Hi folks.

I'm looking for a bike for two trips. One to Morrocco and another, hopefully, to Nepal from Scotland and possibly further. I've done a bit of research and am looking at the F650 and the XT 660R. Essentially I want a bike that is
1: Simple and self repairable.
2: Tough and reliable
3: Economical to run/repair.
4: Comfortable.

I'm NOT worried about:
1: Speed
2: Great off road ability (tho some would be nice!)
3: Flashiness!

I realise the XT is pretty outdated but I get the impression its tough, reliable and fairly simple. Its also a lot cheaper. The BMW appeals for on road comfort and legendary build quality but I'm a bit worried about the complexity of electronic doodahs and availability of parts in out of the way places. I've not been able to find a comparison of the fuel consumption of the two bikes.
Any feedback much appreciated.
Matt

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http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

I cant help you with the XT but I can tell you a bit about the F650. I keep one in Singapore ('97 model) and have done two long(ish) trips, one at 12,000km and the other at 7,000 km, through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia etc. so a real mix of roads from fantastic mountain twisties to corrugated dirt. When I bought the bike it had 35,000 km on the clock and although it looked very clean, it needed a few wear parts replacing to encourage reliability. Although I'm no mechanic, I've done all the work myself with the manual and using www.F650.com. That website alone is a good reason to consider the bike plus its a simple machine. 20,000Km hard riding later the bike has been brilliantly reliable. It doesnt seem to like weak fuel so I carry octane booster when riding in the wilder parts. Its not fast...it cruises at about 120kph with luggage but it is comfortable and will get through the rough roads when you come across them albeit not like a dirt bike. With luggage its unlikely you're going to be going at mental speeds on the dirt anyway. Cruising returns a little over 300km on a tank, less through the potholes. Not sure about your electrical worry as the F650 is carb'd up until the F650GS in 2000 so an older (and cheaper) bike may be a better option. As for parts, I get a lot of stuff sent from motowerks in the UK. They ship anywhere and seem to know whats needed although BM parts are not especially cheap. Like you, I dont think the bike is exciting, but the places I've been on it certainly are. Roll on Jauary - Laos trip!

Hope this throws some light on your dilhemma. Also think about the Africa Twin and the old 600 Transalp..both very reliable
Mariner