Quote:
Originally Posted by robson
Hi Guys,
Just struggling with decision which bike to chose since I don't want to spend a fortune but still would be nice to have reliable machine. I cut the list to nc750x, xt660x tenere and bmw g650GS.
The last one probably is gone from the list since I just learnt on this forum the engine for this bmw is made in China and build quality is poor. Problem I have now because I read bad things about xt660 tenere as well regarding build quality, even on the xt660 very forum. So what do you think, am I stick with nc750x? good price on it, but can it make it? not really adventure bike is it?
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I would disagree about the BMW motor. I'd bet the Loncin, China motor is more reliable than previous Berlin one. BMW have had years building them in Loncin now, very few problems with these new motors.
The problem with the G650 and the Sertao are COST and Weight ... not the quality of the motor. I'm really not sure if the rest of the bike is tough enough, but I'd bet it's OK ... not perfect .. but good. But then, you've got to deal with BMW dealers! Got your Gold Card handy?
I'm sure guys on Tenere' forums nit pick on the Tenere' forever, but there are many ride reports featuring the Tenere'. I'd say it's a very solid bike ... but I don't own one.
KEEP IN MIND ... any travel bike you get will need certain modifications to be a good travel bike. None are ready off the showroom floor ... and speaking of Showroom floor ... DON'T BUY NEW ... buy a nice used bike.
That NC Honda would be the LAST bike I'd pick of your choices. Very heavy,
and a 17" front tire is NOT your friend on any sort of dirt, mud, gravel. Major PITA ... unless you have lots of experience and good off road riding skills. It's also unproven as a long term travel bike. Do have the pioneering spirit?
Beta Tester?
Which Suzuki 650 did you ride? Vstrom 650, I'm guessing? Among twin travel bikes, it's quite good ... I think you need to give it some time, learn to ride it. It's one of THE MOST highly regarded travel bikes on the planet. It's also quite a bit LIGHTER weight than the NC Honda. If you're doing more ROAD than dirt, it's an excellent choice once properly fettled.
If you want a light, reliable and inexpensive single dual sport bike ... you don't have many choices in the UK. The Tenere' (too heavy), KTM 690 ($$$$) DRZ400S, XT600E, perhaps a few others to choose.
In the US we don't have XT's or Tenere' but DO have the KLR and DR650. Both reasonable and cheap to buy and maintain.
The KTM 690 would be a great choice if you have the budget, fabrication and mechanical skills ... as a standard bike it's not really travel ready. But the "bones" are good if you keep up with maintenance and really need an
off-road biased dual sport bike.
I'd suggest the XT600E. Cheap, reliable, tough. Lots of knowledge around and plenty of used examples out there.
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