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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, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 11 Jan 2014
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Gs500 definitely within budget so will keep an eye on it. I was looking at vstroms as well as Honda transalp and Africa twins. Its pretty much just seeing the right one at the right price and buying it.

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  #2  
Old 12 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by helcat View Post
GI was looking at vstroms as well as Honda transalp and Africa twins. Its pretty much just seeing the right one at the right price and buying it.
Good bikes, but not necessarily what I would call 'simple' or easy to work on.
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Old 12 Jan 2014
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A modern dilemma there. Buy an Enfield with points because it is simple and then get lots of practice or a complex modern bike that is less likely to break. I'd take the proven basic digital tech AT/WeeStrom/New Bonneville/V7 level, but its personal choice.

Andy
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  #4  
Old 12 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by Squily View Post
Good bikes, but not necessarily what I would call 'simple' or easy to work on.
I know they look a right pain with all that fairing. I'd just like a nice simple lightweight 400 twin like a drz but twin. 400 seems plenty enough having ridden drzs vfr and Honda nt just a shame it'll never be made now with emissions and the desire for bigger engines.

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Old 12 Jan 2014
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Don't know anything about them, but what about the Aprillia MXV450? Only twin-cylinder small capacity trailbike I know of.

DL650 don't have much fairings, but it's essentially a road-bike with different suspension. Very little ground clearance and the engine is hard to work on (despite being open- e.g. twin-spark, but you have to remove/loosen the radiator to get to the one front plug). And valves are shim type, so not an easy adjustment if you're planning lots of miles.

AT's have lots of gizmos and unnecessary electronics. Generally they don't provide hassles, but to make it simpler for 'hardcore' touring, you could loose most of the fairings and unnecessary stuff, like trip-computer etc. Not that you need to work on them much, but if it bothers you. Engine is easy to work on: adjustable valves, fixed/electronic timing, etc. But never as simple/easy as a big-single like a Dominator or XR.
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Old 12 Jun 2014
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I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?
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  #7  
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 04:04.
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