greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
Kawasaki is out to lunch on the large DP bikes. The KLR is/was a dinosaur, and it's time it's gone the way of the dodo. The Versys do not count.Kawasaki is missing out on the Adv market unless the Versys lineup is what they’re expecting to cover that market.
This new XT700 ups the ante for both HONDA and Kawasaki.
Honda is doing ok. I'm not sure if the went in the right direction with the ATAS. They did bring out the cfr450L but it's a heavy dirt bike, and nothing else. The stock AT bills itself as a proper big ADV bike, that's capable off road. Too bad it comes with the worst oem tires known to man, and suspension that is truly lacking. Not to mention OEM forks that have a huge design flaw. Once that's fixed...it's really a good bike. Still a big and tall bastard.
The 700 will be a good bike. It's a great motor, will have gobs of ground clearance, and as long as they don't cheap out on the suspension, it should be really good. I'll be basic. Tubed tires, and switchable ABS. Basically the MT07 platform on high heels.
In the end, none of us will be ripping around farmers fields, and up alpine goat paths..the enviros are making sure of that.
Sure looks good in the vids. Think of it as the original tenere 750, but lighter, and better.
ok...T7 just announced.
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700
There's several flies in the ointment...
-mid 2020 release...18 months away...WTAF Yamaha?
-43mm forks?
-rear shock preload adjustable only?
wow wee..
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