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16 Jun 2013
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I think that you left off one of the more important ones--that you're very familiar with the bike before taking off. maybe this isn't an issue if you're going to buy it long before your trip, as you'll have a chance to familiarize yourself with it, but if you have less time it might be helpful to get a bike similar to your last one.
another issue is the depth of third party providers for the bike, providing everything from bigger fuel tanks to luggage racks, etc. Just makes things easier.
as far as what to look at; I would probably look at the Tenere 660 or maybe a tricked-out xchallenge if you can find one. but it depends what you mean by "long overland trip"--if you mean a coast-to-coaster on pavement trip in the US I would get an R1200GS, if you're going to Africa, etc., something smaller.
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16 Jun 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter
as far as what to look at; I would probably look at the Tenere 660 or maybe a tricked-out xchallenge if you can find one. but it depends what you mean by "long overland trip"--if you mean a coast-to-coaster on pavement trip in the US I would get an R1200GS, if you're going to Africa, etc., something smaller.
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I'm happy with my choice even though she's an old girl now, I still have every confidence in her ability to do what I need.
As with all these things a 'long overland trip' is whatever you want it to be and I'm interested in how your type of trip would affect your choice of bike.
Some places there is no choice but to take an off road capable bike but some travellers hope to travel round the world on beautiful tarmac road staying in luxurious hotels all the way - which may be possible, I've no idea.
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17 Jun 2013
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There are guys taking racers and choppers "off road". It also depends on your idea of off road... If it's just a gravel road, then you can ride anything on it. If it's real off road and you want to make speed, then you will need something appropriate, but then you wouldn't go two up...?!
Like kateandwill said, take any bike that you like. It is the most important thing. We are now on DRZ400 because we do as much as possible this trip on dirt roads or off road. But for the next one we will ride on "normal" roads again, ie. the small ones on a map. And that you can do on anything you want, the locals do it so why can't we? Just remember some wise words: you will never wish your bike was bigger or heavier once you are on the trip. If you like your old beemer, take her!
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17 Jun 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oo-SEB-oO
If you like your old beemer, take her!
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I will, but simply because I like her, it is not a reasoned decision. It was your post in another thread that made me wonder how travellers decide. Experienced travellers would make different choices from first timers. If experienced travellers were to explain how they select their bikes this may be of help to some who are planning to set off on their first trip.
From what I see on here and elsewhere many first time travellers assume that the latest thing turned out by BMW/Honda/Yamaha etc. is the best choice because the marketing is cleverly orientated towards them as well as the wanabee 'Starbucks' traveller. They see a bike fully equipped with panniers etc. and all they have to do is add their kit and head for the horizon.
At the other end of the scale some travellers opt for a small old bike just to add a challenge to their trip and their experiences would be of interest to others.
I'm sure budget is a significant factor in most choices but for this hypothetical scenario take it out of the equation.
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