That is hilarious. I never thought about all the extra time you have in a fall. That does seem like a significant advantage I had never considered. Thank you very much for the enlightenment.

😁

😀😀😀

That is a really great way to put it because these five things could probably be true to one degree or another with all big ADV bikes.

Or.. how ridiculous and ubiquitous the complaints are.

Yes, your complaints goes for ALL big adventure bikes. So why didn't you say that? Makes me think you are not an experienced motorcyclist.

Exactly my point.

I was definitely learning that day. Twelve is probably a little over the top but I will tell you, as the water and food were running out, it certainly felt that way. There are some routes that new riders shouldn't be on and I found myself right in the middle of one. Hopefully, I will be smarter next time but I make no promises. ;-)

@@BeGoneForGood So you made a mistake ....nothing wrong with the bike .

I bet you haven't touched a motorcycle in your life

@@shivacastelia6468 It´s not about something being wrong with the bike. It´s about whether the bike is right for you and your goals.

Addict - touched, ridden, enjoyed but its a good guess.

As you should. It is a great bike and if you are still interested after knowing the ups and downs, then you will love it.

Same

@@BeGoneForGood picking mine up tomorrow, thanx for the thorough breakdown.

I have the same issue as I am a one bike guy. I think my wife would lose her mind if I took up even more garage space with a second bike. I have the DCT too and I think it is the perfect bike for the type of riding I do right now. I had a chance to really dig in this past year with some serious off road riding in Utah and the bike was a dream. A heavy dream but a dream nonetheless. I look forward to the trips we have planned next year (TBD) and seeing how much more I can learn about this bike as I continue riding. I wanted to thank you for watching and leaving your feedback here.

We keep referring to the bike as "heavy." Heavy compared to what? A dirtbike? A 650? I'm not sure the weight is a legitimate complaint

Boo Radley 40 years ago I was racing motocross and riding 125-500 cc dirt bikes. Today, I find my AT top-heavy And not confidence inspiring off road. Perhaps it’s me and not the 550 pounds wet weight. Lol.

It’s only +-54kg heavier than small adventure bikes like the ktm 390, I think it has to do with the bikes top heaviness.. the top heaviness with a full tank makes it hard to pick up when you fall on a steep hill but on level ground, its totally chilled

Thank you very much for the feedback. I am a huge fan of this bike for sure but I do realize that it might not work for everyone. The price is only getting better and better as these new models come out. I am super excited to see people being able to pick up more and more of these bikes hit the floor. Thank you again for watching and leaving a comment. It definitely helps to hear others' experiences as well.

I really appreciate the feedback and I understand your critique. Nice profile pic too by the way. I don't know that there are "real" reasons to not buy any specific bike as they all have their pros and cons. There are simply times when the AT might not be the best fit for certain riders. I wanted to highlight some of those areas just so potential AT owners could have all the info. I hope that clarifies some of my choices a bit. As far as the title, it is a tough balancing act between brief and informative titles. I still feel like the title accurately describes the vid while limiting wordiness. I am glad you watched and left feedback. Thank you.

Totally true. The height of the bike can easily be a pro or a con for people depending on what they are looking for in a bike. I really appreciate your added to feedback to the comments here to flesh out the different needs for each rider out there. Bikes are tools for what we try to accomplish as riders. Some tools are good for certain jobs and some are bad but it often depends on who we are as riders and what we want to accomplish in our travels.

That is sort of the whole point. There are goods and bads for every bike. There are things they are best suited for and things they aren’t suited for at all. I love my AT also but I’m well aware that isn’t the best option for everything.

That is awesome. I had considered a Boulevard oh so long ago before I found the ADV market. I am a huge fan of my AT as well and would gladly join you in that cross-state adventure on this bike. Twin twins as we went.

That is awesome. I have had mine for about 18 months now and every ride is a blast. I am hoping to get much more off-road time next summer but it is a steep learning curve for me since I have ZERO dirt bike experience to pull from. I am okay learning slowly though because even the tough times are pretty fun.

The white gray and black is super sharp. I have the 17 and love the hell out of my bike. I feel like I am just starting to get to know her after doing my first REAL off-road section this past summer in Utah. Thank you very much for watching and commenting.

