Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
most reliable 600cc? most reliable 600cc?
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Starnberg, Germany
Posts: 5
most reliable 600cc?
I need your advice!
I'm planning to buy an used 600cc-enduro and have few money to spend for it. So I'll have to choose between Yamaha Ténéré, Suzi DR 650 (R?) and Honda XR/XL 600. Due to my lack of money the choice is limited to the models from the 80's or early 90's. As I can't afford an expensive bike, you may guess it, I'm unable to spend fortunes for maintenance and repairs. So, which bike do you recommend?

regards,
Johannes
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 May 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
How will you use the bike?

If you’re going to travel on long trips carrying some stuff with you then go for the Tenere
If you’re going off-roading to have fun on the weekend, get the XR.
I don’t know much about the DR.

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: byronbay ,australia
Posts: 98
how bout the klr650?and tenere is good fer off road/bad roads excursions?how do both fare with 2 up?
__________________
ride, ride like the wind to be free.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Londin, England
Posts: 16
This is a tricky one! Buying an old bike raises the odds for necessary repairs. Honda spares are notoriously overpriced BUT the bikes tend to be very reliable. Yamaha reduced their parts prices a while back, some items are almost cheap. The Transalp (XL600V/650V)is normally an excellent bike.If it sold many in Germany, perhaps you can get spares from your breakers ( salvage/wreckers ) to save money. Yamahas need consistent cleaning to fend off Mr Rust.
I'd go for the Honda, treat it carefully and properly, and it should reward you back!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 11
I don't know how typical this is but as the owner of an 87 XR600 Honda for the last ten years I'd vote it A1 for reliability.
Total non service parts have been a CDI unit, a set of steering head bearings and new caliper seals. The old CDI unit was repaired and now serves as a backup unit on trips.
For ten years and tens of thousands of miles I'd rate that pretty good
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4
Hey Sprat82,

another piece of information (to confuse the matter even more): the DR650 ('80-'84)had the longest wheelbase of its time, which makes for very good riding in the sand or on gravelroads. It also had a very high sitting position, which is something I've always considered (being 6ft2).
So, it's back to you, as to what bike to go for! Enjoy
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

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 11:20.

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