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 11 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MI
Posts: 8
F650GS vs KLR650

Hi. I am planning for an RTW starting next summer. (frist lap - Keywest,Fl to Purdhoe Bay, Ak)I have short listed BMW F650GS & Kawasaki KLR650 to purchase - new. The clinching question is to me (for now)"Reliability & costs of maintenance in the long term" Can U please help me decide?
Thank You.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Londin, England
Posts: 16
I firmly believe you should pick a bike that suits you, not the trip. I'm presuming you are keeping within the States, so any of the two are fine, although the B.M.W. may be more comfortable - the KLR has a plank seat.BMWs tend to be very reliable, but this model has computerised fuel injection, so only BMW can service it.
I'd urge you to get test rides and pick the bike which feels right!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MI
Posts: 8
Thanks Edseven. I think your shot was dead and center hit. Now, your reply took me back to square one. I have ridden both and feel (almost)equally comfortable on both. So, still walking circles around them...
flotsam
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Aug 2002
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Auckland & Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 66
both are good bikes. If you are a competent mechanic then the KLR is certainly a lot cheaper, better off-road, though less comfortable and less competent on-road.
Expect to work on it more and things to vibrate loose more than the F650.
The F650 is remarkably maintenance free (except for the "temporary" chain that comes with the bike) - and BMW offer great service in a surprising number of places. Avoid BMW dealers in expensive 1st world cities and you'll get great value for the labor, although the parts will be pricey.

Most of the time on the F650 I tend to worry about tires (easier to find for the KLR than the non standard F650), chain/sprockets (never had a problem finding them for the bmw) and air filter (BMW's is non-standard and expensive). Everthing else just works.
__________________
http://www.elevatorfactoids.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Londin, England
Posts: 16
The great debate!
I know the problem! Still, remember this is a great problem to have -what bike to buy for my world trip! ( I see now you intend to travel the globe, not just the U.S ). However, if you find both bikes comfortable, then I guess ( as the previous writer adds )an important aspect is how much servicing you can handle yourself. If you plan to visit dealers en route, then it really does not matter - both bikes should be fine, BMW better built and excellent dealer service.
If you want to become even more confused, can I suggest a ride on the Honda Transalp ( XL650V) ? A bit like both of these bikes in one......tried and trusted engine, low state of tune ( normally very, very reliable), easy to service, albeit a bit fiddly.
Let us know how you get on with this decision!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Aug 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MI
Posts: 8
Hello friends. Thanks for all the excellent correspondence. My great question that was reaaching almost existentialist proportions is finally solved. I have decided on the KLR650. The next job is track down a good used one or a new one at a dealer. And Ed, I looked high n' low for a Honda Transalp - Turns out they dont sell 'em in the US. So there. But hey thanks once again. Bye.
ps: wonder if I should close the thread?
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


 
 

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 12:19.