Dual Sport or Adventure Bike? You Decide!

If you're in the market for a dual sport or adventure bike, this video is for you. We pitched two popular dual sport and adventure bikes (CRF250L and T7 world raid) head to head in a series of tasks, to help you decide.
www.lightweightadventurers.co.uk
#dualsport #adventurebike #crf250l #t7

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I'm 56 years young and have pretty much hung up my single track MX whoop filled days. So three years ago bought a Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCTes. Put 21000 km on this big scooter across BC Rockies twin track, and throughout BC, Van island, living the dream. We tour multi week adventures, and camp off the bikes, very easily. A smaller bike would likely be a struggle. This bike tours forestry, twin track, highways, and through cities very well. It is heavier, but we don't single track, and know the limitations. Good 50/50 tires (Mitas E07) are a must! But really the best bike is the one you own and ride :⁠-⁠) Cheers from Canada

[@lightweightadv]

Nicely put Bill. The idea is to get the right bike for how you want to ride 👌🏻

[@stefanhansen5882]

You guys' "down to earthness" is great. Good stuff!

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks 😎👌🏻

[@mikeisland7382]

Great fun video. As a lifetime dual sport rider I have to say the T7 World raid is about the sexiest looking bike I've ever seen. If only they made a 600cc single dual sport version of it mixed with their WR450.

[@Michael_Shay]

I think this is an interesting conversation and it pretty much always comes down to what you care about the most, road performance or dirt performance. The 50/50 would be something like a DRZ400, Husky 501/701, 500EXC/690, CRF450L, etc. Most of which would require better wind protection, in addition to the service intervals being shorter for everyone but the DRZ. BUT I feel like something that is really important to consider is rider skill level. A lighter bike will always be more forgiving to somebody who isn't experienced. You can choose a lighter bike with more dirt capability and it will compensate for your lack of skill. A heavier, more powerful bike, is going to require more skill, and more thinking ahead. If you get to like the Chris Birch level of riding (obviously this is a extreme example) it doesn't really matter what bike you're on most of the time. Big bikes are usually capable of more than people think, the riders just aren't capable of doing those things. All of this to say, I feel like people should invest more into themselves. Instead of spending a bunch of money on farkles, maybe consider taking some offroad classes, rider skill and education will carry over to any motorcycle you get on, whether it's big or small. Even the bare minimum is actually practicing exercises rather than jumping on it and relying on momentum and a prayer to get through obstacles (I'm guilty of this LOL).

[@lightweightadv]

I agree to the most part. The regular rider however will most likely have to put more effort into getting the same performance out of an Adv vs a DS. That effort often comes at the expense of enjoyment (watching the scenery etc). I personally enjoy the challenge, but not everyone does 😎👍🏻

[@PatchedBandit]

Wet weight of that WR is most definitely more than 220 with all that gear on it ;) My normal T7 one is trail ready 222kg with much smaller crashbars. I also own a CRF300L as it's for the rides the T7 is too heavy for :) Nice video guys!

[@lightweightadv]

These are the adventure spec crash bars, 4.8kg! But year, still far closer to 230 no doubt. Thanks 😎

[@MotoSly]

The video i didn't know i wanted to see! Loved this guys!

[@lightweightadv]

Haha, well, there you go! 😂

[@chriscooperCRF300]

Another great video chaps, there's still no unicorn out there, always a compromise. 300 Rally is probably the closest 🤔 I need my T7 because I love it, just wish it magically changed into a 300L when I hit the trails 😅

[@lightweightadv]

😂. Yeah, that would be the perfect solution

[@xcaceuk]

Another interesting video - thanks guys 🙏 After 20k CRF300/CRF250 miles and some time with the T7, I’d say that for the average dual sport rider wanting the most versatile ride the CRF300 is really hard to beat. Try picking a loaded T7 out of a ditch.when riding solo My choice is to stay off the motorways and take the roads less traveled and then the CRF comes into its own 🎶

[@lightweightadv]

Hey, this comment absolutely nails it! If you want to be able to just ride anywhere at any time the 250/300 is hard to beat 👍 Thanks buddy

[@jaimemetcher388]

Yeah, it's the ditch test that matters. Even better, pick a ditch that's on a muddy hill and time your 10th lift. I have a dual sport and an ADV. Tbh, I don't consider the ADV an off-road bike at all. Yes, it can do gravel roads, but so can literally any road bike. On the gnarlier stuff, ADV's look like an advertisement for dual sports.

