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what really is the best bike what really is the best bike
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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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #16  
Old 27 Jan 2005
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I certainly enjoyed the 20 years I had my XT 500.
I learned to love the Dual Sport scene.
I had close to 50,000 miles when I traded it off.
My search for a Dual Sport, 10 years later,put the KLR in my focus.
I'm headin for 26,000 miles, in less than 2yrs on my 03 and only the enricher cable and course the idler lever has needed replacement.
I'm havin a blast with this Hoss.
Did under a 15 at the Dragstrip too!
You guys have a very good selection of bikes.
Rod

[This message has been edited by zrod (edited 27 January 2005).]
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  #17  
Old 31 Jan 2005
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I haven't been stranded on my 1965 Ducati 250cc and I've done 13,000 miles (21,000k) on it going round Australia. New Zealand, and the rest of the world, are next.

I've got the name of an Aussie you shouldn't buy an old Ducati from, but no bad-mouthing until I get a working tank back from him.

--Dave

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Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/
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  #18  
Old 4 Feb 2005
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Quote:
Originally posted by zrod:
Is KLR a dirty word over there?
Rod,,,wonderin why one of the most versatile badass Dual Sports in the world isn't considered sometimes
I shipped my klr to the u.k. and, aside from london streets, it was a terrible ride. Couldn't keep up or overtake anyone.

So I got a triumph ;-)
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  #19  
Old 4 Feb 2005
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Concerning trail bikes, japanese quality has been proved.
Depends where you go, everything on BMW 1150A seems perfect, except the price..
Personally I have serious problems imaging anything else than a thumper for my travelling, my XT will accept the badest fuel, cross some inexistent roads, carry enough luggage, spare parts and mechanics highly available, not thirsty, will fall and rise again with a few scratches and rarely say die !
And most of all the thumper thumps along with my heart beat, almost same frequency...!

The BMW seems greatly builded, so great that even the biggest ferrari car would look ugly besides..I love that bike, but would feel moral problems taking out that shiny jewel in some countries of the world.

I also think perfection can be boring, I go for perfection when servicing my bike and when chosing protective gear.
For the rest I prefer to compromise.

I´ve had bikes I enjoy 100% and many I don´t keep much memory of.
For me charachter is one of the keywords of perfection, it goes a long way..

So I would advice in chosing a bike you enjoy, and prep it with some modifications to render it more perfect.

Matt


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  #20  
Old 5 Feb 2005
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My top 3 of the World's best overlanding bikes, ever:
1. Honda CG125. 3 million Brazilians can't be wrong.
2. Vincent Black Shadow. Faster than a F16 until takeoff. Not sure if Touratech do panniers.
3. Enfield Bullet. Nice exhaust sound. Brakes a bit dodgy.

HTH
ChrisB


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  #21  
Old 5 Feb 2005
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How about a Vespa, the one with the spare wheel?
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  #22  
Old 5 Feb 2005
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Spare wheels are very important. Often ignored to the riders detriment.

Also if you get a bike with square wheels, not only can you use these as window frames (multi-tasking?), but they also prevent clutch drag when attempting a hill start.

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