some sexy new adventure bikes

[rjamesohio]

I enjoyed  window shopping  this video tour of the new machines!

A couple notes:

1) The  HD is fugly. Sorry - I wish that were not the case because it would be awesome to have a US entry again (see Buell Ulysses)

2) The bags on the MV are gorgeous

3) The Suzuki is lovely!

4) put a show babe on the seat and choose between looking at the bike or.... Nice touch with the apples MV - forbidden fruit allusion?

Which were your Favs? Or maybe you own one of these?


https://youtu.be/O1_OPXalLQE

[bobrebos]

Thanks for the video.  I like the KTM and the BMW.

All nice though.   

[Ncdan]

Personally I think all these types of bikes lack looks appeal and the HD is no more ugly than the rest. Just saying:(

[lucian]

Thanks for sharing that ,  all look like space ships to my eyes.  I think they kind of confirm what a nice balance the v85 achieved in this segment.  Sure feel old seeing what modern motorcycles have morphed into.  I'll bet they could be a fun thing to try but don't think I'd want to own one.

[Travlr]

Personally I think all these types of bikes lack looks appeal and the HD is no more ugly than the rest. Just saying:(

   

[Noguzznoglory]

Ammo can panniers May be practical but they are hideous. So is the beak that seems to be a prerequisite on adv bikes. I Personally preferred the MV (even without the bike babes). Suzuki was sharp but the beak ruined it even though the stylists incorporated it nicely. The Benelli seems as though they were trying to “outbeak” the rest

[Darren Williams]

The only thing I see that is ugly on the HD is the front headlight cowl. The rest of the bike is typical of the rest of the segment, IMO.

[SIR REAL ED]

I agree with much of the above.  Impressive technology.  Just doesn't turn on my heart light.  Not really applicable to my riding style, where I ride, my height, or my age.

A post 1996 Suzuki DR650 is still the best fit for my riding, my location, and general simplicity/functionality.  Tinkerability and after market farkles are a big bonus.

If you haven't tried one out yet do so.  As a former editor of Cycle World said "Every time I ride a DR 650 I wonder, why don't I own one of these?"

[OldMojo]

Every one of these abominations make the V85 look like a divinely inspired fine art sculpture. There's no contest!

Of these, I think the Harley is the least hideous. At least there's a discernible tank and no ridiculous proboscis.

I'm also puzzled as to why a manufacturer would cover a bike made to leave civilization with multiple layers of convoluted bits of plastic. Does all that crap offer some sort of protection? Seems to me that it would just impede field repairs while offering all manner of accumulation points for dust, mud, water and bugs.

[hauto]

One they didn't show is the new Husqvarna Norden. I think it will be well received.

[travelingbyguzzi]

I mostly agree with all the other grey beards here. The white fairing on the HD gave it an unfinished look. Was that a chain drive on the Harley?
The KTM and the MV were most appealing to me, but that means nothing as I am a roadster sort of guy.
If you want an adventure, ride a 50 year old 250 across the country. Pfffftt!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

All of them are about as sexy as Roseanne Barr. 

[LowRyter]

Sexy?

All Adventure Bikes are ugly. 

[tommy2cyl]

Watched the video.  Not that I needed any reinforcement in my decision to buy the V 85, but after reviewing all those bikes,  I am completely satisfied with the TT.  So many of those bikes just look "busy & cluttered" to me.  A buddy of mine has corresponded with me  during this  past year and a half of research leading to purchase of my Guzzi.  He just pulled the trigger on one 2 days ago, and there may be another pal that will do the same by summer.  I feel good about joining the fold and influencing a few more to follow along.   As a side note, I think the Norden will be another appealing motorcycle.

[Darren Williams]

I'm also puzzled as to why a manufacturer would cover a bike made to leave civilization with multiple layers of convoluted bits of plastic. Does all that crap offer some sort of protection? Seems to me that it would just impede field repairs while offering all manner of accumulation points for dust, mud, water and bugs.

Yes, these bikes are meant to cover big miles and long hours at high speeds in extreme conditions. Wind and weather protection is important.

What I don't get is why manufacturers cover adventure bikes in the same shiny brittle plastic as they use on street bikes. Why not use dirt bike plastics that are more flexible and take abuse better? Unless they are trying to appeal to the "ooh, shiny" segment. I have come to appreciate these adventure bikes for function almost exclusively, because yeah, they are mostly ugly with the handguards, crash bars, bash plates, vertical windscreens and square panniers.

[kirby1923]

I rode GSs for about 10 years and really did  "adventure tours  in Oz NZ all over Europe and from Alaska to South America.

