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How did you choose your bike? How did you choose your bike?
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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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 20 Mar 2009
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Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
I've just realised its a while since we had a BMW versus Jap bike ding-dong. People must have finally vented all their arguments!
Regrettably, I'm sure it will come up again. Some opinions do seem unventable...

That is one reason why the "why did you buy yours?" approach would be helpful. It would also mean that a poster could get the answer they needed, rather than the answer someone else thought they should need, IYKWIM.
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Old 20 Mar 2009
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Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
That is one reason why the "why did you buy yours?" approach would be helpful. It would also mean that a poster could get the answer they needed, rather than the answer someone else thought they should need, IYKWIM.
Yes, ITIDKWYM!

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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!
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  #3  
Old 20 Mar 2009
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Good Show
Coming back to this after a day or so, I'd like to say well done chaps (and chapesses?). This site always does well for people actually answering the question rather than wondering off into why a Triumph outfit isn't an adventure bike (if you want adventure you should see the electrics ) or why we should all ride a certain model.

Long may it continue and thanks for such interesting replies.

BTW, Am I the only one who bought off a drunken salesman?

Andy
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Old 20 Mar 2009
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One thing I find fascinating is that the type of bike you have affects your behavior, or maybe it’s only me….

When I had a XL600R I normally drove fast on very short trips, I bought a Kawa Z500 and used it mostly for short trips and a few trips around Europe.
Later when I bought the R80GS I started to travel long distance with the bike (I had always traveled). It felt like the bike asked for it…

I also have a 2-stroke 250ccm and a 4-stroke 400ccm (competition bikes) and when I use them I drive as an idiot.
No, I don’t think all people using 250/400ccm are idiots!
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  #5  
Old 20 Mar 2009
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The original reason I chose my bike was because it was at the time (1990), in my view, the only bike vaguely suitable for an overland trip 2 up. I was already a committed BMW rider and fan of shaft drive. I still have the bike 19 years on which must say something.

I agree with Alibaba in that some bikes just need to do long trips and others are just for larking around on. I've had several more modern bikes and all have been good fun but they've not stood the test of time.
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Old 21 Mar 2009
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Choosing Tigger.
After getting bored of waiting for the New Tenere to arrive last summer, i decided to buy one of the last Transalp 650 which were being discounted, unfortunately my local dealer had sold his last one. Next choice was an Aprilia Pegaso but the dealers part ex offer on my bike was not impressive. Then by chance i walked into a local bike shop and there was a Triumph Tiger 955i, the dealer chucked me the keys and said take it for a run, 30 minutes later a deal was done. As you can see from the above the bike i bought was not what i went looking for but after seeing and riding the Tiger i had to have it.
Cheers Ade.
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  #7  
Old 21 Mar 2009
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My experience was alot like hornets.

I researched my options to within an inch of its little life. I had pro's and con's, facts and figures, bad models/years and loads more info on ktm 640's, xt600's, BMW's and other manufacturers. I was actually getting slightly obsessed (scaring the missus).

Anyway, went on holiday still without bike. I went on the internet '' just incase'' something popped up while i've been on hols, as you do, and would you believe it! A blue honda transalp was smiling at me from thousands of miles away back in the UK. i had to have her.

Probably the only bike I know nothing about!

Still, a few phonecalls later and I was the proud owner of my currant beast.

No test rides nothing. I didnt even get to see her in the flesh(?) untill I got back a month later. Risky, but alls well that ends well...
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