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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #61  
Old 26 Nov 2012
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Thanks for the thoughts, Thom, and I am sure you are right. I am going to commute it through this winter, and if we are still friends at the end, I will know. I've got a lot of little niggly problems to sort out over the next few days, mainly electrical, but then we are good to go. I am also planning on taking my daughter to Europe on it next summer, and that will be the ultimate test.

One thing I have found, BMW owners are certainly loyal.
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  #62  
Old 26 Nov 2012
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BDZ,
I am not quite as "loyal" as Thom in that I don't have loyalty to any particular brand; but, and we have talked on these lines previously, the F650GS is a very good bike when measured objectively (and not with all the BS and emotion that others can bring to the discussion).
That's just my opinion of course but based a few years of ownership.
Sure, it has a small number of weaknesses - but those weaknesses are well known (not least, because the model of bike has put in a load of miles in the hands of 1000s of owners) and can be dealt with.
Tell me of a bike that does not have such characteristics. Or any vehicle for that matter.

Anyway, I read the other thread about vibrations for the XT/Dommie and I saw that the GS gets mentioned now and again - I stayed off there because it seemed to be going too far to bring up the GS "smooth ride", too often anyway.

So, what I would say is that the longest distance I rode on the F650GS was 560 miles in about a 10 hour day with a good sprinkling of refuel/smoke breaks, on the motorways in the main - there were no issues with the bike and I survived the day to ride on, thereafter, in the Alps. That was one up with luggage. Enjoy your tour next year with your daughter.
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  #63  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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Hmmm. That didn't last long

The little GS is a fine bike in many ways - economical, good performance for its size, some very good design features - but I wasn't gelling with it. Plenty of like, but no lurve, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I mentioned on another forum that I might be considering moving it on in due course, another forum member said he wanted to buy one, and a deal was done. Tonight he rode off into the dark with it.

On Saturday, I pick up an 06 XT660R. I have had one of these before, and I know the riding position and general driveability suit me fine. It's going to be less passenger-friendly, but that's a compromise I will have to make. It ticks all the other boxes.

Onwards and upwards ...

(I've just re-read the whole of this thread. There is some very good, intelligent discussion on this board, and I thank you all for your inputs.)
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  #64  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu View Post
It's going to be less passenger-friendly, but that's a compromise I will have to make.
There's the rub, literally perhaps; it's the pillion who has to make most of the compromise.


Still, you are sticking with fuel injection and a good, reliable, relatively modern engine design, so all is not lost.

As a point, the Aprilia Pegaso has had both the rotax and the Yam 660 engine fitted to it during the production run - I have no idea which is the better of those two bikes!
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  #65  
Old 12 Jan 2013
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My passenger has to endure the pillion seat for a week or so, I have to put up with the whole package for the rest of the year. That was my thinking, anyway Anyway, on the last trip she said she wanted to ride less and see more, so that's a fine excuse for a stop-and-stretch every hour or so.
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  #66  
Old 13 Jan 2013
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And here she is!

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  #67  
Old 20 May 2013
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XTR
.. And all the very best with it. Looks great. Thoroughly enjoyed the process of this entire post.
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  #68  
Old 26 May 2013
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Thanks! Yes, the thread has been fun and very useful.

Thanks to all who contributed.
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  #69  
Old 14 Jul 2013
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I'm with Bluebus on this one - V Strom DL650 or DL1000 seem to tick ALL your boxes.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Suzuki VStrom range of bikes (all models and marks). Apparently, the DL650 is considered a better buy (but not necessarily a better bike), than it's more powerful sister the DL1000?

Most of you will probably know I'm a confirmed XT fan with a love of single cylinder bikes especially the Yamaha XT series of bikes, but these do NOT perform well at high speed and against a head wind.

I'd say an XT600 is happy to cruise all day at no more than 60 MPH but hey are most happy plodding along at 50MPH.

Another bike I would give serious consideration to is the twin cylinder Honda Transalp - XL600V, XL650V, and XL700V.

I think any single cylinder will struggle to tick ALL your boxes including the love of my life - the XT600.
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