These days  almost all the riders I have encountered on the road  ride them on pavement for going cross country. They generally have good ergos for that sort of thing w/good range and wx protection and have never used the "adventure" part of the equation. (they are actually great transportation and will carry a ton of stuff).

Sorta like the monster 4X4 diesel pickups that have roll bars extra lights and are raised so high that you need a latter to mount, and are squeaky clean because they have never been off road.

Its an acquired taste.

:-)

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

My favorites were the Harley, Yamaha, and MV. I have to agree with what was stated earlier about the bird beak look, I don’t understand why it’s a thing when you already have a fender.

Also I think Kirby nailed it about the majority of these bikes not being used off road. Which is why the ammo box saddlebags are mounted. They help protect the bike when you dump it off road. The BMW had about the best protection of the bunch in that regard. But I really think these dual sports are just the “standards” of the current generation. I know I got my Quota to basically commute on. I like tall bikes with an upright seating position.

[oldbike54]

 A true adventure bike needs to be as simple as possible to get the job done , it seems highly unlikely there will be a mechanic in Botswana or Terlingua TX who can work on any of those after it tangles with some local large fauna .

 Oh , and they are all kinda ugly 

 Dusty

[PilotJet]

My favorites were the one with the leather pants and the one with the leather skirt

[Guzzistajohn]

I’ve enjoyed my 955 Tiger. The sit up riding position, the ability to see over SUV’s, and the versatility to be able to dust about any car on interstate or blast down a two track gravel road at 50 mph if I feel like it has been fun. Sure, it’s not as pretty to look at as my LeMans, but it’s taken me more remote places which I enjoy here in the Ozarks. It’s been a great tool for me. But that HD is as ugly as a mud fence.

[Testarossa]

It's all wretched excess.

I can't conceive of trying to handle a bike on any loose surface if it weighs more than 200kg wet, and it should be less. Every time I look at these things I think my 400 lb F650 is as good or better on all surfaces, and can hang on the back of my van. I paid about $2000 for it.

[Siamese]

"Adventure bike" is a goofy category.  The only thing I really like about bikes from the category is the upright seating position.  You pay the price in seat height, but I find them comfy. 

Interesting how the V-Strom keeps chugging along.

Hmmm...water cooled engine on the monstrous Harley.  I wonder where else that will show up? 

[Huzo]

I’d soil my pants at the thought of taking the MV anywhere serious, it’s just too “nice”.
Screaming around Lake Como on a warm evening, pissed to the eyeballs on red wine with the young tart’s Mum on the back, sort of gave me a chubby though...even her Grandma, at a pinch... (Many a good tune’s been played on an old fiddle..)
That Suzuki was worth a second look if you wanted that kind of thing..
The Harley wasn’t as ugly as I would have imagined, although my expectations were not high.
The Kwaka is just bland.
The BMW has the personality of a wooden spoon.
Benellis are a nice jigger, (always have been).
Did I miss the new trail bike from Moto Guzzi...? (I had to duck out for a second after the MV “incident..”
Speaking of which..
That Harley would make a good “tug..”

[oldbike54]

I’ve enjoyed my 955 Tiger. The sit up riding position, the ability to see over SUV’s, and the versatility to be able to dust about any car on interstate or blast down a two track gravel road at 50 mph if I feel like it has been fun. Sure, it’s not as pretty to look at as my LeMans, but it’s taken me more remote places which I enjoy here in the Ozarks. It’s been a great tool for me. But that HD is as ugly as a mud fence.

 It's exactly the lack of flash that makes your Tigger cool , kinda like an R80 GS brought up to date a bit with a 3 cylinder engine .

 Dusty

[Guzzistajohn]

It's exactly the lack of flash that makes your Tigger cool , kinda like an R80 GS brought up to date a bit with a 3 cylinder engine .

 Dusty

It’s hard to not like a rig that’s done everything from a bun burner 1500 to a trail ride 👍

[Air-Cooled]

The Harley is the nicest looking to me. The MV's lines are off, the saddlebags look almost useless.

[rjamesohio]

My favorites were the one with the leather pants and the one with the leather skirt

Finally! Someone got the 'sexy' thing! Did you think I was talking about the bikes? LOL

[maquette]

I kinda like the Yamaha 700 Tenere that should be out this year. Not real big, plenty of dealers available and Yamaha's reliability. The others, not so much.




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[RaceyStoner27]

My heart yearns for the V85TT but this little Honda might be an excellent choice for pensioners weary of heavy bikes



https://powersports.honda.com/street/adventure/cb500x

[Ncdan]

All of them are about as sexy as Roseanne Barr. 

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! Nothing can be added to this conversation, well said Sir😂😂😂👍👍👍