Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

I have to admit, these were mostly F650's (no need to ask my opinion of these) but there were a couple of 1200's too. Starter motor failed on one guy and the other guys shock (new bike) has collapsed. In 6 months, seeing hundreds of other bikers (on some really old high mileage hacks), I didnt see any other breakdowns !

Originally Posted by mj

That's very interesting indeed. I always thought the old F650 Rotax single was very reliable simply because it didn't have any bells and whistles.
And did I get that right: you didn't see any bikes other than BMWs break down? Not a single one?

Originally Posted by mj

That's very interesting indeed. I always thought the old F650 Rotax single was very reliable simply because it didn't have any bells and whistles.
And did I get that right: you didn't see any bikes other than BMWs break down? Not a single one?

Originally Posted by T.REX63

Staying off topic, my '06 F650 was dead-bolt reliable. Did my first Alaska/Canada trip on it, completed my first "Iron Butt" ride on it. Just a great bike all the way around. Nothing has fallen off either .

And, I don't take my bikes to a dealership, because that's where I have made consistently bad experience .

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

My dear Caminando.. You are the master of exageration !

I don't hate any bike nor do I ejaculate over a particular brand just because it happens to be in my garage !

I see bikes as machines/tools/piece of engineering ! I don't get particularly excited about lawn mowers, electric smoothy makers or inkjet printers either !!

I didnt "slag off" the Africa Twin. I just pointed out its failings which are fact. The dude asked, I told him !! I'll tell you about my DRZ's failings too if you'd like ?? If I didnt like them, I woudn't of bought three of them lol.

If you don't just concentrate on the nagatives, you will hear equal or more praises for most bikes than critisisms !

Just caus I say Suzukis rust, doesn't mean I dont like them, does it ??? They do rust, the finish IS poor. Again, its just fact my friend !

What do I approve if ?? Does it matter ??? People are free to take on to ignore information at their lesuire...

Last time I checked this was an OVERLAND motorcycle forum, aimed for people who like to travel overland on their bikes, so for me I'd say any bike which is:

Simple for the average rider to maintain, affordable to buy and have readily available spare parts, reliable, economical, have a sturdy well built chassic to hold luggage, be built of long lasting components and be simple to convert into a good overland machinne.. Branding has NOTHING to do with it !!

If you're asking me which bike id recommend for a track day, trip to the pub on, or posing outside starbucks on, surely thats for a different forum altogether.... Like visordown etc ??

Moto tech: I did 4 years F/T in college, C&G 1 & 2 and IMI 1, 2 & 3.. Used to run my own wreck - restoration Ebay business too. Also worked in the largest multi francise dealership in North of England in sales and occasional tech (better money). I didn't do an apprentiships as I prefered to be taught properly and not be someones "bitch" for pocket change.

Originally Posted by Caminando

Thanks T/Ted, glad you could clear that up. In fact though, you have passionately slagged ATs something rotten which is quite legit, but then you bought three. 'Nuff said?

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

Sorry, can't agree with that at all !!! Over the years i've promoted them to what must be 1000x more than i've ever criticised them.

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

If you want to see rust !! Get a Suzuki ! Worst finished bikes to come out of Japan !!

Everyone I've had looked like the Titanic.

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

I'm just bipolar !!! Then again, so am I !!!

Originally Posted by Caminando

Please don't ejaculate over anyone's bike though; he might get nasty...

Originally Posted by Caminando

Hi TouraTed
Bipolar doesn't mean schizophrenic BTW.

Originally Posted by WhiteyUK

I've had R100GS, R1100GS, R1200GS, R1200GSA. All great bikes, no major problems with any of them. 1200GSA was the best of them all

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

You should know I guess

Mental disorders aren't really my strong suit !


If you wan't to know my opinions on all brands of bikes, buy my book which is out at the end of the month !!