What Would You Buy Instead? (Hypothetical Scenario)

[Shadowjack]

Not really a hypothetical for me.

Had a MkII  850 for about 90,000 kms, fine bike and toured top to bottom, side to side of Aotearoa on it. 

Sold it and bought a DR650; again, toured the length and breadth, etc, etc, and was waiting for the T7 to turn up when the DR650 ate third gear, destroying the motor.

 

Commuting requirements and so forth then found me in possession of a 2018 650 V-Strom. Verrry similar in application and style to the TDM, but with the advantage of a 19" front wheel, and a substantial dealer network for a bike that isn't an orphan (in NZ terms, anyway).

 

The 650 doesn't have quite the outright power and torque of the TDM, but is (after some (OK, a lot) fettling for ergonomics) comfortable for touring the length...well, you get the picture. Handy (with the right tyres) on gravel, pretty nice in twistier stuff, great for the longer hauls and the commute.

 

If more power is required, get the 1000.

 

So: not a T7, but a bike very well suited for my riding requirements.

 

On another note - you guys have yeast? Over the last 7 weeks of lockdown, I've missed my focaccia, pizza base...