2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?
 

I'm looking for a simple, 2 cylinder so I don't get vibrated to death bike with enough power for motorways, comfy enough for all day but thatll handle crappy roads and dirt paths. Looking at spending under 4,000 preferably under 3000.

My idea well I've decided im setting off. I've sold everything valuable, my rental agreement is ending and I've got no other place to go nothing else to do. I'm heading down to Spain or italy then Africa and just see as it goes. No schedule or planning. Got a tent for sleeping, all camping gear etc. Money in my pocket. Panniers packed so ready to go just need a bike.

I had an old thunderbird, before that an xt and a drz. Been riding for 10 yrs all year round in the uk mostly. Sold the Thunderbird as I want something that'll take more punishment and dodgy roads tracks with greater ease.

I don't want to do much or anything to it except throw my panniers over and be on my way!

Any and all suggestions much appreciated.

I like the mg V7 or even the Breva. The v7 though now sports a 22litre tanks which could be helpful. Not hear of any problems with the shaft but am sure some one some where has managed to break one :)

Thanks.. Was looking at them only minuses seem a bit expensive and not much offroad action. I'm quite keen to do some trails and offroady bits, though i know i could ride around the world on roads good enough for most bikes. used to have fun as a kid razzing around tracks and trails.

Also im 6ft 5 and never seen the guzzi in the flesh but Italians generally make their bikes on the small side.

Definitely one to think about.

I assume you're somewhere in UK?
You've pretty much left it too late mate. Most guys on here take a year or more to prep a travel bike. A guy your size needs a TALL bike with a GOOD Seat.

If I were you ... I'd buy Touring Ted's Dominator. Yes ... I know you said twin ... but if you're headed into Maroc and Africa ... there isn't much in your budget that will suit without LOTS of custom prep. Most small twins aren't tough enough once loaded up with crap.

Best go with Ted's Domi ... it's cheap and ready to head out TODAY. Check it here in classifieds.

Or look round for a nice XT660R ... a couple of nice ones just sold here for under 3000 UKP. Both are TALL and seats can be modified. Both good carrying luggage and can handle rough pistes at speed.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nator-uk-73221

Honda CB500, they have a bullet proof reputation and Chris Scott even used on for an overland bike project.

Oops sorry that should of been Suzuki GS500 which is also an excellent choice.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...erlander-66506

Don't worry too much about the shape. I've ridden Enfield's and new Bonneville's on unmade roads. If you can fit knobbled tyres they do it. Ted Simon did rather well too.

The Bonneville is heavy but still on my shopping list along with the V7 and SR400 (a single so doesn't meet your list).

350's now seem limited to what the Chinese bring in. I want someone else to try one before I do!

If you want off road shaped and fit for a big bloke you could try the WeeStrom. 3500 mile oil chances are a bit **** but it has been dead easy to live with.

Andy

Gs500 definitely within budget so will keep an eye on it. I was looking at vstroms as well as Honda transalp and Africa twins. Its pretty much just seeing the right one at the right price and buying it.

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Good bikes, but not necessarily what I would call 'simple' or easy to work on.

A modern dilemma there. Buy an Enfield with points because it is simple and then get lots of practice or a complex modern bike that is less likely to break. I'd take the proven basic digital tech AT/WeeStrom/New Bonneville/V7 level, but its personal choice.

Andy

If you are planning any unsealed roads, forget the Bonnie. I had one, loved it on the tar but no wheel travel, consequently terrible in the dirt. Rough as guts.

Don't rule out the old Army workhorse - Harley Davidson MT350

It's single cylinder, but well balanced and negligible vibration

Easy to fix anywhere in the world

See MTRIDERSCLUB.CO.UK

It's no trail bike but once I fitted K60's instead of road tyres I was happy on anything you could really call a road.

Andy

Indeed hoping for the middle ground, something with a carb, well 2. Modern ignition and easy enough to work on or at least not a nightmare.



