Yamaha Tenere T700 UK to Africa long distance review

[@hardmotard5460]

the best review I've ever seen of this bike, honest, clear and experienced in a long term

[@davejhlomax]

Thank you.

[@alanbstard4]

he's a very good reviewer

[@tudajfor]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLCnJxvaKuebas this one is not bad also

[@Eddie-wn8tu]

Informative but anti-succint

[@gnomadification]

Agreed. Just what I wanted.

[@z4u68]

Wow I'm impressed you rode your bike across the ocean.

[@acavemancandoityoutube]

That might be most clear and honest review of a Moto I've watched on KZbin. The context of the review and experience reviewer over an extended use of the intended purpose is so important and lost on many reviewers. Well done.

[@Paul-fj2mm]

Yamaha should come out with a Tenere T500 same design style, drop down the weight, and scale down the size a little bit! That would be a perfect off-road bike...what do you think?

[@jasonshannon6631]

400 to 500 would be perfect

[@bithynian3700]

A WR450R would be much more amazing to be honest. Cheers.

[@mrbambix]

agreed and in europe keep it within the A2 licence it would take off with lots of new riders for sure, i know my son would be jumping at it !

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

They’re allegedly working on a 350-ish Ténéré, which if it’s as good as the T7 will be absolutely perfect for me.

[@SimonBrisbane]

Agree. Also, revise the engine layout/piston angle for a lower centre of gravity. This should also free up a little more space for a larger fuel tank.

[@themosaito]

Great review. Your criticism of the bike - that it's too heavy to pick up when you fall in the dunes- is not a criticism of the bike, it's a criticism of the category. It's not a motocross bike, but it might be the perfect overlander's bike, which is the unicorn some of us were looking for.

[@marcready6369]

I agree. A laden bike is never fun to pick up and I am still scratching my head how my old 85 XL600 was around 160kg, and these bikes have managed to gain 60kg with more advanced materials and manufacturing processes. I saw a 1993 TT250 the other day that was 119kg and the new CRF250 was around 160kg+. Indeed it is the segment. The bikes are better, but also carrying significant heft and with that, risk, exhaustion, and expense perhaps.

[@DakarBlues]

Perfectly said, the overlander unicorn ❤

[@RebuildingSaad]

Brilliant video! Thank you! One nitpick: the loud jarring music on the transition slides had me scrambling to lower the volume every single time.

[@ridebecauseucan1944]

The motor in the MT-07 or T7 is such an awesome thing. Totally reliable and enough power to get it done.

[@asd17951]

Detailed and exceptionally precise, where others scratch the surface, in the parts that matter the most and the hardest to experience. That review can only be given by a true adventurist who’s been there, sharing deep true hard earned knowledge, and is solely trying to help others, unlike 99.9% of the reviewers. This gave me the exact perspective I was looking for for years, not on the bike itself, but on those grey areas between adventure and dirt bikes in general. This review is a charitable act to me.

[@ronsmith5648]

hi mate from australia. i'm 65 years of age and the planets all aligned when yamaha released the T7. i've had mine for 4 weeks now, just turned over 2000 klms here in queensland where we are in our wet season{pissing down} and i'm not intimidated to take it out at any time. the tyres are so good on the roads{mountains} sealed and unsealed that i'm shy to change them. when winter comes and i hit the outback i will have to reconsider of course. am loving this motorcycle, i call it my fountain of youth. your review is spot on and i beleive you will gell more with it in the future...

[@ikutiap5923]

F O Y

[@kee7678]

Good to know. I"m considering the T7 , vs a used GS not sure which way to go.

[@ggem8125]

The only thing better than the bike is your articulate review of it well done. Reminds me when I rode with my brother 10 years older a pair of 1981 XR600. I lifted the bike for him and even kick started for him .He didn’t want to believe I was that much stronger than him. Good memories.

[@adventurespec]

Thanks. Sounds like happy memories

[@dougkapounek9024]

One of the BEST Reviews I have seen, so in depth with totally awesome explanations on all points. Thank you.

[@davidcassar5078]

I really like the way you holistically overview the bike throughout the video. You manage to portray to the viewer exactly what you mean and transmitting very subtle details of your experience of the bike with humour. Very useful! Cheers!

[@adventurespec]

Glad you liked it!

