(Mis)understanding the T7: a short, average rider’s perspective

[@Ride_XP]

A point I should have emphasized more in the video: I am really sold on the T7's reliability along with the availability of parts/accessories/upgrades, essential for a bike to be used off-road. It is, in my country, the default option for the experienced ADV rider, and a thriving owners' community is a big plus to owning a bike. That's why I wish that the new version will have improved just enough to consider, despite my lack of height and skills.

[@BlazinBlades]

I own one for the past 18 months. I say don’t waste your money. Your skills may improve but your limbs will definitely not stretch…😂 Lowering links and seats may improve the situation but nothing beats a firm footing. I think most riders below 175 cm are just “fighting” to love the bike but are disappointed in the end 😢 To ride it off road and truly enjoy the experience 6’ and above is the way to go. To struggle and endure… well that depends on your love of masochism 😂😂 Cheers 🍻

[@Ride_XP]

@@BlazinBlades Appreciate the honesty man!! Hahaha I agree with everything you said, especially that last bit. :P

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

you tried at least so you're entitled to your opinion.

[@dantelossantos7562]

@@BlazinBlades I am looking for a new bike and i went to try the T7 and it felt to tall for me (1'80cm - 5'11f). I loved it but it's a big machine and i like to step flat in the floor with my 2 feet to feel stable. Yamaha should enter in the 450 race to make the best light ADV motorbike and i asure you than they win if they make a little version of the T7. The T4 or a T5 (500cc).

[@philippegosseau]

The 2025 tenere 700 comes with a lowered version.

[@AaronShifflettDesign]

Marketing such a bad influence in the world of adventure motorcycles. Beyond selling you the false idea of the "best" bike, they sell you a singular idea of "freedom." I bought an adventure motorcycle thinking I could go anywhere, but I couldn't because my lack of skill and confidence. I actually felt trapped -- "Can I get up there? Will I get stuck?" I bought a dirt bike to learn the basics and I've loved it. I realize freedom comes in different forms and we all need to reflect what that means to us. The category of motorcycle matters much more than the specific model and the hype around it.

[@Ride_XP]

This is the hard truth for those of us who buy into the ADV aspiration but without significant dirt experience. These are awesome machines to ride but definitely demand at least intermediate skill to be enjoyed safely.

[@generaldistrust]

a used & modded 1999 DR650SE has taught me who I am as a rider and what exactly I even *want* from\in a motorcycle p.s. a few years, wishing for an EFI dualsport, I considered a CF300L *Rally* , but the rep's in my country only offers the plain one .. was a dealbreaker , so now waiting to see what waves the current EICMA will do ao I know if my next ride is either a 450MT , or any other new\used all-rounder that is in the peasants' range .. we'll see

[@generaldistrust]

BTW, it's rumored that the new twin BMW 450 will have \ has a peculiar \ interesting \ curious firing config'\timing of 125° !! that's one of the MOST interesting thing I've heard in ages.

[@Auto-Minute]

Absolutely. I think it's important for anyone looking to get into adventuring beyond the pavement to get some seat time on dirt bikes (maybe a DRZ-400S). The most popular ADV bikes that portray this "do everything" vision usually require a lot of skill and experience. Though they come with all the bells and whistles of technology, they are also much heavier, taller and require a different style of riding than what most folks are used to on the road. Even something as simple as picking up your motorcycle can be challenging off-road (which is guaranteed to happen) so just remember, it's better to ride something your truly confident and comfortable with than something that's capable on paper. PS: I do not mean taking a Rebel 500 on trails, as ridiculous, memorable and fun as that could be haha

[@BarakaTheGreat]

@@Ride_XPthat’s why I sold my Himalayan 411 and bought a tw200 for my off-roading motorcycle and daily driver. I love every second I’m riding.

[@robocombo]

Spot on! The T7 was closer to what the market wanted when it came out, but for offroad focused ADV the new breed are even closer to what people want. 450 MT, new DRZ, Kove 450 - so many great options below 200kg

[@DoozyShipsha]

I own a T7 since 2019, I'm also 170cm short. Best thing of the T7 is the engine and riding position standing. I've done loads of extreme off-road and the problem is the weight. I'm going to sell it this year and get two bikes a proper offroad dual sport and a more road biased bike. I ride alone in adventure trips far from home and I always find myself holding in going places cause of the fear of getting stuck and not being able to get it out by myself. I am fit and can lift it in almost any position but if it gets stuck with no grip on an uphill, you can get there for days.

[@Ride_XP]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's a good example of what a short but skilled rider would expect with this bike. What bikes are you thinking of getting? Analogously, this is why I decided to own an affordable road bike and a smaller ADV instead of getting a middleweight ADV. I have these two bikes (2019 MT07 and Himalayan 450) for about USD2000 less than a brand new T7.

To the point, honest, humble, insightful, helpful. Thank you.

[@aori82]

Thanks for the video. Like you, i am around 169cm tall. My first bike was a duke 390 and it was so light i could take it to some silly place. Then i sold the bike and got myself a sv650. Dropping the sv650 a few times and i am already done for the day. Now i own a klx250, a dual sport bike. If i drop it, I can just pick it up with no fuss. Bigger is not always better. Light is gold for dirt riding.

[@msims1250]

“. . . those short of leg and talent” I feel personally attacked 😆😆 You just described me perfectly! I would love to have a T7, but since my legs aren’t going to get any longer, I’m going to have to work on the talent portion. Excellent video!

[@Ride_XP]

@@msims1250 hahahaha 😝😝 Same here!!

