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2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...? 2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?
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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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #31  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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Nobody mentioned a KLE500! .. robust, mostly reliable, easy to work on tall is will do off and on road, twin cylinder, spares reasonable cost... I had one from new for a couple of years-brill sometimes wished I'd not sold it
TDMalcolm
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  #32  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?
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  #33  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TDMalcolm View Post
Nobody mentioned a KLE500! .. robust, mostly reliable, easy to work on tall is will do off and on road, twin cylinder, spares reasonable cost... I had one from new for a couple of years-brill sometimes wished I'd not sold it
TDMalcolm
I've heard a lot about the KLE over the years ... we never got that bike in the USA. I did see them when touring UK and EU. I saw one woman riding one in Italy set up for RTW. It was IMPRESSIVE. I hear they're a bit porky but strong, robust and cheap to buy and maintain!
I did notice the ground clearance is a bit low ... but may not be an issue for some ... and very good for short riders.
All good!
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  #34  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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Originally Posted by johnnail View Post
I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?
I haven't ridden any of the new Honda 500's either. There are 3 models .. all based on the same 500cc parallel twin. Reviews I've read are mostly on the X version (so called Adventure model) Reviews are mixed. Critics state the bike is too heavy, power is too meager and it uses budget components (not cheap, but low cost). BIKE (UK) gave it good reviews, but US reviewer were less kind, also citing poor fuel economy. The UK guy did not complain much on that.

I know of no one who ones one so no first (or 2nd hand) knowledge. Could it work? No doubt. But even the UK reviewer who loved the bike admitted that Honda 500's from the 1980's were: Lighter, more HP and tougher ... and way way cheaper of course.

I'm sure, at some point, riders will be out there on these new 500 Hondas. Be interesting to hear ride reports.
Last edited by mollydog; 13 Jun 2014 at 05:04.
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  #35  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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The kle could've been interesting. Hadn't even heard of it before but they are available in Europe. The Honda could be fun, i think maybe someone mentioned it but looks like itd need a lot of prepping to be any use offroad. Both are around 200kgs, not bad.

I really enjoy basically having a little enduro bike that can hold its own on the road. Vibes aren't too bad. Sucks on the motorway, but kills it on trails which is where I want to be. I'm still stuck here I'm waiting on the French post for a parts and tyres the heat is unbearable at the minute but there's some fun trails.

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  #36  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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the twin cylinder part is what makes your choice difficult
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  #37  
Old 29 Sep 2014
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Liking the look of the SR400 about time 400s made a comeback but 174kgs wet, dont understand how it's so heavy when a 800 odd CC twin guzzi v7 is under 180?
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  #38  
Old 29 Sep 2014
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At the risk of straying further from the twin theme, this Chinese bike (based on an XR400 motor?) comes in at a claimed 151kg dry:
Moto Mash Five Hundred 400cc - Iron Black - Motos 400cc - Motos

Two thirds of the Yam's price, too.
I think small bikes get heavy when they're made down to a price.
Same with the XTZ660.

Straying back too the twin theme and talking of GS500: my 19-er GSR500 with a DR front end. Sold that rat too soon.
More here: Suzuki GS500R Overlander | Adventure Motorcycling Handbook
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  #39  
Old 29 Sep 2014
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The straying is fine I have new appreciation for singles. I like the style of the moto mash Chinese bikes, they're HMC in the uk as well, but Im not sure about the build quality and engines. Its a made in China xr copy engine. The 151 dry will be almost the same as the yam wet full tank how Yamaha weigh them but at 4k€ its way cheaper looks better too. Whether the Chinese have managed to overcome their quality issues and mad vibrations yet to be seen. I'd love to test ride one. And a 5 year warranty would go a long way
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