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Which big thumper for all rounder? Which big thumper for all rounder?
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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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 10 Nov 2012
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Which big thumper for all rounder?
Hi guys, just looking on recommendations on which big thumper to buy. I have owned,

Kdx200
Dr400
Dr650
Drz400
Xr400
Kl,250

Now, i found the dr650 unrefined and underpowered, the xr400 chassis felt the best of the lot and the drz motor the most fun. I am looking at something like a ktm640 enduro as i still want to do the odd hare and hounds, but also travel and perhaps get some sm wheels. The woman will be on the back quite often and due to the service intervals the exc range is out.

All i can think so far is ktm640 or xr650r.... any recommendations and why?

Cheers!

Budget is currently about £2500.
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  #2  
Old 10 Nov 2012
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If you find the perfect unicorn bike that fits all those criteria please let me know. I want one too. Alas, like the holy grail and a hot girlfriend who works all week so you can go riding with your friends and goof off, it may be out there but I sure haven't found it.

Kindest regards,
John Downs
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  #3  
Old 10 Nov 2012
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Yamaha XT660Z but you won't get one for that money - maybe another grand?

KTM 690R Enduro, but again, won't get one for that cash.

Older XTZ660 would fit the bill too.

F650GS single but would be a bit long in the tooth...
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  #4  
Old 11 Nov 2012
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Drz 400
Electric start, ridiculous (good) over-cooling capacity, easy to perform external mods which improve power and economy, failure modes well-known and generally can be managed beforehand, easy to add fuel range.

ALOT more fun than all the others you've owned, even off-road.

The KTM 690 is fantastic, stupid, "throw me in jail or take my license" fun.

The KTM 640 is . . . a well-known and highly respected paint shaker. Make sure any dental fillings have been freshly re-secured.

The XR650R is . . . a bike which receives lots of praise for it's durability and toughness but . . . just try starting one that stalls in the heat. You'll never forget that nor will your heel.

Husky TE630 and others are likely all out of your price range.

I always vote fun over pure reliability. It's a HOLIDAY (!), not a campaign.
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  #5  
Old 11 Nov 2012
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You might get an xchallenge for 2500. Consider it as similar to the 640 but without the vibes and greater reliability. For some crazy reason they seem to sell for less than a late f650gs single but for anything off tarmac are a much better bike.
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  #6  
Old 16 Nov 2012
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What about NX650 (Dominator)? It's basically a refined XR650. Same air cooled 650 with a few more horses and still plenty of low end torque. Seat could use some improvement in the comfort department (some have mentioned a 2x4 bein more comfortable), but it'll definitely ride two up. Much better power to weight ratio than a KLR650 (I know, I'm now in dangerous territory! I mentioned the KLR) and a lot more refinement than a DR650. Should be plenty available in your neck of the woods and in your price range (I found one in K-Stan for $3400 US, and vehicles are quite expensive here).

Couple pics of the Dominator from a trip to Issyk Kul

Chilling on the north shore of the lake


View towards the Lake
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  #7  
Old 16 Nov 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moto_psycho View Post
Hi guys, just looking on recommendations on which big thumper to buy. I have owned,

Kdx200
Dr400
Dr650
Drz400
Xr400
Kl,250

Now, i found the dr650 unrefined and underpowered, the xr400 chassis felt the best of the lot and the drz motor the most fun. I am looking at something like a ktm640 enduro as i still want to do the odd hare and hounds, but also travel and perhaps get some sm wheels. The woman will be on the back quite often and due to the service intervals the exc range is out.

All i can think so far is ktm640 or xr650r.... any recommendations and why?

Cheers!

Budget is currently about £2500.
As John said about 5 days ago, let us know when you find this holy grail!

The thing is, you can't possibly hang onto your "woman on the back" (and quite often!!) with the other requirements you have for a bike - that's why I own more than one bike.

After that, well Fuel Inj is the way to go nowadays, with the cost of that fuel rising.
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