[@francescoporcari8597]

You should have bought the Tuareg, lower seat and lower centre of gravity

[@krede99]

In any case light is right..... but not always achievable so find a midway.

[@Motoeuro]

Insightful, thanks for this. Good points there - people think I hate the T7 - I do not, its a good bike, but that top-heaviness is a real dealbreaker for me. The bike WANTS to fall over! Its really odd. The new 2025 T7 will be no different and this is just down to that CP2 lump; its *very* tall, moving the tank a little forward / down will not fix this. IMHO. Yamaha have done some good marketing with Adam Riemann / Pol Tarrés etc, but most of us are not professional athletes, sadly. Cheers for the vid!

[@Ride_XP]

Cheers! Thanks for watching.

[@Icatchbigfish-b6l]

Just work on your ballance and you will be fine.

[@timlubbers2884]

@@Icatchbigfish-b6lor get a better balanced bike and don’t worry about it …

[@jimh2061]

Yep the top heaviness was a deal breaker for me. I'm older and ride alone in rural areas. I tried the KTM 790 adventure and it checked all the boxes. Not as reliable as T7 but way better bike all the way around. Great balanced bike with touring or trail capability. Better gas range and just feels lighter.

[@Icatchbigfish-b6l]

@@timlubbers2884 Whatever ya think

[@EdwardCarvalho-t7r]

I agree with you. I own a T7 and I found it to heavy for single track I'm 71" and I dropped it once and it took all my strength to pick it up. I am planning to down size sooner than later

[@LATAMbiker]

I learned your lesson the hard way. On a solo trip to Central America, when in Mexico, starting through Copper Canyon and a technical road, I went down eight times. Picking up my T7 was an enormous struggle. Unfortunately, the 9th time I broke my leg. (At 1:00am after getting lost and ending up riding at night.). Thinking about switching to the new Himalayan. 400 pounds, tubeless tires, good ground clearance and suspension.

[@Ride_XP]

Oof!! Glad you got out of that!

[@silo3com]

🤕

[@dainiusmoto]

Have you considered toureg 660?

[@AngelCPUDD]

I would get a first gen Pegaso650 for that type of use, or similar lightweight trail bike. I have a WR250F that I use for lighter enduro and trail, and me being 55kg 162 on very hard stuff the weight of the bike can wear you down fast, can't imagine wrestling with a bike more than double the weight.

[@nevillegreg1]

Appreciate your honest comments.

[@bauzinho6966]

Nice and very clear and fair assessment of a big adventure bike. I haven’t ridden the T7 but just sitting on it at the dealer scares me. I’m 172cm and I know I wouldn’t take it anywhere serious for the fear of dropping it off road. I’m riding a CRF250L in the UK and love the fact that I can pick it up anywhere which allows me to go anywhere. I’m looking at the 450 CF and Himi but I think I’m as well waiting for the new 390 KTM before upgrading. Really enjoyed your video and I love the Philippines although I haven’t been there for 30 years. But there’s lots of great Philippino’s working over here and they’re all great. Keep up the good work man👍

[@Ride_XP]

Thank you! Glad you’ve been over here. The new KTM definitely looks like promising. Tall but light and probably nicely balanced.

[@Motojo459]

I own a T7 and love the bike for my size and skill level and most importantly for my area. I live and ride in the western US. I r have owned many adv bikes. My last bike was a KTM 1090 adv. For me the T7 was a step down in power but the right fit for where I am at with my riding today. My point is find the bike that fits you and your riding style and enjoy the hell out of it. Enjoyed your review and the Mongolia footage. I rode with the same great company a few months ago and had the most incredible experience yet in my 50+ years of riding. Ride On

[@Ride_XP]

Oh you rode with them too! Absolutely incredible experience.

[@david-jq2gb]

Excellent vid mate. I’m 5’9” and the CRF Rally (lowered 20mm) is still too tall for me. Main issue, looking for foot hold when needing to stop on uneven surface offroad.

[@I_Santos_]

I really love the way you are so informative while aware of your personal bias. All anyone can ever do when reviewing something is give their thoughts which are shaped through their personal experiences. And as discerning viewers, we need to decipher how much that resonates with our own personal preferences. You not only explain your thoughts on the bike in good detail, but you also do a great job expressing what moulds your perspective so that we can better grasp which parts we identify with or not. I find reviews like this to be by far the most useful and enjoyable consume. Thanks for your hard work!

[@Ride_XP]

I’m grateful you appreciate it!

[@crozatier333]

What a cracking video. Super smart insights, really well edited and nicely presented. Great work. I'm the same height and run a 2024 Africa Twin (not the Adventure Sport) but got a CF Moto 450MT on order. Tested the T7, the KTM 1290, BMW R1300GS. Own an R1200GS. Owned a Tuareg 660 (epic by the way, and waaaaay more engaging than the T7 with much lower centre of gravity). All of which are entirely accessible to shorter riders - until you're stopping and starting in technical, off road situations. This is the most eloquent and pragmatic short dude perspective on adventure bike riding I've seen and Aaron is a natural presenter. Bike World should give him a job!

[@Ride_XP]

@@crozatier333 Wow thank you, this is extremely kind and I’m glad that your experience on so many bikes validates mine.

[@erocnw1341]

Thanks for the detailed review. It can be difficult to be critical of such a popular bike, especially one with so many loyal owners.

[@Ride_XP]

Yup it’s a bit scary to put it out there! But I tried to be fair in acknowledging its strengths knowing that there is no bike for everyone, as we can see even some short riders here in the comments love it.

