I have been riding my Yamaha WR250R for about 15 years, and although it’s a great bike, I think it’s about time for an upgrade. It’s OK on the highway but not exactly the most comfortable, and runs out of power going uphill or trying to pass. Also it’s quite tall and I’ve dumped in a few times by putting my foot down in a low spot.
Here’s my wish list in a replacement ADV bike:
- More power (it would be difficult to find something with less)
- Seat height lower than 36 inches (It would be difficult to find something with more)
- Something that makes power in the low and mid range, rather than needing to be wound up
- At least a decent suspension for lots of gravel forestry roads
- 18/21 inch wheels
I’m not too concerned with weight, I can easily lift any of the bikes in this size range. A couple bikes that caught my eye were the Tenere 700, Taureg 660 and F900GS, but I am open to other suggestions. I’m sort of out of the loop with modern bikes so would appreciate any input anyone cares to share
Did you find something yet? I moved to a Tenere after a few years on the KTM 390 adv and a klx300. Keeping the klx though.
Anyway Tenere is great other than it’s heavy especially with gear. But you say you are strong.
If you want to trade the Yamaha reputation for a slightly better at basically everything bike, and have the extra cash, the Aprilia Tuareg is a fantastic bike. And they have a rally version. But you are then dealing with Aprilia.
Otherwise I mean the klr is a great bike. But if you’re doing long highway at 70+ mph I think the klr might not be my first choice. It’s also heavy, and less power than you would expect from a 650.
There’s so many bikes for so many purposes and everything in between though. If you’re rocking the wr250 and have all the gear for that, just up size to a dr650 or something. Save money, same style. Idk.
TLDR: I’ve got a tenere and I like it. Not really a bold statement in this day and age. But I’m not riding it some of the places I would ride a wr250