Motorcycles

[JohnHelton]

I got a second bike. I still have crashbars, skid plate, etc. to install.

Awesome. Let me know how you like it. I've been eyeballing a Tenere.

I only have about 50 miles on it so far. I test rode a demo bike, and it was a lot of fun. This one had zero miles on it when I bought it, and the transmission is very stiff. I understand from the Tenere forum that it breaks in with time. Also, the rear shock spring is a joke. Very weak. You can't put enough preload into it. I've order a new one from Rally Raid. That should do the trick.

I bought this bike for two reasons. When I did the Colorado BDR (ridebdr.com) in 2020, I did it on my BMW R1200GS, and that bike was just too bike. Plus, it has a 19" front wheel that just didn't feel good going over the rocks. The T7 is about 100 lb lighter and has a 21" front wheel. I plan to use the T7 the next time I do such a ride. Second, my oldest daughter really want to get into ADV riding with me. This is a bike that I think she will be able to handle. Of course, that leaves me riding the big GS, but doing a ride with her would be worth it.

I can't wait to move to MT and use the T7 up there. What great country for riding. I have to ride so far to find suitable roads/trails in Dallas.

[Hanley]

I can't wait to move to MT and use the T7 up there. What great country for riding.

It is. I think.....I need two bikes: a Fat Boy (I've wanted one for years) and an ADV.

[murphyreedus]

^Tenere is hawt

I've always wanted to try one. Right now if I get a second bike I think I'd go for a smaller dual sport like a CRF300L or KLX250, but if I ever replace the KLR a Tenere is going to be at the top of the list.

Anyway, got the swing arm removed, cleaned and lubed, reinstalled. Rear wheel reinstalled. Messing with the rear caliper and broke the stupid spring clip thing that holds the pad in place, so now waiting for replacements (ordered 3 since the front caliper uses the same part # and I'll probably do something stupid with that too). Pulled the front wheel off to replace tire/bearings/rotor, hopefully tackle that this weekend. Still need to rivet on the chain, tension/align, but that should go quick if I don't break any more things. Might actually be riding by May.

[JohnHelton]

Installed luggage rack, skid plate, center stand, off-road pegs, and a side stand enlarger. Waiting on backordered crashbars. I need the shop to do the rear shock spring swap. Then she will be ready to go.

[murphyreedus]

^looking good.

Tires on the bead and tubes holding air so far
Wheel bearings all replaced
New over-sized front rotor and pads on
New rear rotor and pads on
New front and rear sprockets on
New chain riveted on
Wheels back on the bike

Just need to tension the chain and loctite/torque a few things, put the seat/fairings back on, and hope it all works. Hopefully test ride this weekend, if not sooner.

Forgot I was going to swap the liquid acid battery for an AGM, but that's not a priority yet.

[murphyreedus]

All back together last night, got out for about 10 miles at lunch. All good so far. Shinkos felt good on the street, will need to find some dirt now.

[JohnHelton]

@murphyreedus Have you done much off-road riding on the KLR?

[murphyreedus]

@murphyreedus Have you done much off-road riding on the KLR?

Woods/fire road type stuff, never tried anything approaching "technical". Still pretty much an offroad noob.

[JohnHelton]

@murphyreedus Have you done much off-road riding on the KLR?

Woods/fire road type stuff, never tried anything approaching "technical". Still pretty much an offroad noob.

I did Bill Dragoo's course in 2019. I would recommend something like that if you can find such a course.

https://billdragoo.com/

[murphyreedus]

@murphyreedus Have you done much off-road riding on the KLR?

Woods/fire road type stuff, never tried anything approaching "technical". Still pretty much an offroad noob.

I did Bill Dragoo's course in 2019. I would recommend something like that if you can find such a course.

https://billdragoo.com/

Definitely wouldn't hurt if I can find something nearby. I did my street course at the local tech school back in the day, but they don't offer dirt/adventure classes.

[JohnHelton]

I am on a 1,800 mile solo ride. Meeting my college buddies in Iowa on Thursday. Making my way up through the Ozarks. It was great riding today. Weather was perfect. BMW for this trip.

[Hanley]

I can't wait to move to MT and use the T7 up there. What great country for riding.

It is. I think.....I need two bikes: a Fat Boy (I've wanted one for years) and an ADV.

Reason got the best of me, and I went with a Honda Rebel 1100 & a KLX300 for fire road fun.

The Honda's a blast.

[JohnHelton]

I can't wait to move to MT and use the T7 up there. What great country for riding.

It is. I think.....I need two bikes: a Fat Boy (I've wanted one for years) and an ADV.

Reason got the best of me, and I went with a Honda Rebel 1100 & a KLX300 for fire road fun.

The Honda's a blast.

Awesome! Did you get the DCT on the Rebel 1100?

[Hanley]

I can't wait to move to MT and use the T7 up there. What great country for riding.

It is. I think.....I need two bikes: a Fat Boy (I've wanted one for years) and an ADV.

Reason got the best of me, and I went with a Honda Rebel 1100 & a KLX300 for fire road fun.

The Honda's a blast.

Awesome! Did you get the DCT on the Rebel 1100?

I did. The model I wanted only comes in DCT. I was extremely skeptical at first, but it's pretty great. Definitely takes getting used to, though.

[JohnHelton]

Awesome! Did you get the DCT on the Rebel 1100?

I did. The model I wanted only comes in DCT. I was extremely skeptical at first, but it's pretty great. Definitely takes getting used to, though.

I had an NC700X with DCT about ten years ago and I loved it. When I bought the Tenere, I almost bought an Africa Twin with the DCT. I still think that might be my next bike. Manually shifting gears isn't the fun part of riding for me.

[Hanley]

Awesome! Did you get the DCT on the Rebel 1100?

I did. The model I wanted only comes in DCT. I was extremely skeptical at first, but it's pretty great. Definitely takes getting used to, though.

I had an NC700X with DCT about ten years ago and I loved it. When I bought the Tenere, I almost bought an Africa Twin with the DCT. I still think that might be my next bike. Manually shifting gears isn't the fun part of riding for me.

This uses a detuned/retuned Africa Twin engine:

[murphyreedus]

KLX300

A new one?

[Hanley]

KLX300

A new one?

Yeah

[JohnHelton]

@Hanley You are going to have some fun with those bikes.

[Hanley]

I prefer "midlife awakening"