[@Bowlin01]

Enjoyed that guys. Having just completed the MotoJunkies Train for Trails course I’ve seen the T7 World in the hands of one of the instructors and it’s amazing what it can do. (In the right hands). But as a shortarse beginner I’ll stick with the CRF until I get more practice and skill.

[@lightweightadv]

Ha, glad you enjoyed it mate. Yep, the WR can be an incredible machine for sure. So can the CRF be though. I'm excited to take the CRF on our adventure next week and leave the T7 at home, that tell a story in its own right 🤔

[@ADobbin1]

An ADV is a small touring bike primarily for road. If you are planning serious off road get a dual sport and modify to need.

[@basilio_p]

dear, I had an Africa Twin 1100, too heavy to go on mountain trails alone. so I also bought a Crf300l and enjoyed it. then my wife didn't come with me anymore and so I took a Tenere 700 hoping that, keeping it light, I could use it in the mountains. after six months of happy travels with the Tenerè I still decided to keep the Crf300l, incomparable and easier to handle on dirt roads and in the mountains especially if alone. HI

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, they both have their benefits and downsides. Perfect soloution is to keep both of course. Not always realistic however 💰

[@Declan4253]

Is that CRF modified quite a bit? It just looks really beefy and good. I thought of a 250 as smaller than it looks. Great video.

[@livelongrideonover70]

That was a fun. Thanks guys. I am fortunate enough to have one of each (Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro & Voge 300 Rally). And, as you say, they each have their place. It's good to have the best of both worlds.

[@lightweightadv]

That’s really cool, how do you find the voge ? They’re a nice looking machine

[@livelongrideonover70]

@@lightweightadv it's a real smile machine. Does the the dual-sport thing really well. It does what it says on the tin.

[@whitedrguy6503]

An adventure bike is in reality a heavy dual sport that is more road focused. The best of both worlds is in my opinion a 650 single like a KTM/ Husky 690/701 or an AJP PR7 or the cheaper and rarer Suzuki DR650 se, the 650 single has the torque to handle road riding better than the 300 class bikes and less stress on the motor at higher speeds. The 690/701 makes the same power as the T7 but weighs 40/50 kilos less, the AJP is around the 50/55 hp mark and the DR 40ish and they all weigh around the 160 Kg mark wet. My T7 weighs in at 220 Kg wet with a few basic accessories fitted, my DR650 weighs 180 Kg wet with a larger fuel tank, bash plate and tools, so loaded with gear ready to travel is around the 200 Kg mark. Owning 2 bikes is a luxury but only being able to ride one at a time is where the adventure begins. If for example you live in Australia and want to ride in the UK and Europe and want to do some TET at the age of 63, what is the best bike to use ? A T7 or a DR 650 ? Well I am shipping over my DR 650, why ? Because of the unknown factor, I don’t know what lies ahead of me when it comes to road conditions, both bitumen and dirt, so to err on the side of caution the DR makes more logical sense to me, lighter weight and a lot less to damage if dropped, ease of maintenance, cheaper on tyres and so forth, with the added bonus of even my old unfit body can pick the bike up, it will also sit on 70 MPH all day if needed with no fuss. An adventure bike is a little pointless if you are too afraid to take it anywhere, no adventure in that. 😂😂😂😂

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, good analysis. Weirdly, my dual sport is more adventure than the T7 and I use the T7 for both sports, but not adventure 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stanleyknife1967]

Good test. I haven’t ridden the CRF, but have had a ride on the T7 - loved it. The engine suits the bike really well and as you already know it is brilliant on the road.

[@lightweightadv]

They're certainly very different bikes. I love both and I'm often torn as to which one I wheel out of the garage 🤔

[@karolzembol5933]

Good luck on your Balkan roadtrip! It was lovely to meet you in Hindin Han restaurant in Mostar ❤

[@lightweightadv]

Hey Man, great to meet you guys too. Safe travels home, enjoy Sarajevo!!

