Don't buy a Yamaha Tenere 700 without watching this first
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- #tenere700 #t7 #adv
My honeymoon with the Yamaha Tenere 700 is over. It's time to tell the truth about the good and bad of this bike. Is it worth all the hype?
00:00 Intro
01:27 Love: Engine
03:09 Love: Value
04:43 Love: Reliability
06:43 Love: Style
07:22 Hate: Top Heavy
11:43 Hate: Fuel Range
13:42 Hate: Suspension
17:37 Hate: Exhaust Hanger
19:35 Conclusion
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Cool. The bike looks really good in these colours.
There is other adventure bikes and reviews that I have watched for the past two years and I have not heard of a perfect bike that ticks all the boxes,this bike I will surely buy,reliability is everything on a adventure tour and knowingly it's going to put a smile on my face 👌
Looking forward to how this compares to the Touareg 660, especially in the pickup test
When lifting the bike, how does it compare to the Africa Twin? Do you notice the Tenere is 100 Lbs. Than the Twin?
Excellent honest review. I agree 100%. Thank you for sharing.
Am currently designing my own lightweight adventure bike by converting a BMW F650 Dakar engine from EFI to a Mikuni flat slide or a SmartCarb, and fitting it into a modified CCM 604 frame. It’s not an easy project, but it will solve all the issues with modern bikes, and still cost less than a T700! 🧐😎😜
Ride safe.
Peace
If youre 6' or taller, the "omg its so top heavy" thing is more like "aaaahhh this is perfect".
I only wish more people were as honest as you. First class review.
Yes, one of the best on YT …
Honestly is not what the social media monster or the marketing people want... but I will keep going this way as long as I can
this guy has great reviews....I enjoy watching and I don't have an adventure bike
Great vid👍. Loved my T7 but had to sell due to an old back injury recurrence. Absolutely agree, top heavy & I was never going to be able to pick this beast up on tarmac, let alone on a wet muddy bank in the middle of nowhere!
He love BMW so all he say about other bikes is only for fun! And the lifting a mc is easy and not this shit it shown here lol and only put the bike in a gear 1 or 2 gear and be sure to put out the side stand too before any lifthing of the bike as he ofc not mention yay.
Never can’t have a 100% perfect bike. Always a trade offs. Just leave T7 as it is. To me, it’s perfectly balanced with $. More “things” More $$$.
Yup, if you want more features just buy the KTM or bmw. If you want simple and reliable and affordable. Get the Yamaha.
Your review is spot on. Having owned the T7 for 2 years and done 22000km on it with no issues. The T7 has been a top seller in Australia and as you said, its not perfect but its flaws are few.
Was it bought in Canberra ?
It would be a best seller if it were available in other parts of the world too. Trouble is the Japanese plant is unable to keep up with demand while its plant in France has and still does. I think Yamaha has short sold the bike in North America especially Canada where I reside. Dealers have been taking deposits for the 22 model year knowing that there is no way any more 22's will be delivered. Unscrupulous really. Those putting down deposits now may not even receive a 23 model. Meanwhile Yahama produces other model bikes dealers can't get rid of. The 890's and Norden 901 are being delivered to dealers and these are for some 2nd choices due to reliability of KTM or Husky to provide sufficient wide spread options for parts and service. It's yet to be seen just how the Norden will present itself after all the free airfare, meals and lodging to TH-camrs and "influencers" hype has died down and some start putting some serious miles on the bike.
@@bcinspectorman There is the new 2023 model with double gas tank and it's more expensive.
My T700 has done 7000km under my seat. I would remove the fuel range from above complaints, and add crappy rear brake. I have tested my T7 properly and know it can (has) done 450 km on one tank, and it would have gone to 480. How?
Background:
On my previous bike, XT660R, I crossed the Australian Outback and thought (more or less correctly) that I needed the 26L tank from Off-The-Road. Though I could never get 26 litres in that tank and the extra fuel pump and taps introduced the only unreliable components to the bike, it did extend my range. I habitually got 500+ km/ tank, but riding with a Mate on a KLR with 22 litres, his fuel range was way less and we refilled together. He seldom failed to point out to me that I must enjoy transporting fuel axross the outback, since your range is effectively no more than the mates you ride with. The cost, the weight the effort and the frequent misjudgement due to complicated taps and pumps caused me a few embarrassing flame-outs. When I bough the T7, with a 16L tank, (660 has a 15L stock) I expected I would have to ad a fuel tank, but I decided to properly test it first. (I now live in Africa - Adventure Land🤩)
Test Results:
👉Riding like a lunatic 140km/h into a headwind, the worst I got thus far was 18.5 km/l = 296km/tank. In Africa where I now reside, its hard to find fuel pumps further apart than that.
👉At 130 km/h on the clock, (120 on GPS), I was unable to get less than 21km/l. That gives 336 km per tank.