[@PatchedBandit]

10:48 I'm pretty sure that slight tank reshaping is not going to take away the top heaviness. Also the new bike is 4kg heavier than the previous model so that surely is going to override any miniscule reshaping of the fuel tank top part. 11:47 I have the same reson to avoid the Transalp 750. That air filter location is absolutely insane on any offroad bike. Great video. Subscribed :)

[@josepg.2479]

Dude, how right you are!!!. I'm 170cms tall and have a T7, used on and off road, and I understand and agree with all that you say. The design of T7 is not for all people, you need or high height of high skills. 👍

[@NXAussie500]

Totally agree I'm 174cm and had mine lowered 50mm. Still top heavy so sold it.. However, brilliant motor, looks and great whilst riding it. Miss the bike but don't miss the top heaviness!! Now have an NX500 and very happy with all those issues gone.. A bit more power would be good.

[@johnmartin7144]

As an owner of a 2023 T700 I agree with your assessment. “When in doubt, throttle out!” However, it is a great bike!

[@markfenlon7049]

An excellent review. I'm 85% tarmac, 15% off-road, I ride a Honda XL1000 Varadero. I love it but its too heavy for my skill level on challenging trails. A lighter sub 200Kg bike is better. Recently tried the CF Moto 450MT, trying the Him450, great bikes but under 50Hp. I want to do more off-road but will miss the Varadero's grunt. I'd like Yamaha to build a T6......around 60-65Hp, 190Kg wet, I'll be first in the buying queue.

[@FastSundayflyer]

This is a great video and an honest perspective. I bought a VSTROM 650. It is tallish and also top heavy but I got used to it beacause it handles very well. I sat on T7 at a dealership and had trouble holding it level. The height and top heaviness is much worse for me than my VSTROM. Makes me appreciate what I all ready have. 😁

[@PavelessAdventure]

Great insight. I am a larger guy so the weight doesn’t affect me all that much. The reliability is what sold me on my t7

[@cloud9847]

I'm 5'7" as well and after simply sitting on a T7 I knew it was not for me. It's a special motorcycle...just not for me. I'm also about to buy a Himalayan 450. I plan to test ride the CFmoto 450 before buying but from everything I've seen and heard....I think the RE will be the one I end up going with. Thanks for your review, I appreciate it.

[@backontwowheels9469]

As a 5’6” rider with less off road skill than yourself and being 62 years old, I will concur with you, although I have not ridden a T7. I got back into riding bikes 37 years after selling my RD350LC to go back packing as a 21 year old. I waited for the T7 to come out and went to the dealership to sit on one, I could only just brush the tips of my toes like a ballerina on the floor, which burst that bubble. I ended up buying a Honda CRF250 rally and started my resurrection into bikes That was stolen and then replaced with. Triumph tiger 900 Rally Pro (I know the tallest option) which I had for just over two years even though it never went off road, I did do some high mileage all over Europe. The Tiger was put in for a Triumph Speedmaster which I can confirm, feet reaching the floor is definitely not an issue. Earlier in the year I added the Himalayan 450 to my garage and even took it on the trails at the ABR festival (UK). I am looking forward to improving my off road skills and also trying out the T7 low seat version to see how it fits for when I have skills to match the machine

[@brucebillb]

I'm leaning towards the Transalp din but good point on the air filter and river crossings! Ilang beses na ako natumba sa river crossings xD

[@Ride_XP]

Di ba? Sayang nga eh kasi sakto sana siya

[@oliviermagere]

Really enjoying your nuanced take on these things. I am slightly taller and just standing next to a T7 as enough to know it was not for me. For me the 400 class is not a downgrade if you're priority is offload confidence. Now i love my scrambler 1200 so will stick with it for now and will take it on decidedly unadventurous trails if i can find them. It might turn out to be a bit tricky in muddy England though. i have no doubt my next bike will be in the 400 cc category.

[@GracindaMF]

You are absolutely right, your review is very valid and reflects the experience of a lot of riders.

[@johndavis2399]

Your honest observations are refreshing 👍

[@46MOOKS]

Honest, intelligent insights. Good job bro! 🍺

[@svendura1]

Thanks a lot for your good work and for sharing your thoughts on the T7. In fact I never bought one for the same reasons you have stated so well: It is top heavy and i'm always riding alone. For my trip to Iceland I've bought me a Honda 250 Rally that worked fine. In my opinion the only thing you seldom miss offroad is horsepower.

[@garyoneill8868]

Great video. One of the better ones of the hundreds I've watched.

[@Albie-f5k]

Hi Aaron good honest video myself and my mate recently did a Ténéré 700 Yamaha experience day in mid wales England my mate is 5:7 iam 6 foot but we have ridden off-road for a fair few years and my little short mate was flying as was I we lead the group and found the t7 unbelievable on the rough terrain the only time we noticed the top heaviness was in the really tight turns which we soon addressed with the abs turned off I think it’s all about confidence and my be giving yourself time to learn about the bikes geometry it does have issues with the bike being top heavy but with enough time you can use this to your advantage the average or intermediate rider will never out ride this bike you just have to trust it

[@LooxJJ]

I had 2020 model - 1st gen. I'm 5"7 and have 30~31 inches inseams. Out of many bikes I've owned, I find T7 to be one of the best adv bike - because it was not only so versatile, where you can use it to daily, travel, and do off road, it can also pull off long distance rally and adventure ridings if you plan it right. But most of all - it was simple and well built with the reliability of Yamaha. Yes, this is NOT a dirt bike (if I want a dirt bike, I would have got WR450). What T7, in my opinion, is what DR650 is for lot of people - simple bike that will do just about anything you ask. Dependable, capable, approachable, and something that you can have in your garage for years and do whatever you want with. If you are a beginner, I highly suggest NOT going with ADV bikes in general - but rather get a light street legal dual sport such as KLX 250, WR series or similar in used market - and take a training/lesson. In a short period of time, it will accelerate your skill on dirt - you will not only learn the crucial skills , but also have so much fun doing it. One of the most important skill in ADV riding is fixing and maintaining your bike - you will learn that as well (such as dealing with punctures on tires, changing air filters and oil etc etc on field).