[@StokeBeaver]

I've got a T7 and my wife has a CRF300L At 6ft3 and 100kg I find the T7 is fine for most green lanes but I wouldn't fancy it if I was much shorter and not as strong. My wife is 5ft2 and 55kg with less experience, she struggles far more with the CRF than I do with the T7. I'm very tempted to get a 2nd set of forks and shock for the CRF and set up for my weight, it'd be nice to have the option of both bikes. Being willing to drop your bike helps too, it allows you to have the confidence to commit to tougher sections without fear. As soon as you're stressed about dropping it you start to shy away from stuff and start paddling and then get stuck.

[@lightweightadv]

That last paragraph sums up off road riding completely 👌🏻

[@Karel.C]

That's why I went for the 690 KTM. Best of both worlds.

[@lightweightadv]

If you follow the channel, you'll know Marc has just bought a GasGas ES700.

[@abtinalavi993]

well done , things that you’ve taken into consideration are some of the important things that one could experience in real Life .

[@lightweightadv]

Hope you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@nobodyshero200]

Love the T7. It would be too hard to leave in a foreign country if you hurt yourself. The Honda. Almost disposable. Not quite. But 10k difference. I would have both given the choice.

[@lightweightadv]

Exactly. The cost of the Honda vs it's capability is a huge advantage

[@ray8328]

Well made guys. You demonstrated some key realities an owner may experience. Bottom line, every motorcycle is a compromise. Taking my CRF250L out of the garage to commute is like taking out my bicycle compared to my F850 GS.

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks. Yeah, they're certainly lighter. They might also feel bicycle powered in comparison to some though 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@ray8328]

@@lightweightadv agreed

[@shurhongukire4306]

Dream bike is Tenere 7T currently owned a Himalayan 411cc .. Love your content

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks! The T7 is a great bike. But so is the Himi 😎

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

OK you two are hilarious. This is the most realistic video doing all these challenges. It’s like all the influencers, except the glitter, is stripped away.😂 really appreciate a good laugh, so thanks. Also, if you give one some things to think about.

[@lightweightadv]

Awesome man. Regular guys, regular bikes 😎👌🏻

[@DirtbikeXpeditions]

For any ride that is going to get technical, I default to my CRF300L…if it’s all slab, forest service roads, and two track…I’ll take the T7 every time. That bike just puts a smile on my face.

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, the T7 has the definite grin factor. Having said that, so does my CRF in its own way.

[@Ash12530]

Just brought a 2023 standard Ténéré 700, I preferred it after riding both the World Raid and standard T7, just felt the World Raid was too heavy and lacking in power, because of all that extra bulk and width out on the road.. Plus I’m only 5-10” tall, so the slightly lower seat height and more squishy suspension of the standard T7 won out for me, I still had the Low Link fitted, and can almost flat-foot it now. 👍🏻 Still running her in, but can’t believe how well it hustles out on the twisty back roads, and I’ve just come from a 2021 Yamaha Tracer-9 GT..😄

[@lightweightadv]

Ah that’s really cool, I (Jamie) struggled with both the standard T7 and the WR from a seat height perspective, I’m about 5’8 ish and don’t have the longest legs so not sure I will ever get to flat foot an adventure bike 😂

[@jnano2071]

My first bike was a small adventure and I just got an old dr200 for enduro type stuff, I’m pretty excited about having two bikes for the first time

[@lightweightadv]

Small bikes for the win 👊🏻😎

[@jurgenwauters9458]

Owning a T7, i started doing some offroad with it. But as i have zero experience offroad, it was to heavy for me. I was more concerned of dropping it and not enjoying the ride. So... now i got two, a T7 and 300L, really enjoying offroad on the crf. Learning. I feel i will go places on it i wouldnt on the T7. What's really funny is taking the T7 for a spin after a day offroading the Honda. What a big beast it feels then! 😅

[@lightweightadv]

This is a great combination. I also have both now. Often, I'm torn as to which bike to take. It's a great problem to have.

[@michelebelperio7820]

Both!!!

