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This video is well worth watching. I’m just back from a short 4100 km ride around the South Island and I would agree with all the points stated.
I’ve watched that before. I’ve never really done any adventure riding in the sense he is talking about but can see his point.
What makes me laugh is that a 650 is now a small bike! What does that make my drz250?
@oldbeer Like you, I don’t have bike size anxiety as I have found my KLX150L manages luggage plus extra fuel perfectly well. I’ve even gone 2-up on the gravel roads with no problem. I know I can’t overtake logging trucks that are charging around at 110 kph, but hey, it gives me more time to take in the views.
I sold my BMW R80/7, which was set up for gravel roads, and bought a DRZ-250. I am now enjoying my backroad riding again and wondering why it took me so long to wake up to the joys of a light bike.
Much to agree with here. Not doing long trips. but finding my new Honda XR150 is excellent fun for a newbie to the gravel where I wouldn’t dream of riding my road bikes. Good range with 12L tank and low seat. Plus very cheap.
I had lots of helmet time on my recent trip up north and thought that that I could add to this but after listening again I think he has nailed it.
The only thing I would add is that in a New Zealand context I would say average gravel back road speeds are going to be even lower than his estimste. I reckon a 250 is plenty on windy gravel back roads.
Also, there is less wind noise at lower speeds and for me at least that makes a difference.
Having ridden bigger bikes on similar roads, I prefer the smaller, slower, lighter bike if I’m on my own.
Ymmv.
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