Breaking Lockdown on the Yamaha T700: The Shoot and Ride Review April 2021

[@steveh545]

great vid. As an American that's had the opportunity to live/travel in the UK at several times of my life, you're correct about what you take for granted (most of the time). I used to stop at every stone wall, thatched roof, pub, canal boat, rolling hills of green (or brown), sheep, etc, etc. Beautiful country. I think it's the vast areas devoid of commercialism, and filled with old world craftsman ship, that's captivating. Even the towns that have been built up over the years, still have old world charm mixed in.

[@GregVillalobos]

It's a beautiful country with a ton of character. A bit small though. And a lot of people... ;-)

[@steveh545]

@@GregVillalobos ah, but all the people must be in one (or 2 or 3) places because all I see is vast unadulterated country side. Gorgeous. Parts of the US are like that I guess. 🤷. But the English countryside is beautiful. Keep filming!

[@pollepost]

Thanks for your thoughts. In Denmark we are lucky and no lock-down.. yet. I have always enjoyed my time alone on the trusty old xr650l riding backroads end occasionally gravel roads. Just tug tug in slow pace and smell the forest.

[@GregVillalobos]

Go slow. Take more photos. :-)

[@johnandersson]

You have EXACTLY the same haircut as Butt-Head from Beavis & Butt-Head. Love your videos by the way! ❤️

[@GregVillalobos]

Ha! My wife actually LOL'd at this. 😂

[@SaddleSore]

Anything with two wheels (powered or pedalled) is where I heal my hurts... clears the head, presses the rest button, blows the cobwebs, boosts the endorphins, fights off the demons. Keep those wheels turning fella! 😘

[@GregVillalobos]

Trying! :-)

[@ktmkevin]

As one of the biggest bikers on the tube (RJ) says: Riding a bike is my medicine, in this crazy world we live in. (paraphrased). I feel like the world got even crazier.. And they took the medicine away as well. Can't wait to finally get out there properly again, it's been aching for too long now. That first ride in a different scenery is going to be absolute bliss though!

[@GregVillalobos]

Yeah that's a good way of putting it, they took the medicine away. Hopefully it's all getting back to normal now.

[@McPappan]

In sweden we´ve been sort of lucky, we still haven´t had any lock down. Been able to ride as soon as the snow melted :-)

[@GregVillalobos]

Would love to ride Swedish forests one day :-)

[@jamesprecious1035]

Greg, you are producing great content, honest to the max which is so refreshing. Those that are critical of your style can get stuffed. I enjoyed this session, gotta love the variable conditions and the whole solution of layering with AS clothing. The rainbow was the bonus. Best health brother.

[@GregVillalobos]

Thanks James! Just saying it as it is :-)

[@hardy.explore]

Nice one Greg & well done for being so open & honest about how lockdown effected you. The more we open up & talk about our feelings the better. Keep up the good work.

[@GregVillalobos]

Thanks David!

[@skybluetenere]

Hi Greg, thanks for your honest thoughts about the GoPro 9. I was a bit uncertain to take a DJI or GoPro 7 action cam but now I'll take a closer look at #9. North Yorkshire Dales is one of my favourite landscapes to ride/drive through and I did it initially about 25 years ago. In November 2019 I was there the last time on frozen roads and with great light and clouds passing by. I love the views from top of the hills into the valleys along the stone walls with the flowing rivers. Winter came back the past weekend with a great mix of heavy snow showers and bright sun light. I'll use my Adventure Spec layers later this afternoon somewhere between 5 and 8 °C. Now it's -2°C and too much salt on the roads for my T7. Safe rides, Bernd 💙💛🏁🤛🏼

[@GregVillalobos]

It's a great landscape to shoot and ride in for sure :-)

[@bjnuma01]

Mate, get out there and don’t worry if it falls. It’s easy to pick up and it adds to the ADVENTURE👍

[@GregVillalobos]

Ha! Thanks for the advice :-)

[@blooskyy7]

