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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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #16  
Old 22 Jun 2008
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If your looking at an XT660R have a look at this forum.

. : XT660.com The #1 xt660 resource : . | The #1 xt660X, xt660R and xt660Z Tenere resource

ive got one and am also on this forum and there are alot of people who are looking at buying these bikes for doing rtw trips. They are a good bike and even with standard trim with some luggage it can do most of what is thrown at it.

What ever happens the faster rider should always go at the speed of the slower rider. Also try and get your missies to do an off roading course even a 1day course will be better than nothing and will teach her the basics of how what to do.O and have fun
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  #17  
Old 23 Jun 2008
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I think two of the same bike makes a lot of sense, if for no other reason then you only have to remember how to fix one type..

What about two transapls 650s..(older ones can be rather cheap these days) you can jack yours up and she can drop hers, I know of several people who have lowered theirs considerably. Other then that there is also the NX650 (Dominator) for you and the NX450 (Falcon?) for her, mostly the same bike just huge size difference. (BTW: I am not a honda sales rep although it does sound like it ). How about a BMW650 GS for you and a 650 CS for her??

Only reason I would think bigger then an Xt250 (great bike BTW) is on hi-ways a very small bikes can gets blown around a lot..a bit of weight helps alot.. My wife 48kg and 5'2" had a CBX 250 and got pushed into on coming traffic by the wind (she was fine but, it all but scared her off of riding). Days when we would go out riding, wind that i would not even feel (xt600z at the time) she would be fighting big time.. i would not get tired she was nakered an hour later... and the xt has a large side profile, that catches the wind easily.
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  #18  
Old 23 Jun 2008
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5'10" with a 30" inseam.
I have the same problem which for a man is embarrasing. I rode an XT225 around Asia, seat height was perfect but it did lack power, 90Kmh was its comfortable max.
Test rode a F650 and found it ok, feet flat on floor. The Transalp and DL650 were also manageable with balls of my feet on the ground.
For that inseam a seat height of around 800-840mm is ok providing the bike is not top heavy.
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  #19  
Old 6 Aug 2008
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Same Problem !
Hi Folks

Sorry for crashing in on this one but this issue regarding seat heights for suitable bikes seems to be a common theme. My wife too is 5' 4". i have found a reasonably priced tt 600 re model 2005 - have searched for lowering links on the web but can only find them for xt 600 and new xt660 - does anyone know if either of these links would be suitable for the ttr .?

My wife sat on a ttr at the Ripley Rally (your wifes i think Leigh) and it was very close but not quite right - anyone any ideas. for what its worth it is now my opinion also that two bikes the same is the way forward but really dont want to compromise too much on cc as will be doing a reasonable amount of motorway mileage.

When will the manufacturers realise - that people of all sizes ride bikes and come up with more adjustable seat heights etc

Bruce (Chizz)
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  #20  
Old 7 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post

PS: personally I think too much is made of seat height. I am a 5' 9" short arse with a 30" inside leg who, due to far too many snowboarding, motorcycling and shed (Don't ask!) accidents is about as flexible as an eighty year old (my physio reckons I'll be needing a new hip before I'm 50!). I have to stand on my left hand footpeg to get on my XT but once I'm on it's fine. I can touch the floor with both toes, and that's plenty.

Hope you find a solution that suits.

Matt
Just wait until you stop with a loaded bike at a junction with an adverse camber or pothole and put your foot down into nothing.

I have not seen any mention of the Moto Guzzi V7 or Breva 750, very capable bike although too high tech for me.
they also do a 'lady seat' for those like me who are a bit short in the leg.
http://www.btinternet.com/~haywards....V7_Classic.jpg
or
http://www.btinternet.com/~haywards....rds/bla_01.jpg
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  #21  
Old 7 Aug 2008
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Well, you guys are probably on the road by now!
How about some feed back on what your up to?
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