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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Aug 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2
KTM adventure 640, XT 600 or...?

I do not know which bike I should buy.I am just 1.72m and this is going to be my first bike. So I don't know which bike will be best for me. I want to go travelling with my bike so I need an Enduro, but which one? KTM adventure 650, XT 600 or do you have any other suggestions? thank you for your help, allan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Aug 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pasadena, California, US
Posts: 38
I am not sure about the KTM, but I bought a XT600 (3AJ) a few months ago and they are very tall.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Aug 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Since it’s your first bike I would recommend something a bit smaller like a 350. However between those two bikes, I would recommend the XT since again because it’s milder and more controllable for a beginner than a KTM. I’m 170 cm and have no problems riding a (55W) XT.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Aug 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DEERLIJK BELGIUM
Posts: 18
Well, I bought an XT 600, 1990, and I am 1m70.
It's just ok for me, I don't think I will have problems with the height. He's not very heavy, so even if you go a bit out of balance while standing still you can still handle the bike.
Indeed, lots of enduro's are too big for people with our lenght
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Aug 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Maybe we should form a support group for < 172 cm tall riders ...

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Aug 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,226
See "Home of the short bikers"

http://www.ki.org/sbl/

Of course we already have a pretty good support group here it seems!

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

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

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

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Aug 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 69
I'd probably avoid the KTM, it's a great bike and fine if you are confident and not worried about getting both feet flat on the floor. Depending on how much riding experience you have, I would suggest something more manageable, possibly look at the 350s too. - try before you buy. Neil (1.8m, 26yrs riding)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Sep 2003
Edd Edd is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: living in hong kong
Posts: 107
seeing as there has been talk of height here,

my gripe is that there is everything under the sun to make bikes shorter but for us taller folk (208cm) we have to simply do with whats there, for once i would like to sit on a bike and be tippy toeing it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
take a look at the Suzuki dr650. It is closer to the ground and I heard Suzuki makes a kit to lower it more if you want to. For ease of riding I can recommend the DRZ-400S. Mine is great,but again very tall for the shorter folks.

------------------
John
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Sep 2003
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Quote:
Originally posted by Edd:
my gripe is that there is everything under the sun to make bikes shorter but for us taller folk (208cm) we have to simply do with whats there, for once i would like to sit on a bike and be tippy toeing it.
Edd,

Have you sat on a Guzzi Quota 1000 yet? (Not the 1100, that's lower.)

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Jenny & Peter.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Oct 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
For people with height issues ...BETA ALP 4.0 ! www.betamotor.com
Same indestructible motor of Suzuki DR350 in a more recent package that is a cross-over between a Trial and a Scrambler - and good enough to fit Me (1.80 height x 95 kilos) and my Wife (1.65 x 56 kg)

I still own several XT's and a new DRZ (why they made it so high?) but Alp is real fun, both on road and off-road.

Again, need to be prepared for baggage ..'as DRZ and all the new bikes)
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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 22:09.