You're absolutely right, it's so interesting seeing the English countryside and buildings, so different to here in Australia

[@GregVillalobos]

Probably a bit greener. But you have the big open spaces that we crave over here. A lot of people on a tiny island. :-)

[@tshansen]

Another great one Greg. I really impressed by the photo style you have. The way you composite your shot's 👏🏻 As you said in the beginning, the motorcycle riding is a great way to ventilate some pressure or great way to clean up the addict. I work as a FireFighter, and my motorcycle riding has helped me alot processing some heavy stuff. It is easy to take stuff for granted, like your health, mental health, finance etc. But when it's gone, you start to feel it on your body. Nice to see you back out there and nice to see your feed filling up with pictures again 👏🏻 And with the hair... buy yourself a razor and get going 😆

[@GregVillalobos]

Mate I can imagine you need to sort your head out as a firefighter every now and then. As for the hair, as long as I've still got it I want to keep it! :-)

[@BBinThai]

I ride all year, people tell me I'm mad.....My response, "My insanity is my sanity"...during these times of lockdown in Melbourne, I can only ride my bike to work (essential worker), my ride is a 140km round trip, some days I take my 2010 Super Tenere, other days my 2019 Multistrada Enduro (if you think the T7 is top heavy, try my Multistrada), I'm also a photographer, but currently find it hard to get motivated, COVID lockdown, home schooling the kids, wife out of work, it all takes it's toll...looking forward to getting out again, not just for work. I found your channel while researching the PR7, looked at them a couple of years ago, could be a post COVID bike for a trip up to Cape York (or at least a dream of a trip to Cape York)

[@GregVillalobos]

Take it easy. Best of luck with lockdown.

[@caroldave4037]

Well Greg you stopped for photos on bollihope common those fells I've sheep farmed there many years ago...thanks for vid excellent..dave

[@GregVillalobos]

Stunning spot to farm. Brutal in the winter though I imagine. :-)

[@mart7404]

Great images Greg. Thanks, and yes, I enjoy seeing the English countryside being from foreign Colorado,USA. Cheers

[@GregVillalobos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ralfabel8657]

Nice to see the T7 in action and you in a good shape- with long hair. You a good eye for films and photos.

[@GregVillalobos]

Thank you very much!

[@caroldave4037]

Hi pleased you have touched on t7 size I've only sat on t7 and found it more cumbersome than my much heavier vstrom 1050xt which seems ridiculous...I just found t7 to tall and I'm big yamaha fan... these guys who ride them off road are really talented...cheers dave..

[@GregVillalobos]

Yeah, once you've ridden it you really appreciate how good the pros are in the KZbin vids!

[@themicroadventurefilmproje9011]

Great video Greg.... loving the photography inside. 👍

[@GregVillalobos]

Glad you enjoyed it mate!

[@steveh1510]

My tenere 700 Works awesome on flowing singletrack. Just about five thousand miles on mine. You just have to stay away from the Stop and Go type of stuff. I'm only 5-11 and 175 lbs but I had no problem picking it up the handful of times it went down. And I've been some pretty crazy places with it when I have a few friends with me. Just a joy to ride on the road for long periods of time and on the dirt. Of course I have a yz250x for more serious stuff and I like the idea of a crf450l to fill in the gap.

[@GregVillalobos]

Sounds like you are having a great time with the 700 :-)

[@irishrover63]

I had a very similar day today up here in Scotland weather wise. I left home in glorious sunshine and by mid afternoon near Aberfoyle got a band of heavy sleet. I retired just as the pandemic was starting and had big plans to travel Europe on the bike. My confidence has since been knocked somewhat for foreign travel by plane or by bike. I feel fortunate that I'm not furloughed or lost my job. But riding a bike is a big escapism for me, so I must admit that during lockdown I have been out several times on the bike, even today I should only be in my local area until the 26th of this month. My risk assesment is that when I travel I don't stop anywhere and mingle with the public, I remain solo bringing my own food and use mainly single track roads. I have seen groups of riders out during my rides, but I can't be judgemental. I have broken lockdown, but I never did agree with the idea that a solo rider should remain at home. It was my decision.