Thanks, I had one of these for several years. I did find it mega comfortable, they got the riding position and seat dead on. The vibes did bother me more than a twin though but you're right they aren't that bad and very simple easy to work on bike I may have to look at again. Those front panniers would come in handy as well.

If I'm looking at singles it opens a whole can of worms. I'm not looking to put mega miles per day in I guess.


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I know they look a right pain with all that fairing. I'd just like a nice simple lightweight 400 twin like a drz but twin. 400 seems plenty enough having ridden drzs vfr and Honda nt just a shame it'll never be made now with emissions and the desire for bigger engines.

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Don't know anything about them, but what about the Aprillia MXV450? Only twin-cylinder small capacity trailbike I know of.

DL650 don't have much fairings, but it's essentially a road-bike with different suspension. Very little ground clearance and the engine is hard to work on (despite being open- e.g. twin-spark, but you have to remove/loosen the radiator to get to the one front plug). And valves are shim type, so not an easy adjustment if you're planning lots of miles.

AT's have lots of gizmos and unnecessary electronics. Generally they don't provide hassles, but to make it simpler for 'hardcore' touring, you could loose most of the fairings and unnecessary stuff, like trip-computer etc. Not that you need to work on them much, but if it bothers you. Engine is easy to work on: adjustable valves, fixed/electronic timing, etc. But never as simple/easy as a big-single like a Dominator or XR.

The mxv sounds perfect but can't find one for sale. Seriously looks awesome though probably need to mod the seat and prob gear ratios. Would love to test ride one .

I might go with the at or ta and strip the fairing off if I find it bothers me. As you said though its one if those where its a pain to do but you don't do our often. If I ride it and don't like it I might just fold and buy a nice simple single. :/ anyway I'm going to a dealer with both today. Decisions decisions but getting to the point where I just need to buy something and be done.

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18 days to go..!

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Anyone know how the 650gs compares to an at in terms of comfort and simplicity?

Forgot all the twins are fi never mind.

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Helcat - I own and ride a carbureted '05 650 Transalp - but spent a whole day, mainly off-road, on a BMW G 650 GS last September.

The two bikes near mirror each in terms of general overall characteristics, such as power, weight, seat height, etceteras. The Transalp is ever-so slightly smoother to ride, as you would expect, it being a twin and'all.

At 5' 10" and 185 pounds the TA fits me perfectly. At 6' 5" you might be a bit cramped on one though.

Bottom line: I would never swap my wonderful, super-reliable 650 TA for the GS. Never-ever. :no:

Incidentally, I don't know where you live, but if you're in the UK, then I should think you could pick-up a half-decent TA - around the same age as mine - for considerably less than GB£3,000 (possibly nearer £2K).

Good luck with your final choice.

Keith

A not so short walk across a bit of North Africa colours my judgement against rebadged Aprillias, Rotax chocolate fire guard design principles and Bavarian customer service. F650 singles are comfortable and efficient for as long as they work.

Google chaingang and check out the various F650 threads on here for a more balanced view. Personally if you want a single get a Japanese one.

F650 GS is FI BTW, carbs stopped ( pun intended) with the Funduro in 99-2000. (Strewth that makes me feel old. Don't think my zimmer frame would stand over dressed hiking in Morocco).

Andy

I have purchased and am the proud new owner of a (slightly scratched up) transalp 650. Rode it 2.5 hours home and a little trail with semi deep ruts and I'm real happy with it.

I looked at an Africa twin as well but felt I got way more for the money with the transalp albeit looking slightly less cool. It doesnt meet the simple criteria, well I think it half does but I'm hoping it will make it up to me in not needing anything doing.

Runs sweet and doesn't need anything though I will get started giving it a full service down to the tappets and carb balance just so I know what's what and where on it and so its in tip top shape. Also gonna put new tyres on it, reading around looks like K60s are a safe bet.

I'm thinking about getting the top box for it and I will strap my backpack on the back.

Fun begins..

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A damn fine choice!

