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16 Oct 2005
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Reading, Berkshire, England
Posts: 4
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Suggestions for a first bike
Hi Folks
I am planning a UK-> Capetown trip via the Eastern route. At the moment I don't have a bike licence but have booked in for a 5 day course (Full Unrestricted Category A Licence via the Direct Access Scheme).
I would like to know what experienced riders would suggest as a first bike. Should I buy my intended touring bike straight off (BMW F650GS) or due to my lack of experience should I buy a smaller bike and then upgrade to the touring bike once I have more experience?
Cheers
Steve
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16 Oct 2005
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
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I would think an F650GS couldn't be bettered as a first bike. There's not that much power, relatively low seat height and cheap to insure LB.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
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16 Oct 2005
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
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Yes, I agree, and would do the trip too. Or a Yamaha XT600E like what I've got. Simple, reliable, forgiving bike. Other 'medium sized' bikes I considered were the Transalp and the KLE500. In some ways I think the longer you have the bike you are going to do the trip on the better, more chance to learn its little niggles etc. and to be fully up to speed on maintenance issues etc.
Matt
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http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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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...
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