[@freeidaho-videos]

Xcellent review. Technical, well thought out, compelling, and apparently honest. Great observation and perspective all round. Yes, there are others singing the praises of this motorcycle, but without explaining very well why it is a great mid-weight adventure bike. Thank you for describing what they failed to notice or describe, or both. And I loved the part about how a capable motorcycle sucks you in over your head at some point. I grew up riding observed trials, flat track, and motocross competitions and most of those motorcycles do that. Fast enduro and motocross motorcycles do that at high speed. At least with me. That is how we grow as riders. And truth be told, "over your head" is 90% of the time rider ability, no matter how great the motorcycle is or isn't. Sand is the bane of actual adventure motorcycles. You took the Tenere far off-road to places that few other adventure bikes could even go, and then whine a bit about it, but only a bit. And to be fair, the CR450L is a dirt bike with lights. Yes, you can tour on it, but I'm reminded that people "tour" every year from Chile to the Arctic Circle... on bicycles. But let us not bastardize our terms. The CR450L is not an adventure touring motorcycle by any stretch of the word. There is a difference between what it is and what one does with it. I rode the Montesa Cota 348 at 60mph on the highway to get to University, but I didn't call it a road bike. What it comes down to is that most adv riders think of adventure bikes' capability as 80% tarmac and 19% two-track, 1% one-track, and 0% no-track. Yamaha and KTM changed those capabilities quite a bit recently, and I agree, in a great direction. The fact that you would not choose the Tenere or the KTM790 and would choose the CR450L is telling. You don't actually want an adventure motorcycle (using its common definition,) you want a dirt bike with lights. So yes, ride a dirt bike with lights, but don't confuse it with an adventure motorcycle, or diminish great adventure bikes because they are not dirt bikes with lights. BTW, having the "interview" and all the other bits at very different volumes is very annoying. Please normalize, so I don't get blasted off my seat, or worse, wake the wifee. Subscribed. Lastly, thanks again for the great review, that is my main message. Ride safe, ride fast, wheelie if you know how... repeat!

[@thejohnnerparty]

This review has made it crystal clear to me that I need something like the 450L vs the T7. It's the weight. I'm too old to deal with it - 77. And I want to go off road.

[@kevinroberts361]

There is also a WR 250 R. I love mine, light weight capable, the ergo's can be updated to suit you.

[@ImpostorModanica]

@@kevinroberts361 How can they be updated? I'm young but I prefer lighter bikes. I don't get the point of 200kg bikes

[@mvjoshi]

Sir, I'll recommend the BMW 310 GS for you. I had one for similar two years and 16000 Kms. Rode it to the southern and northern tips of India. Low weight, excellent suspension ( for your age, this will be a real boon) and 10,000 kms service interval. A bit of a weird gearbox and fuelling but nothing that will cause you any troubles. I have reviewed it on my channel. Do have a look.

[@zzxx33mh]

@@mvjoshi CRF250L.. in list.. #soloride_zx

[@couchpoet1]

Tw200

[@brapsquatch]

I keep taking off my headphones wondering if my dog is barking.

[@xplane7523]

Lol

[@odenwald7792]

Stereo recording!

[@strikye7]

exactly, I am using open-back headphone, good sound stage coming from those dogs.

[@robindigital]

I went to check them twice 😒

[@danz2994]

They got me too. lol

[@billness2635]

I’ve done that run on my 690 Rally, along with another 7000 miles in Western Europe and the UK totalling 12,000 miles in one trip. I had it flown from Alaska to London and back 8 weeks later. I wouldn’t do it again with a single cylinder bike over all, but loved it in Morocco! I currently have a KTM 500exc that I’ve put 9000 miles on riding from AK to Ushuaia and a KTM 990 ADV with 10,000 miles on it, mostly on road. All that said, I’m waiting for the T7 to come to the US later this year to prepare for my next Round the World Ride leg from London to Magadan. I also plan on taking my 500 if the T7 doesn’t work out for me. My biggest requirement is I have to be able to pick it up a bike by myself (easy with my 500 and more difficult with my 690.) Your review is very informative and helpful deciding which bike to go with.

[@4tressed]

I bet you'd stick to your KTM instead of T7 :) But I wish you great luck on your way!

[@jojitsu56]

I have T7, but curious as to why you would have a heavy bike like a T7 when you can have a much lighter and more robust (when dropped) 2020 ktm 690 enduro r?

[@cliffspicer6555]

Always great to see the guy who’s the voice of Races 2 Places . This was a great review and well thought out and thorough.

[@davejhlomax]

Thank you.

[@allnbuchanan8416]

I currently ride a T12 and use it for it’s intended purpose, long days, lots of luggage and every unpaved service road I can find in Canada/USA. I find that I with regret pass up smaller more technical spots for the obvious reasons anyone who’s gotten stuck or stranded on one of these tractor trailer motorcycles. I’m seriously considering a T7, not as a replacement but as a compliment to the T12. Your experience and review has given me more insight and reasons to consider the T7...Thanks

[@mollygrubber]

You and Jimmy Lewis do the BEST bike reviews on the internet hands down. Thanks for your honesty.

[@MonoLake02]

I dropped my Africa Twin into a ditch on a group ride. I was the last rider and I could not get the damn thing off my leg for about 10 minutes. Then I could not get it out of the ditch. I sat down and waited (with one boot on - the other boot still under the bike) for my buddies to miss me and come back. They did and we went and finished the day, but I came away with the feeling that I chose the wrong bike for what I want to do. I will likely be riding solo on most of my adventures and I am certain that I could end up like that again with the AT. I am still thinking about the crf450 or the KTM 500exc and just doing the mods and damn the cost. I appreciate your reviews and your perspective. Thanks...

