[canyon1]

Every time I get a new issue of Cycle World or Motorcyclist they are raving over the "adventure" bikes. My first bike was a duel purpose Yamaha and, like every compromise, it was not really good at off road or the street. I finally converted it to a dirt bike by removing the turn signals, tach, and other superfluous weight. Then I put on full knobbies with a 21" font wheel and high fender. That was the thing of the day. Oh, also a compression release for descending steep grades without dragging the rear wheel. These so called "adventure" bikes are 500+ lbs with a high seat height and tires that can't be too good on dirt or street. Heaven forbid you drop it in a drainage ditch. So what gives? I'm spoiled with the Stryker's ergonomics and road feel and I don't plan to ride the dirt roads of India, the goat trails of Peru or the Alaskan Highway. If I was, I would get the appropriate ride for the conditions. Kind of like, you don't take a knife to a gun fight. What am I missing ?? ???

 

[strykenshane]

There is a growing contingent of city riders that like the idea of going off road without having to trailer the bike to their off road destinations, ya see a lot of them on the weekend heading north of Atlanta to do trail riding, like most every kind of bike they have a pretty solid following

 

[Axorr]

Yeah, I don't get it either. But then again, I am NOT an off-roader. I sit too **** high on those bikes.

 

[Skwerlee]

Every time I get a new issue of Cycle World or Motorcyclist they are raving over the "adventure" bikes. My first bike was a duel purpose Yamaha and, like every compromise, it was not really good at off road or the street. I finally converted it to a dirt bike by removing the turn signals, tach, and other superfluous weight. Then I put on full knobbies with a 21" font wheel and high fender. That was the thing of the day. Oh, also a compression release for descending steep grades without dragging the rear wheel. These so called "adventure" bikes are 500+ lbs with a high seat height and tires that can't be too good on dirt or street. Heaven forbid you drop it in a drainage ditch. So what gives? I'm spoiled with the Stryker's ergonomics and road feel and I don't plan to ride the dirt roads of India, the goat trails of Peru or the Alaskan Highway. If I was, I would get the appropriate ride for the conditions. Kind of like, you don't take a knife to a gun fight. What am I missing ?? ???

What was this first bike you speak of? It reminds me of my dad's 1976 Yamaha XT500...super fun

 

[straightjacket]

The technology has come along ways, even in the enduro market. Yes they can be heavy if you want a bigger bike, but they also have lighter versions. The suspension,braking,and higher reving motors than the days of old make a lot better bike. There are way more tire options as well. The upright seating position handles very well also, although you wouldn't think so. Their very nimble on the street, but I don't think I'd take a larger version on extreme off road trails?

 

[2670]

This is the same concept as the whole expedition type of offoad vehicle conversions that you see. The Jeep world seems to be converting to a dual-purpose, street/trail build concept. It think its a neat concept for Jeeps. Not sold on it motorcycle-wise...yet.

 

[strykenshane]

Went up to visit family in n ga today, saw a whole bunch of those bikes on the way

 

[Ga Gator]

On the Adventure Rider forum, there is a thread of a couple that quit their jobs, sold their house, and decided to travel til ?????? They have been on the road now for 6 months beginning in Toronto thru Canada to North Pole, south to Baja.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813572
or skip to their blog: http://www.RideDOT.com/rtw

You can get a better appreciation of this type of bike. BTW, it's not liked on the Raider forum either.