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Long distance bike for under $5,000.00 Long distance bike for under $5,000.00
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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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 22 Nov 2013
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+1 for the V-Strom 650 or 1000.

Simples....

Don't forget that many people have completed hard-core RTW adventures on 50cc MOPEDS! So, basically you can do it on almost any bike. All depends of how much luggage you want to take and speed of travel/degree of comfort.
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  #17  
Old 22 Nov 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mowse View Post
It will be lots of freeway roads as the trip is
San Diego>Grand Canyon>Salt Lake>Yellow Stone>Yosemite>Death Valley>SD
That means that any reliable bike will do, cruiser, all-road or whatever. just make sure you have enough fuel range for the long stretches.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mowse View Post
I have looked through about 10 pages of threads regarding this and was unable to really find an answer that would help me personally.
Obvious, because there is no answer for that question. If you read more on this site, you will find that people ride all around the world on anything, from a full dress Harley (http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/) a Yamaha R1 "racer" (http://www.sjaaklucassen.nl/index.php?lang=en) a 250cc dirt-bike (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...s_on_the_Loose) and much more. It just depends on what you like and what you want.

Try to borrow or rent the bike that you like and that you feel comfortable on and try it for a weekend on a few hundred miles. If you like it, buy a bike, make sure you have left some money for a good service and fresh tires and go riding.
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  #18  
Old 24 Nov 2013
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I've been on a Shadow 750 for the last few months and it's great. I haven't gone on any long rides, but hopefully this post helps OP. My input in no particular order:
  • For your size I think this bike will be incredibly comfortable (I'm 6'6" 210lbs, and it's just a tad small for me, but not by too much).
  • It's a cool looking cruiser, has a great reputation for reliability, and since it's so popular will be relatively easy to maintain (i.e. find mechanic, advice online, etc.)
  • Check out HondaShadow.net
  • The gas tank is small. I usually get 160 miles before I have to switch on reserve. Reserve is about a gallon, so going easy on reserve should give you 50 miles. For your trip I'd bring along an auxiliary gas can.
  • Used shadows should be readily available in your price range, and if you go a bit older you'll have plenty left over for accessories (saddle bags/supports, highway pegs, crash bars, etc.), and riding gear.
  • This bike can do 80 mph on freeways, but I don't think they're particularly fun, and they'll kill your fuel efficiency.
  • Get yourself some earplugs! Properly used, they make highway travel much more enjoyable and they're a whole lot cheaper than getting a hearing aid down the road. Worst case scenario, you don't like riding with them, but you can use them when you have to sleep somewhere noisy, and failing that you only put a few bucks on the line. I think earplugs are the most underrated riding gear out there.

Have fun!
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  #19  
Old 25 Nov 2013
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I also would think the Shadow 750 would fit your needs. Shop around and don't be afraid to offer a lowball price. Many of these types of bikes are bought as a first bike, have low miles and do a lot of sitting as some get tired of the bike. You just need to find the one that the person really wants to sell. The age of the bike ( depending on mileage & history & condition ) shouldn't really be a problem. Also check out some of the dealers as this particular model of bike used can be a hard sell for them.

Good luck on your search & trip.
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  #20  
Old 26 Nov 2013
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+VStrom 650 Great all in one bike

But if you like a cruiser and reliability the answer is Kawasaki Vulcan. They are very very hard to beat when it comes to reliability. I have and old Vulcan (800, 97) and never had any problems.

But again if you like cruisers and you are looking for the bigger, heavier and the most powerful bike ever made...get a Triumph Rocket!

Vulcan


Rocket
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  #21  
Old 30 Nov 2013
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Your second post had your answer: Honda Shadow Spirit 750. they can be had for $2500 leaving lots of money for gas, which it uses sparingly. If you're going south of the border, get the tallest shocks you can to make speed bumps bearable. Heres one on Ebay that would be perfect. Sitting at $500 as of today.


"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Shadow-SPIRIT-2006-honda-shadow-spirit-750-/111226662192?forcerrptr=true&hash=item19e5a02d30&i tem=111226662192&pt=US_motorcycles[/URL]
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  #22  
Old 1 Dec 2013
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Why not look at older Goldwings? Trouble free and Honda dealers on every corner. Pretty much a maintenance and trouble free bike. You can buy them pretty cheap too. Just do your home work on the different years and quirks of each.
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  #23  
Old 18 Feb 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
The San Diego Craigslist is full of used bikes in that price range.

If you like cruisers, I would recommend a Honda Shadow 750 or a Yamaha VStar 650. You'll find dozens of them in good shape for $5000 in the San Diego area.

I just took a look and found 7 Honda Shadow 750s listed in the last couple of days, plus a couple of 600s and some 1100s, all within your price range.
vulcan 500 , engine like the ninja 500 ie sportsbike but styled like a cruiser
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  #24  
Old 18 Feb 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mowse View Post
my friend and I are planning a 3,500 mile trip that we are splitting up into 10-14 days. I have $5,000.00 saved up for a bike. Could you guys please point me in the right direction?
Short trips like this you can do with any bike. For 50.000 km around Africa ibought a used Honda Transalp for 700 Euro and sold it for the same price at the end. This bike is also great for two people. I used it for holliday trips with my girlfriend too

Adventure experience - motorcycle trip riding across Africa
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