UK -> Russia -> India -> Home... Maybe... What bike?
 

Basically I finished a short tour of Europe in December last year on a Hornet 600. Don't get me wrong I love the bike and it really did shut up all the critics but now I am looking to do a much longer tour taking in some dustier routes and bigger distances.

At the moment I have no off-road experience (going to remedy that before I go don't worry) so this makes it all the more difficult to work out which bike I should be getting for my next trip. I have just booked a test ride on a Transalp XL650V and I have my eye on a F650GS and the F800GS. Are there any other bikes I should be considering in this range for a test ride?

And while I am here, anyone recommend a good off-roading course near Cardiff (South Wales)?

Read on
 

That BMW course thingy is right in your backyard, but it sure is expensive (although not by BMW standards:rolleyes2:).

There are a few threads in here already about off-road training, and riding, with a whole range of opinions on the usefulness of suchlike: use the search facility in here and they will pop-up I reckon.

As for the choice of bike! Well read on: look in this Which Bike forum, especially for the threads which have lots of replies and opinions in them - you are spoilt of choice with views and opinions, but right now you don't give any idea of what you mean by "off road", what budget you want to use for purchasing another bike or even if you are thinking new or secondhand.

I take it that money isn't a problem? A good Beemer will cost you dear. I agree it's a truly excellent overland instrument but you do pay through the nose for German engineering.

If money is a consideration then you're probably better considering something like an XT600E or it's direct replacement an XT660.

You can still get a fine condition, low mileage XT600E for no more than £1,800 in the UK. It's easily capable of doing most things including a full blown RTW trip. The only thing it struggles with is Motorway work. Providing your happy poodling along at no more than 70MPH, it's brilliant. When it comes to scratching around town, NOTHING but nothing beats an XT. It's fun fun fun all the way....

Then again I am a bit biased...
:scooter:

Yup, XT600s are bullet proof, insanely reliable, not too bad off road and have lots of extras available for adv touring (being that so many sensible people use 'em!)

Alternatively, if you are looking for something new (the XT stopped production in 2003) you could have a look at the new Yam Tenere which should be available soon.


Matt :)

I dunno if 70 is enough for me, I don't really want to hang around Europe too long so intend to do motorway miles to get out but your right.... money is a consideration. Thanks for the advice I've been browsing around this place but there is so much info my brain wants to pop!