Test rode a 1200 Explorer .. again.

The nice thing about those big ADV bikes is how comfortable they are for long distance riding. Most have adjustable seat height and adjustable bars and the upright riding position is pretty easy on backs and knees. Of course, short legs can be an issue as most of those things are pretty tall.

After I turned 65 last year I started to deal with the beer belly issue, lost about 15-20 lbs. The old knees feel better with a bit less weight to carry around. An added bonus was my blood pressure dropped by 20 points.
 
As opposed to goofy beanie helmets, fingerless gloves, assless chaps, etc...

Of course none of that applies to you TC, but ADV riders are hardly unique when it comes to silly looking attire. I had a BMW GS and still regret selling it, great all around bike. If you like the Explorer, pull the trigger. Don't wait for the day when you say, I wish I'd have gotten one of those...

Harry I had an 1100 and a 1150 GS as well , did over 240,000 klms on them. Often find myself thinking "wonder what's down that side road" when out riding. When travelling i'd just draw a line between A and B and ride whatever track there was .. do miss that stuff hey. Some of my most memorable bike trips were out in the middle of nowhere .. wouldn't see another vehicle for hours or sometimes all day. Know Catherine's always keen on exploring and seeing what's to be discovered on the road less travelled.
 
What do you reckon ??
That Looks like you could take on Mad Max :thumbsup: TC, It is an friggin awesome looking set up are they all STD parts or is some of it custom made.
Things like that is why I don't test ride bike anymore because I would probably get the "I Wants" and put myself thru Lusting after hell like I did for 3 years after I rode a Rocket in 2007:inlove
 
Harry I had an 1100 and a 1150 GS as well , did over 240,000 klms on them. Often find myself thinking "wonder what's down that side road" when out riding. When travelling i'd just draw a line between A and B and ride whatever track there was .. do miss that stuff hey. Some of my most memorable bike trips were out in the middle of nowhere .. wouldn't see another vehicle for hours or sometimes all day. Know Catherine's always keen on exploring and seeing what's to be discovered on the road less travelled.

That's exactly what I miss about the GS. I suspect our desert southwest is similar to your area, lots of meandering roads, mostly dirt, that don't register on any GPS. Pass those by on the R3T and just sigh. I've got that KLR sitting in the garage but its not nearly as adept at covering the long, boring, straight roads that are also a staple around here. Plus, the last time I got on that ****ed thing it bucked me off into the rocks. My fault, not the bike's.

Also, you can't go wrong keeping the little lady happy.
 
Stock bike really .. with some of the crap taken off...and some bits powdercoated black. Got aftermarket indicators , exhaust and the screen been chopped down and painted black. Did the same thing to my 1150GS. Reckon a set of 8 inch Jesse panniers and it would be a pretty good set-up.
 
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