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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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 29 Oct 2009
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Don´t buy italians, they are not reliable; do not buy BMWs, they are too expensive; do not buy japanese bikes, they are not cool; do not buy Harleys, they are too bad; do noy buy korean bikes, they are too cheap; do not buy KTMs, they are too complicated; do not buy Urals, they are too tough; do not buy second hand bikes, they are too old; do not buy brand new bikes, they are going to fleece you just for nothing.

Ok, do not buy a bike at all. Perhaps you should buy a car like most of the people do. If millons of flies like to eat s...t, they can´t be wrong.

Of course, It is a joke. Buy whatever bike you can afford and you like. All of them are perfect and all of them are bad. Enjoy the bad weather and the risk of be killed by one stupid dummy driving a 4x4. Welcome to the best hell ever.
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  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miquel-Silvestre View Post
Don´t buy italians, they are not reliable; do not buy BMWs, they are too expensive; do not buy japanese bikes, they are not cool; do not buy Harleys, they are too bad; do noy buy korean bikes, they are too cheap; do not buy KTMs, they are too complicated; do not buy Urals, they are too tough; do not buy second hand bikes, they are too old; do not buy brand new bikes, they are going to fleece you just for nothing.

Ok, do not buy a bike at all. Perhaps you should buy a car like most of the people do. If millons of flies like to eat s...t, they can´t be wrong.

Of course, It is a joke. Buy whatever bike you can afford and you like. All of them are perfect and all of them are bad. Enjoy the bad weather and the risk of be killed by one stupid dummy driving a 4x4. Welcome to the best hell ever.
Not very encouraging, but accurate

As Miquel says, just go with your gut instinct and heart, and ENJOY

Common sense is good a guide as anything! If the bike starts and run OK, doesn't smoke (too much) handles OK, the hopefully it'll do you well
Let us know what you're considering if you want some more comments - BUT, some will say GOOD, others will say BAD :confused1:
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  #3  
Old 29 Oct 2009
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I wont suggest the origin of your intended purchase. Buy a bike you like, but try to choose one with a low centre of gravity and an engine that develops torque well down the rev range. It ought to be good handling, but you will need to learn a bit before you can judge that. As it happens in my opinion, the MG california or Breva 750 are near the mark in that respect, although tending towards top heavy. A low centre of gravity means the bike will probably self centre and recover from running over a brick at night without falling over. It is no guarantee of course, steering and other geometries all play their part. In my view life is easier if both wheels are the same size. Ensure you get both side and centre stands with it as it makes life easier. The other thing is check out its range on a tank of fuel, make sure it can meet your needs. A trip setting on the Speedo is also useful and not easy to add after purchase.
good luck
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Old 30 Oct 2009
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Don't overlook trail bikes as they make great road bikes. They tend to be lighter than road bikes and are usualy easier to work on. Otherwise just get what you fancy, if you don't like it you can always sell it and get something else. Most bikes have dedicated websites so the amount of help and advice available makes things a lot easier these days so if you want a Guzzi california, go for it!
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  #5  
Old 30 Oct 2009
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it does not matter what you buy, so long as it makes you grin like a lunatic and it will only lead to another bike and then another not to mention all the things you MUST have to go with the bike and then before you know it you cant live without the bloody things!! me ,i own jap, it scares the crap out of me i also own italian, wont go further than walking distance from home on itlove it to bits, also own bmw, its too big too heavy too expensive takes up more room than the car, cant enough of the damn thing,

either way you will always wish you had bought that other bike, then go out and buy it as well
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  #6  
Old 1 Nov 2009
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Dylan, I've owned many Guzzi's and have been lucky to find them quite reliable and with bags of character - perhaps not the best 1st bike to own. I would suggest asking other Guzzi owners about their bikes and found a Guzzi club in the Netherlands:
MGCN : Welkom bij de Moto Guzzi Club Nederland
There are other online groups such as Squadra placeholder where owners post messages from all over the world.

My only other piece of advice is to book some test rides and see what fits you best. Enjoy
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  #7  
Old 2 Nov 2009
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Good day mate,
In my humble opinion first bike shoudn't be too strong or fast. Around the 70hp mark is plenty. Learning to ride safe and properly is the main thing.
I personally enjoy more of an upright riding position. So in that respect I think off two very good bikes, the

Kawasaki Versys 650

and the

Suzuki SV 650

The Suzuki might have the edge on long distance riding, the Versys on small winding country roads. Both are reliable, it is a matter of personal preferences,

all the best and good luck Michael
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