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Which bike... Which 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...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2012
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Which bike...
Hi Folks,

I'm trying to find a cheap bike that I can repair to produce a practical tourer. Which bikes could you advise me to choose from that are easy to work on, have reasonably priced spares, reliable when finished and can steer itself! Any ideas and comments welcome, I'm just starting out on bike maintenance and would like something to compliment my Enfield efi single cylinder on longer trips

Mike
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  #2  
Old 29 Jun 2012
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Hi Mike,

Quite a few threads on this topic in search to get you started. It is a common question we all seek the answer to. Unfortunately everyone's needs are different. Are you planning trips outside the UK? What sort of trade offs are important to you? Can you pack minimally and ride a smaller bike? Or do you require lots of luggage carrying capacity? Is it just for you or do you need a bike for 2?

In the end many people in the UK searching for an economic mid sized overland bike gravitate towards a handful of bikes known for reliability and durability. I prefer smaller bikes that get better fuel economy. Others from the UK will be along shortly to recommend a Yamaha XT600, Honda Transalp or other promising bike.

Personally, I would ride the Enfield and use the extra money for travel and learn maintenance and repairs the hard way. Alas, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Best luck in your search.

Kindest regards,
John Downs
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  #3  
Old 29 Jun 2012
Mehmet Zeki Avar's Avatar
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Honda C-90...
good reply is here..you will love it...Currently done by Ed...
and 2 others on the way to magadan from UK...
for details pls. get in touch with him.

Hitler finds out about my trip *comedy* *Explicit*

Wish you all the best..
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  #4  
Old 29 Jun 2012
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Thanks guys, some good thoughts. How about odler BMWs or similar?

Mike
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  #5  
Old 29 Jun 2012
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Twin shock airhead BMWs can be trusty steeds, easy to fix, reasonably priced spares and not too expensive to buy, £800 should get you something quite reasonable, forget G/S they are totally overpriced. The problem is that they are quite thirsty, I ride steadily and get up to 50 MPG but many people only get 40. A reasonable choice if you are planning to go two up and share the cost but for one person expensive to run.
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Old 29 Jun 2012
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Evolution engined Harley-Davidson tourers (Road King, Electra-Glide, etc.) You can find well loved, little used ones comparatively cheaply. Spares are not ridiculous if you use non franchise suppliers and they are easy to work on.
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  #7  
Old 30 Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tourider View Post
Evolution engined Harley-Davidson tourers (Road King, Electra-Glide, etc.) You can find well loved, little used ones comparatively cheaply. Spares are not ridiculous if you use non franchise suppliers and they are easy to work on.
I think the original poster needs to define "cheap" a little more clearly, whilst I agree with Tourider that the big Harley is a capable and practical tourer even second hand they are many times the price I had in mind.
If a Harley does take your fancy what about a Sportster? fit a screen, a big tank and you have a practical bike with easy maintainance and loads of character.
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Old 30 Jun 2012
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That's a good range for me to look at, many thanks

Mike
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  #9  
Old 30 Jun 2012
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Stick with the Enfield, thats what I am trying to use!
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Old 1 Jul 2012
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As you might have guessed I used to have an old airhead ( 1985 R80rt) it has more mph than my Enfield Electra but I find I do just as many Miles per day as I used to on The bmw, possibly more, as on my first two week trip I gained two days on my planned itinerary.
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Old 1 Jul 2012
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Actually, I have 2 airhead BM's, 100/7 and R80gs Kalahari, both give the wrong side of 40mpg, I am about to embark on a trip on the Enfield and hopefully report some good findings, I did 1450miles from door-door on my recent Isle of Man trip and enjoyed every single mile on the Island, but hated every M-way mile.
You just need to plan a bit on the Enfield, if you are pushed for time you can't just 'turn the wick' up to make up time on the road.
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