What Size Adventure Bike is Right for You? Here's how to decide.

JOIN ME AT THE UPCOMING REVZILLA GET ON ADV RALLY IN THE MOJAVE DESERT OF CALIFORNIA APRIL 21-24:
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What size adventure bike is right for you? Many are facing the choice of what size ADV bike to buy. There are ups and downs to each size. I lay out a comparison chart to help you make a decision.
00:00 Intro
00:35 ADV Defined
01:35 Size Classes
03:50 Scorecard
04:30 Price
05:03 Weight
07:24 Carrying Capacity
08:44 Power
10:25 Urban Roads
11:10 Highway
11:43 Gravel
12:38 Technical Trails
14:44 Final Thoughts
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[@BigRockMoto]

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[@billmcmeekin7909]

Great advice and info! The benefits of dirt biking from youth to adulthood, is often forgotten by most of us. We just progress onto the next chapter of bike, with somewhat ease. But I see so many adults getting into mid and full size adv bikes, with little or no experience. This video will help more people than you realize. If it's not fun, it's done! So hopefully this will aid many on making a "fun" purchase :-) Well done! Cheers to a wonderful 2022 riding season ehh 🇨🇦

[@cyclemoto8744]

This is the most honest and accurate review of the difference between the beefcake and midsize adv bikes. Anyone other than a pro who thinks they're going to ride a beefcake on anything other than graded dirt/gravel roads is in for an expensive surprise and disappointment. Thanks for the content. Cheers from OZ

[@Mothaibayo87]

I think there should be 4 size classification small up to 450cc, medium 450cc to 750cc, large 750cc to 1000cc and over sized 1000cc + . But not be restricted to just classed by engine size.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

A classification seems always hard. Like for example the 2016 Africa Twin. Is it "over size" or "just" mid/ large? Or the Tiger: although the Tiger 900 seems heavy and definitely large, the Tiger 800, especially the first models seem much more nimble and medium size. The weight should be considered as well. A 650 ccm V-Strom is heavier than a T7, which matters offoad but means more comfort onroad. So it's always a combination between motor size and weight.

[@marcochavane3124]

I don't know. The new 300cc 4T bikes coming out really seem to be creating their own niche like the CRF300L Rally.

[@Gismo3333]

450cc is not small, that is heavy big bike off-road. 450cc in cross bikes is the biggest you get, if I not remember wrong. More like 50-300cc is small. You don't need to go 60mph + off-road.

[@yannikoloff7659]

125cc stand proud in here as well

[@mgwgeneral6467]

@@marcochavane3124 funny thing is the 300 rally is really only a 250 with a big idea

[@NomadSweden]

I have learnt that even old topics are worth watching when you take them on. Great work. /Rob

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@dw5523]

I really appreciate your channel. It's one of only two motorcycle channels I follow, because of the great content. I'd only add one thing - adventure is in the use. Ed March turned a Honda C90 into an ADV bike because of how he used it. Not that a Goldwing or a Street Glide is no different than a T7, but that we get so caught up in having the "right" bike or gear, we can miss the adventure. Ride what you own, upgrade as you need, but most importantly - have a good time (and be safe if you can). Again, great video, great channel, great advice.

[@BigRockMoto]

totally agree with that sentiment,. thanks

[@steveh545]

yup. all bikes are adventure bikes. (well, if taken on an adventure). But otherwise Ian's points are valid.

[@dw5523]

@@steveh545 Ian’s points are usually valid. Like most internet commenters, I just couldn’t help but add my two cents.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Big bikes are better for highway adventures. Smaller bikes are better for back roads, dirt roads and off road adventures. My G310GS is the best I've found for my adventures, riding back roads, dirt roads and off roads, and ultralight camping. I wish it had a 5 gallon fuel tank and maybe a suspension upgrade. The CRF300L Rally looks good to me as well. A friend just bought a big GS. It's gorgeous and no doubt a very comfortable bike for long highway miles, but I have a 4Runner for that.

