Yet another "Which bike should I get?" thread

[TheEngineer]

I'm 31 y/o and I've been riding (either street or off-road) since I was 12. I'm looking for an adventure travel, dual-sport motorcycle. I'm 6'-3" and 160 lbs.

The first trip I've decided on will be the Trans-America Trail... not really challenging trail riding, but definitely off-road. Subsequent trips will most likely be international and involve more highway travel. So, I need something either street-legal (preferably), or easily convertible into SL. I want true dual-sport behavior, so nothing leaning strongly towards either extreme...

Based on my own research I'm thinking 500-600 cc. I don't want it to under-perform on the road with a load, but I don't want it to be unwieldy off-road. What do you think based on my body size? I also plan on doing alot of solo travel, so I'll need to be able to pick it up myself a few times a day.

Also: Everything dual-sportish is four-stroke these days, right?

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Sir, methinks thou seeketh the Holy Grail


You will have to make compromises somewhere. This question has, as you say, been asked many times before. Yet, no one can ever really achieve a definitive answer.

Some of the answers you get are trying to justify the bike they own or the bike they aspire to own. It is possible to tour the world on everything from a Monkey-Bike to a Bavarian Super tanker and everything in between.

Sorry, not very helpful. Wait for the more constructive suggestions to come in or better still, trawl the Hubb, then maybe start a “for and against” list. Have a look at some of the bikes “in the flesh” to help you decide. Also, in the long term if you make a decision, you are allowed to change your mind. Most second-hand bikes don’t loose their value very quickly so don’t be afraid to buy something and ride it for a few months.

BYT

[JMo (& piglet)]

Any of the 650cc dual sport bikes will do what you want - Suzuki DR650 / Kawasaki KLR650 / Honda XR650L (although the R is much nicer, it's not street legal out of the shop) / BMW F650 (or G650X if you can find one)... KTM 640 Adventure is another option...

I'd pick one you like the look of and try and get a test ride... most people use such bikes as a basic machine and modify/accessorize it to the way they want it anyway, and all the above have plenty of aftermarket parts and options available...

xxx

[John Downs]

Hi Engineer,
Most engineeers I have known tend towards logic and reason. So you have that going for you. That counts out all of the romantic and impractical bikes or the ones that go like hell and tend to blow up or are impossible to find parts for in Uruguay. You are also over six feet and setting your sights on the TAT so that counts out all the small, low ground clearance practical bikes. Knowing what I know now I would buy something cheap and reliable preferably from a meticulous anal type person on Craigslist or Advrider with garage floors clean enough to eat off. Maybe a KLR650 or DR650 in your case. Rather than spend a lot on a new bike I suggest buying a nice well maintained used bike which leaves more money for traveling.
Mind you I have worked my way down the food chain and am a minimalist. So a big RTW bike is overkill for me. When I was younger I didn't mind picking up a big BMW in the mud and rain out in the middle of Guatemala. Later this month I'll head down to Central America on a Kawasaki Super Sherpa. You'll have a blast no matter what bike you choose. Noboady much cares what bike you took to Tierra del Fuego. Your relatives will think you're nuts no matter what you end up buying.

Have fun!
John

[docsherlock]

If you could get one in the US, a new Yam XTZ660 would fit the bill; in the absence of that I'd get an F800GS BMW now the gremlins seem to have been sorted.

SW

[Threewheelbonnie]

I'd suggest not really worrying about the brands and models and simply go looking for the best deal you can get. As yet another engineer, set your specification then talk to the suppliers if you get my drift.

The big things to me are range (not fuel tank size anymore, now FI can be so efficient), tyre choice and the dealership network. If you take in second hand bikes as well, there is also the condition. With a blank cheque I'd probably go for an XT derivative, but if someone wants to fit an F650 or KLR with all the toys, have the first service done and sell me it for half the list price that'd be okay too.

To answer the final question, just about anything anyone will offer you will be a 4-stroke. Much as I love my MZ's, for hopping on and turning out a 500 mile day or riding a rough road , day after day, you won't beat the 600cc singles and the odd twin.

Andy