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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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 12 May 2004
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: holland
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Desertexperience: disadvantages of XR650L/R, TT600, etc.

Hi there,

Looking for the perfect desert bike (not a KTM!) that can carry hard luggage, 400 km reach, light weight, easy to maintain, aftermarket products (bigger tank, engine guard, panniers) that are easily available, etc.

Any one any experiences with the Honda XR650L or R, Yamaha TT in the desert. I'm especially interested in disadvantages. Do suzuki and kawasaki sell alternatives?

Any links to aftermarkter product sellers?

Thanx,
Corné
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  #2  
Old 13 May 2004
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
I can't comment on the honda and yamaha products. I can recommend the Suzuki DRZ 400 for single person if you are doing a lot of off road riding. I like the water cooled feature, it keep the engine cooler and makes it more reliable. Just an option.

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John
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John
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  #3  
Old 17 May 2004
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
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in my experience (which is not great) Ive found water cooled off road bikes to have more problems than air cooled.
They still over heat and if the rad gets a leak youre stuffed, they take longer to work on as you have the job of draining the coolant etc and many dirt bikes that are water cooled don't have thermostats so may runn too cold which is also a big problem. For simplicity I'd stick to honda and I'd go for an XR/XRL as there prooven and genrally last longer than any other make of bike
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