Even though I'm an electronics engineer and all day long I repair the latest technology, I drive a motorcycle manufactured in 1998, with an analog dashboard, without ABS and other sophisticated gadgets, and believe me it gives me maximum satisfaction. It never breaks down, cheap to maintain and always brought me back home to the front door. Of course it's a Yamaha. I liked this episode so much that I watched it three times. Looking forward to the next one, Cheers!
Totally agreed. I one had a GS they have all this gimmick. I place an order in 2008. I told them I wanted only Abs nothing more. This day it become compulsory you must by those gimmick it come with 😅😂
Pavlin, you must be the rider with the most common sense when it comes to motorcycles that exists on this internet. It's always a pleasure watching your videos, there's always so much to learn. Very pragmatic approach, and of course, a thing that never fails to add value: experience. Thank you for doing your bit and trying to educate the motorcycle community.
.... but .... I remember Pavlin didnt want to buy a Tenere in the beginning, he thought the money would be invested better for more trips ... then when he had the Tenere he said it is soo much better that he would not use the old 660 for long trips anymore (just keep it in the garage as an old friend) ... we live and learn .... with time and understand that some things are actually quite useful even if we managed to live without them ;-)
A breath of fresh air. Having ridden bikes for over 50 years my favourite bike is my current Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc single cylinder. It doesn't even have a proper petrol guage nor does it have a gear selector indicator on the dash! On my last ride I swapped bikes with one of my mates. I hopped on his bike that just happened to be a BMW. He showed me all the features of his bike and within 2 minutes I started to get a head ache. When we swapped back I breathed a sigh of relief and got back on my "featureless" Enfield with a big smile on my face.
You are absolutely right. I bought a new Benelli trk 502 2023. It has none of the things that a new BMW has, except ABS. Quite enough for me to enjoy the ride. As you said, the engine is just a tool to enjoy the journey. Greetings from Serbia.
I could not agree more, you nailed my thoughts exactly. I've currently both a F800GS and a 1200GSA. I still adore the relative simplicity of my old 800GS having clocked up well over 200K on few of them when working as a mc tour guide. I prefer the 800 over the 1200 most days, using it just for touring with my wife, she likes the comfort which is fair enough. When the 800's did let me down it was always something simple that I could easily fix or service myself, but the 1200 has to go straight to the shop it's usually something electrical causing problems which I cant fix. But after seeing the new 1300 I waked straight out of the showroom, I'm done with all the hi-tec nightmares. The new Himalayan 450/452 is what I'm most excited about in the upcoming year. Give me something I can fix myself and understand how the damn thing works ;)
This is right. Pavlin learns us that you can enjoy motor rides in their purest form. I like this channel. Keep it simple and get the skills instead of the gimmicks. I always smile when people tell me that a dct honda is not a real motorcycle anymore, but they have all the gimmicks on theirs. My nc 750 only has the dct. Nothing else. It is absolutely a simple bike and i like it because of that.
100% agree with you. My mates have the GSes and always show off how advanced and expensive their bikes are, comfortable and luxurious. I used to have a GS and then moved to my Tenere, and so far in the last year i have done the most yearly mileage in my riding life and done so much more on the Tenere than on any of my other bikes - ridden the furthest too. I always get side tracked and tell myself why dont i get me the new GS but then i remember your teachings and your style and i smile. Am gonna keep my Tenere - simple, fun, reliable and get the job done wherever / whatever. I hope it'll last.
I will be honest. I started riding 5 years ago, and I was also a victim of this propaganda. I was in a fortunate position where my first bike was a brand new 1250 GS with all packs. Everyone drove one, but for me it was much too heavy and i decided it wasnt a right first bike so i got rid of it within 8 months. Since then i swapped motorcycles a few times and everytime I do so, i trade for a smaller simpler model, and right now im at the stage where i want a simple, cheap, easy to work on myself motorcycle. My experience is that all these electronics complicate things and usually fail.
Fantastic video. Right in the centar of real travelers mind. Pavlin, please do not ever change your policy. Keep up with good work. Pozdrav iz Srbije🇷🇸🙋🏍️
Great video Pavlin. If its the law of supply and demand, I will say : "it took me 2 years of searching and waiting to finally be able to buy a 2023 Yamaha Tenere" that was OUT OF STOCK for years. 2 years in 2006 to buy my 2007 "basic" bonneville black for MSRP.... I could buy ANY overpriced $20K BMW or KTM in many dealerships tomorrow. Seems the "demand" is for SIMPLE motorcycles. The BASIC Royal Enfields are some, if not THE most popular motorcycles today. I, as well as most of your subscribers, share the same love of simple motorcycling as you.... Keep doing what your doing buddy. It's great!
Motorcycles offer all of us an opportunity to enjoy one of life's true passions: the ability to fly without wings. All of us have different ideas about what we like and do not like. BMW, KTM, and all other companies build bikes for specific types of riders. Many people purchase BMW's because they want to try one, or because they will only ride a BMW. None of this really matters. Buy and ride what you love most. I live in remote Colorado, USA. Amazing trails with all levels of difficulty are within 20 minutes of my garage. My lightweight 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F 6 Days will allow me to climb any technical trail I have the courage to ride. My 2017 KTM 1090R will allow me to comfortably ride 105mph on pavement to less technical trails I feel much safer riding on a bike this heavy. After 55 years of riding motorcycles, I love them now more than ever. In my case multiple bikes are needed to offer me the wide range of riding that nurtures my soul most. Makes no sense to expect one bike to permit difficult/technical riding, and then allow cruising at 105mph for hours on pavement to explore a new area not ridden before. Some riders have the skills to have one bike to do both, but I am not one of those riders. One purpose of hard work is to earn enough money to buy those things you love most. If buying an expensive motorcycle nurtures your soul, no explanation or justification required, buy it and enjoy riding each day until your last breath is taken. That is my plan. We are all part of one big family that loves motorcycles, and for a variety of reasons. What ever bike works for your inner peace at the time, is the right bike for you. When that inner voice wants to explore a new domain of riding, there are many bikes to choose from. There really is never any risk of being bored when you love motorcycles! Great video, thanks for sharing my friend!
The way all of this tech is going pretty soon all you’ll have to do is open the garage door and tell the bike to take itself for a ride .Another great video Pavlin
Hi Pavlin. I do absolutely agree. Recently bought a 2000 Shadow 600. Nothing more than a motorcycle. Carburetor, no ABS, works perfectly without electronic device. Beside my modern bike, it's like a renewed taste of freedom. Love your videos. Going to get some information about Vasil Levski;)
It is not only with motorcycles - it is eg. cameras and even youtube channel content. I found your remarks very amusing - because I have seen this truth long ago. Keep up the good work Pavlin.
So when are you selling the T7 to go back to non ABS and a carbureted bike? If you were a bike executive you would be all for technology because of the age we live in and the relatively wealthy buyers out there. I ride dirt mainly and as I age I want basic TC/ switchable ABS/quick shifting and a slipper clutch.
Spot on, Pavlin . I thankfully and finally went back to a KLR650 and can’t understand what took me so long to finally get back to (actually) riding a motorcycle …
This video is priceless and the reason why I love my 2008 zx14 with none of the accoutrements that take away from my riding experiences. From the age of ten I grew up in the off road culture and one of the basic tenants ingrained in me by my mentors is that when you get stuck simplicity is the key to survival. To my mind that will never change for me. Thank you Pavlin for making me laugh...so when is your next comedy show scheduled for, cheers mate.
Same reason I was really happy to pick up a clean, low mileage 1969 Honda CB450. Simple, reliable, fun to ride, parts are available and cheap. No electronic doodads.
starting in 2023, BMW requires regular checks and replacements for the cardan. This applies retroactively to the R models with water-cooled boxer engines from 2013. In the R 1200 and R 1250 models, the drive shaft should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. For the new R 1300 GS and subsequent R 1300 models, every 80,000 kilometers this is 100% unacceptable
Pavlin, I really like you, even after speeches of hate several times in recent, I dont know why you do that, you should talk about yourself and your trips, thats where you are the best, do not look what others ride and how they gonna use things, and dont forget, motorcycle is just a tool, so who cares what people use for their tools. Pozdrav
You make me laugh Pavlin 😆...so true. At the end, they make us believe we need all this assistance to ride (which may be true when you have 150 HP or more)....and at the end we pay. When we compare the price of our motorbike - or similar - with more or less the same model a few years ago....then I do not smile anymore. Have a good week ✌
The price is only higher because of inflation. We're lucky bikes have only doubled in price. Not gone up 6x like houses have. Then again a bike is a luxury in most cases now.
@@chrishart8548 I do not agree that is due only to inflation although workforce costs have increased in Asia where most of the bikes are build up. Transportation costs have also increased. But adding electronic components and make them - on marketing point of view - absolutely "necessary" for the customers have a huge impact. Make it simple and the price will be contained (Yamaha Tenere is a good example). For the future of the motorbiking it is also key to attract younger generations with affordable products.
@@vstromxt3799 the T7 in the UK is over £10k keeping it simple didn't keep the price down here. And I would be surprised if many you people could even afford a used T7. And the insurance is really high on them to
Thank you, thats the thing I feel you. The ppl forget time to time, what to ride a motocycle is. The new Bikes ride the people, thats sad and not the biker way...
