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Dream RTW bike? Dream RTW bike?
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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 Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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We are currently going around the world on Honda XR650Rs. Needed quite some modding, but I honestly would not swap her for anything else. If money was not an issue, I would probably fit some wider foot pegs and get the Akrapovic headers...


desertedcamp1 by juri.tabain, on Flickr


PA090265 by juri.tabain, on Flickr


IMG_3280 by juri.tabain, on Flickr


They weight in at about 155kg (oil / no fuel) with all the mods. If you are interested, have a look at the bike build. Right now I am in Oz, bikes are waiting in Bangkok to go on in the next few months - so finally some time to update the website...
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  #2  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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For me the bike has to be able to carry a pillion, and to cruise at 80mph comfortably.

Not all the world is covered in rough stuff, and not all of the rough stuff is that bad.
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  #3  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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I wish those brands that makes bikes for the Dakar Rally could launch a downtuned model of these 450 ccm bikes for normal Commercial sale. A 450 ccm even with a little downtuned engine would give a 40-45 HP, enough, low weight, lower the seat hight a little maybe, good suspension, large fuel tanks, good fuel economy, great brakes etc. Would make great travel bikes....

Would love a downtuned and lowered model of this one for example:

http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c13.../pages/01.html
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  #4  
Old 27 Dec 2013
c-m c-m is offline
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CCM do have a 450 adventure bike using the old G450x engine downtuned to just over 40bhp. They also sell a plugin to make the bike the full powered 54bhp verison.

Weighs just 135KG wet.

More here:

The perfect adventure bike, made in Britain?
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  #5  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jnk_ View Post
We are currently going around the world on Honda XR650Rs. Needed quite some modding, but I honestly would not swap her for anything else. If money was not an issue, I would probably fit some wider foot pegs and get the Akrapovic headers...


PA090265 by juri.tabain, on Flickr

They weight in at about 155kg (oil / no fuel) with all the mods. If you are interested, have a look at the bike build. Right now I am in Oz, bikes are waiting in Bangkok to go on in the next few months - so finally some time to update the website...

That is a very nicely set up travel bike! Good luggage set up!
I would agree ... as a Dream travel bike the XR650R ticks a lot of the boxes for me. The kick start puts most riders off. Not me, grew up with kickers, owned many 60's & 70's Brit bikes and many early Honda Dual sports with kick start. (XL600R, XR600R, XR400R).

Much as I love my Suzuki DR650SE, that XR650R is clearly the better off road bike in every way. Lighter, better suspension, reliable water cooled motor has a great reputation. And the best part for USA riders is that these XR650R's are plentiful and cheap here in California, selling from $2500 to $3500. Some are very well set up with thousands in trick aftermarket items.
If anyone from the EU is considering this bike ... come buy it in California to get a GOOD ONE CHEAP!

If you can do the kick start thing then very hard to find more value for money in a DO IT ALL travel bike.
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  #6  
Old 17 Dec 2016
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Originally Posted by NYLon2000 View Post
If money wasn't a real issue, what bike would you take for a RTW trip?

Some criteria:
- 1 up
- 50,000km+
- Road and offroad riding

I'd need to be able to pick it up when i drop it, would still need to get it serviced / repaired, and can't afford to helicopter in spares, so lets not assume infinite money.

I'd go with a mid-weight BMW, or the KTM 990.

What would you pick?
BMW GS 800 with minor modifications for confort (tall WS, gel cushion) and safety (outex tubeless kit). ABS and heated grips (standard) are a must for a RTW tour.
Dependable, confortable, agile bike.
BMW service and parts available in most countries.

Travel light, hydrate, enjoy the road.
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  #7  
Old 18 Dec 2016
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BMW Xchallenge with some modifications, if money does not count

Gesendet von meinem PLK-L01 mit Tapatalk
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Old 18 Dec 2016
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Gesendet von meinem PLK-L01 mit Tapatalk
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  #9  
Old 2 Jan 2017
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Originally Posted by inti View Post


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Nice bike, excuse my ignorance, but what is it?
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  #10  
Old 2 Jan 2017
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@Skyliner
BMW Xchallenge Rebuild with R-Fairing from Hot Rod Welding
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  #11  
Old 7 Jan 2017
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If money was no object, then Id take a CCM 450 with ECU upgrade and soft luggage - when it breaks I would just get a new one


Either that or do the same with a few KTM 500 EXC's
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  #12  
Old 9 Jan 2017
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I trust my Kawasaki DTracker X 300cc for RTW trips. She never let me down, and when she's down for sure I can pick it up. I might be on the slower side of the highway, and it's not a problem at all. Like the old saying, you may be fast, but I could go anywhere...


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