Oh, I certainly wouldn't blame the tool as early as I am in the game. I am well aware that any difficulty I have on this bike is because of me as a rider and not the size or weight of the bike. I am REALLY glad though that I had a chance to at least learn how to ride on a smaller, lighter, slower bike. I can't say that it for sure saved my life but I am confident that I would have made plenty of bad choices if I had AT power when I was starting. My first off-road this past year taught me a lot and I do wish I had done it on a much smaller bike but unfortunately the commute and my budget wouldn't allow it. I would also agree with you, the AT (I don't have the Adventure Sport) is the absolute best bike for me and the type of riding I do routinely. It will be more bike than I am rider for a good long time. Thank you very much for the watch and the feedback.

@@BeGoneForGood 👍

Oh definitely. I done the same thing. Bought an AT as my second bike after watching doubtless videos, and wow what a handful

My first real off-road with the bike definitely toughened up my back quite a bit with all my pick ups. We are stronger for it, right?

K

I agree with you, I love the bike but there is no doubt it is heavy. I can't imagine how tough messy stuff would be but I might get a chance next year when we do MABDR. I also agree about the trade-off for comfort because I have to push enormous amounts of miles to get to anywhere really fun. I ultimately settled on the AT because even though it gets heavy when I drop it off-road, I get so much use out of it outside those times. I wanted to thank you for watching and leaving your feedback. It really means a lot to us to have so many people interested in helping this community with what they know and have experienced.

Did you change bikes or were those things just minor annoyances with an already great bike?

I switched to another bike

BehindTheBars good point mate, longevity and long term cost is never mentioned, plus the cost when shit break!

Behind The Bars, I don't know what a winge is but I think I like mine with buffalo sauce. ;-) Seriously, I get that the AT is a great all-rounder. I mean hell it is my bike and I plan on going all around on the thing but do you think there are some people out there where this "tool" just doesn't fit what they are trying to do? This question came up in my own head as I was doing a pretty rugged off-road loop in Utah this past summer. I have only ridden two bikes for any amount of time. My first was a CB500X and then the AT. While I was in Utah on the AT, dropping the bike all over the place, I wondered if I wouldn't have been better off on a smaller, lighter bike. The 2000 mile ride out to Utah wouldn't have been as good but maybe my off road experience would have been better. It is tough to say I guess but I thought it was at least worth starting the conversation with the video. I appreciate you leaving a comment and adding your insights to the conversation.

Daniel, that is very true about the long term cost. I never really thought of that. Partially I am guessing because I haven't had the AT that long really and I haven't seen the costs associated with the other bikes. That would be a definite factor in overall cost for the bike for sure. Thank you very much for adding that feedback.

@BehindTheBars More vids please! Africa Twin is awesome. Beach too sandy, water too wet for some people.

@@BeGoneForGood Wasnt directed you personally just the message, its piss funny. I hear it all the time. so not a personal attack just the message mate

Great to meet you Leo and I am glad the vid was useful for you. I have heard great things about the 850GS. It is a really nice bike and you will have a great ride for a long time.

2020 Africa Twin weighs 505lbs.

I totally agree with your sentiments. There were only a few times on Lockhart Basin that I was lamenting my choice of such a heavy bike but that had a lot more to do with me being unprepared than the bike itself. I love the AT for all the reasons you mentioned because it does everything I want it to do plus so much more I haven't even touched yet. I look forward to plenty more adventures on my bike from here. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving feedback.

I appreciate the feedback and I just thought it would be good to get some of the reasons out there why people might need to reconsider their choice depending on what they value in a bike. I didn't realize when I first bought the bike but you are completely right if you want to do off-road often this bike is crazy heavy.

Thank you very much for stopping by and leaving your feedback. I must tell you that I am completely in love with my bike as well. I can't get enough of it even when our weather is dipping below 40 degrees. Yikes!

I am 6'5" and rode the 2015 CB500X for about 16,000 miles throughout the States and Central America. You will feel a difference in the size of the CB and AT but I don't know that I would have ever described myself as scrunched on the CB. I am more comfortable now on the AT but I don't know that it is significant enough reason to solely go for the AT. My biggest reason for stepping up to the AT was the power I received from the CB on the highway. I rode down to Honduras with a KTM 1190 Adventure and couldn't really keep up with him at takeoff or cruising speeds. Once I was comfortable riding I knew I wanted to have a bit more available to me when I turned the throttle. Ultimately, I think if you are more comfortable on the CB500X, then you should definitely stick with the CB because all the AT is going to do is throw more weight and power to you. I know the 19 CB and 15 CB are very different but I added the Rally Raid kit to mine, which added some extra shock capability. I weigh about 185 and tend to overpack quite a bit so maybe at 200, a shock exchange might help your ride as well. I envy you being able to charge out your backdoor in Utah for some really spectacular riding but I think either of those bikes will do you really well. I might start on the CB and if it turns out to not have everything you want, maybe you can change. I bet it takes care of you nicely though. I really appreciate​ you stopping by and leaving a comment. If you need anything else please feel free to reach out to me further. chad@begoneforgood.com

