DR650 or Freewind or R1150GS ?

**kenji** · #1 28 Jan 2003

Hello.I'm an R1150GS user in Japan.I'm planning trans-Asia from Japan to Europe through Russia.It's solo trip. I selected DR650,Freewind,R1150GS as that motorcycle.Which one is the best ? I think R1150GS is too heavy to ride it on rough road.DR650 will be the best choice for rough road,but I think Freewind is more better for long trip.Please tell me your opinion.

**Grant Johnson** · #2 28 Jan 2003

Hi Kenji, welcome to the HUBB!

I think you're right on in your thinking, also there is not much off-road on your route - unless you choose it. Any modern 650 single will do the trip just fine, and not be too much work on the rougher roads.

Browse the threads in this forum, you'll find a huge amount of information, and opinions, on what is the best bike for any kind of a trip.

You probably could ride the 1150GS on the trip - but if you're small it's a lot of work and very difficult to pick up loaded (even for a big guy it's really tough!).

See Greg Fraziers (under travellers' stories on the menu on the left) story on riding across Russia. There are also links on the links page about similar trips. Search for Bike Brothers - Udo Lamers and his brother did it on DR650's.

Keep us posted on how your trip goes, so we can put it in the ezine!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**kenji** · #3 28 Jan 2003

Thank you very much,Mr.Johnson.I'm grateful for your reply.

I'm 166cm tall,not big guy.R1150GS is a good motorccle for long trip,but it will be very hard to ride it in any cases.I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind.

**Tony Robson** · #4 28 Jan 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by kenji:
I'm 166cm tall,not big guy.R1150GS is a good motorccle for long trip,but it will be very hard to ride it in any cases.I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind.

Another bike worth considering is the Honda SLR650 - my partner was looking at the Freewind and opted for this instead - again small in stature meaning she can get comfy on the SLR. Being essentiallly a Dominator engine you know the reliability will be good.

Hope this help, Tony.

**Frank on AT** · #5 28 Jan 2003

Ok, I am living in Bolivia and rode around on my Africa Twin all South America. My wife with short legs got a F 650 GS BMW.

So here is our experience:
The Honda was always fine. But when I needed help the Honda dealer was around. When my gas pump broke (typical for Ats) I received in Brasil (Vacaria - thanks guys) directly a new one from the Shadow shopper (which was standing brandnew in the shop), as there is no AT sold in Brasil.
The BMW has a black box motor. You want to find a BMW dealer with the computer to find out your problem? Good luck! We had a breakdown in Brasil. We transported the bike 2000km south to Rio. BMW Rio de Janeiro needed 5 days (!!!) to receive a tool from Sao Paulo, to open the engine!
We lost 15 days in Rio because they did not want to repair but to change the parts. We got a repair, when I brought the parts to Suzuki and asked "Can you repair?" "Sure!" - and the Suzuki price was 1000Reales - BMW needed 2500Reales!

So here is my advice:
NEVER EVER think about going on a BMW, when you want to leave the town!

Go Honda or Suzuki - I mean it!

Frank

**kenji** · #6 28 Jan 2003

Tony,and Frank,Thank you very much for your reply.

Tony,I didn't know SLR650.Because it's made in Spain-Honda, I've never seen it in Japan!But I think about it.Thank you for your information.

Frank,your experience is very interesting!I'll leave my BMW as your advice.Thanks a lot.

**kenji** · #7 4 Feb 2003

I said,"I'll purchase DR650 or Freewind. " But I changed my mind.I will take R1150GS for the next trip! Because I like that motorcycle very much.I think trans-Russia road is almost paved,it will be no problem.I know what Frank means.I will take care of maintenance.If the motorcycle is broken,I will carry it to Moscow by the train!
Anyway,thanks a lot for your advice.