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A deciding factor I had not considered. A deciding factor I had not considered.
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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 Brad-Houghton, of Parque Nacional Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia

Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!


Photo by Brad-Houghton,
The Stone Tree,
Reserva Nacional de
Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
(Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna
National Reserve)
Bolivia



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  #1  
Old 30 Jan 2008
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A deciding factor I had not considered.
At 1am this morning I was outside my house having a smoke and saw three youths walking down the road with a scooter. One was carrying bolt croppers so I confronted them. Not feeling confident enough to pursue my accusations of theft I informed the police who promptly set off in pursuit.

This got me thinking, are there bikes which you would consider more likely to be at risk from theft than any others in places like South America, Asia and Africa ? I have heard of a couple of thefts / attempted thefts of F650GS.

I am thinking that some bikes may become more desirable as new tour operators and rental companies are opening up and are starting to use these bikes. While I hope the companies are reputable there are always those tempted by cheap spares for their fleet especially in the for mentioned regions.

In addition to all other factors concerning bike choice I now rate potential desirability into the equation. I may change my choice from a nice new F650GS to a beat up looking (mechanically sound) Transalp with good locks.
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Old 30 Jan 2008
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The other plus side for the older transalp type bike is when you drop and scape it, there will be far less tears before bedtime!
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Old 30 Jan 2008
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You also wont look like "bling Darren" to poeple who have very little...

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Old 30 Jan 2008
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Well done Darren. An increasing amount of people would just have turned a blind eye! Not that I blame them because the public now gets a very raw deal with police performance.

Not sure about the likely increase in stolen bikes in the UK due to tour companies - look outside, it's far too cold and wet to consider a nice relaxing and comfortable ride. I'll wait until April when the XT comes out of it's garage.

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