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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