie4k]

I know, right? It's like comparing lateral G's or 0-100 times of sports cars like they're race cars going to the track trying to win a race or something. Like, what's the point, right?

Merely stating that, for that reason, the T7 felt like, to me, it would be easier to maneuver in the shit if you found yourself in it.

Yeah I get it. I just can't think of many situations where the power characteristics of a 75+HP engine is what made the difference between me getting out of trouble and not. IMO it's almost always the rider's skill level. Weight balance is more noticeable, but it's still the most noticeable when you're having to pick it up for the 4th time lol.

[dankatz]

Agree - always rider skill level. In my case, definitely the rider not the bike

[RandyO]

I
All that being said, I'm mostly a "miles" type of rider. I ride somewhat easier adventure tracks to put down as many miles as I can in a day, to see as much as I can see. I do some technical stuff, but it's not frequent and it certainly isn't single track. That kind of technical riding on an adventure bike seems like kind of a novelty, more for marketing purposes than actual use case.

that was me 20 years ago, I never got off on going fast. I did attempt to delve into IBA rides, but

[dankatz]

Apropos Tuareg
https://www.advrider.com/aprilia-tua...-watch-out-t7/

[Gixxer]

Sea coast Sport Cycle has a 2023 Desert X for $3700 off and one with the off road pkg for -$5k for anyone interested

Also a 23 v85TT for $3400 off msrp.

No leftover Touregs tho.

[nhbubba]

I'm still enjoying the shit out of the 890 that started this thread. Although I am realizing it really isn't a dirt bike. Not under my ass anyway. It is everything my DL650 ever dreamed of being and then some. I love the motor. Get it reving and tickle the quick shifter. Yeah. Right there. Just like that. Quite shocked at how well the 21" front and long travel handle modestly aggressive road riding. Although I have a set of 1290 19/17 wheels in a box that I will be fitting once (if) life settles down. Hopefully finish that project this winter. I'm realizing it really is more of a street bike. An upright sports tourer if you like. That the styling is shit makes me feel no shame at all when I throw it on the ground.

I wonder how the 890 SMT is. I bet it is a really good time.

Still love ADV bikes. Always will.

[MattR302]

Possible new DRZ with fuel injection coming soon
https://www.advrider.com/updated-suz...s-to-have-efi/

One guy in this thread (link to post) claimed to be part of a Suzuki-contracted focus group meeting discussing potential wants/needs for an updated DRZ. Fuel injection and a wider ratio / 6 speed transmission were the top two.

[Gixxer]

I don’t recall any noticeable price bump when the KLR went EFI, if Suzook does the same, I may snag one of these.

[dankatz]

Possible new DRZ with fuel injection coming soon
https://www.advrider.com/updated-suz...s-to-have-efi/

One guy in this thread (link to post) claimed to be part of a Suzuki-contracted focus group meeting discussing potential wants/needs for an updated DRZ. Fuel injection and a wider ratio / 6 speed transmission were the top two.

If Suzuki updated their DRZ400 to essentially be a modern DR350 they will have a huge market for it!

[MattR302]

New DRZ-400 unveiled today
https://www.advrider.com/heres-your-new-suzuki-drz-4/

[SRTie4k]

There are a ton of new small displacement bikes coming. Interesting year for fans of downsizing.

[zxme]

New DRZ-400 unveiled today
https://www.advrider.com/heres-your-new-suzuki-drz-4/

I have an 18sm and have been waiting but they look plain with no graphics at all really.
Fuel injection though would be nice. Guess we will see soon enough how they are

[ducatirdr]

I think the biggest news will be the KTM 390 Adventure R with 21/18 wheels and a long travel suspension and modern face lift to the front headlight. There is another video of it in prototype doing a hill climb and I would like to ride that bike just like that.

[nhbubba]

New DRZ-400 unveiled today

Underwhelmed already. Still a 5 speed. Still heavy AF. Same-ish power. Ride modes?! Who asked for that?
This "improvement" is for emissions compliance, not for the end-user.

Maybe drives the market for used carb'ed machines down?