That new AT looks incredible. I will be curious to see how many of these issues this new bike solves for many. The whole slate of new ADV bikes coming out is really encouraging.

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback and glad you agree with my assessment. It wasn’t easy because I love this bike so much but every positive has a downside as well.

I have an NC 750x. Was looking at an upgrade to AT. Glad you posted this before I went and traded. I think I have plenty of bike for the riding I do.

Yeh, there was a point at which I knew I wasn't happy with my current bike so I stepped up to the AT. It might still be a good fit for you but if you are content with what you have, I would say don't risk it.

Yeh, it can definitely be done and the low seat helps for sure. Jocelin Snow rides a HUGE GS and she is barely 5'2" so skill can get you anywhere for sure.

Off-road Goldwing? That is hilarious and all of a sudden the bike doesn't seem that unmanageable. I have learned so much in a short amount of time when it comes to dealing with off-road environments. I obviously have a long way to go but it feels good knowing some of the basics as they have already improved my riding. The other good news is that I can only really afford to have one bike so I HAVE to manage on the AT no matter what kind of riding I am doing. I certainly do hope that I can get better and better so pickups become less and less. I wanted to thank you for giving us your thoughts on the video. It helps everyone when you can give honest and interesting feedback about your experiences.

or "Adventure Touring Bike"

Indeed.

You do have to admit though that all these names can get quite confusing, especially for us newbies. I do think this could technically apply as a dual sport though. I mean I rode across the country at 70-90 mph to go off-road in Utah on an expert only (way over my head) route and the bike (not the rider) performed exquisitely in both environments. I am sure a smaller bike on the dirt and maybe a larger one on the road would have been better but this bike handled both well. I will tell you though...I could go for some heated grips as our nights start slipping into 40s. ;-) I appreciate the watch and the feedback.

In my opinion "dual-sport" means 50/50. That means it's equally good on road as it is off road. These big Adventure Touring bikes are, in my opinion, somewhere between 70/30 and 90/10 on road/off road. 19" front wheels, excessive weight, wide radiators, fragile plastics, low sumps and cast wheels all limit the bikes ease of use off road. For the record, I do not believe a maintained gravel road to be "off road". Some do. I don't. ADV bikes are fine....when ridden in the correct environment. Treat them like a dirt bike and they'll crumble and leave the owner both angry and broke. Been there, done that.

This Term "Adventure bike" is bullshit its a Motorcycle, use it as intended and if you go out of it parameters it's not Adventure its just a bit harder. Wonder what e called it back in the day long b4 the interwebs and KZfaq

First off, thank you so much for the feedback. I know it takes time to assemble something like this so I appreciate that effort. I don't know that I ever really considered the weight because riding it, even after the CB500X, seemed easy and fluid. It wasn't until I was dropping it over and over again at Lockhart Basin that I really wished I had something super light...like mountain bike light. It was an empty wish because I had to ride 2000 miles there and back, which the AT was perfect for but when I was hot, sweaty, dehydrated, and tired, I wished I could be lighter. As far as the engine, I haven't ridden other bikes like you have (that wheelie is awesome) but I had heard a lot about the ho-hum power band. It is MORE than enough to keep me happy, especially coming from the VERY ho-hum CB500X but I know there are others out there wishing for more aggressive capability. I just don't happen to be one of them. My heart pumps every time I get to accelerate from a light even though I have never (intentionally) brought the front wheel up. Height, I am just glad I am tall. Jocelin proves it doesn't really matter but I am still glad to be tall. Honestly, the bells and whistles never really bothered me. I spent plenty of years in cars with everything so I kind of like the stripped down bike idea. It makes me feel more like Peter Fonda which is always an aspiration while riding. Cue up the Steppenwolf in the headset. That is an awesome deal on the 19. I was lucky to get the price I did on a barely used 17 when I did but the prices these days are tough to ignore. Again, thank you so much for the feedback and taking the time to watch. Good luck on your 19 and if you see a red, white and blue 17 blow by...give a wave.

