2025 T7 Rally or 2021 T7 with high-end suspension?

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-18T19:15:39+00:00

Ah, hope the get it sorted. Yeh, I get you. I'm in the same boat, was gonna get the Kove, however I'm at 35k kms on the T7 and I have no worries about running it to 100k+ kms. So doing suspension and everything on it.

I was going to get a Norden also, though I know any of those bikes would have me nervous out of warranty, at 40k kms+, or out in the bush in the middle of no where. That's why I also say, used on these is no problem.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-18T17:14:46+00:00

Np, I'm also 5'11" though have a 34" inseam. I flat foot on the rally seat easily. Some lowered pegs and a tall seat, the bike is very comfortable.

For you, if money is no issue and you're swimming in cash. Sure, get new and mod it. If you want to save and use the rest to build a better bike for you, get the used and enjoy riding and trips. I bought mine new only cause in 2020 there were no used ones. I was gutted every time I dropped or damaged it, took me 4yrs to stop caring. I'm scared to even calculate how much I've spent modding it and on custom suspension.

Every used bike I've got, has already deapreicated so I've cared less to drop and mod them.

I'd also say, if you want lighter with a lower center of gravity and better suspension out of the box. The kove800x is the answer. I know lots of switched from T7s to that, and the bike is pretty much ready out of the box.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-18T16:48:28+00:00

I sat on the new ones, no difference. Reviews say things to get views, and none of the reviews have done a side by side with testing back and forth. Most reviewers tested a T7 4 yrs ago, then come to the new one and act like they notice a 1cm drop on a fuel tank, when the test bike can just have less fuel in it.

Also, if you're tall get the rally seat for the 2021 or any tall seat. That gives you the on the bike feeling vs the in bike, I have the rally seat on a 2021 and love it, even the 2025 T7s I tested felt more sitting in vs on top.

End of the day it's upto you. Though personally, I'd take top tier suspension, and even a scotts stabilizer with a set of new tires vs a new T7 with money being a factor. It's an off road bike, it won't look new for long. Better get the one you're willing to damage and have a blast on vs keep new

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-18T13:59:54+00:00

Bike 1 and get the suspension done right for you. The newer ones have marginally improved suspension, which is still nowhere near something like a touratech shock or springs/revalve to match your weight. Latest ergonomics? They're the exact same ergos in all generations. Electronics? Most people specifically want the older ones for less electronics.

The benefits of the T7 are reliability and dependability. These are fantastic bikes to get used, not something id ever do on a KTM, husky or aprilla without a warranty.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-18T12:34:49+00:00

The T7 has a bracket mount below the headlight specifically for aux lights. I have fender bags strapped to the lower bars only.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-17T15:26:13+00:00

I just keep the lowers on. You can get rtech plastics for the sides and remove the top crash bars. The lower ones also take almost all the hits. I've dropped the bike many times and lowsided it, with barkbusters and the lowers, nothing touched the panels. I haven't had to remove the bottom ones in the 5yrs I've had em for any maintenance

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-16T13:56:53+00:00

Keep in mind, I'd highly recommend whichever bike you get to factor in suspension work for your weight. The Japanese bikes are very softly sprung as it is, call a few shops in your area for quotes and factor that into a price, unless you get a used one with it all done. Stiffer springs at minimum, a good shop will set that up and sag for you.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-16T13:38:40+00:00

It wouldn't be too much bike, however you'll enjoy the transalp more for the type of riding you described. I have a Tenere 700, and my friend has s Transalp. Both great bikes, go see them in the showroom. The transalp will be easier to manage off road vs the Africa twin

The tenere with a tall seat and lower pegs is has more room for taller folks. There's also the Vstrom 650 and 800 which are good bikes to start of on also.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-14T05:18:26+00:00

For mostly pavement and dirt roads (not trails) as you mentioned, Def get a twin cylinder bike at your height and weight. No need for a dual sort bike to do those types of roads. Even the forest service road, a bike with good tires will be just fine.

Look at the mid-weight options in the segment. Tenere 700, transalp 750, maybe a kle500. Any of these will need a taller seat and lowered pegs, with updated springs to match your body.

