Quote:
Originally Posted by maxwell123455
I would go with the same bike and the more experienced ride (9times out of 10 the male) should take slightly more equipment. It means that both riders have the same power, wiegh etc and one doesnt feel as if they could push on. Also it means both riders find the same problems ie 70mph on somebikes is vibey but 75mph is fine.
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I agree, go with bikes of different power capability and she will forever be feeling like she's struggling to keep up, not a nice feeling to have. In fact extremely wearing and very tiring after a long day, never mind after months and months of travel. Even if you try to ride slow you'll probably find the bike naturally drifts up to what feels like a comfy speed. That speed might be a vibey, windblown mission for her. The lowered F650 for her and the Dakar for you sounds like a good idea to me. If you aren't off-roading the weight of the bike is less of an issue.
I would suggest that any lass who's thinking about riding to India and back should be good enough to handle an F650 which is widely recognised as a forgiving 'beginners' bike.
PS: personally I think too much is made of seat height. I am a 5' 9" short arse with a 30" inside leg who, due to far too many snowboarding, motorcycling and shed (Don't ask!) accidents is about as flexible as an eighty year old (my physio reckons I'll be needing a new hip before I'm 50!). I have to stand on my left hand footpeg to get on my XT but once I'm on it's fine. I can touch the floor with both toes, and that's plenty.
Hope you find a solution that suits.
Matt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Last edited by Matt Cartney; 20 Jun 2008 at 15:48.
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