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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 21 Mar 2014
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Location: Victoria, Australia
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Help me pick my next adventure bike!

Righto.

After sitting on the Dog Rooter every day for 3 months, im over it and ready for a change. this is my criteria

Adventure bike
19-21 front wheel
650-1000cc
mainly used for commuting during the week
mostly weekend trips, two up
occasional longer trip one week or longer, two up.
budget 5000-7500
no older than 10 years
will be MOSTLY road, but still want to be able to get off a bit, camping etc
dont care so much for grunt, just as long as it does the job, but like everyone i know id love more power if it was there.

this is my short list in no order
Honda transalp 700 - pretty impartial to this one
Suzuki Vstrom 650 - I know and appreicate the rep, just cant get over the looks!
bmw gs650 Dakar. - really like this bike.
Triumph tiger 955i - I know this one is the odd one out but i still love it and always have.

im stepping off the DR and dont really want to go back to something similar e.g xt660, KLR, the 650 dakar is the closest i will go!

what i am interested in

- reliability
- workability
- rider comfort
- two up comfort

im 6ft on the knocker and 95kg butt naked
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  #2  
Old 21 Mar 2014
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If I had the cash ;-(

KTM 950 Super Enduro. (not the adventure model) | Motorcycles | Gumtree Australia Queanbeyan Area - Queanbeyan | 1033346412
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  #3  
Old 21 Mar 2014
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Yeah...... doesnt really fit the 5-7.5k budget... but if i had the cash it would be a super tenere
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  #4  
Old 22 Mar 2014
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Not that many options with a 21 inch front wheel in that price range, probably the BMW 650 is the best option.

Maybe an older KTM 950 with higher kms?

Im in the market for something for 75% asphalt realistically, with enough grunt for 2up with a 21in front wheel, the Tiger 800 XC fits the bill nicely, but is expensive new, but I am seeing more used on the market with ~30,000kms for under $10,000 CAD here, so might be worth stretching the budget if you can find one in Aus, not sure what the market is like.
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  #5  
Old 22 Mar 2014
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Another vote for either the Tiger 800XC or KTM SE (Super Enduro).
You said you didn't care about grunt? ... if so ... then the Tiger 800 should be considered. It's a Revver, not much torque. A very smooth, fun to ride screamer. Handles well, good brakes and comfort. Perfect commuter ... just don't let it get pinched!

The Tiger 800XC could be a really nice step up from the DR650 on road ... off road it won't even come close.

Nothing is as cheap to keep going as a DR. I'd suggest you learn all you can about doing servicing on the Tiger. Should save about $1000 a year.
I recently did a FULL SERVICE on my 1050 Tiger. Dealer wanted $750.
I also do tire changes and small service work. Not too bad once you learn it.
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  #6  
Old 22 Mar 2014
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Don't know much about the Monster for touring off road, but a good friend has taken his 1st generation Multistrada everywhere ... including Mex and Cent. America. This is the air cooled version. You DO need a good bash plate and tougher wheels. (he had neither)
Bash plate would have to be custom made. Best to stay mostly on tarmac.

But the motor is good, easy to work on. Forks, frame, swing arm appear to be pretty tough. You can do dirt/gravel roads but better turn round if things get rocky, rutted, muddy or steep! And a bit tight for two up.
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