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Bike for DAILY RIDE ! Bike for DAILY RIDE !
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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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Old 31 May 2006
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Question Bike for DAILY RIDE !
Hi all,
I have a R 80 GS Basic which is precious and more than a bike to me.
I think it is a long distance bike and it is silly to use it for everyday ride. I feel as if it will be worn quickly whan I ride it everyday though I know if I ride the bike once or twice a day, engine will get cool and it will be worn more easily.

So I think to have a bike for daily rides to save my GS for long distance.

Which bike(s) is suitable for this purpose. (Daily means: from home to work and back which is 50 kms total, and a bit around lets say 20 more).
An F 650 will be also a bit BIG for this purpose I suppose ! ?

What do you think and what is the experiences ?

Thanks in advance,
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Old 31 May 2006
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You figured it out, short trips will cause major damage to the engine sooner or later, and chances are it's gonna be a lot sooner than you'd expect it to be
Besides my XT600 which I use for longer trips and journeys, I own a Honda XL185S for everyday business, the city and real dirt. It's 25 years old and was dirt cheap. Incredible mileage as well, 3-3.5l/100km is what it usually takes and that's half of what my Tenere needs in the city.

To sum it up: If you're looking at something new how 'bout a 200-400cc bike - cheap, reliable and... well, cheap. If you're looking for something older same advice, look for 200-400cc
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Old 1 Jun 2006
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F 650 lasts so long?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Gringo
I put 308,000 miles (450K km) on a R100/7 (this is before I saw the light and switched to moto guzzis because BMWs are junk and don't last), so I doubt you will be able to wear quickly your R80, even if you try. The F650 uses a motor made by bombardier for ATVS which is good for about 60 to 100K miles. Ride the piss out of your R80 and rebuild it when it doesn't go anymore. Then it will go some more.

If you still feel the need to buy another bike, get a V-Strom.

Hi Flying Gringo,
I understand and respect you are experienced guy. Many people in this site think F 650 is a dream machine. Many people choose it for RTW !
Are they all wrong or something wrong with your advice. How the engine of F650 lasts in 60 - 100 K miles?
I really have doubt about it.
I had an F650 before. It was a good bike except vibration and comfort on tarmac.
For daily rides I think something a 400 cc bike looks better for gas mileage. Othervise F650 !
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Old 2 Jun 2006
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Merhaba Samy, nisilsin?
I don't think riding your Beemer every day will do any noticable damage, and in fact i think the best way to prepare a bike for long distance travel is to ride it regularly and iron out any problems as they occur. I owned my R65 for a couple of years, commuting on it every day before i left for a big trip India to the UK. It was reliable when i commuted on it in Australia and it has been reliable for 50,000 km since.
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