Dirt_Dad
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The non-R model has been on my short list, but it has fallen off. Riding with friends this weekend we did a little swapping (of bikes). I was on the KTM 790 Adventure R, and the owner did a great job explaining to me how to turn off or at least reduce as much as possible all of the nanny settings on the bike. It was unleashed as it gets. The owner had dropped a tooth on the front sprocket to increase torque over a stock setup.
My ride was limited to twisty pavement and no dirt. Although I'm sure it would be a lot of fun in the dirt, the pavement was enough to let me know this would be no replacement for the Tenere.
Once on the bike I rolled 50 feet to a speed bump and the front wheel launched off the bump very nicely. I was hopeful. On to the twisties the bike's 21" wheel gave no concern and was a lot of fun twisting from side to side. Even with a smaller counter sprocket, forget about the idea of a power wheelie above first gear. Just not going to happen. To keep the bike in a responsive power range I kept the RPMs pretty high. Significant vibration in both handlebars and foot pegs in this range.
Near the end of the ride we were heading up hill and I dropped it down to first gear. Once again, was unable to muster a power wheelie out of it. I'm certain if I compressed the front forks, or found a bump I could bring it up, but the idea of twisting the throttle to lift the front was out of the question. Yes, the wheelie control was off (Rally - Rally - 1).
The owner offered let me take it out to the dirt, but it was the end of the day, and I knew what I needed to know. There is no place in my life where this bike fits. I had hoped the lighter weight would somehow make the smaller engine sanctifying to me. It was not. Too much vibration, too little power. No doubt a great bike, just not for me.
The rider on my Tenere, was a current owner of a V-Strom 650. A former owner of the big Strom, a Concours, and many other bikes. He was shocked at how big the Tenere felt to him. He loved the engine, and the performance of the shaft vs the Concours' shaft. His final assessment, the Tenere felt agricultural to him. Just not sporty. Coming from the little Strom, I can appreciate that.
I appreciated the opportunity to try. I have to wonder why I'm thinking about giving up the Tenere. It does fit me so well. Even if it is a big tractor.
My ride was limited to twisty pavement and no dirt. Although I'm sure it would be a lot of fun in the dirt, the pavement was enough to let me know this would be no replacement for the Tenere.
Once on the bike I rolled 50 feet to a speed bump and the front wheel launched off the bump very nicely. I was hopeful. On to the twisties the bike's 21" wheel gave no concern and was a lot of fun twisting from side to side. Even with a smaller counter sprocket, forget about the idea of a power wheelie above first gear. Just not going to happen. To keep the bike in a responsive power range I kept the RPMs pretty high. Significant vibration in both handlebars and foot pegs in this range.
Near the end of the ride we were heading up hill and I dropped it down to first gear. Once again, was unable to muster a power wheelie out of it. I'm certain if I compressed the front forks, or found a bump I could bring it up, but the idea of twisting the throttle to lift the front was out of the question. Yes, the wheelie control was off (Rally - Rally - 1).
The owner offered let me take it out to the dirt, but it was the end of the day, and I knew what I needed to know. There is no place in my life where this bike fits. I had hoped the lighter weight would somehow make the smaller engine sanctifying to me. It was not. Too much vibration, too little power. No doubt a great bike, just not for me.
The rider on my Tenere, was a current owner of a V-Strom 650. A former owner of the big Strom, a Concours, and many other bikes. He was shocked at how big the Tenere felt to him. He loved the engine, and the performance of the shaft vs the Concours' shaft. His final assessment, the Tenere felt agricultural to him. Just not sporty. Coming from the little Strom, I can appreciate that.
I appreciated the opportunity to try. I have to wonder why I'm thinking about giving up the Tenere. It does fit me so well. Even if it is a big tractor.