[@GregVillalobos]

The rules are such a broad brush. I wasn't allowed to ride my bike solo, but I could take my kids to the playground along with everyone else in the local area. Hopefully it's all going to be behind us now.

[@xcaceuk]

Interesting video and commentary. For me too, the T7 is just way too heavy and top heavy at that. As for photography in the natural world, I get that excitement either flying or riding, the need to pause, shout wow and shoot to try and capture. Always love a wall of water or snow on the Move.

[@GregVillalobos]

Bet the view is good from up there ;-)

[@TheHuskyGreenlaner]

Hi Greg , I’m 90kg and can tackle the t700 to a degree off road , I agree this is no rock step up winner but as long as I like to muscle around with 200kg t700 it is a great all rounder not just a road bike . I use a Hero 6 black and a iPhone 12 pro max on my photo shoots which is great , chin strap and chest mounts has a great view of the roads / trails too . Interesting to watch your tips and interests on your travels . Safe journeys 👍

[@GregVillalobos]

Thanks Glen! Glad you are enjoying your T700 :-)

[@eztyson]

Such a great video. Very interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes. Subbed

[@GregVillalobos]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gregwilmot406]

Love the video Greg. I got my sticker, cheers. I need to dig out my Pentax DSLR and get shooting.

[@GregVillalobos]

Excellent. A camera phone will do :-)

[@darthonutube]

What an awesome insight into who you are, Greg! Can’t wait to meet you at the ABR Festival in a few weeks (I’ll be manning the TRF stand). Regards, darth. 🙂 P.S. Anyone who does not view your work via a big-screen TV, is doing you, and themselves, an injustice!

[@GregVillalobos]

Ha! Thanks. No plans to be at the ABR gig but maybe another time. Have a good one!

[@SterlingNoren]

Good stuff! I enjoyed your presentation.

[@GregVillalobos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robsonenduro3316]

I was riding even more during stupid lockdowns...nobody will force me to stay at home.

[@richardrowe2874]

Glad you kept the bolloxy shit in! Glad you did the intro as you did too, lots of us in the same position I am sure, it's been a tough winter. Spring is here now though, time to ride again.

[@GregVillalobos]

Looks like people like the bolloxy shit! Thanks!

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

TOTALLY AGREE with what your observations are on the T7 Greg. like you I come from a single cylinder dual sport background. When I sat on a T7 recently in the showroom I couldn't believe how top heavy it felt( WITHOUT FUEL) so christ knows how people pick them up on trails with a full tank & luggage😪i bought a Cb500x instead, which i just luv😉Good channel bud👍

[@irishrover63]

Great bike choice mate, I have owned mine since 2013.👍

[@GregVillalobos]

The CB500X feels way lighter. But the T700 probably has better suspension for dirt etc.

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@@GregVillalobos I agree, but there's always rally raid mods😉

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@@irishrover63 Excellent 👌do you ride offroad much?

[@irishrover63]

@@ifindoubtbailout70Most of my riding has been on road, but did ride it on forest trails in Ireland. I have a few videos on my channel as to where it has been. 👍

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Nice video Greg...I'm with you on the bike riding 'therapy ' . I realised the other day that I get the same joy and look forward to riding my bike as much now as I did over 30 years ago...it's essential for me! The GoPro mount looks like a great piece of kit...and I love my trusty GoPro hero 4 for its excellent audio and reliability, but the Hero 9 beckons! We will have to agree to disagree about the T7!...I love it!, both as a road bike and a fairly decent green laner, although most of the time it's on 'grey lanes' ...tiny single track with grass in the middle! I will concede it's not a lightweight bike...I have an XR650R that is considered a bit of a porker, but compared to the T7 is a real lightweight!!. But for what I need the T7 is brilliant..love it 👍 Cheers, Steve

[@GregVillalobos]

Have fun on your T700 :-)

[@shawngreenwood7825]

Hi Greg; I tried to use the discount code and it rejected it. I may have stuffed it and anyways I purchased it anyways. Love your photos and would love to ride England someday when international travel is allowed. In the meantime I will just have to ride all that Canada offers. Lol!