I'm 5'5" and I own the AT DCT with the low seat and obviously in the low position. I also ride with Rev'It boots and they have a bit of lift to them. I would say the DCT does make it easier not having to deal with putting it in gear and switching feet and all that. I own several dirt bikes with 35" seat heights, so I'm no stranger to the Jocelyn Snow leg hang. Totally doable, but a bit trickier on a 500lbs bike. But I completely agree you should consider this and I would say for certain, do not buy this as a first bike if you're on the vertically challenged side of life.

great observation

@@thagerm2390, that is a really great point. It is probably a good idea for a smaller rider to get used to Jocelyn's "I am the boss of it" capability on a smaller bike before trying to tame one of the big ones. I am not a short rider at all but I am extremely happy that, basically by dumb luck alone, I got to learn how to ride on a smaller, lighter, slower bike than the AT. I would imagine the same to be true of other new riders regardless of their height. I want to thank you very much for watching and leaving your feedback for other riders.

Did you really try GS? Cause I tried both and I always loved AT, but F850GSA Rallye killed AT!!!!! Not GS but GSA, completely different bike...

That is a great way to put it and I totally agree. I have done some pretty mean off-road trails with it and if it was lighter or I was better, I think we both would have had much more fun. As it stands, I do not want to drop this thing too often because I can only get so strong before it is just obscene. ;-)

Very true. One man's critique can be another's promotion. I am a big fan of this bike even knowing some of the reasons others may not love the bike.

I have the DCT too and have been super impressed with the bike. There obviously are good and bad places to take the bike but it does a solid job with everything I have thrown at it so far.

That is sort of my point. Every bike is a tool and sometimes there are better tools for different jobs. Just be sure this is the right tool before going too deep into it.

I haven't ridden the chalk but we have mud and clay over here that do similar things. If you catch it at just the right amount of wetness it is like ice. Thank you very much for the watch and comment.

It is definitely a big bike but manageable once you get used to it. I appreciate you leaving some added context and feedback to the video for others to check out. It is very helpful to see everyone's different opinions on the AT.

Absolutely. I am glad you found something worthwhile in the vid and I appreciate the feedback.

I love that the AT is accessible for so many riders especially with a few simple modifications. I am curious to hear about the Kaoko because I great super tired of the ride while going through Nebraska this past summer. I have seen great reviews for them but never quite pulled the trigger. I go even cheaper on my GPS by just using my phone. ;-) Thank you so much for watching and offering your thoughts as well. I am hoping all of these comments as well as the video help others with their choice of bike.

Be Gone For Good The Kaoko would be perfect for Nebraska, just set and forget! It simply adds friction to overcome throttle’s spring return. Once friction is set you can rotate the throttle to any position and it stays. Setting it with pinky finger as advertised can be done but its not easy. I usually let go of throttle to dial in some friction if no one is behind me. Anyway, it beats a throttle lock any day. BTW, phone is indeed best navigator, Garmin is best moving map - always shows speed, speed limit, direction or elevation, road youre on and what intersecting road is coming up next. Id be lost without it (yuk yuk).

That is a pretty solid endorsement of the Kaoko. I might have to pick one up before our next long road trip because it would be nice to take my hand off every now and again. I also should be clear, not that it matters to our convo, but I actually really enjoyed riding across Nebraska this past year. I thought it was going to be a bear but I loved seeing the bright blue sky set against the deep greens all around. It was a perfect day to be riding through and I enjoyed every mile of it far more than I expected. It felt like the very picture of freedom spread out before me so don't jump all over me Nebraska people.

The Utah BDR was my off-road school and I think my buddies are going to make me go back. This time I will bring a lot more water though. ;-)

Dude .....falling is part of it ......if you aren't falling down you are riding too easy of a trail.

Maybe that is true but some of those bikes turn more raw power so I would be surprised if the AT could match their quickness or top speeds without some healthy changes to the stock system. Either way, different needs call for different tools and if your goal is to go nuts with your adventure bike, I think you may be happier on an alternative to the AT.

