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I think it's relative to what one is used to. The last bike I owned was a big, monstrous, 990 lb behemoth of a fully dressed cruiser - and that was without rider(s) and luggage. That bike easily pushed over 1150 pounds 1 up with gear (I did drop it once - two of us were able to pick it up adrenaline induced). Get off that bike onto my 570 lb Super Tenere and the Tenere feels like a bicycle under me. Ok, I'm exaggerating a little bit, but the point is that relative to my experience my XLADV bike doesn't really feel that XL. I did have a couple dirt bikes as a kid, but that was sooo long ago it's not really relevant. I can cruise down they highway in perfect comfort, hit the trail without skipping a beat then cross a stream and bounce over some rocks. When I see a nice camping spot I can stop, set up camp, enjoy some fine culinary delights over a fire, then get back on the bike the next day, bump over some more rocks, and then hit the highway and head home! What's not to love!? I've picked up the bike solo in the mud with panniers, and no it wasn't a cinch, but doable. To be honest I found the hideous panniers made it easier to pick up as they provided a fulcrum to assist in the lift. Just my .02