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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.
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The only impossible journey
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



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  #1  
Old 30 Mar 2010
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Best DS/Off-Road & Light Bike

I have a KTM SE, but looking to downsize.
I am pretty big 190Cm tall and extra trimmings.
I have been looking at the Honda XR600 & TTR600.
Not many KLR's on the Swedish market, DR650SE is on the heavy side.
Older LC4's is to mouch into vibrations.
So what is the best light weight bike with good handling on bad roads, mild vibrations, god mechanical quality, easy to repair&service.
Is the KTM690 true & tested yet?
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  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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What is your riding plan? Are you going rally racing, enduros or traveling?
Long trip or short vacation?

Seems to me the KTM SE is one of the best bikes in the world for off road touring. Must be expensive in Sweden, no? If you know the bike and trust it, what's the problem?

If you want a single then, again, it depends what riding you will be doing, how far and how long and where.
Not many taking 690 KTM's around the world, far as I know. Maybe you could be the first? Big difference traveling for a year or going a month round Europe or Scandinavia only.

If you can afford the SE then you probably can buy any single you want. Why not get a Husaberg? Nice bike! I think they even make a 600cc now and road legal too? What an amazing bike! (I rode 450FE and older 550)

For serious travel, I would sell your SE, take the money, fly to USA and buy a cheap dual sport bike (XR650L Honda, Yam WR250R, KLR650, DR650, DRZ400S, KTM 640 Adventure) and go traveling from there. Lots to chose and much cheaper than Sweden. Maybe 50% cheaper?
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  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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I went for the BMW G650 XChallenge for my trip from Belgium to South Africa starting the 25th of October 2010.



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R 1200 GS '08 en G 650 X Challenge '08
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  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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Cost of that bike with all Tourtech accessories? (love the Ohlins!)

Have you weighed it yourself on a scale full of fuel?

luggage goes where? Sub frame OK for that?

Have a great trip!
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  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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The BMW XChallenge is a 156kg bike, I am pretty sure I would pick the KTM 690 over the XChallenge.
Maybe I start Farkle up my SE with a Aqualine Safari 30L tank.
I have SW a couple of SW Motech 37L Trax panniers, no mount for the SE though.
This is how it looked 2 years ago, almost the same but more scratches, nicks & dents.

Maybe a metamorfose into something like this
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  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2010
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Or maybe something like this?




And one reason why a 690 won't work for me. Notice the two fuel containers.


Last edited by Mickey D; 2 Apr 2010 at 05:52.
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