[@dw5523]

@@Liberty4Ever I agree. My last bike was an RE Himalayan, and I loved it, but it just couldn't do what I needed. I'm a big guy and live in the Midwest, so I need a moderately capable bike on the highway to get to more interesting riding grounds.

[@trevorduffin9648]

I’ve gone for a 2014 BMW G650gs. It seemed the right size for me as I’m not very tall. I did 3,300km over eight days and it handed the trip like a breeze 😃

[@nairolfnednilruz]

You forgott to mention something very important: Emotions! Many of us buy a bike just because we like it so much (I bought an Adventure R, knowing it is lightyears better then I will ever be offroad :). Thanks for your clips mate, I like them alot. Greetings from the heart of Switzerland.

[@BigRockMoto]

Couldn't agree more!

[@cheif10thumbs]

Major consideration is can you pick it up by yourself if you lay it down in the mud? Anything over 400lbs starts to get ridiculous for most folks. So that 1250 BMW is at the fat end of no thank you.

[@JontteBack]

The BMW is actually quite easy to pick up thanks to the boxer engine. You get it half way just tipping on the cylinder, and then ”easy” to back up. A slim bike, like the KTMs are more difficult because you don’t have the tipping point. I used to ride a KTM 1190 Adv R and it was a bitch for me to pick up. I have the nerdy desk rider build …

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Excellent brake down between the different bikes. I have a Honda NC700X that I have set up and used as a adventure bike and I just changed to a Honda CRF300L Rally because the 700 is just to heavy for me to be picking up. I guess I am a little more of a off road rider then I thought I would be at age 70.

[@biomorphic]

And I'm sure you would appreciate it even more if it was lighter. I think an adventure bike should not weight more than 130 kg, and the Honda is 153 kg. I don't understand why dirty bikes are 110 kg, and dual sport are so heavy instead. I would rather pay more for a dual sport if they could keep the weight down.

[@Gismo3333]

@@biomorphic - Then you cant bring what you need to take with you. The lighter the bike, the less you can put on it.

[@joeybobbie1]

You should check the ItchyBoots Videos. She Rides a CRF300 Honda and has traveled the World on it. Right now She’s going from the Tip of South America all the way to Alaska. She is the very Top of Adventure Riding. You will be Amazed at what she puts that Bike through.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

@@joeybobbie1 your a little late telling me that because I have followed her from day one. I don't think I have missed a single video. But thanks for mentioning her the more of us watching the better it is for Noraly.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

@@jonlough3074 I plan on it Thanks

[@mototourism]

In most EU countries we have 130-140 km/h on the highway (except on some German freeways where there is no limit at all). Between countries the highway are connected and this way you can travel for hours or even days. I personally use a highway speed between 130-150km/h in my GSA 1200. At this speed with a full load the GSA runs smoothly. Off the highway we usually drive at 100 km/h- 110 km/h. To move with pleasure in central Europe it is good to have good acceleration. In town we mostly use 50+;) km/h.

[@hvymax]

Carrying Capacity. Pulling a Glamper with a kitchen and bath

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

In Asia we typically use 70cc to 150cc road bikes all year round all weathers. Usually with the cheapest road tires we can find. Keep the technology simple you may need to repair it alone mile from any where

[@basedpatriotLT]

Why do you not like 300cc or so? Way better than 70cv or 150cc. Or is it because of the price?

[@Boonmepanich]

Absolutely love your channel! Your delivery is so clear and concise! Thanks so much!

[@JesseVad]

Thanks for always putting so much effort into these videos, the quality speaks for itself. This was really helpful and insightful and that's saying something when there are hundreds or maybe thousands of videos about bike breakdowns. This one stood out. Thank you!