:thumbup1:

K60s or Conti Escapes. Perfect!


.

Enjoy it :thumbup1:

Andy

I sold it for a yam ttr Italy Turkey Greece Tunisia and Libya loving the little 250 single whod have known. Back in France going north the east heat is killing me right now.

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Sounds like you had some sort or revelation along the way? First you were headed to Morocco, then reversed down to Italy ... then Tunisia! Wow! Sounds like fun.

What happened to your Honda TransAlp? Why did you sell it?
Is your TTR 250 a new FI model or older Carb one? If a new one ... keep a fresh battery in it.

Lets see some pics!

Safe riding ... How's the leg room on your TTR?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P...motorcycle.jpg

I did :) the transalp was great at blasting down the motorway at 85 but as soon as I was out of England I realised that wasn't what I wanted to do.

It was also heavy and being clumsy I nearly dropped it a couple times, and realised what it'd be like in the dirt.. then the clutch started slipping and the choke was playing up small problems but I took it as a sign and sold it upfront for a loss and bought a ttr 250 with the plastic tank and carb.

I love the ttr. I can basically pick it up clean off the ground its that light.

I know its everything I said I didn't want small engine single but turns out its perfect. Its awesome off road.

The leg room is great. Its higher than the transalp by quite a bit. Seat was not comfy but got this air pillow which is dreamy. Don't ride for long distances non stop in general anyway.

I've got some great pics but I've been posting them all back to the UK on memory cards. I'm going to do a ride report at some point when I can get more organised. Been posting letters to myself as well kind of journals to jog my memory.

I never really had much of a plan, and once I was in Italy I just didn't want to leave so kept going until I was in the deep south. I'd have liked to work my way across to morocco but it didn't work out.

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medium twins
 

I think the AM world is still missing a bike like helboy originally hinted at. Like an F650GS but smaller cc and size, like a GS500/CB500 but more compact and more scrambley format + efi; less lumpy than a big single, more power reserve than a small single.
Sometimes on my current big single I wished I'd kept the old GS500R and refined it a bit. I realise now I was more on the money than I thought.
I know we now have the CB500X - hope to try one one of these days but small-wheeled and seems a bit plasticy for our sort of game (I thought that too of a TA when they first came out though never actually owned one.) I would not be put off at all by efi. Give me that over carbs any day.

Slim, compact efi 500 parallel twin - water-cooled I suppose - 18R/19F tubeless and light! And if you're offering, make it a 270° engine for that V-twin feel. Had a go on a SuperTen the other day - very nice engine for a land raft.

Perhaps the Chinese will come up with something - or maybe they already have under six different names?

Ch

Great summary Helcat! Good to see you discovered what many have. Small singles are great ... and the more into the 3rd world you get I'm betting the happier you'll be on your TTR. Off road will actually be FUN ... not fearful! beer

Looking forward to pics and a report when you get caught up!
Safe Riding All Round!
bier

GS500 Suzuki is basically undiscovered here in USA. Not sure what it would take to convert one to a decent travel bike ...the engine is a Gem. But being an OLD design (like many Suzuki power plants) it's no feather weight but stone strong and reliable.

But sadly, the new Honda 500 series (there's 3 models based on same engine) is very heavy for what it is ... and down a bit on power with fuel economy not all that great for 2014. Not sure where Honda think they're going with these bikes. (maybe export to Asia/India?)

Still, that Suzuki GS500 motor sat in a more dual sport chassis could be interesting. IMO, in stock form none of the current parallel twins would be ideal for traveler bikes, unless doing all ON ROAD. If rough off road is on the menu', not good: Cast wheels, skinny forks, cheap, very short travel suspension. The motors are good, chassis, not so much: little ground clearance, not designed to take off road abuse.

