Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Here are my choices! which bike though Here are my choices! which bike though
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Here are my choices! which bike though
Hi folks, i have had so many bikes and still have not come to a serious conclusion which is best.
Her are my ideals
150kg max
Well balanced
Good fuel consumption
Reliable
Max two cylinders, ideally v twin
Steel framed and steel swingarm
Sharp brakes
Some wind protection
Easy to service
Comfortable
Ability to hold 70mph in comfort with rider and engine
Many more i expect but had a or three lol
Which bikes fits this criteria eek none i expect
I could be wrong, If there is i am buying it
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
KTM 950 Super Enduro ?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the hills of Norfolk
Posts: 249
And what might the budget be for this fine machine ?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 114
Your going to have to start chopping lumps off to get most bikes fitting that criteria to that weight?....
Ktm 690 maybe or xt 660?..but no wind protection...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
That is the tricky bit, weight. just sold a Pan European. 300KG dry, cripes that was heavy to wheel around.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hustler View Post
And what might the budget be for this fine machine ?
£2500 in real terms
What about if iit was £5k aswell
Both options please
Probably be a frankenstein creation!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by floyd View Post
Hi folks, i have had so many bikes and still have not come to a serious conclusion which is best.
Her are my ideals
150kg max
Well balanced
Good fuel consumption
Reliable
Max two cylinders, ideally v twin
Steel framed and steel swingarm
Sharp brakes
Some wind protection
Easy to service
Comfortable
Ability to hold 70mph in comfort with rider and engine
Many more i expect but had a or three lol
Which bikes fits this criteria eek none i expect
I could be wrong, If there is i am buying it
"Best" for what?
What sort of riding is planned? Just commuting in the UK .. or are you looking for a proper travel bike? (details please)

You've owned "so many" bikes? So what's the problem?

"Steel Framed and steel swingarm" ... curious how many of your many bikes
had a steel swing arm? Alu is FAR better.

Can't really suggest bikes without knowing your intent. Sounds like something
like an XT600E would do the job. Or if you cross the pond, a DR650SE or KLR650. (neither common in the UK) Bolt on a medium shield.

All travel bikes need LOTS of careful mods to be their best. But if you're just going back and forth to work ... then who cares what bike you use. Cheap and Cheerful is best.

Newer KTM's are out of your budget, as are most BMW's.
Why do you care about light weight? Do you have dirt bike riding experience?

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Apart from the Aprilia RXV/SXV 450/550 enduro and SM bikes, I've yet to see a 150kg v-twin and they have aluminium frames and swingarms.

KTM 690 Enduro is 150kg wet but is a single cylinder, XRZ660 Tenere's are 200kg+ as is the KTM 950SEwhich also comes with a tall seat height.

With the exception of a Honda 125 Varadero, I don't think the bike you want exists unless you can get a Highland v-twin but I think they're more of a monster enduro i.e. 950 SE.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
I know it is doubtfull for a lightweight twin. Just would prefer one due to bing smoother engines.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 114
At that weight,with decent tank range,reasonable seat and some wind protection the only thing I can think of is a 3aj tenere...but its a single and getting on a bit..but they can be a great bike with a little bit of attention getting one p together..the twin cylinder ones a tank and not so good on the juice...can't think of much else other than a transalp and an angle grinder..
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
I had a Tenere 3aj. I wasn,t keen. It was heavy for what it was, really top heavy fuelled up, lacked umph. Perhaps we had add ally frame and swingarm if it helps with choice
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
"Best" for what?
What sort of riding is planned? Just commuting in the UK .. or are you looking for a proper travel bike? (details please)

You've owned "so many" bikes? So what's the problem?

"Steel Framed and steel swingarm" ... curious how many of your many bikes
had a steel swing arm? Alu is FAR better.

Can't really suggest bikes without knowing your intent. Sounds like something
like an XT600E would do the job. Or if you cross the pond, a DR650SE or KLR650. (neither common in the UK) Bolt on a medium shield.

All travel bikes need LOTS of careful mods to be their best. But if you're just going back and forth to work ... then who cares what bike you use. Cheap and Cheerful is best.

Newer KTM's are out of your budget, as are most BMW's.
Why do you care about light weight? Do you have dirt bike riding experience?
Don;t get hooked up on the many bike gig Molly
Plenty of the early ones
No not a dirt god, it will spend most if not all its time on the road.
Not after a round the world bike
If a Ktm was possibly less labour intensive and more reliableThey could fit the bill.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
big question - what where are you going? commuter, play? I really like thumpers - simple single cylinder bikes. Any of them with do well and are pretty frugal on gas. BMW-F650GS and Kawi-KLR650 cheap on gas great on tarmac as well as capable on gravel modest off road in stock configuration. Suzuki DR650 better off road - but still loads of fun on road - lighter - oil / air cooled - no rads to smash, nimble, torquier / buzzy but not bad. Suzuki DL650 nice as well... I've never ridden the KTM's love the 640 LC4 and the 690... again it's up to you find what fits you - budget and ride, ride, ride as much as you can.


~Willy~
__________________
Using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2 Jun 2014
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
Compromise !
Quote:
Originally Posted by floyd View Post
If a Ktm was possibly less labour intensive and more reliable. They could fit the bill.
Once you get to know your way round a KTM twin, Super Enduro or otherwise, it's easy enough to self service, bar the valve clearances & carbys. Make a few mods, luggage, screen, whatever. Service it often, don't thrash it and reliability wont be an issue, bar the fuel pump, easy enough to carry a spare and it takes 15 minutes to change. Finding a V Twin under 150kgs alone without the rest of your requirements is and you probably know, asking the impossible. Compromise a little and you might just find yourself on something unique, capable & collectable if you go for a SE.

PS. After getting round on a Pan European, a KTM 950SE will feel like a 250!
Last edited by Drwnite; 2 Jun 2014 at 09:51.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike shipping Kathmandu Nepal – Bangkok READ THIS! Brian and Tanja West and South Asia 40 31 Mar 2023 15:11
Triumph Tiger 955i - to spoke or not to spoke? suffolk duke Triumph Tech 30 11 Jun 2014 23:30
Which bike to bring to Morocco 3-4K budget Thomas Kissane Which Bike? 11 7 Feb 2014 17:48
Selling the bike dilemma - BA or Paraguay, and how?? Ruthrad South America 19 7 Feb 2013 23:03

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:51.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top