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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Michael Jordan, enjoying a meal at sunset, Zangskar Valley, India

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Michael Jordan
enjoying a meal at sunset,
Zangskar Valley, India



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  #121  
Old 20 Jun 2019
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Originally Posted by hugues View Post
What is the general view on the fact that the 700 Tenere does not have Traction Control? Main use would be TET Europe and planning a ride from Europe to Magadan.
That it doesn't have Traction Control (AFAIK) is one reason I'm considering buying one.

But if I was doing the TET tomorrow I'd take a CRF250L or XT250 Serow. Can't comment on the ride to Magadan as never been that way.

I hope that helps.

YMMV.
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  #122  
Old 21 Jun 2019
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Originally Posted by Ian View Post
That it doesn't have Traction Control (AFAIK) is one reason I'm considering buying one.
it doesn't have but weird reason for having interest in bike anyway because TC you can always switch off.
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  #123  
Old 21 Jun 2019
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Originally Posted by tremens View Post
it doesn't have but weird reason for having interest in bike anyway because TC you can always switch off.
One less thing to break, presumably with at least a warning on the dash if it does, and I imagine it doesn't come at no cost.
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  #124  
Old 13 Jul 2019
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Had a good look over and a 45-minute spin a T7 yesterday on grassy trails and backroads. 3800 miles on the clock.

Can’t help love that grunty CP2 motor – best Jap motor for years.
It felt much less harsh than a 790R I also tried (off-road only).

I’ve written a detailed review here. A summary below.

• Engine character and response – it’s perfect
• Fully adjustable, plush suspension
• Pre-load adjustment knob
• Weighs 205kg (unverified). Same as my 660Z and less than my CB500X RR
• Flat but grippy textured seat
• Brakes feel good, road or dirt
• Brisk and agile on the road
• A display scroll button now on right bar
• 25,000-mile valve-clearance intervals
• Well set up cockpit
• Centre stand – at least an available option
• OMG – no beak!


• Is it such a bargain? Over £2k more than an MT-07
• At 16-litres, the tank could use a couple more
• Top-heavy at a standstill
• Non-adjustable screen
• Handguards are plastic
• Screw-in filler cap – a saving too far
• At 34.5″ (875 mm), stock seat too high for many
• Tall riders will need bar risers to stand comfortably, but stock risers are already long




Last edited by Chris Scott; 13 Jul 2019 at 21:33.
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  #125  
Old 13 Jul 2019
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A very svelte person might be OK. Otherwise looks like emergency use only.
I imagine GS850/750 would be comfier.

The official rally kit does include a beak.
I find some nice speedblocks work better ;-)
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  #126  
Old 13 Jul 2019
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I think we were at the same event...
I found the T7 OK-ish. However, I found it quite top heavy and the throttle a bit snatchy. It felt to me like a budget bike (which it is).
On the road, the bike was very good.
It did feel very much like a road engine on an offroad frame, (again which it is).
I wanted to like it and was ready to order one after this test ride. I am having second thoughts. The option of an XT660Z and doing the usual mods now seems like an attractive proposition again.
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  #127  
Old 14 Jul 2019
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Originally Posted by hugues View Post
I think we were at the same event...
I found the T7 OK-ish. However, I found it quite top heavy and the throttle a bit snatchy. It felt to me like a budget bike (which it is).
On the road, the bike was very good.
It did feel very much like a road engine on an offroad frame, (again which it is).
I wanted to like it and was ready to order one after this test ride. I am having second thoughts. The option of an XT660Z and doing the usual mods now seems like an attractive proposition again.
exactly what how I feel about new T7 - "road engine in off-road frame", spot on comment. Similar thing with ktm 790R BTW. I would add also that ugly square dash bouncing around a lot when riding making hard to read. Not that there is much there anyway My xt660z is not going anywhere soon.
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  #128  
Old 26 Oct 2019
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Had finally the opportunity to test T700 for 2 hours on dirt roads and
I have to say bike rides much better then specs would indicate...
I was pleasantly surprised with the CP2 engine. Plenty of power in whole range, you can lug it in first, second gear. Moto nimble and feels very light, much lighter then my xt660z weighing on paper almost the same.
Suspension pretty good, was set very stiff for sport riding but for off-road too bouncy. Would need adjust. Dash shaking on bumps a lot, and not too clear in sun. Seat not as bad as it looks. Overall impression got like riding on on big dirtbike. Engine alu skid plate looks too thin, and mounted to frame pipes which extension is foot pegs alu mount, bad idea IMO. To sum up, bike quite good, but price a bit too high. For long travels I don't know, the narrow seat, small tank but maybe?

