Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 6
Advice for beginner...please

Hi All,

Just found this forum which is making great reading. I'm completely new to biking and haven't even completed my test yet! That hasn't stopped me trying to decide on a first bike. One option in my local bike shop is a new Aprilia Pegaso 650 trail which is going cheap (£1500 off rrp) but I can't find anything on this site about this bike. Anyone got any expericence - good or bad?

many thanks

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Sep 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
The Pegaso is supposed to be OK from what I know, but what do you want th ebike for, and where do you want to go??

I got a Cagiva Elefant 750 LE just after doing my DAS because it was cheap and looked like a PD bike! Strangely enough I did run into a lot of problems outside of europe getting hold of parts. To be fair I have problems in europe too!

Whatever your first bike is you will love it, get something that you want rather than what you think you should have. Otherwise you might end up on a BMW!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post

Whatever your first bike is you will love it, get something that you want rather than what you think you should have. Otherwise you might end up on a BMW!!
That happened to me, used my head and not my heart and now after four years it has finally developed a fault on the way back from teh diesel bike rally in Germany.. speedo stopped working ( probably cable )

These diesel bikes could solve lots of problema for long distance riders, everything from 200mpg singles to V twins that cruise at 80mph at 120mpg.

Last edited by oldbmw; 10 Sep 2007 at 21:17. Reason: typo
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
diesel bike! which one, you haven't managed to get hold of the DLR have you??
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 138
Aprilia uses the xt660r engine and gears but different injection.
it's italian so it's a bike for people with a heart
__________________
I’m not afraid to go fast, it’s the crash and burn part that sucks.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
and a multimeter
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Nomadic1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 103
If you're interested my R1200GS is up for sale - fully kitted for long haul rides. Got abs, heated grips, touratech panniers, tank and tail bags, stuff sacks, gps etc.

Could be yours for £6500?
__________________

Visit my space here
See my photos here
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
diesel bike! which one, you haven't managed to get hold of the DLR have you??
The DLR is a myth, only 22 were ordered and have ever been built as a test exercise to see if it could be viable. That is it. For real bikes visit
DieselBike.net The Original Diesel Motorcycle website.

Incidentally 9hp will allow you to cruise at 50-60mph on the flat at 180mpg at that speed (following the diesel) my 1985 R80RT does 57+mpg (at the same engine revs, 3500rpm)

hope that helps.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I have reason to believe that the DLR might become a viable production bike. I am not sure what information is in the public domain at the moment, but will let the overlanding community know in March 2008! Incremental developments on the engine are continuing , whilst the power is still considerably less than the 650 single petrol equivalent the torque gap is minimal. Should shut up now, careless torque costs lives and all that!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 6
Thanks for the info guys. Nomadic1 - much as I would love a 1200GS I can't afford one. Probaly too big as well - I'm vertically challenged at 5'5".

I mainly want the bike for weekend camping trips and day to day commuting. Not intending on any RTW trips for the time being.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Hi Mooster,


seems to be appropriate!

Your original question was about the Pegaso and no one seems to be discussing it with you, up to now anyway.

I haven't owned one I have to say, so there is no expertise on my part about the bike - I have talked with a few owners, the way you do when out and about, and they all seemed to like the Pegaso.
It used to have a Rotax engine, like the 650GS BMW, and I reckon that engine is a good one and very reliable (it goes well on my wife's bike!), especially in it's later versions with fuel injection - recent models are being fitted with the Yam 660cc engine I learnt a short time ago from another thread in here. You may want to look closely at that new bike and see how new it really is - some Aprilia models have not sold well and you can get, say, a two year old one very cheap because it has been in the crate that long. Nothing wrong with that as such, but it is worth being aware of why a bargain price may be offered.

As for the price, it is a good time of year, say over the next month or so, to be haggling over the price of bikes; it will be a buyers market now that the new registration number has been issued in the UK and it slows down anyway, heading into winter.
If YOU like the bike then don't worry too much what anyone else thinks on the subject but it is interesting to glean information and opinion (which I guess is why some of us read these posts!).

For Aprilia in general, you can do a search on keywords, such as "aprilia", in here (search facility on the left of your screen) and you will find lots more postings that may interest you.

Hope this is of some assistance,

Oh yes, I suggest you have a read of the Kawasaki KLE threads; tremendous enthusiasm in there for a very simple, reliable and very good value bike that may not be around much longer in the 500cc form.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
The other thing about the Pegaso is many of the parts are compatible with the equivalent model BMW F650 (those one that have the Rotax engine that is) and here's the kicker... mostly the BMW sourced parts are cheaper! In NZ, the mirrors are exactly the same but NZ$30 less from BMW.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 6
Walkabout & Nigel,

Thanks for this - sounds like the peggaso could be a good choice. Just need to pass my test now...I have the theory part tomorrow morning so fingers crossed.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mooster View Post
Walkabout & Nigel,

Thanks for this - sounds like the peggaso could be a good choice. Just need to pass my test now...I have the theory part tomorrow morning so fingers crossed.
Ah, you'll fly through that!! (but good luck!).

Here's a thread to read:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ish-over-29182

See if you can get the A owner to tell you more about them.

Cheers,
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 59
Good choice

Mooster, i think you have picked a good first bike, i am a relative newbie and bought a XT660R and find it excelent for my needs. The pegaso has the same engine. I recently toured Iceland on mine and found it the perfect bike for the job, not too heavy, dual purpose, plenty of power fully loaded.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BMW R850RT any advice BMW MARTIN Which Bike? 7 20 Nov 2007 17:59
South America Trip - Advice Wanted ImNotLost South America 11 10 Jul 2007 11:48
A bit of basic advice about tracks... Sly-Fox Australia / New Zealand 5 25 Oct 2006 04:07
africa route advice please (border crossings) deebee Route Planning 8 29 May 2006 23:11
Advice? S. Italy,Greece,Turkey, Black Sea MCP Europe 2 12 May 2003 05:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:10.