[@alrightdave6135]

MonoLake02 t7 is 30kg lighter

[@progammler]

I hesitated a long time because of this exact issue. Add some bags and there is no way you can lift such a bike out of a ditch alone. If you don't go on highways get the 690, it's brilliant. But it's really not comfortable on long jurneys. I got the 790adv r and have to say it's more fun to ride just about anywhere. When it gets too rough for the 790 you will wish for a 300cc just as much when sitting on a 690. Lack of availability of good fairings for the 690 in my region is what led me to the 790 and I'm happy with it so far. And also the vibrations.. Your body will thank you for a second piston after a long day of riding!

[@carlosandleon]

Even my kle 500 is a fat pig already

[@zzxx33mh]

..same what happened to me,..but with different bike,I was solo as I'm most!..took me time to pull one leg and push the bike to free the other leg..I thought I wont stand but Thank Lord ,I did.. #solo-rideZX

[@kensmith3665]

Might want to have a serious talk with your buds..... we have a rule.... always keep the headlight of the rider behind you in view..... can’t see the headlight? Slow and or stop until you do and if still no light turn and go find your buddy..... in larger groups different speeds will emerg... find your similar speed or skilled riding buddy and keep this rule.... never be alone.....

[@cavscout62]

I got my 2021 T7 in April of last year and I absolutely LOVE it! I had my left shoulder replaced and had to get away from heavy bikes so I evaluated all the ADV Bikes. I really wanted a T12 but didn’t want to drop that much money so I selected the T7 as a 2nd choice with some trepidation. I’m so glad I chose the T7 ! This bike is so light, it performs so well for what I do which is a lot of Highway and a little light dirt riding. 1 tooth up on the countershaft sprocket and basic other stuff and I can click off 500 mile days no problem. BTW, if you find the T7 “heavy” you need to get into some resistance training!

[@russelstevens9862]

Why I'm up this late I don't know, testament to how insightful and honest this review really is!

[@plusRpm]

I just love that the new tenere actually looks like a dakar bike 😃

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

Far and away the best T7 review I have ever watched. Lord willing, mine will be in my garage in about 3 weeks.

[@blancolirio]

15:25 to get at what you are looking for....Good stuff! Thanks Dave.

[@SilentTraveler1]

4:00 THE CAT OMG ...

[@adventurespec]

😂😂

[@alrightdave6135]

Thinking man's review

[@edwardlacika3022]

Can't agree more.

[@Jednoustopou]

For me this is the TOP video about Tenere on KZbin really. Journalist will never bring this level of content, as they usually don't own the bike and don't have the real life long term experience. And owners usually don't have the motivation to do these videos, they may not have enough experience with other bikes, they may be biased as owners etc. But this is perfect. Very critical, realistic, super informative. Many thanks and keep going. Hope we are going to meet one day on the (off)road :))

[@truthseeker7993]

It's funny to hear him say it was difficult to move around in the shop. My harley is 800 lbs and no problem pushing or moving 🤭 I just ordered my 2022 T7 yesterday! Great video, very informative.

[@threechorder]

Yes, I'd rather push my T7 around the garage than my Road King any day!

[@richardcheatham9490]

Coming back to the riding world after so many years, and having favored and waited for this bike here in the U.S., I Really needed to see this. That's because I have the same weight and build as the speaker and know now that a lighter bike is probably for me. Thus, off I go to view anything I can find on the CRF 450L. Thank you so much from ATL, GA.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

Check out the Kawasaki line. You may still find some brand new 2018 KLR650's around. Lightly used ones are always a good find too.

[@richardcheatham9490]

Thanks for that tip. I will do exactly that.

[@iamandreja]

Great and precise review. The thing I didn't like about it is, audio effects and music are extremely loud compared to the speech audio.

[@TheWallsocket]

I agree, great review. Only minor complaint is the audio could be equalized better.

[@oriolsabater1524]

This has been my first video on this channel... and I’m just shocked by the discovery of it... I simply loved every minute of it. Just the deepness and passion in the way you explain it all... I can see myself there. I’ve done a similar trip twice, first with a Triumph 800, and last year with a KTM 530... maybe the same extreme feelings but at a different scale... and loved both!!! Good job and thanks for doing it.

[@whitneytoweriii7659]

came for the T700. Stayed for the Cat ;-)

[@howarethingsindenver]

Lt. Dan lurking under the bike

[@SelyanK]

😂😂

[@flattire4243]

🐱😸

[@chanceocean1765]

Saved this video for my Sunday morning coffee because it felt only appropriate when catching coffee with another motorcyclist. This video is well edited, all points well explained, and was entertaining. This is now looking like the bike for me for the cross Canada 🇨🇦 trip.

