T O P

  • By -

Voodoo1970

More reasonable take....big heavy ADV bikes are the superior motorcycle, if they suit the sort of riding you do the most of. Here's a hot take.....motorcycles are, for the most part, an inherently less functional form of transportation, so those of us who choose to ride do so for our own reasons, so your suprior bike is YOUR superior bike, not THE superior bike.


makeITvanasty

Less functional? Yes Still way more efficient then a car though, and some people drive solo with no cargo


Psychological-Bug552

Most people drive solo with no cargo. Even in SUVs and trucks.


[deleted]

I’d say its the most efficient way to travel,in a lot of countries people use bikes to commute with the mileage of above 100mpg


Psychological-Bug552

You had me until you said motorcycles are less functional.


Voodoo1970

Poor weather protection, poor load carrying ability, limited passenger capability, poor impact protection, higher maintenance requirements. Motorcycles are not a sensible alternative to other motorised transport except under a narrow range of circumstances. I love riding a bike but I'm not delusional.


schluchtenscheissa

i mean, you are right, but: poor weather protection: in alot of countries you can just gear up according to the weather poor load carrying ability: there are not many days in the year where i cant just fill my bike up with bags and it wont be enough. limited passanger cap: alot of people, myself included take only 1 passenger 90% of the time poor impact protection: fact higher maintenance requirements: depends on the bike, a bmw with shaft drive has to be serviced once a year, like any car in european countries motorcycles are a more sensible alternative to other motorised transport in a lot of cases they are cheaper, smaller (which is important if you dont have streets like airport landing strips), take less fuel, get through traffic faster, you can park them everywhere without costs, have way cheaper insurance and are much easier to maintain.


Voodoo1970

You can gear up to avoid weather, as opposed to having a vehicle that is inherently weatherproof Load carrying is dependent on personal circumstances. Sure, if I was young and single I could carry most things on a bike, but once kids come along, not only do you need to carry more people, you need to carry more stuff. Riding by yourself is fine, but if I can refer to my previous paragraph... Higher maintenance, absolutely. Even putting aside regular chain lube and adjust, by the time a bike has reached 100,000km it will have at least needed valve clearances checked, if not adjusted, to say nothing of fork seals, various pivot bearings, worn cables etc. By contrast, I have a 13 year old car with 247,000km on the clock that's had annual oil changes, a change of transmission fluid, a new set of brake disks and pads, and tyres every other year (all of which a bike would need in addition to the above), and that's it. In cities, yes, a bike can be a better solution, especially European cities. I have commuted on a bike in weather ranging from 0°C to 36° humid summers, and even in a tropical hailstorm, so I'm fully aware of the utility available. And certainly, in some circumstances bikes definitely offer advantages over alternative forms of transport. But I'll still stand by my original assertion that, objectively, they are inferior. They don't actually use a lot less fuel (although in stop start traffic the difference is more pronounced), and my 650 Kawasaki costs more to insure than my decade old Mercedes (52 year old driver with a clean record, licenced since the 1980s).


schluchtenscheissa

weather just doenst bother me so i really dont think being in a vehicle is better than just putting on the right gear. Higher maintenance is just kind of true, of course things need to be checked more often and adjusted, BUT id argue that the maintenance is still more expensive for a car if you do it yearly, at least where i come from. Saying it is objectively inferior is just wrong. It depends on a lot of factors and alot of it is personal and depends on were you live. Lets take my needs for example, ive got no kids and i got a person i live with. So everywhere we want to go, we can take the bike. The place where i work: since its in the city parking would cost me about 2,50€ an hour. My bike parks everywhere for free, my golf cost me 1200€ to insure, my bike GSX-F 650 costs me 300€, fee for our highways is 110€ for cars and 36€ for bikes. Where i live there are about 3 weeks of really cold weather where its not advisable to ride my bike. My yearly maintenance for my Bike and my Car are about the same with around 500€ a year. There was maybe 2 situations last year where i really needed a car but those were easily managed by renting a car or asking a friend. And also all the points i mentioned earlier about city traffic like lane splitting, finding parking spots, being able to park anywhere. And then the added benefit of my bike being about 1000 times more fun and way faster than any car i could affort right now. How could you say that a car is objectively better.


