Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Best DS/Off-Road & Light Bike Best DS/Off-Road & Light Bike
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NORTERN SWEDEN
Posts: 15
Best DS/Off-Road & Light Bike
I have a KTM SE, but looking to downsize.
I am pretty big 190Cm tall and extra trimmings.
I have been looking at the Honda XR600 & TTR600.
Not many KLR's on the Swedish market, DR650SE is on the heavy side.
Older LC4's is to mouch into vibrations.
So what is the best light weight bike with good handling on bad roads, mild vibrations, god mechanical quality, easy to repair&service.
Is the KTM690 true & tested yet?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
What is your riding plan? Are you going rally racing, enduros or traveling?
Long trip or short vacation?

Seems to me the KTM SE is one of the best bikes in the world for off road touring. Must be expensive in Sweden, no? If you know the bike and trust it, what's the problem?

If you want a single then, again, it depends what riding you will be doing, how far and how long and where.
Not many taking 690 KTM's around the world, far as I know. Maybe you could be the first? Big difference traveling for a year or going a month round Europe or Scandinavia only.

If you can afford the SE then you probably can buy any single you want. Why not get a Husaberg? Nice bike! I think they even make a 600cc now and road legal too? What an amazing bike! (I rode 450FE and older 550)

For serious travel, I would sell your SE, take the money, fly to USA and buy a cheap dual sport bike (XR650L Honda, Yam WR250R, KLR650, DR650, DRZ400S, KTM 640 Adventure) and go traveling from there. Lots to chose and much cheaper than Sweden. Maybe 50% cheaper?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Belgium
Posts: 50
I went for the BMW G650 XChallenge for my trip from Belgium to South Africa starting the 25th of October 2010.



__________________
R 1200 GS '08 en G 650 X Challenge '08
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
Cost of that bike with all Tourtech accessories? (love the Ohlins!)

Have you weighed it yourself on a scale full of fuel?

luggage goes where? Sub frame OK for that?

Have a great trip!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NORTERN SWEDEN
Posts: 15
The BMW XChallenge is a 156kg bike, I am pretty sure I would pick the KTM 690 over the XChallenge.
Maybe I start Farkle up my SE with a Aqualine Safari 30L tank.
I have SW a couple of SW Motech 37L Trax panniers, no mount for the SE though.
This is how it looked 2 years ago, almost the same but more scratches, nicks & dents.

Maybe a metamorfose into something like this
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2010
Mickey D's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
Or maybe something like this?




And one reason why a 690 won't work for me. Notice the two fuel containers.

Last edited by Mickey D; 2 Apr 2010 at 06:52.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike for 30k km 80% gravel road ludnadrodze Which Bike? 17 25 Aug 2008 18:53
Saudi. Off Road Bike Run redsnapper Middle East 1 30 Apr 2008 23:07
Getting a bike on the road in the UK Drkevorkian Trip Paperwork 0 21 Jul 2006 11:21
Road Bike in Morocco - how far down? IanC North Africa 17 8 Nov 2002 06:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top