Best bike for a prodigal HUBBer?
 

Hello all.

For me it's been a looooong time since I last logged on. Life sort of got in the way. Money made overlanding more of a dream than an ambition and kids made motorbikes more of a garage filler than a hobby.

But life has changed and I find myself with at least the possibility of bike trips again, if not full-on trips across Africa or the Siberian steppe.

That means I may be in the market for a new-to-me bike.

Currently, I have a 1996 Honda Transalp 600 which I have ridden across France, Poland, Slovakia and Czech Rep, as well as my home of Estonia. I was a solo rider for those trips and, while it is up to the job for running around for a Sunday blast with my girlfriend as pillion, I fear it would not be potent enough for riding two up across Europe where mile-munching would have to occur at some points.

I'd also like something with a bit more poke.

And so I ask for some recommendations as I am totally out of touch with bikes these days and I don't remember enough of what I knew 7 years ago about the foibles of this bike or that.

So, what am I looking for?

Comfort. Crossing and touring Sweden on a supermoto XR400R told me unequivocally that my posterior is particular and my back is unforgiving (knackered lumbar disc). And, whilst giving my pillion a bum-massage has its merits, I think she wants to be comfortable too. So comfort is a must.

Type. Whilst I loved my trip across Patagonia, two-up on a GS, I'm not sure I'll be doing any major trail work so dual-sport/adventure tourer is not essential. So I'd consider tourer and sports tourers too.

Power. Yes..... I may not be hung up on another superbike, but I'd like something that is going to put a smile on my face so I'm probably looking around the litre mark in cc.

Reliability. I know that anything can go wrong but touring on a bike that I don't feel confident about just kills half the joy. Whilst I can do a fair bit of my own repairs, I don't get a kick from patching up a bike by the side of the road with duct-tape and chewing gum. So something that is statistically solid would have to be a deal-maker.

Fuel economy. I know that if I wind a 1000cc bike up and gun it down the open road consumption will suffer but I'd like something that doesn't drink like a fish, just cruising. For the record, I'm quite happy to ride along at 80kmph on a back road or 130 on a motorway and when I do, I'd like the bike to have a decent range and not have my holiday budget eviscerated at every fuel stop. What is good economy for me? Well, I can say the Honda can get 65mpg (about 4.5-5 litres/100km) if I ride a steadily 80kmph but I accept that might not be achievable with a bigger bike.

Likely destinations. Given my location, budget and vacation allowance, I think my feasible range would anywhere in Europe, inc Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, as far as Spain too

Price. €3-4000.

So far, I've found myself looking at the likes of the FJR1300, V-strom DL1000, Fazer 1000, Blackbird 1100, although the Suzuki and Yamaha 1000 seem the closest in price to my goals.

So, my question is how does my shortlist stack up to my requirements and are there any others I should add? A Beemer GS would be nice, sure, but completely inaccessible price-wise, before anyone suggests that.

So over to you, itchy-footed bike travellers of HUBB. Let me know what you think!

I have travelled all over with a vstrom 2up. No faults really to speak of in 80,000 miles. It's comfy for me and the wife, good upright position, plenty of after market bits if you are so inclined. Price fits nicely in your range. I have a 2008 model 650cc and don't plan to change it until at least 100, 000 miles on the clock. 250miles or more on a tank of fuel (276 best ever) so good range. Long haul fast roads are no problem, off road is governed by the limits of the rider and tyres fitted. Dirt and gravel fully loaded with 2 plus camping gear very doable. Don't bother with OEM plastic panniers they are rubbish, I fitted Ali side boxes with top opening lids perfect. Slightly larger rack fitted for roll bags etc. Stock suspension is "just ok" but we have managed with it so far.

Your Transalp will do just fine. It doesnt have the best suspension in the world and its a bit low geared so a bit high reving and thirsty at highway speeds but still capable. Then you can spend your 3-4000 € on travels and fun on the way.

Otherwise a V-Strom as mentioned above is also a great bike, good milage, enough power and rock solid.

FJR, Fazer etc are probably great bikes but for 3-4000 € - what do you get? A high milage bike with doubtful maintenance record?

It is true that the Honda can do it but not without a certain degree of effort. In truth I’ve not written off using my ancient Transalp. It still starts with every push of the button.

But I’ve had it for 7 years now and, having toured on more powerful bikes, not to mention Sunday morning back road thrills, a bigger bike is a serious temptation. It the case of the V-Strom I’d be looking at the 100bhp 1000cc V-twin, rather than the 650.

To think there was a time when my dad had offered to give me his TA700 but I declined as I felt bad that he’d have got no money for it....