^thats the good stuff right there.
i wonder what the median age and income is of a new purchase big adventure bike. I would guess that it is 57 with an income of 115k.
My highly scientific guess is based upon a few years of observation on the trail, numerous conversations at the AIMS, and scanning craigslist/Advrider for sale ads.
So, here is the problem I am curious about... Almost all of the older riders I have met riding the big bikes on fire roads or tougher two track are starting to move back down the model sizes. They can't pick them up, are getting injured increasingly more, and generally are no longer having fun in the dirt. Most have figured out the "pro" setting on their suspend by wire bikes doesn't actually make them one. Perhaps the 450 dual adventure will be the next big thing.
What I have seen with my circle of "friends", there was a fad of guys buying those older 600-650 bikes...then realize that they are heavy underpowered pigs that don't handle very well compared to their modern enduros...so they went up to big adventure bikes...ok for a bit...and then realize...yeah these things are heavy overpowered pigs that are pain in the ******** to pick up in the rough stuff, a lot of gone back to their 450-500 modern enduro bikes for the most part. Some still have their big bikes, but are used mostly for slab and graded dirt roads, nothing too hard. Most guys don't have the time to do big multi-month adventure rides...but can squeak out a week or two trip...like Baja, Mexico to Canada trip, TAT, Oregon desert etc. So the 450-500 sized machines are perfect for that (or even the 350's)
I have heard some chatter of guys wanting a 390 adv, use the engine out of the
390 Duke. Which would be a lot less maintenance than the race engines that are in their enduro line.
I gotta agree with you on the fairing too.
It hurts when you hit in right between the ribs
never missed one on my 690 on the highway.
I have had the fairing come up and hit me in the throat going over some rough terrain at speed, scary. plus the stuff I like to ride it just gets in the way, find them more annoying than helpful.