Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Which bike? Which bike?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Aug 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
Which bike?
Hi guys,
Ok just got back from my first long distance trip doing nearly 4000 miles in 3 weeks around Europe on a suzuki bandit 1250. Trip was fantastic except for one thing....petrol! My bandit seemed to drink petrol at a massive rate and so I have come to the decision that next long distance trip will have to be made on another bike. I've narrowed it down to two choices: bmw 1200gs or the ktm 990 adventure. I was just wondering if anyone had advice on which too choose or other ideas. As I carry a pillion obviously it needs to have plenty of punch.
Cheers
Jon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porkpie_jon View Post
Hi guys,
Ok just got back from my first long distance trip doing nearly 4000 miles in 3 weeks around Europe on a suzuki bandit 1250. Trip was fantastic except for one thing....petrol! My bandit seemed to drink petrol at a massive rate and so I have come to the decision that next long distance trip will have to be made on another bike. I've narrowed it down to two choices: bmw 1200gs or the ktm 990 adventure. I was just wondering if anyone had advice on which too choose or other ideas. As I carry a pillion obviously it needs to have plenty of punch.
Cheers
Jon
My brother has a GSX1250F with the same engine, and it's not very thirsty at all. Is your intake/exhaust or fuel injection modified from stock (in that case it could explain high consumption)? And how much does it consume in what riding conditions BTW?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Aug 2013
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
The tour you describe would suit a Suzuki 650 V-Strom or it's big brother the 1000 V-Strom.

Apparently it's easy to get up to 70 MPG from the smaller one?

The little V-Strom is becoming very popular among HUBB riders for very good reason - economy. Many owners rate the 650cc model above the 1000cc model.

Their running costs are low in every respect and the engine is a real peach. Bulletproof reliable too.

If I wasn't so in love with single cylinder thumpers, I would look at getting one too.

The 650 model is all day comfy and has the power to pull rider and pillion or rider and luggage. I presume the 1000cc model will do it all?

Compare the cost of a V-Strom to an expensive BMW or KTM.

Your Bandit has bags of torque and that's the reason why it's so juicy. They can eat rear tyres for breakfast. That said, they have a HUGE following here on the HUBB for very good reason - a bulletproof engine that will tolerate being abused. The Bandit is pretty cheap for what you get.

I can't quite get my head round the fact some cars now do 80 MPG whereas motorcycles can only return 40 MPG. It doesn't make any sense to me bearing in mind power to weight ratios?
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porkpie_jon View Post
Hi guys,
bmw 1200gs or the ktm 990 adventure. I was just wondering if anyone had advice on which too choose or other ideas. As I carry a pillion obviously it needs to have plenty of punch.
Cheers
Jon
I get about 55 MPG (UK) out of my 990 Adv, riding enthusiastically but not at excessive speed (I much prefer acceleration to outright speed nowadays). The best figure I got between fillings, on a recent 1200 mile trip, was 60 and the worst was 52.
The tanks (there are two) will return a range of about 170-180 miles before the fuel light kicks in and I have done 195 miles before refuelling.
The Beemer will do better than those figures; lots of them get up to 250 miles from a fill up and the computers on them say that they do up to 65 MPG when ridden "well".

Pillion comfort: it's a matter of personal taste and opinion, but the 1200GS probably has a more comfortable pillion seat than the KTM - I have no worries with the standard seat on my 990 but some riders think it is a bit hard.

They both have more than enough punch.

ps If you like standing while riding, then the 990 is a 5 star bike.

pss There are some variations of replies in this, alternate, thread:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-of-bike-71568
__________________
Dave
Last edited by Walkabout; 14 Aug 2013 at 19:48. Reason: ps added, pps added
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination SOUTH AMERICA 20 30 Oct 2009 17:02

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 01:18.

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