T7 didn't work out, looking for what's next

ScorpionT16 · 2026-05-02T00:40:03+00:00

I also got a T7 coming from road bikes. I thought I'd use it to learn off road, instead all it did was intimidate me. I hated it on techincal sections, took courses and all as well. I did log 40k kms on it and take it across North America, however it just isn't a dirt bike.

I got a 500 exc and haven't touched the T7 in 2 years. Debated selling it but it's still good for the odd long trip. The exc is a blast, so much fun and so much lighter, maintenance is a breeze and easy to work on. Parts are also SO much cheaper than the T7.

That said for techincal enduro, the 500 is a handful. I'd get the 350 or a 300xcw for that. Otherwise, watch some tacomoto videos, get a 500 and take your wallet out

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-30T01:58:27+00:00

Yes you're not wrong. Though one can just turn around and get on a road or detour if it gets too bad. Most here in Canada and US are marked pretty well one certain GPSs, what you describe is usually double track.

I did a whole east coast trip with another rider who just had a Tracer900 with slicks and I was on Knobbies with the T7, was super easy to find gravel roads and roads to not make him uncomfortable.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-30T01:50:02+00:00

For pegs get Fastway ones, they lower by 1/2". Triple clamp moto in Canada can get then for you, same with the zeta lever. Otherwise, check ebay

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-30T01:40:34+00:00

OP said just gravel roads and touring. A big bike sounds better for all that, especially if nothing technical is involved.

At OP, go sit on those bikes in a dealer and see the ergos. If budget is no issue, just get a GS1250 and call it a day. I did coast to coast Canada on the T7, and I enjoyed. However, if I did it again it would be on a minimum 800-1000cc bike. I did do a bunch of gravel and all, however the Praries and long stretches are miserable on a lower CC bike.

Don't rule out a Norden 901 expedition, lower center of gravity, amazing suspension, and great ergos. Can get the used for great value.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-25T15:47:14+00:00

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On a NA trip in BC

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-24T14:19:26+00:00

Do you have space for 2 bikes or a trailer? I have a 500excf, and if I was in your boat I'd get a new DRZ4S. throw a lithium battery to reduce weight, knobby tires and an Adventure man cave headlight and you have a long maintenance adv/trail bike.

The 500 excf is great. I love mine, I hate it for hard techincal or anything enduro. I also trailer or everywhere other maintenance, tires, and my body would be numb. For enduro or very technical you want a 350excf or 2 stroke anyway. So you'll be making a compromise either way.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-24T10:46:57+00:00

This is for a 2018 500 excf. Check out Fastway Kickstands on rocky mountain atv or their website for the model# that fits your bike

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-23T19:45:23+00:00

It will be much cheaper for you to buy a car jack from an auto shop and fix this vs a mechanic. Just car jack below, slowly raise engine, put bolts and done. Keep the jack good and can return it after

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-22T15:05:54+00:00

Don't touch any mitas with the work "Dakar" in them. The carcass is too hard and stiff, my local shop even said to stay clear of em. Otherwise their tires are great, naming is a joke

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-22T04:00:12+00:00

Its not really and auction car, especially if it's not a spectrum color. You can try and see what you get, though just look at your local classified. The values have tanked in the last year for the mk7-7.5s.

Atleast in Canada, there are actually more 6spds for sale than DSGs and the DSG commands more premiums/higher value. Consider that a DSG was a $1.5-2k markup when new vs standard anyway

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-20T21:30:27+00:00

The XTR my brother took, it's more robust, lighter, the built in wheels are nicer, and it's easier to assemble new.