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  #129  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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So has anybody bought one?

Seriously considering one as one and only bike. Last bike was 1200gsa. Dealbreakers are tubed tyres and small tank.
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  #130  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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Originally Posted by tricky463 View Post
Seriously considering one as one and only bike. Last bike was 1200gsa. Dealbreakers are tubed tyres and small tank.
I’m a 1200 GS TC owner and took a T700 out for a 2 hour test ride - brilliant bike.
But - how do you use your bike?
I might sell my 1200, buy a T7 and a cheap 1100gs - they are different bikes for me.
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  #131  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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Bit of everything 100m trips to see family, touring Europe mainly ( had 4 gsa’s ) loved the fuel range, comfort and ease. 500 mile days no problem

Thinking of extended trip in a couple of years

I love the ergonomics straight out of the box on the t7. Pegs bars and seat feel great but would change seat anyway.

Only ever had two punctures and easy to plug.
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  #132  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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Quote:
Dealbreakers are tubed tyres and small tank
I agree tank is a tad small. But then would be even more top heavy.
I average 26kpl on my 14-litre XSR7.
Same on a T7 = over 400km which is pretty good.

Stock spoke TL rims (as on the S10, BMs, etc) do add to the cost.
You can DIY seal the rear (as I did to my AT. No probs in 5000km.
Or get proprietary sealing bands like BARTubeless or Airtight (both in UK) from 120 quid. But front rim would need changing to 'MT'. I did that to my AT too.

There are other way more expense TL options.
For travelling TL is definitely the ay to go.
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  #133  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tricky463 View Post
Bit of everything 100m trips to see family, touring Europe mainly ( had 4 gsa’s ) loved the fuel range, comfort and ease. 500 mile days no problem

Thinking of extended trip in a couple of years

I love the ergonomics straight out of the box on the t7. Pegs bars and seat feel great but would change seat anyway.

Only ever had two punctures and easy to plug.
I too found the ergonomics great and I’m really fussy about that.
I use my bike for nearly all travel so comfort, carrying capacity and economical running are the priorities. We also have extended camping holidays in Europe (3-6 weeks depending). Although we have a bike each we like to camp in comfort so do carry a lot of gear. We also like to find that secluded beach or mountain top view so rough road capability is also a must - a gs is perfect.
The T7 would work except for the carrying capacity, also my mum is a 450 boring motorway mile round trip and I will sometimes go down on a Saturday morning and come back on Sunday morning so I need a super comfy bike.

Having said that, I think my needs are unusual and I do believe the T7 is a better ‘one bike for all’ than my 1200.
We too want to do some extended trips but I keep getting drawn towards something smaller like a crf250 rally - I think I’ll always have a gs of some kind in the shed - I like to think I’ll also have a T7 one day.
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  #134  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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I was looking at a 250rally too but 450 rally would be ideal. Unfortunately I can only have 1 bike at the mo. Another gs would be easy as I’ve a a history with them but looking to go further than Europe in a couple of years such as the Americas to start off with or Stans etc etc.


T7 ticks 80% of the boxes for me
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  #135  
Old 16 Apr 2020
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Originally Posted by tricky463 View Post
I was looking at a 250rally too but 450 rally would be ideal. Unfortunately I can only have 1 bike at the mo. Another gs would be easy as I’ve a a history with them but looking to go further than Europe in a couple of years such as the Americas to start off with or Stans etc etc.


T7 ticks 80% of the boxes for me
Pretty much the same
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