Are adventure bikes boring?
Discussion
Had a very limited shot of a Honda Crosstourer and I'm not making a across the board judgement here but it was a tad boring. Competent, quick, protected, great riding position but not very engaging. Looked down at the speedo and was going faster than I thought, in fact for the speed I was traveling there was no sensation or thrill. As I said it was a very limited shot of one bike in the segment so it's not a blanket conclusion, but it would appear that most adventure bikes share the same attributes. I'd an Africa twin in mind at some point in my biking journey but I'm not so sure now, if I'm not crossing continents are they any use for what if imagine as being most people's biking*? As I say again very limited sample, are there exciting bikes out there or is it mostly an image thing ( Africa twin fascination for me probably was) or another reason? I guess I'm asking if you have one what's it for?
- I could see them working as a commuter chariot well enough though.
Depends what you want from a bike, I’ve got a speed triple rs and a africa twin, both are great bikes with different sensations.
I’m just about to change them for a superadventure S, I use the africa twin all year but use the speed triple when it’s warmer and sunny.
But I’ve decided to have one road bike to do everything and for me a adventure bike works best.
I’ll get a trackbike this winter.
I’m just about to change them for a superadventure S, I use the africa twin all year but use the speed triple when it’s warmer and sunny.
But I’ve decided to have one road bike to do everything and for me a adventure bike works best.
I’ll get a trackbike this winter.
YoK said:
Had a very limited shot of a Honda Crosstourer and I'm not making a across the board judgement here but it was a tad boring. Competent, quick, protected, great riding position but not very engaging. Looked down at the speedo and was going faster than I thought, in fact for the speed I was traveling there was no sensation or thrill. As I said it was a very limited shot of one bike in the segment so it's not a blanket conclusion, but it would appear that most adventure bikes share the same attributes. I'd an Africa twin in mind at some point in my biking journey but I'm not so sure now, if I'm not crossing continents are they any use for what if imagine as being most people's biking*? As I say again very limited sample, are there exciting bikes out there or is it mostly an image thing ( Africa twin fascination for me probably was) or another reason? I guess I'm asking if you have one what's it for?
Depends entirely on what you want it for. I don’t commute on bikes anymore (unless it’s sunny and warm!) but do a lot of miles travelling 4 hours to see family. For the mixture of motorway, A roads, coastal single carriageway B roads and farm lanes in all weathers my adventure bike is the perfect all-rounder. - I could see them working as a commuter chariot well enough though.
If you only ride for fun on a sunny Sunday afternoon, then doubt an adventure bike would cut it, but that’s not what they’re really meant for (hence why my other bike is a Street Triple...).
Lindun said:
Is a Honda Cross Tourer an adventure bike?
It’s marketed as one. Like most manufacturers’ efforts it seems to be a complete composite of sports bike, tourer and genuine expedition bike all rolled in to one (and thus distinctly average all round).They’re the Range Rover Evoque of bikes.
Not sure if relevant but a remarkable video all the same, a chap lapping the Nurburgring at considerable velocity on an Africa Twin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_89ePdB7KM&t=...
I'm curious about adventure bikes too. I've been commuting on a Street Triple R for a little over a year (my first bike) and, while it's fantastic, I think it's a bit wasted on the riding I'm doing, and I find myself looking longingly at the massive windscreens of passing GSs and the like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_89ePdB7KM&t=...
I'm curious about adventure bikes too. I've been commuting on a Street Triple R for a little over a year (my first bike) and, while it's fantastic, I think it's a bit wasted on the riding I'm doing, and I find myself looking longingly at the massive windscreens of passing GSs and the like.
As has been said, it depends what you want from a bike. To me, the ability deliver speed without fuss or drama is EXACTLY what I want. I also want a bike that is comfortable, composed, has a flexible power deliver and is "easy to live with". Many would find bikes that deliver those requirements boring, I find them exciting!
MajorMantra said:
I'm curious about adventure bikes too. I've been commuting on a Street Triple R for a little over a year (my first bike) and, while it's fantastic, I think it's a bit wasted on the riding I'm doing, and I find myself looking longingly at the massive windscreens of passing GSs and the like.
Considered a Tiger 1050?Pretty much half way between the two bikes you mention.
It depends what you use an Adventure bike for; I always think most of them are far too big, however for just Tarmac touring then they seem ideal. For a 'proper' adventure involving plenty of off road, I wouldn't want too many of them. Dropping a 200kg+ bike doesn't sound like fun.......
There are adventure bikes and there are 'adventure bikes'. They are for the most part the two-wheel equivalent of the rise in 4-wheel SUVs. A fashion statement. Just like nobody would seriously consider a FFRR, X5 or Q7 for an overland trip across Africa, most people who buy adventure bikes do so for the image rather than actual capability. Real adventure bikes need to be light, simple and easy to fix. That rules out most of the modern offerings. Most look the part but are heavy and laden down with sensitive electronics. I enjoyed my big KTM 990 but even that was tough to pick up solo (even without expedition kit) and I wouldn't fancy my chances repairing it by the roadside.
That said, 'adventure bikes' are great for poorly maintained UK roads, and even a few forest trails. The visibility above the traffic is good from a safety point of view and they are quick enough for most people. It's no wonder (like their 4-wheel counterparts) that they have been a big sales success.
That said, 'adventure bikes' are great for poorly maintained UK roads, and even a few forest trails. The visibility above the traffic is good from a safety point of view and they are quick enough for most people. It's no wonder (like their 4-wheel counterparts) that they have been a big sales success.
LimaDelta said:
, most people who buy adventure bikes do so for the image rather than actual capability. .
b
ksMost people who buy GSs want the legroom, the upright seating position, and the shaft drive. The 'image' is either irrelevant or a downside. I'm sure the same applies to Triumph Explorers and Honda Crosstourers.
Dr Jekyll said:
LimaDelta said:
, most people who buy adventure bikes do so for the image rather than actual capability. .
bksMost people who buy GSs want the legroom, the upright seating position, and the shaft drive.
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