A 'Two-up' Dual purpose tourer for £4000.

Hmmmmmm. You really want your cake don't you haha.

You will have to compromise. Only smaller lighter bikes do offroad better but you will then suffer for saddle space.


On seecond thoughts, I think an Africa Twin might suit you well actually. As long as you''ve got a half decent inside leg.

I did a few two-up trips on mine. Get a touring saddle on it (loads about) and it will do everything you ask.

It won't be a rocket ship, especially two up but you will easily cruise at 80mph and it won't be too bad offroad either with it's 21-17 wheels and long suspension.

It's well within your budget too and mega reliable. You could get a VERY sorted Africa Twin for £4000. Probably with all the luggage and a touring saddle, screen etc etc.

Also look at the KTM 950 Adventure. Again, it's a tall bike but has very good offroad credentials and it should be in that price range if you look about.

The 650-V-strom ain't that bad either. I know you tried one but consider alternative saddles. They can make a huge difference. Not great offroad though. I have one of those too

I know a couple of tour on a Transalp 650. That will do 80mph all day and it handles okay on unsealed roads. Again though, the sadde space isn't great..

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Thanks Touring Ted. We seem to be on the right lines because the bikes we have left on our list are in no particular order:
Honda Transalp 650
Honda Africa Twin
Triumph Tiger 955i
BMW F650GS
BMW F800GS (if cheap enough)
KTM 950 Adventure
Triumph Tiger 800 (if cheap enough)
Unfortunately, we have not ridden any of them as there are none for sale locally so we will have to wait. Do you think the roads will be bad enough not to contemplate the Triumph Tiger 955i? I am put off the KTM by short service intervals and how awkward some tasks apparently are. The two Honda's are both good contenders and maybe the BMW's although the Charlie Boorman 1200GS brigade puts me off BM's big time but I would give them a try.

We are looking to go next August, so I may buy the bike this winter, although travel through Iran looks very doubtful now so we may change our plans.