A classic example of the fact that once again, less is more. Just an engine in 2 wheels, and a place to go. Thats enough for me. Ride safe, happy travels
Now my fav channel on youtube :) it's refreshing to see someone else talking about this Dad an I bought two x ktm 390 adv's full off issues both bikes went back at 147 and 269 miles, the problem was you couldn't fix it yourself the tft displays had issues as they were not under warranty (turned out they weren't covered by warranty) dads fly by wire would cut the bike out mine started doing the same so luckily we got the money back. I had a 2014gsa, 3 engines later 1 speedo assy, final drive, suspension failures, Himalayan issues with relays and brake light switches failing bent forks siezed swinger on a new bike went back at 500 miles. 2018 1200gs te keyless bought second hand couldnt get into the filler when it glitched joys! What was wrong with a key. Now on an 1150GSA which is like a breath of fresh air, easy to work on and fix I had to throw some money at it but was able to work on it myself, Needed some tools for the Final Drive 24 years on an bmw wont sell them you lol top secret apparently, had a 300 rally before the 1150 that was good but the 1150 as a bucket list bike factory none abs thankfully. It made sense for the budget I had. Next bike is gonna be either an older 500x or an older t7 for dad and I as he's been bikeless since the ktm, I've spent years riding a 1967 Norton 650ss super reliable an easy to work on I just miss cable throttles. Missed the Japanese designed bikes. This is one of the best video's ive seen on youtube :)
Agree with most of that except the cruise control. I've also ridden hundreds of thousands of miles over the last 40 years without it but I now have a bike with it and when I do a 16 hour ride (usually in one hit, and I do this often) it really really helps. Would be reluctant to buy another bike without it (not that I have room for another:).
40 years ago I had a car with cruise control. I wouldn't consider one without it, likewise ABS. Now I wouldn't buy a bike without them. On the other hand I have never owned a 4 wheeled vehicle with electronic suspension and regret that my KTM has it because I would prefer suspension that I can adjust myself and don't want to have to deal with it if it goes wrong.
You tell it exactly how it is. Always 👍. My first bike had no electronic aids, my current bike doesn't either. In between, I had two others that were electronic marvels. Had more fun on the simple bikes, honestly.
Great video . The majority of people these days are so BRAINWASHED by the marketing people that they cannot think for themselves . They don't know what they want until they are told what to want . However there are some of us , such as yourself , that are capable of independent thought and action. I am rebuilding a bike next year for touring , it has the following features . No ABS , no TFT , no TCS , no TPMS , no autolevelling system , no radar , no central locking , no keyless on/off , no computer [ what ! ] , no bluetooth , no electronic ignition system [ what ! ] , no GPS , no headlight Matrix [ I don't know what that is anyway ] , no Cruise control , only one Rider mode = me , soft inexpensive luggage that is cheaply replaced if damaged , no heated seats . The Less you Have , the Less you Need . [ The bike is a '74 Moto Guzzi 850 65 HP controlled manually , I will have to learn to live with less than 150 HP controlled by computer ] 🤣 It will be fun .
Hi Pavlin, I like your way of telling stories, of saying things, your simplicity... but I already told you that. Continue to tell us about your travels, you make me dream and also travel by proxy! Obviously you're right, you can be happy with an old piece of iron to wear out. But, of course, I am arguing: I notice that men on 2 wheels are more likely to go to work with them than to go around the planet. I live in the Paris region, so obviously that's what I see. I've always been mooving on a motorbike, sometimes I travel with it. And I must admit that it is much safer and more comfortable to ride on my K16 full of electronics and comfort than on my first CB 350 from 1972. (I was much less rich at that time) It is also much more reliable and no electronic problems until now (187,000 kms). So yes ! I find that the ABS is good, the central locking too, the hill start allows me to scratch my nose without having to keep my hands or feet on the brake (auto hold they say in cars) When my wife gets in behind I don't worry about the preload of my suspension and when it descends either. When there is a short downpour I don't need to wear rain gear. I have a headlight that adapts to the bend, it's good to see a little better when you come home in the evening after a day of work, LEDs on the side make it easier for motorists to see you when you go up files. Only one regret on this K16 as heavy as a dead donkey (the weight Pavlin, the weight), I don't have the reverse option, and when you are parked on the hills between a Tmax and a T7 the front wheel in the gutter and you no longer have room to put your feet on the ground, you would be very happy to have this option. Fortunately there are pedestrians in Paris who can push you backwards. Today I am retired and I treated myself to a GSA 1250 full option (otherwise you don't sell it) for this occasion. I'm not very original, almost everyone has one. And like you, I travel around the planet (South America, South Africa, Europe, I have also visited your beautiful country). I don't have your experience, that goes without saying. We travel as a couple on this bike, I appreciate its comfort, my wife does too and if I forget to engage enduro mode when I go from the asphalt to the track, she calls me to order as soon as she left the saddle for the top case. As you always say, I give my opinion, I don't give lessons. I just want to say that sophistication and technology are not necessarily useless in everyday life. PS: there are 2 of us to lift this heavy motorcycle when it falls and it falls from time to time, especially in the sand, and we manage. Drive carefully and for a long time
That's what I wrote in my comment too. You don't know the benefits of this technology unless you are on a bike everyday summer or winter in the real world full of d***s and taxi drivers and van drivers. Technology saves my ass on a tarmac full of car oil in the middle of the UK's dark miserable wet winter, more than I can remember them. But two nights ago saved me from a tank slapper at 60 mph And I loved how the tracer managed to calm it down so quickly
Very well explained. It is all about glitz and glamour. What happens when one gets stuck in the desert or 200 km from a small village, oh I forgot electronics do last for ever
Pavlin you had me in stitches🤣😂, I totally agree , the pure skill of riding a bike without all the gadgetry is being lost and when part of the electronics fails the bike tells the rider he must immediately report to the nearest brand workshop. There are so many 'ecectronic owners' out there that can't repair the simplest of problems, some can't even properly name the parts of their bike. My bike has no ABS so I can't forget to turn it off for offroad,(or turn it back on) no Cruise Control and not needed as I avoid motorways. It has Analog Dials and a sheepskin instead of a heated seat. The skillset to ride ,service and repair punctures, brakes, clutch, chain and bearings for all those on long travels should be known by the rider( we can though forgive the female riders for not being capable or wanting to😉) So my favourite drink is now gone and me likewise, till next time Pavlin.
Pavlin! The new coffee machine at my work has internet connectivity and gives you sharemarket updates while you're waiting for your drink! Madness! 😆I love that the T7 is so simple - my Suzuki DR650 is even more simple. Heaven. 😊Thanks for the link to Vasil Levski.
The most important thing with the new GS is the feature that lowers the seat height when driving below 25 km/h or so, to make it easier for shorter riders to get their feet on the ground. Another very useful thing is the electric assist of the main stand, which kind of helps you put the bike into the rest on it. How do you want to drive through Transylvania without these and conquer the vampires? It would be interesting to see, when a GS driver enters a shop in Africa to get his main stand fixed... but that just me being very sarcastic... It´s just ridiculous but there seems to be a market for all kinds of stuff, and German car industry did set this standard of having mile long add-on lists. There was this joke here (I am German) some time ago: oh, you want seats in your car? But you didn´t check the seats box on your order - too bad...
Hi Pavlin -I agree totally with your comments. I live in Central Mexico but before retiring I worked for several years based out of LA in the USA. Whilst there I bought a BMW F800R for leisure riding in my freetime. It was a nice bike and not overly complicated technically but it had one major problem. It was expensive to maintain if and when things went wrong. For example, it developed a leaking water pump gasket which, apart from resulting in me having to change not just the gasket but the whole cover, the radiator needed to be filled with coolant under vacuum which I had to have done in the service agency at considerable cost. Almost all of the 'hi-tech' features you mention are fine until something goes wrong and if you are unfortunate to encounter a problem you better be prepared to get your bike into a service agency and shell out a lot of money to resolve any issue. I retired in 2020 and returned to my home base in Mexico and thought about taking the BMW back with me but after considering the difficulties I would encounter if the bike ever failed on me I decided to sell it and buy something less complicated 'tech -wise' withn proven reliability where I could undertake a lot of the general maintenance tasks myself. I settled on buying a 2020 Honda NC 750x with dual clutch transmission. Note - I chose the DCT version over the manual one because I have a weak left knee and ankle after a previous accident and I immediately felt more comfortable riding a bike where I didn't need to use my left leg for gear changing. The bike does have traction control and ABS plus DCT ride modes but most of the other features you mention are missing and in my experience aren't necessary for me to still get a lot of pleasure out of riding. Another most important benefit of going this route is that the selling price of this bike was far less than any comparative 'hi-tech' bike in its class. I've ridden bikes for most of my life beginning in the late 60's to date and there is no doubt that bike technology has changed dramatically over the years and mostly for the better but I often think that many of the modern hi-tech features of bikes are not essential and not having them doesn't mean that you can't enjoy riding. Thanks for sharing your comments in this video
Sarcasm is a sign of intelligence! You made me laugh especially with the Christmas lights... I own a Benelli TRK 502X that has no electronics except ABS. I have done a lot of trips around Cyprus, I went to places that didn't know about, villages that I didn't know their names, and with every chance that I get I try to ride as far as possible. I never felt the need of more gadgets. I believe that they don't make you a better rider anyway.
you took the words out of my mouth. These are nonsense that will get us into trouble soon. I miss dr650 xr650 ktm640 style reliable light pure machines. If I have a chance to buy one of them Im ready
Great video, valid points that in today’s consumer world are often forgotten but need to be remembered. Thank you for the reminder, Pavlin! P.S. Pavlin should be Yamaha’s T7 ambassador- through his inspiration, he has sold more T7 than Pal Tarres probably! 😁 Keep it up! 👍🏻
I will correct you a bit. Industry create something new (in most cases not necessary what we need or want) and then tried to convince that we must have it. This applicable to mc market, phones, cars and so on. Thanks for good video!
