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Suffering from too much choice and not enough experience! Suffering from too much choice and not enough experience!
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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 30 Jun 2011
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Suffering from too much choice and not enough experience!
Hey guys and gals!
I've just sold my lovely 350 Bullet but I'm now in dire need of some advice. I'm looking to buy a bike which can be restricted and still run passably well (As I'm 19 and limited to 33bhp for one more year) but I can use for adventures far and wide when it's derestricted.
I know this is quite a broad question but any advice at all would be appreciated!
Cheers, Jake
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  #2  
Old 30 Jun 2011
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I think Suzuki DL650 V-Strom would fit that bill pretty well. It´s got EFI, and it´ll be restricted to 25kw by changing the engine control unit (box)... that´ll cost several hundred euros, but work could not be more simple (unplug the full power box, then install the restricted one).

And another upside: this kind of restriction lets the engine run freely, until it reaches the power limit, and it´ll only be restricted from then on. Means it´ll run quite nicely, much better than older carb´d bikes, that often had restriction all the way through the rev range. I haven´t actually ridden a DL650 with a restricted box, but I tried a GSX-R600 with one, and I must say I was surprised how well it would go.

And long as your adventures will happen (mostly) on any kind of road(s), it´s up to pretty much anything. I did Europe to Oz with one 2-up, as well as many other shorter trips, and have been quite satisfied with our choice of bike.

BTW, there´s an updated 2012 model, that´s been introduced just now, haven´t got a chance to try that one yet.

If you don´t like the DL650, then there are many other choices, that have EFI, and could be restricted in a similar manner.
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  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2011
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Hi,

Most of the bikes these days can be restricted just with some cheap screws wich stop the exelerater etc. I would start to look for something more adventuras, less heavy and much cheaper as the V-Strom. Something wich can use cheap and long lasting tube tires like Mitas E07.

Get your selfe a light Suzuki DRZ 400 or if you want so spend less money get a DR 650, Yamaha Tenere (old Model) or a long lasting Honda Transalp (of course the old model without stupid elektric stuff). My took me all the way around africa

LG, Tobi
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  #4  
Old 30 Jun 2011
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Simple is good
Hi
If its a bike you are going to keep as the last guy said go for somthing you can work on and no fancy electronics, the old lx honda's will see your travels out and can always be de-restricted after
Doug Sanders
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  #5  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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Honda XL600RD XL 6000 RD 1983 | eBay UK

this is good!
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  #6  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ta-rider View Post
Most of the bikes these days can be restricted just with some cheap screws wich stop the exelerater etc. I would start to look for something more adventuras, less heavy and much cheaper as the V-Strom.
Yep, can be restricted, but keep in mind there will probably be a clear difference in how they run (if restricted mechanically, or with a 25kw box).

And you´re right the V-Strom is not an off-road bike, so if you plan to do plenty of that, then yeah, there are better, lighter choices. It depends on what exactly the OP means by ´adventure´, can be different things to different people.
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  #7  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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A slightly different slant....

What about something like an XR250. Air cooled, low power, easy to ride (on and off road), easy to fix and top quality build. I took one round West Africa in 2009 and it was the most fun I have had on a bike - loved it much more than my previous 650 singles!

all the best,
Lee
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  #8  
Old 1 Jul 2011
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Hey again and cheers for the replies!
I'm not an off road biker to be honest, my adventure being more camping and long distance driving.
I finish Uni next year though and want to start longer trips, and if I get a placement teaching English abroad I would like to drive to the country
V-strom could be a good choice, will look into it!
Cheers, Jake
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  #9  
Old 9 Jul 2011
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A KLE500 is worth considering, I have just bought one 2005, low mileage for less than £2000. 33bhp. It's a nice handling bike and a usefull tourer. There is lots on good technical info concerning the bike on this site aswell.
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  #10  
Old 9 Jul 2011
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YBR250..

Not exactly cool but a great, simple, FI bike which does about 343902902 MPG !!

Check the power. I can't see it being more than 33bhp.
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Can't say anymore.
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  #11  
Old 9 Jul 2011
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The carbed version of the Bonneville could be restricted by simply using a pair of stranglers on the intakes. not at all expensive and can be removed by yourself when the need arises.

Don't know what they do with the FI ones.
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  #12  
Old 10 Jul 2011
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I ended up buying a GSF600 in really good nick on the basis they're said to go forever... Don't know how favourably it's looked upon by adventure travellers like
Now just need to kit her out with a rear carrier and some panniers and should be all okay. Also, can de-restrict in a year and feel like I have a new bike! Grand!
Any advice/hints/tips/warnings still welcome though!
Cheers
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