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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 Carl Parker, Always curious Tibetans, Tibet, China

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Photo by Carl Parker,
Always curious Tibetans,
Tibet, China



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Old 12 Aug 2008
mollydog's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2003
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Originally Posted by PimpYoda View Post
I guess the reason I'm looking at a BMW is that I see a lot of people doing a London - Cape Town jouney on a BMW. I'd be interested to know which XT you got / would reccommend for a long journey such as this.
I agree with Andy .... I would look closely at what is going on out there. Sure, you see a fair number of mostly new, inexperienced riders on BMW's, and a lot of them are making movies, writing books and getting BMW sponsorship.

For a more realistic look, take a gander at the breakdown record on BMW's. Not a pretty picture over all. Many tales right here on HU about this very thing. Look up Maria 41's posts.

Don't go with a bike just based on how good it looks or because a few Flash riders have a slick web site (paid by BMW)
and you think it has some "Dakar" race connection. That's a lie too. But you'll learn ..... Your desire for a "Dakar" points to this. It's Hype mate. If you really want to burn money on the over weight and over priced F650, be my guest.

But the more you learn the more you'll figure out that not only is the XT or new Tenere' better but so is the Suzuki DR650 and Honda XR650L (or R) superior, cheaper to maintain and more reliable.

Did you know the F650 weighs about 65 lbs. more than a DR650 Suzuki? (Dry weights) Of course, this means nothing to you. It will, it will ...

Check out Terra Circa and see what they are riding. Real riders, pushing hard and beating their machines. Guess what they are riding? Suzuki of course!

Great movie, BTW. Very non Hollywood approach. Rated R !

Patrick
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