Pavlin , I do agree with just about everything you've said regarding over the top modern electronics on the bikes. What these do is take away from what motorcyclists should know, learn & adjust within themselves to effectively and safely ride motorcycles. We (I'll be 70 next yr) have learned to ride on drum brakes, no electronics, none of the creature comforts that take away knowledge. But I will admit I do now ride a GS1250. Ive been riding since 1972 w my 1st bike being a BSA 441 Victor Special, w absolutely no comfort features :o)....I do feel safer on the BMW * it's hard not to. Like drinking from a hose, playing sticball in the street, making home made motor bikes with lawnmower side shaft engines, times change. I subscribe and follow you with the utmost respect & e joy and value your input. I'm worried more about the future of this country with the Woke youth of today than possibly a safety item on my bike that "may" save my life..... Thank you for your channel!
I'd agree the 'woke' madness is more worrying but you have to admit Pavlin is 100% correct here, this is all driven by marketing and selling overpriced useless troublesome tech to numpties who know no better.
hi , absolutly agree , when ever i met a bikers at a ferry terminal or on the road somewhere i always have the oldest scruffiest bike , a 2005 v strom 650 but when i talk to the other bikers i usually discover that i'm going the furthest and for the longest time . met a guy this year who had the new ducati desert thingy with all the ducati gear must have been 30000 euros worth , he was only going away for a week . its just ridiculous
Agreed 100% , most of my life ( I am mid 60’s now) I was riding bikes with NO electronic. Looking at the proposals these days this is what I thing, ABS useful yes but you can live without if you learn how to break properly and don’t ride like an idiot… Traction control…? That tells me the bike is too powerful , electronic suspension? Probably OK I suppose, never had one. Hill Assist for a bike is overkill, I have it on our BMW car… anyway I like to ride a bike not to program a computer which ride the bike… that is the trend theses days with everything unfortunately. Cars are taking away the driving pleasure and are also full of electronics…
My list is fairly small: must-haves: Reliability - GPS - ABS (due to legal reasons in Australia) - Low Seat Height - Low Weight - 250 to 650CC tops nice to haves: DCT transmission - Cruise Control - USB charger Everything else I can live with, as long as it drives comfortably
I agree with you 100% Pavlin. The proof is that I ride a BMW 1200GS of 2007 with nothing but ABS. Easy to ride and very easy to maintain. All my friends have the newer models and are constantly visitng the BMW dealership because of little problems that require the bike to hook up to some computer and re set the problem. I will stick with my old model until the end. Thank you for making this clear to everyone. Safe travels. 😀
Not even heated grips ? My friend had a K1200s it was really low spec for a bmw only had abs nothing else. He was envious of my heated grips on my f800gs. He only wished the first owner had speced them.
You are spot on. I bought a vstrom 650. It has no rider maps and I can permanently switch off traction control. I wish I could remove ABS too. I've been riding since 1981 and never needed ABS or TC. I know how to brake and to control the throttle. These adventure riders keep paying out for the latest over priced touring machines every year to keep the tinkering designers in business. I still prefer riding my 80s Guzzi Le Mans. Carbs, Gears, brakes and a throttle. All you need is there.
Not only has technology changed what is available, manufacturers are also responding to new customers. Growing up in the late 60s and 70s, what people are looking for in a motorcycle has changed. Adventure riding is the future, the industry has returned to 300-800cc engines on Adventure bikes like the Tenere, the Vstrom, BMW, et-al. Newer riders aren't as interested in cruising on the highway as they are in traveling the backroads and trails. Nobody is to blame, motorcycling is just evolving. I bought an XR650L in 2016 and started doing some of the local adventure and BDR rides. I think next year, I will purchase a Ural Patrol. I have been on Harleys since early 2000s and from the early 80s to early 2000s, I was interested in large engine cruisers like the SUzuki Intruder or Honda Shadow type bikes. Great video, thanks.
Just couple of days back i was telling my wife, what wrong with people and manufacturers we dont need radar on back on front on right on left what is this, on just two weels, how can you ride when your dashboard keeps you busy. I think you need a driver and you sit on back and enjoy ride 😅😅😅 this is what happen. I am very grateful that you have effort and point out such eye opening subject 🙏
one of the best moments with my Tenere was when i fixed a poor mans cruise control with a cord wrapped around the handlebar next to the throttle grip, it adds friction and prevents the throttle from closing when its pulled really tight.. it always losens up after moving the throttle so there is no danger ... it just gives you the ease of taking your right hand off the handle bar. Its a whole new experience, somewhat magical to sit on your bike and it takes you for a ride without havong to do anything at all ... like a magic chair or a flying carpet ... i just love it every now and then ...
Agree with you completely. My 106hp 2020 1050XT is plenty powerful enough and features legendary Suzuki reliability and cost me less than half of a KTM 1290 SAS. That 160hp would just fling me faster off a mountain hairpin curve. My '08 GL1800 Airbag with 80,000 miles? Same. My 2012 Jeep Rubicon with 239,000 miles, with lifetime warranty? Simpler and more reliable than the new ones. Spend the money traveling is what really matters. Thanks! Ride safe
Thank you Pavlin. Totally agree. Fortunately, there are plenty of people like you....i think thats why Yamaha has been able to sell the Tenere 700. 👍🏻👍🏻 God bless you. Take care.
Absolutely agree with you Pavlin, and let me add another reason for new riders, you are a very experienced one but I'm a newbie compared to you and I think what I'm about to say is very important for new riders. I choose the T7 myself for many reasons, but one of the reasons is the lack of those electronic assistant devices, mostly traction control and various mappings that change the way the bike behave regardless your controls. You know why? It's simple, because I have to learn and I want to learn from my bike. I think that a bike with something (electronics or not, it doesn't matter) that change how the bike respond and behaves on the road is a bad teacher, it makes you rely on something that maybe you'll not find on another bike (maybe a rented bike for example, or your friend's bike), how would you react if you're so dependent on those electronic aids when you don't have them? A bike without electronic aids is a better teacher for new riders, it makes possible to properly understand how the bike handles, how to ride it, to understand when you're pushing too much and you're taking unnecessary risks. In a few simple words it makes you a better rider. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom my friend! Cheers from Italy
Its all gone quite mad. Pailin. Won’t be long before we are all plugged in at home for our motorcycle journey. Hopefully someone else will see sense ! Great vid!
They (bike manufacturers) forgot to add ARM feature to bike """AutoRiderMode"" where rider can just sit on bike eating burger & beer watching football or Moto GP 😂😂😂😂
Oh,pavlin,you speak directly out my thoughts! I own my 2nd r1200 gs.its from 2016 and has all those gizmos you could get that time! I m sooo rid of this tank now! Nex season i ll purchase a 39hp single cylinder with just 150 kg and only abs as feature! Than i ll do all the trips i didnt trust me to do,cause i m traveling allone, and i always was scared with heavy bmw! I am so looking forward! Cheers!
The title of your video is very appropriate "this is madness " and the direction the motor industry in general is moving is maddening, technology is being forced upon us,in nearly every aspect of our lives,and getting out on our motorbikes has been one of the ways a lot of us have temporarily excaped from this.The fine tuning our skills of controlling the bike gives us a sense of achievement, as does the maintenance of our machines, by making motorcycles that can not be maintained by the owner,and can not be controlled (unless the latest software update has been installed)well thats taking a lot of the joy of motorcycling away from us, but we do have a choice as mentioned "supply and demand" we can just not buy ,keep our old machinery running,buy second hand bikes that are a bit" old school ".Some people will always want the latest bun not necessarily the greatest product released on the market, and maybe if i had lots of money I'd do the same,but would like to think not. My cars 22years old, and my nc750s is a very young 8years old,both mechanically sound and easy to keep running..
1982 was the peak of motorcycle sales in N. America. I was in my twenties as probably most motorcyclists on the road at that time. It took a single screwdriver and one screw to access the headlight and change a light bulb, try that on a modern bike on the side of the road in the dark. Self cancelling turn signals and pointless ignition was an electronics improvement that really made a difference in safety and reliability. After that the manufacturers could have done without the electronics engineers. The sales brochures at the time listed power and torque curves on graphs along with quarter mile times. I don't mind that these modern bikes are made and people spend fortunes to buy them but make something inexpensive simple and practical too please. Pavlin you must be aware of Ed March who made a point in his adventures on a Honda c90 poking fun of BMW. Thanks, I enjoy watching your videos.
Good analysis. I realized few months ago that some of my young fellows are scared or don’t even dare riding an « old » bike without ABS because it’s too dangerous when it’s raining ! 😂
I wanted a new bike this year as my old virago 750 was getting to heavy for me , I ended up buying a new rebel cmx500 , the only thing that’s a big difference from the virago is , abs brakes and a slipper clutch and full injection, so as you say why pay for something you don’t need, this is another reason I got the 500 instead of the 1100 rebel .