[@lightweightadv]

That's where we're at 👌🏻

[@bamills6771]

One needs multiple bikes. I have a GSA for my 2k mile across the USA rides. The T7 for Local weekend camping trips , Then the KLX 300 for single tracks and Florida sugar sand- trails.

[@lightweightadv]

Multiple bikes is definitely an answer, bit it's also a bit of a luxury

[@ashleyhooper8933]

Nice video guys, what cover do you have on the CRF and does if make any real difference to comfort over many miles?

[@lightweightadv]

It's a cool covers seat cover. It makes a difference, but I'm not sure it makes it a long distance tourer comfy 😂

[@davidz8]

Really well done, a look at the real like practicalities of owning either bike, I pick up my new Tenere World Raid tomorrow, for me it is a 90% on road long distance bike that I can take on fire roads for the other 10%.

[@lightweightadv]

You'll love it, it's incredible...And heavy 😂

[@davidz8]

@@lightweightadv Heavy when you go up in weight from a 250, not for me when I am moving down from 250kg Africa Twin.

[@richardmetcalf3203]

Even watching you Lumping that T7 round made me feel tired. 😂. Lovely looking machine and would love to own one… for long range adventure though.

[@lightweightadv]

😂 She's a big girl for sure. But when she's upright and moving, there's no better machine 😎

[@soshsiB]

Nice comparison 👍🏼 my personal preference is the CRF. More nimble, simple to live with. Well done guys 😊

[@lightweightadv]

I completely understand this, simplicity if a big draw for the CRF

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks, yeah I think we’re the Same really, both have benefits and pitfalls but small is generally simpler and easier to live with 👍

[@NK-dl2nc]

Good to see you took the plunge. I reluctantly sold my CCM and got myself a world raid. I love it but it is rather a beast in comparison. Great on the road. Not been off road properly yet. Off to France on mine in a few weeks. Being in the Lincoln area I will keep an eye out for you and flag you down if I see you🤣

[@lightweightadv]

Ah, definitely do! Also, take the WR off road, it will impress you!

[@SteveInskip]

I’d have thought the CCM was the perfect on/Off road bike considering weight and power? Always fancied one but they never sold them abroad.

[@NK-dl2nc]

@@SteveInskip mine was the 644DS and I had fitted a 25ltr tank and modified seat. It was pretty good on the road but after 200 miles of tarmac it was rather tiring compared to a larger bike. I have been suffering with long covid since September 21 which kind of made up my mind. I don't have the stamina that I used to. I don't see me doing any technical off road work so the tenere was the obvious choice for me as it is more than capable on road and fine for light trails that are within my ability. The world raid also emulates my DR750 that I sold back when I was initially struggling with the dreaded LC. It's no replacement for the DR750 but its better in most every way other than sheer character.

[@SteveInskip]

@@NK-dl2nc ah right. I though you were talking about the GP450. Yes the Tenere is great for the job you want. Hope you get a bit better soon. Recovering from anything like that, from experience (with ‘proper’ flu and Cerebral Malaria), is difficult and takes time, patience and perseverance. I wish you well!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Good video guys...it's the forever compromise/dilemma! Love my T7, and am prepared to put up with the moments it's a bit lardy!. The engine is a peach, and munches up the road miles effortlessly, fully laden. One day Mr. Honda might bring out a new version of my beloved XR650R...and that WILL be the Unicorn 🦄 bike!! Cheers Steve

[@lightweightadv]

I'd take a new style Dominator any day 👌🏻

[@Yangvar]

I ride a Honda Transalp 700 and I have quite tricky area to get trough to park my bike every time I take it out, but you get used to it, practise makes perfect I guess. Would it be easier with a lighter bike? I dont know, I never had one, but when I was getting my CBT, smaller bike made my life much much more difficult as I couldnt get my weight well balanced during slow manouvers. My Transalp is a daily commuter across London and its quite easy to filter trough heaps of traffic, and I can take it out and away on long rides, and I can easilly do 100 miles without stepping off from it without any discomfort. I doubt itd be the case with the dual sport. I havent ridden many trails on it yet, but will do in near future, so I cannot say too much about that, I will hovewer bring a point wich Ollie and HP2Mav brought up on TAMPodcast episode- often you need to get to the trails first, and depending on where you live, it might take a while! Its going to be much more comortable on a bigger bike than on dual sport. By the end of the day though- as you guys said, you might need to think about what are you doing with the bigger bike, but both can perform well! Also a side note- it was great to meet both of you at the ABR festival! Hope to see you again on the trails at some point! :smile

