Yet Another Bike: Discovering the Joy of Lightweight Agility

Elliot Pittam
Apr 29
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

A few years into my adventure riding journey, after countless kilometres and plenty of

group rides—both organised events and casual weekends with friends—I came to a

realisation.

While the mighty BMW R1250GSA had been a fantastic machine for long hauls and carrying gear, it was starting to feel like overkill in tighter, more technical off-road terrain.

The Big Bike Reality

Don’t get me wrong—the GSA is a phenomenal motorcycle. It’s comfortable, powerful, and excels at those long-distance rides where you want to pack everything, including the kitchen sink. But the more I explored off the beaten track, the more I began to notice its size and weight working against me.

On several rides, I found myself surrounded by others on sub-900cc machines. Bikes like

the KTM 890 or Yamaha Tenere 700 consistently proved more agile, more responsive, and easier to manage in tight, tricky conditions. They didn’t offer the same plush ride or tech-loaded cockpit as the GSA—but in many ways, they didn’t need to.

That’s when I began to reflect: I was mostly using the GSA to ride from A to B so that I could enjoy the off-road portion. And in that role, it was more bike than I needed.

Testing the Alternatives

After riding a friend’s KTM 890 Adventure and, later, spending some saddle time on a

Yamaha Tenere 700, my mindset shifted. The first thing I noticed on these lighter bikes was just how nimble and responsive they felt.

Line changes? Easy. Ruts? No problem. Technical climbs and descents? Far less drama.

Their suspension felt more forgiving than I expected, and once I adjusted to the increased dive under braking, I actually enjoyed the extra feel and connection to the terrain. Unlike the BMW’s Telelever front suspension—which is brilliant at eliminating front-end dive but also dulls some feedback—these bikes gave me the feedback I needed to react and correct quickly.

The Unexpected Detour from BMW

Initially, I was loyal to BMW and had my eye on the 2024 F900GS. After a positive test ride, I was ready to make a move. I contacted the dealer, exchanged a few messages, and was set to finalise the order—ideally before the end of 2024.

Then, silence. The follow-up never came. No call. No email. And surprisingly, no bike. Life got busy, and I let it go—but looking back, I’m glad it played out that way.

A New Direction: Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid

Not long after, I was offered the chance to buy a Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid

edition—and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.

It had a great fuel range, impressive suspension, and plenty of usable power for off-road

exploration. It felt alive. Even though it was only a 700cc engine, it had all the character and performance I needed.

Shortly after buying it, I joined a three-day group ride, and that’s when everything clicked. The handling I had been chasing was right there under me. Friends who had ridden with me on the GSA even commented on how much more capable I looked—more fluid, more confident, more in control.

Will I Keep the GSA?

I’m still undecided. The R1250GSA is an incredible machine for long-distance touring, and there’s something satisfying about its power and comfort. But for now, the Tenere is my go-to. It feels like an extension of my intentions—light, intuitive, and made for the kind of riding I truly enjoy.