Oh what have I done?

[Mr Derek]

Does there have to be a point ?
Manual mode in DCT gives you more control and adds to the fun . If you just want a twist and go then get a TMax or similar .
Having fun is optional

You just answered your own question by telling me what the point was. Clearly, for you, there is a point. Is it not possible to have fun without using manual mode? That seems to be what you are suggesting.

My question about manual mode was qualified by my acknowledged lack of experience with maxi scooters. I will try both auto and manual mode. Perhaps I will learn to have fun too.

 

[Pukmeister]

Let us know your honest appraisal once you have tried one.

As I said earlier,it may take a little while to gel with one if you have never ridden one over a geared conventional motorcycle.

 

[TYKEBBS]

Scooters or whatever you like to call them seem like a good proposition....they do seem expensive tho'

I've never tried one apart from a Lambretta back in the 60s ...I didn't like it

 

[TIJ650]

My Burgman has manual mode, sport mode and automatic (drive) mode, and I’ve yet to find a use for manual mode. I use sport mode for overtaking but usually just leave it in drive. I think, if I were riding up something like the Stelvio Pass I may put it into manual, just to be able to keep the power constant in the hairpins. Other than that

I’ve heard ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ reduce belt life dramatically. And they’re very expensive on the 650

 

[TIJ650]

I bumped into the owner of an X-ADV 750 last year who was over from Ireland, touring England, Scotland and Wales. He laughed about the poor conditions he'd ridden through praising the bikes weather protection and all day comfort.
He said it's one of the best touring bike he's owned.
View attachment 480492
View attachment 480493

That exhaust is dangerously close to the pannier. Hopefully he wasn’t carrying his camping propane inside?! lol
Guess we’ll never know.
Cue the Irish jokes

 

[KMD]

I’ve heard ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ reduce belt life dramatically. And they’re very expensive on the 650

Pretty much my understanding of it too

 

[skr80a]

The adv has a nice chain

Pretty much my understanding of it too

 

[Greenman14]

I’ve had several automatic cars, all with a manual mode which I used once out of curiosity. The sport mode was useful though.

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

I’ve had several automatic cars, all with a manual mode which I used once out of curiosity. The sport mode was useful though.

Same, I use the flappy paddles on my DCT Golf once a year to see if they still work. I only use Sport mode occasionally on the rare occasion I'm on a nice twisty with no other cars around (although it can be useful to engage for an overtake if space is tight)

 

[beemerboy9]

Same, I use the flappy paddles on my DCT Golf once a year to see if they still work. I only use Sport mode occasionally on the rare occasion I'm on a nice twisty with no other cars around (although it can be useful to engage for an overtake if space is tight)

I last used the flappy paddles on my Audi 3 years ago on a hill in the Ardennes. Sport mode I use a lot on 60 mph twisty roads.

 

[beemerboy9]

Clearly, for you, there is a point. Is it not possible to have fun without using manual mode? That seems to be what you are suggesting.

That's not the way I read it.

Arsey is having lots of fun with DCT box and is having even more fun using manual mode.

 

[Pukmeister]

If my Tmax had DCT I doubt I would ever have a need for manual buttons/paddles?

I sometimes use the flappy paddles on the wifes Peugeot when towing the caravan if it labours a bit too long in a higher gear when climbing a hill, I think the last time was on M25 climbing up the hill near the Chalfont Viaduct (the bridge with "Give Peas A Chance" graffiti). Can't see much use otherwise as its normally great left in "Auto".

 

[Mr Derek]

If my Tmax had DCT I doubt I would ever have a need for manual buttons/paddles?

I sometimes use the flappy paddles on the wifes Peugeot when towing the caravan if it labours a bit too long in a higher gear when climbing a hill, I think the last time was on M25 climbing up the hill near the Chalfont Viaduct (the bridge with "Give Peas A Chance" graffiti). Can't see much use otherwise as its normally great left in "Auto".

I've got flappy paddles on my Ateca. Never used them. Mind you, I don't drive for fun. I've still got my 790 Duke for fun, and that one's a keeper. The maxi scooter, when it arrives, will be for distance riding. If it happens to be the X-ADV I'm sure I'll try the manual mode.

 

[leadfarmer]

The two are not necessarily comparable

I never use the flappy paddles on my car or the wife’s or on any previous car I’ve had

But when I had a Crosstourer DCT I used the manual down change almost all of the time and the upchange fairly often too

 

[Mr Derek]

I tested the TMAX yesterday. Had about a half hour ride.

Good bits.
The level of equipment is excellent.
The joystick control is easy to operate.
The bumstop on the seat works really well. Very supportive.
Feet forward riding is rather good.

OK bit
Performance is adequate. As Orinoco knows, I once said I could never buy a bike I thought was only adequate. Perhaps performance should be described as sufficient.

Bad bit
The low handlebars meant I was leaning too far forward and it was immediately painful on my back. I would need them raised by more than typical bar risers do.

I won't be buying a TMAX.

On the bright side, I hear that Bridge motorcycles in Exeter are registering an X-ADV demonstrator in the very near future. A test ride is already planned. The seat, feet hand ratio seems much better for me than the Yamaha. Fingers crossed.

 

[MikeH101]

I have my X-ADV 750 up for sale but after a fun ride last weekend, I'm wondering whether to find room for it in the garage as a back up for when my R80GS needs attention. Although I found one problem with swapping bikes, left hand muscle memory causes issues/amusement with change of brake/clutch and horn/indicator.
After 5 years with the X-ADV I have to say it is a real fun all rounder. Fast enough (for me), capable for long tours and so easy to ride. I don't use the manual mode but do make use of the flappy paddle gear change. D drive mode is fine for the majority of riding but holds onto high gear for too long on twisty roads. Switch to a S sport mode is better, changing quicker but the paddles make down changes seamless and easy. Capable handling and use of the gears lets me keep up with more powerful bikes.
Some thought needed now.

 

[skr80a]

Currently experiencing new bike syndrome, however I do think I may be selling the GS, and possibly getting an older r80 instead - even upgrading the x-adv!!

 

[TIJ650]

The only way to properly deal with temptation………..is to yield.

 

[johnnyboy]

---

I can resist anything except temptation.....

 

[Mr Derek]

The best laid plans of mice and men...

It's not going to be a scooter, maxi or otherwise. Even though I didn't get round to trying the X-ADV, I decided that what I really wanted wasn't a scooter. Not for vanity reasons. I still really like them. But I wanted more than mid 50s bhp and better acceleration. I always said that my ideal bike would have the power of my KTM 790 Duke, the riding position of an adventure bike and Honda build quality. After a decent test ride today down in Somerset, in chilly conditions, with damp roads and on a bike with no heated grips, I fell in lust.
I have paid a deposit and should be getting my new bike in mid April. I part exchanged my KTM and got a price I am very happy with. It will be my only bike.

It is a Triumph Tiger Sport 800 Tour in red. Chuffed to fuck, I am.

The only thing I didn't much like was the screen, which is really noisy. I will be researching aftermarket screens.

Roll on mid April.