|
9 Feb 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 20
|
|
Yamaha xt opinions
I am after a bike for a trip round north and eastern Europe. I will be aiming for a bit of trail riding as well as roads. i am only 5'8, is the xt likely to be too big like the transalp? or are there any other ideas for a sub £1500 bike for this trip?
|
9 Feb 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
|
|
Since I'm metric I wouldn't know your size from 5'8 (guess: 170 cm?) but what I do know is: the Transalp seat height is lower than the XT's.
Choice of bike for the rest would depend on how much off-road you intend. The XT is better off-road, but less comfortable on-road. And, some not-too-rough offroading should be possible for the Transalp.
Auke
|
9 Feb 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Hi,
I ride an XT600E and am a bit over 5'9". It's a bit of a drumroll and gasp moment getting on but not too bad. Although I have an inch on you, I am an extremely infexible type who hasn't been able to touch my toes since they were in Clarks Commandoes.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
9 Feb 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
Alvins/Motocal have a Dominator for sale. Can't remember the details, something like 20,000 miles, looks a bit beat up and is a kick start. They were asking £1650 I think, but I'd expect they'll take a bit less than that.
|
10 Feb 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 20
|
|
right by the sounds of it they are both looking too big. I had a look at the dommie in Alvin's Moto Cal. looks ok i thought just a bit too much, although at least my toes touch the floor. Mat is there any inside info into places near Edinburgh to find bikes of this nature? or groups who ride them?
robin
|
10 Feb 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Robin,
Unfortunately I probably know no more than you. I just kept checking the bike trader website for a bike nearish to me. In the end I got my XT from BMW Motoradd! (the one near Glasgow). They generally don't have bikes in your range though. (Although a F650 might be a good choice for you, being a bit lower than the XT, if you can find one for £1500.)
Edinburghs a bit sparse of decent motobike shops. They're all very road based and like Alvins tend to be a bit 'enthusiastic' about their prices!
You could try phoning 'Forth Gear' in South Queensferry. They're an accesories shop only but specialise in off-road motorcycling so might be able to point you in the right direction. (0131 331 4442)
You'll probably find it hard to get a decent off road traillie suitable for touring up here, theres always far more in the Bike Trader down South. Me and a mate ended up driving down to Manchester to buy when he was looking for a F650.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
10 Feb 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
2 wheels at cameron toll are always a bit over-priced, but normally have a good selection.
Sandy Bloy in Perth is another one I've used, small selection but occasionally has something.
Cupar Motorcycles are normally good for price, but don't usually have much off-road.
Drysdales in Perth are a KTM dealer and may have something that's been traded in.
There's a Honda dealer in Perth as well, plus another branch of Cupar Motorcycles.
I find that in Scotland bikers are less fashion-led, so the bike market less active. If you go back into Moto-Cal and ask for Darren Lough (pronounced Lock), tell him I sent you, and ask him about the best places to pick up a cheap off-road tourer.
Just remembered there's a guy that does off-road/mx at Knockhill, www.funinthemud.com. He might be able to give you some pointers as to places to pick up cheaper bikes.
The Scottish Bike Show is coming up soon isn't it? March?
Another option is to look up the Edinburgh IAM and email them for recommendations or to see if any IAM members are selling their winter hacks now the sun is out again.
|
11 Feb 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Scarborough, England
Posts: 27
|
|
I'm 5"10 and took my XT 5500 miles in 3 weeks down to the Sahara and back, however on dismounting I occasionally had to get one of my fellow riders to hold the bike. But on the plus side what a great machine I bought mine for £850 and she never gave me any problems although I am rebuilding her as a precaution for the coming winters trip! Go for an XT you won't be disappointed and you can always hop at junctions!!
|
14 Feb 2006
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
|
|
As a more general comment on the XT600 Yamaha; I have about 20 or more travellers a year at my place and you get to hear a lot of stories about a lot of different bikes. The most reliable bikes, it seems, would be the XT600 Yammie, closely followed by the Honda V-twins and BMW singles. The least reliable has to be later model BMW twins, from the bikes that have come this far. Several owners renamed their bikes B M Trouble-You. The other thing you hear again and again is that they have too much gear and are too heavy, and often also say they should have had a smaller bike.
Kind regards
Nigel in NZ
------------------
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read but a page"- St Augustine
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
|
15 Feb 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 20
|
|
thanks guys that is really interesting. i shall be headed round scotland soon on a bike searching mission.
robin
|
2 Mar 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
|
|
Hi guys been reading your comments, big singles are out of fashion here in Belgium. Plenty for sale at decent prices. You can even take the over night ferry from Edinburgh to Zeebrugge.
Just to give an idea try www.2dehands.be and select moto.......
Importing the bike into the UK isn't difficult, you'll need a trailer or van to collect it.. stick to the Flanders region and you'll be surprised how many people speak English.
I'm happy to forward on links to dealer if you're looking for something specific..
Cheers
Matt
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|