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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,
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  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2005
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Around Oz
Sitting in the office today has made my mind up......me and the missus are going to travel around Oz for a year, hopefully starting in June 2006. Been 'wasting' all day contemplating which bike. Anyone done this two-up and if so any tips on specific bikes?
cheers
Ray
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  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2005
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Good fuel capacity/low consumption.
No weak offroad points as coolers exposed for stone shots etc.
No thermical problems.

Go for a 3AJ with stronger spring for two up, they were sold in Oz.
They were made for the Paris-Dakar, and I guess they're great in Oz environment as well.
Or KTM 640 Adventure, seems to be one of a bike.

Matt
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  #3  
Old 22 Mar 2005
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i did oz on a super tenere ,they have not been sold new here since the early 90's but they are still around reasonably cheap and super reliable
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  #4  
Old 23 Mar 2005
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Ray

If you want to ride to interesting places get yourself a big Jap single, KLR650's and DR650s are available new for about 8000 AUD. Honda XR650L about 11,000 AUD. The speed limits in Aust are low 100kph/60mph and strictly enforced. TDM900 Yamahas are relatively cheap and are good two up, you can do as Rich did and put a Sirac rear on the front for the dirt stuff, of course it wont get to the most difficult places.

The best places are usually on dirt roads and if you want to go places the people on the bus dont see you will need one. If you are staying on the bitumen use a Goldwing, the missus will love you for it. It will cope with good dirt roads but nothing out of the ordinary.

cheers

simmo
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  #5  
Old 23 Mar 2005
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I did it in the late 80's for six months on a Tenere. Was bloody uncomfortable, and as alot of the miles are road miles, wish I had done it on a road bike. Even on the rough stuff in Southern Australia my mate didn't have too much of a problem on his FJ1200. I'd say a Beemer would be a good compromise there, even if you are doing the real heavy runs through WA!

Good luck.....
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  #6  
Old 27 Mar 2005
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Hi, If two up I would not go for a Ktm Adventure. Its a great bike in most ways but not for two up + luggage.
I my first bike was a 91mod XTe 600 and that was to short in a way for two people.
A bmw r80/100 gs is my best tipp.
Whatever bike you deside to use, have a testrun. With passenger and al luggage you plan to bring..
Have a nice tripp Maybe well meet there
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  #7  
Old 27 Mar 2005
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You could also think about the XT660 tenere we had here, 24 litre tank, twin headlights and better in just about every way to an early GS even two up. They cost between 3500-5000 AUD secondhand. the differrence in riding between these and my G/S is huge.....the yamaha is better.
eg

http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=602843&TabID= 3424&Alias=bikepointau

alec


[This message has been edited by simmo (edited 27 March 2005).]
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  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2005
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As Australia has so much tar, I would be inclined to go for a big touring bike with dirt capabilities, like a BMW 1150 or KTM 950. These will give you more comfort when touring 2 up than a smaller 600 to 650cc bike.

I personally prefer the KTM 640 Adventure for solo travel, but I have found that while it is excellent in the dirt, it can be a little uncomfortable for doing lots of kms on the tarmac. Hence, far better to go for something slightly more road orientated in Oz. After all, it is probably unlikely that you will be riding on rough fire trails with two people.

Having said all that, I once did 6000kms in a week on an R1 in NSW and Victoria, and that was perfect, although the old wrists and backside were a little sore by the end.

cheers
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  #9  
Old 28 Mar 2005
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Australia really is very big.

I did it on a Transalp. Just about big enough, but I would have liked a proper continental touring road bike.

Even on a tourer you can still do the national park gravel roads. And two-up, well, forget about the serious off-road anyway.

So...anything big and comfey.
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  #10  
Old 29 Mar 2005
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Don't let them worry you. I went round Oz on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Of course, I also enjoyed riding the nullabor, so I'm obviously insane.

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