[@samuelmandarelli2645]

In 2002 I bought a BMW 1150 Adventurer R. I’m 5’-6” tall and at the time I weighed about 240lbs…NOT FAT…LOL… I’m was 41 years old in great shape. I’ve been riding since I’ve been 6 years old… both motocross and Trials. The bike was awesome on the road. The minute I left the pavement, it became unmanageable. The height and weight made it impossible for me to STOP on uneven or loose ground. I couldn’t plant my foot with enough traction before the bikes weight broke the plane of gravity and became too heavy. All the short rider tricks in the world won’t help at that point. Even in traffic at stop lights, it was cumbersome to manage. That said… I loved it once I was mounted and moving… Unfortunately, after owning it for a year, I made the decision to sell it. I found that in spite of my physical strength… and I was brutally strong at that stage in my life; it became not fun to go off road. Even crushed stone roads were tiring to do any type of maneuvers which required me to stop or even dismount. Man handling a 600+ pound motorcycle all day long in loose ground conditions was taking all the fun out of it for me. I found myself using it almost exactly the same way I rode my Harley-Davidson ultra classic. On the road… always slowing down for the off road adventure entrances only to ride on by… Another thing to consider… which none of these channels ever mention… these bikes are WAY too expensive to be just dropping all the time. Even if money is not an issue for you… it’s kind of disheartening to tear up a $25k bike unnecessarily, because it’s too damn big for you. And then there’s the knee injuries to consider as well. The natural reaction to loosing your balance off-road is to attempt to recorrect by throwing that leg out for the save… bad idea with 600+ pounds moving at 20mph or so… Now I’m 59… I feel like I’m 80 physically… lol… I’ve been pretty hard on the skeletal structure…lol… Mentally though, I feel like I’m 20! Could be an old head injury but… I’m once again thinking about my glory days and looking into a few different bikes. One thing I’ve learned is that ALL of these bike manufacturers hate short guys like me. The seat heights on these bikes have gotten ridiculously tall. 36”-38”… big shout out to all you a$$holes who design these things… thanks. Anyways, I’ve been looking at a couple different ones pretty closely. So far, the 2022 Husqvarna 701LR is looking pretty good. There’s a lowering kit that brings the seat down to around 34-1/2”… still tall for me but… there are few options… maybe I can rework the seat a bit too… the combination of its 380 pound wet weight and the lowered suspension seems very promising too me. My other option… and the only reason I don’t have the Husky on order… is the new Duck Desert X in the wings. It’s seat height is 34-1/2” stock. The weight is closer to 500lbs but the suspension seems to have plenty of room to lower it some… and reworking the seat would help to lower this bike down substantially. Now I’m wrestling with this… 1st year model Ducati that will cost upwards of 20k+ or a Husky that looks more like a motocross bike for about 3/4 the price after adding all the upgrades and bling… Both awesome steeds… but which one will I be happier with? I’m thinking… BOTH! Unfortunately, my bank account and common sense mode is think… “Your insane… buy a big screen tv and a new recliner.”

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks for the post. BMW does offer low suspension and low seats. The F750GS can be as low as 30 inches. I am doing a video on bikes for short riders soon

[@jerryhutchison8952]

My Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro is 31.88" and weighs 196 kg. I'm 5'7" and can flat foot it easily.

[@CaptainVelveeta]

Dude, you seriously have the most comprehensive videos, time after time, than anyone...thanks for putting all the work into keeping the rest of us fully informed.

[@suprPHREAK]

Your channel is the best, by far, when it comes to figuring out purchase decisions for adv bikes. Glad I found it!

[@easyaussietarget3355]

Love the footage of you feeding those dirt corners with your mid size bike , Great presentation mate, well constructed, precise and relevant information. A thinking bike riders channel!!

[@Sousless]

Very good break down of those two sizes, nothing really new for people who research and watch videos about motorcycles a lot, but compressed in very easy understandable package here. Hope someone who's struggling to grasp the difference sees this video! Good job!

[@amanwithadream6894]

I've watched a couple video's from this channel and must say that out of all the content I've watched, listened to, and researched in pursuit of the right ADV bike for two-up riding, this individual seems to put together all the information very well and easy to comprehend. He articulates the info very well and his experience comes through as very knowledgeable.

