02-12-2023, 08:50 AM
(02-12-2023, 08:27 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: Way to go Michael!Even more proof we have similar tastes and interests, but unlike you I have not even put down a deposit yet as I am still trying to decide which ADV bike to get. I like the GSs and am torn between the 1250 and the 850, and the Norden 901 is a great bike (except for the windscreen), then there is my favourite (aside from the cheap build quality) KTM 890 Adventure ...
The T7 does come highly regarded to off-road enthusiasts and your leaning in that direction signals what ... you are interested in off-roading? Going on BDRs and epic off road adventures in the boonies ..?
Looking forward to pictures if (when?) you get the T7.
I must admit to not having done in-depth research and point-by-point comparisons of all the possible options before choosing the T7. I hear that riding off-pavement, dropping the bike is inevitable. The thought of dropping a $10,500 T7 is easier to take than dropping a $25,000 R1250GS. Also, the T7 weighs in at 440 lbs wet, which is reasonably light. The Nordon 901 quotes 440 lbs without fuel, so with the 5 gals of fuel it holds, 480 lbs.
Although the T7 is supposed to be capable of handling gnarly terrain in the right hands, my intent it to stick to easy gravel roads and maybe some minor technical stuff. I'm thinking about the Mid-Atlantic BDR, which is supposed to be the easiest one, in the early fall.
In Europe there are now seems to be three models of the T7: base, Rally, and World Raid. According to what I've seen on YouTube, the 2023 base model comes with upgraded suspension and a TFT display. Only the base model appears on the Yamaha US website, and the specs for the 2023 continue to quote an LCD display. I'm guessing the US doesn't get the upgrades for 2023. On the other hand, the price only went up $100.