[@Ride_XP]

You have summed it up perfectly I think! I’ve been wanting to make a video about this exact point you make.

[@thehoelzels6316]

The new 2025 low seat height version of the T7 should help out a few. To be fair, many of the models you listed were more street oriented models as well. Once you get 12 inches of suspension travel, as with many dual sport motorcycles (Honda CRF450RL, CRF300 Rally), the T7 isn't taller, just heavier. I feel that once you get used to the taller motorcycles you get used to it. I just started riding 3 years ago. I'm on a 2020 Honda CRF250L Rally with a 35.5" seat height. My inseam is 29". This is all I've ever known, and I feel I can ride just as aggressively as the next rider on gnarly double track.

[@zerobucks9]

im 5'9" and riding my T7 is about never coming off your foot pegs. Dont try the dirtbike foot out nonsense. keep it moving and have confidence. Dont get upset when you drop it. thats part of the game.

[@felipe.gtz.b]

Everyone keeps saying the T7 is top heavy.. and I honestly can't see it. I'm 5'10, maybe being able to easily use both feets makes a difference (not fully planted, of course), but one if the things that I like the most about the bike is how well balanced it rides.. it almost takes no effort to keep it upright. BTW, not trying to put down your opinion.. its clear mine is in the minority. Thanks for sharing!

[@Ride_XP]

I respect it!

[@TenereTiger]

You can get lower linkages by 40mm and a 20mm lower seat. The 2025 comes with a short leg version. I have the 2024 T7 and am 170cm. I find it fine to ride and I’m average.

[@kostasrei2709]

Totally agree. 1.73 here with the lower kit installed, find it easy to handle. Commuting 40 km daily. At the end its all about practice

[@DukeofTexas]

Great perspective. Well put together. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lechu86]

I'm hyped for T7, and plan to buy one, this video was very good! Not complaining about Tenere, but given honest opinions, with pros and cons.

[@gregcapulong8722]

Thanks for the informative video. I have a T7 back in California. I ride it in the freeway and dirt roads. It is top heavy, but shines when you ride it in the desert. May I know what company you used for your moto trip in Mongolia? How was your experience? Thanks.

[@Ride_XP]

Yeah it’s great on that terrain isn’t it? Have you done any modifications to your bike? Name of the company is Total Adventour. Premium pricing but the experience is top notch-riding T7s here is the ride of a lifetime.

[@gregcapulong8722]

@ Thanks for the info. No modifications done on the T7. I stay in Cebu some months of the year and I am actually looking at the new smaller adventure bikes like the new ktm390 adv r and the himalayan. I think they are perfect for our roads. I have a 1200gs in cebu and it is a pain to go off road with it. Thanks for the informative video. I share your opinion on big adv bikes. Now, smaller is better.

[@borisbabich]

You can argue with honest, not criticize it. This is honest. 💪

[@Kai-ze2rb]

I can imagine the pain you go through with the T7. I am 1,87 m and tested it - horrible. I ended up with the Tuareg and am happy to be able to ride where I want. The new Suzuki Dr 400 looks promising though.

[@DamnFortune]

Nice and nuanced video. Thanks. Not sure I understand that you say the T7 feels sedated compared to the MT07. Owned the MT for years - bought a T7 a week ago. That thing will easily lift the front wheel in second gear using throttle only (tested on close circuit in case the police is asking). I fear your expectations were a bit off from the start. As you - I am not Pol Tarres - but I bought the Tenere to be able to carry a child and more luggage the I see fit for the MT. That is the “adventure” for me. And the occasional gravel road. I think it’s all about “expectation management”. But your trip in Mongolia sounds incredible. Good learning you pulled from it. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ride_XP]

About the MT, to be fair, I ride a Woolich-tuned MT-07 that can make over 200km/h. So tbh it wasn’t a fair comparison maybe, just interesting how much more the engine can give at its full potential.

[@DamnFortune]

@@Ride_XP OK - that makes sence. Thanks for your response.

[@skyving]

Thanks for this video, it's like you read my mind! i'm 169cm, 65kgs, and was contemplating buying a T7. I then spent the last wk of July in Mongolia with the same group, came back home and promptly ordered the 450MT. It also costs S$8,000 less than the T7 here in SG. The T7 is indeed a great bike, esp. for riding in Mongolia. But like you, i am short in height and talent, so decided on the CF Moto instead. Hv just completed the break-in and looking forward to some off-roading. But i do hope to build my skills to a level where i can be comfrotable on the T7.

[@Ride_XP]

@@skyving we are virtually the same size! Haha. I think the Total Adventour guys did mention your group to us. Feel exactly the same way. Riding a middleweight ADVs is, sensibly, something to build up to, even if you’re a bit taller.

[@skyving]

@@Ride_XP unable to grow taller, unlikely to get stronger, so just hv to get better!

[@DrDanTDC]

Coming from a shorter rider myself, thank you for your honest review.

[@MERMBRAMA]

Good,honest and true. If you have a chance, try KOVE 800. Monoblock brakes, full adjustible suspension, 190kg wey weight ( including 20l of fuel ), fuel tank,positioned in the middle, like touareg 660. And 95 horsepower. Feels like a 600 single, when riding.