[@karlshook4586]

Just started watching your channel a few days ago and I must say that I like it a lot. You don’t just ramble off a bunch of specs, you give details and explain “why “. I thought I wanted a KTM but I think realistically a Africa Twin would suit me much better. Thank you for the info.

[@Pmason718]

I’m glad you did this video. Some of the manufacturers need to watch this video bc there’s sport touring and then there’s adventure. Good video

[@gurayguner4327]

Perfect, clear exposition..Ian and his channel is very intructive as always

[@19artem87]

Thanks for your videos! Always very informative material, makes decision making much easier.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Another great video. I love your channels growth and improvement over the last year. I agree with you 100%. I spent 3 years riding a CB500X before getting my Africa Twin 1100. Riding the smaller bike was great for learning, and i actually think my next ADV will be something in between in size. A T7 or a KTM 890. I don't really subscribe to taking my ADV on single track much, but love to ride them on dirt roads and gravel. I do think i want to keep a lighter dual sport in the garage for the more technical stuff. Love your editing, and the preparation you are putting into your videos. Thanks Ian.

[@carlosantoniogonzalezsanab5726]

Thanks!, very good comparative analysis, including the final comments!

[@jonparker8795]

All this tells me that I was very good in picking my 2017 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L. Kinda right in the middle of it all, been enjoying it so far, and watching your videos help aim me where to work on my own riding with the bike so I can keep up with it. Great video and advice

[@davidshardlow4369]

Great work again Ian I like your “studious” approach to your channel

[@CoolMotoRiderGTPRO]

Thanks for your insights. It does truly open my mind and reminded me of important considerations when choosing the type of motorcycle. Greatly appreciated.

[@vtrack1963]

Your comments on riding highways in the western USA are right on. Speeds are very high. In my case, I’ve found it helpful to be able to control my interactions with large trucks/RVs that create huge wind buffeting. That heavily tilts the scale towards bikes that have the power to pass or not get passed by these vehicles (unless you want them to pass you). The amount of weight you intend to carry obviously affects the perceived power you need. As you rightly included fuel distance also plays a huge role. For example, when riding locally my fuel range on a Suzuki VStrom 1000 is routinely 220-240 miles. When the bike is loaded and I’m doing interstate highway travel that range drops to 150-160 miles.

[@BigRockMoto]

good points

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

What a brilliant vid. Thorough, knowledgeable, interesting, logical and so well presented. I'm really starting to get into this channel

[@Sublimo7700]

Thank you ! I'm finally beginning to know which category over the other I'm going to choose (thanks to your videos :) )

[@JakeandOwen]

Your welcome!!! I tune in for nearly every episode that talks about bike that I can't afford for another 20 year

[@BrandonC610]

Excellent perspective. I think biggest takeaways are: 1) Don't ride bikes that intimidate you (it could save your life) 2) Be humble enough to take training/classes 3) Be realistic with where your riding skills are at and start small/light and build up

[@BigRockMoto]

well said

[@markcollins5026]

Man, just don't buy more bike than you can ride !

[@jorgezanafriavasconez9315]

Great video! Thanks for all your insights and valuable recommendations.

[@orlandovftw]

Really enjoying your content recently, particularly about ADV riding and the T7.

[@yair1956]

Great & very useful presentation. tnx for taking the time to bring it to our community

[@tecdive8045]

