Hi All, new to the thread and yet another person requiring advice regarding suitable bikes.
Not been on a machine for long time but keen to get back in the saddle. Looking for something cheap to run (and small maintenance) that will provide me with scope for travel on occasions 2 up for touring in UK or Europe alongside regular communting.
I prefer adventure style/type of machine to the other types out there.
I notice that the Kawasaki KLE500 has a dedicated band of followers. The current price with discounts for end of line machines at the moment seem good, around £2,995.
I like the look of the transalp but being a Honda appears to have higher purchasing and running costs. Pre-reg TA's are around £4,300. Have also considered the Yamaha 660 which appears around the £3,999 mark.
Price is a serious consideration, I need new and because returning to the saddle do not want to spend a fortune to decide that it is not for me anymore (seriously hope not) or that I cannot find enough time to get out on it. Looked at the Aprilia Pegasus Trail as well, which are being advertised for around £4,000 as well but some reports seem to indicate that this machine is not reliable as it gets miles on it.
Thought the choosing would be easy but life is never so simple.
Appreciate any views or thoughts on the matter.
Excellent web-site by the way, been comparing info for weeks on it.

Choices, confusion and commiserations!

Can't really help you unfortunately: it is a question that I go around and around, buying/selling bikes - been doing it for too long!

The best I can suggest is read on in the threads in here: "Singles Vs twins", "best whatever" etc etc.



ps You want a DL650 BTW!!

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Dave

Well any bike will do but I like the DL650 for the riding your looking at. A new or remade saddle and your good to go. Little go wrong with them and are cheap to run vary fun and useful bike I find. 50 or so mpg (US). Good after market support. More than you want to spend new but will do almost anything you will ever want to do. Not grate off road better with off road tiers.

Other bikes you may want to look at are the BMW F650 a good used pre 2000 will be around what your looking at. KLR650 and DR650 DRZ400 are going to be a little tight on longer runs 2 up but can be done.

Used VS. new, used bikes will be less and not take a huge hit on resale. See if you can find a cheap bike to try out biking see if you like it get some good rain gear as well as riding gear and your good for any upgrade bike.

Hi and welcome.

You mention the KLE, alot of people rate them and like you I am also interested at £3K its a great bike and new with 2 years warranty, being an older engine its got carbs so maintenace will be easier than with a fuel injected bike. For that money there is nothing else that you can buy new that comes close.

But if you can afford more then the new BMW 650 seems to be a bit of a bargain at £5500, its not a 650 but actually a detuned 800 twin, if you are sticking to road more then this bike will be worth a look.

Whatever you go for enjoy it