[@greyfisher3897]

If a twin 660 feels like a single 600, there is something possibly wrong with the engine. Wow. a made in china 800 weighing 10kg less is likely not going to change anything for this rider.

[@MERMBRAMA]

@@greyfisher3897 800x feels like a 600 single when riding. Regarding weight, manouvrability..powewise...it feels like a 800twin yes.

[@seabell]

Good perspective, Aaron, thanks. Just got my '24 T7 but I'm 198cm - still agree with you about the scary tipping point though. What is the shirt you are wearing at 12:23? Looks great for tropical use.

[@Ride_XP]

It’s a Komine armor set! They have various versions from just chest/back to what I have with everything including waist pads and kidney belt, all CE2

[@ss22076]

Very valid view based on facts and reality (for a small Asian guys). In Thailand we have CRF450RL available so I built mine for rally adventure bike that I’m comfortable riding around alone.

[@joshdoddadbod]

I would consider myself an intermediate skilled rider and I really quite like the T7. I've done a lot of offroading with it and it's good at that but not amazing. You can't put lipstick on a pig and the T7 is a bush pig at 450lbs. If it could magically drop 50lbs it would be my unicorn. I have grown to enjoy twins due to their highway crunching ability, sound, and power characteristics. I am very very curious how the bmw450gs will turn out, and the ktm390 adv looks close to unicorn material. I'm hoping to get a leg over those two in a couple years to see if they can rival my T7 and warrant a trade over. I have to say, despite its downsides (heavy, top heavy, no cruise control, tubed wheels) it is an amazing motorcycle.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

The 450gs has a low power to weight ratio compared to the T7, it will be at least 175KG for the A2 license category, which is a shame. I have the T7 and a KLX450R, that's only 126kg with 56BHP.

[@bio179]

You nailed it imho, the main problem is weight balance for shorter riders. I tested many adv bikes before buying a Norden 901. There is nothing better than a super low center of gravity. I'm not much taller than you and had 0 problems with that bike in all kind of conditions. You can easily tilt it around 30 degrees without much problem and it doesn't feel like it wants to go down compared to the T7. I caught it from falling plenty of times with just one leg down. It even has better suspensions out of the box. Too bad for the reliability stigma around it. Test drive one if you have the chance, it's really that good for shorter riders. I hope some one can make a cheaper bike with low fuel tanks in the future. The KTM 790 probably is the best budget option, possibly a 2024 model.

[@Ride_XP]

That's great to hear! My buddy just got a Norden, I'm definitely gonna borrow it to see for myself.

[@edznyc]

Love your reviews story telling, and information/experience sharing. This vid was great.

[@Ride_XP]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MiguelCiutadBiocasasostenibles]

The T7 is a bike for bikers who have been on enduro bikes and know the Offroad inertia and techniques. The bike has a rally configuration and is very tall and is very heavy (207KG), the enduro bikes have less weight and you reach the ground better. The enduro bikes have a 130 kg or Suzuki DRZ 400E 132kg. The T7 you have to measure more than 1.85m. If you haven't ridden Offroad before, you have to take classes to know the technique and be comfortable riding it. There is a lot of hype with T7, Ducati DesertX, and others .....but we have to be realistic, only bikers with a lot of offroad technique can get the potential . In Offroad the weight is very important you need lightest motorcycle

This is ideal for guys 1,80 tall, 85+kg of weight. My friendly advice for smaller guys look for a similar bike, but smaller, lighter. One good criterion is, if the rider can lift the bike for 5 times in a row, and if it is even possible for a guy to cross the sands on such a bike - not alone reach the ground with the feet when the bike is on a slight slope and it leans down.... uhhh, not good situation. The next, and maybe even more important thing - the T7 is not meant for riders that don't know the proper riding... One can of course try and go and learn, but there will be some learning curve before one will start enjoying the riding and only then consider it as the best bike for the purpose, because believe me - the best adventure riders choose T7. And mostly those reviewers that can not show the riding skills will have complaints or "it did not blow me away", I expected something more, I don't know... This bike is just not for you(now) - period.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

I am tall but 68 years old and slowly losing strength. Loved your observation that these heavier bikes are great…until they are not. I have moved to a Gas Gas ES500 that I have turned into a light adv bike. Perfect for me. Still curious about how the updated T7 feels.

[@greyfisher3897]

It is not going to "feel" any different I am sure. The characteristic all the physics geniuses call "center of gravity" is just a way of saying they aren't strong enough or capable enough to ride this type of machine. Caling it top heavy, etc is simplistic and misleading. A horse is top heavy...if you think about it. The T7 is balanced, and well designed.....it handles well....if you are n't capable of keeping it up in the stops and slows, well then, you are not the athlete you need to be, and are not focusing or concentrating. Survival of the fittest. Here is the 6 year outcome of the T7.....extremely reliable and capable. Those who can't handle this bike, bought the wrong bike for themselves based on wishful thinking...it has always been what it is, it didn't become something....

[@donaldolin7219]

Selling a dream to dreamers. Nothing ever changes.

[@johnwenban9799]

Aprillia Tuareg 660 is claimed to be similar - but better - then a T7, and it has a lower height. You should try that.

[@podunkman2709]

Me, I tried. It looks great, all these features, suspension... But I did not like it. I tried as well Tenere. Fantastic CP2 engine! I love it! So never trust Internet.