After 55 years of riding I have had to buy a smaller motorcycle because of bad arthritis in my right knee and left wrist. I changed from a BMW GS to an NC750X DCT. I bought this in August with 827 miles on the clock and I love it. First thing I did was jump on a ferry to Spain and now it has 11,000 miles on the clock, I can’t believe how much easier it is to ride than the GS. The DCT means I don’t need to be using a clutch in heavy traffic but the manual gearbox in sports mode is great fun on the open road. That piece of technology works well but the ABS is to intrusive when pressing on at speed. It cuts in way to early, apparently this happens with a lot of Japanese bikes.
Bonjour Pavlin et merci pour tous tes conseils. Je voudrais te poser la question suivante. Je possède actuellement un 650 Vstrom que je trouve trop lourd pour moi je mesure 1,70m. Je trouve des Tenere 660 2008/2009 a 3500€(c’est mon budget maximum) mais elles ont souvent entre 80000 et 100000kms. Penses tu que cela soit une erreur d’en prendre une avec autant de kilomètres?
Oh boy Pav! Great discussion and I don't know where to start but your points are spot on. But........as I discovered many years ago when I started bicycling, I found the added gizmos added positively to the activity, e.g., proper shorts, shoes, helmet, stiffer frames, etc........and at some point, enough is enough. To your point concerning a humble motorcycle, agree with you to a point. I'm a full blown Ducastie.....hit me at the age of 16, lust at first sight an haven't been the same after yes, 50 years! So.........do I like the features of my multi, you bet! Do I use them all, no way. (no way am I going to connect my phone up; swear by a good map any day) But.....when motoring along the western reaches of Kansas, believe me, cruise control is a life savior! Agree also with learning your machine as you pointed out the pleasures of figuring out how to set up one's suspension. On the down side, the price I pay for my lust is the apprehension of performing engine maintenance; no problem with valve adjustments on previously owned Vstrom and FJR, but the Multi....no way! Oh, I do have hill assist and when I bought the machine, didn't know it was available, stumbled across it after pursing the owner's manual! Anyways, love my bike with the tech.......does it give me the freedom as your describe, you bet! Thanks again my friend!
This video absolutely hits the nail on the head. My 7 year old base MT10 has plenty enough basic electronics. I don't want any more. My Yamaha was under £10,000 new back then. My Yamaha has been totally reliable. Probably the best bike buying advice I've seen on TH-cam. Saying all that BMW will sell boat loads of those new GS1300's and most will buy the fully loaded most expensive versions (because they're the best 😞)
Thank you so much for this message. I'm a new rider and I'm trying to start but yes the market has made me want the top model but I'm going for simple and reliable. ❤
I'm happy to live during a time where we have a choice of rides... GS, TENERE or a mule if you like. I enjoy the simplicity of my 2001 BMW RT as well as the advances in my 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200. The good news is old bikes with low miles are cheap!
When I got back into motorcycling my measuring stick was from the early 1980's. No adventure bikes (you rode what you had - and off road? That was trails or simply bush wacking). GPS didn't exist (outside the military), cell phones - so many things simply did not exist! Now somethings I welcome whole heartily - electronic fuel injection, chains that last more than a trip or a year, better tires etc. Some other things, not so much (digital dashes - I prefer two round clocks please). But hey, there are a ton of choices for us and we can pretty much buy what we like, avoiding the fluff or embracing it. My main complaint - I think bikes should be cheap to run and many get mileage what a car will give - and the car adds AC, heat, protection from rain, quiet ride etc. And you can easily ride all year around. I'll stick to my frugal bikes or take the car.
@@motorcycleadventures Back then the Internet wasn't even on anyone's radar so the idea we could share thoughts and opinions with folks from around the world - well, it would have boggled the mind! Still does kinda. :)
Pavlin, I really like the way you present things. You say what you thing. You are one of the reason I bought m’y Tenere. And so happy with. I did of road with it, and it’ si so cool. Happy to not spend Time to change settings of m’y Tenere. When I Go of road. And I’m feeling confident with, as I have some rest of mechanic, I will be able to do things easily… thx m’y friend 💪 you’re so right. Nice to have a remember about industry and marketing. 😊
the best thing i've heard in a long time. you have a cruise control to keep you from driving too fast, and it's ridiculous what's on it. it's just not fun to drive anymore. I also have such a luxurious motorcycle, and I don't even enjoy it. I'm hesitating about purchasing a different/simpler motorcycle.
What is the pleasure of riding a motorcycle that does everything for you? The good part of traveling is feeling connected to the bike and every action you take the bike responds immediately, and the more electronic it is, the more things to break.
Excellent, I like your sarcasm. I'm an old geezer riding old bikes and an old car. Without any of the modern conveniences. However I just obtained a 2001 R1150RT. With ABS, Brake Servo, heated grips, adjustable screen. Out of these 4 I can do without the Brake Servo and the adjustable screen, the other 2 are really nice and beneficial. And I do appreciate that a few generations younger, people who grew up with smartphones, these guys and girls will appreciate all the gadgets. As I see it, it is not for me, this is for the young ones. Things change, I'm OK with that...
Pavlin you hit the nail on the head. Today it is becoming almost impossible to purchase a simple motorcycle. My humble current motorcycle (a 200cc, 20.5 bhp engine) doesn't even have fuel-injection or ABS. I prefer it that way. Me, my skill, my bike and all the riding pleasure. Planning on keeping it for as long as possible. Its latest variants come with fuel-injection, ABS, bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation etc. Don't fancy any of it. For me, simplicity has its own beauty, quality.
In the 1980s I was a relatively poor student. Me and my mates road all over New Zealand in old bikes we bought and repaired ourselves. I had an old Honda CB250 which never missed a beat in 5 years I had it. The only tech was front and rear drum brakes that didn't rely work very well. I had a rack for my pack and travelled with a rope and a plastic tarpoline with which we made a fairly uncomfortable tent. We'd stay at beaches or in farmers paddocks. It was the greatest time of my life.
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Even though I'm an electronics engineer and all day long I repair the latest technology, I drive a motorcycle manufactured in 1998, with an analog dashboard, without ABS and other sophisticated gadgets, and believe me it gives me maximum satisfaction. It never breaks down, cheap to maintain and always brought me back home to the front door. Of course it's a Yamaha. I liked this episode so much that I watched it three times. Looking forward to the next one, Cheers!
Well... your opinion is very important, thank you!
Totally agreed. I one had a GS they have all this gimmick. I place an order in 2008. I told them I wanted only Abs nothing more. This day it become compulsory you must by those gimmick it come with 😅😂
Me too, I am riding 2001. Honda Transalp 650 and I'm loving it.
I got AT'23 and I can't call myself rider anymore. I am more motorcycle operator now.
Me cbf 1000abs, 2007. No 1000modes.haha
Pavlin, you must be the rider with the most common sense when it comes to motorcycles that exists on this internet. It's always a pleasure watching your videos, there's always so much to learn. Very pragmatic approach, and of course, a thing that never fails to add value: experience. Thank you for doing your bit and trying to educate the motorcycle community.
My pleasure!
.... but .... I remember Pavlin didnt want to buy a Tenere in the beginning, he thought the money would be invested better for more trips ... then when he had the Tenere he said it is soo much better that he would not use the old 660 for long trips anymore (just keep it in the garage as an old friend) ... we live and learn .... with time and understand that some things are actually quite useful even if we managed to live without them ;-)
A breath of fresh air. Having ridden bikes for over 50 years my favourite bike is my current Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc single cylinder. It doesn't even have a proper petrol guage nor does it have a gear selector indicator on the dash! On my last ride I swapped bikes with one of my mates. I hopped on his bike that just happened to be a BMW. He showed me all the features of his bike and within 2 minutes I started to get a head ache. When we swapped back I breathed a sigh of relief and got back on my "featureless" Enfield with a big smile on my face.
Thanks for taking the time!
You are absolutely right. I bought a new Benelli trk 502 2023. It has none of the things that a new BMW has, except ABS.
Quite enough for me to enjoy the ride. As you said, the engine is just a tool to enjoy the journey.
Greetings from Serbia.
Thanks for sharing!
I could not agree more, you nailed my thoughts exactly. I've currently both a F800GS and a 1200GSA. I still adore the relative simplicity of my old 800GS having clocked up well over 200K on few of them when working as a mc tour guide. I prefer the 800 over the 1200 most days, using it just for touring with my wife, she likes the comfort which is fair enough. When the 800's did let me down it was always something simple that I could easily fix or service myself, but the 1200 has to go straight to the shop it's usually something electrical causing problems which I cant fix. But after seeing the new 1300 I waked straight out of the showroom, I'm done with all the hi-tec nightmares. The new Himalayan 450/452 is what I'm most excited about in the upcoming year. Give me something I can fix myself and understand how the damn thing works ;)
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Very good video.
When you said " with this, we lose our freedom ", you nailed it.
Thanks for watching!
They need to justify the crazy prices 😅 Nice video as always Pavlin 🙂
Thanks for watching, Ismo!
Customers who are buying these bikes already justified the prices 😆
Pavlin, you are a legend!!! By far the best YT on here! We are blessed to have someone like you! Stay safe and be lucky
Thanks, man!