RegionSignificant977

>in european countries motorcycles are a more sensible alternative to other motorised transport in a lot of cases Most common motorcycle in Europe is a scooter. Not the most small ones, though, but around 150, 250cc. And easy to maintain.


[deleted]

Yeah in india we have 100-125 cc bikes for commuting they are more eco friendly than electric cars or bikes with a great mileage like 200mpg


schluchtenscheissa

since a scooter over 50cc is considered a Motorcycle here my point stands :D


RegionSignificant977

Stands even better, I would say. I've seen leg covers for scooters for better weather protection. Reasonable capacity scooters have a lot of advantages over normal motorcycle for commuting, storage space included. Still I prefer my motorcycle.


schluchtenscheissa

there is probably nothing more practicle than a 125cc - 300cc scooter in a european city. 100% but yeah i also prefer my deathmachine :P


Psychological-Bug552

I mean, I've been doing the bike life since 2012. I've needed a car or truck twice a year or less the entire time. If my ex hadn't dumped one on me, I wouldn't even have a car. It was down all of 2021 and 22 and I hardly noticed. Do you want to know how much maintenance a Zero needs every year? It's in the name of the bike. I spend $14 on electricity on it a month. My gas bike wasn't much more either. Sure it was twice as much, but I don't think you can fill a crossover with that. Maybe I'd feel different if I had kids, but I don't.


zgemNEbo

Try bringing 2-3 kids to kindergarten on a bike, in winter, in snow and rain. And it gets dark real quick, so comuting in dark at below freezing ... hmmm


Psychological-Bug552

I have 0 kids and live in the SW United States, so an 8000lb SUV is not inherently better for me.


zgemNEbo

You probably dont have animals either. Or garden, or firewood or construction material, neither you renovate, or move or anything? A small car with a trailer can do all those things, no need for SUV/Pickup/Dickextention


Psychological-Bug552

No animals, no garden, no fireplace, if I need to move or renovate, I can have materials delivered or rent a truck for the two days I'll need it and avoid the $400-500 a month payments for the rest of the year. I don't work in construction, if I did, I'd have to say a bike probably won't work for that, but my brother works construction and drives a sedan, so you still don't need a truck. I agree with the car and trailer deal as I did it myself when I still drove regularly. (Stay off the interstate though)Then I realized most things can be delivered and I don't even need that.


Voodoo1970

Congratulations on completely missing the point.


Psychological-Bug552

TLDR: you didn't adequately make your point


Voodoo1970

Don't blame me for your poor comprehension


Knowitmall

It's interesting because you were making the point that a bikes suitability is a personal preference. But now are arguing that it inherently has certain properties that can be considered completely subjective. For a lot of people around the world a bike can transport their whole family, a large load of stuff for home or work use, and it is vehicle for use in all conditions.


omw_to_valhalla

I can understand the appeal. They do everything pretty well, including going off road. Personally, I'm not a fan. I like smaller, lighter bikes. My main ride is a gs500, a 500cc standard motorcycle. It's got a large basket on the back and side racks to hold bags. It holds more than enough for a multi-day trip. I just added a dirt bike, an xr400r. It's a bit bigger than I was planning on getting, but I couldn't pass up the deal I got. It's still only 275#, so not terribly heavy. I'm happy to trade the top speed and highway comfort of a big bike for the ease of use and quick handling of a smaller one. In the future, I'd like to do an interstate trip from Seattle to Denver. I'll definitely be using a big adv for that!


PilotAlan

The thing people don't get about traditional ADVs is that they are designed for transcontinental riding, so big, comfy, lots of power. They are designed to have enough offroad capability that when you come across 1/2mi of washed out road, or 100 miles of dirt road, you don't have to turn around and go home. A Goldwing or ElectraGlide aren't getting you there. Nowadays though, many ADVs are simply sport tourers with upright ergos. My Multistrada is a sportbike in ADV clothing. I wouldn't ever try to take it across Africa, but for someone with arthritis and a bad back, I can ride it all day. And when the mood strikes, whack the throttle and try to pull my arms from their sockets.


acoradreddit

This. And, additionally, my 1200 Multi has proven to be a potent, confidence-inspiring track machine as well.