[@HenryDarr]

Best honest review of the T7 so far 🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@glennmcguire5571]

Hit the lottery, just scored a T7 in the USA. After this review last year, I felt this bike would be the the do-all bike. Thanks for such a detailed and honest opinion.

[@101Bodhi]

One of the best top level motorcycle reviews I've seen. Great data use folded into real world needs. Well done!

[@srileo]

Probably the most evocative review of any motorcycle.

[@RoamingViking]

Thank you for yet another great review Dave. I really like the format you have chosen - taking your time to formulate your experiences and views in a calm, honest and personal way. I'm looking forward to hear your views on the bike after a season where you have put it through its paces back home. Cheers Tonny

[@normandiefenbach6571]

Great review, actually the most honest review I have seen, well done

[@KAYAKER413]

I am always amazed that no one talks about the PR7 in the same field as this. I feel like the f800, Tiger, AT are in the big road bikes that can do dirt well. T7, 790R and PR7 are in a nee camp of dirt orientated big bikes... Personally the PR7 was the first bike to rival the old 640 adv R..... A true big dual sport bike.

[@istra70]

PR7 is quite expensive for an old week single.....but definitely very capable and lite off road ...

[@KAYAKER413]

The engine maybe older tech but when you really start drilling into it the T7 motor is hardly anything new either, been around in some form for 10+ yrs. Weak? Hmm not sure on that front either, the motor has been used in loads of bikes without many spectacular failings. This review (like others) essential says it's more offroad focused than the AT, F800, Tiger etc but it's not a competitor to those. The equipment is way less, the road performance is lower etc etc. So let's compare oranges with oranges, I say. Under 9k, no tech, offroad focused. T7, PR7, superdual. Any proper offroad bike is going to be a single that's just a fact.

[@edwardlacika3022]

Thank you. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR REVIEW! You do a fantastic job at conveying the feel of the machine. I've owned a 250L, a WR250R, and now I own a 250EXCF. The EXCF lets me explore all of the nooks in a forest but I would like to add a machine to my stable that will let me travel longer distances with a bit more comfort. The T7 is on my short list but like you said, weight is king. I am going to watch your 450L review again for a refresher. You also expressed the idea of how nebulous the concept of an adventure bike is and it made me realize that is probably what is making it difficult for me to decide on my adventure machine. I've considered the larger KTM offerings, Africa Twin, CB500X, 450L, T7 and can't quite pin down what I want in my garage.

[@davejhlomax]

I have stopped thinking in terms of 'One Bike', instead I think of a particular bike for a particular trip. Although no one bike will do everything on every trip, if you're honest with yourself about exactly what you will spend the majority of your riding time doing then you can usually make a good decision. The annoying thing is that this usually leads to multiple bike ownership...and whilst that's not the end of the world it's frustrating when we all know that there are still far more ways to get a single bike to do what most of us want...

[@MoreRockLessStocks]

Africa

[@socialising6037]

Yo I have a 350excf how often do you change the oil and filter

[@AndrewBoundy]

When Adventurespec drops a review - it needs to be seen.

[@davejhlomax]

Thank you!

[@Britishshooter]

Dave this is the best review of this bike ever done. Congratulations, brilliant video!

[@davejhlomax]

Thank you.

[@42micks42]

Top review, great and honest comments. Done 5k round Spain France and the Pyrenees with a lot of trail riding. In my opinion the best bike for the job. Cheers Mick

[@pedromatos5918]

I bought one new yamaha T7 ...and i m in love with the engine... how easy is to make curves in this bike!! I live in Azores Islands ...and we have some very good off road places.... with and excelent view.... most of my bikes were sport bikes like yamaha r6 or susuki gsxr6...only off road bike was a honda xr6... but this bike is in her own league...good on road ...i don t have alot experience off road...but did already some easy tracks...and if feels so easy to control...sometimes you forget it s a 200kg bike. 80% of the times i will use this bike on roads...like going to work ....but it gives always a smile when we put that 1gear!!! Stay save!

[@MrOblivious]

"this bike comes with a little devil" Sold! I was a happy Husky Svartpilen owner till today. I must have one!

[@MortimerJones99]

I'm currently a Svart owner and this bike is looking like the next step for me

[@Thairider77]

Very good and honest review!I myself drove the bike in Morocco last week and it was just brilliant and surprisingly good!

[@paulgoard8776]

Love the honesty and detailed explanations of your pros/cons, experiences with the bike.

[@BennyLindroth]

Spot on regarding how easy it is to ride and suddenly one needs to drop it. It´s almost like a switch. I still get surprised when reaching the limit. Yes, the weight bothers me cause I often ride alone and I am only 69kg and no body builder. This is my only concern with this bike after 6 months and 4000km. My former bike HVA TR650 was lower and about 20kg less and I almost never felt bothered I would get stuck riding on my own. Thanks for a great review.