👉On an experimental (deliberate test) at 110 km/h with no wind, I went on reserve (blinking started) at 349.2 km. I refilled shortly after, at 354 taking 11.8 litres. That's exactly 30km/l, better than the frequent 27km/l or the usual 25km/l. (This is when I ride alone. Riding in a group take more fuel)
👉I'm convinced that in a pinch (if you know the next pump is way far, or you don't know if they will have fuel) you can maintain 100 km/h and expect 400 km per tank. The trip computer will indicate the "litres/100km" and it works like this:
👉Next pump distance is 500km? Keep the L/100 below 3.2. How? Reduce speed. At 80 km/h, it will stay at 3 L/100. Yea, 80 sucks, but is beats pushing!
👉Next pump distance is 400km? Keep the L/100 below 4.0. How? Manage your speed, around 120 on the clock will do it.
👉Next pump distance is 300km? Keep the L/100 below 5.3. Easy, but there is a catch!
👉The trip computer on my bike is pessimistic. When it reads 6.1l/100 km, I expected 16.3 km/L and a fuel range of 262. But at the pump, I calculated 5L/100km. So... its quite pessimistic.
👉Also, the reserve starts to blink with more than 4 litres remaining in the tank, reducing the actual worry free fuel range unnecessarily.
My conclusion is that I do not need an extra fuel tank, as I have a good idea what can be done and how to do it. But there are factors that affect the expected range, and you should keep these in mind and you should do your own test:
👉Paniers will reduce your range. (On my GS, it reduce range with around 2km/l)
👉Larger screens and yes, crash bars, lights and bulky luggage (or a fat woman is to be avoided 🤣)
👉I rode with the Pirelli's the bike came with. Knobblies will affect the fuel consumption negatively, and road tires positively.
👉Tire and pear pressure: If your mates go fast, so will you. But they will run out of fuel with you 😜
👉We discovered that headwinds cannot be avoided and have a huge impact on consumption, especially on bigger bikes like a GS1250.
On a normal ride, averaging 130/140 km/h I fully expect 300 km per tank, which is ample. If I need 400km, I reduce speed till the consumption comes down to 4L/100=25. (25*16=400km)
I rode with a friend, he was on a GS1250. His fuel tank is 20litre, we had very similar fuel range, as he almost never got 20km/l. It was quite windy going west the first few days, with less wind coming east. I tested the top speed also, but will post a video on that topic.
My T7 honeymoon has just begun. My friend with his GS conceded that the T7 sounds better, is better priced, is fast enough, way more fun - especially on gravel roads, much lighter on fuel. He has not conceded, but obviously, the T7 is also sexier 😍and got more attention from just about everybody under 60!!
Thanks for sharing. Very valuable info here
@@BigRockMoto WOW! I'm getting a response from the man himself!! You really are the best reviewer on the www. I respect that!
Bring the fat woman and leave the rest, she could push lol
excellent information. thanks for going to the trouble and detail in your comment.
Very nice comment. Very much mirrors my experience a little over a year in.
The pickup test is what really makes for an honest review….nobody else does that important bit!
Yeah but once he actually used the proper technique it popped right up…
@@Mephiston21 "proper"? Check out Clinton Smout picking up a 570 lb Tenere using the handlebar technique. th-cam.com/video/L5pmEVIPl78/w-d-xo.html
A bit over the top really and not very instructional. Had he used the handlebar technique with the front wheel pointing up and locked he would have had the bike up in a few seconds even on loose gravel. When you put your butt against the seat and push upwards you also put enough force to push the bike sideways, away from you in loose gravel. Another way...th-cam.com/video/L5pmEVIPl78/w-d-xo.html
he seems like he needs to lift weights more often, it's really not that hard to pick up
That's the reason this 79 yr old never bought a Harley.
Sold my T7: I agree with all your likes!
1. Top Heavy
2. Computer/gauge is worthless
3. standing on this bike, no sweet spot
4. Seat is worthless
5. Needs a bigger gas tank
6. You have to upgrade everything for adventuring, and the cheap stuff is super heavy and makes the T7 a pig.
7. Could use more suspension for heavier riders.
8. My brakes were weak.
9. I paid 11K$ plus 2k for light weight racks, skid plate, taller windscreen, bark guards, heated grips etc
10. Motor is amazing!
11. Looks Good
On point review! So clear, concise, articulate and genuine. This absolutely sets the standard for an ownership review and I wish you all success so you can keep every bike you make content with in the future 😁
I greatly appreciate you for this.
I'm in MMI right now and was really digging the Tenere 700 for the future. Nice to see I should definitely wait a few years for the kinks get worked out.
with all the short comings of the T7, i'll take it before the 890r....reliability is priceless
Another KTM hater that can't afford one so you have justify the purchase , good for you and i well be out front of you on my 890rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Agree
I love how you breakdown the time stamps of the love hate. Excellent touch.
Excellent review! T7 owner here, I’m new to adventure bikes so the weight and where it sits does bug me, I also replaced the exhaust with the Hp corse high exhaust which sits where the stock one should have been placed from the start. It made me happy to hear that if it wasn’t for needing to sell and use new bikes to review that you would keep it. It is an amazing bike and I look forward to getting to know it well over the years
Another great video, Ian. Cheers.
