European Tour - 2 UP!
 

Hi all!

I am currently in the tail-end of planning a year long trip through Southern Europe and beyond, and have almost gotten to the point of actually having to buy a bike. As a long time lurker trying to pick up bit of info as I go I thought this would be a decent place to ask.

There will be two of us on the bike, plus as much of my girlfriends wardrobe as we can fit on the back :rolleyes2: so I suppose the main issue will be weight and maneuverability. The route will begin in London (where the bike will be bought) before travelling through France, Spain and Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, Greece and perhaps Turkey and beyond if we make it that far. Back roads will be the aim so it doesn't need to be particularly fast though it will probably need decent power once its all loaded up.

Does anyone have any experience 2-upping for a long haul and pros / cons on the bike you did it on? The two main bikes we have been looking at were:

• Kawasaki KLR 650
• Suzuki V-Strom 650

We are looking to do it on the cheap, although we understand its a fine line between cheap and not getting a reliable bike, not looking to spend much more than $4,000 USD but please let me know that's unrealistic.
Appreciate any comments! :mchappy:

I cannot comment on either bike through personal experience but have read many good things about the V-Strom both here and on other forums, the Kawasaki is also a good bike but not as good two up.
You do not say where you are from but as you give a value in US Dollars that may be a clue, while it is possible to buy in the UK as long as you have an address the problem is getting insurance as a foreigner so many people buy in the Republic of Ireland where it is much easier, hopefully others will be along with more information about this.

2 Up Around Europe
 

My girlfriend and I did most of the UK, Wales and Scotland over a 3 month period last summer and start segment #2 in June. Will be leaving London for Ireland and then to Portugal, Spain and the Balkans. I would suggest at the very least the V-Strom 650 and a bit bigger if the funds allow. I am in Charleston - let me know if you need any other assistance.

Michael

We used a Honda Transalp to travel two up trough Europa: Motorcycle Balkan Tour - Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece

Of the two bikes you have mentioned the V-Strom would definetively get my vote. More powerful than the KLR, better comfort two-up, better fuel economy as its EFI versus the carburated KLR. Very solid and reliable bike overall. The KLRs have the «doohickey» upgrades needed.

Have a look at Kawa Versys 650, Honda Transalp 600, 650 and 700. Maybe BMW 650/700 GS (the two cylindred model) or the 800. There are others as well...

When travelling alone I prefer my trusty old Beemer with 50 hp (37 kw). It has a drive shaft and is easy to service. But two up with luggage is a different story. Although - remember Grant & Susan, travelling for decades on their R 80 G/S :mchappy:
IMHO the small V-Strom would do the job. It's known to be reliable, has smooth engine characteristics and is easy on fuel. Bigger bikes are, of course, more comfy, but far too heavy....

The KLR is a good bike, but too heavy and definitely underpowered for two up with luggage.

I had a V-Strom 650 for a 2-months ride in New-Zealand lately and I really enjoyed this bike (despite I am normally riding a Beemer). It was 8 years old with 100,000km but had no problem with it except a burnt stator. I was solo rider but bought it from a couple who traveled on this bike before I bought it. I would definitely buy one again.:thumbup1:

Suzuki v-strom definitely can take it, very comfortable bike.
KLR lacks of power, verys 650 is too short for 2up IMHO.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...7b8f6b2313.jpg

I've noticed that the wheelbase of the DL650 appears to be longer than that of the 650 Versys. Not that I have checked the figures.
The Vstrom seems to have a longer seat squab (does anyone else still use that word now?) for the pillion passenger.

My views of the 650 Versys are in this thread from a few years ago:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709
It is not the only 'budget" bike that is fitted with budget suspension.

There aren't many KLRs to be found in the UK nowadays; they went the same way as many of the other old technologies produced by Suzuki, for instance.

For all of Europe, the current basic specs of a bike are fuel injection engines, ABS compulsory and a catalytic exhaust, as a minimum.

To find a second/third/fourth owner KLR in good condition will take time and effort and an amount of good fortune while you wait for that particular bike to come up for sale.

Look on, for instance, UK ebay and you will see what types of bikes are commonly for sale in the UK.

You didn't mention your budget ?

I hate to say it. But you can do far worse than an older R1200GS.

You can get a mint ten year old bike for under £5000. As long as it's been cared for (most have), then it will serve you well.

I used to slate the 1200GS's on here until I went out and finally bought one for my Two-up touring needs.

Mine is ten years old with 60,000 miles. I bought it from a dealer with an AUB warranty and EVERYTHING is covered on it. You even get 18 months Euro cover which includes breakdown and recovery. They'll even give you a hire car/bike.

I don't think id own one without a warranty as when they do go wrong, there is no such thing as a cheap fix on a GS. But get one with a BMW warranty and stay within Europe and there is very little to beat it.

I would NEVER own one as a solo rider, but for a bike that can carry two people and their luggage in a great deal of comfort with plenty of grunt and power, it really is a hard bike to beat.


I never thought Id ever write this post... :rofl:

P.S. I've had a 650 V-strom. Good bike. But for two up it was a bit cramped and didn't have the grunt of the bigger bikes It's certainly no featherweight either. But it will certainly handle your trip .

Cramped ??? come on, wheel base of R1200GS is shorter, 1507mm vs 1555mm on v-strom. Suzuki seat is huge, I believe even bigger then on GS. My wife said it's like a sofa :)


BTW suggesting GS you are kidding, are you? bier
Although for Europe trip you are close to service shop all the time :Beach:

I'm dead serious. BMW's have their limitations of course. But I've yet to own a better two-up European touring bike. And I've owned about 100 bikes over the last few years. Especially if you have the BMW warranty/breakdown cover.

Im no BMW fanboy. That's been obvious from my posts on here over the years. But I've also been a BMW tech for five years and my opinion has been changed a lot. But not entirely.
Those oil cooled 1200 motors are incredibly robust. If you know the bike well and it's maintained and checked before you leave, it will be just as reliable as any Jap bike.

Or just throw an AUB warranty on it, don't leave Europe and put your feet up in a 4 star hotel while BMW fixes your bike or gives you a replacement. They certainly know how to keep their customers happy in Europe.



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Europe touring
 

From what you initially posted it seems that most if not all your riding will be on road, if so why on earth would you want a trail/dual purpose bike? After riding many styles and sizes of bikes i'm now riding a BMW 2012 1200RT. It is a good size, enough power for all day cruising and able to carry a load and can handle lite dirt roads. Also, being in Europe, BMW's are serviced all over.
Just my 2 cents.

ok, but all that insurance coverage cost money doesn't it? and OP was talking rather about budget solution if I am not mistaken. Even though, I rather be riding then waiting with my girlfriend for assistance vehicle to come over, usually it takes time anyway.