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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
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  #1  
Old 13 Jan 2009
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Motorcycle For Turkey
Having harboured a desire to get to and travel within Turkey by ‘bike for may years (earlier attempts were thwarted due to events beyond my control) I may achieve my dream this year. As I shall be travelling on my own the topic I am seeking views on is the 'bike best suited for this purpose. I am fortunate in that I have access to a Yamaha FJR1300 plus a smaller and lighter BMW F650GS. Although the large capacity machine will be advantageous in getting across northern Europe, will I be constrained as to where I will be able to go within Turkey due to such heavy, road orientated machine?

I am aware that fuel prices in Turkey are somewhat higher than that I am accustomed to in the UK and that alone favours the BMW. The FJR is undoubtedly more comfortable, no chain to worry about and has given several years of faultless service but will be expensive to repair should anything go wrong.

Your views would be appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 13 Jan 2009
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Hi

Although I'm a big fan of the FJR and would miss the power on the way to Turkey, it would have to be the F650GS, which will be ideal when you get there.

Perhaps plan a route that takes in less motorways and toll roads and find roads that suit the BMW's speed and handling, then take a slower ride through Europe and enjoy some beautiful areas, see the towns and meet some locals on your way to Turkey.

Have a look at Linzi's post on Discobiker in Freak Accident, two below your post, in the HUBB Europe section for a good account of what a 650GS can withstand!

Also reccomend that you start or finish your trip at the bikers hotel in Ostende. Great wind down place. Here's the details: Motorhotel Groenedijk - Oudenburg, Oostende

Have a good trip.

Regards

Chris
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  #3  
Old 14 Jan 2009
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hello from Turkiye,

although you can ride fjr 1300 in Turkiye, I suggest you more dual purpose or enduro oriented bike, like suzuki dl650 v-strom, honda ta, gs 650/1200. and also dont forget weight is the enemy. if you plan to stick main roads and does not want to go to rural areas then fjr will do. but if you want to visit the villages in the black see steppe or tiny road and triditional places in east of Turkiye then fjr will give you hard time. also consider that Turkiye sells almost most expensive petrol in the world. hi mpg would be an advantage for you.

i have crossed europea (from the UK to Turkiye) with an 97 make f650st and it was really pain on the european motorways. I own a dl650 and it is good at motorways (no problem cruising 140/150 km/h) and can cope gravel and village roads.

anyway, just my two p worth. and drop me a line for a coffee/ in istanbul or free accomodation.
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Old 15 Jan 2009
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Thank you for your replies.

Welovebikes, I shall keep any motorway riding to a minimum but time is my enemy. I wish to spend as much time as I can within Turkey.

Ozhanu. I do want to see more of Turkey than just that adjacent to the main highways. Many thanks for your generous offer to meet up. Current route planning does not have me travelling through Istanbul; although I have visited that marvellous city in the past.

I have come down in favour of utilising the 650, the pain and suffering of getting across northern Europe will be more than compensated by the greater opportunities afforded to me within Turkey.
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Old 15 Jan 2009
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hi again.

if you have shortened your list to 650s, then I strongly suggest you Suzuki DL650, as it is good in motorways in europa and can also cope Turkiye's rural area. mpg is also another reason.

so, i wish you save travel.
enjoy..
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  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2009
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Hi,

Used to have a BMW 1150GS and Honda Pan Euro 1300 back in Blighty. Thought I would miss them here. I don't. Remember the speed limits for m/cycles here in Turkey is 70kmh plus the road conditions don't really allow for fast riding (too much gravel, diesel and ptholes). Now we get around quite happily two-up on our Yam XT660 or TT600. You can find me on the Community page under "Kas Antalya" if you need any help/place to stay. This link will give you an idea about the area,

DickyB's Turkish Delight (merged) Ride Report Threadfest - ADVrider

Cheers,

Dicky
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  #7  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Ozhanu, being somewhat "compact" in build the Suzuki is too tall for me to feel comfortable with.

Dicky - I had already read your report, albeit qwith a tinge of greenas I contrasted the weatehr you were enjoying to that we are currently enduring. The family found Kas last year when driving along the coast and throughly enjoyed the town.
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Old 16 Jan 2009
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i am 171cm (5.6 feet) and ok with the standart high. there is also low seat and lowerig kit option. but at the end this is a personal choise. get the bike you are comfortable with.
safe travel.
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  #9  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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F650Gs would be fit!
We, people recommend upon our personal experience and, this is the way things happen... I would recommend f650 GS, for we have done almost 4000 km along mid Anatolia, then down to Antakya and then along the Medeterranean, back thru İzmir. The bike did very well o the highways and all kind of pavements either. We were two up, and the route along Toros(Taurus) montains is a little hard-anybody who did the route would know it. The part frlm Anamur to Alanya was the hardest with ups, downs, veery windy plus many road constructions along... But for the bike, no problem at all.
By the way, the standart seat of F650 GS is known to be lower than the other dual purpose bikes. you can check it out.
cheers!
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  #10  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Okay in order to find the right bike,
Q1,
Are you alone or will you have passanger?

Q2,
Do you like mountains?

Now assumng you are single, and like enduro rides, take the 650. head on to Blacksea or Taurus mountains you can't go wrong.

And while at it do find us at :: Emok - Enduro Motosiklet Kulübü :: . Soe of the members can give you hints about which path to hit.


Regards
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  #11  
Old 20 Jan 2009
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My tuppence worth.
Out of the 2 options you state, I'd go for the 650. The FJR is just too much for the roads here, you'll never use the power due to speed limits and road conditions and some of the roads here'll make you a little nervous of dropping it (nice big fairing to scratch). If it's at all possible, try and pick up an 1150gs or 1200gs, these are pretty much the perfect bike for Turkey, as the engines are big enough for long lazy days, but they'll also do the rough stuff. I've a 1200 and 2 other expats I know here have 1150s.
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  #12  
Old 20 Jan 2009
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Having traveled all around the country on different bikes I will only support the posts before me. Go for a 650 dual sport. XT variations, KLR650, or a BMW F650 GS will do if you are going to ride single. Go for DL650 V-Strom or a Transalp if you have company. Both bikes are no stranger to the country in terms of service, parts, maintenance (though there are minor price and availability diferences).

My suggestion is DL650 though I am veeeeery happy with my KLR650.

Cheers from Izmir.
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  #13  
Old 23 Jan 2009
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motorcycle in turkey
of course you can cross turkey on a street bike and paved roads, but why would you want to go there if not for the dirt roads and the open country?

look here and decide yourself...

Picasa-Webalben - airhead - escape to turkey
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  #14  
Old 24 Jan 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cozcan View Post
Having traveled all around the country on different bikes I will only support the posts before me. Go for a 650 dual sport. XT variations, KLR650, or a BMW F650 GS will do if you are going to ride single. Go for DL650 V-Strom or a Transalp if you have company. Both bikes are no stranger to the country in terms of service, parts, maintenance (though there are minor price and availability diferences).

My suggestion is DL650 though I am veeeeery happy with my KLR650.

Cheers from Izmir.

I second this, Ozhanu and Airhead too...

Personally I would go for a DL650.
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