600cc or more?
 

After ahving completed a 10.000km tour on a 125cc Minsk, we believe taht just a little bit more power may come in handy.

Now, being packed (light but carrying camping gear and spares) and 2 up, is a 600 - 650 powerful enough or are we better of spending some more for the 1000+ cc monsters?

size does not matter
 

I had a Minsk 125 maybe 10-15 years ago, and then I transferred my butt onto 250, 500, 660, 850, 1200 by turns. For the last 5 years I am happy with my XT600 solo or with a passenger including luggage for any distance.

It will be a quantum leap for you from a 125 to 650, and you will never think about bigger machines. Even bikes between 250 and 600 does good in any condition. You may start looking at 1000+ machines at an older age when comfort and look really matter.

Go for a light and less complicated bike at first.

Best wishes

cozcan

Bigger bike?
 

It's big enough as long as it doesn't have pedals on it . Take the extra money that the big bike cost and take a trip.

I reckon (at least for one up) 600 is fıne.I too have a XT600 and would agree simple ıs best. The XT has enough power to cruise at 70mph on the motorway and feels fine fully loaded even wıth the mountains of crap I carry with me (including camping gear). I reckon any less would be a pain in the butt on the highway or for over taking the ENDLESS bloody lorries I have encountered on this trip!
Matt

I've traveled from the UK to Turkey with a 650cc. I am 65kg and the lagguage was around 55kg. My avarage speed was 70mph and had no problem. Of course I was wishing 1200GS sometimes especially in Switzerland on the motorway.

The payloads for 650GS is 187kg and 1200GS is 200kg. So, the difference is only 13kg for loading. Other differences might be acceleration, torque and top speed. However, if you are only cruising and not racing it looks like a 600cc will do the job for 2 up and with light panniers..

Suzuki V-Strom 650
 

Anyone got any experience on the V-Strom 650? How does it hold up comfort and reliability wise on long trips?