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F650GS Dakar 2 up? F650GS Dakar 2 up?
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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 Feb 2013
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F650GS Dakar 2 up?
Hi folks!

After missing my chance to get a nice r1100gs for a good price , I am back in business to try to get another lady for my trip.

I'm not fan of any brand so my range is very open. One thing at consider is that I will travel through countries where is necessary the carnet, so a cheap bike is a must, also we are two people (70kg and 50kg) plus 30kg of luggage.

I am aware that 5 or more years old bike with more than 30,000 miles you caN valuate her for £1000 for carnet so it does not matter which one at the end

I am looking at f650gs dakar that I think will do the job, also I consider klr 650 and vstrom 650

My dream bike is a KTM ADVENTURE (990/950) but I am not sure if I can afford her

So what do you think? any ideas with theses bikes any experience?

Thanks

Martin

Vsssssss
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Old 19 Feb 2013
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It's doable but it's not the most comfortable bike two up.

A V-strom would be better or a Transalp.

Where are you going ? What kinds of roads ?
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Old 19 Feb 2013
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Hi

Overland Africa (Including Egypt)

*2 up. rider (1,80cm and 70 kg) passenger (1,53cm and 48kg)

Thanks Ted!
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Old 20 Feb 2013
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Hi

get a Transalp or AfricaTwin or 650 Vstrom (2up) .... less breakdowns and maintenance and repair costs

happy trails
Thomas & Andrea

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Old 20 Feb 2013
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Originally Posted by MartinVigo View Post
Hi

Overland Africa (Including Egypt)

*2 up. rider (1,80cm and 70 kg) passenger (1,53cm and 48kg)

Thanks Ted!
Well, if you're doing the east coast it's almost all paved now. Not sure about the highway (there are no bandits. And no highway lol).

However, many campsites, hotels, shortcuts are rough roads so a Goldwing might struggle

You might have a few miles of gravel or sand to get to some remote resorts or attractions. That's what people forget.

That's a LONG trip and being crampted on a small bike with lots of luggage will do nothing for your enjoyment levels.

What's your budget for the bike ?
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Old 20 Feb 2013
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Thanks guys for your help!

My budget for the bike is £3000-4000. I found a ktm 950 for £4000 with maybe consider that one.

I tried the vstrom 650 but I am not sure if it will break because I will explore a lot... I will have to, I will do a specific photographic project. I was thinking to go alone (yamaha xt225, dr350, klr650) but my girlfriend wants to do it with me so I have to decide the best bike for us.

I've been tried to find someone who did Africa on a VStrom but I couldn't.

I know that it can be done in any bike (I did Scotland in a 125cc)

Do you think a 2004 KTM 950 adv worth the £4000?

Thanks

P.S Ted we lived in Liverpool for a few years, my girl was the pharmacist in Thingwall Wirral, maybe you know her (spanish Julia)

Cheers

Martin
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Old 20 Feb 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinVigo View Post
Thanks guys for your help!

My budget for the bike is £3000-4000. I found a ktm 950 for £4000 with maybe consider that one.

I tried the vstrom 650 but I am not sure if it will break because I will explore a lot... I will have to, I will do a specific photographic project. I was thinking to go alone (yamaha xt225, dr350, klr650) but my girlfriend wants to do it with me so I have to decide the best bike for us.

I've been tried to find someone who did Africa on a VStrom but I couldn't.

I know that it can be done in any bike (I did Scotland in a 125cc)

Do you think a 2004 KTM 950 adv worth the £4000?

Thanks

P.S Ted we lived in Liverpool for a few years, my girl was the pharmacist in Thingwall Wirral, maybe you know her (spanish Julia)

Cheers

Martin
Ahhhh Thingwall. Not far from me but I don't know your GF !!

I'm sure the V-strom would make it. My mate just rode to the Nordcap on his and it was great.

KTM 950 is a good bike. Quite tall though. An Africa Twin might be a good choice too if you can find one for sensible money.

All they need is a touring seat and a proper fuel pump and they're ready to travel.
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Old 21 Feb 2013
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I'm sure the V-strom would make it. My mate just rode to the Nordcap on his and it was great.

KTM 950 is a good bike. Quite tall though. An Africa Twin might be a good choice too if you can find one for sensible money.
I agree. Have owned several Africa Twins in the past, and now on my third DL650. A Transalp could also be a candidate based on the OP´s description.

Two-up changes the game almost completely. Many many good choices for going solo, but when you want to be able to carry lots of weight on the bike, have good space for two people, AND keep to a tight budget, then it´s suddenly different.

Single-cylinder engines are not the best choice for two-up extended travel IMO. Can do it, and has been done, too, but two or more cylinders can just simply do it better. This already rules out several choices, like the KLR or F650GS single (..but that´s just my own personal preference, nothing more).
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Old 21 Feb 2013
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Re: F650GS Dakar 2 up?
Yeah. I'd go for a twin for sure.


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  #10  
Old 2 Mar 2013
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Because of your size I would do it on the Dakar, I have come across a couple from Sth. Africa that had put 15000km on there F650gs single 2 up & they did not look anymore cramped than any other 2up riders I have seen. As for the Vstrom I had one & sold it as it was to heavy (very good bike tho) I rode a F650 twin thru Africa & I think you should never be swayed about bikes you should ride the only thing I will say is the lighter the bike the better !!!!!
Cheers
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  #11  
Old 26 Mar 2013
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F650 Dakar
Martin, not sure if you have made your selection already but here are my thoughts and experience: my wife and I have ridden 2-up on a 2002 F650 Dakar in Australia and Tasmania (mostly tarmac, some dirt track), Mexico Baja (lots of dirt, gravel, sand) and in Canada and the USA (mostly pavement but a fair bit of gravel as well).
We are not small people (100kg and 55kg), we have 50,000 kms on the bike and have had no major problems. Our main reason for going with the F650GS was to have a lower seat, and a lighter bike, loaded up it is plenty heavy enough. The factory seat is not very comfortable for long days in the saddle, in Australia we made do with using travel pillows (the horse shoe shaped blow up version) with just a couple of puffs of air, which worked surprisingly well. After that we bought a Corbin seat which as well as being more comfortable gives the rider a bit more seat room, my wife also finds it a lot more comfortable.
All that being said, we are planning a trip to south and central Africa for 2014 and I am also looking for the right machine(s). Suzuki DL650? another Dakar? KLR650? a pair of AG200's? Lots of good motorcycles out there, research and try out as many as you can. Good luck.
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