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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.
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  #1  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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Your thoughts
Still planning my big trip, which will take in mostly sealed roads. Namely Europe, Russia with a stint through mongolia. I love twisty tarmac roads, nothing better than gettin cranked over in the corners, so my choice of bike needs to be road first, off road second.

With this in mind I thought the DL650 vstrom would suit well. Seems a decent bike on and off road, with a more road focus than say a DR650. But, there is a strong possibility i will be doing this trip myself. So what happens if i bin the vstrom and cant pick it up (lets face it its going to be dropped at some point)? I dont want to be stuck in mongolia with no help for hours on end. So with that in mind i thought maybe the DR650 would be best, but what will they be like on the tarmac? Im assuming nothing like as good as the vstrom but i could be wrong.

Whats your thoughts guys?

Cheers,
Dave
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  #2  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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Doing similar trip June 2011 solo. Using 660 Tenere and think this will suit but not exactly a scratcher on the twisties although okay.

When you going?
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  #3  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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You shouldn't have a problem picking up a V-Strom if it's on its side if you're using the right technique unless you're exceptionally short or small.
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  #4  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by DaveK View Post
my choice of bike needs to be road first, off road second.

So what happens if i bin the vstrom and cant pick it up (lets face it its going to be dropped at some point)? I dont want to be stuck in mongolia with no help for hours on end.
Given the description of your preferences, the DL is a great choice. In regards to off road, that bike has been taken many rough places. You do need to have crash bars, skid plate and handguards and it will be well protected in the case of standard drops and crashes.

It is a tradeoff to have a more street orientated dual sport (such as the DL) as opposed to a more dirt orientated dual sport (such as the DR). The DL will be better suited for the paved sections you describe and of course the DR would be better for the off road sections like Mongolia. It's a long way across though and the way you describe your preferences, the DL is a better match keeping in mind that for most overlanders, the paved percentage of the trip is a lot, lot more than the off road.
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  #5  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by Steve Pickford View Post
You shouldn't have a problem picking up a V-Strom if it's on its side if you're using the right technique unless you're exceptionally short or small.
+1 ...even if you are short and small, technique is everything. You can witness frequently at MOA or other BMW meetings, how tiny girls demo pick-up techniques for R1200s. If you want to take it a step further, there are even techniques for picking up big bikes on slopes etc.

Sure, you might have to unload the bike. But, it's an adventure trip, isn't it...?
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Old 19 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by MountainMan View Post
Given the description of your preferences, the DL is a great choice. In regards to off road, that bike has been taken many rough places. You do need to have crash bars, skid plate and handguards and it will be well protected in the case of standard drops and crashes.

It is a tradeoff to have a more street orientated dual sport (such as the DL) as opposed to a more dirt orientated dual sport (such as the DR). The DL will be better suited for the paved sections you describe and of course the DR would be better for the off road sections like Mongolia. It's a long way across though and the way you describe your preferences, the DL is a better match keeping in mind that for most overlanders, the paved percentage of the trip is a lot, lot more than the off road.
Great advice! Spot on!
I'm a DR650 owner but for your needs I'd go with the DL650 Vstrom too.
Should be able to pick it up if you "back into it". But with good TKC80 knobby tires off road control will be pretty good. In serious mud the front fender may grab your front tire and jam it. (low fender can fill with mud) But the bike will surprise you ... once you get the hang of it off road.

Crash bars a must to protect radiators. Try to fit bark busters too to save bars and controls.

A DR650 can do long highway rides with a good seat but it won't match the smooth, fast progress of the Wee Strom on highway. The Strom is also much easier to pack gear onto, but don't get crazy and over load it. I would up grade suspension, fit the TKC's and guards and you're pretty much good to go.

Safe riding!
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  #7  
Old 19 Aug 2010
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Great advice! Spot on!
I'm a DR650 owner but for your needs I'd go with the DL650 Vstrom too.
Should be able to pick it up if you "back into it".
If you're referring to picking the bike up with your hands behind you, then this is the wrong technique IMO.

