07-25-2016, 08:57 AM
(07-25-2016, 02:20 AM)Ulvetanna_imp Wrote: The OP is seeking a "Super Adventure" so the Africa Twin is not going to fill the bill there.
The VFR1200X would probably be a great choice if you are tall and do not really plan on ever taking it off road.
None of the Super ADV class are really going to be smart choices for even smooth dirt roads. Their strengths are in enhanced ride comfort on secondary and tertiary pavement as well as generally longer range and more options for hard luggage.
The Kawasaki is most definitely the best value for the money.
Not arguing...just disagreeing based on many miles on the bikes being discussed...except the new Versys.
Cycle World just named the Africa Twin the best "Adventure Bike" in its "Top Ten Bikes of 2016".
Writing that the "Super ADV bikes" are really not going to be "smart choices" for even "smooth dirt roads" means what exactly? Tens of thousands of us on ADVrider.com have done exactly that for over thirty years. It is the most fun I have on anything with a motor. Writing that it is akin to getting out of the car in a tiger park is unadulterated hyperbole. That's proper English for "BS". Just because it doesn't appeal to you doesn't make it dangerous or silly for someone else.
Three weeks ago, I attended the Touratech Rally in Plain, Washington. The largest ADV Rally in North America. 450 riders on mostly 12GS's and big KTM's. Your textbook definition of "Super ADV bikes". We had twelve "off-road routes". Three easy, five intermediate, and four rated "expert. Up to 100 miles long. Not even the "easy" routes fit your definition of smooth gravel. No one complained. Everyone went home happy. We rode a couple of the expert routes. Dale on his VFR1200X. No mods and stock skid plate.
It is hard to have an informed opinion about a bike you haven't personally ridden in the conditions you state are as dangerous for the rider as a Tiger Park foray.
I am championing the virtues of the VFR1200X...NOT extolling the virtues of any rider. We all know to "Ride your own Ride!"
IMHO, of course...