[Kenny Sagawa: Webike News Editor-in-chief]
▲ YAMAHA New TENERE (Prototype)
A class that is close to reality and easy to use
Recently, a new model appeared in succession, and the MIDDLE-CLASS ADVENTURE MODEL is trending. There is no clear definition, however, the engine displacement is approximately 700cc to 900cc, and a machine with OFF-ROAD performance that can be run across roadways such as forest roads and rough terrain as well as paved roads, comfort including power and aerodynamics for high-speed movement for a long time, and loadable ability for long touring
While the conventional ADVENTURE MODEL is expanding its engine displacement, it will be equipped with higher performance and luxury equipment, and the motorcycle rating will be huge, and Middle Class is summarized with power and size that can be ridden without a lot even for ordinary riders assuming a little more realistic usability. It is also characterized by the fact that there are many models that are particularly advantageous in terms of weight and foot grounding, especially when many riders hesitate.
90% of users have no OFF-ROAD experience
According to a manufacturer’s survey, about 90 percent of the owners of ADVENTURE MODELs have never tried to run OFF-ROAD.“I admire adventure, but I don’t feel like I can ride a Liter Super Class. I can’t afford to go off the road etc.”-According to many users.You may think it is a normal mentality. The difficult is that ordinary riders can’t run OFF-ROAD, even though they have great performance. It is a middle class adventure machine that came out there. In response to the aspirations of, “I want to run on the ground with a big OFF-ROAD motorcycle,” it seems that it is exactly a model that is close to the feelings of the user.
The effect of size and weight is large in OFF-ROAD
For reference, when comparing BMW’s flagship R1250GS and F850GS specifications, it is understood that there is a difference of 41kg in power and 20kg in motorcycle weight.The seat height is almost the same, but the impressions of foot grounding also differ greatly depending on the width and weight of the motorcycle body.
■BMW R1250GS
Displacement: 1, 254cc
Power: Maximum Output 100kW (136PS) / 7, 750rpm
Curb Weight: 256kg
Seat Height: 850/870 mm
Price: 2,510,000 Yen.
■BMW F850GS
Displacement: 853cc
Power: Maximum Output 70kW (95PS) / 8, 250rpm
Curb Weight: 236kg
Seat Height: 860 mm
Price: 1,541,000 Yen
In the OFF-ROAD in particular, since the size and weight of the motorcycle is directly involved in the ease of ride, so even the best models with unbeatable running in touring often struggle on the OFF-ROAD. It is quite difficult to control it though it may be a real pleasure.
It has an ON-ROAD and OFF-ROAD specification that roughly divided.
There are a lot of ADVENTURE MODELs nowadays, and each of them has different characters and standing positions, so it’s not easy to make them all together. Roughly divided into ON-ROAD (On-specification) and OFF-ROAD (off-specification) to differentiate into 2 categories: ON-ROAD specification is a type equipped with a suspension with a set of 17 to 19-inches cast wheels on the front wheels, which are targeted at the long touring subject’s user base.
On the other hand, the OFF-ROAD specification is a wire-spoke wheel with a 21-inch front wheel and a long-stroke front and rear suspension with excellent gap absorption for a dirt road. In addition to heavy-duty with protective equipment such as hand guards and engine guards, it is equipped with equipment suitable for more serious OFF-ROAD driving including Electronic Control. These targets users are those who want to polish their skills and try harder on adventures touring.
The leading Overseas and Japanese production is expecting the “NEW TENERE ADVENTURE MODEL”.
As a trend in recent years, it became mainstream that each manufacturer sets both ON-ROAD specification and OFF-ROAD specification in the same model. In general, the ON-ROAD specs seem to have a lot of needs and sales volume, but the height of the OFF-ROAD specs potential leads to the brand image as it is, and it became a benchmark of this class, and it is a fact that each manufacturer is making it seriously at a cost.
In a typical middle class, BMW “F750GS” and “F850GS”, TRIUMPH “TIGER 800XR” and “TIGER 800XC”, KTM “790 Adventure” and ” 790 Adventure R are some of the most popular overseas. Moto Guzzi “V85TT” seems to be popular in the classic motorcycle, and also attract attention as the latest trending model.
▲BMW F750GS
▲BMW F850GS
▲Moto Guzzi V85TT
Also, to name the current Japanese models, Suzuki “V STROM 650” and “V STROM 650 XT” will belong to this category.I’m looking forward to seeing that the new model “TENERE 700” from which information has been rumored since last year will also be taken off soon.
▲SUZUKI V-STROM 650XT
▲YAMAHA New TENERE 700
This is an intermediate engine displacement “ADVENTURE MODEL” that has become more and more interesting.I would like to pay attention to what kind of movement will be developed in the future.
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See TRIUMPH Moto Index Page
See BMW Moto Index Page
See KTM Moto Index Page
See MOTOGUZZI Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for BMW F850GS
See Accessories for SUZUKI V-strom 650XT
See Accessories for KTM 790 ADVENTURE
See Accessories for KTM 790 ADVENTURE R
See Accessories for TRIUMPH TIGER800XR
