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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.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 22 Apr 2002
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Kawasaki KE175
I may be able to get a hardly used 1978 Kawasaki Ke175 off from one of my neighbors. I am about 6'2" and 180 lbs (81Kg) and I am wondering how well a bike like this might hold up for long distance travel on mostly rough dirt roads, some trails, and pavement.

Seth S
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  #2  
Old 22 Apr 2002
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I guess it depends on how you define long distance travel and reliability.

That bike should be very reliable, given proper maintenance etc. Personally I like the size for off-roading, but on road your top cruising speed is very limited, probably no more than 50-55 mph or so - which may be enough, depending on where you're riding and how much on-road. Too much fast highway work and it won't last well.

At 6'2 you may find it cramped.

Someone else on this board is talking about riding a CT90 around North America, so why not?


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Old 22 Apr 2002
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Just twigged - you're the guy who wants to do it on a CT90 - sorry, too many people to keep track of!

As to which one would I choose - for utter reliability the Honda, for much more fun and reasonable reliability, the Kawasaki. For me it's a no-brainer - the Kaw. Maintenance is easy on them - spare plug(s), a spare piston and rings, a chain ad a few master links, throttle and clutch cables, and that takes care of about everything.



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  #4  
Old 8 Aug 2006
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Thumbs up ke175 rules
Hey I have a ke175, a '76 model. I love it. I’m 6'4" and it is more than adequate. But I only way 150lbs so hat might have something to do with it. But comfort wise its fine. I live in Alaska so this bike gets to see its fare share of pot holes and frost heaves in the road plus I like to take it out to the dirt track and do jumps. It’s a great bike and it is easy as hell to work on. Finding parts is a little annoying but its kind of fun to track them down. So in my opinion you should get it, you won’t regret it.
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  #5  
Old 8 Aug 2006
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That was my first "big bike". I abused the crap out of it for 5 or 6 years. I think it was a 76, could have been a 78. I put thousands of hours on it. Replaced spark plugs, tires, rear axle (you can jump too high). It ran an honest 70, but, was much happier at 55-60.

I completely abused that bike.
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  #6  
Old 14 Aug 2006
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Hi There,

I had one back in 1979 and it was a fabulous bike. OK the chewed up a few parts during it's time but it taught me how to fix 2 stroke machinery. I'd love to get another one now!

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman
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  #7  
Old 23 Sep 2006
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1978 ke175
When i was 11 i had a xr80 by the time i was 12 1/2 i was too big for it lol. so i got the kaw 175 as my first big bike. i liked it i sitll have sitting in my garage im now 21. hasnt been ridden in awhile. but i used to ride it across town to school everyday when weather was permittable. i got it up to 73 on freeway and it sounded like she wasa going to give way but she stayed strong. i would like to get here running again i would like to get more power out of her though any suggestions. sry my story is long but if you can get your hands on one definatly do it.
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