Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...? 2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?
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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree18Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 12 Jun 2014
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
Nobody mentioned a KLE500! .. robust, mostly reliable, easy to work on tall is will do off and on road, twin cylinder, spares reasonable cost... I had one from new for a couple of years-brill sometimes wished I'd not sold it
TDMalcolm
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 12 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 12 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by TDMalcolm View Post
Nobody mentioned a KLE500! .. robust, mostly reliable, easy to work on tall is will do off and on road, twin cylinder, spares reasonable cost... I had one from new for a couple of years-brill sometimes wished I'd not sold it
TDMalcolm
I've heard a lot about the KLE over the years ... we never got that bike in the USA. I did see them when touring UK and EU. I saw one woman riding one in Italy set up for RTW. It was IMPRESSIVE. I hear they're a bit porky but strong, robust and cheap to buy and maintain!
I did notice the ground clearance is a bit low ... but may not be an issue for some ... and very good for short riders.
All good!
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 12 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnail View Post
I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?
I haven't ridden any of the new Honda 500's either. There are 3 models .. all based on the same 500cc parallel twin. Reviews I've read are mostly on the X version (so called Adventure model) Reviews are mixed. Critics state the bike is too heavy, power is too meager and it uses budget components (not cheap, but low cost). BIKE (UK) gave it good reviews, but US reviewer were less kind, also citing poor fuel economy. The UK guy did not complain much on that.

I know of no one who ones one so no first (or 2nd hand) knowledge. Could it work? No doubt. But even the UK reviewer who loved the bike admitted that Honda 500's from the 1980's were: Lighter, more HP and tougher ... and way way cheaper of course.

I'm sure, at some point, riders will be out there on these new 500 Hondas. Be interesting to hear ride reports.
Last edited by mollydog; 13 Jun 2014 at 04:04.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 12 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 18
The kle could've been interesting. Hadn't even heard of it before but they are available in Europe. The Honda could be fun, i think maybe someone mentioned it but looks like itd need a lot of prepping to be any use offroad. Both are around 200kgs, not bad.

I really enjoy basically having a little enduro bike that can hold its own on the road. Vibes aren't too bad. Sucks on the motorway, but kills it on trails which is where I want to be. I'm still stuck here I'm waiting on the French post for a parts and tyres the heat is unbearable at the minute but there's some fun trails.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 83
the twin cylinder part is what makes your choice difficult
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 29 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 18
Liking the look of the SR400 about time 400s made a comeback but 174kgs wet, dont understand how it's so heavy when a 800 odd CC twin guzzi v7 is under 180?
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 29 Sep 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
At the risk of straying further from the twin theme, this Chinese bike (based on an XR400 motor?) comes in at a claimed 151kg dry:
Moto Mash Five Hundred 400cc - Iron Black - Motos 400cc - Motos

Two thirds of the Yam's price, too.
I think small bikes get heavy when they're made down to a price.
Same with the XTZ660.

Straying back too the twin theme and talking of GS500: my 19-er GSR500 with a DR front end. Sold that rat too soon.
More here: Suzuki GS500R Overlander | Adventure Motorcycling Handbook
Attached Thumbnails
2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?-gs-side1-1.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 29 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 18
The straying is fine I have new appreciation for singles. I like the style of the moto mash Chinese bikes, they're HMC in the uk as well, but Im not sure about the build quality and engines. Its a made in China xr copy engine. The 151 dry will be almost the same as the yam wet full tank how Yamaha weigh them but at 4k€ its way cheaper looks better too. Whether the Chinese have managed to overcome their quality issues and mad vibrations yet to be seen. I'd love to test ride one. And a 5 year warranty would go a long way
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 3 12 3

« 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 Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy SOUTH AMERICA 187 5 Dec 2023 13:53
My story in bolivia and peru osabros SOUTH AMERICA 6 17 May 2013 22:52
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination SOUTH AMERICA 20 30 Oct 2009 17:02
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl SOUTH AMERICA 7 28 Dec 2008 15:06

 
 

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 20:35.

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