[@CBWANADA]

Hmm. Interesting vid. Live in CA, been following this bike for some time. Seems as capable as a 2005 ktm950👍😂 For us, best combo of street, dirt, performance, reliability is an xr650r. Beats a 690 hands down reliability and serviceability. Slap a seat concepts on it, bigger tank, open up muffler, steering damper, good to go! Gear it 15/45. Cruise all day 70+ mph. Simple to maintain, decent dirtbike manners above 10mph, decent street bike manners below 80 mph. I keep trying to love the new stuff (even bought a 500exc) Hope I'm impressed when the t700 finally gets here, love the idea of loading it down with camp gear and disappearing..

[@jacekgrzybowski169]

One of the best review have seen and 100% the Best T7. Respect!

[@charliem5332]

Goddammit I’ve just spent the last two years pimping my 660 into my favourite thing and now you’re making me want to go and buy the T7.

[@mtscott]

Lol! I do the same..pimp the hell out of them and then upgrade. 🙄 I’m going to use the no-pimp/ride-more mode from now on. 😁

[@oxyg3n600]

One of the best reviews I have seen.

[@adventurespec]

Thanks!

[@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV]

Hay Dave, Great review. It's amazing how we both have found the bikes with similar strengths. Just don't agree with you on the lights, I like that broad low beam to assist in dodging kangaroos and emus. Your business partner is a very smart man - bigger pegs no. 1 improvement for the bike. I've had a bad run with USB sockets with slow leaking and catching me out. Rear end is soft, can't tell what you weigh on the video but I think you leave my slightly overweight carcass at 92 kg. You are a svelt something under 92 kg if not don't say anything :)

[@davejhlomax]

I'm saying nothing then...;-)

[@alanbstard4]

so why do you need a fuel gauge? there was a time they weren't needed

[@davejhlomax]

Monitoring your fuel has always been important (personally my preferred choice is a clear tank with 1 litre incremental marks on it). Why do you need to do this? If you are riding long distances between fuel stops and pushing the bikes' range envelope then you really need accurate fueling information to stop any issues towards the end of your chosen ride, particularly in remote environments. The problem with a poor fuel gauge that gives you no information about usage over the last 1/3 of your tank is that as the terrain and altitude changes your fuel consumption changes too. In soft sand a bike will often use up to 50% more fuel than on tarmac, whilst at altitude you will get similar changing effects. Trying to keep a mental track of how high you are and what terrain you've ridden over for what distance in a bid to keep a track of your fuel usage is a real pain in the arse, particularly towards the end of a big variable terrain piste when you're often tired and a little stressed already (and even more so if you've never encountered that particular mix of terrain and altitude before). Having a clear graded tank, a good fuel gauge showing a linear relationship between fuel remaining and current usage (or even better, both!) is something that anyone manufacturing an 'adventure bike's should consider to be essential in my opinion.

[@alanbstard4]

@@davejhlomax when I was a lad, we didn't need them, and no motorcycle was equipped with them, including arguably the best long range bike ever, the BMW /5. London to Sydney by many riders, across Australia on crappy roads and tracks. Fully aware off road increases consumption.Didn't need watercooling either. You make great videos though with good info

[@davejhlomax]

With respect (and I mean that) an overland trip from London to Sydney isn't like genuine remote exploration in places like the high Andes or the Sahara. In both those situations while I'd agree you don't 'need' a fuel gauge, life is 110% less stressful with one and personally they also give me the confidence and knowledge to push my riding envelope further. As to air cooling...they WERE the days (I'm in the middle of building a custom airhead R65 adventure bike myself and have travelled 10000's of miles on air cooled bikes from Enfield Bullets to XR400's). But, now we have moved forward to more efficient and reliable engines that use less fuel, weigh less and emit less Co2. I love my riding past and chose to revisit it daily through my R65, but I also embrace the engineering genius of modern engine designs too. The thing I love about adventure riding is that we can all chose to make it whatever we want with whatever tools we choose. Ride safe out there whatever you ride and wherever you choose to ride it (with or without fuel gauge!).

[@Rube_Toob]

Eloquently narrated review of the T7. Well done mate!

[@adventurespec]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jazbot3]

This review was good enough to put up with the editing and sound effects. I think that says a lot.

[@ogpu1]

Probably the best motorcycle review I've ever seen. Really appreciate the honesty. Thanks for posting

[@нищонищов]

Well done mate, it's an amazing review of the bike. You really seem to know what you are talking about. Thank you very much!

[@adventurespec]

Much appreciated!