[@GregVillalobos]

Ah thanks - the promo code may have expired now. England is beautiful but Canada is BIG! :-)

[@jimmydamgaardpoulsen2286]

Great video! Funny you should mention the baltic insulated jacket, I´ve been trying to purchase one for 3 months now. Well, hopefully soon....

[@GregVillalobos]

Ah, we've had a nightmare with our supply chains after Brexit and Covid. It's starting to get back to normal now though.

[@jimmydamgaardpoulsen2286]

@@GregVillalobos I know you are all working hard. I see latest estimated opening day is just a few days away. Fingers crossed everything falls into place :)

[@whitneyrides]

Fantastic video! Subscribed!

[@GregVillalobos]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ballamoto]

"Bolocksy Shit" - how very British. Love it 😂

[@GregVillalobos]

Ha! Never thought of it like that but yes, probably very British! Thanks :-)

[@curvedbearclaw]

Hey did you ever get the chance to ride the ktm 690 enduro r or husky equivalent and compare it to your pr7? Would be really interesting to hear imo.

[@GregVillalobos]

Not had a long ride on a 690, but from my brief experience I would say that the 690 is more race focussed. The geometry puts you up over the tank in a more aggressive riding position. The PR7 feels more relaxed. Depends what kind of riding you are looking for.

[@simon7123]

Great Insight cheers

[@GregVillalobos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@md_clarkhicks]

What model are the Klim gloves you were wearing? And thoughts on them? Still searching for my perfect gloves👍

[@GregVillalobos]

They are the Klim Powerxross Gloves. Actually a snowboard glove. I use them as my winter / wet glove. A good balance between weather protection and feel. No impact/abrasion protection though. www.klim.com/Powerxross-Glove-3438-006

[@steveh1510]

Screw the lock down! Just freakin ride! 😎 I haven't been locked down one single day since this whole thing started. I'm thankful but also it's a frame of mind. Colorado is a blue state but I still do whatever the heck I want. I respect people that are scared but I don't buy into the drama dished out by the mainstream media. Regardless, motorcycles are probably one of the best Outlets for life in general. Screw Vid nineteen.

[@GregVillalobos]

Ha! You would be surprised if you spent some time over here in the UK. Think different countries have had a very different approach to this whole situation. We can ride now so it's all good :-)

[@CarparkCarl]

Hi Greg, do you find the grip is super secure when on the windshield? I'd love one of these as I cannot justify a second camera for the hobby :)

[@GregVillalobos]

It worked well on the T700 screen, and you can add a lanyard for security. I think if you didn't have the new GoPro you would get a lot of vibration though. I reckon using a rag would help get a better grip on the screen.

[@CarparkCarl]

@@GregVillalobos rocking the 7 black at the moment which has the first generation of hyper smooth so hopefully be alright. Thanks for the reply I think I might give it a shot, being able to put it as a reverse shot of the rider, or making it quick to put on other riders lids could be worth it.

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻

[@GregVillalobos]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@The_Arby]

Nice one Greg :-) Got my sticker :-)

[@GregVillalobos]

Most excellent! :-)

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

Greg what was the clip on camera mount called?

[@GregVillalobos]

dango-design.co.uk/

[@hercovandeerve7296]

I belive its important for a man to get away from his house and family. When you get back you can commit on a higher level.

[@GregVillalobos]

I'll use that! "Darling I will come back able to commit on a higher level". Brilliant :-)

[@olenilsen4660]

WTF is a PR7? I came here to see a review of the T700, I don´t care about GoPros, whether they are Hero 5, 7 or 9... What do you think about the T700? If you´re not going to talk about it, leave it out of your description!