Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnail
I know it's completely subjective, but the "correct" bike just doesn't exist.
Why can't we have a strong, light, SIMPLE, motorcycle weighing under 400lbs? a smooth engine. About 60 hp. I believe one could be built.....if we're willing to pay for it.
Until then, you buy something not quite what you want and spend a couple thousand $ to change it.:confused1:
|
Like you say ... it's subjective. Really depends what you intend to do with your bike. What sort of experience have you had traveling on bikes? What sort of travel? What sort of roads? Racer or Traveler? RTW or Starbuck's Queen? Short trip? Long trip? It all matters.
There are a few sub 400 lbs. bikes with 60 HP out there ... the KTM 690 Enduro comes to mind. But is it a good travel bike? Some think so. Do you have $10K USD floating around? Good mechanical/maintenance skills?
I see more budget travelers flying in somewhere, buying a local import bike and hitting the road. This works well in India, works in Latin America too. Lots of Chinese and Indian bikes out there now for cheap-ish.
They get better and more reliable every year. Works for some, not for all.
Once you've done some trips over a good period of time on various bikes ... maybe then you'll come up with "your" perfect bike? Any bike you come up with will need modifications to suit you. No OEM can anticipate everything you may require. But basic quality is what is (IMO) important.
After about 50 bikes I still like my 50,000 mile Suzuki DR650. 324 lbs. dry weight. (more when loaded up of course) Only 40 HP ... but will easily cruise comfortably at a true 75 MPH all day long. Good, new-ish used ones can be had (in the US) for $3500 to $4000 range. Close to maintenance free as any bike I've owned.
Simple, tough, dead reliable, easy to work on ... and very good off road. Excellent aftermarket owner group support. 
|
3Likes
Threaded Mode
