Best dual purpose ( for me ! )
 

HI folks :helpsmilie:

Looking at changing my FJR for something smaller (600-800cc ) with the ability for some gentle off roading ( rough mountain tracks and trails etc ) nothing too heavy going requiring an all out off road bike. Bearing in mind I'm 5 ' 6 " and would need something that could cover motorway miles comtfortably to get me across Europe, what would you recommend ?

Any advice greatly appreciated :thumbup1:

wee strom
 

jst my opinion.

I have a couple of KLRs but they are rather tall.

If you want only gentle off-road ability you can afford to look at twins. They will be heavier than singles but probably smoother on motorways.

If you want cheaper look for an older Transalp 600/650. I'm 5"9/10 and I can comfortably put my feet flat on the ground on my XL600V. Africa Twins will be too tall. Certainly, for my part, I'm very happy with my TA. It's almost 17 yet will start at the first push of the button!!

The new Yam Téneré is also said to be a very capable bike in many respects despite being a single.

Otherwise, a second hand or new the DL650 V-Strom. Finally, if you wallet can stretch you have KTMs or the BMW 650GS or 800GS to look at.

Your best bet is simply set yourself a budget and then sit on and, ideally, test ride any and all bikes that you can afford.

Consider BMW single cyclinder F650GS or G650GS
 

The bike is very dependable, you shouldn't have to fiddle with it to keep it running. Just turn the key on and hit the starter.
Change the oil and filters and keep the chain lubed and adjusted.
The bike suspension can be lowered and it has factory low seat options that should make it low enough for you.
Get fuel injected new or used (Low miles) they are great bikes.
No problems at Interstate speeds

It weighs 350lbs and can be an impossible lift for some people.
The chain gang forum at The Chain Gang has ton's of info and used bikes for sale.

Good luck.

i am also 5 ' 6 " (170cm app) and i used to have v-strom dl650. bulletproof bike in all aspects. just take the small black plastic bits under the seat out to lower it about 1 inch.

best bike
 

vstrom dl650is a good bike i am5'6'' and have no probs rideing it on or off road. Needs a sump guard and engine bars if you plan to take it off road. 11000 miles this year no probs .:thumbup1:

If you're new to offroading, buy a cheap bike such as an older Transalp with the 21" front wheel. You will drop it at some point, no point in damaging a more expensive bike.

F650GS single cylinder weighs 190kg wet or 418lbs

The taller Dakar weigh about 3kg more.

The G650 series (X-Challange & X-Country) weigh about 159kg or 350lbs wet. The G-series only have 10 litre fuel tanks, if you want/need a better tank range, then the F650GS range have 16 litre tanks.

Don't confuse the single cylinder F650GS with the newer twin cylinder bike of the same name.

F650GS weight correction
 

Steve,
Thanks for correcting my 100 lb weight mistake, I should have said 450lbs wet not 350lbs. :confused1: