That's my worry...only a test ride will tell. I've tried a few bikes over the last year but none of them make me smile like the Tenere!(apart from my darling XR650R!) My heart sinks when you take a bike for a test ride and the salesman just goes on about how 'smooth ' the engine is....ie DULL...! Hopefully a few mods can liven up the T7...that MT engine is supposed to be strong and reliable, plus it's not fitted with loads electronics...rider modes no one needs! Steve