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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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

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Himba children, Namibia



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  #1  
Old 12 May 2011
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Superb touring bike

Last year I purchased a brand new Yamaha YBR 250 and what an eye opener its turned out to be. Firstly the list price £3,700 but after negotiating wth the main dealer (Tamworth Yamaha) I bought it for £2,925 with a Yahama rack and heated grips, bargain. After running it in I am now getting over 85mpg which is well over 300 miles to the tank, thats a whopping 19 litres capacity. The single cylinder engine is truly a super job, capable of 85mph and so smooth. It whisks you up to the legal limit and will stay there all day. Plenty of power to overtake when needed and very comfortable. I have a Givi top box that helped to improve the mpg slightly and even when full it does not affect the handling. I have travelled all over (GB) on this bike now and it is really great. It has full fuel injection and has never failed to start first time. A great travel bike - Superb!
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Old 13 May 2011
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Yup... It's a good bike and always overlooked. Like so many bikes...

Many riders still think you can't leave your own county is you haven't got a big expensive (fashion) bike covered in ridiculous overpriced luggage and accessories....

The YBR is nice and light, low seat, steel frame, strong simple engine and FANTASTIC MPG with a nice big tank too. The only thing I don't like is that rear drum brake... If you're going overseas for a long time, learn how to maintain/change it...

Try getting a nice screen and a sheepskin for cheap and happy mods..

Well done for breaking the mould and saving a fortune in the process....
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Old 13 May 2011
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Yep I agree with Touring Ted (as usual) - so many good bikes get ignored because of their rarity and nothing else!

People tend to only consider those bikes they own or have owned in the past. Nothing wrong with that of course but it does result in some good bikes (that didn't sell as well as the others) getting over looked.

In some cases bikes never sold in huge numbers because they were crap but this can't be said for them all.

I can't comment upon the model being discussed here because I have no knowledge of it. In these instances it's probably best to say nout.

Ride safely and stay safe!
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Old 14 May 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
The only thing I don't like is that rear drum brake... If you're going overseas for a long time, learn how to maintain/change it...
I don't know why. I like drum brakes in the back, if they are rod operated. Adjust every once in a while, usually no tool required. Brake shoes last a lot longer than pads.

The rig you see in my avatar weighed about 500 kg fully loaded with the two of us. Due to the heavy trailer the front brake couldn't be used much, so the rear did most of the braking. The bike did 180,000km and I don't think I ever changed the shoes.
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Old 14 May 2011
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Originally Posted by beddhist View Post
I don't know why. I like drum brakes in the back, if they are rod operated. Adjust every once in a while, usually no tool required. Brake shoes last a lot longer than pads.

The rig you see in my avatar weighed about 500 kg fully loaded with the two of us. Due to the heavy trailer the front brake couldn't be used much, so the rear did most of the braking. The bike did 180,000km and I don't think I ever changed the shoes.
They are a budget option though... More moving parts and you have to keep them adjusted as the pads wear or they can wear unevenly.. They also overheat more and can suffer with fade due to that (no cooling)...

Changing the pads is also a bigger job and could be daunting if you've never done it before. Loads of people get the leading edge wrong etc..


But as you say, its no reason to avoid a bike, just something to be aware of is all....
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