There is and has been a debate going on about how bigger bikes are not the best for long distance travel over rough terrain or remote areas. 1000cc and more 100hp and up bikes. I’m torn on the subject. I am a fan of motorcycles and in general find most dual sport and big adventure bikes fun. To me all of them serve a purpose. Obviously in certain parts of the world the simpler a bike is the less likely you are to have issues. I read many posts on social media of people complaining about electronics, how if they fail it can leave you stranded.
For me, it’s not so simple. For example, Fuel Injection, something many people thought was the devil when in was introduced. But we soon found out its, cleaner, more efficient and more reliable than a carburetor. It can also compensate for altitude much easier. No need to change jets or mess with mixture when riding the high Andean passes in the north of Chile.
The larger more expensive bikes out now have a lot of traction aids as well, electronic suspension and other electronics that cars have had for years, all to help the rider and in many cases the passenger have a safer and smoother ride. Here is where I personally start to draw the line. ABS sure, that’s fine with me it does help. On most bikes it can be turned off for those long off-pavement rides. Traction control, well yeah, it’s needed on a motorcycle that makes 150hp, who thinks they can reign in a 150hp, 500lbs bike? Electronic suspension, not so much in my opinion. I think that manual suspension is reliable and can be adjusted easily enough to not have to involve buttons or electronics. In the automotive world its something that has never been made ultra-reliable, so its hard to think on a moto it would be reliable with the type of exposure a bike gets in relation to a car. Save the cash and if you want better than stock suspension just up-grade to aftermarket, like Ohlins, TouraTech etc.
Here in Patagonia there are times I have wished for a larger bike, for many reasons. But mid-sized dual sports and adventure bikes tick nearly every box for what is needed to ride in Patagonia reliably and comfortable.
The one place I see the bigger bikes shine is two up travel. Touring long distance on varied road surfaces two up is fun and I see more and more couples riding two up around the block and around the world. I absolutely think a GS1200, Super T or KTM 1290 SA are all viable option for two up Adventure Riding and I applaud those who are willing to travel two up long distances.
I think everyone should ride what makes them happy. Ride what fits the bill for you and where you want to ride and have fun. Keep a smile on your face and gas in the tank.
The road goes on forever and the party never ends amigos!
For me, it’s not so simple. For example, Fuel Injection, something many people thought was the devil when in was introduced. But we soon found out its, cleaner, more efficient and more reliable than a carburetor. It can also compensate for altitude much easier. No need to change jets or mess with mixture when riding the high Andean passes in the north of Chile.
The larger more expensive bikes out now have a lot of traction aids as well, electronic suspension and other electronics that cars have had for years, all to help the rider and in many cases the passenger have a safer and smoother ride. Here is where I personally start to draw the line. ABS sure, that’s fine with me it does help. On most bikes it can be turned off for those long off-pavement rides. Traction control, well yeah, it’s needed on a motorcycle that makes 150hp, who thinks they can reign in a 150hp, 500lbs bike? Electronic suspension, not so much in my opinion. I think that manual suspension is reliable and can be adjusted easily enough to not have to involve buttons or electronics. In the automotive world its something that has never been made ultra-reliable, so its hard to think on a moto it would be reliable with the type of exposure a bike gets in relation to a car. Save the cash and if you want better than stock suspension just up-grade to aftermarket, like Ohlins, TouraTech etc.
Here in Patagonia there are times I have wished for a larger bike, for many reasons. But mid-sized dual sports and adventure bikes tick nearly every box for what is needed to ride in Patagonia reliably and comfortable.
The one place I see the bigger bikes shine is two up travel. Touring long distance on varied road surfaces two up is fun and I see more and more couples riding two up around the block and around the world. I absolutely think a GS1200, Super T or KTM 1290 SA are all viable option for two up Adventure Riding and I applaud those who are willing to travel two up long distances.
I think everyone should ride what makes them happy. Ride what fits the bill for you and where you want to ride and have fun. Keep a smile on your face and gas in the tank.
The road goes on forever and the party never ends amigos!
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