please - Horizons Unlimited

**roshiban** · #1 3 Aug 2008

hi guys
i would like to purchase a bike.my travelling consist of 90%tar roads&10%off roads(estate roads)i would like to know that honda xl1000 varadero or bmw 1200gsa is the best bike for my purpose.and i would like to know the maintenence of both the bikes coz there is no dealers or authorised service center for both

**Warthog** · #2 3 Aug 2008

Both big bikes: have you considered less than 1000cc? Probably just as useful...

BOth are pretty reliable though, but I thinknthe Honda is perahsp more so than the 1200, and cheaper to buy, I think.

Seriously consider smaller bikes (650cc?) as they could make life a lot easier.

**roshiban** · #3 3 Aug 2008

thanks for the reply.im intrested in twin cylinder ,that make less vibration

**JMo (& piglet)** · #4 3 Aug 2008

What about a parallel twin? the Kawazaki Versys 650 has got good reviews, is significantly lighter/more nimble, and costs a lot less then either of the two big twins you mention?

If you primarily want to ride tarmac roads, plus the odd bit of dirt road, the versys (with it's ground clearance) should cope well, and you can get semi-trail tyres in the wheel sizes if required?

It is by no means a 'serious' off-road machine, or even a mega-robust RTW tourer, but there is luggage available, and for general touring duties might suit you perfectly?

xxx

**roshiban** · #5 5 Aug 2008

thank u for the information.the problem is the the bikes are not avaliable in india.some private dealers import it.one person is having both these bikes at present.both are new.so im little confused.bmw cost 42500$ and varadero -23750$.the only problem with varadero is its got alloy wheels.im looking for spokes wheels because the the roads in india is very bad.

**Caminando** · #6 6 Aug 2008

Jai Roshiban....

As you mention two bikes I'll stick to that. The Varadero drinks fuel, but is a terrific bike. It is really a tall long distance road tourer however. And heavier than most. As a Honda, you can expect the best reliability. (I refer to different polls over the years, not my opinion).

The BMW is all of this, but perhaps a little less reliable, and has a lower C of G for a bit of off -road. The horizontally opposed twin offers easier maintenance access.

I don't ride these machines, so I'm not promoting a favourite bike.

The BMW has often been seen as the best all round bike in its class. Again, not my mere opinion, but the result of various polls and reviews over a period of time.

**Baron Bolton** · #7 29 Oct 2008

I'd say either of those bikes would be overkill for India, for everything apart from showing off. What do you want to do with the bike?
I would imagine you'd rarely use more than 10% of the power of either of these.

Anyhoo, enjoy whatever you decide on.
Judging by my visits to India, I'd say even the 90% road riding you're doing will test any bike to the limits!