I rode my CRF300L Rally 5000 miles in September 2021 with a friend on his T7. We did the MABDR and NEBDR plus lots of pavement. Our fuel ranges with the stock tanks were identical.
Which bike felt better suited to the conditions in those BDRs? My suspicion is that the CRF300L Rally was much less stressful in the dirt.
@@SWTrailsAndWheels i suppose there's a lot to say for personal preference. I loved the CRF on the BDRs, and my friend was very happy with the T7.
To really answer your question, there were some places (mainly muddy spots) we had to back out of because the T7 was too much to handle.
good info thanks
@@SWTrailsAndWheels my buddy has a crf300 and I have the t7 and I’d say the crf is WAY easier off road to handle.
@@texasdirtbikerider3335 I admit my dream bike is the CRF300L Rally. I’ll have to do some suspension surgery Day1 though but I love the platform.
Fantastic job, very smart review. I've cycled through alot of adventure bikes over the years because of spec's and bubbly positive reviews. Thank you for keeping it real.
I've not heard such detailed honest review so far, big thumbs up ...
Truly grounded, sensible and realistic appraisal. Many others fail to come anywhere near your perceptive qualities. Well done and Thankyou !
Ian is clearly delivering hands down, the best bike reviews on TH-cam. I always learn something here!
Thanks.
This is such an important review for us all. Presentation, facts, research, logic, thoroughness and candidness. What more could motorcyclists ask for? Ian is the master of motorcycle reviews (IMO)! I'm excited about the 2022 Yamaha T7 World Raid model. Will just have to wait for it to come to the US.
thankyou! this spells it out for me and I will still get this bike. Understanding the weaknesses makes me feel more confident in what I need it for.
tenere 700 is a machine that will make you sad due to its weight in heavy terrain that requires experience and some physical features, but will make you happy on mixed nature roads and asphalt. I knocked over the fender as a result of excessive mud accumulation, the front wheel was locked, it is not easy to lift, the nature of this job is to fall, the only negative aspect for me is +50 kg excess, apart from that, I love it so much I have to put it in the living room of the room and watch 🤚🤚 safe driving for everyone
I rode it last year in a test ride and loved it more than the v-strom 1050, but $19500 they are charging now in Australia is ridiculous. I decided to keep my 2015 v-strom xt for more a few years. At the time the prices were $17500 for the t7 and $15900 for the v-strom 1050 standard.
Cheers Ian. Great review as always. I'm thinking about one of these to do a big trip on. This wouldn't put me off but some good things to think about - and add suspension costs to budget. Nice one. 👍🏻
Thanks for the hard work. You're reviews have really helped me narrow down my choices for my next adventure bike.
One of the best reviews ever! Talked about the bike tipping over and actually demonstrated how the bike looks on the ground! Amazing!
Pretty fair and accurate review Ian. I love my T7 - best bike I have owned and perfect compromise for dirt touring and harder tracks. I suspect you will miss it a lot once its gone.
I miss it already
Great review. With a 29" inseam, the first spec I go to is saddle height, the second is engine size, the third is fuel capacity. You mentioned them all thanks.
Easily one of the best Bike channels on TH-cam. Informative, objective, I could go on and on.
Outstanding stuff!!!! Thanks so much for this level of detail.
Great review and I agree 100%. These are areas I have made changes to my T7. (And still more work to do)
So far I have
1. High exhaust
2. 48mm SSS KYB forks and tractive rear shock
3. Reduced weight as much as possible (Dry weight 187kg or 412lbs)
4. Acerbis 22ltr tank.
wow. amazing build
Could I ask what you've done to reduce weight aside from the other mods you mentioned?
How did you slim it down?
@@DanielHelc most of the weight savings are in the YZ front end and the titanium exhaust, YZ front wheel, single disc, smaller rear rim, tail tidy, rear foot pegs, bypassing ABS, acerbic tank and a few other things like 520 chain, smaller rear sprocket etc. it all adds up. Next on the list is front light. There is a lad who has manufactured a custom tank, which is less weight and sits much lower. This is not for everyone, but I like to tinker and have the tools/skills to do it.
@@rivercarson5763 comment below mate.
As a T7 owner I can say this is a spot on review. This is an awesome bike! I did however have to put on a heavier back spring which is relatively cheap. Otherwise the suspension is pretty decent for how most people ride.
My biggest complaint is how hard this bike is to get up. I like to ride solo and I don’t have much problem getting it up off of a hard surface but in off-road conditions where u are dealing with sand, or mud, or ruts….it has taken every ounce of my strength and sometimes some maneuvering to get the bike back up. U really need to ride with a buddy or have some kind of portable aid (which there are such things) to help get the bike up. I have had to ride more conservative during some trips just because I got so exhausted from picking the bike up….and that’s no fun!
