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and about road bikes? and about road bikes?
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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 16 Aug 2007
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and about road bikes?
Just to ask,or talk, about travel only in road bikes.
I ask this because, I don't travel in off road, just in road and I wont change my bike. At this moment I use a Suzuki gs 500,good good bike, but I need a bit more engine, what you think about the Suzuki gsx 1400?
Thanks for any opinion.
Rui
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Old 17 Aug 2007
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well, i think if you need a little more engine, the 1400 might be a bit overkill.. sure its a nice bike, lots and lots and lots of torque, but way heavier than your 500, and much more expensive. The new 1250 Bandit could be worth checking out, too, if the 1400 is on your list.

If your not in love with inline-fours, how about an SV650? I had that bike for 4 years, and it does everything nicely, though maybe the seating was too sport-oriented. If you buy the S-model, with half-fairing, you can even go touring with it. Its not the slowest thing around a racetrack either, handles very well, though its stock suspension and brakes could be better.

I would claim the SV´s engine is quite a bit more than the GS500... but of course it depends greatly on your use of the bike, too. Not everyone likes v-twins, so you have to make up your mind yourself.
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Old 17 Aug 2007
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I love the GS500 and SV650. The GS makes about 40 horsepower, the SV 70 to 80. But, having said that, I like adventurer tourers (like the triumph tiger) for road bikes - comfortable riding position, great suspension for the occasional potholes.

j
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Old 17 Aug 2007
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For road riding only....buy any bike you like.
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  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruioliveira View Post
Just to ask,or talk, about travel only in road bikes.
I ask this because, I don't travel in off road, just in road and I wont change my bike. At this moment I use a Suzuki gs 500,good good bike, but I need a bit more engine, what you think about the Suzuki gsx 1400?
Thanks for any opinion.
Rui
Have you changed the road bike yet?
When it comes to road riding, the world is your oyster for choice; there are so many good bikes available and they are all very capable.

According to a recent survey in the UK, the best selling bike in France and in Italy has been the 600cc Yam Fazer; this single bike sold more in each of these two countries than all of the top 10 selling bikes in the UK (which are almost exclusively sports bikes i.e. copies of racing bikes).

My riding mate had a GSX1400 for a couple of years or so - he was very happy with it, putting in about 15000 miles per year, but then he "saw the light" and turned to BMW! They are no longer sold, new, in the UK because of the Euro emissions legislation.
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Old 2 Sep 2007
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I think as some others have said that it is a bit of a jump. Best to take a test ride and see what you find. Also it will be a bit more expensive to run as its alot bigger engine, harder on fuel and will cost more to service.

Might i throw in an odd ball/bike into this thread being the Honda Deauville. I at the moment own one and find it good for touring, commuting, messing around with, poping down the shops etc. I have owned it for the last 2 years and find it a great bike, it makes around about 45bhp at the wheel or 55 at the crank. Its got shaft drive so no chains, lube etc, and its got panniers built in. I dont know if you get this in your country but i find it a great bike for all types of roads. Have a look at some of the reviews on google. They all clam it to be under powered but thats up against sports bikes.
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