[@lightweightadv]

Thanks for the comment buddy and well said 🙏 Yeah really nice to meet you at ABR we love chatting to the tribe, and maybe having a beer or two as well 😂 ride safe pal

[@davidmallia628]

Best have a boxer GS, and crf300l combo. Or, some similar combo. If a combo is not desirable, either is good, depending on your riding adventure type.

[@lightweightadv]

This sums is up perfectly... both, or either. They're all great bikes.

[@leslieaustin151]

Hmm, yeah, OK. For me I start well under the CRF250 weight (Serow weighs 119 kg) and then go lighter (hopefully 100kg) with my next (home-made) adaption. Good real-world video though. Thanks. Les

[@lightweightadv]

Lightweight is the way forward for sure

[@VespaNuman]

I have an XSR700 X-tribute so the same engine as the Tenere and a CRF250L as a recent addition. Cost wise the two (used) combined are about the same as the Tenere. I have taken the XSR down some tame green lanes, but it's obviously not made for that. Unfortunately current life circumstances means one has to go and it'll be the XSR700, but I can certainly see the Tenere being a future bike. The CP2 700 engine is utterly entertaining, it's the right amount of power for the road to be fun but not get you in too much bother.

[@lightweightadv]

A Tenere and a CRF is a great combination in my opinion. If I had to settle for just one, it would be the CRF, but it wouod be a wrench to give the T7 up.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

I am fortunate to own both a dual sport and an adventure bike each has its own purpose..if want to go play in the woods and trails I take my wr250r and if I want to just take a trip and explore forest road and maybe camp out I take my t7 it's truly the best of both worlds.. cheers from th pacific northwest USA

[@lightweightadv]

The 2 bike setup is an ideal one. Would be perfect to have all that capability in one bike, right? I wonder if it will ever exist.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@lightweightadv yea it would be nice to have an adventure bike as light as a dual sport haha

[@rokoradic5728]

I got Yamaha XT 660 R, 180 kg , something between this 2 bike, reliable and cheap version, Tenere is too expensive to me. I hope to buy second hand T7 and put acerbis 23 lit tank.

[@simonc6982]

What’s the reason for having the handguards on the CRF at such a low angle? They’re almost pointing down

[@lightweightadv]

To cover the levers. We aim the levers low to be most effective when stood 👍🏻

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Adv bikes do decent road speeds at decent comfort levels and still do decently well on dirts roads of many types, and even moderate single track (depending on the bike and rider of course). Dual sports are generally rubbish for any significant amount of road riding, but so much better out in the deserts and whatnot. Most rider are mostly on roads and formal tracks - thus adv bike makes a lot of sense

[@mikebelperio2579]

Both

[@lightweightadv]

That would be a great solution

[@troyscherr5054]

For my liking I would say "which model has more aftermarket parts available or what can I machine off?"

[@lightweightadv]

I guess most bikes have a comprehensive aftermarket now, but the CRF wins between these two in this catagory. Plus, it's cheaper to make mistakes on

[@christians131]

All I want is something comfortable to ride 12+ hrs on, competitive on track days and on the MX track, 100k mi service intervals, and cost < $68 MSRP. Is that too much to ask?

[@lightweightadv]

😂😂😂 when you find it, let us know 👌

[@PaulBartontreegazer]

I’ve got both/neither 😊 In an attempt to get the best of both worlds I bought a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled. It is quite easy to live with but to be honest is probably less good on road than an adventure bike and less good off-road than a dual sport. But it looks cool as hell so I’m happy 😂

[@lightweightadv]

They're a sweet looking machine 😎.

[@alozborne]

More motorcycle manufacturers need to make an ADV bike similar to the Honda CB500X, but with a little more off-roading bias - tunable suspension, a bit more suspension travel, a bit more clearance, a bit less heavy. So many ADV bikes are too powerful and too heavy to perform well off-road on anything but dirt roads. How about a Tenere 550?