This is right. Pavlin learns us that you can enjoy motor rides in their purest form. I like this channel. Keep it simple and get the skills instead of the gimmicks. I always smile when people tell me that a dct honda is not a real motorcycle anymore, but they have all the gimmicks on theirs. My nc 750 only has the dct. Nothing else. It is absolutely a simple bike and i like it because of that.
100% agree with you. My mates have the GSes and always show off how advanced and expensive their bikes are, comfortable and luxurious. I used to have a GS and then moved to my Tenere, and so far in the last year i have done the most yearly mileage in my riding life and done so much more on the Tenere than on any of my other bikes - ridden the furthest too. I always get side tracked and tell myself why dont i get me the new GS but then i remember your teachings and your style and i smile. Am gonna keep my Tenere - simple, fun, reliable and get the job done wherever / whatever. I hope it'll last.
It will! Enjoy your trips!
I will be honest. I started riding 5 years ago, and I was also a victim of this propaganda. I was in a fortunate position where my first bike was a brand new 1250 GS with all packs. Everyone drove one, but for me it was much too heavy and i decided it wasnt a right first bike so i got rid of it within 8 months. Since then i swapped motorcycles a few times and everytime I do so, i trade for a smaller simpler model, and right now im at the stage where i want a simple, cheap, easy to work on myself motorcycle. My experience is that all these electronics complicate things and usually fail.
@@Kevin97587yup. Less is more!
I use the KISS mode when shopping for a new bike, Keep It Simple Stupid. 👍👍
@@clayfarnet970Keep It Simple Smart
Fantastic video. Right in the centar of real travelers mind. Pavlin, please do not ever change your policy. Keep up with good work. Pozdrav iz Srbije🇷🇸🙋🏍️
I won't! Thanks for watching!
Great video Pavlin. If its the law of supply and demand, I will say : "it took me 2 years of searching and waiting to finally be able to buy a 2023 Yamaha Tenere" that was OUT OF STOCK for years. 2 years in 2006 to buy my 2007 "basic" bonneville black for MSRP.... I could buy ANY overpriced $20K BMW or KTM in many dealerships tomorrow.
Seems the "demand" is for SIMPLE motorcycles. The BASIC Royal Enfields are some, if not THE most popular motorcycles today. I, as well as most of your subscribers, share the same love of simple motorcycling as you.... Keep doing what your doing buddy. It's great!
Yes, my subscribers, but they are one very small part of the motorcycle community, the rest are gear lovers.
I couldnt agree more!! Thats why i bought my T7, because i wanted a motorcycle, not a computer!!
Good!
Motorcycles offer all of us an opportunity to enjoy one of life's true passions: the ability to fly without wings. All of us have different ideas about what we like and do not like. BMW, KTM, and all other companies build bikes for specific types of riders. Many people purchase BMW's because they want to try one, or because they will only ride a BMW. None of this really matters. Buy and ride what you love most. I live in remote Colorado, USA. Amazing trails with all levels of difficulty are within 20 minutes of my garage. My lightweight 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F 6 Days will allow me to climb any technical trail I have the courage to ride. My 2017 KTM 1090R will allow me to comfortably ride 105mph on pavement to less technical trails I feel much safer riding on a bike this heavy. After 55 years of riding motorcycles, I love them now more than ever. In my case multiple bikes are needed to offer me the wide range of riding that nurtures my soul most. Makes no sense to expect one bike to permit difficult/technical riding, and then allow cruising at 105mph for hours on pavement to explore a new area not ridden before. Some riders have the skills to have one bike to do both, but I am not one of those riders. One purpose of hard work is to earn enough money to buy those things you love most. If buying an expensive motorcycle nurtures your soul, no explanation or justification required, buy it and enjoy riding each day until your last breath is taken. That is my plan. We are all part of one big family that loves motorcycles, and for a variety of reasons. What ever bike works for your inner peace at the time, is the right bike for you. When that inner voice wants to explore a new domain of riding, there are many bikes to choose from. There really is never any risk of being bored when you love motorcycles! Great video, thanks for sharing my friend!
Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion!
Thank you sir for this much needed piece of wisdom ! Had to leave a comment to show my appreciation ! Ride safe !
@@raphaelpir7266 you are welcome, thank you for the kind comment!
The way all of this tech is going pretty soon all you’ll have to do is open the garage door and tell the bike to take itself for a ride .Another great video Pavlin
We are heading this way for sure. Thanks for watching!
Hi Pavlin. I do absolutely agree. Recently bought a 2000 Shadow 600. Nothing more than a motorcycle. Carburetor, no ABS, works perfectly without electronic device. Beside my modern bike, it's like a renewed taste of freedom. Love your videos. Going to get some information about Vasil Levski;)
My pleasure!
It is not only with motorcycles - it is eg. cameras and even youtube channel content.
I found your remarks very amusing - because I have seen this truth long ago.
Keep up the good work Pavlin.
Thanks man!
So when are you selling the T7 to go back to non ABS and a carbureted bike? If you were a bike executive you would be all for technology because of the age we live in and the relatively wealthy buyers out there. I ride dirt mainly and as I age I want basic TC/ switchable ABS/quick shifting and a slipper clutch.
There are no more carburetor bikes without ABS. Otherwise I will have it with pleasure. Ride whatever you like.
Spot on, Pavlin . I thankfully and finally went back to a KLR650 and can’t understand what took me so long to finally get back to (actually) riding a motorcycle …
At least you have done, many still don't.
This video is priceless and the reason why I love my 2008 zx14 with none of the accoutrements that take away from my riding experiences. From the age of ten I grew up in the off road culture and one of the basic tenants ingrained in me by my mentors is that when you get stuck simplicity is the key to survival. To my mind that will never change for me. Thank you Pavlin for making me laugh...so when is your next comedy show scheduled for, cheers mate.
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
Same reason I was really happy to pick up a clean, low mileage 1969 Honda CB450. Simple, reliable, fun to ride, parts are available and cheap. No electronic doodads.
5:25 This cracked me up!!! 😂👌
Great vid, Pavlin!
Glad you enjoyed!
Brilliant pavlin.! Hit the nail on the head, minimal technology is the way to go
Thanks for taking the time!
Totally agree on all points, I ride a 2005 BMW1200GS, ABS is the only electronics on this old air cooled model. Really don't need anything else.
Absolutely!
starting in 2023, BMW requires regular checks and replacements for the cardan. This applies retroactively to the R models with water-cooled boxer engines from 2013. In the R 1200 and R 1250 models, the drive shaft should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. For the new R 1300 GS and subsequent R 1300 models, every 80,000 kilometers
this is 100% unacceptable
I didn't know that, otherwise, I would have included it in the video. Poor BMW owners!
Pavlin, I really like you, even after speeches of hate several times in recent, I dont know why you do that, you should talk about yourself and your trips, thats where you are the best, do not look what others ride and how they gonna use things, and dont forget, motorcycle is just a tool, so who cares what people use for their tools. Pozdrav
My goal has never been to be liked by everyone. Thanks for taking the time anyway!
You make me laugh Pavlin 😆...so true. At the end, they make us believe we need all this assistance to ride (which may be true when you have 150 HP or more)....and at the end we pay. When we compare the price of our motorbike - or similar - with more or less the same model a few years ago....then I do not smile anymore. Have a good week ✌
My pleasure!
The price is only higher because of inflation. We're lucky bikes have only doubled in price. Not gone up 6x like houses have. Then again a bike is a luxury in most cases now.
@@chrishart8548 I do not agree that is due only to inflation although workforce costs have increased in Asia where most of the bikes are build up. Transportation costs have also increased. But adding electronic components and make them - on marketing point of view - absolutely "necessary" for the customers have a huge impact. Make it simple and the price will be contained (Yamaha Tenere is a good example). For the future of the motorbiking it is also key to attract younger generations with affordable products.
@@vstromxt3799 the T7 in the UK is over £10k keeping it simple didn't keep the price down here. And I would be surprised if many you people could even afford a used T7. And the insurance is really high on them to
Thank you, thats the thing I feel you.
The ppl forget time to time, what to ride a motocycle is. The new Bikes ride the people, thats sad and not the biker way...
True
A classic example of the fact that once again, less is more.
Just an engine in 2 wheels, and a place to go. Thats enough for me.
Ride safe, happy travels
Thanks for taking the time again, Richard!
Now my fav channel on youtube :) it's refreshing to see someone else talking about this Dad an I bought two x ktm 390 adv's full off issues both bikes went back at 147 and 269 miles, the problem was you couldn't fix it yourself the tft displays had issues as they were not under warranty (turned out they weren't covered by warranty) dads fly by wire would cut the bike out mine started doing the same so luckily we got the money back.
I had a 2014gsa, 3 engines later 1 speedo assy, final drive, suspension failures, Himalayan issues with relays and brake light switches failing bent forks siezed swinger on a new bike went back at 500 miles.
2018 1200gs te keyless bought second hand couldnt get into the filler when it glitched joys! What was wrong with a key.
Now on an 1150GSA which is like a breath of fresh air, easy to work on and fix I had to throw some money at it but was able to work on it myself,
Needed some tools for the Final Drive 24 years on an bmw wont sell them you lol top secret apparently, had a 300 rally before the 1150 that was good but the 1150 as a bucket list bike factory none abs thankfully.
It made sense for the budget I had.
Next bike is gonna be either an older 500x or an older t7 for dad and I as he's been bikeless since the ktm, I've spent years riding a 1967 Norton 650ss super reliable an easy to work on I just miss cable throttles. Missed the Japanese designed bikes.
