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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.
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  #1  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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Second bike
I have an airhead which is 1000 CC. Satisfied with it. It seems a bit big and unnacessary at urban riding. I begun to think about having a second bike to use at urban and may be for offroad a bit.

Ok, sounds good but how big the engine should be?
First I thought a 400 cc Yam XT would just fits, then thought ok I am going to buy 400 cc, instead why not having Yam XT600 my dream bike as second bike?

Oh, dilemma begins. I already have an enduro big enough with 2 cylinders !

What do you think? How big the second bike should be? Which one would you go for?

* 250-400 CC
* 500-650 CC

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  #2  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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What is the question
In your post you say the XT600 is your dream bike. I think this tels all you need to know.

Lets not forget that when it comes to bikes we can compare size, fuel economy, manufacturer, etc. all we want. At the last minute we always drag in the "I want" factor.

Go with your dreams.

Have Fun

Rick
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Old 21 Jun 2008
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My criteria would be the more off road I'm going to be doing the lighter the bike needs to be.
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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Yeah to that, if you are going well off the beaten track go for a light bike with easy useable power. There are some great small bikes around now. 125-250cc. Beta alp 200 can be converted into a trials bike. Yamaha Tricker 250 is a great allrounder. A 125 cc 2 stroke is light and fast but is maybe more aimed at Enduro style riding than green lanes. KTM are rumoured to be developing a small playbike. TBM is a good for info.

The XT is a great bike but a smaller lighter machine will be better suited off road.

Whatever you choose enjoy it I just sold my big BMW and my second bike my Yamaha ttr 250 is now my only bike and I love it, it goes anywhere and does anything like a jack of all trades. Its easier to move, pick up etc and if youre not in a hurry it will go as far as you want.
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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why not a gs 650 twin?
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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No 600cc or 650cc single is really going to be a great dirt bike. Deep sand, serious rocks, technical terrain will all challenge most all the 600 class bikes/riders. If you have serious enduro/Dakar level riding skills then ignore the above.

The XT would be perfect as a City bike and will do just fine on hard packed Piste, mild rocks and rough roads. But if things get nasty, you may work hard to get through. So it depends on how serious you want your off road explorations to be and if you are (realistically) able to manage in this type of terrain.

If you are an average rider then I believe you would be happier with a smaller/lighter weight bike. The 400cc range is perfect IMO.

I would go with the WR450F Yamaha. Reliable, really easy to ride in even the most terrible conditions, fun in the city too. Lots of power/torque, smooth, low maintenance.

Also consider: DRZ400S Suzuki, XR400 Honda, TC450 Husqvarna, KTM exc 450F, and a few more.

Patrick
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Old 25 Jun 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by farmerdan View Post
why not a gs 650 twin?
I did not hear before if BMW GS 650 has a twin engine?
Can you please inform me more about it, GS 650 twin !

Transalp has a twin cylinder engine I guess for example !
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