The super tenere kept winning shoot outs with the other adventure touring bikes in it's class. They said it was the most offroad capable.Agreed. That's why I have the F8GS, competent on road and better suited offroad than any of the other current ADV bikes, with the sole exception of the 990 and new 1190 KTMs. Why don't I have the KTM? That's easy-fuel consumption and short term maintenance. I will have an 1190 in a couple years once the F8GS has been worn out. I have 2 things left to address on the GS to make it the ultimate touring ADV bike, rear shock and extended range, both easily fixed with $$. I will be transforming my 520 SuMo into a local/in state ADV bike. I want to do the WABDR in 36 hours, lets call it a granite butt ride
Sure, I would rather ride the TAT on the KLX than on a Tenere, but I would rather tour the country on a tenere knowing that I can go explore gravel roads that a car can take.
NO ROOM FOR ERROR ON THAT ROAD! I would have to putt along on that cliff just so I could enjoy the view.
Sure, any of my bikes could go on gravel roads, but at different speeds, and I would be gritting my teeth at every rattle. I have decided that street bikes stay on the street because I don't like hearing the plastics rattle.
I consider my 2007 Wee-Strom an adventure bike because I have many good adventures on it. It is not a dirt bike because I am not a dirt rider. I know there are good dirt riders who could do amazing things with it, but that's for them. I don't need the capabilities of a motocross machine nor do I want that type of stuff. When I go into the true dirt/wilderness areas, it's with boots and backpack, but that's just me.
Buddy of mine went and he was quite smitten with the new adventure model 1000, and he had a new Multistrada recently. With some proper aluminum panniers mounted, the new 1000 will look very bad ass and be very rugged.
Couple more...The second pic really highlights my comment about the exhaust.
The first two pics...nice seat. The rest...not so much.