Thread: Thoughts on larger 800cc+ adventure style motorbikes

@#the creeper For me, my height (195 cm) had a lot to do with my selection. I kicked tyres on a few ADV before settling on one. I found the BMW GS didn’t suit, it was low and felt a bit cramped. I didn’t bother even sitting on a vStrom, just so dated looking now, KTM 1190 was a good fit, I liked the power and handling and I might have gone back to that but for the Honda Africa Twin. The AT I test rode was a 2018 DCT. What a revelation that transmission is, so putting aside the great fit for a tall person, I would have bought it for the DCT alone. I shopped around and found Honda NZ’s ex demo bike sitting at Casbolts in Chch. It was a 2016 DCT that they had kitted out with all the fruit like hard panniers, heated grips, bash plate, centre stand, big pegs, aux lights etc to help move it on. Only had 360 test ride km on the clock so it was a no-brainer. So good in heavy traffic, can’t stall it, just blip and go. There are some things to think about for off tarmac setup. I have to come to a stop to switch off ABS, but I can change TC setting on the fly. The later model also has wheelie control which can catch you out on a steep grade.

Have since ridden the HD Pan America. A disappointment in terms of fit out and attention to detail. It’s like they rushed to finish it and used some street bike parts that really have no place on a bush bashing ADV. the engine was nice though.

Whatever you chose, I hope you enjoy riding it as much as I do mine.