[@danielburgess7037]

spot on review, excellent perspective. It is true, weight is king, it is the reason i'm sitting on a wr250x with 70/30 tires right now (in my opinion and excellent 40% off road and 60% bike, maybe even 50/50 for my skill and energy level). But for my riding (the riding i actually do) the ternere 700 keeps sounding more and more like the perfect fit, where it's gains can make up for the heft. And that engine is a true gem of power, service needs and reliability. That's a real pit fall i find myself in. There is the riding i like doing (trails, single track, double track, fire roads, twisty mountains and country roads), the riding i want to do (deep long distance adventure, off the beaten path, over land, the type of riding i usually just watch videos of... those videos are dangerous), and then the riding i actually do (little trail, tight and steep for fun around the house, fire roads and double track, and alot of twisty mountains, country roads, highway cruising and a smattering of interstate). too oft i find myself listening to that little devil you spoke of, but for me he is on my shoulder when i'm sitting in the chair in front of the computer watching some, deep, out there adventure rider really exploring off the beaten path. He says, "that looks awesome, you'll be doin that, gonna need a bike that can do that, nice and light, but can make it down the interstate well enough. A do all machine 70% offroad 30% onroad" When the reality is i hit the tight trail at home and a bit out and about (the moments where the versys 300x, or duke 690 i had all fell short on for either clearances, weight distribution, or suspension travel.) but the majority of what i really ride is fairly tame stuff that a gs800a could be well serviceable for. It looks like the Tenre 700 could be the right fit, right at home and not over taxed ever on the road, power that is fun and ample and capable regardless of weight, hills or speeds over 70mph (the moments on interstate with the wr250x and r start feeling slightly limited, when a hill comes into play). And it can handle that bit of trail and off path play occasionally and be up to the challenge and have fun with it. Thanks for the insights and well formulated thoughts!

[@nudawas]

It is the first honest review I 've seen for a long time . I was always trying understand why people try to take those heavy bikes off... maybe they love bandage :) my choice is xr 650 r because I very tall (6"6) 130kg that's what is important ... Thanks

[@wonkychris5473]

Best bike ever - I got mine after seeing classic Dust to Glory sequence :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/baaWepSIh9yklac

[@peteransel2715]

Fantastic review. "Weight is king", so true. I don't know why people are so insecure about displacement. I've owned bikes of all sizes, but my current mount, a plated and very well maintained, '96 XR250R, with 4 gallon tank, wider pegs, bar risers, Baja Design LED headlight, taller gearing capable of short highway sections at 65 mph, 40L saddle bags, and an extremely comfortable Seat Concepts saddle, is, at 240 lbs and no electric start or fuel injection, (two kicks max to fire up), perhaps the ultimate lightweight ADV bike. Even the new CRF250L is 317 lbs. All that said, the T7 looks like a blast if you respect its limits. Count me in!

[@peteransel2715]

Oh, and my tank is translucent (the ultimate fuel gauge), plus I get about 70 mpg. With no battery/charging system, I carry a 27,000 mAh portable charger in my tank bag, which runs my off-line mapping for days, and I carry a smaller spare charger in my saddle bag.

[@MrHugeheffner]

Dave I couldn’t agree with you more... I’ve downsized continually and now from a 701 I’m on a 500 exc...same for the luggage Doing the same long distance, simply skip as much of the highway as possible

[@whatsstefon]

pablo carrion I’m downsizing too. Gonna do dirt around Australia on a Himalayan. Just putt along. I’m not 20 anymore.

[@worldhello1234]

Couldn't agree with you less, bikes are compromises by design.

[@whatsstefon]

@@worldhello1234 Everything is a compromise by design. Dreams are seldom as close to reality. At the end of the day the perfect motorcycle doesn't exist because every single person on the planet is an individual when it comes to physique, riding style and more. Therefore making any design redundant. You can get close to perfect. But then, if that were the case we wouldn't need handlebar risers or different profile bars, different seat heights, different footpegs, different boots, gloves, or different styles of adventure bikes or any bike for that matter. Compare a V-strom to a Himalayan. I wouldn't even bother comparing the two, as they are entirely different classes of motorcycle. However, the best part about it all is that at the end of the day they all DO have one thing in common. We enjoy them and love them. Stay safe.

[@elvispusley3515]

I have a 2022 450rl and love it now I want a T7 as well. Thanks for a great review. Very insightful. I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@adventurespec]

Thanks for watching!

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Damn such an amazing and relaxing review ruined by the crazy super loud music cuts every few minutes where you have to lower the volume and put it back up when the normal video resumes and good luck if you're away from the keyboard. Anyway well done. Hopefully we won't have that anymore in the future.

[@petrihietanen1102]

What an absolutely brilliant, brutally honest review!

[@chelmialouest_motorcycle3036]

Thank you Mr. Dave for your opinion after this desertic trip with the T7, very interesting.

[@unclejj509]

My first time viewing this channel...... this guy is living a great life!

[@bobmcgrath1272]

Great review and makes the T7 a serious consideration when replacing my current Tenere. However having ridden a friends AJP PR7 I have to say it’s the most dirt capable of adv bikes that I’d actually want to ride on the road for any distance and a full 40kg lighter than the T7. Have to say though, like Dave says, I always prefer to be off-road on a proper Dirtbike of max 120kg.

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Funny. I watch your video on the 450l last year when I was excited to get one. Then I rode one and just couldn't justify the $10k price tag. Now I'm watching this, and after a couple months of contemplating I am ready to spend that cash on the Tenere 700 as soon as they are available in North America. I'm glad I waited!