[@lightweightadv]

How about a new Honda Dominator! There was a rumour about a T5 / T3 project, but I can't see it happening to be honest

[@alozborne]

@@lightweightadv I would love to see Honda make an ADV similar to the Aprilia Tuareg 660, but honestly even that bike has more power than I need or even want. Something around 70 HP and 40 lb-ft.of torque, under 200 kg

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

When does your bike fall in an open field with sound footing? For me it’s usually single trail, stuck between obstacles on loose rocks.. 130kg bike for me I can’t complain 💪

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, it was representative for the video, it's often more awkward for sure

[@Outdoor_Wanderer]

And usually falls when you are already tired fighting with the terrain.

[@turnoffski]

So .... What about crf250 Vs KTM 690? Or even KTM 390 adventure? I've owned the crf 250, really fun bike, but a 390 would just be that bit more without being too much more.... Innit

[@lightweightadv]

Yeah, we reviewed the 390 recently actually. More road focused than the CRF, but still fun off road. We've also ridden the 690. Great bike and should be the best of both worlds, but it's £££ to set one up nicely for longer stretches of road.

[@penrypooch3037]

Good balanced video cheers chaps👍 had both ends and now on the KTM 690 enduro r with lowered 40mm KTM kit. Not cheap but is same weight as CRF (ish) and similar power to the T6. Not as comfortable as a bigger adv bike but effortless on lanes and a hoot on Twisties in mode 2. Done 180 mile run on a roads and motorways and it's doable but harder work above 75mph than 790/890 and AT I've had. Off to Scotland for 1500 miles in 5 days with 2 X 400 mile runs on first and last day which will be a challenge particularly for my ass🤣😭

[@lightweightadv]

Yep, the 690 is an incredible bike, if only it had a fraction more comfort

[@penrypooch3037]

@@lightweightadvfor local riding, commuting and Laning etc it's not a problem surprisingly, the ergonomics are fine. The biggest issue on the 22 model is the seat but I've solved this with a sheepskin donated by a mate (cheap cycling shorts also work well). I've done 330 ish miles of A and back roads over 2 days in February this year loaded up with camping gear (including my 8kg vango force 10 tent 🤣) and it was fine. We have a 1500 mile Scotland trip planned late May this year which will include 2 X 400 + mile days which I'm not looking forward to but it will be interesting to see how the bike and my ass cope. I traded this for a well sorted 890 adv with cruise control as I found long runs to Cornwall too easy... Yeah the counselling is helping.

[@NorthEastFPV]

But which produces the biggest grin when riding , 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@lightweightadv]

Both, in different ways 😎

[@RustyVanDoor]

It was at this point he realised that the T7 should have been a Husky 701. 5:58

[@lightweightadv]

😂

[@adamg1896]

I was waiting for the last 30 seconds for someone to wheel a 701 in between the 2 😂

[@TheIdlesurfer]

@@adamg1896 I have a 701. It cruises happily at 110 kph behind my Nomad screen. It was on filthy, wet, chalky single track on Michelin Trackers, with 20kg of camping kit on board. I'm a rider of distinctly average talent. The 701/690 is, IMHO the sweet spot. I did get stuck. I did have to wrestle it, I had to pick it up twice in 2 days. No issues picking it up. I am a lump at 183 cm and 95 kg. It is tall though. If you ride in snot and mud and climbs and descents, go light. If you're riding gravel and black top, go adventure. If you're riding TET then dual sport. I've got a Tiger 900 which can do some fairly snotty stuff with the right tyres but Jeez, it's hard work if it gets technical. 701. Not quite a unicorn but close to it.

[@ninjazxd]

The T7 World Raid is badass but since it’s not Available in the states I won’t buy a T7. Instead I have to go with a KTM or an Africa Twin.

[@lightweightadv]

That's a fair choice. The World raid is an better version over the stock bike imo

[@girlinagale]

Adventure bike riders hanker for a dual sport at 50% lighter but also can't give up the 50% power advantage and fuel range. Personally I only want my crf300l which I can pick-up.