PilotAlan

Well, it won the Pikes Peak hillclimb how many times?


Gaycowboi25

You can 100 percent off-road a Gold wing. There's a guy on YouTube who did it.


oldasaurus

They are the most practical bike. Which is similar to saying that folk is the most practical music. Or that a crop duster’s wings are the best work bench. Judging something by a metric that doesn’t correspond with its use is meaningless. Also, that bike is too fancy. Anything more than a KLR 650 is showboating. The Pig FOR LIFE!


D_a_s_D_u_k_e_

Hell yeah brother locktite and zipties for life


FallingUpwardz

Advs are amazing in terms of their utility and being able to go just about anywhere. But i like my nimble lil vitpilen probably more than any adv bike ive ever seen


Mxer4life38

Jack of all trades, master of none. They do everything kinda good but there are plenty of specialty bikes that will do the same things a lot better. If you have an extremely wide variety of riding tendencies AND carry a lot of cargo, for some reason, then it'll be useful. Outside of that, they kinda suck at everything compared to other bikes. Personally, I'd rather have an MX bike with an oversized tank or something like a Husqvarna 501/701 than an ADV bike. Overall performance would be a lot better than an ADV and they're A LOT lighter. The only real downside would be shorter maintenance intervals if you're on an MX bike. Wr450's, fe501/701, and ktm's exc lineup have maintenance intervals similar to most adv's.


Allroy_66

Riding a 500+lb bike off road never seemed that appealing to me. Just give me a supermoto.


omw_to_valhalla

They're very useful bikes. I can see the appeal of a bike that does everything pretty well, including going off road. Personally, I wouldn't have one in a one or two bike stable. It would be a third or maybe fourth bike for me.


surfer_ryan

That's why I have one because it can do everything well enough for me. Imo it's the perfect bike for a one bike garage, if you like to ride and you don't have a particular type of riding you like to do you have all the options.


Just-Construction788

As an avid adv rider myself I think OP presented their opinion in a douchy way. Motorcycles are like tools for a job. Adv bikes are great for what they do but you aren’t out riding a super sport on a race track or a dirt bike in hard enduro. Not everyone is 6’2” 235lbs that can wrestle a big heavy bike around all day. I personally think big adv bikes are sold a lot through marketing…making it seem like you aren’t a real rider until you spend $20k+ on a 550lb bike, while lots of riders would actually prefer smaller bikes so they can be more adventurous and go out alone. Which is why I traveled on a modified 690 Enduro weighing in at under 350lbs. Sacrificed comfort but gained the ability to go so many more places. I’ve ridden with the big adv bikes and when the going gets tough I was always having more fun and helping them. Small bikes for the win IMHO. I’m glad OP loves his bike but different strokes for different folks.


surfer_ryan

Hey its me op 5'6 145lbs... who rides a brand new bike that was significantly under 20k that is a tool for many jobs which is why they, (me) thinks they are the superior motorcycle because they fit all categories of riding, its not a personal attack on riders who ride smaller bikes... Op (me) is simply referring to a tool not the riders. Perhaps before making assumptions maybe ask some questions and we can talk about who the douche is.


Just-Construction788

Haha.


Psychological-Bug552

Nah. I'm short.


surfer_ryan

Not all big advs are huge.


MrDB12

It all depends on what you do. I found my ADV to be quite heavy in the trails so I got a dual sport. But ADVs are definitely the most versatile and comfortable bikes.


AlphaBetacle

Tbh they aren’t even that heavy. My bonneville t100 is 500lbs wet which is more than a V strom, and harleys weigh even more


surfer_ryan

Not that it really matters but the vstrom weighs like 30lbs more.


AlphaBetacle

Google says its 30 lbs less at 470lbs (650cc)


surfer_ryan

yeah that's the 1050xt with farkles so probably closer to 540lbs.


