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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 Lois Pryce, fueling up in Tunisia

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fueling up in Tunisia



 
 
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Old 3 Dec 2007
DarrenM's Avatar
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
12 months searching, still confused....

Need advice and help please. Still having trouble deciding on what bike to take on a RTW tour. I would like a bike that will last and I can live with for what may be an indefinite period. As with past travels if I find a place I like I stay there for a while. Rather than a conventional trip around the world this will become my life.

Faults don't worry me as I am a competent engineer. Reliability, ease of service and repair with minimal spares being more of a concern. I use the facilities at small motorcycle shops for service work so tasks like an oil change should be simple.

I love to ride off-road but don’t mind hiring dirt bikes locally if my explorations are to exceed my chosen bikes limits. I’ve had great times in Asia with 250cc machines, a change of clothes and a toothbrush.

Speed is not important as I am happiest plodding along at 55mph. I am not tied to a budget but I wont spend a silly amount of money.

I have excluded bikes like KTMs, BMW R1150 / 1200GS, Suzuki VStrom and Triumph Tiger mainly due to size and weight.

My short list....

BMW F650GSD - Tough little bike but I cant love it. I am put off by reports of water pump failures, electrical niggles and its not the simplest to service.

Yamaha XT600 - Perfect for Africa, longevity of the engine and comfort concerns me.

Honda Transalp - Not pretty but reliable. Fuel range not the best, 35 Ltr tank available but made from GFK (glass fibre) and may disintegrate.

Honda Africa Twin - My hearts desire but heavy.

BMW R80 / 100 GS - Still under consideration but would need major overhaul and are selling for silly prices.

Lots of choice with the 2008 models but I don’t fancy a newly released bike.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as the time to buy is fast approaching. I guess what I am after is tough dependable transport for many years to come. To much choice can be a bad thing.

If I am still undecided then its a Land Rover with a Honda CR strapped to the back.

Thanks.
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