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Road based tourer with good suspension Road based tourer with good suspension
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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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  #1  
Old 5 Oct 2008
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Road based tourer with good suspension
Hi,
I already have a 650 Dakar for bigger trips with off-road sections, but am thinking that for around Europe and Eastern Europe, I could do with something with a bit more power and more fun on the twisties.
I think that a good suspension is still very important, which probably rules out the Pan European type and the VFR's.
I'd also like something that I can have a go at servicing myself on the road. Not really up for a Harley/cruiser!
It looks like the choice then goes to BMW 1200 GS, Tiger (955 or 1050), Yamaha TDM 900, Ducati Multistrada or Suzuki V-Strom.
Are there any others that I should look at?
I like the idea of the triple engine but am not sure about how easy maintenance is.
What are peoples' thoughts?
Charles
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  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2008
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From what I hear, you should have a look at the Kawa Versys. Seems like this bike is about as much fun as you can have in the twisties.
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  #3  
Old 5 Oct 2008
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If people could see past the image they would find a very competent european tourer in the Harley Touring range (air suspension, Brembo brakes, simple technology and ultra-reliable). The Moto Guzzi California Vintage is similar but a bit quicker and definitely more agile, there are also major savings to be made over RRP with a bit of gentle haggling.
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  #4  
Old 5 Oct 2008
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The Versys could be on the short list if not for the fact that it is a 650 and the power is not significantly larger than the Dakar that I already have. I think that even the power of the new 800GS (75) is too close to the Dakar (50).

I reckon that to justify getting another bike, it needs to be different enough to the one that I already have.
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  #5  
Old 5 Oct 2008
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Cb 1300 S
Quote:
Originally Posted by dotcaf View Post
Hi,
I already have a 650 Dakar for bigger trips with off-road sections, but am thinking that for around Europe and Eastern Europe, I could do with something with a bit more power and more fun on the twisties.
I think that a good suspension is still very important, which probably rules out the Pan European type and the VFR's.
I'd also like something that I can have a go at servicing myself on the road. Not really up for a Harley/cruiser!
It looks like the choice then goes to BMW 1200 GS, Tiger (955 or 1050), Yamaha TDM 900, Ducati Multistrada or Suzuki V-Strom.
Are there any others that I should look at?
I like the idea of the triple engine but am not sure about how easy maintenance is.
What are peoples' thoughts?
Charles
I'm after selling my CB 1300 SA-5. For the road its an awsome bike, all day comfort, and touque to pull houses down.

Just a thought
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  #6  
Old 6 Oct 2008
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I already have a Monster S4r to pull down houses but the suspension and fuel tank aren't up to touring and neither is the luggage carrying capability. I'm really after a big trailee, I think...
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  #7  
Old 6 Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dotcaf View Post
I already have a Monster S4r to pull down houses but the suspension and fuel tank aren't up to touring and neither is the luggage carrying capability. I'm really after a big trailee, I think...
I actually rode it to work today anyhow and i don't think i want to part with it.
Having said that, it has a 190 mile ish range, and you can fit hard luggage to them, so dont rule them out as a tourer.
Good luck with your search though
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  #8  
Old 8 Oct 2008
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funny enough there is a test in one of the uk mags between a verseys , a 650 v strom and something else . The v strom "wins" the test , they like the Verseys but the Strom seems to out do it on everything but looks . having read other tests the 650 always gets the thumbs up over the 1000 and its pretty cheap second hand .
Me id buy an old second hand blackbird but them im biased cos i own one
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  #9  
Old 22 Nov 2008
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Dot Caf is probably onto his 2nd or 3rd touring bike by now ....
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  #10  
Old 22 Nov 2008
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I actually prefer the Japs to the Euro bikes. I got the Ducati because the only equivalent Vtwin was the Firestorm which didn't float my boat.
As for BMW, whilst the Dakar is hugely reliable and competent, it's just a work horse.
I've always liked the idea of a triple engine, but everything that i read about the 1050 says that it's too road based. In that case, i'd be better off with a road bike. Also, the brakes don't get many positive comments.
I definitely won't be buying another BMW. Never liked the brand in the first place. Rubbish service, overpriced and hiding behind a quality brand name (a bit like Sony in electronics) I deemed that the Dakar was little enough related to BMW (given that they raided others' parts bins) to buy. Plus, I was given strong recommendations from engineers on the F650. 12GS is just over sized, over thirsty and too BMW.
On the DL, whilst i haven't tried it out yet, I hear that the 650 is better than the 1000. That means that if I keep the Dakar for the big, dirt trips, there's not too much gain of a DL.
The main current contender seems to be the VFR but not sure if the seating position is upright enough. I'll also demo the 1050 but probably too new a model so pricey.
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  #11  
Old 23 Nov 2008
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The D1000 has 50% more power than the 650 ,which is a significant amount .That makes it better in my opinion --BUT that's just my opinion and it reflects what I want the bike to do and where I intend travelling .
You can't really say one bike is better than another ,just that it may be more suitable for you .
FWIW I had a sit on a new Tiger the other day and was surprised at how similar it felt in the saddle to my VStrom .Once spring rolls around I'm gonna have a test ride .Not sure how that 17 inch front wheel will handle on the dirt roads around here .If it had a 19 incher I'd be more confident about it's abilities .

Good luck on your bike hunt !
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Old 23 Nov 2008
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I obviously misread you mate,
Let us know what you end up with. So many good bikes out there, hard to go wrong!
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  #13  
Old 27 Jan 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dotcaf View Post
The Versys could be on the short list if not for the fact that it is a 650 and the power is not significantly larger than the Dakar that I already have. I think that even the power of the new 800GS (75) is too close to the Dakar (50).

I reckon that to justify getting another bike, it needs to be different enough to the one that I already have.
Hi Charles! why don't you try the Versys? You may be surprised! I was on the motorway last Saturday and when I realised, I was riding at 95mph (OOPS!), and I still had plenty of "juice" left! That would never had happened with the GS. By 80mph it felt like it was going to fall in pieces!

This little bike has so much more power than my 650Gs. And is great fun to ride! At 70 only off course!
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  #14  
Old 27 Jan 2009
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Are you into new exclusively or willing to look at used...if you're willing to look at used...a well maintained BMW K75s more the 90s would be worth considering...it tours very well.
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Old 30 Jan 2009
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What about an FZ1 yamaha fazer? has a detuned yamaha R1 engine, 150bhp is still bags more than anything else mentioned, corners just as well as pretty much anything and has a decent upright position (tho prob not quite as upright as a 12GS)

I currently have the FZ6 600cc version and love it. All the above just 95bhp. Can tour no problem but fun enough for weekend thrashes

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