Your conclusion has been my conclusion for a long time, but no one has ever come out on KZbin and said it, until now, and you said it! "Overall, the mid size adventure bike ... is the most versatile type of motorcycle - period!" Other videos seem to ignore that big adventure bikes are primarily good at highway, and what makes them good at highway is mass, consequentially powerful but also big motors, and carrying capacity. It's funny to watch videos that promote 1000+ cc bikes as equals to mid size bikes in all categories, except for maybe price. Defining size categories is also difficult but fun. I think one has to consider the era bikes were built with regards to CC’s - since the cc’s of each category has gone up over time. But the Africa Twin is one that is difficult to define as either mid sized or big. While I can see an argument either way, I would have to agree that the AT is big - because it seems big. The problem with that conclusion is that weight wise, the non-DCT version is about the same as the the BMW F 850 GS, so many videos compare the AT to mid-sized bikes when it's convenient and big bikes other times, which begs the question: is the AT a big or mid sized adventure bike? Another problem is the KTM 690 Enduro R - as an adventure bike? I would argue that it is not an adventure bike, but that it is a ‘dual sport’. But then what about the CRF 300 L Rally? Is it really an ‘adventure’ bike? Or is it actually a ‘dual sport’? Fun to contemplate. Thanks again for finally saying what no one else on KZbin has had the guts to say! I ride in your area, so it would be fun to run into you someday - Cheers

[@frankolwenda5128]

Great channel. Great delivery. Thank you so much also for converting some numbers to the metric system.

[@kidronreddy1671]

@Big Rock , My Bro you need your own TV show seriously.Each and every video explains things so well .Thank You and keep up the good work.

[@Putttn]

This is a great video. I was riding big touring bikes for many years and got interested in riding farm roads near my home so picked up a used KLR. I never had any experience riding anything other than tarmac. My buddy was a excellent and he took me out a few times. Country roads were fine on the bike but we started riding in narrow roads with ruts and big puddles and that’s where I really started failing. He had a much lighter bike and could easily handle anything we road on. After ending up tangled in a barbed wire fence I gave it up. He said I needed to be riding a lighter bike and I can really appreciate your statement on too big a bike and no confidence.

[@simonbravo2825]

@Big Rock Moto: Superb 8 characteristics table! I love It and it actually also works pretty well if you add a third column with light weight bikes... Unless you don't want to include dual purposes in the same chart.

[@pellebackrud1354]

Thanks, For each section that I look at what you highlight, I note that you have a natural ability to provide good teaching. You are both methodical and pedagogical. It's a pleasure to be one of your followers. Keep up the good work. Greetings from a wintry Sweden / Pelle

[@BigRockMoto]

thank you!

[@binobuenas321]

I just discovered your channel and very much impressed. Very clear and informative. I fully agree with your points. Keep it up. Well done From the Philippines

[@vapnapnao8411]

Thank you, Big Rock Moto!

[@gsrider569]

Good video Ian, the comparison is fair and would be a great help to someone on the fence between buying a big heavy ADV or middle weight bike.

[@kee7678]

GREAT video man!!! Thanks

[@Luis-yq4qc]

Thx you for your time doing such explicative video. It give a lot of important info to take a final decision which motorcycle to buy. Again thank you.

[@simonwilson6386]

Great article Rob, really good practical advice

[@igorbarsowski2380]

Thanks a lot. I have no motorbike experience and this video is very helpful to understand what the difference is. I was able to orientate myself on a new topic.

[@pedrovazquez9146]

Thank you for consolidating the information. California dreaming from D.C. where it is been unseasonably cold the last few weeks! Took the V-Strom for a ride yesterday as the temp had climbed to 37F, I was bundled up, but I definitely need warmer gloves!

[@Filaxsan]

Super useful! Thanks man!

[@AT2021Rocker]

Great video! Really liking your content. You hit on some very important points. So many factors to consider when buying your first adv bike or upgrading as I did(klr to Africa twin). Where you live in relation to where you want to ride and if you never carry a passenger are also big factors. I loved the agility and simplicity of my klr but it wasn’t fun riding loaded on the highway to go on adv trips that required a good chunk of asphalt to get to the off-road areas. I also believe your age and fitness level matter.

[@BigRockMoto]

good points thanks

[@freetasman2342]

In my humble opinion, an adventure bike has to be light enough for the rider to be able to lift it straight up in case he/she drops it. If it is too heavy, then the person limits can go, and obviously, if it is responsible, can't ride alone. On that line, then a bike heavy than 180kg will not be an option. It seems to me that bikes up to 650cc and about 50 hp will be ideal. Thank you for your input. Cheers from Tasmania

[@0HARE]

Thanks for a nice overview of the genre. I have a 1st gen KLR 650, and a ‘21 Honda CRF Rally. Sometimes I wish that the KLR was a bit bigger, and that the Rally was a bit smaller. After many decades of riding, I’m thinking of getting a strictly dirt bike to hone my off-road skill set. Happy Trails

[@Washoejim]

Good video Ian, very useful information.