While I would really like to own a Yamaha T7, (if I can ever find a new one), now, I'm an informed buyer with an understanding of the compromises I'll be accepting and additional expenses/investments to plan in order to meet my expectations. What better advice can you get than from an honest, articulate, experienced T7 owner?!! That said, I'm really looking forward to Ian's reviews of the Husky Norden 901!
Get an xt 250 then
Go to the gym
@@cristy20076 …How about ‘back problems’ that “a gym” won’t FIX?
@@m118lr in that case i would go for a crf300 :)
Good to see a honesty review, it’s hard to find among the.. well basically ads for the bike.
Excellent review. Thank you
Thanks for doing this. This is a beautiful bike but the top heavy nature, would rule it out for me because I am so short at 5'4" and I'm 67 years old. The range of this bike would drive me crazy. I have a Himalayan and I have almost the same capacity. I think your insights would be very valuable to anyone considering buying one of these.
You might enjoy this feature length Film on what it is like to ride a motorcycle around Australia. th-cam.com/video/ep0gmY1d85s/w-d-xo.html
@@MysticBarefoot Thanks for the link.
Come off to the Himalayas with your Himalayan 😁
@@RidingRootsAdventure I would love to. I think that I would buy or rent on India. Shipping the bike back and forth would cut a big hole in my travel budget.
This is a fair assessment. I own the bike and I will tell everyone the exact same things. That said, I see a lot of people going for the larger fuel tank which just makes the bike more top heavy. I would totally avoid doing that and go for another option. The exhaust is fixable. Just take it to a custom exhaust shop and properly rout it. You can even use the stock can. Loads of owners are doing it. When it comes to the suspension, again, in the very least get the bike resprung, or take it to a specialist - or better yet - get legit kit suspension. I see people in groups all the time overloading that bike with stock suspension and it's just pure cringe. There's no point in putting money into your luggage system and mounds of trash if you can't in the very least swap out the springs. The bike dives like a kamikaze under hard braking as it is, let alone radically overloaded with overweight rider and luggage. It's in no way safe.
I would also add that the bike NEEDS steel braided brake lines front and back. The rear brake is SOFT. The stock seat is trash. I opted for the Sargent seat. It's pretty awesome. Handguards - also rubbish. Thank goodness the T7 comes in around $10,000.00. It doesn't break the bank and leaves money in your wallet to refine the bike to your liking. It's an absolute keeper.
Great info. Thanks.
Hi Mike , Do you think the bigger acerbis tank add top heavy weight ? The plastic tank is lighter than the metal one
I was going to get one and found an available T7 last weekend. Your video has helped me pass on it. I launched off my 390 adventure today and fortunately has help picking it up. I am concerned with the top heavy nature but also want to do some road touring. Thanks for another good video.
Great review! Thank you!
I deliberately did not watch other TH-cam reviews of the T7 because I was waiting for yours. You put your own money into the bikes that you review and talk about the riding and ownership experiences, whereas most journos just discuss the former. Anyway your review was worth the wait - well done 👍
thanks!
As always great review Ian , and agree this bike needs to be challenged by the top motorcycle manufacturers as this is where a big portion of the market is at. And yes cost, reliability and simplicity does make this bike a winner👍
Wonderful. I own one. I agree w everything you said. Everything. And I’ve tried to convey to people what you have conveyed but never got to the right words. It’s like you have been reading my mind and the added value by funneling it through the perfect words. This video is a virtual dissection of my feelings toward this bike. Thank you.
Superb review with all cards on the table. Well done Ian!
Bummer your getting rid of it, but it is a fair review, I do love my T7. I will miss seeing this bike on your channel.
I just sold mine due to the weight and how top heavy it is. As a new off-road rider, I found the top-heavy weight combined with the height of the bike not really confidence inspiring. I'm excited though as I believe other manufactures will finally start making lighter weight adventure bikes given the success of the T7. Maybe I'll pick up a KLX 300 to learn on this summer. I'm excited to see the KTM 490 as I think that'll be the ideal. Anyway, ride safe all.
I love your reviews. The lack of nonsense, atrocious music and theatrics makes people concentrate on what you have to say and take your opinion seriously.
Excellent Explanation in detail Thanks 👍
Glad you commented on the welded exhaust connection. Swanky Cat did address this with an aftermarket fix (as you suggested those fixes existed). However, the easiest fix addresses two issues: protecting the exhaust and lifting a fallen bike. Pannier racks. They cover and protect the exhaust, and if one has panniers bags, the angle of the fallen bike is dramatically reduced. We know how I know. 🤣This ‘fix’ applies to all bikes, I suppose.
Two other ‘issues’ that you didn’t address, and I think the reason is because they had already been addressed by the previous owner of your bike.
Firstly, the linkage is exposed and most, including the OEM skid plate do not protect it. Some companies like Camel in Calgary, Alberta, produce a magnificent bash plate that has a piece of steel (like the one on your T7) that protect that low-lying linkage.
Secondly, the dash vibrates at higher speeds and off-road scenarios. Camel also produces two thin, mental brackets that stabilizes the screen. Again, I suspect your bike already had that addressed when you took possession. I could be wrong.