I had a Suzuki GS500 test bike a couple years ago. It's made in Spain, even sporting Spanish made brake systems and suspension. First Japanese bike I ever saw without either Nissin, Tokico, or Sumitomo on the wheels! Same with suspension ... not KYB or Showa ... but a Spanish (??) company I never heard of ... or was it a Chinese company? (No one at Suzuki would tell me)

All that said ... the little bike was great overall. Only knock, a bit weak right off the bottom. Needed to REV way up to make power, so rock crawling or pulling through deep sand might be a challenge?

I prefer a 21" X 17" tire/wheel combo. Common sizes, not too hard to find.
A 21" front is a pleasure off road and not bad at all on a twisty road. Also, plenty of knobby tires in those sizes. 18" rear are actually rare in much of the world.

Maybe a DR650 chassis with a GS500 motor grafted in there? :funmeteryes:

My GS500F test bike ... a hoot on twisty roads! :thumbup1:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9...0/oh9q3979.jpg

Nobody mentioned a KLE500! .. robust, mostly reliable, easy to work on tall is will do off and on road, twin cylinder, spares reasonable cost... I had one from new for a couple of years-brill sometimes wished I'd not sold it :rolleyes2:
TDMalcolm

I haven't ridden one, but how about the new 500cc Honda?

I've heard a lot about the KLE over the years ... we never got that bike in the USA. I did see them when touring UK and EU. I saw one woman riding one in Italy set up for RTW. It was IMPRESSIVE. I hear they're a bit porky but strong, robust and cheap to buy and maintain!
I did notice the ground clearance is a bit low ... but may not be an issue for some ... and very good for short riders. :D
All good! bier

I haven't ridden any of the new Honda 500's either. There are 3 models .. all based on the same 500cc parallel twin. Reviews I've read are mostly on the X version (so called Adventure model) Reviews are mixed. Critics state the bike is too heavy, power is too meager and it uses budget components (not cheap, but low cost). BIKE (UK) gave it good reviews, but US reviewer were less kind, also citing poor fuel economy. The UK guy did not complain much on that.

I know of no one who ones one so no first (or 2nd hand) knowledge. Could it work? No doubt. But even the UK reviewer who loved the bike admitted that Honda 500's from the 1980's were: Lighter, more HP and tougher ... and way way cheaper of course.

I'm sure, at some point, riders will be out there on these new 500 Hondas. Be interesting to hear ride reports. bier

The kle could've been interesting. Hadn't even heard of it before but they are available in Europe. The Honda could be fun, i think maybe someone mentioned it but looks like itd need a lot of prepping to be any use offroad. Both are around 200kgs, not bad.

I really enjoy basically having a little enduro bike that can hold its own on the road. Vibes aren't too bad. Sucks on the motorway, but kills it on trails which is where I want to be. I'm still stuck here I'm waiting on the French post for a parts and tyres the heat is unbearable at the minute but there's some fun trails.

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the twin cylinder part is what makes your choice difficult

Liking the look of the SR400 about time 400s made a comeback but 174kgs wet, dont understand how it's so heavy when a 800 odd CC twin guzzi v7 is under 180?

At the risk of straying further from the twin theme, this Chinese bike (based on an XR400 motor?) comes in at a claimed 151kg dry:
Moto Mash Five Hundred 400cc - Iron Black - Motos 400cc - Motos

Two thirds of the Yam's price, too.
I think small bikes get heavy when they're made down to a price.
Same with the XTZ660.

Straying back too the twin theme and talking of GS500: my 19-er GSR500 with a DR front end. Sold that rat too soon.
More here: Suzuki GS500R Overlander | Adventure Motorcycling Handbook

The straying is fine I have new appreciation for singles. I like the style of the moto mash Chinese bikes, they're HMC in the uk as well, but Im not sure about the build quality and engines. Its a made in China xr copy engine. The 151 dry will be almost the same as the yam wet full tank how Yamaha weigh them but at 4k€ its way cheaper looks better too. Whether the Chinese have managed to overcome their quality issues and mad vibrations yet to be seen. I'd love to test ride one. And a 5 year warranty would go a long way