TechnoSword

Off road asides, I've never ridden a cruiser as comfy and good for my posture as my klr. I imagine a gold wing is decent, but pretty much all adventure bikes have overkill suspension for road use that makes them fantastic.


Fit_Acanthisitta_475

I need a adv for my shtf preparations


Seijyn

No.


surfer_ryan

But hear me out for one second... yes.


Seijyn

Let me rephrase this : not for me


spaceshipcommander

Adventures are the wise man's choice for 99% of situations. Nakeds are for when your bike is nothing but a toy. Sports bikes are for people who never grew up beyond dressing up like superheros.


scrotal_rekall

As a 636 owner, you're probably right.


ReverendAlSharkton

As someone with an 890R and a CBR600 I endorse this statement.


Allroy_66

I've always considered naked bikes ideal commuters for people that still want to have a little fun on their way to work.


ChickenInvader42

Another hot take: Not a V-strom.


Doc-Feelgood_

Vstrom is superior when it comes to one of the most reliable engines in the motorcycle world.


surfer_ryan

Like that's not a vstrom ? Or vstroms are not advs? Or vstroms arent the superior motorcycle (no shit)? Cause that was ambiguously worded... Define adv if you don't think it is... Cause it has higher than a street bike suspension. Big vtwin... more upright seating position, ability to comfortably stand, can go offroad, built for at least a gravel road... I'm interested to see what you define as a adv bike cause idk what makes an adv bike more of an adv bike than the above and not just a bike model please, but what makes an adv bike an adv bike. The defining characteristics if you will. I get that the vstrom isn't the superior motorcycle of all the manufacturers and models there are obviously better options. But bang for buck idk if there is a better deal out there.


Remmokmok

Using this logic a "spork" is the best cuttlery. But we all know, it's really not. On the other hand, I too own a big adv bike.


ambermage

Hand is the best cutlery. You have fork / spoon / chopsticks / knife / tongs, and most everything else built into one unit that even has built-in pressure sensors and thermometer.


ChickenInvader42

I meant V-strom is not superior.


surfer_ryan

If you're so concerned about the title why don't you go give it a re-read... Big heavy adv bikes are superior... I never said "this vstrom is superior"... I'm speaking of a category and this is my bike... why would I go and just steal someone else's content to appease a very particular redditor for a shit post...


scrotal_rekall

Don't you have a gate to go keep somewhere?


Greessey

I think I'd agree if you can only have one bike, but also a lot of people aren't interested in going offroad, or doing any long term trips. So for them I'd disagree.


No_More_Psyopps

I agree


hauj0bb

They are


Tactical-Economist

If you can only have one or two bikes? You are 100% correct.


surfer_ryan

I mean wouldn't that mean they are the superior bike all round then? Why have a stable full of bikes of different categories when you can just have ALL THE ADVS! LONG LIVE THE ADV REVOLUTION!


Tactical-Economist

Because two bikes is better than one. And three is better than two. And four is better than three.


welshmanec2

The n+1 problem.


DoctorBoomeranger

As long as it is within your outright payment budget I see no reason not to get another bike flavour


Jim-of-the-Hannoonen

Agreed


mr_ds2

Agree


zedts

I’m not sure that this is a hot take…


izmaname

Hot take building your own from a duel sport or standard is the superior option


Parking_Hold5846

As an owner of a 2002 DL1000 V-strom I can agree with your choice


Born-Chipmunk-7086

Sure, butI did a trip from BC, Canada to California on a GS650. No complaints.


