4 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacks
Hi, i was wondering if you guys could help, i am looking to buy a motorcycle, i have thought about what i want from it, and have listed them below. It would be great if you could give me some suggestions. They can be bikes still in production or not. Cheers.
What i want from a motorcycle:
- Comfort for all day riding.
- 150+ miles (241+ kilometers) fuel range.
- Ability to do DIY maintenance. eg. change oil/filter, change air filter, change spark plugs, maintain final drive (chain, shaft or belt i don't mind).
- reasonable fuel economy, 50+mpg (11+miles/liter)
- Reliable (i understand this means following the maintenance schedule, i don't mean a bike you just by and never have to do any work on, unless this exists.)
- Ability to cruise at between 50-60mph (80-100kph) with 1 rider and some luggage.
- Luggage carrying ability, after-market or OEM, hard or soft.
- Looks aren’t that important, i put it down anyway. However it is a pretty subjective criteria.
- Available parts, OEM or good quality after-market.
- Can handle going down a dusty track occasionally. I know you could say any bike can handle it, but i mean not make a fuss. Not as extreme as Nick Sanders on his R1 in the desert.
- Fun, obviously depends on how you ride it.
I think thats it let me know if you have any suggestions of bikes that you think fit this criteria. Thanks |
Jacks,
Your list would do for me as well  But, we don't know enough about you!! What you really, really like, what compromises you are prepared to make, how much you want to spend, how much riding you have done, on what and where - you get the idea.
Any one of your criteria goes off into multiple sub-points; for one, "reasonable fuel economy" is way better than 50 MPG (UK gallon) nowadays for EFI and you can't buy a new bike in the UK nowadays that does not have FI + a cat converter etc. Hence you are not going to get a good DR650 in the UK unless you are very lucky and wait for ever for it to come up for sale. Even then the asking price may be silly money because of the rarity factor - check out what some people are asking for Africa Twins and then see what you can get for the same money in later models of bikes that are not so hyped.
When you have found this elusive bike that scratches all the itches I would like to know about it!
It did not take too long for the "twin Vs single" list of bikes to appear, so just to widen things a bit more, check out the Kawasaki KLE, 650 or the earlier 500 (also known as the Versys).
You probably know that there is a lot of information in all sorts of threads about all the bikes named here; technical stuff, fuel ranges, modifications, comparisons of one bike with another, or one bike with multi-others, it seems endless.
Just for another single to consider, have a look for information about the Royal Enfield 500 single for a contrast with all of the other bikes listed, so far.
Good luck,
__________________
Dave
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Threaded Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
| Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
|
DR650 Engine Dead, Ideas?
|
brianrossy |
Suzuki Tech |
18 |
4 Jan 2012 08:37 |
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
