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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.
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  #1  
Old 19 Jan 2008
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Bike on a budget
Hi,

I am currently in the very early stages of planning a round the world trip that would hopefully commence midway through 2009.

At the moment I'm trying to get a rough idea of the all costs involved as my finances are slightly limited. I do not actually own a bike and freely admit to knowing next to nothing; so I was just wondering if anyone out there could help to point me in the right direction to begin with.

My very rough plan is to head from UK through Europe, Iran, Pakistan, India, SE Asia and then ship to South America. I think I would stick to main(ish) roads where possible, but hopefully do some 'light' offroading.

Based on my current finances I think I would be able to afford a machine somewhere in the region of £1K - £2k. I am not at all concerned with the speed of the bike, but more interested in it having good fuel consumption and also spare part availability in the places I intend to visit.

Does anyone out there own, or know of, any bikes that loosely fit this description ?

Thanks,

Dave D
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  #2  
Old 19 Jan 2008
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Buy a reliable one......
Yamaha XT600

Ask Kentfallen what he paid for his, less than 5000 miles on the clock and its immaculate... ok, I will let ya Know,,,,, Im sure he wont mind, Less than your Budget of 2000.........
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  #3  
Old 20 Jan 2008
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See above, would be a good choice for you.

To save money use soft luggage rather than Alu boxes.
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  #4  
Old 20 Jan 2008
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They may be hard to find over there but a used KLR650 or a DR650 or a DRZ400.

Soft luggage, dry bag on the top not as "safe" as a alum box but far cheaper and does not attract as much attention.
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  #5  
Old 20 Jan 2008
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RTW with that budget = Small off roader if I was you 250/650cc Honda/Yammy but troll ebay as there are some good deals as it's winter buy now and save 20% on the summer price, maybe spend the saving on a slightly larger bike.

Take an evening course in maintenance with the smaller Honda/Yammys parts are easy to get anywhere., saves you getting ripped off A LOT.

I went for the F650GS Dakar, a little more expensive but is a good balance between off and on road.

A backpack strapped to the rear is way cheaper than any other rack, plus it can be carried on your back if need be, and it's put in a tent in seconds vs unmounting all my Touratech kit.

Apart from that write a list of places you want to see and then plan the route from there.

Oh and welcome
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  #6  
Old 20 Jan 2008
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You may get one of these for £1000 - £2000
Apart from the earlier offerings there are, for example:-

Honda Transalp 600 or 650 = twin

Kawasaki KLE500 = twin

Suzuki DL650 "Wee strom" = twin

BMW F650 Funduro = single

Aprilia Pegaso (650cc) = single

Thereafter, your question is wide open. You could start off by sticking those bikes into the search facility in here and reading what comes up ("Which bike" is a good thread as a start point if you don't want to search too much!).

Then have a read of the threads about the advantages of small bikes: 250cc, 350cc, etc etc.

There are more of these appearing on ebay each day now that Spring is beckoning - you could get one now and spend time in getting to know that bike or.................

Enjoy the search for a bike!!
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  #7  
Old 10 Feb 2008
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Yet another vote for the XT600. Not the most comfortable bike in the world but I believe is one of the most reliable. I have spent a total of about US$550.00 out fitting my bike for touring. I just have a few more things to buy yet but it is ready to go.
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  #8  
Old 27 Feb 2008
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XT600 or TT600RE
Another vote for the XT600E

or

TT600RE

Regards
Shaun
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  #9  
Old 24 Feb 2009
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If you are very new to motorcycling, then why not try a smaller cc bike to start off on?
They are cheap to buy and run. Most fuel economic. They are many to choose from for example the honda 125 e storm - see old man on a bike. Or for a bit of light offroad perhaps a dual purpose on/off road.
Hope that you do get a bike soon and start your travels.
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  #10  
Old 3 Mar 2009
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If your going to Iran make sure you go through esfehan (isfahan). It doesnt matter if you dont see anything else in the country, make sure you see that town. If your planning on going there and would be more comfortable having someone show you around let me know and im sure I could get some friends to meet you in isfahan.
No bike advice. Im looking for the same thing. Something cheap and tough.
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