[@JamesParis]

Hi Ian, great video. I'm a new subscriber who gew up riding dirt bikes but not ridden in 20 years - back to beginner level. 🤣 Your videos are a big help in planning how to safely start riding again.

[@rvalerio77]

Well done, keep up the good work 💪🏼

[@kawabungah20]

This is basic motorcycle information, nicely presented. It occurs to me that Ian is to Adventure Motorcycling as Colin Fletcher is to Hiking! I'd like to see a similar presentation to this one about selecting a dual sport vs. an adventure bike. Thanks.

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

Great video, very informative. I wish you talked about tires more but honestly it’s probably a whole video worth

[@jonathanquinn3713]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@Porsche996driver]

Great breakdown of considerations. The weight factor is a bit misleading as the Boxer twin and KTM low-mounted fuel tanks *really* belie their weight with great balance at low speeds. (As you’ve talked about before.) Nice breakdown!

[@goranmaric403]

Great video!!! Keep up the great work

[@alanching1077]

I feel so clear now thank you so much !!

[@MasterYoda2102]

Thanks for the great video! As in many things: in the end it is also something personal preference. Also, I think it's good that you state the "normal case". Somewhere there will always be exceptions (e.g. I chose the Tiger 900 Rally Pro because I can load 226kg - a GS1250 10kg less ;)) Greetings from Germany

[@georgeloveday9674]

Awesome job!

[@alvarosolis7837]

Another awesome video! Whenever I see the notification of one of your videos I pause everything else just to watch what’s new.

[@BigRockMoto]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mikedeclerck1421]

Excellent episode. I totally concur with your conclusions. I tried trail riding back in my 20's on a Honda Hawk. BIG mistake. Immediately learned to be quite accomplished in the "dirt" on a DKW 125. Over the years, graduated to trials on a Bultaco. When you have the right machine for the type of riding you prefer, it becomes pure pleasure. Thanks for all the effort you put in to your blog.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks

[@trekOCLVone]

The fastest growing Adventure class is the small adventure bikes. I bought the Kawasaki Versys X300 - why - it is easy to handle and lighter than the larger offerings. Why is light important? it is what I can handle with my aging capabilities. And it is just fun, and you can modify the X300 in many different ways. Please see my channel for videos on many upgrades. Also, it is cheap. Also, it means the X300 meets your four criteria in the beginning of the video. It's just doesn't have the big power. But for me I've gotten all the go fast 130+ mph out of my system back in my youth. Enjoy what you can handle and afford. Great video. and thanks for sharing.

[@BigRockMoto]

awesome thanks for sharing

[@patricktracy7940]

Totally agree. The Versys is an AWESOME bike. I have a '21 310GS. Daily rider. I love it!!!

[@trekOCLVone]

@@patricktracy7940 Fantastic (the 310GS) bike also.

[@peterrichardson9248]

Great description, clear concise and well thought out. I’ve had small, medium and large. 4 BMW GS’s and now I would only go for mid size. The Tenere is the best.

[@mattqueen8748]

Thanks for this review. I live in Idaho and it's windy. I found that my Dr 650 is significantly affected by cross and head winds. I blew a clutch driving into a significant headwind. My companions on bigger bikes had no issues at all. I'm upgrading to a vstrom1000 just for horse power.

[@mikeamphlett7913]

You reflect my thoughts exactly. That's why I own both a big 1200 and smaller 800 adventure bikes. Best of both worlds. Both second hand bikes.

