Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
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.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Oct 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: australia
Posts: 5
Help me choose?

Hi all.
1st post here,but have been reading for a while.Great forum.Can l plz have some advice?l am about to buy a new bike and need it for on/off road, about 75/25.l really like the suzi dr650se and have test ridden.My other choise is the Klr 650.l would mainly be commuting to work on occations (60k) and the odd weekend trip into the bush with mates.Suzi stands out, but l am being told by mates to go for something lighter like KTM450,XR400,DRZ400 etc.My question is:would the smaller capacity bikes be upto the hwy work?
And would they be as comfy as the big singles?l am now 43 y/o with a bad back,but just cant give up riding.What should l do?Any advice or opinions will be greatly appreciated.By the way,l live in OZ.
thx Steve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Oct 2007
Nomadic1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 103
try the ktm 690 adventure :-)

That'll sort you out!
__________________

Visit my space here
See my photos here
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Bad Back?

XT600, non electric start, disconnect the decompressor......that should loosen your back up a bit! it did mine.....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
How about looking into the yamaha XT660R. Just got one myself and the seat is alot more comfortable than other trail types bikes as its wide at the back (road riding part) and thin up at the front (off road rinding part). This means you can ride the bike with out having to move around every 10 secs to get comfortable. Some say its a bit heavy but if you take it easy and dont want a full on out and out moto X bike then it is a good shout.I'm looking to do part of africa in 2 years time and alot of people have used these bikes for those types of trips

Have a look at this forum, plenty of info on the bike and there is alot of aussies that ride this bike down there to.

.: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 193
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomadic1 View Post
try the ktm 690 adventure :-)

That'll sort you out!
Great advice
Pity it doesnt exist nor does anyone know when it will be available.:confused1:
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up KTM 690 Adv

Quote:
Originally Posted by saab463 View Post
Great advice
Pity it doesnt exist nor does anyone know when it will be available.:confused1:
It is planned to be available in 2008: this is according to KTMs own financial plans for the next two years - short of them going bust, you can expect to see it in 08 then. This link has got the information about KTM and their plans upto 2009:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-suzuki-28587

Steve,
Sorry, a bit off topic, unless you can wait that long and it does not sound like you can!
There are loads of threads in the forums here that discuss the relative merits of big bikes (say a 650cc) Vs a small one (say 250cc) for long distance riding + there a whole load more that discuss particular models, especially the popular ones like the XR series and the DRZ.
Do a search for any key words that take your fancy and maybe your shortlist will be a bit clearer.
For my 2 cents worth, the Dr650SE sounds like a good bike for you - depends on how hardcore your offroad sections are - only you know the answer to that!!

Cheers,
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Oct 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: australia
Posts: 5
thanks

Thanks evertone for the advice/comments,l wont be doing any snotty hill climbing,creek crossing stuff when off road.Thats why l narrowed my search down to the 2 bikes mentioned.Also their price is quite reasonable,compared to the KTM and XR etc.l just want a reliable bike that will haul me around without ringing its neck off at hwy speeds.Getting too old and have too much self preservation these days.There is also a Honda 650cc called transalp XLV650.Dont know anything about them either.At 147kg dry,l think the DR650se will end up being my bike sometime soon.
Any other comments will be taken on board though
cheers Steve
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Dec 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: australia
Posts: 5
my choice

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamson_4 View Post
Thanks evertone for the advice/comments,l wont be doing any snotty hill climbing,creek crossing stuff when off road.Thats why l narrowed my search down to the 2 bikes mentioned.Also their price is quite reasonable,compared to the KTM and XR etc.l just want a reliable bike that will haul me around without ringing its neck off at hwy speeds.Getting too old and have too much self preservation these days.There is also a Honda 650cc called transalp XLV650.Dont know anything about them either.At 147kg dry,l think the DR650se will end up being my bike sometime soon.
Any other comments will be taken on board though
cheers Steve
l have a one owner Yamaha IT200 1986 in near mint condition.l will be off loading that in order to get my DR650se.Will be sometime in the new year,so cant wait.Looking worward to button start,sick of almost breaking my big toe many times over the years,The Suzi is fairly cheap down here in OZ campaired to smaller stuff and European.Under 8K AUD brand new.
Regards steve
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Dec 2007
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Hi,

I have a Yam XT600E late model. It's a great bike and I've used it for long trips on 90% tarmac where it rumbles happily along. You can also pound along off-round although it's far from nimble. Jumping it is like riding an elephant off a cliff!
A freind of mine recently bought a Suzuki DRZ 400. It's a really nice little bike, he's fitted it with a huge 28litre Safari tank (which I'm pretty sure is made in OZ) making it a really nice long distance off road tourer. One down side is that itty bitty seat, but obviously there's a trade off in that it doesn't get in the way standing up. He rides it on the motorway at 70mph and claims it's just fine at this speed, although whether that's doing the little single pot any good is another thing. It is a much more capable bike off-road than mine though.
I guess it boils down to what's important to you. For me, who rides mostly on tarmac and does the odd bit of rough road/off road riding, the XT is perfect. However, if I was expecting to do as much riding off-road as you are, I'd put up with the discomfort and relatively low top speed of the DRZ in order to get the maximum fun off road.

Matt
__________________
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!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
which suzuki to choose for RTW NothingMan Suzuki Tech 22 23 Jan 2007 23:00
which bike to choose for RTW trip NothingMan Which Bike? 47 2 May 2006 13:49
Which GPS to choose! bensouthallvw Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 0 16 Sep 2005 19:37
Fuel filter - choose the best? Shelton KTM Tech 1 16 Jul 2002 04:15
Choose the best - Fuel Filters Shelton Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 15 Jul 2002 21:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:31.