Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Best bike for..... Best bike for.....
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
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.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
What did you find too cramped about the F800? Perhaps you could have the seat modified, as aside from the KTM I suspect it's the closest thing to what you're looking for.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Suzuki v-strom 1000 GT would be an idle choice if your not to short and not off roading. Standard luggage is a bit naf but apart from that its a great bike.

Jenny (JMo) is that a train coming?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Thanks for the replies.

I'm not a speed freak but I was just trying to point out that 600/650s are not what I'm looking for. I currently have a KTM 690E which is fast enough on the road for me but is too small for serious two up touring and although I agree the 660 Tenere has a better seat and wind protection and better luggage carrying capacity it is not what I need. The F800GS is too cramped two up (we've tried it). The 1200GS was good but I can't imagine taking it off road. Others seem to cope well off road with the KTM adventure but I don't know what it's like two up. What about the Tiger, Stelvio, caponord, Varedero - I know virtually nothing about them but would like to hear other peoples experiences.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chester, UK
Posts: 137
For information, the KTM 950 gets the thumbs up from my missus for two up. The footpegs position provides a 90 degree leg bend angle, so it's just like sitting on a dining room chair. Hand rails are good too, apparently.

She was a bit uneasy with quick accelaration because she felt like she was tipping backwards off the bike (even with mild accelaration due to the upright sitting position), but with our holdall strapped to the rack she has a nice backrest and feels much safer. Our camping gear goes on the rack, so with a bit of careful packing, the sleeping bags and mats support her back and she loves it now.

We tried the xt660z tenere and it was a bit cramped 2up. I loved it for solo riding though - i got a kick out of riding it just because it felt like a nice place to see the world from. I have a real soft spot for that bike and will hopefully get one some day.

I didnt fancy the Suzuki due to looks (yes, I know, how superficial of me), but also because of that exposed front header pipe.

Tiger is very topheavy, no?
Never even considered the stelvio or capanord so no comment.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Thanks for the information on the 2 up ability of the KTM. I am drawn to the KTM because it seems to be the only one you see used off road to any degree. also to be fair to KTM their dealer network is extensive, it's certainly better supported in France than Guzzi or Aprilia but, at my local dealer at least, I get the impression that they are only realyy set up to deal with EXCs. EXCs have virtually no warranty and I've learnt that the 2 year warranty with the 690 is pretty much worthless, although if the dealer was closer to hand I would hassle him more and possibly get some result.

I'm a long time Guzzi fan although they have made a lot of duff models, the reveiws I've read on the Stelvio are favorable but they always compare it to the 1200GS. Again, for me it's let down by the dealer network.

Forgot to mention the Multistrada which got rave reviews in the magazines
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 875
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
What about the Tiger, Stelvio, caponord, Varedero - I know virtually nothing about them but would like to hear other peoples experiences.
That's fair comment Magnon - I'd agree the 660 Tenere isn't ideal as a two-up tourer... however, those bikes you mention above, none of them are off-road or even 'all-terrain' bikes to be honest - they are a styling exercise the equivalent of the 4-wheeled SUV...

For the use you envisage I guess you are certainly looking at a twin of some sort, but if you really want to take this new big bike off-road, then the KTM 950/990 would really be your only choice I imagine? A 1200GS would be capable too, but more of a liability I imagine (not to mention heavier)...

Like the SUV though, if you're honest with yourself - how much off-road you are going to be doing two-up and/or with luggage?

Jx
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
That's fair comment Magnon - I'd agree the 660 Tenere isn't ideal as a two-up tourer... however, those bikes you mention above, none of them are off-road or even 'all-terrain' bikes to be honest - they are a styling exercise the equivalent of the 4-wheeled SUV...

Like the SUV though, if you're honest with yourself - how much off-road you are going to be doing two-up and/or with luggage?

Jx
I agree re. the 'styling exercise' - as I say I've only seen the KTM and GS used off road. The old Africa Twin seems to be really capable off road but I think later developments lean towards road use only.

No intention of doing any off road with my other half - she would say she did enough of that, in Africa a few years back, for a lifetime. Also, I wouldn't use such a large bike for anything too extreme - that's the next trick, to find the ideal trail bike which needs to be very lightweight but not too competition orientated - something with 400ccs plus but not race tuned. The 690 should be good but, sadly, it's too heavy.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
I'm not a speed freak but I was just trying to point out that 600/650s are not what I'm looking for. I currently have a KTM 690E which is fast enough on the road for me but is too small for serious two up touring
I believe many would agree the DL650 is in fact a very serious two-up tourer. Has way more punch, too, than 1-cylinder bikes with same displacement, and runs nicer when loaded. Downside is its not a real off-road machine, but tougher than your average streetbike.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Belgium
Posts: 68
Personally I don't like 21" front wheel bikes for primarily road riding, that's why I like the gs, but a tenere off road it ain't!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jun 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by rabbitson View Post
Personally I don't like 21" front wheel bikes for primarily road riding, that's why I like the gs, but a tenere off road it ain't!
It's all a question of compromise. I found the 21" front wheel on the F800GS felt a bit odd but iwas riding other bikes on the same day with 18/19" wheels so I decided it would be something I'd get used to. Braking is never going to be up to sportsbike standard on a skinny 21" tyre.

For me the KTM seems to offer the best dual purpose compromise but I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't get a more conventional tourer (1200RT is favoured by wifey) and stick with the R100GS for off road trips. If I'm honest, one of the problems with the R1150GS off road was fear of dropping such an immaculate bike and to some extent with the 690 which I bought new, the first scratch is never a good experience (it's well 'scratched' now).

My belief is that it's all about marketing and what I want doesn't necessarily fit any of the profiles the marketeers have identified (aprt from KTM, perhaps0
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid 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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top