[@fenner-g6088]

Proper sensible review, I love my T7 and agree with what you said about it luring you into going faster !!!

[@robertlee8042]

I drove one for 90 days last summer through France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, through two dozen mountain passes and on the autobahn and autostrada. I drove it in any cities, including Lyon,Florence, Munich, and Prague. It’s an astounding motorcycle. I keep it in France. I live in Sarasota, Florida. Here I keep a BMW GS Adventure. Both are the perfect bikes for their continents. If I were going around the world I would choose the Yamaha. It’s simpler, much more robust. My Yamaha was the 2919 Touratech exhibition bike so it has every Touratech accessory made at the time. If I were to buy one in the USA I would reduce the rear sprocket or increase the countershaft sprocket because there is torque to spare. You cannot stall it. The GS Adventure is easy to stall. Rain/tarmac around balcony roads in the Alps: The rear slides utterly beautifully, doesn’t break away, just slides utterly controllably (with 80/20 tires). I was astounded.

[@zzim2853]

Fab. job on this review. You speak of something very obvious to the many of us that consider adventure riding more of what you do. Off the grid, exploration. Its about getting into situations when your survival and safety require a bike that is suited. Any bike bigger than this T7 and 790 are just to big for adventure riding. That is what we believe it to be. I believe these two bikes should be categorized as the big level of what an adventure bike is and not a 500lb plus bike. I had a situation on my AT that required me to leave it in the bush for 2 weeks because it was just too heavy and big to successfully get out of that situation Yes a smaller bike like this I could have made it. We need more, Real, adventure bikes. Like the T7 and 790, but even more 500cc to 650 cc bikes.

[@Michael-0000]

Agree! I own a couple of the original R80 G/S’s of the early 80s - the grand daddy of the Adventure class of bikes. I rode sections of the Roof of Africa and it’s a great machine but at 180kg, a bit of a beast to manage on sketchy tracks. Weight really is everything with Adventure Biking. I considered upgrading to the new 1200 GS but was convinced not to after watching Long Way Down and seeing the struggle with those porkers (imagine trying to lift quarter of a ton of inert iron?) on anything resembling a single track. True Adventure bikes should never exceed 200kg and for me the sweet spot would be in the 150kg range.

[@jonathankim9968]

That was best compliment anybody could have given to any product.

[@losttheplotcolin]

Great review, nicely done, loved the music. I think you told us the weight of this bike eight times more often than the CRF450l :-)

[@marcready6369]

I think you are spot on about so many things. My first bike was an XR250RF and in deep sand, even carrying water and fuel, I kept it on the boil and skipped along the suface and in corrogations too. My travelling companion dropped her XT600 hard in the sand and had to be flown out by air ambulance (it was a remote area of Australia). Weight is a lot offroad and an added liability. This is multiplied if alone as I almost always was. I would LOVE a Africa Twin if it was 160kg or less, but as it stands, it is too much of a big pig. The T7 seems to be occupying the void vacated by Honda with their XR/XL 600s and the NX650. Why they abandoned this segment is beyond me. Great review and your experience shines through.

[@adventurespec]

Thanks for watching Mark, and we hope your friend was ok in the end it sounds like a bad one.

[@tshansen]

I would love to see you do something similar with a KTM 790 Adventure R :-) I honestly think, if something should ever happen to my KTM 790 i would change it to a T7 just to try it out not just ride it for 30 min at a dealer :-) Great review, and great edit. High level content all the way

[@davejhlomax]

Thanks.

[@stevec9959]

Suspension travel and price put it closer to the Adventure S. Thoughts?

[@0xsergy]

@@stevec9959 suspension travel doesn't really matter since all these bikes have shit stock suspension anyway so you're going some work on them within 10k kms anyway. you can add a tiny bit of travel to the front and rear easily enough. take the money you'd spend on an R and put it into the T7s suspension and you'll have a far better suspended bike than a stock R.

[@empirecycleman355]

So many people have such high expectations of these new wonder bikes. They truly live up to their moniker of “Adventure “ bike. It’s always going to be some sort of adventure for the folks who really don’t know how comparatively inadequate these heavy bikes are when they venture into technical terrain. And get passed up by some squid on a clapped out 30 year old dirt bike.

[@ricardorgomez]

"Delusions of grandeur?" "Fun?" I want it!

[@hvowell]

One of the best reviews I've seen. Thank you!

[@yepyep27]

You’ve just about got me convinced to save for this thing!

[@artfulalias3984]

An insightful and grounded review. I want one. But I live in the western US, not the UK. It would be set up as a light, moderately sporty touring bike with above average dirt competence to take exploring and camping. Touring remote places is a different scale here than many may appreciate. Similarly the remoteness and distance to services of some areas. The reported long term reliability of this machine is more appealing than the last bit of performance some competing models offer. My impression of this machine is that its combination of all around competence, nimble fun, and boring reliability sets it at the top of its own niche.