A better way is to rotate the 'bars full lock i.e. if the bike's lying on it's left, turn the 'bars to the right & then lift by placing both hands on the lefthand grip. This gives the greatest leverage as it's the furthest point from the centre of the bike (steering stem). You also end up with your hands near to the front brake for controlliing the bike. By having the 'bars to the right (in this instance), the 'bars will stay steady & won't rotate on you as you lift the bike, forcing you to walk around the bike.

This is what's taught on the various offroad schools, I'm 5'10", slim build (ssounds like a personals ad....) but can lift a loaded R1150GS alone with this technique (tested )

Reverse the above if the bike's on its right.......
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  #8  
Old 20 Aug 2010
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Cheers for the input there guys, I did think the wee strom would be best and you lot have just confirmed that. Id love an 1150gs but on my budget i will get a newer and hopefully more reliable wee strom.

Thanks again
Dave
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  #9  
Old 20 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by DaveK View Post
Id love an 1150gs but on my budget i will get a newer and hopefully more reliable wee strom.

A lovely bike and a real mile muncher, but if you're not two-up, the the smaller Suzuki will be far more suitable and cheaper to run (lighter on the juice and the tyres...).
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  #10  
Old 20 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by Steve Pickford View Post
If you're referring to picking the bike up with your hands behind you, then this is the wrong technique IMO.

A better way is to rotate the 'bars full lock i.e. if the bike's lying on it's left, turn the 'bars to the right & then lift by placing both hands on the lefthand grip. This gives the greatest leverage as it's the furthest point from the centre of the bike (steering stem). You also end up with your hands near to the front brake for controlliing the bike. By having the 'bars to the right (in this instance), the 'bars will stay steady & won't rotate on you as you lift the bike, forcing you to walk around the bike.

This is what's taught on the various offroad schools, I'm 5'10", slim build (ssounds like a personals ad....) but can lift a loaded R1150GS alone with this technique (tested )

Reverse the above if the bike's on its right.......
As above or
I don't think you would have a problem lifting a V storm.

I have a bandit 1250 & only 5ft 5 I can pick it up, Have a look on utube there are quite a few ways showing you how to pick up various bikes fully loaded or buy the HU DVD shows you how to pick up a bike, or if your not adverse go to either local bike training / plod traffic (bike section) they will advise / show you, then get you to drop your bike and practice lifting it.
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  #11  
Old 20 Aug 2010
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Originally Posted by Steve Pickford View Post
If you're referring to picking the bike up with your hands behind you, then this is the wrong technique IMO.

A better way is to rotate the 'bars full lock i.e. if the bike's lying on it's left, turn the 'bars to the right & then lift by placing both hands on the lefthand grip. This gives the greatest leverage as it's the furthest point from the centre of the bike (steering stem). You also end up with your hands near to the front brake for controlliing the bike. By having the 'bars to the right (in this instance), the 'bars will stay steady & won't rotate on you as you lift the bike, forcing you to walk around the bike.

This is what's taught on the various offroad schools, I'm 5'10", slim build (ssounds like a personals ad....) but can lift a loaded R1150GS alone with this technique (tested )

Reverse the above if the bike's on its right.......
Either technique can work ... depending how the bike is laying and depending on the surface you're on. Using the handlebars can require more upper body strength and you can tweak your back if not careful .... that is why you see the vids of Women lifting big BMW's up solo by backing into them and using their legs to lift. Its amazing to see.

Women's leg muscles are stronger than upper body (typically) so seems to work ... actually it does work as I've seen a 5ft tall woman lift a 500 lbs. bike solo at BMW rallies. But she had good footing on level ground ... off road that is not always the case ... then the handlebar method is best.

I prefer using the bars myself ... but I can (or could?) bench press 230 lbs.
so have decent upper body strength (but fading fast!)
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