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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 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



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  #1  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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Second bike
I have an airhead which is 1000 CC. Satisfied with it. It seems a bit big and unnacessary at urban riding. I begun to think about having a second bike to use at urban and may be for offroad a bit.

Ok, sounds good but how big the engine should be?
First I thought a 400 cc Yam XT would just fits, then thought ok I am going to buy 400 cc, instead why not having Yam XT600 my dream bike as second bike?

Oh, dilemma begins. I already have an enduro big enough with 2 cylinders !

What do you think? How big the second bike should be? Which one would you go for?

* 250-400 CC
* 500-650 CC

Cheers...
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  #2  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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What is the question
In your post you say the XT600 is your dream bike. I think this tels all you need to know.

Lets not forget that when it comes to bikes we can compare size, fuel economy, manufacturer, etc. all we want. At the last minute we always drag in the "I want" factor.

Go with your dreams.

Have Fun

Rick
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  #3  
Old 21 Jun 2008
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My criteria would be the more off road I'm going to be doing the lighter the bike needs to be.
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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Yeah to that, if you are going well off the beaten track go for a light bike with easy useable power. There are some great small bikes around now. 125-250cc. Beta alp 200 can be converted into a trials bike. Yamaha Tricker 250 is a great allrounder. A 125 cc 2 stroke is light and fast but is maybe more aimed at Enduro style riding than green lanes. KTM are rumoured to be developing a small playbike. TBM is a good for info.

The XT is a great bike but a smaller lighter machine will be better suited off road.

Whatever you choose enjoy it I just sold my big BMW and my second bike my Yamaha ttr 250 is now my only bike and I love it, it goes anywhere and does anything like a jack of all trades. Its easier to move, pick up etc and if youre not in a hurry it will go as far as you want.
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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why not a gs 650 twin?
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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No 600cc or 650cc single is really going to be a great dirt bike. Deep sand, serious rocks, technical terrain will all challenge most all the 600 class bikes/riders. If you have serious enduro/Dakar level riding skills then ignore the above.

The XT would be perfect as a City bike and will do just fine on hard packed Piste, mild rocks and rough roads. But if things get nasty, you may work hard to get through. So it depends on how serious you want your off road explorations to be and if you are (realistically) able to manage in this type of terrain.

If you are an average rider then I believe you would be happier with a smaller/lighter weight bike. The 400cc range is perfect IMO.

I would go with the WR450F Yamaha. Reliable, really easy to ride in even the most terrible conditions, fun in the city too. Lots of power/torque, smooth, low maintenance.

Also consider: DRZ400S Suzuki, XR400 Honda, TC450 Husqvarna, KTM exc 450F, and a few more.

Patrick
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Old 24 Jun 2008
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It all depends on how much off roading you want to do.

I know some people say they are not comfortable but what about a suzuki DRZ400, you can get one with off road size wheels and then switch them back and fore with a supermoto set allowing you to have more like 3 bikes.

Or if you want sometime a little bigger how about a Yamaha Xt660R, you can do the same thing with off roady wheel changed over to super moto type. Also because the bike isnt a out and out motox bike you can use it alot more on the road with out having ot visit the hospital every 30mins
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Old 25 Jun 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by farmerdan View Post
why not a gs 650 twin?
I did not hear before if BMW GS 650 has a twin engine?
Can you please inform me more about it, GS 650 twin !

Transalp has a twin cylinder engine I guess for example !
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Old 25 Jun 2008
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on and off road
I am planning to ride % 75-80 urban and may be % 20-25 offroad riding with this bike . . .
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Old 25 Jun 2008
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If you're going to be riding a fair amount of off-road I'd go with something lighter than the XT600. Mines great, but quite heavy for proper off-road. My friend has a Suzuki DRZ400 which is a lovely bike, much nicer feel off road and it goes well on road too. No problems on the motorway etc.

Matt
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*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!
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Old 25 Jun 2008
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Samy, the BMW 650 gs is a new bike and is actually the same engine as found in the new 800 gs it puts out a little less power and the spec is not so high. It is still a great bike and a fair bit cheaper.

However judging by what you want the bike for I would look at something like a 400 or 450 as previously mentioned the Yamaha wr is a great bike but I think the Suzuki DRZ would cover all, and make you a great second bike. They are durable and with both sets of wheels you can have a lot of fun a friend of mine races enduros once in a while and loves his.
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Old 26 Jun 2008
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Thread is going to be which 400 CC.

Finalists are Yamaha XT 400, WR 450 F, Suzuki DRZ 400 (S?), XR 400 Honda.

OK which one do you think is simplest, oarts can be found everywhere and easy to maintain? My heart says go for Yamaha, I know Suzuki DRZ is also very good bike.

Can you please share your experiences...

Cheers,
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Last edited by Samy; 26 Jun 2008 at 10:28. Reason: Correction + add
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Old 26 Jun 2008
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The Yamaha WR450F is a full on Enduro/race bike. Not really set up for street riding, but could do street. It is by FAR the most capable in serious off road conditions of the bikes you have listed above. Is it best for your purposes?
No.

I've never even seen an XT400 so can't comment.
Both the XR400 and DRZ400S have well deserved reputations, GOOD reputations. I have owned BOTH of these bikes. For your purposes, I would go with the Suzuki. Remember, the XR400 is kick start only.

So for city/town riding, doing lots of short errands, constant kicking is a pain.
Go for the Suzuki if you can .... and look round for a better seat!

Patrick
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Old 27 Jun 2008
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Hi Mollydog,

What would you say to have an XT600 instead of DRZ400?

How is XT600 with fuel economy, easy to maintain, parts availability, on and off-roading? I guess XT 600 is more robust than DRZ?

I will not go to pff road only and will stay on tarmac more.
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Old 27 Jun 2008
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I know little about the XT600. Most of what I know is from guys here. Go to the Yamaha forum and ASK. Many many experts there on the XT600. I'm fairly certain it is the MOST popular bike on the whole HUBB.

From what I understand there are a couple models. Look around, read up and go ride one.

Patrick
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