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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...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2009
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first bike on the cheap
So just passed DAS, have done lots of cycling touring but no longer able to due to hip problems. I want a first bike, it must be cheap (under £1000 or not a lot more) and want to go on a tour of Sweden, FInland, into St. Petersburg and back through Norway next summer. It seems a 650 BMW is out of reach and things like old transalps are more expensive than something like a Honda CB500. Would something like this be possible (and not too painful) o a bike like that. I'm used to packing light.

Me on way home from test centre today
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  #2  
Old 19 Aug 2009
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Well done for passing your test !

Is it purely for road work, if so get a cheap Honda CB, Kawasaki ER-5, of about 500-650cc. There are loads for sale quite cheap at that level.

I got a Y-reg 7,000mile ER-5 for £800 and with panniers, backbox, and tank bag, small screen added, it is more than capable of long trips. Cheap on fuel, insurance and really comfortable to ride.

There's a lot to be said for building your confidence up on a mid engined bike rather than being very unsure or caught out, on a large heavy 1000-1400cc monster.

If you want off-road capabilities then you need to look more specialised and spend a bit more.

Maxander
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  #3  
Old 29 Aug 2009
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I`ve got a 91 Yamaha XTZ660 which will be up for grabs if my Trident does not sell on ebay. I have to get rid of one bike as I have just picked up my latest toy, an R1100GS and it is ginormous!!
I took it up to Scotland earlier this year when I was working on The Open at Turnberry and it was great fun on the local roads. It has a Givi wingrack and panniers (old but functional) and a Givi baseplate for a topbox.
As long as you are not too short in the leg it would be ideal for the job.
I would like £1000 ono for it.
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  #4  
Old 1 Sep 2009
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+1 on the tenere!!

I Picked one up for £600 last year, and ive never looked back! they are brilliant!
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  #5  
Old 1 Sep 2009
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Well I got a funduro for £900, went out for a spin and some numpty ploughed into the back of me when I was waiting at a roundabout...... so I could be back to the drawing board. Have to wait and see.
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  #6  
Old 19 Sep 2009
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Try the Honda silverwing 500 to 650 cc and near bullet proof. Can get up 200 miles before then die. I ve read about them being used for around the world.
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  #7  
Old 19 Sep 2009
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Like yourself ive done a fair bit of cycle touring, and ive got a full licence, however for touring on a budget i think you cant beat a Honda CG125. The CG is a nice and cheap step up from cycling, not fast, but Ive got a grin on my face every time I am riding the CG
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  #8  
Old 19 Sep 2009
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cheap bike
you may consider Xr650L orDRZ400 , DR650 (dual sport) , DL 650 ,CBN 400, Ninja ,K75 for road bike.

Jap are cheap to fix in general , make sure that you buy someting fairly recent and oriented to your need ( big bike are not alway the best choice.

good luck
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  #9  
Old 19 Sep 2009
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A Honda's a good safe bet........ They are usually quite bland, but well engineered & good finish. Idea beginners bikes, most are very easy to ride & maintain......

Then after a few thousand miles, sell it (shouldn't loose to much £££) and get something a bit more exciting & fun !

As the old adverts used to say "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"
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  #10  
Old 22 Sep 2009
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Hi
Hi All

"As the old adverts used to say "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"

Didn't Fred West ride a Honda?

Sorry to hear about your BM and I do have a nice blue Yamaha XJ600S for under a grand that will do a fine job. This is the one with a half fairing, which is all ready to go, but doesn't have luggage. It does have a rack though.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Chris
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  #11  
Old 22 Sep 2009
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Mark, unless you love spam, remove your email address from your post, and ENABLE other HU members to send you email in your User Options. You can edit your message at anytime.
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  #12  
Old 23 Sep 2009
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Don't ignore the kle500, I got a 139mile, 1 year old almost new kle500 for just over 2 grand. There must be plenty of good ones for £1000.
It may not have the credentials of the tenere etc, but the engines are strong, and you can get one half the age of the yamaha
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