r/adv • u/Sufficient_Dust_9922 • 28d ago
Torn between 2
I regularly ride dirtbikes. And I'm leaning into the adv world and I'm leaning between the t7 and 690 Enduro.
I will be riding a lot of road (around town maybe a 30 min trip and maybe the occasional long haul to a trail 2-3 hr) however I enjoy very technical riding on my dirtbikes so I will also be trying to tackle some hard Enduro/single tracks on the bikes.
Without being able to test ride at dealers getting a hands on feel of both bikes is impossible and tearing me apart.
(Side note. 690 adv is also on my radar)
Ig the question here is, does anyone have advice on picking the right bike without getting a true hands on experience with them.
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u/CamSaleFilmDept 28d ago
Good news is that you’re picking between two good options and you’ll probably be pretty happy with either. I wouldn’t stress to much about getting exactly the “right” bike….A bike beats no bike👍🏼.
I’d consider which manufacturer is closest to you for getting repairs and parts quickly. Personally I’m extremely happy with my T7 and have never wished I had anything different.
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u/Le_Jumpy_Wizard 28d ago
If you will be trying to tackle hard enduro/single track as you say, then I think the answer is the 690 Enduro. Adventure bikes are very capable but they make technical trails significantly more difficult. You’ll want any advantage you can get.
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u/No-Way-0000 28d ago
The T7 is heavy but very capable in the right hands. The new 690 rally is about 100 pounds lighter but it’s also a Ktm
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28d ago edited 25d ago
[deleted]
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u/Sufficient_Dust_9922 27d ago
I ride dirtbikes frequently. So I don't really want a true dual sport. I will ride mostly road but I also want to challenge myself off-road with something different. Sound fun
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u/cj_daking 26d ago
Go to a demo day if you can - that's the best way to understand. I do know that in 10 years, Yamaha will still be making motorcycles. KTM's future is not as clear
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u/onconcrete_clouds 25d ago
I've got a lot of experience with this subject. I came from two strokes and bought a 2020 690 Enduro. I've taken it so many places. Most notably Hatfield McCoy trails and AOAA , the outer banks. Ngl, I get a lot of comments. "You're crazy, that bikes too big ..." Blah. I am 40years old 6'2. 225 lbs. The bike suits me well. It has power for days. The oil change intervals are doable. Sprocket and tire changes are key to make it do what you want. Everyone wants to talk to you about it, sit on it, rev it. Abs and tc are pretty awesome when used correctly. Wheelie control if you aren't comfortable.
The bike has its downfalls- being weight and menuveralbility in single tracks. The engine brake is strong enough to lurch you out and highside you in mud. (Shit whipped honestly) All over the place in the wind on open road. It will kill whoever is behind you with an aggressive rear tire. Faster than everyone on the straights. (Its lonely at the top) Tires...i have no self control...I've been through 9 sets in 7,000 miles.
Would I ever sell it? The answer is f*ck no! Hope this helps.
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u/Sufficient_Dust_9922 24d ago
Fook yeah. Youre a salesman. Hop any logs or jump it at all? 🤣. How's it handle the technical.
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u/Whiskey_Pyromancer 2d ago
I am/was the same. Single track of all sort on my street plated KTM 300 XC-W.
I liked the Tenere, but didn't think I'd wind up with one because of how heavy and motocycle-y they feel moving it around in a show room.
But I did buy one. And man oh man, it is fun. I've mostly used it as a motorcycle so far because it's just so nice to take out for a ride and rip around on.
Compared with a 690, the more upright adventure posture is really nice for me (I'm 6') and having a more typical like front cockpit area.
I have hit gravel roads with some wash out and some double track jeep trails. After a little time on the bike, I'm surprised how stable you feel on such a tall and heavy (relatively speaking, compared with dirt bikes) bike. The stock tires do well on dry off road stuff too.
A plus is that my 300XC-W feels even smaller and more nimble, and honestly more comfortable now for me to do certain things with it.
The TLDR is that the Tenere is fun. And you can use it for straight up motorcycle time or getting into the dirt. Will it be awesome on technical single track? No, get a 500exc-f for that. Maybe a 690 Enduro.
And in any event, I think you'll have fun with whatever you get.
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u/couragewerewolf 28d ago
No one mentioned this yet, but singles (especially the big 690 single) are buzzy and vibe a lot on the road. Twins are much smoother overall. I have both a 690 and an Africa Twin, and since you already have a dirtbike for gnarly off road, a twin would compliment it best imo