As always, your review is excellent and insightful. And I suspect the only bike you won’t flip is your GSA, unless that 3/4 GSA with backlit controls ever materializes. 🤣
Thank you! I wanted to mention those things but was afraid of a long video. Yes they were addressed on my bike when I got it. My perfect bike would be a R900GSA, give me a smaller lighter boxer engine bike!
@@BigRockMoto I sooo agree with you, BMW will make a huge 1800 boxer, why not a smaller displacement 800-900 boxer, I have a RT and it is so well balanced, but it is getting up there in weight.
As always, your reviews are of great value, thanks Ian. And how you compare performance of the T7 with the F 800GS or F 800GSA for on/off road long trips and touring????
@@BigRockMoto I keep a 21" tube behind the dash. Vibration problem solved. Easy peasy and free.
I love my 2021 T7 so far. Great review.
I did a review myself and there is a couple of small things you didn’t mention, mainly more relevant for wetter countries, corrosion etc.
But you covered lots of things I didn’t touch on at all. :)
Good to know!
Great job reviewing! Honesty is what I look for🤙
Your reviews are always THE BEST. Thank you!!!
Great review. I too like the T7’s styling. I guess the paradox is that its look is at least partially responsible for one of the four weaknesses you identified - its top heaviness.
Absolutely the best review done on the internet about this bike. I have become a huge fan of your channel as it better matches the spirit of riding that I am seeking.
I've had my T7 for over a year and half and absolutely love it. At 6'2", 205 lbs, the bike feels it was made for me. This summer I replaced the rear spring with a 200 nm one and I'm waiting on your next video to figure out what I do with the diving front end! As a very average Adv rider I don't find the top heavy nature of the bike at all a problem. For me the bike is so nimble it amazes me every time I ride it. But I know it is a problem, I guess, because it comes up all the time on TH-cam! The few times I have tipped it over I have been able to pick it up (61 yrs old, average strength). Not easy, but not really worth worry about for I rarely dump the bike. I do worry about the exhaust, but not being an aggressive off road rider so far so good. Although I might cough up the money for the Camel Adv exhaust at some point. I just added a Kaoko throttle lock as the last time I rode up the Alaska Highway I got tendonitis.
On a fun note I wanted to see how far I could ride my bike, so filled it up to the brim and went 80 km/h up and down a section of the Alaska Highway. When I made it home the bike was still running and I had gone 520 km!!!! Of course going that slow one needs to listen to audio books or you'll go crazy.
Looking forward to your video on the suspension and how to dial it in. Mine is pretty much a mess from my various attempts at adjusting it..
the front end fix is springs too. coming soon
Thanks for no midroll ads, I let opening and
closing ads run, in support of content creators,
I just close out anything that comes with midrolls.
Great review Ian....not many do what you do and mention the after-buying issues.
I love my Africa twin. I’m just under 5’7 and picking the bike up is ok but it’s no fun....and I agree, pick it up what feels better to you.
If I pick it up with my back to it, I have no leverage that way and pick it up easily facing forward.
People get sucked in softening the suspension to lower the bike and you said, you get into the harder ratio of the compression.
You said your T7 was a keeper when you got it but yes you need to keep moving on.....great show 👍
Nice video. I recently tried a friend’s 790 Adventure and I loved the stability and feel that the fuel tank designs gives to that bike. The lower center of gravity make it feel like it’s imposible to take it down and the bike wants to be always upright. And even if i didn’t drop it. It seems that the side tank also function as a good crash protector , and gives you a lot of range.
I don’t know why other brands don’t steal that ktm idea. Even as an optional upgrade for their bikes. I think it’s really a good engineering and design solution for safety and handling of this kind of bikes.
All the weight down low was a hallmark of KTM with the 9x0A; with a pivot point down by the feet it rides like a 1L dirtbike, moreso than the SE.
Excellent review Ian. You are absolutely spot on. I have this bike and my biggest challenge (for someone with a 29” inseam) is the height, which a lowered seat etc has helped with, however the top heavy weight is tough, especially on a full tank. It impacts the balance as well as
making it much harder to lift.
How about a Tuareg next, or maybe a Desert X? Obviously much more expensive though….. Thanks.
I'll probably end up with a Tuareg
I wish the seat was higher!
@@TheFoxyt2 Tried the rally seat? It adds extra height.
@@BigRockMoto Thanks for the vid. The Tuareg doesn't have the dealer support network, and is 'hard to buy' for many of us. But, the Norden, how about a full review of that? (I know its similar to the KTM 890, but Husky has put its own stamp on the design and execution IMO)
fantastic review. thank you
Excellent review. I am so tempted to get the T7 and reviews like yours really help to make you just sit back and and seriously think before impulse buying. Much appreciated 👍
Spot on as usual! I’m surprised that so few reviews don’t talk about the top heaviness of the T7 which is such a major thing. Which made me change from a T7 to a 890 adv r.
Many people made that move
Have you found the 890 easier to pick up? The weight differential is the primary reason I am considering a T7, largely as I get tired of picking my 800GSA up out of the sand.
