@GabeLakmann @Royper @chudwave You gotta love them, though. Problem with the big advs is that they’re often….boring as shit. The tenere is a great autists bike but probably the least fun I’ve ever had. The africa twin is cool, but it was just a little slow for me, and kinda overpriced for what you got. My bar is too high, in terms of power, but I came to my position w/ experience: I want a lot of power on tap.
Power is freedom. If you’re making a merge and some cholo wants to run you off the road, you’ll appreciate the ability to say “fuck this” and disappear 3 miles in front of him in less than 2 minutes.
You DON’T wanna be stuck between 3 semis, getting buffeted by winds that almost tip you off the bike, slowing down just to get some breathing room. I’ve had that before when I too though 35 hp was enough….it was not. But that’s my area, where there’s lots of wide open interstate to traverse, so being able to hang out at 82 mph with speed to spare is vital. Back east? Maybe not so essential.
Just starting out, the V strom is a strong prospect. 66 hp out of a bulletproof Vtwin, pretty capable for a do-it-all ride. Expansive aftermarket. Pretty good resale. Been a long time since I tried one, but I was quite sweet on it when I did.