[Mellowrider]

Greetings all. Ive had my 950 for about a week now. I really like it. I think the controls need to move forward about 4-5 inches.... but other than that.. its an awesome bike.
Ive seen all the advertising even on Yamahas website video that makes it seem like you can take it off road. What exactly is the definition of off road?

On Page 2-2 of my manual at the bottom in the middle column, clearly states that

"This motorcycle is designed for on road use only. It is not suitable for off-road use."

So what gives.?
Personally Id never take it off the pavement unless I had to. I didnt buy it for off-road. But whats with the deceptive advertising?

 

[Mellowrider]

What does Yamaha consider off-road

 

[yoitsemo]

What does Yamaha consider off-road

I'd guess any terrain that would compromise the belt drive or require a higher ground clearance.

 

[JTM65]

I had a GS1150 that was supposed to be an "Adventure Touring" bike. It made the SCR950 look like a 125cc motocrosser. I never took it off roading seriously. I would not hesitate to go down a fire road or something with it though. I think the SCR950 would be fine for a dirt/fire road or gravel path. But, if you want true dual sport capability then KLR is the proper 3 letters for the front of your model, or the Yamaha equivalent XT or TW model.

 

[OpenRoad]

Packed dirt/gravel roads are fine IMO, though I wouldn't try anything designed for actual adventure bikes because those require higher ground clearance and different suspension, tires, etc.

but I wouldn't mind seeing someone try either.

 

[TheScrambled]

If you look on instagram, there's a lot of pictures with the scr950 on dirt/sandy roads so some people obviously have no qualms about taking it off-road. Though I have no idea how it would affect your warranty if something needs to be replaced or fixed under the warranty period.

 

[flatrack]

I ride mine on secondary gravel roads all the time. The SCR is a cruiser with some bolt on scrambler parts, thats all! Its not a trail bike! It is what it is and I love mine! If you want an Enduro buy a KLR or a DRZ. If you have the money buy an F800GS or a Tiger...

 

[YamiGuy]

I ride mine on secondary gravel roads all the time. The SCR is a cruiser with some bolt on scrambler parts, thats all! Its not a trail bike! It is what it is and I love mine! If you want an Enduro buy a KLR or a DRZ. If you have the money buy an F800GS or a Tiger...

Great way to explain this bike because these days with all the inbetween models coming out it has been confusing a lot of people or giving them the wrong expectations. That might equate for some bad reviews.

 

[flatrack]

Great way to explain this bike because these days with all the inbetween models coming out it has been confusing a lot of people or giving them the wrong expectations. That might equate for some bad reviews.

You've hit the nail on the head. It should never have been marketed as anything other than a Standard, because that's what it is. I had to laugh when one reviewer tried to ride it in the sand lol!

 

[Back2dirt]

For years now, while riding through the mountains in upstate New York on my "road" bike, I would see a dirt road going off into the woods and wondered where it went. I never wanted to take my bike down the dirt or gravel road for fear of chipping the paint or heaven forbid- get dust on it. I bought my SCR specifically for dirt /gravel roads. I have only had my SCR for 2 weeks, but it handles the dirt/gravel roads just fine. Heck, I even try to pitch it a little like a Flat-tracker.It does tend to bog down in deep sand, but it was not designed for that.

 

[flatrack]

For years now, while riding through the mountains in upstate New York on my "road" bike, I would see a dirt road going off into the woods and wondered where it went. I never wanted to take my bike down the dirt or gravel road for fear of chipping the paint or heaven forbid- get dust on it. I bought my SCR specifically for dirt /gravel roads. I have only had my SCR for 2 weeks, but it handles the dirt/gravel roads just fine. Heck, I even try to pitch it a little like a Flat-tracker.It does tend to bog down in deep sand, but it was not designed for that.

Exactly! Mine has a few nicks on the swingarm...gravel will do that. I love that I can stand straight up on the pegs, its one of my favorite ways to ride. And yes, with the low center of gravity its fun gettin a little "slideways" around the corners. Its a fun little bike!

 

[eddie]

For me, the lack of belt & pulley protection would be a concern off road.
One good "oops" and you're walking. =(
Two pulleys and a belt are a little over $1000 + labor to replace.

Someone probably makes a belt-to-chain conversion for the Bolt 950.
I looked around briefly and saw several for Sportsters that ran from about $200-$450 or so.

 

[Mellowrider]

On Page 2-2 of my manual at the bottom in the middle column, clearly states that

"This motorcycle is designed for on road use only. It is not suitable for off-road use."

I am never going to take mine off of the pavement. I used to ride my 1977 KZ750 (Same weight as SCR) down gravel roads. Very slowly as in loose gravel I almost wiped. It was good on hard packed dirt and gravel.
Just not the bigger loose gravel. Nope.... My SCR is staying on the paved roads.