can anyone offer any advice on bike choice,between xt600,dr800 for a trip from uk to spain,andorra accross france to italy and back.this will be my first trip abroad by bike we aim to ride dirt roads aswell as tar.any advice would be most usefull,CHEERS.

Well I once had a Yamaha XT 350 that I used for travel (before I got my BMWs). Now the bigger XT is certainly better for highway use when it comes to passing power. I had to switch the rear sprocket on my XT 350 to lower my RPMs, but sacificed acceleration.

My only complaint? The seat. It isn't meant to be sat on for any extended periods of time. I rode 800 kilometers the first day in 8 hours and my butt was killing me.

Now I do the full length of the trip on my R100 GS; 1400 kilometers in one day in 16 hours (with gas stops) in a stock seat and I feel great.

I can't comment on the DR 800. I am familiar with it, but I'd go for the XT.


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Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page http://www.ott.igs.net/~ace

cheers alex i have just bought an xt 600 tenere not yet tested it on any long rides though seems like it will do the job,thanks craig.