[@leon81061]

I rode both, T7 and Tuareg. I had the Tuareg for a 5000km Offroad Tour from Germany, through Austria (mostly Highways) and then the Hungarian and Romanian TET as well as a few Sections in Croatia. Four weeks later i did nearly the same route on a T7 with a different group and i have to say, that the T7 was the better allrounder. The Tuareg was a bit "flimsy" at higher Speeds (100km/h+) and i struggled a bit with the drivetrain in slow-speed offroad-sections (stalled it a lot). I had none of the problems with the T7. BUT! In my opinion the Tuareg is the better alternative if you are mainly riding hard offroad. If you do offroad traveling (which means you have a lot of street sections in between or have to travel long distances to your desired locations) take the T7. I now own both of them and they are both phenomenal bikes

[@Ride_XP]

These are just the comments I was hoping to read! Thanks for these insights--it really depends on the rider and it seems the Tuareg also has its own hype that your own experience might not support. I can understand that the T7 should have a meatier engine than the Tuareg.

[@francescoporcari8597]

​@@leon81061I actually heard the contrary about the bikes being prone to stall.

[@pinguurwdw]

I tried the Tuareg 660 and the T7 back to back at a dealership and was amazed how easy the Tuareg feels to ride compared to the T7. Not that the T7 was bad, just more work. Especially at low speeds, the Tuareg 660 Throttle on/off was way smoother and full lock turns instantly felt amazing and easy to accomplish. Overall it is just more welcoming, nicer seat, easier to reach the ground, not so hard handgrips, feels light and easy to tip into corners, is easier to pick up (rented the tuareg for a weekend and participated at an enduro ride with teneres). The t7 ties with the tuareg in the motor department imho (its more a matter of taste here), and on the road both are equally capable. But when it gets tricky and slow I'd prefer the tuareg. Maybe the tenere has the edge in straight line stability, but my skills are not high enough to tell for sure. Electronics or lack of electronics is a matter of taste again i think.

[@TommyNitro]

Not one bike is for everyone. I'm not comfortable on the himalayan 411. Hard to even work the shifter because I'm cramped. The T7 feels great to me.

[@MidnightMiniature-f2r]

Great review! I’m currently in the process of buying the T7. While the Transalp would probably suit me better-it's more affordable and geared toward pavement riding (will do probably 80% pavement) -I just can’t get over how good the T7 looks. I’m not a fan of the Transalp’s design, which might not be the most practical reason to choose the T7, but yeah.

[@Sventy11]

My brother has a T7 and i have a base AT. I dont know what feels heavier anymore despite the AT having about 100 pounds on the T7. I guess the AT carries its weight well, combined with the slightly lower seat height makes a good combo.

[@miclinda256]

I’m 169cm , and Im fine😊 Done a suspension upgrade! But it went up 15-20 mm so i bought a touratech low comfortseat…….

[@riendetout8812]

Excellent vid and explanation. I don't think Honda is really building their bikes for off-roading. I had an Africa Twin and oh boy was that top-heavy, and both it and the Transalp have way too much intricate bodywork to be dirt bikes. Your Himalayan sounds just right for your riding style. Another great option is the DR 650. I switched to a DesertX because I do more road than dirt, and I don't do very difficult or heroic off road riding.

[@patrickMorris-p4t]

I have a t7 i just got back from a great spin on it 🤠, man at 5' 7" you definitely dont have the legs for it .

[@porlalibre2830]

You know what’s funny? That now you can find plenty of videos talking about how bad T7 is, and in the past there were a lot of influencers stating how good the bike is. The problem iIMO is: 1. Pol Tarres, many people thought the T7 was the unicorn bike when they watched his videos. Reality is: is not the bike is the rider. 2. People want to use this bike as an enduro bike. Consider that this is a +200kg bike, unless you’re 6” + good riding skills, you can’t not take the bike through hard off-road routes. 3. If you are that skilled rider, you know you have to upgrade many parts of the bike, for example the suspension. But if you’re that skilled rider you know you have to do that with any other bike, no matter the bike. 4. If you want to buy this bike as your first adventure bike, you’re going in the wrong direction. All you will get is frustration. Tall bike + heavy bike + 0 off road skills = good luck. 5. MSRP: the bike is probably one of the most affordable bikes in the segment w/o considering Chinese market. Don’t expect high technology + pro suspension + tubeless wheels at a great price. Now, what’s good with the bike: it is a great for a normal trail off road ride and good for hwy use, even for twisty roads. Only if you are that avg. rider. That’s why the bike doesn’t come with very oriented off road tires. 80% of the buyers probably will never take the bike for an off road ride. This bike is: budget bike + good price. And probably the best reliable bike in the segment. Most ADV bikes are not made for short riders. It’s the ugly truth. And I’m on the short side 😂

[@Ride_XP]

Fair assessment

[@wb4367]

Nice realistic video. I'm coming from a 1150 GS to the T7. For me the T7 feels like a Mountainbike. It's so nimble and light. Luckily I'm 187cm, 90kg so picking up the T7 is easy for me. I also like that the T7 is so super slim, even slimmer than 450mt. I simply have no trust in chinese brands yet.

[@vvncnt74]

maybe out of topic for the vid but im really curious about how did you get to ride in mongolia? did you organize through a travel agency?

[@Ride_XP]

We have direct contact with a premium tour company, Total Adventour, that also owns Yamaha Mongolia. Flights we handled ourselves.

[@vvncnt74]

@ thanks for the info good sir, hope we can do this soon with my brothers, cheers 🙌

[@leocopper9588]

Dirt riding is best on a lighter bike. I love my WR250, but ride roads minimally because dirt riding is so much more enjoyable.