I know people that buy a new bike every year but yet they still struggle on the easiest dirt roads and inclines . Just saying the average rider need not spend so much money . Remember going to last year's rally and some guy drove his bmw off into the woods while the lead rider had a old AT that was killing most of the riders there. Invest in your skill set take lessons and buy a At 🙂.

Totally agree brother, my sports bikes mates are surprised and impressed that the mighty ATAS keeps up with them….. gotta love the big wheel lift off when coming out of the bends whilst rascally giving it some!

Thank you very much. I am glad you found the video valuable.

Even as a low bike it could still be tall for some smaller riders, especially given its weight as well. It may not be a big deal to some but it is at least worth acknowledging if a big bike could be problematic for newer or shorter riders. I do appreciate your feedback though as it definitely helps to round out people's choices as they look for the perfect bike.

@@BeGoneForGood I've seen 5.4 ft guy ride Africa twin and he owns some other dual sport bikes

The seat heights on ktm's are much higher. Even the 790 has a much higher seat height. You can adjust the seat and pre-load

I totally agree. I love knowing that the Honda will just go no matter what.

Thank you for the watch and feedback. I’m glad it was helpful.

I have heard about it but I haven’t experienced anything like that. I’m hoping it is just a small, localized issue that gets more attention than usual because of forums and groups circulating the information.

Thank you so much for your feedback on the vid Scott. It means a lot to us to hear what people think about our stuff. The AT is an incredible bike and sounds like it might be tailor made for the type of trip you are going on. I just finished a trip, not nearly as robust as yours, to the MABDR and the bike was perfect. It dealt with road riding, rocks, sand, dirt and everything else exceptionally well. A test ride is certainly a good idea but I would be surprised if you weren't more excited about a purchase after getting a chance to ride. Thank you again for watching and checking in with us. Good luck on your trip.

I think you are correct and if you are going to be in this class of bike, the AT is probably your best "low option" for sure. If, however, the size is a big issue, there are other, smaller, bikes you can try out to make the ride a little easier. Or you could just be like Jocelin Snow and command the big bikes regardless of size. ;-)

When I first started riding I made a similar choice on getting a CB500X instead of a bigger bike mostly because I wanted to see if I really liked it before dropping major money. I don't do a ton of off-road riding but when I do, you're right, the AT is an absolute monster. I am glad you came by to watch and leave your feedback.

You would indeed because the bike, though big, is very manageable. I bumped up from a CB500X and had a little learning curve to get used to more power but it was pretty quick.

@@BeGoneForGood Thanks for the reply! Funny enough, the seat height between my 390 and AT was pretty similar, just a bigger bike. Love that tri color 😍

Andrew, these are very good points you've made. It is true that most of the "issues" I bring up in the video have more to do with big bikes than they do with the AT specifically. Unfortunately, I have only ever been on a couple of bikes so I didn't include the other bikes in this category in the review but I definitely should have mentioned what you stated for clarity. Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to leave feedback.

Well said.

You are completely correct with all your assessments of the AT. The only time I had an issue with the weight was picking it up over and over again when we did some really nasty off-road stuff. On the road, we did tons of miles traveling across the country and I was amazed how easy it was on the AT. Every bike is a trade of various different capabilities and I think the AT is the best mixture possible for the types of riding that I do most often. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.

I am pretty sure any of these bikes are going to be tough to pick up over and over again. I guess that is why they keep telling me to just stop falling off. ;-)

I am getting to the point where a suspension upgrade may be in my future as well. We shall see what the new year brings.

It is a really great bike. I have the 2017 and have been very satisfied. I can't wait to upgrade to a newer model in a few years.

I feel the same way about the power because I don't need much to be happy especially after coming off the CB500X. The new lighter, baby AT could be the perfect fit for guys like us. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment.

Ditto, it is an incredible bike. Thank you so much for your feedback.

I am glad you are riding and enjoying the DCT. It was a few weeks of riding when I first realized that with the DCT you really don't even need a left hand or left foot. There are so many options for future riders and I really appreciate your feedback on this vid.

It is awesome to hear from a smaller rider on the AT. I could see how the height could take some balance capability. I am happy with the power too but I could see how it could leave a little to be desired from folks craving speed.

