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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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  #16  
Old 2 Feb 2015
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Obviously
...the Truump for the trip you describe. No question, however I would question your reason to do a massive trip in a short space if time as my experience tells me if you do a million miles a week you just end up staring at dotted lines which probably explains Nick Sanders crazy eyes (and hair style!)
My trips have gotten ever more ambitious on the mileage front. Easily done when planning a trip on Google maps. You think 'I can visit this country and that country and hell I may as well do that country too'
Result is my bikes have gotten bigger and trips have gone from people meeters to mile eaters and are much the worse for it.
Buy the KTM and do a shorter trip and relax and meet locals
(I'm gonna test the little CCM before I buy a KTM 690, built for purpose). Owned an F8 and hated every minute of it in all respects. Did nothing particularly well and had zero personality. You need to bond with your bike when travelling.
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  #17  
Old 2 Feb 2015
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Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
Result is my bikes have gotten bigger and trips have gone from people meeters to mile eaters and are much the worse for it.
Sums it up nicely! F8? Was' Dat?

I'd rather limit my distance and focus on a smaller area, becoming more intimate with that smaller area. If a round trip is planned ... then perhaps do the "Go slow and enjoy" strategy on the way OUT ... then if you must, hit the hard and fast road for the return journey, taking fastest, most direct routes home.

But if me, I'd plan for several trips in future and do a section or two on each ride. I left my bike in France for 3 years and did this. Really got to know France, Spain, Portugal ... even managed a bit of Morocco.

In S. America when I was traveling (1970's),lived and worked along the way, spending as long as one year in same area. Return home for business, then back South again. Did this 7 years, with and without bikes.

But do what works for you and have the best time you can. That's the most important thing!
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Old 3 Feb 2015
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Sums it up nicely! F8? Was' Dat?

Yes. Never fancied the 1200 tractorrad so opted for the 'little' F800gs but that was too big for off road. I went all over spain on it for six weeks as well as a trip from uk to Malta and back, taking in lots of dirt tracks, forests and Mount Etna!
Never felt comfortable off road and on road was compromised too plus being a big bike I loaded up panniers and tail bag with a ton of stuff I didn't use mainly because I had the space. Hasn't everyone taken two tins of baked beans and a bag of basmati to Malta and back at some point in their lives? I have
Its easy sitting here to go for a big luxurious travel bike but there is more fun to be found on something smaller and lighter although I don't think I would be happy on say a 250. I think somewhere between the 450 and 600 mark is more than adequate
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Old 3 Feb 2015
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A nervous day for me riding the F800GS off road. (BMW press loaner bike) Not bad but I'd hate to encounter severe rocks, deep sand or mud. Conditions my DR650 gets through without too much drama.

I've seen guys ride the F8GS well off road ... seen some crashes too.

My DR650 is a good 40 kgs. lighter weight. Actually FUN off road, not terrifying.
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