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21 Mar 2014
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 76
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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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21 Mar 2014
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Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
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If I had the cash ;-(
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21 Mar 2014
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 76
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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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22 Mar 2014
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
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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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22 Mar 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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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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22 Mar 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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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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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

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Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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