Background: I bought my XT as a winter bike to save my beautiful Ducati from the mud of my daily commute. I found I preferred the XT for 90% of my needs, and although I have changed the 'better' bike several times, the XT is still the bike I choose for most rides. I have toured in Europe (road only) on 'proper' touring bikes (e.g. Honda Pan, Triumph Sprint), but they are not really what I want. I like the tall stance, wide bars and upright position of the XT, and like the way the bike encourages you to take your time and smell the flowers, rather than get your head down and munch the miles at high speed.


So I am considering selling the 'better' bike and getting something more suited to the touring I want to do. Parameters are as follows:

• Ability to cruise at ~70 mph
• All-day comfortable
• Able to take a light pillion along with full luggage
• Upright riding position and easy frame geometry
• Able to tackle light off-road (unmade roads, gravel tracks, nothing serious)
• Robust and able to take a few knocks
• Mechanically/electrically simple (i.e. no CANBUS, although FI is fine with me)
• Reasonably light (max about 200-210 kg dry)
• Fast enough to be fun!

The XT already ticks a lot of these boxes, but it is quite elderly and would need quite a bit of work (and expense) before I would be happy with it for a long trip. Also, I haven't enjoyed riding it with a passenger. The weight issue pretty much rules out the 1100/1150GS, and the newer 650/800 GS would probably be too expensive (and I'm not keen on the looks!). I'm 6ft and 15st, so a high seat isn't a problem - in fact, the less I have to bend my knees the better these days


Trips would be 90% road and 10% mild off-piste, mostly in Europe. We're definitely planning to tour France and Germany, possibly Italy, and a long-term goal is to visit Nordkapp and also Morocco before I get too old. I can probably spend about £3k, although if I found a bike that ticked all the boxes I might push to a bit more. Bikes I have on a kind of shortlist are:

• Honda Dominator
• Yam XT660R (had one, loved it)
• Yam XT660Z Tenere
• Honda Africa Twin (and Transalp? They seem to have almost identical specs)
• Kawasaki Versys
• Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000
• Triumph Tiger 955i

This isn't an urgent thing. I will probably change before next summer, but until then I am having a good long think. Any observations on the above (and another other suggestions about possible candidates) would be very welcome.

I ought to add that I am a big fan of XTs. I've had 4 (350 x 2, 600E, 660R) and my initial thoughts are towards the Tenere, but I have also hankered after an AT for a long time. I've rabbited on long enough. Over to you.

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2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/