Just got back from a short test ride on the Terra TR650. I can say anyone looking for a single adventure bike needs to consider this one. I'm waiting to see the Strada and test ride it (maybe next week) but I was impressed with the power and smoothness of this bike. It is not a dirt bike but for me it may be perfect. I'm going to put my 2007 KTM990 Adventure up for sell and get one. I did the test ride at Bill's Motorcycles here in Salem, OR, great folks to deal with.
The motor in the TR650 is tighter and less buzzy. On the bottom end the SMS630 feels faster but the TR650 has much more power on the top, it may be gearing. Shifting is good and smooth but I did hit a false neutral twice but you would adapt quickly it just takes a little more lever throw. Actually I have always felt that a clutch with a cable has a little more feel but that just may be me. The 5-speed seems fine for this engine it has good torque. Like I mentioned it is a good adventure bike more that a dedicated dirt bike. I hope to get a longer test ride on a Strada when they get one.
I rode one of the bikes at Bill's today too and didn't want to bring it back. I agree that the lack of six speed may be a non-issue. The motor is very torquey and I think with tall final drive gearing first gear should still be very usable at low speed. Everything about the bike including the clutch and transmission feels super smooooth. I didn't spend alot of time looking it over but noticed a couple of things: Thought and time was put into making service and installation of accessories easier. The seat comes off in a flash by turning the key in a latch at the rear. the fuel pump flange and airfilter cover are then staring you in the face. It looks like the pump can be removed for filter change withou removing or even completly draining the tank. Draining the BMW oil tank at oil change has been messy and time consuming and the husky has a drain for it just under the tank. The headlight mask already has four screws already in place for mounting a windscreen and there are at least two of the luggage rack mounting points in place. I'm looking forward to taking the demo bike out when it gets here for a little longer ride. I could see myself really racking up some serious mile on this one. No dog in the fight.
I agree with Xcuvator and the price is right when compared to the BMW version. It looks like the new Givi Trekker bags are going to be the factory option.
I saw it at SixDays in Germany on friday and I have to say it is the ugliest motorcycle I have ever seen. I'm glad it rides better than it looks...
I actually think it is a good looking bike but I have always like a bike more for how they make me feel. (Now some old girl friends come to mind) Those are the keepers.
I dont think BMWs are bad looking motorcycles. But when I saw Husqvarna motorcycles for 2013 I got strange feeling that Husqvarna is slowly turning to shit on purpose and we'll be seeng BMW enduro bikes in a few years. (Nuda is a nice bike though)
The BMW design department is definitely taking the curb appeal of the Huskies to the weird side, gotta be like the new mothership apparently. I wish they were less "angular" and squared off, and more soft curves and swoop to them. The Nuda R sends me into a drooling lustful tizzy (and I will buy one as soon as they're in the states), but it's freakin' WEIRD looking. The Moab as well - the lines are too squared off. It's just my aesthetic opinion and it's worth every penny you paid for it. Um...BMW's purchase of Husqvarna is why we *don't* see BMW enduro bikes anymore. Unless of course you count the TE449.
Why is it people are test riding these things in dealerships and I can't find more than 1 ride review online?
Type TR650 in google and sort by time posted and there is about 4-6 short tests. All seem very positive. I hope to have one of these very shortly for a full writeup and parts build. As for looks it is changing but I like it. My 511 looks fururistic and new and IMHO makes my buddies TE310 look old and dated when side by side. Buddy with a new KTM said the same thing.
If you are referring to a tradition review in a magazine which is also on the internet... Philosophical question: what is the difference between those reviews and the comments written above? (I really am curious)
There is something else... I just cannot put my finger on it. Been groping for that information for years.
The ones here are fine, but they are a couple of sentences. If you Google for reviews only Cycle World has a review where they actually spent time with it. All the others I found were pretty much press releases saying what is coming out. I was hoping for more depth and reviews from people who don't normally ride a dual sport. We all know and accept the tradeoffs of having one of these machines. I like hearing about complaints from people who don't have any idea what they might be giving up.