@@MotoSaunter yes it’s a big difference for me. I could hardly pic the T7 up by myself which made me worried when I was riding it off road by myself. The 890 is much to pick up. It doesn’t fall flat on the ground like the T7.
Yes i have bottomed out the suspension on the t7 several times riding trails, but i still love this bike, mine has the tall seat option and taller Pro taper adv bars and this bike fit me better than anything ive been on(im 6'4 200lbs). This bike isnt the fastest thing but it makes all the power you could need on dirt and it sounds amazing with an aftermarket exhaust.
Good review . Thanks 👍
Nice video, and thanks for your honest point of view.
I'm also a T7 owner, to give some context it's my first bike, I'm a beginner (I got m7 T7 2 months after my driving license exham) and I did almost 12.000 Km on it.
I understand your critics about being a top heavy bike, but honestly I don't see how this could be a big issue.
Maybe it's because I'm a big guy (193 cm tall and 100 Kg) but when I ride the T7 I feel like I'm riding a bycicle in terms of agility and ease of movement.
You're not the first one I read or saw talking about how hard is to pick this bike from the ground, well I picked it only once but for me it was a piece of cake (I'm not a body builder 😅), I simply grabbed the handlebar with one hand, and the rear passenger handle (I installed the OEM rear rack frame, but there are also a lot of lighter options for rear handles) with the other one and picked up the bike with no problems.
Only after I picked up the bike I thought "Wait a sec... what about all those guys complaining about picking up the bike?!?" 😂
Regarding the fuel tank I'm sure you have more experience than me but honestly I can't think of a trip so long and without any gas station in 350 Km range, maybe some remote place in Mongolia or in some desert in the middle of Asia.
As many adventure traveller (and also you) reported a simple external fuel tank solves this really remote problem, and honestly if you're doing a long trip around the world 5 liters of fuel is not a big weight issue; personally I prefer to choose to travel light (with "only" 16 liters of fuel) or heavy (adding a tank with 5 more liters), instead of always travel heavy with 23 or more liters if fuel (ok, you can choose to not fill the tank completely but we know that everybody fills it up completely).
On suspensions I don't have enough experience to judge how good are the T7 suspensions and I haven't tried other bikes of this type to feel the difference.
For the muffler attachment you're right, it's not the best solution, but it's also quite rare to get an hard hit on it, for now the only video that I saw with a big hit the muffler was a crazy guy using the T7 as a motocross bike at crazy speed around trees.
This last two examples make me think one important aspect about this bike.
Ok it's a fantastic adventure bike on the dirt, way better for the average pilot than all the others, it makes offroad so easy even if you know nothing about offroad (I did myself and I never, ever though I would be capable to do offroad riding)... but it's still ad adventure bike, not a motocross bike.
Maybe it's the best adventure bike on the dirt, but it would never be as good as a light motocross bike, so imho there's no point in consider those things as a defect.
Like every other tool (because the bike is a tool, the objective is always travel, riding, explore) it's a compromise, maybe the T7 is the best compromise available on the market today, but it's still a compromise.
My 2 cents :)
Вие сте направили, възможно най-добрият анализ. 👏👏👏👍
Didn’t think about the exhaust issue. That’s a good call out. On the suspension every Japanese bike I’ve ever owned needed suspension springs / revalving out of the box so that is just something I plan on with every bike.
Not only japs. All bikes have completely fucked stock suspension setup
Even legendary ktm950🤷
Why is that is worlds biggest mystery
Great review, thanks!
Great review and absolutely on point.
I have the exact same bike. First thing I did was the suspension, fuel range sucks.
I don't find it top heavy but I get some may.
We are in New Zealand and I can't think of a better all-round ADV bike.
Love it
Thanks for a great review. The only thing I don't like about the Tenere 700 is the fuel economy/range. 150 mile range is crap. The old KTM 640 Adventure could go 300 miles.
We need a Tenere 400 or 450.
Great video.
I really appreciate the in-depth and honest review.
Cheers!
Very thoughtful review. The negative issues are invisible but significant to note.thanks for the info
Excellent, excellent video. Very good, honest information. I like the Tenere very much, but I am happy that I decided for the KTM 890 Adventure R, especially regarding the handling of the bike and the suspension. No problems in 12.000 km so far. Hope it stays this way, reliability is not the strongest point of the KTM bikes, together with the high maintainance costs. Again thank you very much for the video, ride safe and keep up your brilliant work. Greetings from Germany !
The 890R blows away the T7 in every measure of performance and handling. If it's reliable for you, then keep it and enjoy it
And this was what I was waiting for. Ian always does an excellent deep dive in whatever bike He gets. The T7 was going to be my next bike, but I am honestly undecided at this point. Thank you, Ian!
Why? Every bike has some flaws, here you at least know about the most crucial ones and basically majority of them are quite easy to fix (except top heavy issue).
I know, now I'm starting to reconsider as well. 🤯
One of the reasons I’m reconsidering it is because I can’t find one anywhere….
