Leaving the T12 community but not the Yamaha world

[blågrisen]

After 11 years and 170,000 km (100,000+ miles) on two generations of T12, I'm down sizing.
I'm finding myself more and more attracted to gravel roads and with my local Yama dealer giving me a heck of a trade on my current T12, time to act.
Despite the T12 being an absolutely perfect bike (no issues whatsoever on both gens), I tend to pick up my old XT600 for fun on the (dirt) road.

Best bike ever!


Maybe my old XT660Z I used in 2019 to go from Sweden to Japan left me wanting more simplicity in my next bike.
Fairly light weight and absolutely reliable albeit a bit slow. Why did I sell it?


My 2002 XT600E is almost immaculate and I would like to keep it like that forever. Maybe just enjoy it for fun rides?
Just realized, it's our 20:th anniversary this year. Wish I could age that gracefully.


So here is my new "go to" choice! After test riding a number of T7 and seeing the new for 2022 Icon Blue color, I'm hooked.
No CC but 60 kg / 130 lbs lighter, hence more suited for my kind of (age irresponsible) travel.


To all, farewell from Sweden (for now)!

 

[cyclemike4]

that T7 is a beautiful machine. I really like those blue rims. I am sure you will enjoy it! I am very much like you these bikes have gotten way too complicated. If something happens to my Super T not sure what I would get. A bike with good suspension motor and brakes and that is it, is very hard to find. The T7 seems to fit that bill pretty good.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Congratulations! Looks like a great ride for where you live.

 

[Stantdm]

That 7 is certainly a good looking bike. I would like to see one but have yet to do that. At my age I can no longer pick up the T12 without a jack or assistance. I worry about that a bit. I would miss the power of the T12 I think, but my other bike is a KDX 200 and it is fun on the backroads and trails so I think maybe the T7 would not be too bad.

 

[Lautarooo]

such a nice color congrats!!

 

[Longdog Cymru]

Good choice! I think I would be tempted if it had Cruise Control

 

[Madhatter]

great choice on a down size , seems some of my friends are going smaller and lighter as they age . not sure I'm ready to get rid of the big pig , it does travel the highways well .... time will tell.

 

[blågrisen]

First trip with the new Toy (7).
Fun, fun, fun and what a nimble bike.

 

[jrusell]

I made the same change. Other than the suspension being too soft it's a great bike.
You will not be disappointed.

 

[blågrisen]

I made the same change. Other than the suspension being too soft it's a great bike.
You will not be disappointed.

Just fitted a stiffer rear spring. Money well spent.

 

[bigbob]

Me too sort of. Keeping

 

[bigbob]

Me too sort of. Keeping

And after 42 years the helmet wearer in the background.