​@@BeGoneForGood Those tall ADVs are actually easy to balance. They have excellent feedback and a good response to steering inputs. For a shorter rider keeping balance just comes easier to mind than dabbing. I had a couple of situation where that saved me from dropping the bike. In my neck of the woods the speed limit on the streets is at 60 mph max. The AT can go at twice that speed. That´s fast enough for me. For folks craving speed a big ADV may not be the right tool anyways. That´s what supersports and hypernakeds are for. As I forgot to mention it in the first comment: I think you made valid points in the video. All of them are a matter of personal choice. I did not perceive them as complaints.

For sure. Thank you again for the feedback as it is very helpful, not just to me, but also others looking at this for a potential bike.

I host an adventure bike training camp at my ranch that teaches how to manage the challenges of handling a big bike off road. There are many techniques to conserve your energy and increase the confidence of riding in the rough. The classes include picking up the bike in a manner that the smallest riders can perform safely and without injury. This class was the best money spent since owning my AT!

I am so glad you left a comment because I am sure others have had similar worries about their bike choice. Let me say this, it all depends on what type of riding you are looking to do and what sacrifices you are willing to make. Obviously, there is no perfect bike out there that can do everything well so we have to decide our tradeoffs. For me, the AT is a great choice because MOST of my riding will be on the road over potentially long distances so I need something that can handle the road well. I am also interested in moderate to heavy off-road portions which the AT can do but its a bit tougher because the bike is heavy. That is my tradeoff. If you are looking to do a lot more off-road than one of these big bikes probably isn't the best choice but it is all up to the individual rider. Whatever bike you choose, you will find the good and bad with it over time. It is only a problem if the good you find isn't better than the bad you find. Good luck and thank you again for your feedback.

You nailed it Mike. This bike definitely has trade offs but all bikes do. There is not a lot you can do about some of these issues if you are in the 1000cc category but they may be the sort of issues that are big enough to drop down in size a little. I am pretty happy dealing with the size and weight sacrifices because I like the power exchange. Thank you very much for watching and leaving feedback. It helps us out a ton to hear from our viewers.

Alright...its not a total loss. I would just make sure you get a chance to test ride one first. As I said, the bike is MORE than powerful enough for me as a cautious, relatively new rider but I have some KTM and BMW friends that found it tame comparatively. You might be completely satisfied and happy with what Honda is delivering here but you might not be also. If speed and power is a consideration for you, check it out. Good luck and we would love to know what you thought after giving it a go.

Thank you so much for the feedback. It is our pleasure and we hope it was worthwhile for you.

I don’t. Not even a single day but I think that has a lot to do with how much I love the AT. The X was great for what I needed at the time but the AT is a much better fit both for my style of riding and my size. What were you considering stepping into?

I was looking at the AT 1100 base with the smaller tank. I don't want a big tank primarily due to the extra wight up high. I thought I was going to love the DCT but, did a test ride and really didn't like how it down shifts coming a stop. That second to first was really grabby. Really made me wonder how that would be off-road. Im now thinking the manual with a quick shifter might be the best. IDK.@@BeGoneForGood

@@scotcook5 I wish I could give you a good idea of how this process works for me but when I was off-road in some pretty significant territory, I never had a single second thought or issue. It all worked exceptionally well for me. I think the difference is the folks who are comfortable with manuals might appreciate the hands-on nature of the manual.

Very good way to put it. There are obviously trade offs for everything but this bike does the best of hitting all my marks.

I am a huge fan of mine as well. When the time comes a new AT is certainly on my radar.

@@BeGoneForGood 😁👍👊

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/erSgqqub0N2ZiX0.html And you wont be jealous of the KTM reliability :)

Speedy, now you're just showing off. ;-)

I appreciate the watch and feedback Jim. I ride with a guy on a KTM and I have had those same pangs when he blasts off of a light. I am happy with the AT but I could see how someone interested in power might see the KTM and want to go that route instead. I am content keeping both wheels on the ground and making sure I get home every night.

There is nothing “wrong” with the bike but as with all tools, there are wrong times to choose this bike over others.

It might not have actually been a full twelve but I will tell you it certainly felt like it as the water was dwindling and the sun was going down. I am thinking the Trail 90 would have made the ride a bit more fun and worst case, I could have thrown it over my shoulder and walked it out.

Sorry for the late reply. I have always found the stock seat VERY comfortable. To be fair, though, with my size I ride all the way back by the pillion plate so it may be a little more plush that far to the rear.