This is one of the best video's ive seen on youtube :)
Thanks ,man!
Agree with most of that except the cruise control. I've also ridden hundreds of thousands of miles over the last 40 years without it but I now have a bike with it and when I do a 16 hour ride (usually in one hit, and I do this often) it really really helps. Would be reluctant to buy another bike without it (not that I have room for another:).
Fair enough!
@@motorcycleadventuresI have Kaoko on my T7 - maybe try it, very good for long highway use 😊
It depends on where you live. Here in overcrowded Amsterdam, cruise control is useless.
@@florislok in any city it's useless, once you hit the motorway though.....
I tighten the throttle stop on my Harley that holds it , no electronics😂
Pavin I agree on every single point you made!
Thank you for your video👏👏👏
My pleasure!
Bhahahah I agree. This is one of the reasons I bought my T7👍. Kind of wondered when you were going to list the retractable training wheels 😳
I forgot it.
40 years ago I had a car with cruise control. I wouldn't consider one without it, likewise ABS. Now I wouldn't buy a bike without them. On the other hand I have never owned a 4 wheeled vehicle with electronic suspension and regret that my KTM has it because I would prefer suspension that I can adjust myself and don't want to have to deal with it if it goes wrong.
Thanks for sharing!
You tell it exactly how it is. Always 👍. My first bike had no electronic aids, my current bike doesn't either. In between, I had two others that were electronic marvels. Had more fun on the simple bikes, honestly.
Thanks for sharing, man!
I have a 2017 BMW GSA Triple Black and a 2023 Yamaha T700. Although I love my Bimmer, I really really love the simplicity of the T700!
Thanks for sharing!
Great video . The majority of people these days are so BRAINWASHED by the marketing people that they cannot think for themselves . They don't know what they want until they are told what to want .
However there are some of us , such as yourself , that are capable of independent thought and action.
I am rebuilding a bike next year for touring , it has the following features .
No ABS , no TFT , no TCS , no TPMS , no autolevelling system , no radar , no central locking , no keyless on/off , no computer [ what ! ] , no bluetooth , no electronic ignition system [ what ! ] , no GPS , no headlight Matrix [ I don't know what that is anyway ] , no Cruise control , only one Rider mode = me , soft inexpensive luggage that is cheaply replaced if damaged , no heated seats .
The Less you Have , the Less you Need .
[ The bike is a '74 Moto Guzzi 850 65 HP controlled manually , I will have to learn to live with less than 150 HP controlled by computer ] 🤣
It will be fun .
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Pavlin, I like your way of telling stories, of saying things, your simplicity... but I already told you that. Continue to tell us about your travels, you make me dream and also travel by proxy!
Obviously you're right, you can be happy with an old piece of iron to wear out. But, of course, I am arguing: I notice that men on 2 wheels are more likely to go to work with them than to go around the planet. I live in the Paris region, so obviously that's what I see. I've always been mooving on a motorbike, sometimes I travel with it. And I must admit that it is much safer and more comfortable to ride on my K16 full of electronics and comfort than on my first CB 350 from 1972. (I was much less rich at that time) It is also much more reliable and no electronic problems until now (187,000 kms). So yes ! I find that the ABS is good, the central locking too, the hill start allows me to scratch my nose without having to keep my hands or feet on the brake (auto hold they say in cars) When my wife gets in behind I don't worry about the preload of my suspension and when it descends either. When there is a short downpour I don't need to wear rain gear. I have a headlight that adapts to the bend, it's good to see a little better when you come home in the evening after a day of work, LEDs on the side make it easier for motorists to see you when you go up files. Only one regret on this K16 as heavy as a dead donkey (the weight Pavlin, the weight), I don't have the reverse option, and when you are parked on the hills between a Tmax and a T7 the front wheel in the gutter and you no longer have room to put your feet on the ground, you would be very happy to have this option. Fortunately there are pedestrians in Paris who can push you backwards. Today I am retired and I treated myself to a GSA 1250 full option (otherwise you don't sell it) for this occasion. I'm not very original, almost everyone has one. And like you, I travel around the planet (South America, South Africa, Europe, I have also visited your beautiful country). I don't have your experience, that goes without saying. We travel as a couple on this bike, I appreciate its comfort, my wife does too and if I forget to engage enduro mode when I go from the asphalt to the track, she calls me to order as soon as she left the saddle for the top case.
As you always say, I give my opinion, I don't give lessons. I just want to say that sophistication and technology are not necessarily useless in everyday life.
PS: there are 2 of us to lift this heavy motorcycle when it falls and it falls from time to time, especially in the sand, and we manage.
Drive carefully and for a long time
Thanks for sharing!
That's what I wrote in my comment too. You don't know the benefits of this technology unless you are on a bike everyday summer or winter in the real world full of d***s and taxi drivers and van drivers.
Technology saves my ass on a tarmac full of car oil in the middle of the UK's dark miserable wet winter, more than I can remember them. But two nights ago saved me from a tank slapper at 60 mph
And I loved how the tracer managed to calm it down so quickly
One guy likes blonde and other dark. One guy like gadgets and other simplicity. There is Rolls Royce and Dacia just pick what you want. Simple
True
I think the point is that there are less and less simple options available.
Very well explained. It is all about glitz and glamour. What happens when one gets stuck in the desert or 200 km from a small village, oh I forgot electronics do last for ever
He will eventually learn the lesson.
Pavlin you had me in stitches🤣😂, I totally agree , the pure skill of riding a bike without all the gadgetry is being lost and when part of the electronics fails the bike tells the rider he must immediately report to the nearest brand workshop. There are so many 'ecectronic owners' out there that can't repair the simplest of problems, some can't even properly name the parts of their bike. My bike has no ABS so I can't forget to turn it off for offroad,(or turn it back on) no Cruise Control and not needed as I avoid motorways. It has Analog Dials and a sheepskin instead of a heated seat. The skillset to ride ,service and repair punctures, brakes, clutch, chain and bearings for all those on long travels should be known by the rider( we can though forgive the female riders for not being capable or wanting to😉) So my favourite drink is now gone and me likewise, till next time Pavlin.
Thanks, man!
Pavlin! The new coffee machine at my work has internet connectivity and gives you sharemarket updates while you're waiting for your drink! Madness! 😆I love that the T7 is so simple - my Suzuki DR650 is even more simple. Heaven. 😊Thanks for the link to Vasil Levski.
Welcome to the modern reality!
The most important thing with the new GS is the feature that lowers the seat height when driving below 25 km/h or so, to make it easier for shorter riders to get their feet on the ground. Another very useful thing is the electric assist of the main stand, which kind of helps you put the bike into the rest on it.
How do you want to drive through Transylvania without these and conquer the vampires? It would be interesting to see, when a GS driver enters a shop in Africa to get his main stand fixed... but that just me being very sarcastic...
It´s just ridiculous but there seems to be a market for all kinds of stuff, and German car industry did set this standard of having mile long add-on lists.
There was this joke here (I am German) some time ago: oh, you want seats in your car? But you didn´t check the seats box on your order - too bad...
Modern reality!
You are right. I'm from Britain and speak to many riders who prefer the old reliable boxer twin BMW. I still ride a Triumph tr5t, and enjoy it !
Hi Pavlin -I agree totally with your comments. I live in Central Mexico but before retiring I worked for several years based out of LA in the USA. Whilst there I bought a BMW F800R for leisure riding in my freetime. It was a nice bike and not overly complicated technically but it had one major problem. It was expensive to maintain if and when things went wrong. For example, it developed a leaking water pump gasket which, apart from resulting in me having to change not just the gasket but the whole cover, the radiator needed to be filled with coolant under vacuum which I had to have done in the service agency at considerable cost. Almost all of the 'hi-tech' features you mention are fine until something goes wrong and if you are unfortunate to encounter a problem you better be prepared to get your bike into a service agency and shell out a lot of money to resolve any issue.
I retired in 2020 and returned to my home base in Mexico and thought about taking the BMW back with me but after considering the difficulties I would encounter if the bike ever failed on me I decided to sell it and buy something less complicated 'tech -wise' withn proven reliability where I could undertake a lot of the general maintenance tasks myself. I settled on buying a 2020 Honda NC 750x with dual clutch transmission. Note - I chose the DCT version over the manual one because I have a weak left knee and ankle after a previous accident and I immediately felt more comfortable riding a bike where I didn't need to use my left leg for gear changing. The bike does have traction control and ABS plus DCT ride modes but most of the other features you mention are missing and in my experience aren't necessary for me to still get a lot of pleasure out of riding. Another most important benefit of going this route is that the selling price of this bike was far less than any comparative 'hi-tech' bike in its class.
I've ridden bikes for most of my life beginning in the late 60's to date and there is no doubt that bike technology has changed dramatically over the years and mostly for the better but I often think that many of the modern hi-tech features of bikes are not essential and not having them doesn't mean that you can't enjoy riding.
Thanks for sharing your comments in this video
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your story!
Sarcasm is a sign of intelligence! You made me laugh especially with the Christmas lights... I own a Benelli TRK 502X that has no electronics except ABS. I have done a lot of trips around Cyprus, I went to places that didn't know about, villages that I didn't know their names, and with every chance that I get I try to ride as far as possible. I never felt the need of more gadgets. I believe that they don't make you a better rider anyway.