@@603mike
Crazy times! ("more civility", or whatever was imagined, comes at a cost some were happy for others to pay)
And yet, someone somewhere is looking for a buyer.
Hi, it is exactly my case. This is THE bike I wanted to buy to replace my grandma, my Africa twin 1991... The main issue to me, the real one, is the exhaust thing. Looking at the Husqvarna Norden 901, but I am not really convinced. Still considering the T700...
another excellent review, from the channel with no smiles... cher up man !
The best review I have ever heard. I’ve been motorcycle riding for over 40 years. The best part of the review was it made me think about how to select a new bike based on so many more considerations that were discussed. Thank you
Thank-you for the long-term ownership review perspective. The T7 ticks a lot of boxes for me except for weight and the fact that it is so top heavy and hard to pick up. I sold my KLR and got a CRF300L which is so much more nimble off-road and relatively easy to pick up. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the CRF300L Rally. I only miss the power on the highway; the bike can keep up, but there's nothing left for hills or overtaking. Mabey a two bike solution is best. I hope manufacturers will design competition for the T7 also, but weigh 50-75 lbs less and have a lower centre of gravity. I wonder what the Aprilia Tuareg and Norden 901 are like to pick up and look forward to your reviews.
I didn't have issues overtaking on my Kawasaki Z250, so I'm not sure what are you talking about. I also look into buying either 300L Rally or Versys 300, they're more than enough to travel within speed limits and MUCH less of a hustle off-road because of their weight.
Very well made rewiev👍🏻. Best regards from Denmark🇩🇰
Love your vids!
Nailed it. I love my Tenere 700, it is a fantastic bike on and offroad (I am in the lightweight bracket, so other than the massive fork dive under braking the suspension is great for me)
However. The top heaviness, and the fear of not being able to lift it (I ride solo offroad) are taking the excitement out of the ride, as I know I will struggle to lift it , if I even can. It means I am riding it more tentatively than I even should, which at times makes it harder work offroad than if I was on the throttle.
I keep thinking I should sell it, then I go out and have such a blast on it that I can't bring myself to.
Spot on review. Well said.
thanks
For the lift-off the ground, I,m wondering if a Sling with 2 hooks, that the rider would pass over his shoulder would make a difference, just wondering
@@jelau4851 I bought a motowinch from Eastbound, which is supposed to make it easy to lift a bike, but it still bothers me (I have a damaged shoulder, so I'm sort of limited I suppose)
Well there's reasons I prefer to go with a riding buddy. I can have more fun riding "closer to the edge". There's a competitive aspect of pushing each other to go at it a little harder and further. And of course someone to help each other out of a jam which we inevitably get ourselves into.
@@elgringoec That's great that you have someone around that rides. Not everyone is in that position though.
It is certainly a step up from the KLR. It is a shame it doesn't have cross-spoke wheels. Top-heavy + welded-on exhaust bracket = deal-breaker.
Great video, great channel.
I hope for exhaust as on old Yamaha's
Your deal-breaker is something that can be solved with (arguably) the best pannier racks for the T7, and an exhaust swap? Sucks to be you.
@@HRRRRRDRRRRR Still top-heavy, Frank.
Great video, Ian. Thank you.
Great video. Great content. Thanks
I agree with everything. The top heaviness is why I didn't buy the bike after test riding, have also seen many videos of people injuring themselves with the T7. Still looking for something that doesn't exists...
EDIT: I bought one because it was the best thing on the market. Great buy, been completely trouble free and I rode the bike through Africa for gods sake!
Sure, agree and it is better to wait than to just buy something for the sake of buying. :) Drop by buddy.
Yup. Still waiting for a 400-500cc single cylinder adventure bike. Honda needs to get on making a good 450l rally. That would be my unicorn.
@@212driller Sure. Will see if it may come out in 2022-2023. :)
@@212driller The 500 would be perfect.
Finally a review that explains how top heavy this thing is! After riding enduro bikes for ages, I hated how top heavy it felt!
Awesome video with great information.... 👍
Good stuff mate, I’ve just bought one as well, not delivered yet though, waiting on extras to come.
Paul from Australia 🇦🇺 “ we’re the T7 yes 👍 does have that cult type following “ and think 🤔 it’s simplicity is also another great aspect of this bike 🏍. Especially to older owners that don’t line all the tech CRAP 💩😂😂😂. Fantastic review and love your channel ( any chance putting weights in kg and travel in mm as well so all other areas in the world 🌎 that watch your channel.
I love the tech crap. People like you is the excuse manufacturers have for selling the same shit for decades. I hope KTM improves reliability .
@@fcalin21 , well the T7 speaks for itself that a lot of riders just want simplicity. Tech doesn’t make you a better rider getting out their riding does ., don’t get me wrong I think ABS is a great thing ( for the road ) and even basic traction control in my option is ok .