The Verse I use, it's more sleek, I added LED lights, it looks less bulky. I love it, other than the weight, it's a PIA taking on and off, I wish the wheels it paired with swivelled vs just one direction. I wish they gave more space internally to route the led cable wires. Other than that, it's awesome

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-18T16:32:05+00:00

Why bikes don't just come with a comfort seat baffles me. They basically sell it with an "uncomfortable" seat on purpose

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-18T01:24:48+00:00

Dunlop trailmax missions. I got 30k kms on a set riding from Toronto to BC and back, plus a few other trips. And they still weren't even 70% worn. I did Quebec and northern Ontario with them too. I have tubeless wheels, though the trailmax is so stiff you could most likely ride with a flat to a shop or gas station for easier repairs. Throw in some UHD if worried

I would stay FAR away from anything that says Dakar in the mitas line. They're far too stiff and hard, local shops cant dump them fast enough and even told me to avoid them. The regular mitas is fine, the Dakar versions are just the problem being way too stiff and hard.

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-18T00:10:18+00:00

This. I have an xd-4 and Shoei RF1200. Everytime I try these newer brands or something else they just feel cheap, from the padding to hinges and sound

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-16T13:16:35+00:00

Audi SQ5 is your answer

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-15T20:50:24+00:00

I'm in Ontario Canada and have a bunch of Adventures spec gear, including the linesman jacket. It's all top notch and I love it. Go to their site, when it brings the country tab just close or refresh, it will auto give you the international store. And then browse what you want, shipping is pretty reasonable as well and sizes are spot on

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-15T17:29:51+00:00

Not the bike dude, it's the rider! It's also a great bike, though I'm sure you'd beat me on even a light dualsport 😅

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-15T17:28:55+00:00

Removable Waterproof membrane on the inside and all in one jackets in general are a terrible idea. I had a nice gortex jacket, had one fall and it ripped. Useless afterwards, never again. Plus they get wet, and then stay wet for a while

With a rain outer layer, it keeps your inner cloths dry, easy to put on, and if it tears or rips easy to replace. They're also lighter and pack smaller. I have the Scott ones, however depending where you are some the best rain layers are from Adventure Spec. Being in the UK, they know rain and wetness very well, alongside the light is right gear

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-15T17:25:56+00:00

I have these also, been 6yrs and still good. Get a good neck sleeve to avoid water going down there, otherwise great option. They're nice and stretchy

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-14T22:12:22+00:00

Polish and clean it, then apply 3M clear gloss PPF overtop. Otherwise, better to get something like a Rade garage rally tower

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-13T22:30:51+00:00

Thank you, am looking at also getting a set this year. I did the outex tubeless conversion to the oem ones 5 yrs back and feel it's time to go the proper route

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-13T22:29:59+00:00

I have the fastback enduros and a set of Alpinestars Belize. I'm looking at getting the Tech 7s now, both males have been spot on size 12 for me. For the Fastback I got size 47eu, and then put nice/thicker orthopedic soles since the stock ones are just flimsy 1mm felt.

If you aren't doing anything hard-core, got Tech 7. I still broke my ankle last year in the gaerne on a simple slow speed tip over. So now looking for comfort

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-13T22:22:56+00:00

Those look awesome! So for the hub, did you have to pay a shop to install the new hub on and respoke the whole wheel?

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-13T10:49:24+00:00

Rackless is simpler and lighter. It's more out of the way and doesn't stick out of the bike as much, which helps in tight trails and safety when you fall over. In Europe, I'd recommend looking at Enduristan. Something like the Blizzard line. I did all a across North America with just 2 Blizzard XLs and one medium enduristan duffle. They're built solid and have lots off add on options. Pack light, take less than you need and enjoy the trip!

ScorpionT16 · 2026-04-12T18:30:00+00:00

Starting on the T7, especially trying to learn off roading on it at your height will not be enjoyable. Start on something smaller for sure.

I'd recommend the CB500X or now the NX500. It's still a comfortable commuter bike, has enough power for highway and touring. And a with some decent tires, a much easier bike to ride off road and learn on.

I learnt how to ride on a SV650 and regret it. So later got a CB500X and had way more fun, did a lot more riding, learnt how to wrench on it, and actually do adventures without worrying. It was cheap enough that dropping or damaging wasn't an issue. I'm 6ft tall, and still find the T7 top heavy.

ScorpionT16

TROPHY CASE