[@lightweightadv]

It's the eternal dilemma. A CRF with 50bhp would be perfect

[@SteveHofsaess]

230 kilos vs 150 kilos. Need a bike that is 190 kilos that has at least 600 CC and is nimble.. I currently have a ktm 350excf and a ktm 890. When I go up hills, the 890 feels like a tractor and as long as I have momentum I am fine, with the 350 I must be aggressive with the gas

[@joaquimioakim229]

BMW X Country 650 weighs 300lbs, only made them for two years

[@aligun94]

Comment and thumps up for u guys ;)

[@lightweightadv]

Thank you 😎👌🏻

[@gustavofara7116]

Your hand guards appear to be super low. Why is it? On purpose?

[@lightweightadv]

On which bike? We aim them low so that they match the levers in the stand position 😎

[@DD-co1zn]

5:55 ... A lot more representative ? ... You're on a flat, soft, cushy surface and despite this only being the second time you lifted it - you sound absolutely knackered. Imagine doing this 10 times in the space of a half hour or so, on steep inclines, with the front wheel caught in a rut, and a grade 2 sprain ... Thats what representative looks like. You can extrapolate and generalise the timing of lifting the crf on that surface across all kinds of real life adventure scenarios, but the reality of the situation is it's going to be a two man job to lift the T7 once you're trying to pick it up in true adventure contexts - fine if everyone is riding similarly large bikes, but if everyone else is on CRF's you're going to be a constant drag unless you're Pol Tarres ... not because he's super strong, but because he's simply not going to drop the thing in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I love the T7, but 99% of the people who buy one are mere mortals who either use it as a road bike - fair enough - or learn the hard way that they're not Pol Tarres. imo, it's most realistic application for mortals is as an 'all roads' tourer ... But I'd rather put adventure tires & upgraded suspension on a modern classic for that purpose, and get the right tool for the job for any trip featuring trails - i.e the CRF 300. Exception to this is maybe something like a Himalayan, which while being heavy is a lot harder to drop owing to how its weight is distrubted, height etc, and easier to pick up with more of the weight down low. Also, your first attempt at picking up the T7 was the right technique - both for your back and the bike. Just my two cents as fans of you two, the channel, and the T7. I reckon the bike will be listed on auto trader within a year, assuming you're going to take this off road.

[@12DisturbedGuy93]

What hurts my soul is I live the midwest so while my heart says dual sport, im surrounded by flat open roads, so adventure probably makes more sense

[@chriscooperCRF300]

What screen on the tenere?

[@lightweightadv]

Rally raid 😎👌🏻

[@chriscooperCRF300]

👍🏼

[@jgordoncooper7112]

This is an easy decision. -- If you have the means, just get both. If not, enjoy the one you have. If you don't have either, then this video will help you. Ain't life great?

[@lightweightadv]

😂 Well said!

[@c3h4organic97]

Remember: The lift-up test shall be done 5 times and with less than 2min pauses. If you cant do it, stay on paved road and then, buy a road bike.

[@lightweightadv]

Haha, it felt like that to be honest 😂

[@thebigoaktree8401]

Fun fact: using the correct ADV lifting technique makes things much easier. Example: I just picked up my 1200 Rally Pro. Backstory: I have been riding my Daytona 955i for years. Being used to my sport bike I Gravely misjudged the distance from the ADV foot peg to the road surface upon stopping at a red light. Instantly the bike began to lean. There I felt the full weight of it and onlookers (but the weight of the bike mostly). Couldn’t stop it from going down but was able to control it to the ground. Reflected on proper lifting of an ADV bike. Back to the bike, one on hand bars, other on the tail rack. Lifted the bike up with ease. Note that putting the kickstand down as soon as vertical is essential. A front facing lift of any kind wouldn’t have worked. Riding one of these bigger/much heavier bikes relies on calm thinking and sound technique. The new bike is fine, and very soon after that my ego was too. Be careful out there.

[@lightweightadv]

Agreed, lifting technique let me down here the first time. The T7 is a long bike, I'm not sure if I could easily lift it at the bars and tail rack.

[@airadaimagery692]

@@lightweightadv I found a “technique” that works even better than that... I’ll post another comment and share the video that solved this problem for me. It also saves my back!