[@mzamosokhela8876]

Thanks for the advice, its very valuable. I was busy making that decision now, and it's very clear in my mind now that mid-size is a better choice for me as it's my first bike, I wanna do reasonably off road, use the bike most of the time for my Monday to Friday job, able to do long distance travel (ie 800 to 2000kms), and in a long run when I've gained confidance I can do distances like Cape Town to Zimbabwe ie just over 5000 kms round trip.

[@robertwittman9227]

good advice Ian as always.

[@jfkalim]

Hi. While this comparison is reasonable, in my crappy opinion (insert Dirty Harry quote about opinions here) before you consider any bike, you need to ask and answer yourself some very fundamental questions: 1. Where you ride? Climate, distances, fuel availability and road conditions 2. When you ride? Is it just the weekend or for everyday rides including commuting? 3. Why you ride? Assuming ADV riding, do you want to go to known location where conditions are more or less known, or you want to go follow a track you found and don’t know where it goes and what the conditions are? Stay in rooms or camping? 4. How you ride? Group or solo? Fast or slow? 5. How much? Spend for bike, gear, protection, repairs (expect to spend at least 20% of the value of the bike in the first year or two for things, half of them you will find useless after). Also tires burn at least twice as fast in ADV riding. Also, with some exceptions, if and when you sell your bike, you will get 20% less money because for every bike that was taken off-road (scratches, damages etc.) there are 9 that were road only for sale. I will part with the words that a very wise and experienced round-the-world rider told me when I asked him to compare my then bike, a 2015 R1200GS Adv to the new AT, and which is more valid for my current 790 Adv R: “On-road you will miss the GS, off-road you will forget the GS”

[@BigRockMoto]

love it. and that quote is golden

[@bedmac2]

Your list is essentially how I approach it as well. To sum it up: Be brutally honest with yourself about how you are going to actually use the bike, not some fantasy of how you are going to use it.

[@tedraab5914]

Well considered and useful analytic framework, not just between those arbitrary categories but within them. I'd add one more row: rider fit. Larger displacement doesn't necessarily mean more room for the rider but, just as for the other characteristics, those tend to go together. As someone with long legs, distance between seat and foot peg is a key variable and, for that reason, I'm looking forward to the time when I afford to park a GS Adventure next to my slightly cramped, "adventure-style" Versys 1000.

[@antonyclark7136]

Great advice 👍

[@glennmcguire5571]

I started with a Honda CRF 250L riding 50/50 and loved the bike, but on road at higher speeds with crosswinds and trucks really was an awful feeling and made riding a poor experience. I lucked out and scored a T7 and what a world of difference this bike has made in my confidence as a rider. I'm guessing with all my ad ons I'm probably a little over 500 pounds and I'm not finding the weight to be an issue off road other than turning around in a real tight spot. Now, if I could decide on a set of tires that are good off road and will be good on a road trip as well. Decisions decisions. Thank you for your videos, they are always the best and informative.

[@colingordon4]

Great video Ian, been watching quite a few of your videos today and I like the way in which you explain the key points for all types of riders. I would ask that you consider covering seat height in your videos. For any people like me 57 year old male, 5ft 6” short with a 29” inseam. For me personally and many other short people, I know that the seat height factor is the one main decider for many of us short arses in the world. The reason I got rid of my GS1200 even though it had all the lowered adjustments made to it, it still made me feel twitchy when coming to a stop at lights. It was a fantastic bike to ride on long journeys, but just too high to make me feel safe. Mostly every bike I have owned, the seat height has always been the decider. Try sticking shorter rider adventure bike suggestions in your video titles and see how many more people view your site, once they know you cater for little people. Thanks again for sharing your videos, I will continue taking more in. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@aussie1546]

Harley time, bud!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Weight low-down is a benefit, I feel. You allude to this. I used to love my old R1100GS for this, but my XB12X Ulysses had a low c of g with its fuel in the frame. The T7 looks really top-heavy.

[@999chewbaka]

Thank you for such an informative video. Your advice make a lot of sense.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks

[@memyselfi7266]

I agree with everything you've said. And yes starting with a big bulky bike is difficult. I started with my BMW R1200GS LC

[@TripsToInfinity]

That was a excellent video - very helpful in sorting through the many choices. Great video!