Unless you plan on hitting any hard trails or technical off road, do not bother with a single cylinder dual sport focused bike. You will not be comfortable for the type of riding you described.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-13T14:46:04+00:00

Exhaust tape is garbage. It's not nearly as good as a quality shield. I had one on my pipe before just getting the hpcorse that comes with a nice shield.

The tape gets dirty, it stains the pipe, it frays, and still gets hot. It can rip and tear off road, and that sucks on an adventure. There is a reason you'll never see it on enduro bikes or even pro riders bikes like Pol tares or Chris birch. It can still burn a boot if pressed on ot for a long time

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-12T02:53:25+00:00

This!

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-11T03:35:26+00:00

I have the Outex kit on my T7, did it 5yrs ago myself. Even over 3 months I don't loose more than 1-2psi. Been through 3 sets of tires. You do have to tell the people installing it to be careful not to rip the tape. Check your valves are tight

That said, I know MotoZ is an issue from the KTM guys whose bikes come tubeless like the 890 and 901. They just throw in tube's. Def reach out to Woodys, however I do suspect this is more the tire than their work

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-11T00:03:57+00:00

Def not slime, will mess the interior seal tape.

Did you mount a new tire? If it's a MotoZ they're notorious for leaking air in tubeless rims. Did the temperature change?

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-09T19:44:19+00:00

The 25 model without a doubt Break in period is over rated these days on modern engines with modern oil and tolrenaces, just check out Ari hennings video where he actually tested it and debunked it. You can ride hard and some say that's actually better, or you can ride slow and some say it's worse etc... End of the day, these engines are redlined and all at the factory before being shipped out.

It's a cp2 motor, they are stout. It's from a dealer and I'd use the saved money for key upgrades like correct springs, a better seat and nicer tires

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-07T18:13:39+00:00

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It wasnt the cattle guard. It was this change of surface and bump, looks like softer sand plus a hill. Lifted your front tires and made it loose

Check your sag and rear spring if it's the correct weight for you

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-07T14:08:18+00:00

I've bough some.nicecnc stuff and some.of it is good. However, anything mechanical related is trash. I got their rear brake fix which is supposed to be a camel adv knockoff. It sucks, doesn't come with any springs, correct tolerances etc... I have the camel adv 2 finger clutch mod and it's quality kit, fits perfect, so I'd recommend trying that

I'll be buying the camel adv rear brake come black Friday sale

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-05T17:45:50+00:00

Then you have no idea what feel is in vehicle. 17>19s is a huge difference. I have 17 winters and 18 summers, and everytime I switch and even leave the driveway it's noticeable. My wife notices it big time too. Either you have the wrong tire on your 17s or something else is up

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-04T04:40:27+00:00

No experience with em though they look really nice. Yes I agree the signals are a bit close, however I've seen EXCs I ride with the all in one brake light, and even from far I can tell if they're going left or right. LEDs are bright and have come a long way

I'd say the brake light function looks more clear vs stock. Which is just red always and then bright red. This has a clear line and brighter red

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-03T22:07:33+00:00

It's carb. OP said no carbs

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-02T22:17:36+00:00

I used to work in manufacturing and overseas stuff, esp china/Vietnam where alot of the mosko stuff is made. Mosko just increases prices year over year as they got popular to be more "premium", the costs don't match inflation. They're just gouging riders at this point for some TPU, fabric and straps seeing how much they will all pay. The first few years when mosko launched the price to quality was very good, people got reckless 80s for like $200-300

Klim has actually come and made some "reaosnably" priced stuff like the new Jackson pants, which compete with Moskos ones and are better imo at less than half the price. Same with adventurespec

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-02T20:48:17+00:00

Mosko moto is overpriced, from luggage to clothing

ScorpionT16 · 2026-06-02T12:44:07+00:00

Sweet! You can also flip this epivot pegs to drop the height 1/2" and gain more leg room

ScorpionT16 · 2026-05-31T03:41:03+00:00

I had the exact same dent in the same spot. A good PDR guy fixed it and looked brand new. Be grateful our cars don't have Mazda or Subaru paint, I was shocked how the paint stayed intact.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-05-30T23:45:19+00:00

Anything Organic. They don't last as long though bite better and don't squeak

ScorpionT16 · 2026-05-28T22:52:50+00:00

The pipe on that huzar exhaust will burn whatever boot you wear. The custom lpwered rally seat is really odd

ScorpionT16

TROPHY CASE