I never really had the “I’m selling it moment” because even when I was struggling with the bike’s weight, I knew I still had a long comfortable ride home afterwards. I think if I was going to be doing regular, hard-core off road, I’d look for a second lighter bike. As it stands, most of my riding is going to be road based so the big bike is perfect. I also agree about the DCT. It was such a great asset off road and allowed me to deal with my inexperience on a dozen other levels and not worry about the clutch. Life saver for those of us not in the highly proficient category. Thank you so much for dropping by and leaving a line. It is great to see feedback from all different riders and their thoughts on the bike.

@@BeGoneForGood Thanks for taking the time to reply to the comments! Perhaps I should add, "this is my second, lighter bike" lol. First bike is a GoldWing, weighs about twice as much! Had to pick it up once... had to get 2 other guys to help, hopefully THAT never happens again!

That is hilarious. I can’t imagine the AT being my downsized bike. I have heard great things about the GW and I think if I ever started traveling WITH my wife I’d probably consider going that route because I imagine it’s a spectacular ride. If I drop it though, I will be selling it right there where it lays.

I kind of love the gutlessness and it does do a great job of everything I need. Thanks for watching.

Totally agree! It is my baby but it isn't for everyone for sure.

This is a GREAT bike if you are okay with the things mentioned here. I still love mine.

@@BeGoneForGood Thank you. Did you have any problems with the spokes or tubes? I‘d rather have tubeless cast wheels but maybe they are not so bad.

No problems at all and I have ridden som pretty rough areas. I have been very happy with every stock part other than the pegs.

Very true. These issues could be the same for almost any big ADV bike. The problem is I haven't ridden EVERY other ADV bike. I have ridden this one and in doing a pro/con list, I could only really speak about the AT.

I agree. It is perhaps the best all rounder out there or at least a solid case could be made for it.

That would probably be a great bike but I haven't ridden it. My only real worry would be the same as the AT, its weight. At 900, that is probably a massive bike and depending on how far out your adventure goes, it can get taxing. As long as you are comfortable on it, though, my opinion isn't a factor.

This is SUCH a hard question to answer because I don't really know what it is you want out of your journey. I will tell you how I ended up going with the bigger Africa Twin as opposed to my original CB500X. I was traveling through Mexico and Central America and had so many instances where I wanted more power on demand from the bike. I was okay getting a heavier bike. I was okay getting a taller bike. I just wanted more power. If you are going to be doing 80% roads, I would choose the AT but I might be looking for very different things than you are. If the 20% is just fire roads and gravel then the AT doesn't really have a downside. If the 20% is more aggressive and you might drop the bike and have to pick it up, my guess is that you would be much happier with the lighter KLR. Either way, you are getting a capable bike and one you will have a ton of fun on. Good luck.

That is completely true. It seems like a simple addition that wouldn't have been expensive to add when all the plastic was off during assembly. That is probably why it HAS been added to all the new models.

I have seen some of those good riders doing all sorts of amazing things with these big ADV bikes. That is when I realized that it is definitely the rider that determines the "best bike" but there are obviously better options in every circumstance. Those winches are a pretty funny by product of bigger and bigger bikes. I am just glad I can handle the AT enough to pick it up even when I drop it over and over and over again.

I get it to some degree. These are expensive bikes and no one wants to believe there is anything bad to say about the machines they love. I did my best to make it more about the different styles of bikes rather than any deficiencies of the bike. It didn’t seem to work. ;-)

Not personal at all. I have next to nothing. No training and not much experience. We took off for the UTBDR this year and tackled some expert sections because we didn't know any better. I have been riding for about four years and have done some extensive traveling domestically and internationally but still pretty fresh comparatively speaking.

@@BeGoneForGood If I may be so bold > I have over 50 years riding experience and taking a course like West 38 Moto or similar would greatly reduce the amount of time needed to pick up dropped bikes, as your skills may prevent much of the need. It would also IMHO increase the enjoyment from riding ten fold both off and on road. People tend to invest in farkeling their bikes rather than investing in themselves. Stepping off soap box now, I do enjoy the quality and amount of work that goes into making them. Please keep up the good work,!!

