Thread: Thoughts on larger 800cc+ adventure style motorbikes

Hey all, question to those with firsthand experience with adventure motorbikes.
Comments/recommendations around larger capacity adventure style motorbikes.
What have you owned, the good, the bad & the ugly of said bike.

I have owned a couple of 650's before and have done a good number of the typical adventure type rides in Sth Island.
Looking to do it again on a larger machine this time.
Hit me with your thoughts....
Cheers Dave

@#the creeper For me, my height (195 cm) had a lot to do with my selection. I kicked tyres on a few ADV before settling on one. I found the BMW GS didn’t suit, it was low and felt a bit cramped. I didn’t bother even sitting on a vStrom, just so dated looking now, KTM 1190 was a good fit, I liked the power and handling and I might have gone back to that but for the Honda Africa Twin. The AT I test rode was a 2018 DCT. What a revelation that transmission is, so putting aside the great fit for a tall person, I would have bought it for the DCT alone. I shopped around and found Honda NZ’s ex demo bike sitting at Casbolts in Chch. It was a 2016 DCT that they had kitted out with all the fruit like hard panniers, heated grips, bash plate, centre stand, big pegs, aux lights etc to help move it on. Only had 360 test ride km on the clock so it was a no-brainer. So good in heavy traffic, can’t stall it, just blip and go. There are some things to think about for off tarmac setup. I have to come to a stop to switch off ABS, but I can change TC setting on the fly. The later model also has wheelie control which can catch you out on a steep grade.

Have since ridden the HD Pan America. A disappointment in terms of fit out and attention to detail. It’s like they rushed to finish it and used some street bike parts that really have no place on a bush bashing ADV. the engine was nice though.

Whatever you chose, I hope you enjoy riding it as much as I do mine.

I rode my mate's DCT Africa Twin when over in the US. Took a few minutes of getting used to but I can see the appeal of not having to constantly change gears. They're a pretty chunky machine, certainly no proper dirt bike, but would be OK on tamer rides esp dirt roads.

Originally Posted by 6x47

certainly no proper dirt bike, but would be OK on tamer rides esp dirt roads.

Haha, you might think that until you see this guy giving one the welly on an enduro... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whYAwn0hvms

Yep, have seen that before but he's no ordinary rider

Thanks for the replies ....all sorted and squared away.

Originally Posted by ishoot10s

Haha, you might think that until you see this guy giving one the welly on an enduro... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whYAwn0hvms

Chrish Burch makes the KTM 1290 look like a motox bike too.

Originally Posted by #the creeper

Thanks for the replies ....all sorted and squared away.

And.....

Originally Posted by Shearer

Chrish Burch makes the KTM 1290 look like a motox bike too.

Haha, I brought a GasGas trials bike off Chris years back, was disappointed that it didn't come any of his magic!

Originally Posted by Shearer

And.....

@Shearer

An extremely tidy Honda Africa Twin, loaded with $$$$ worth of goodies and spare stuff.

Upgraded Nitron suspension front and rear
Spare set rims/wheels (with brake rotors) with new tyres, as original wheels replaced with complete tubeless wheels/rims
Another set of new new tyres
Full set of crash bars.
Spare taller screen
Spare seat
Honda panniers and top box
Termignoni exhaust.
GPS and mounting kit.
Scottoiler
Original shock and fork cartridges etc.
Other bits and pieces

Will post some pics when get a chance

Birchy just rode red-bull Romaniacs again after a seven year break from it. Won the silver class on a KTM 5 hundy. He is amazing.

Originally Posted by #the creeper

@Shearer

An extremely tidy Honda Africa Twin, loaded with $$$$ worth of goodies and spare stuff.

Upgraded Nitron suspension front and rear
Spare set rims/wheels (with brake rotors) with new tyres, as original wheels replaced with complete tubeless wheels/rims
Another set of new new tyres
Full set of crash bars.
Spare taller screen
Spare seat
Honda panniers and top box
Termignoni exhaust.
GPS and mounting kit.
Scottoiler
Original shock and fork cartridges etc.
Other bits and pieces

Will post some pics when get a chance

Very nice. Enjoy.