[@BigRockMoto]

Many thanks!

[@The_Arby]

Good Comparison Ian and very true words :-)

[@touringriders7248]

Very nice explanation. Thanks. I've only done off roading once, but I'm seriously considering trying it for real. ✌️

[@abhishek5698]

Great video 👍

[@hilifili]

I really appreciate your channel, it is educational and different than many others, thank you for your hard work and dedication! PS: I'm riding a Aprilia V4 1100R Tuono, far from adventure Bike...never been on a adventure ride or trail, the only adventure bike I have tried at a dealer was the Moto Guzzi V85TT, but your channel keeps me coming for ADV bike content :) greetings from Austria

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks! greetings from the US

[@jimmymundane1084]

Great breakdown of categories. Seat Height and other ergos might be a good criteria as well.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

These are personal categories and differ from driver to driver. So you cannot tell if a seat high is generally suited or not but you can tell if a bike is heavy or not driver independent.

[@nvrmor023]

They are what's most important. If the the person is too small for a big bike it's more likely to end bad. It doesn't matter how much camping crap on a bike if you can't fit on it in the first place. Which is why Ian got rid of the gsa, it was just too much bike for a little guy.

[@Adik1975]

Right to the point! I’ve recently moved from a GS1200 Adv to 890R and after some mods it seems perfect to me (at 6ft6 and 240 pounds). 50 kilos less of a bike and superb off-road suspension gets the work done :-)

[@michaelbmw1931]

Exactly . No More gs for me too. Too heavy. It is dangerous.

[@chadmullins4373]

Excellent content

[@muhammadirfanamin6071]

Well done stay blessed.very informative vedio

[@MotoFlying]

Excellent analysis and advice again!

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Mike-og4wc]

Thanks for the great video! Greetings from Poland

[@magsasaka61]

Well said, nice video.

[@errolG68]

Excellent And really good advice. Best Wishes from off road rider in South Africa

[@albertifergan6506]

Thanks for a great video/

[@rahulsoren]

Thanks for the video👏

[@BigRockMoto]

You're welcome 😊

[@TinyTJ04]

I still hope to own a big GSA but when I looked around, the best bang for my buck was the KTM 950/990 adventures. They can do it all and can be had for a song.

[@jepomer]

I realized I truly need two motorcycles. I bought a 2016 Africa Twin. It is amazing on the highway and dirt roads. I am on my tiptoes/balls of my feet when both feet are down (my only "complaint" with a 30" inseam). It fits more than 90% of my riding. BUT, it is not like the 1974 Honda XL250 I bought new back then. Good off-road capable and I can basically "flat foot" both feet down. That bike did most everything I wanted to do except extended highway rides without being vibrated from the single cylinder. Likewise, this bike fit more than 90% of my riding. Sadly, I sold the XL250 a few years afterwards. I wish I had kept it. Fortunately I found another one XL250 - it is an easy project, but will be exciting when I complete the "rideable" restoration. It is meant to be used when my Africa Twin would not be easy to negotiate the terrain. So two different motorcycles will meet 100% of my riding needs. There is a large overlap but no one bike can do everything. Choose what is most important to you if you can have only one. By the way, I actually have a 3rd bike. It is a bicycle - mountain/off road style. That off-road riding is well engrained in this 70 year old body.

[@Zerotys_ADV]

Nice video, thank you. I thought your breakdown was informative and along the same lines of what I am coming to learn as a new potential adventure bike purchaser. It’s a shame some folks will quibble with how you broke your categories but for the general masses this will be helpful. Yes, the BMW 1250 is big bike, and yes the Honda CB500x straddles the light and mid weight lines, but that wasn’t the big point was it. It’s seeing the larger picture and then adjusting to your expectations and experiences. Things that work in the US won’t necessarily work in the UK or Romania and vice versa. In my opinion, your categories hit the mark. Good job!

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!