You are 100% right and I found that out very quickly when I took a shortened version of Bill Dragoo's off-road course upon returning. I think, if I were to EVER do Lockhart Basin again, I would be much more confident and capable just practicing some basic stuff. I don't know if I mentioned it in the video or not, I do not fault the bike at all for y shortcomings in skill and experience. I do, however, recognize that others like me, limited in skill, might travel the same routes and this is simply a cautionary tale about how this tool might not be the best fit if you are looking for an alternative experience. That is to say, skill can take you a long way on this bike but it will also take you much further on a smaller bike if you are looking primarily off road. I do appreciate your feedback and your delivery as well. It is a big deal to have people willing to critique your work and not just walk away so thank you very much. I look forward to offering something else worth your while in the future.

That is such a hard choice but I am clearly very biased. I love my Africa Twin so I would almost always suggest going that route. Reliability and reasonable prices for fixes is what really drew me to the bike because I didn't plan on spending tons on the bike after purchase (I'll let you all know how the 16k service goes). I would imagine with the long distances you can do throughout Europe a good long range bike would be a top priority. I am sure either will do just fine for your needs but I can't imagine a better choice than the AT. Good luck with that tough choice though. Thank you very much for watching and leaving a comment. It means a lot to us.

That is EXACTLY right. This bike is perfect for some people and terrible for others. It all depends on how you plan on using this tool. I am glad you found the bike that works for you. My time with the CB500X was really great and it was only when I needed slight change that I looked somewhere else. Thank you very much for the watch and the feedback.

@@BeGoneForGood no worries. Most of these ADVs are a compromise and ADV doesn't mean gnarly terrain it just means covering distances with heavy loads. I don't understand why people think they need to ride single tracks with a 250kg machine. That's not ADV, that's just torture. -)

So, I think what I need is ADV in the streets and DS in the creeks (sorry that was the best rhyme I could come up with on short notice...) I am stuck with the big ADV bike but I can definitely improve rider skill at this point because I am basically starting from zero. It should be pretty exciting to see if I can improve or if I continue to make bad choices. I appreciate the feedback and watch.

Be Gone For Good It does take time. I’ve been riding for 50 years. Raced just about every type of motorcycle racing there is and still love riding. Life is a journey... enjoy the ride!

Very true Husk. Very true.

BAM. I bought a used 06 1200GS and a very used 93 XR650L for just under $9K total. Horses for courses as the Brits say. The more time I spend on the XR, the better I get at taking the GS into the rough. Though picking up the XR 4 or 5 times in a couple hours does get hard...she aint no lightweight and keeps me looking at Craigs for a good deal on a 250 =D

@@orangelion03, I have heard about how much off-road riding can help all other types of riding. I know I spent a little time on some squishy gravel and felt so much better when I got back to the road. I would love to have a smaller dirt bike to bomb around and learn on but I am stuck on the AT all the time. I just have to get better on that bike.

It is no fun, I tell you. The KTM is a great bike and I think if I wasn't such a fan of Honda, the KTM might have won out in the end.

We shall see. This sounds like we might be kicking up more dust on this one. I appreciate the feedback and watch.

I only wear a 13 but I have similar issues for sure. I can't imagine how bad it would be at 15. ;-)

Oh man, those T7s look amazing. I have been reading up and that is one sharp bike. I would love a chance to feel the difference in weight especially in an off-road setting. I don't go too crazy off road but the weight of this bike really got me sweating during our Utah trip. It would be nice to have an easier time out there. Good luck when your ride comes in and thank you so much for leaving feedback.

Also not a comparison motorcycle

Whoa, this is bad news. I am still a ways below your 33k but am heading toward 16k now. I hadn't heard this before but I want to thank you for bringing this to my attention. I hadn't heard these complaints about the bike before but it is good info to have for potential buyers. I appreciate you watching the vid and leaving valuable feedback.

Good to know. You would think EVERY KTM breaks down every ride-- unless you are riding the KTM in The Dakar 1000 race--then you just win that grueling race for the 17th year in a row--and any Honda never breaks. You comment adds a little balance.

After watching the MotoNomad series I would think KTMs are bulletproof. They beat those things like crazy but I have always had a soft spot for the Hondas. I really hope I never run into Anjin's problems because that might ruin me for the red. It is good to see all experiences here though so we can have a better overall view of these bikes pros and cons.

@@BeGoneForGood it is a common issue in Australia.

I agree with you that the AT is the best all rounder, at least for me but it does suit certain styles and not others. I am surprised the BMW crowd doesn't kick you out for saying something nice about the AT. ;-) Don't worry, we can keep a secret here.

Thank you so much for your feedback and watching. It means a lot to me to hear what people think of the vids.