[@unknownnwonknu666]

I had headphones on and that dog scared the ever-living fuck out of me. thought my dog was losing it in the middle of the night.

[@literallyshaking8019]

Same 😂

[@lanceg.8458]

Enjoyed this video, the commentary, candor, and generally not trying to compare it to thoroughbred race bikes like others do. Well done!

[@markl8043]

Nice to watch Awesome honest review of the T7. I love the bike but being vertical challenged at 5’6 it’s not for me. U think Honda will ever put the 500x motor in a similar chassis like the 250 rally that would be awesome in my opinion. Great video! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@markl8043]

Amir Serbilind No I haven’t Amir still not available in Canada or the US. Supposed to be available sometime this yr who knows lol. Canada didn’t even get the last 660 Tenere 🤬

[@markl8043]

Amir Serbilind sure rub it in lol consider yourself lucky!!

[@threechorder]

Epic slide show at the end. Thanks for the review!

[@DormanDiaries]

Great video, you know it’s gonna be good when it starts with a brew! I’ve no plans on buying one but still watched it all the through! Dave you should have a story book channel!

[@davejhlomax]

Thank you!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Mr. Kitty says you aren't going anywhere without him next time . Looks like the cat has taken possession of the T7 , haha ! Only 4 minutes in and I am impressed . That looks like an awesome adventure . We aren't getting the T7 until June here in California . I can't stand it anymore , I must get that bike .

[@pilgrem61]

Interesting review thanks. So you know the pinging noise is really annoying as it's too loud

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Agreed!

[@sanatandharma4435]

Thank you for this review! I rarely stop and take the time to watch a video from beginnig to end! You speak common sense. I have used a KTM in the Dubai dunes and have dropped it. It was only a 450 but that was hard enough to pick up!

[@reimowieland3202]

the Tenere 700 already provides an electrical supply with a 10 amp fuse beneath the right fairing if I call correctly

[@petrpacas]

I enjoyed the CRF450L review back in the day and liked the format - and I enjoyed this one as well - I adore your style 👏 Greetings from Czechia 👋

[@ericredpath3908]

I do feel that comparing these two bikes is kinda an apples and oranges issue. And I think one great aspect of the T7 that you missed is the value , as compared to the other midweight adventure bikes ( not your Honda ) here in the states they're thousands of dollars cheaper than the competition.

[@michaelduffy6739]

Nothing like gaining new knowledge. Incredible review. Love the details.

[@alpap1980]

Next year maybe try 790R for Morrocco so when we attempt the same trip we will know which one to pick...

[@kenpucula7334]

The 450L video helped me decide on buying the CRF450L. This video now makes me want to test ride a T7. Thanks Mr. Dave!

[@davejhlomax]

Really glad to have been helpful

[@istra70]

You need to ask yourself this question : how many "adventure riders" in the world will ever climb the top of a dunes or go through muddy jungle of Brasil ???........ They can always go around them if sand is too soft !!! For me personally comfort and reliability of 2 cyl ( for a long day riding ) and luggage caring capability will always win over motocross or trail single banging rattler. Of course it would be nicer if it is 50 kg lighter and has better suspension - and easily can be done ( titanium and carbon fiber) - but not for this price...... Nearest rival is 790 R and cost 3 k more and it is even heavier..... Solution : go to nearest park and practice picking up the bike. If you can't pick it up 10 times in a day - don't go anywhere with it..... Thanks for posting

[@1Bamarider]

Valid point. His point of taking it to Morocco again hit a valid issue of perspective. Are you going to blast the off-road, then the CRF-450L, or do you want comfort in the journey down, and still have some fun off-road, choose the T7. No wrong answers, and really minimal trade offs either way. Win/Win!

[@barryolaith]

Came across here by accident. This is a very analytical man who is honest with himself. The problem is the adventure bike buying public is less so.

[@davejhlomax]

Too true about the majority of the bike buying public. But, whose fault is that? People look for honest advice about the tools they need to get the job done and they meet 'the BMW/KTM marketing machine'...most of whom have never ridden a days trail in their lives. Mr BMW/KTM show numerous photos of huge heavy bikes flying across endless Mongolian plains and then they sell the dream... For most riders who dream, but never 'do' this is enough. But, for those who do venture off the beaten path they soon find out that they have been misled. This review is about an honest assessment of the difference between the marketing machines of the big companies vs. the reality of making those images come true. Spread the word...in the real world, 'light is right'.

[@jimenagulla9081]

If you liked the T7 you'll love the 790R, almost same weight, better suspension,brakes,power, fuel capacity, try one on that trip and I think you'll be impressed!

[@mickdarabuka7778]

Salute dude. Mick Smith saying hello. I worked with you at Barton Moss. I've continued my road trips around the world, partly because of you but In a car. I've been to some very strange places. I hope you and Julie are doing well and motoring on. You must drive New Zealand. It is still the best place to be. Zac must be quite a lad by now.