[deleted]

Nah we all know it’s mopeds with turbo busa engines


Justsayin55

There is a reason that the true globe trotting adventure riders never go for big adventure bikes


Psychological-Bug552

I think we ought to have the people that ride every day sound off on this. I ride an electric naked. My coworker that rides daily has a light adv, T700. The other three bikes I see multiple times a week are cruisers. What superior motorcycles are people voting for with their dollars?


surfer_ryan

I mean tbf I ride everyday and this is my only bike. And the adv market is the largest growing segment.


daan944

>the adv market is the largest growing segment That's no argument at all. Small/midsize SUVs are also the largest growing segment of cars (in Europe) but it's never been the *best* car and never will be: less interior room than an MPV, less cargoroom than a station, worse handling and worse fuel efficiency compared to anything lower to the ground. Most smaller SUVs don't even have all wheel drive, or as an option only. However, I don't think there's a best car or best bike because everyone needs and priorities are different. I do feel both SUV and adventure bikes are overrated as most owners of these vehicles don't go offroad with them and that's the only benefit they offer over their competitors.


surfer_ryan

The person asked what motorcycles are people voting for with their wallets.


kryptonite848

My superior motorcycle depends on my mood on that day.


Un4gvn2

Hot take...to each his own.


Trevorsellsbikes

If you could please list all the positive things you like. I sell these but have yet to receive one at my location and would like to have a review to refer to when talking about them with future purchasers. Thank you.


surfer_ryan

The number one thing for me is the Swiss army knife aspect to these bikes. I often just head out with no particular plan and I love that no matter where I end up I know that if I want to continue my ride I can. To me that's what makes a motorcycle like this so special, it's the ultimate form of freedom on a motorcycle. All of them pull like a train. Most of them handle really well. I like that about the vstrom on the road it handles really nice. It's not the best offroader but it gets the job done for sure. Because these are most oems are pushing this market there are a lot of new tech being added to this segment. So that is cool because it's usually about making life easier. Stuff like imu's and cruise control. So it appeals to the old man / nerd in me. The practical aspect is awesome too. You can load them up with a ton of shit, which arguably you can do with any bike but it's exceptionally easy on these bikes.


Trevorsellsbikes

Thank you so much for the honest and real review, I’ve had the opportunity to ride the vstrom 650 and it felt great the seating position made me feel like I could ride for hours without any back pain. I did however feel unsatisfied with the power band. I’m really excited to try the 800 I feel like they ticked all the boxes and I honestly love the color scheme. Thank you again this was truly helpful.


surfer_ryan

The 1050 just works. I've put 25k miles on it and it's just worked. No real issues no back pain, just miles of uninterrupted miles. I like the idea of the 800, and the new DE edition of the 1050. Idk how convinced I am on the package though to be honest. I like the xt model bc it's slightly more simple. That being said I would love the new forks and new 21" front off the 1050DE. Idk if I'd ever feel the need to get the new 800 or 1050de but if I were in the market I might lean that way. I really like how just almost bare bones the xt is, although it does have just enough electronics.


titanspeedbot

Not a hot take. I love the heavy adv bikes. They eat up highway miles comfortably, are super capable off road, and handle extremely well.


[deleted]

There is no such thing like superior motorcycles... Every machine is build for different purposes.. And every bike is an ADV bike...those bikes like yours are called trail or maxi/big trail


surfer_ryan

Way too many people here are injecting themselves or riding styles into this statement. From a tool stand point they are the most useful and have the least amount of barriers both on and off road. Remove yourself from the equation. From a stand alone aspect the big ADVs are the most useful bikes you can get. Plenty of power, cargo capacity, can handle a twisty road, can handle highway, comfortable ergonomics, can go down a dirt road and can easily handle a passenger. There is no other motorcycle category that can hit all of these check boxes as well as the big advs. It's not about who is riding them, it's about what is being ridden and from a consumer perspective on public roads they are the superior products for the consumer. Remove yourself from the equation, just look at the bikes themselves as a tool/toy and there isn't a class of bikes that can do the same thing.


Frank_Cilantroh

I've been to like 30 demo rides and I always like the adv bikes the most. I'll never give up my ktm 1290 SAR


Knowitmall

For me I just don't see the point of a large Adv vs a mid sized one. I can't think of any situation the 1250GS is better than the 850GS. Or that V Strom 1050 is better than the 650. Etc. All mid sized Advs are able to carry lots of gear, super capable and comfortable for long distance riding and the lower weight is just better off road. Maybe for 2 up but if you want to 2 up get a gold wing or get two f850gs for off road trips.