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100%. The large ADV segment is an odd place. Every bike offers something different though.
H-D is unique style, and part of the HD family if that's something you're into (I'm not). It's remarkably good for a first effort, hopefully they do even better on the next gen.
Duc has the sport touring side of large ADV with their crazy V4 Multi. For this version but lite, the KTM 1290 S is outstanding.
I don't like the GS, too fat, too sluggish handling, don't like the vagueness of the telelever front suspension. Engine is fun and smooth though.
1290R is really the only open-class ADV bike that's truly any good in the dirt. I swapped with a buddy in a sand wash out in Anza Borrego (same weekend I rode the Panamerica). Was shocked at how well that bike handled deep sand and sand bars. The seat height is actually pretty reasonable too. The long wheelbase makes it less playful than the 890, but more stable.
But yeah, still take my 890 over any of them, but it doesn't have the absurd power of the big boys.
Rapidly developing segment, with the Chinese offering genuinely good competition. Good chance my next bike will be Chinese (Kove), didn't think I'd be saying that anytime soon.
I recently did 2200 miles in 5 days on the Pan Am ST as I took it from WI to MATG and back. The slightly lower suspension, lower seat, and 17" wheel combo set it up well for street usage, which is the whole point of this sport touring revision. The turn in and flick-ability of the ST is quite improved from how dull the steering feedback feels on the off-road spec version with 19's in comparison. I averaged 50-52mpg on most tanks of fuel while doing ~80mph on hwy and really enjoying it in the mountains. Zero shortage of power nearly anywhere in the powerband with the 94ftlb of torque on hand. Plenty of lean angle for how aggressive I wanted to ride in the sea of miatas hogging the mustard. Two of my days were a little over 800 miles each. General feedback from others that knew I rode on a bike there thought I was a bit nuts, but I wasn't sore at all which speaks a lot to how comfortable I was. As a die hard sport bike owner, I can say with high confidence that this bike strikes a solid balance of comfort, utility, and efficiency all without giving up the ability to be agile, fast, and fun for you (and a passenger if you desire). Easily my favorite bike in the HD lineup for 2025 model year and not a bad value for what it delivers.
Super jealous of this... The ST version is the PERFECT bike for this type of riding, IMO. If you don't plan to ever leave the pavement, or do any "real" adventuring the ST trim is the answer. Smooth curvy roads, big open sweepers like on the parkway, or skyway that thing must be just a blast!
Like i said in my summery, the standard trim is kind of made to "do it all" but only does everything "good enough". The pan am with 17s, lower ride height, and a little more aggressive tune (maybe just cat delete) would be the perfect bike for pavement adventuring.
Serious dirt / off road "pack on 500lbs of gear" adventure people are not buying the HD. And i get it.
Been out of the Mazda/BP world for a while.. Heres my current project, 2021 CB1000R Black edition ( Scrambler ) Sumi. She tends to get loads of hate, not that it matters to me 😉 Unfortunately my back issues are becoming a massive pain in my butt and I'll be looking to rehome her soon. Might be coming back to the Mazda world! Enjoy, or not 😅 feel free to drop by her Instagram for more pics @ sumi.cb1kr
Went for a nice ride today, but also some disappointment... Most of the guys I rode with over the last 30 years had aged out of riding, and then we moved 300 miles away, and I've not had anyone to ride with for a while. I don't mind riding alone, and have toured border to border and coast to coast by myself, but it's nice to hang out with other riders sometimes. I finally found a local group of riders that has a weekly meetup/ride and rode out to join them this morning. It's always tricky to find a group you're compatible with, so I went with measured enthusiasm. Lots of nice bikes, about 18 riders total. The only bikes of similar 'vintage' to my Interceptor were a very nice RC51, and a ZRX that looked rode hard and put away wet.
When we pulled out, it didn't take long to discover things weren't going to go well. The pack was immediately up to 70+ in a 50mph zone, with one rider doing a wheelie past the group in the right lane... After the next turn, it was 65+ in a 45 into the center of town.
NOPE. I'm out. If this was how they were going to ride in town, I didn't want to be around when they got out on the highway. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a spirited ride, and have broken my share of speed limits. But I've got enough experience and track time to draw the line for street riding at something well below "reckless". I've seen people go to jail on group rides, and I've seen people die. I don't want to repeat either experience. I caught the 'rear guard' rider and signaled I was out, and went my own way.
And had a very nice ride. About 100 miles of AZ back roads, and plenty of bugs smashed. No tickets or trauma. Just the way I like it.
I saw this for trade on facebook the other day. Looks dope.
Yeah.. unfortunately, I have some bad spine issues from a nasty car accident that have gotten worse as of recent. Im finding it harder to enjoy riding. Hopefully I can find her a home so I can get me a decent boosted Miata 😄 I've missed my BP at least once a month for the past 10 years.. Should have never got rid of it..
Got a call from a friend... "Hey, odd question... Interested in a free Kawasaki KZ440A LTD barn find?"
One thing led to another, and now I guess I'm in possession of this seemingly all original-ish cruiser from 1980 that I know very little about. This will pair well with the somewhat all original 2003 ZX6R in the garage next to it in an odd/unplanned way. Just need to make sure I don't go full idiot on this KZ as they are of quite little actual market value... pretty easy to get financially upside down on this even with getting it for free.
Yeah, that's why I don't do group rides. Certainly never seen anyone die or get arrested on one, but I have seen people go down. Sucks, and I don't want to see that ****.
I like to ride pretty hard sometimes, but always at my own pace, and in the right places. Too many people I see on 2 wheels going fast where there is NO BUSINESS going that fast, such as through towns, intersections, rural areas with lots of driveways, etc. I always believed in riding where you can see, to whatever speed that can be safely done. I have a few buddies I like to ride with but otherwise I don't join in with random people, too much machismo and showing off for my tastes. I'm down with some one wheel action here and there, but again time and place. Ride your ride.
Originally Posted by Erat
Gotta have multiple options for the type of ride you're going on!
Rucc for Mini Monday
Hog for the BROTHURS
SuperNaked for shenanigans!
Nice setup! My brother is into FXRs and they are pretty sweet, handle nicely too! Never been a huge HD guy but they have their charm, and I still love the motors.
Originally Posted by Padlock
free Kawasaki KZ440A LTD barn find
I'd take it for free too. I like the looks of that frame, and speaking of FXR, it does remind me of that with the rear triangle. I'd say that would make a sweet club style cruiser build. Or a cafe build. Or a scrambler. Ah ****, whatever floats your boat to be honest. Have fun and keep us posted!
if you drove over in the suburban to pick it up and it was more than 100 miles round trip, you're already upside down
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Originally Posted by Fireindc
...I'd say that would make a sweet club style cruiser build or a cafe build.
My "easily financial upside down" comments are quickly validated when I also realize this bike would make a great cafe build... and I've always wanted a nice cafe build ... must resist another money-pit project!!
That's the kind of logic I like to hear. It's like how owning a FD rx7 has let me justify all kinds of purchases for the miata, because it's so cheap in relative perspective...
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