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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



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  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2010
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Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
Just where in Europe do you intend running extended trips at 90mph?
You may return with a confiscated licence as a souvenir.
I think there are still Autobahns with no speed restrictions, however, it's just a requirement doesn't mean that it will be used like that.

Suzukis are worth investigating, is there a ready to go tourer like the Tenere? I've only ever owned one, an SP400 in 1982 which didn't do much to endear me to them.

Any KTM Adventure owners in other European countries who can tell me what the dealer service is like. I don't have that much faith in my local KTM dealer.
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  #2  
Old 29 Jun 2010
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Get a new 660Z Tenere and slow down a bit...?

The 660 Tenere will do all you want [so much so that you may find you only need one bike] and be far less of a handful off-road than a big twin...

If you're having to go 90+mph, you've chosen the wrong road...











J x
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  #3  
Old 15 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
Get a new 660Z Tenere and slow down a bit...?

The 660 Tenere will do all you want [so much so that you may find you only need one bike] and be far less of a handful off-road than a big twin...

If you're having to go 90+mph, you've chosen the wrong road...











J x
Those are awesome rides. Thanks for posting the pics.

Cheers.
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  #4  
Old 29 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
I think there are still Autobahns with no speed restrictions, however, it's just a requirement doesn't mean that it will be used like that.
Yes, there are a few in Germany, but that is only one out of about 45 countries in the EEC afaik nowhere else.. and running up and down autobahns is not my idea of bike riding.

In France and UK and most of Europe anything not dual carriageway has a 56mph limit. Even the french Peages are mostly 80mph limit, 70 in the UK.
Last edited by oldbmw; 30 Jun 2010 at 21:06.
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  #5  
Old 29 Jun 2010
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For two up, the Suzuki DL1000 is very comfortable and can handle off highway very well, off road less well due to low clearance (19" front). Good value, pretty reliable and easy enough to work on that as long as you have any mechanical interest you can do a lot of the work yourself which keeps the running costs low.

Not sure if any of the larger bikes will fit your bill for real offroading though as you mentioned that you couldn't imagine taking a 1200GS offroad, so could be doubtful that you would be happier taking a 1200 Tenere or a DL1000 or the Multistrada for that matter. Best of luck and post some photos when you decide.
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  #6  
Old 29 Jun 2010
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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.
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  #7  
Old 30 Jun 2010
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The Suzuki is getting a few votes despite its lack of off road ability, but I think I'm still drawn to the KTM. We rode the F800 on the same day as the 1200GS and it did seem too small. We also rode the 1200RT and 1300GT both of which got the thumbs up from the other half from the point of view of comfort and space. We'll have to try the 800 again after we've tried the KTM two up for a more realistic comparison.

I've had a few touring bikes in the past and would say that being able to sit on a motorway at 90+ all day was the minimum requirement of the riding position and wind protection which is why I used it as point of reference for my ideal dual purpose bike. Travelling on motorways is essential sometimes. Our old Moto Guzzi Spada took us from Munich to Reading in a day almost all on motorway as we had to be back at work the next day.

I use my R100GS for the sort of off road trips I'm talking about and it's absolutely fine but I used to have an R1150GS that, for me, was useless mostly due to its extra weight so the choice is quite a fine line. The 1150 also didn't do the tourer bit very well - poor wind protection even with the adventure screen and uncomfortable seat.
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