Thanks for sharing!
you took the words out of my mouth. These are nonsense that will get us into trouble soon. I miss dr650 xr650 ktm640 style reliable light pure machines. If I have a chance to buy one of them Im ready
Welcome to the modern reality!
Great video, valid points that in today’s consumer world are often forgotten but need to be remembered. Thank you for the reminder, Pavlin!
P.S. Pavlin should be Yamaha’s T7 ambassador- through his inspiration, he has sold more T7 than Pal Tarres probably! 😁 Keep it up! 👍🏻
My pleasure!
I will correct you a bit. Industry create something new (in most cases not necessary what we need or want) and then tried to convince that we must have it. This applicable to mc market, phones, cars and so on.
Thanks for good video!
Exactly!
Pavlin , I do agree with just about everything you've said regarding over the top modern electronics on the bikes. What these do is take away from what motorcyclists should know, learn & adjust within themselves to effectively and safely ride motorcycles. We (I'll be 70 next yr) have learned to ride on drum brakes, no electronics, none of the creature comforts that take away knowledge.
But I will admit I do now ride a GS1250. Ive been riding since 1972 w my 1st bike being a BSA 441 Victor Special, w absolutely no comfort features :o)....I do feel safer on the BMW * it's hard not to.
Like drinking from a hose, playing sticball in the street, making home made motor bikes with lawnmower side shaft engines, times change.
I subscribe and follow you with the utmost respect & e joy and value your input.
I'm worried more about the future of this country with the Woke youth of today than possibly a safety item on my bike that "may" save my life.....
Thank you for your channel!
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your opinion!
I'd agree the 'woke' madness is more worrying but you have to admit Pavlin is 100% correct here, this is all driven by marketing and selling overpriced useless troublesome tech to numpties who know no better.
I love your sarcasm. It's right on point and probably even too mild. You should "let yourself go" more often.
Will do!
hi , absolutly agree , when ever i met a bikers at a ferry terminal or on the road somewhere i always have the oldest scruffiest bike , a 2005 v strom 650 but when i talk to the other bikers i usually discover that i'm going the furthest and for the longest time . met a guy this year who had the new ducati desert thingy with all the ducati gear must have been 30000 euros worth , he was only going away for a week . its just ridiculous
Thanks for sharing!
Simplicity creates beauty...
...and reliability!
Agreed 100% , most of my life ( I am mid 60’s now) I was riding bikes with NO electronic. Looking at the proposals these days this is what I thing, ABS useful yes but you can live without if you learn how to break properly and don’t ride like an idiot… Traction control…? That tells me the bike is too powerful , electronic suspension? Probably OK I suppose, never had one. Hill Assist for a bike is overkill, I have it on our BMW car… anyway I like to ride a bike not to program a computer which ride the bike… that is the trend theses days with everything unfortunately. Cars are taking away the driving pleasure and are also full of electronics…
Welcome to the modern world!
My list is fairly small:
must-haves: Reliability - GPS - ABS (due to legal reasons in Australia) - Low Seat Height - Low Weight - 250 to 650CC tops
nice to haves: DCT transmission - Cruise Control - USB charger
Everything else I can live with, as long as it drives comfortably
Fair enough!
I wanted a modern reliable bike with no gimmicks so I bought a 2021 MT07. Nothing but ABS.
Good!
Awesome. Love your YT channel, Pavlin!
Thanks, man!
I agree with you 100% Pavlin. The proof is that I ride a BMW 1200GS of 2007 with nothing but ABS. Easy to ride and very easy to maintain. All my friends have the newer models and are constantly visitng the BMW dealership because of little problems that require the bike to hook up to some computer and re set the problem. I will stick with my old model until the end. Thank you for making this clear to everyone. Safe travels. 😀
Fair enough!
Not even heated grips ? My friend had a K1200s it was really low spec for a bmw only had abs nothing else. He was envious of my heated grips on my f800gs. He only wished the first owner had speced them.
You are spot on. I bought a vstrom 650. It has no rider maps and I can permanently switch off traction control. I wish I could remove ABS too. I've been riding since 1981 and never needed ABS or TC. I know how to brake and to control the throttle. These adventure riders keep paying out for the latest over priced touring machines every year to keep the tinkering designers in business. I still prefer riding my 80s Guzzi Le Mans. Carbs, Gears, brakes and a throttle. All you need is there.
Thanks for sharing!
this wise advise not only applies to motorcycles, it applies to everything besides daily food and necessities. Very good video!
Thanks for taking the time!
You are very right here @Pavlin. We are the only ones responsible for this!!!
This is the truth.
Not only has technology changed what is available, manufacturers are also responding to new customers. Growing up in the late 60s and 70s, what people are looking for in a motorcycle has changed. Adventure riding is the future, the industry has returned to 300-800cc engines on Adventure bikes like the Tenere, the Vstrom, BMW, et-al. Newer riders aren't as interested in cruising on the highway as they are in traveling the backroads and trails. Nobody is to blame, motorcycling is just evolving. I bought an XR650L in 2016 and started doing some of the local adventure and BDR rides. I think next year, I will purchase a Ural Patrol. I have been on Harleys since early 2000s and from the early 80s to early 2000s, I was interested in large engine cruisers like the SUzuki Intruder or Honda Shadow type bikes. Great video, thanks.
Thanks for sharing!
You just NAILED IT!!!
Perfect.
Thanks, man!
Just couple of days back i was telling my wife, what wrong with people and manufacturers we dont need radar on back on front on right on left what is this, on just two weels, how can you ride when your dashboard keeps you busy.
I think you need a driver and you sit on back and enjoy ride 😅😅😅 this is what happen.
I am very grateful that you have effort and point out such eye opening subject 🙏
It is my pleasure and I hope that will help to at least one person to make the right decision.
one of the best moments with my Tenere was when i fixed a poor mans cruise control with a cord wrapped around the handlebar next to the throttle grip, it adds friction and prevents the throttle from closing when its pulled really tight.. it always losens up after moving the throttle so there is no danger ... it just gives you the ease of taking your right hand off the handle bar. Its a whole new experience, somewhat magical to sit on your bike and it takes you for a ride without havong to do anything at all ... like a magic chair or a flying carpet ... i just love it every now and then ...
Thanks for sharing!
Best video yet. well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your work... You are 100% Extremely right! Жив и здрав да си! Поздрави от Силистра!
Благодаря!
You are just the BEST. The "KEY to freedom" is safe with you.
Thanks for watching!
That is why I step back from modern bikes to 1998 Pegaso, no electronics, pure joy :)
Thanks for sharing!
Well said Pavlin . I'm afraid people will always pay for gadget's and electricary. Rather than learn and hone their own skills.
Yes, this is the sad reality!
Agree with you completely. My 106hp 2020 1050XT is plenty powerful enough and features legendary Suzuki reliability and cost me less than half of a KTM 1290 SAS. That 160hp would just fling me faster off a mountain hairpin curve. My '08 GL1800 Airbag with 80,000 miles? Same. My 2012 Jeep Rubicon with 239,000 miles, with lifetime warranty? Simpler and more reliable than the new ones. Spend the money traveling is what really matters. Thanks! Ride safe
Thanks for sharing!
Those Goldwings are damned near indestructible. Same thing with the Suzi I guess.
Thank you Pavlin. Totally agree. Fortunately, there are plenty of people like you....i think thats why Yamaha has been able to sell the Tenere 700. 👍🏻👍🏻
God bless you. Take care.
One of the last simple motorcycles on the market.
Absolutely agree with you Pavlin, and let me add another reason for new riders, you are a very experienced one but I'm a newbie compared to you and I think what I'm about to say is very important for new riders.
I choose the T7 myself for many reasons, but one of the reasons is the lack of those electronic assistant devices, mostly traction control and various mappings that change the way the bike behave regardless your controls.
You know why? It's simple, because I have to learn and I want to learn from my bike.
I think that a bike with something (electronics or not, it doesn't matter) that change how the bike respond and behaves on the road is a bad teacher, it makes you rely on something that maybe you'll not find on another bike (maybe a rented bike for example, or your friend's bike), how would you react if you're so dependent on those electronic aids when you don't have them?
A bike without electronic aids is a better teacher for new riders, it makes possible to properly understand how the bike handles, how to ride it, to understand when you're pushing too much and you're taking unnecessary risks.
In a few simple words it makes you a better rider.
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom my friend!
Cheers from Italy
Absolutely! Direct feedback from your motorcycle is very important!
The same message that I try to spread on my channel👏👏👍
Good!
Hi Palvin, this is a very funny segment. I love my 2010 F800gs. I can turn ABS on or off. Thats all.
Good. Enjoy it!
Its all gone quite mad. Pailin. Won’t be long before we are all plugged in at home for our motorcycle journey. Hopefully someone else will see sense ! Great vid!
The future is coming...
They (bike manufacturers) forgot to add ARM feature to bike """AutoRiderMode"" where rider can just sit on bike eating burger & beer watching football or Moto GP 😂😂😂😂
They will in the near future...
@@motorcycleadventures Thanks Sir Palivin u share ur experiences great 🙏❤️from🇮🇳
Oh,pavlin,you speak directly out my thoughts! I own my 2nd r1200 gs.its from 2016 and has all those gizmos you could get that time! I m sooo rid of this tank now! Nex season i ll purchase a 39hp single cylinder with just 150 kg and only abs as feature! Than i ll do all the trips i didnt trust me to do,cause i m traveling allone, and i always was scared with heavy bmw! I am so looking forward! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing!