[@edouardl2]

I realy like this video, Aaron is spot on with a good review. Size and weight does matter specially offroad and in traffic jams. T7 is more suited for USA where average height is at 1.78 cm. There is also a country specific item in Philippines where you are nearly obliged to have a bike over 400 cc to be tollway compliant, Otherwise ADV market would lot smaller and people would favor more enduro bikes like the CRF 300.

[@Ride_XP]

Exactly. I’m sure the off-road scene here would be different if the 300cc class dual sports could go on the highway.

[@kennethdeleon2426]

Great review! I own a T7, i have the same build as you. T7, just like any other middleweight bikes (aprilia/ktm) -- doesn't matter -- they are all porky and demand good skills to ride properly off road. Skills you can gain with time and practice, but inseam is not something you can grow over time. Unfortunately a lot bought to the hype, and truth is most will barely come close to what Pol can do even on a light enduro bike.

[@DavidDualSport]

I have Ducati DesertX rally... same height as you... you just need confidence.

[@PureEvolution]

T7 is a great bike nearly got one from my MT09sp but went with the tiger as it suited me better but did try one and wow was a great off road bike for sure

[@unkitkat1]

Thanks a lot, chap!! One of the best videos I've seen about this matter. I really appreciate your honesty. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Ride_XP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I know your pain! I am 5'6" with a 29" inseam at best. This is why I chose a lowered DR650 as it is the lowest seat height at 33" and only weighs 360 pounds wet.

[@randomdewd4837]

nice review, I appreciate it. I'm tall (185cm, 6'1 I think it is ? ) but I know I'm not skilled and talented in offroad, I always knew I will never do 10% of the potential of the T7 offroad. for a beginner like me, tall or not, what is important is to ride something LIGHT and easy. I want to learn offroad with a Beta 200 two stroke enduro bike beginner friendly, and later I will try to transpose my new skills with a bigger trail bike maybe. Weight is the ennemy for me, to have fun offroad. Maybe for dualsport a Triumph scrambler 400 will be enough too for me. Or the sexy new bmw 450

[@podunkman2709]

The Tenere always put me off as a bike that’s too wild unless you live amid the outback of Australia or the US. This year, I tried riding it for the first time to confirm that it wasn’t for me; all those stories about it being top-heavy, having a hard seat, poor road performance. And you know what… this bike is amazing even on the road. The engine is a true gem. I’m not sure if any other manufacturer has a better one. People buy these big ADV bikes driven by advertisements, but the sad truth is that maybe 0.001% of people on earth are like Pol Tarres. It seemed that after CF or RE introduced 450cc models, Honda or Yamaha would respond. Unfortunately, they haven’t done anything. With all due respect, CF and RE are like mopeds with pathetically weak engines. We need ADV bikes in the 500-600cc range - and we still don’t have them 😢

[@Ride_XP]

The moped comparison is a stretch, but I definitely see your point! Glad you like the T7 after expecting not to.

[@greyfisher3897]

@@Ride_XP Again....expectations play into this ADV market. The internet allows expression but that can cause confusion. Those who say the T7 doesn't handle well on the road....baffles me. Compared to what...an MT07? The T7 handles well on the road....for certain. Brakes are good...dual discs, ABS etc..what more could anybody want...how fast do want to stop? Yamaha engineers surely have figured out basic brake design and principles by now.....The internet is good at raising doubt, but in the real world....that doubt only reveals self doubt. Sooner or later you have to step back, and accept that top bike designers know what they are doing and have little faith, stay clear of the nit picking, and be grateful these machines are available to us at such a low cost...for the first time in history...and we are in the middle of it.. Fair to say..they are all amazing by now.....Lets put it into perspective...my first ADV bike was 1979 Yamaha MX100, my most recent ADV bike is a 22 T7. Drop the ADV marketing scheme and call them motorcycles..equally suited to me and my destinations...at the time....

[@jimbroen]

I'd like to try one of these but where I live (Canadian Prairies) there are not many used ones that come up and when they do people want too much for them. Buyers must love them enough that they keep them for a long time.

[@danielm6507]

Excellent video. I'm sick of the marketing hype and getting the T7 shoved down my throat.. also everyone thinking they can off-road hardcore just because some influencer can do it

[@emilenossin5098]

Being 1.90m / 6'3" the T7 (World Raid) is such a perfect bike for me, especially being 60 kgs lighter than my previous R1200GSA. For the unpaved road trips including luggage I make, it's just a lot easier. Going really hard core off road is not my goal, I would certainly go lighter then.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I am 5'4" 165 cm with short legs. I can ride a T-7 no Problem without luggage but when you add a lot of luggage it can become more top heavy. I rented a I am guessing 2016 Triumph Tiger 1200 Low. It had a short kickstand so it leaned over far on the kickstand. It took quite a lot of effort to rock it upright.

[@jasenhicks]

5'7" also here. I chose to "indulge my ego" and did a fly and buy for a KTM 1190 Adventure R. Didn't realize how much of a difference it would make that it was suspended for a taller guy with a taller seat. What a miserable ride home. I've attacked the suspension and seat issue and the bike is amazing, now I just have to work on that talent part.

[@Ride_XP]

@@jasenhicks good to know! Bike should be a hoot!

[@Leonard-kd7uj]

Hi from uk great review I have a 2020 factory lowered T7 I'm just about 5ft 8ins used to own a AFRICA TWIN untill it was stolen as you said the tipping point come in very early and does take a bit of time getting used to I do mainly camping with gravel roads thrown in so one foot stops fine for me but as you say short legs and that tipping point anything more technical and you need a skill level higher than mine off road you ride safe

[@aster2308]

Gotta give props for CFMOTO for shaking the ADV genre, once theyve introduced the 450MT, suddenly everyone is updating their bikes based on its price and quality. Well fucking done CFMOTO, truly we needed another competitive company

[@Ride_XP]

Exactly. Love them or hate them (only reason for that is being anti-China), we're all getting better (and more height-inclusive) ADV bike options now thanks to them hahaha.