Very detailed and honest review. I remember truly wanting to buy one. With none available, however, I have been watching long term reviews, and for me, the hype has faded. The top heavy comments alone were enough. I really do not want to be dropping a #450 bike that's more of a challenge to lift than a #525 bike when the point of a lower weight ADV (To me) is to take it off road and not have to lift all the extra weight! - Frank
From another “old man riding”. I was thinking the T7 (#450) might be an easier bike to ADV ride (and pick up) compared to my ‘13, 1200 GS (#525). Perhaps not🤔. I really love the GS and I think this reinforces why.😁
@@svenhodaka9145 The T7 is harder to lift than your 1200
@@svenhodaka9145 I’m 29 years old, 6’ and 220lbs and I’ve only dropped it one time off road but I hope it never happens again because it was a mf to pick up!
@@texasdirtbikerider3335 yikes, I’ll save my back. When my GS does a dirt nap and it’s never laying flat which helps a lot getting it up again.
@@texasdirtbikerider3335 thanks for the warning. 53 next riding season and wanting fun, not pain in the forests of Ontario. CRF300L Rally for me I guess.
Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.
Thank you so much for making a good old school review video and not under cutting it with memes throughout the entire video. I cannot watch normal youtube videos anymore. Even quality people are using memes for almost every third sentence.
You are not, you present the information calmly and with no brain distractions like it seems that the newer generation needs by now or they cannot stay focused.
Great honest review of the T7. Keep up the work you're doing. Thank you.
Thanks, this is the best review of this bike that I've seen. I don't own one but have been on an extensive test ride - and everything you said I entirely agree with (except the reliability, which I take your word for, but I obviously didn't get to test it long term).
If I'm honest the biggest downside for me and the reason I don't own one was that it is a top heavy bike. I found this impacted both low speed handling and it's a real pain to lift. The KTM 890 is far superior in this regard (although I find the 890 to be really ugly and there are reliability issues).
I'm still looking for a successor to my KTM 690!!
690 is so old now. It needs a new frame and a shorter engine.
Hopefully youll get to review Tuareg soon. Love your reviews.
Was gonna say that, competition has arrived.
Your honest reviews have saved me a lot of money 💰. Thanks 🙏
Great video as always I’m thinking of going more off road ,I used my Gsa last weekend here in the uk [ I went to Yorkshire moors] it did fantastic but was super heavy &@21k was very worried about dropping it. Some of my mates run CRF300l they seam great but as I’m 22stone I’m too big for it I think so I’m thinking of going the T7 route with suspension upgrades. This video really help me with questions I had . Thanks so much for making it
Great honest review! I was looking hard at the Tenere 700 a couple of years ago. It is a great bike. I ended up getting a Suzuki DR650 and have modified it for adventure type travel. It does not have some of the nice features such as the Tenere, but simple and reliable. You have me curious as to what the next bike will be. Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro?
Cheers!
I've heard someone recently road PCH, CA to the Outer Banks, NC and crossed the United States twice on his ...twice. NAH!! Probable a rumor.🤣😂
@@verbalwidget7267 Hey Dave! I have heard that rumor also LOL!! Cheers Buddy!
Would be interesting to compare the T7 vs the 850GS vs the KTM 790/890. I know they are a price point above but they occupy the same space in the market i.e. the midsize ADV
You speak with such passion. I love your reviews!
Very informative video, thanks for sharing your experiences.
After getting a preorder and putting 2500 miles on it, I agree with everything you just said. I realize they're almost a one off, but I thought the Rally Raid-ed CB500X was better than the T7 in every way, except the engine. I put 15000 miles on one of those. I sold the T7 to pick up a CRF450RL, and after a Nomad 20L tank and other upgrades, I'm so much happier with my decision. Also - been watching your channel for a couple years now. Glad to see you're getting serious traction and expanding.
Thanks
Excellent review! Thanks for your opinions!
Thanks mate! Great review
As always, great and honest review. Regarding the larger Tenere I doubt we'll see new model anytime soon. There is probably too much competition in the large ADV market now. Yamaha seems to have no engine for this possible model, the engine from MT-09 is too small, it would be too close to T7. To be competitive, they would have to spend millions on development. And why spend millions on developing a new motorcycle if the T7 has been selling like a dream for several years without any changes.
A T9 with cruise control and heated grips would sell well!
One of the first things that struck me about the bike when seeing it was how the engine is like halfway up the frame. It is my understanding that this was done with intent though and plays a part in the geometry that forces the front down during acceleration. It will always be top heavy unless they abandon that design philosophy, which is unlikely.
The exhaust nonsense will likely be fixed in a future version. You can fix it yourself fairly easily though if it breaks.
The fuel range can't be fixed easily through design as long as that engine is so high.
I think it was put that high because using the existing motor and sump, while giving proper ground clearance, they didn't have a choice. It was part of the design of the transmission that put the drive gear up high and contributed to better traction. At least that's what I recall from the Fortnine video.
Triumph Tigers have a tall engine also.They get around the gas tank way up in the air by flattening the top portion and shaping the rear banana like and down under and in front of the seat.So it can be done.A large oil sump is common to the T7 and Tiger.However Tha large oilcapacity is what makes both engines very reliable.