The title of your video is very appropriate "this is madness " and the direction the motor industry in general is moving is maddening, technology is being forced upon us,in nearly every aspect of our lives,and getting out on our motorbikes has been one of the ways a lot of us have temporarily excaped from this.The fine tuning our skills of controlling the bike gives us a sense of achievement, as does the maintenance of our machines, by making motorcycles that can not be maintained by the owner,and can not be controlled (unless the latest software update has been installed)well thats taking a lot of the joy of motorcycling away from us, but we do have a choice as mentioned "supply and demand" we can just not buy ,keep our old machinery running,buy second hand bikes that are a bit" old school ".Some people will always want the latest bun not necessarily the greatest product released on the market, and maybe if i had lots of money I'd do the same,but would like to think not. My cars 22years old, and my nc750s is a very young 8years old,both mechanically sound and easy to keep running..
Well...welcome to the modern world!
1982 was the peak of motorcycle sales in N. America. I was in my twenties as probably most motorcyclists on the road at that time. It took a single screwdriver and one screw to access the headlight and change a light bulb, try that on a modern bike on the side of the road in the dark. Self cancelling turn signals and pointless ignition was an electronics improvement that really made a difference in safety and reliability. After that the manufacturers could have done without the electronics engineers. The sales brochures at the time listed power and torque curves on graphs along with quarter mile times.
I don't mind that these modern bikes are made and people spend fortunes to buy them but make something inexpensive simple and practical too please.
Pavlin you must be aware of Ed March who made a point in his adventures on a Honda c90 poking fun of BMW.
Thanks, I enjoy watching your videos.
Thanks for taking the time!
I like it as straight as it can be "Do not let it be guided like 5 years old" 🤣
Good analysis. I realized few months ago that some of my young fellows are scared or don’t even dare riding an « old » bike without ABS because it’s too dangerous when it’s raining ! 😂
This is the result of these modern features.
I wanted a new bike this year as my old virago 750 was getting to heavy for me , I ended up buying a new rebel cmx500 , the only thing that’s a big difference from the virago is , abs brakes and a slipper clutch and full injection, so as you say why pay for something you don’t need, this is another reason I got the 500 instead of the 1100 rebel .
Thanks for sharing!
Bang on right. Simplicity is underrated.
Yes!
After 55 years of riding I have had to buy a smaller motorcycle because of bad arthritis in my right knee and left wrist. I changed from a BMW GS to an NC750X DCT. I bought this in August with 827 miles on the clock and I love it. First thing I did was jump on a ferry to Spain and now it has 11,000 miles on the clock, I can’t believe how much easier it is to ride than the GS. The DCT means I don’t need to be using a clutch in heavy traffic but the manual gearbox in sports mode is great fun on the open road. That piece of technology works well but the ABS is to intrusive when pressing on at speed. It cuts in way to early, apparently this happens with a lot of Japanese bikes.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
That video was hysterical, but sadly true. Thanks for putting it together.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bonjour Pavlin et merci pour tous tes conseils.
Je voudrais te poser la question suivante. Je possède actuellement un 650 Vstrom que je trouve trop lourd pour moi je mesure 1,70m. Je trouve des Tenere 660 2008/2009 a 3500€(c’est mon budget maximum) mais elles ont souvent entre 80000 et 100000kms. Penses tu que cela soit une erreur d’en prendre une avec autant de kilomètres?
Depends on the condition of the bike.
I totally agree with you. I gave up on GS’s and now run a Royal Enfield Interceptor….ABS and that’s it. And it’s brought back fun into my riding!
Good!
Absolutely spot on. Function over Features.
Exactly!
Oh boy Pav! Great discussion and I don't know where to start but your points are spot on. But........as I discovered many years ago when I started bicycling, I found the added gizmos added positively to the activity, e.g., proper shorts, shoes, helmet, stiffer frames, etc........and at some point, enough is enough. To your point concerning a humble motorcycle, agree with you to a point. I'm a full blown Ducastie.....hit me at the age of 16, lust at first sight an haven't been the same after yes, 50 years! So.........do I like the features of my multi, you bet! Do I use them all, no way. (no way am I going to connect my phone up; swear by a good map any day) But.....when motoring along the western reaches of Kansas, believe me, cruise control is a life savior! Agree also with learning your machine as you pointed out the pleasures of figuring out how to set up one's suspension. On the down side, the price I pay for my lust is the apprehension of performing engine maintenance; no problem with valve adjustments on previously owned Vstrom and FJR, but the Multi....no way!
Oh, I do have hill assist and when I bought the machine, didn't know it was available, stumbled across it after pursing the owner's manual! Anyways, love my bike with the tech.......does it give me the freedom as your describe, you bet!
Thanks again my friend!
Fair enough! Enjoy your rides!
This video absolutely hits the nail on the head.
My 7 year old base MT10 has plenty enough basic electronics. I don't want any more.
My Yamaha was under £10,000 new back then.
My Yamaha has been totally reliable.
Probably the best bike buying advice I've seen on TH-cam.
Saying all that BMW will sell boat loads of those new GS1300's and most will buy the fully loaded most expensive versions (because they're the best 😞)
Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this message. I'm a new rider and I'm trying to start but yes the market has made me want the top model but I'm going for simple and reliable. ❤
You are so welcome!
My 1982 Honda 500 single purchased in 1989 and still running strong in 2023, happily used almost every day
Good, enjoy it!
I'm happy to live during a time where we have a choice of rides... GS, TENERE or a mule if you like. I enjoy the simplicity of my 2001 BMW RT as well as the advances in my 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200. The good news is old bikes with low miles are cheap!
Thanks for sharing!
When I got back into motorcycling my measuring stick was from the early 1980's. No adventure bikes (you rode what you had - and off road? That was trails or simply bush wacking). GPS didn't exist (outside the military), cell phones - so many things simply did not exist!
Now somethings I welcome whole heartily - electronic fuel injection, chains that last more than a trip or a year, better tires etc. Some other things, not so much (digital dashes - I prefer two round clocks please). But hey, there are a ton of choices for us and we can pretty much buy what we like, avoiding the fluff or embracing it. My main complaint - I think bikes should be cheap to run and many get mileage what a car will give - and the car adds AC, heat, protection from rain, quiet ride etc. And you can easily ride all year around. I'll stick to my frugal bikes or take the car.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your opinion!
@@motorcycleadventures Back then the Internet wasn't even on anyone's radar so the idea we could share thoughts and opinions with folks from around the world - well, it would have boggled the mind! Still does kinda. :)
Welcome tot he modern world! Not everything is bad.
Pavlin, I really like the way you present things. You say what you thing. You are one of the reason I bought m’y Tenere. And so happy with. I did of road with it, and it’ si so cool. Happy to not spend Time to change settings of m’y Tenere. When I Go of road. And I’m feeling confident with, as I have some rest of mechanic, I will be able to do things easily… thx m’y friend 💪 you’re so right. Nice to have a remember about industry and marketing. 😊
I appreciate that!
the best thing i've heard in a long time. you have a cruise control to keep you from driving too fast, and it's ridiculous what's on it. it's just not fun to drive anymore. I also have such a luxurious motorcycle, and I don't even enjoy it. I'm hesitating about purchasing a different/simpler motorcycle.
Thanks for sharing!
What is the pleasure of riding a motorcycle that does everything for you? The good part of traveling is feeling connected to the bike and every action you take the bike responds immediately, and the more electronic it is, the more things to break.
I agree, but...
Hi Pavlin, Let me play devils advocate. Just one question when reviewed the R1250GS 2-3 years ago did you not love it?
I like it very much, and I never said that they are not good bikes, but this does not mean that I will ever buy it.
Excellent, I like your sarcasm. I'm an old geezer riding old bikes and an old car. Without any of the modern conveniences. However I just obtained a 2001 R1150RT. With ABS, Brake Servo, heated grips, adjustable screen. Out of these 4 I can do without the Brake Servo and the adjustable screen, the other 2 are really nice and beneficial. And I do appreciate that a few generations younger, people who grew up with smartphones, these guys and girls will appreciate all the gadgets. As I see it, it is not for me, this is for the young ones. Things change, I'm OK with that...
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Pavlin you hit the nail on the head. Today it is becoming almost impossible to purchase a simple motorcycle. My humble current motorcycle (a 200cc, 20.5 bhp engine) doesn't even have fuel-injection or ABS. I prefer it that way. Me, my skill, my bike and all the riding pleasure. Planning on keeping it for as long as possible. Its latest variants come with fuel-injection, ABS, bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation etc. Don't fancy any of it.
For me, simplicity has its own beauty, quality.
Thanks for sharing!
How right you are. I totally agree. It would be a pleasure to meet you in Greece
The world is not so big...
In the 1980s I was a relatively poor student. Me and my mates road all over New Zealand in old bikes we bought and repaired ourselves.
I had an old Honda CB250 which never missed a beat in 5 years I had it. The only tech was front and rear drum brakes that didn't rely work very well. I had a rack for my pack and travelled with a rope and a plastic tarpoline with which we made a fairly uncomfortable tent. We'd stay at beaches or in farmers paddocks.
It was the greatest time of my life.
Thanks for sharing!