[@nevillejohnson8188]

I think it feels pretty good to be honest I have ridden a fair few in the same category they are all heavy only different is you sit on say a CF moto in my case your l legs are bent naturally makes it better to handle if it leans over give it another 20mm of ground clearance and a rally style seat all of the sudden it would become harder to deal with. Brother inlaw has a Transalp before the suspension was done because it has so much sag it felt low legs were bent felt like you could handle it low speed and better than the T7 But now the suspension is done sits up in the stroke all thats gorn and you still don't have the ground clearance of the T7. Dont think in the segment it's about if it's top heavy it's more seat hight and confidence when you put your foot out or down. Just my take on it im 6ft 125kgs

[@kloppskalli]

to ride a big, heavy bike like the Tenere 700 you need CONFIDENCE ... confidence you get throu training ... the bike is good as long as it moves, especially when you are short legged, you never want to stop, so momentum is your friend!! :)

[@dantelossantos7562]

I tryed it out in a yamaha store and its tall and heavy. I am 180cm (5'11?) and it feel good but it is so heavy, it felt too much for me. If they make a shorter version (800 or 825 cm seat hight) with the same 240 hight cleanse from the floor, 150 weight... well i just get one.

[@Muddynoddy]

Hello Great points in your review. My bike is top heavy and that’s really makes offroad much harder… I am on the hunt for the best mid weight adventure/ or dual sport bike… Can I ask you, what bike was that BMW in your video?? Thank you

[@tonyrdr7207]

Great review and very useful especially for people getting into the adv riding. It all depends on how exactly you use the bike. The T7 is a great machine there is another content creator Nerb 1 who rides big bikes and 1150 ktm and now a T7 in very technical and steep terrain and he is no superman and just a little shorter then you I think. Myself I use to ride a bm adv 1150 (yes the bloody long way around bad influence 🙄) and though I was never as good a rider as Nerb I did manage through sheer stubbornness to punt it through some of the hardest 4x4 tracks here in Australia. Despite having gained a lot of experience and being quite capable of using the bigger bikes with some degree of confidence in the tough trails, I have gone the other way now and I use a Rally 300 to good effect which makes things very easy and so much cheaper. But I do take it very remote technical tracks solo. If someone is not thinking of doing the harder trails fully loaded the bigger bikes are just fine with the added bonus of being superior on the road and much more comfortable and of one really likes the bigger bikes and perseveres they will eventually be able to take them some improbable places. It all depends on what the rider really likes values and is willing to put up with. Careful of going to bigger bikes as you get more experience. The smaller bikes can do everything well enough at the fraction of the cost and the tighter the trail gets the better you will feel about it.😅

[@GarHarman]

Great video BTW 👍👍

[@Sebastian-no6gc]

Hi, in what Revit suit did you ride?

[@Ride_XP]

I was wearing a Revit Tornado 4 H2O! Excellent 3-season jacket/pants

[@enriquejaimes3368]

I ride an Africa Twin AS off road, it is great but soo heavy. The T7 feels light and nimble to me, I love it. MT405 just seems low quality in every aspect, I might be fun but I could not trust it for any long trip.

[@Ride_XP]

Fair enough! Glad you enjoy the T7 and it’s precisely that contrast with the liter class ADVs that makes it stand out. I assure you though that the 450MT feels very well-built considering the price. It could just never compete on power and as yet on long-standing reputation.

[@paze21]

you will like the new bmw gs 450 ! its lighter and will suit alot of riders. Cant wait to try it

[@MLeitao]

I don't believe the problem will be solved just changing the tank, the problem also is the engine is mounted very high compared to others, and it's big for the displacement it have, also the rear swingarm also mounted very high on the frame. I had one and changed it for KTM 890

[@etdbsub0]

Clearly t’s not a bike problem, it’s just a problem of so much people nowadays getting into the off-roading without the proper skills needed. The T7 has never been a bike for unskilled or short riders, like the rest of proper off-road bikes.

[@TriAngles3D]

Excellent review, good info.

[@IamAWildMan]

i actually don't know why they are calling small adventure bikes "beginner bikes". I rode svartpilen 401 - which is hardly and adventure bike and i found it way easier to handle then big adventure bikes simly because of it weight. So, i don't really see the point to buy like 700-1000 cc adv bikes, unless you wan't to ride on road with top speed 200+ km/h.

[@scottsum1319]

We need a 350lbs T4 that only Yami can build. How much we wanna bet that Yamaha will sell a ton of T4's if they make it

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

My question is, if someone needs such a dirt focused adventure bike, why not get a dirt bike or a dual sport?

[@pedroalves5260]

KOVE 800X ?.. I’d be very curious to hear your review…

[@Ride_XP]

@@pedroalves5260 I think there is one unit(?) in this whole country but I have seen it in person! Definitely curious to ride it.

[@qtechgr]

Why not the CFMOTO 450MT??? is over the looks or something else?

[@SylvainSlyTherriault]

That’s why I got the Tiger 900 GTP, not the Rally. I take it off road in fairly difficult environments and succeed with confidence… WHY? Because it is low and has a low centre of gravity, and an outstanding engine for off-road riding…of course, there are limitations, main being keeping speed in check and limited against high obstacles. Fully equipped for off-road, this bike will survive surprisingly rough terrain… mine has been reliable…