About to bite the bullet and buy one. Tell me why I shouldn’t. Interested in the opinions of people who own or have ridden one only. Intended use would be primarily for extended overlanding; so what are the pros and cons for this?
I was lent one to test ride for a week and really liked it, but what are they like to live with longer term? I know it has a smallish tank and uncomfortable seat, but the engine is brilliant. Ergos were good (for me), I didn’t find it too heavy and it was enormous fun to ride. So, tell me........why shouldn’t I get it?
Ta

(For reference: I’ve had an XT660Z for 10 years and also a CRF250 in the shed)

You should.....cracking bike . But I would want to address the seat though .
We sell shed loads of them and I'm struggling to think of any issues unlike Ktm .

I've had 2 660Z's in my career and put a combined 100.000+km on them. I also had the opportunity to ride the T700 for a few hours on a press event on varied terrain. It's better than the 660 in all regards, except autonomy.

But whether it is the best bike for you for "extended overlanding" depends on how you like to spend that time. It might be that the CRF250 is more suitable (I'm assuming an L or a Rally here). It all depends on how you prefer to travel.

__________________
Belgium to Nordkapp via Iran | Discover Overland | Destination World

I have a good friend who recently bought one. He loves it. It looks like a fantastic bike. He and I just got back from a weekend camping trip.



I looked at the Tenere 700, and the features that led me to the CB500X is the fuel mileage, fuel range, and weight. The CB500X has a larger tank and gets better fuel economy. It's also about 15 kg lighter.

The extra cost of the Yamaha had a small effect on my decision also.

Jamie

Thanks all. I did rent a CB500X for a few days a while back now. Nice bike, but I felt a bit cramped on it. Being “too” tall: I’ve got higher than stock seats on both my XT and CRF (yes, the Rally) so the CB wasn’t comfortable for me.
So, unless one of you talks me out of it before, the deposit goes on the T7 tomorrow.

good solid bike but make sure that you are comfortable with the fact that 1. it is a road bike at heart, 2. it is heavy, top heavy at that, 3. tank range is limited.
good luck with your decision

whats the tank bag on the CB pictured above?

Mosko Moto Nomad

__________________
Belgium to Nordkapp via Iran | Discover Overland | Destination World

God damn I'm in the same boat as you.

I was pretty dead set on a CB500x Rally Raid after months of research and debating all possibles bikes. Came down to the CB vs the T7.

The CB with all of the upgrades comes close to the T7 base price and actually surpasses it by some bits. So price for me are pretty similar for both bikes fitted like I want them to.

CB is a tad lighter, more importantly less top heavy. Easier to ride, bigger fuel range.

But ... Because there is a but... The T7 is just a different beast. 21" front wheel, more powerful... And that face...

I went and looked at one in my Yamaha dealer today and I just fell in love with it. Yeah it's bigger, heavier, less fuel yadda yadda yadda... But damn me if that bike isn't a piece of art. Itr just screams adventure.

So there you go... From my side: Head says CB, Heart says T7.

Oh and they have it in stock. Could be mine tomorrow if I pull the trigger.



Still, I'll give it another month to try both of them (if I can find a CB in Switzerland to try mind you).

In case you missed it, and you haven't made up your mind, maybe Ryan's insights and review will be of benefit - it appears he wants to now sell his GS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WJvQqeQpe8

I have two friends that bought the T7 and both are very happy.
They use it 70/30 on-road/off-road

The claimed wet weight of the CB500X is 197 kgs, while the T7 is 204 kgs. Only 7 kgs heavier. It is 3K cheaper though. Anyway deposit has been put down on the T7; decision made, no going back now. Thanks all.

Having had a CB500X (with all the RR level 3 trimmings) and now running an XSR700 Yam, same engine as the T7, I presume, I much prefer the Yamaha, and mine is still A2 learner restricted, but its so much more torquey and flexible than the Honda.
I wouldn't expect the XSR to be any better than any other road bike in stock form, off road. But I'm sure the 700 Yamaha engine would be a lot more satisfying for a trail bike

I beg to differ. It is not a road bike, it is a dual purpose, adventure bike and is a lot easier to ride off road than the Honda and most of the other big adventure bikes out there. Overlanders strap on spare fuel when necessary, it's just part of your luggage. I used to lead expeditions on GS's from London to Cape Town down the West side of Africa and never once ran out of fuel.

My plan recently has always been to buy a 2002 Africa Twin and head back to Africa. One of the guys on my expedition rode on one and the only maintenance he did for the 5 month trip was oil the chain.

I was also just considering the option of a newer 660 Tenere vs 20 year old AT and then, suddenly, there was a new Tenere! After months of being stuck at home during the Covid lock-down with too much time on my hands... I decided it was time to buy a bike and I could still get out of the house and social distance by riding alone. My local dealer had a demonstrator on offer. I took a test ride which was the first time I have been on a bike in 10 years (I don't enjoy roads in the South of England after being in the wilds) and bought it the same day.

The engine is bullet proof and Yamaha have improved on the 660 all round. They have kept it simple. The only sophistication is ABS on demand and fuel injection, so not much to go wrong in the middle of nowhere.

Unless you're planning to spend as much time as possible off-road, climbing over rocks, I believe this is the best new bike on the market for a combination of practicality, reliability, comfort and handling for that next RTW trip

__________________
Life is... the gap between one big bike trip and the next

...life would be boring if we all had the same point of view and the same bike...
I hope the OP finds the right bike for him

get it, it rides awesome - not perfect bike but from current offerings probably the best money can buy for adv trips. Sure bigger tank would be nice and sure tubeless wheeels would be good as well. Also is most off-road orientated from the rest.