[@thebigoaktree8401]

@@lightweightadv I meant the passenger grab rail But you don’t have any on the T7 🤔 (sorry). Grabbing the rear sub frame would suffice as well. A front facing lift on any 200+ Kilo bike is going to be a challenge. Ive seen videos of BMW off road courses *teaching such things. In any event it’s best to slow down thinking even if the environment is hectic so that the best decision on approaching the challenge of lifting the bike can be made. The act of practice solidifies understanding which then becomes future usable knowledge. All I know is I am mindful to let my legs do the lifting and not my back 😅. Cool heads prevail. Salute!

[@appymarley]

390 adventure bridges the gap quite well far better than my wr or crfl on tar but quite capable off road ...the big adventure bikes are just too heavy and powerful off road for me... wonderful things though basically the motorcycle equivalent of a range rover

[@lightweightadv]

We recently reviewed the 390. Great bike, Jamie really enjoyed it, but I found it too small and the ergonomics were too road focused for me. If it fits you however, it's a cracking alternative

[@appymarley]

@@lightweightadv yes at 6ft I found it a bit cramped and odd ergos but amazed at what a 1 inch bar riser and rolling the bars forward did .. quite happy with it now.. excellent bike was hoping for an R model ...come on ktm

[@lightweightadv]

I'm not surprised actually. An inch in the bars and similar on the pegs and it would feel really good actually

[@mabecka]

Can I have both?

[@lightweightadv]

Why not 😎🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mabecka]

@@lightweightadv thanx, I'll tell my mom!

[@lightweightadv]

😂

[@randykrus9562]

How many people have died in remote areas because they couldn't lift their bike up?😔

[@lightweightadv]

Not sure tbh, but I know of many that have lost riding time or it's spoiled a trip because of worry

[@random49stuff]

I've got the power of the T7 with the weight of the CRF

[@lightweightadv]

690/701? Loved both, but they need cash £££ to be comfortable for distance travel.

[@baz69er13]

Need to join the Gym.....😅

[@lightweightadv]

😂 You're probably right

[@baz69er13]

I have been thinking of getting the Yamaha T7 & this is my main concern is it being top heavy, I've got a Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 & even that's top heavy & much lighter than the T7, I will have to join the gym too!

[@lightweightadv]

They're certainly heavy, but not impossible. Bike lifting is my gym 💪😂

[@rickybobby7660]

I want my 4 and a half minutes back🙄

[@lightweightadv]

No worries, if you send us your address I’ll get it sent out in the mail, I think I have a spare 5 minutes knocking about somewhere 👍

[@MrEtnorb]

If you are considering a crf 250/300L then you should seriously look at a modified KTM500EXC. 106kg dry, twice the power, no need to rebuild the suspension and proven round the world reliability. And you can ignore the silly comments re servicing.

[@lightweightadv]

The 500EXC is a great bike for sure, but people considering a CRF often consider them for travel too. A 500 is not the same proposition in that context. We're about to head out on a 6000mile trip, the service intervals would bother me. It's also far more expensive to buy.

[@curtkautsch]

US never gets the good bikes 😢

[@lightweightadv]

😢

[@pappaclutch3266]

Jeez that dude needs to work out, I can pick up my Super Tenere effortlessly without using special techniques

[@lightweightadv]

Congratulations

[@surroundrive]

If it weighs over 110 kilos, it's not a dirt bike...it's a financial compromise. A big one at that. I'm not taking a 205 kilo bike onto dirt. I don't give two-shits what sort of praises everyone is singing for the Tenere and Transalp. I can afford to tow my 450 XCF-W to the trail. I can barely stomach the site of dual-sports. In town, my XSR900, my 700clx sport and my Guzzi V7 Special all suit me just fine. If I wanted 5 star luxury and comfort, I would have opted for a Vulcan-S and not an adventure bike at any weight, size or cost. I understand the purpose of adventure bikes, but nothing over 800cc makes any sense. The Africa Twin, the V-Strom, BMW's GS, The Tiger 1200, etc, etc...they might as well be monster trucks. If it takes two grown men to pick it up, I'll pass. An Adventure bike fails to deliver even 2% of the fun I have on any 250-500cc MX or Enduro.