Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
XJ 600S vs GPZ 500S XJ 600S vs GPZ 500S
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 3
XJ 600S vs GPZ 500S
Greetings!
I have heard that Diversion 600 is quite good bike for touring(on paved roads of course). But on the other hand the GPZ 500S is cheaper to buy(compared to XJ 600S)plus insurance is cheaper (at least in central Europe where I come from). Did anyone travel with GPZ 500 and if he/she could please share some experience?
I was also thinking about buying KLE 500 but it has quite big fuel consumption(around 45 mpg)for a bike of its size. Any comments?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 54
There is little to choose between the bikes as such, but if you are going to ride far, the simple air-cooled Diversion is best, I feel. Very easy to service, whereas the GPZ has the extra worry of water cooling, pumps and plumbing, and, if I remember correctly, you have to change the coolant just to service the valves. ( If you are really split, check this as I may be wrong ).
The KLE has the same GPZ500 engine. I wouldn't worry about the fuel figures you read in mags, as journalists ( especially British ones ) are loathe to admit they didn't thrash the bike " knee down this, knee down that " on test. Swift but gentle throttle use should give you at least 60 m.p.g ( 90 kilom to 4.5 litres ) AT LEAST.
Keep the speed around 65 mph/100kmh and cruise and you are looking at 70+.
Your choice, but I'd go for the Divvy!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Posts: 2
I have toured quite a bit on the USA version of the Yamaha XJ-600, called a "Seca-II"; including long loopy tours: San Francisco to Cabo and San Francisco to New York City and can recommend this bike as a simple yet effective ride. Things I have learned to watch for when you really pile on the miles day after day:
1. Two chain failures at high speed (on a 9,000 mile ride; fortunately coasted to a stop each time with no additional damage; never happened again). The bike seems to have greater trouble than is usual in keeping the proper chain tension on hot, long trips (like as in adjust every 200 miles???) and once the sprockets degrade it becomes a no-win situation until you replace the entire lot.
2. Certainly expect Stress Cracks to appear in this bike's simple fairings if you drone along at high speed day after day. The mounts are simple and invariably vibrate themselves to a point where they transfer too much stress to the plastic.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 3
Thanks for the info. I know that XJ would be the best choice and I will go for it if my budget will alow it
Despite that I really wonder how would the KLE behave on long journeys. I know that it is not a true overlander, its more like a street bike with enduro looks(and better suspension). Did anyone actually owned one(KLE) and if so, could he/she share some experience (of the bike..especialy consumption) with us (or me ?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
i learned to ride on a ER5, like a naked GPZ500S, and liked it so much i bought it from the riding school!! it was a satisfying ride,comfortable enough for tankful after tankful of fuel, a good small tourer but not for adrenaline junkies.
reliability wise, i had no problems in the year i had it,even though my bike was bit of an old dog. but if you are planning to go RTW im not sure i would trust it,i would want a "tougher" machine.
i agree with johnZ about the coolant, but for different reasons.if your doing those sorts of miles, you should change the coolant regularly anyway, but wont that get a bit expensive in the long run?and it means another can/bottle to carry?

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 22
The gpz500s was my first bike and I happily toured Europe, visiting my friends in Southern Spain and riding back through Andorra and France.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:38.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top