How did you choose your bike?
 

Reading the various threads here abouts, I was thinking about how I chose my bike. Maybe others would care to comment and we'll end up with a bit of a database?

So, it's 2004, I'm riding an XT600E. Within 12 months I've got a girlfriend (now wife), a dog and a job where I can no longer ring the boss from the wrong side of the North Sea and ask for a week off (Goodness knows what I'd have done if he'd ever said no, Norway or Germany to Leeds in fifteen minutes isn't easy and even I can't develop convincing man flu in thirty seconds :oops2:). The pillion seat on the XT was ueless, so it wasn't getting used as much as it should.

I therefore needed a two-up, fun at weekends but able to go anywhere type bike. I only do aircooled singles and twins after the F650 in Morocco incident. Spec was a 650-1000cc 50-80 hp road bike with a full frame and nothing I didn't understand mechanically.

Initially I wanted an R80GS, but prices were insane and condition poor, plus selling an 18 month old XT to buy a fifteen year old BM is more hassle than walking into a dealer. Oddly three new bikes met the spec, Kawasaki W650, Harley Sportster and the Bonneville. The Kawa was out of production and a little short on power. The Sportster was a great ride but tyre choice was limited and the sales guy only wanted me to get one so I could trade it for the adult version (1200) later. The Triumph salesman was drunk at some Rocket3 event so made me a stupid offer.

Fast forward to 2007 and I fell off a few times on the Elefant basically due to laziness in not putting the knobblies on. However, with the dog and amount of gear Karen likes to carry the sidecar made sense so I fitted the Ural chair.

Am I happy with it? Once I sorted the range with an auxilliary tank; Oh yes :D

Conclusions I'd draw:

Look at bike specs, not particular models.

Don't believe anything the bike manufacturers or journalists say unless it has hard facts in it. "Could do with stronger brakes" is Journo speak for "I'm used to my R6 and would rather be out testing a Ducati".

Tyres maketh the bike, look at rim sizes and clearances.

Simple is good.

Do your research here and on other sites, comments like "my clutch is fine at 107000 miles" and "I've never opened the engine" give warmer feelings than pages of discussions about water pumps.

Look for models with a long production run. I pick up spares at crazy prices as most Bonneville owners fit chromed bits and e-bay the OE items.

Andy

After months of prevaricating, it was actually quite easy.

I narrowed my choice down to three 600s with a good reputation:

BMW F650
Honda Transalp
Yamaha XT 600E

Then bought the first good example that came up at a reputable dealer. As it turned out , it was an XT600E and it's a great bike!

I think you can spend far too much time worrying about the choice of bike. Thre are plenty of good ones out there!

Matt :)

+1

It's so personal, like asking how to choose shoes. But happy to contribute
:Beach:

I wanted to upgrade the 88 Tenere for something modern. At the time duel sport was relatively newish.

Wanted a single, and could only really choose between 640, 650 Dakar and the DR. The last fell of immediately because it was the same as the Tenere but built new. Fell towards the 640 due to the dirt riding marketing etc. But ended up with the 650 Dakar and love it for it's available info, modern design, comfort, large capacity alternator, extra's, ABS, robust revvy motor, FI, low COG, awesome looks, heaps of plastic and alli parts (I live 50m from the beach).

Don't like the BMW bit though.

bike choice
 

My search was similar and still different.
for my RTW 2 up
*reliable
*confortable
*able to carry 2 up on and off road
*easy to work on
* well known bike having done similar trip
*easy to find after market part (big tank.......)
*good look
*price
These were pretty much my requirement in order of preference

PS I heard one or two things about some final drive issue but ......

My first overland choice had been the BMW R1150GS, courtesy of its cargo capabilities, comfort and relaibility for our two-up journeying! I'm glad to say it performed famously, only to let itself down in the "being slammed by a car headlong into a crash barrier" category where it, regrettably, failed to pass...

Since then I have moved to Estonia where winter riding should involve studs, so a solo was not a good choice, we have a dog, so a solo was not a good choice and I am still crap at off-roading, so a solo was not a good choice.
Result? A Ural 2WD Sportman that I am bastardising heavily on a weekendly basis, so that it can carry us both with the dog too and our luggage over all sorts of terrain. Plans to use it include Europe and Murmansk in the near term and Siberia and Cape Town in the long term.... For one man jaunts I have an XR400, with large tank and VERY thick sheepskin on the seat...

Chosing a motorcycle is very similar to chosing a woman...
 

heh, could get slapped for this one.

Truth is I spent weeks and weeks like everyone else eying up different bikes, looking at stats and opinions. Then I went into a shop, saw a bike, forgot the stats and fell in love. 2005 Honda Transalp. We are 10 months into our sordid love affair and still going strong.

Like everyone says, it is a personal choice. If there was one bike perfect for the job then this part of the forum wouldn't exist. it'd just be "Which bike should I take?" and everyone would post back "DUUUUHHHH, Transalp!" (of course)

safe riding,
Ol

It's certainly odd how the whole 'perfect bike' thing works out - I spent ages reading articles on the net, looking at all the options and taking test rides etc before deciding what was the best bike for me back in July 07, now less than two years later it is probably the least favourite bike that I have ever owned. Uncomfortable on long journeys and an absolute pain to do even simple work on it's being traded in next week.

The bike, an 07 Honda Trans Alp probably just like the one that Hornet600 has - still, it would be a boring world if we all had the same tastes :mchappy:

Aless scientific approach?
 

I ended up getting a copy of bike trader, looked through it and got the lowest mileage bike that looked up to the job for under 2 grand with fairly low mileage. Ended up with an Elefant 750, great bike:funmeteryes:

I was actually looking for a used XT600 but in the end I bought a new BMW R80 GS Basic and I still use it after more then 200kkm :D

Its interesting that most members so far, me included when considering the XR, just plumbed for what looked capable and available at the time but do not seem at all disappointed by their choices!

I find that quite encouraging: a small reminder that its the rider and what you experience that makes a trip, rather than purely the bike

It just goes to show, in my opinion, that spec sheets are a bit of a waste of time, other than the simple pre-purchase therapy of window shopping and licking one's lips at the prospect.

Perhaps the next time a newbie poster gets embroiled in a storm of opinions we should direct them here and point out: "See? If you get what you like for the money you've got, you'll figure the rest out for yourself..."

Curiously enough I'm going through this very process at the moment, I'm trading in my stalwart Kawasaki GT550 and upgrading to something more versatile.

After reading the forums and drooling over one, I'm probably going for a XT660Z which appears to be a happy medium of good quality and a bike that I like the look of. :)


Heh, and no need for the redirect Warthog. :)

When travelling to "east" part of the world, i chose a bike which is "hard to break, easy to fix" ... KLR650 ... for solo, so-so mechanic, light traveller i think its a great pic ...also web-purchasing almost every part is possible....

But when travelling to "west", i chose a bike "hard to break, impossible to fix" ... BMW 1150GS ... i thought finding parts or dealer is not a big deal at that part of the world ...

Thats how i chose ...

I'm glad you've got a model in mind, Lagan , rather than being in that " I don't which way to turn" state that is so easy to fall in to.

I must say that this topic has got me thinking about how we choose bikes. The first thing to remmeber and often the easiest to forget is that one's bike is very personal. As with all personal things, we often think ours is best and can also get very defensive if that choice is questioned or criticised. Then all hell breaks loose and we are on 142 posts of slagging off!!!

I must say that I think anyone who wants advice on which bike they should buy should follow TWB's lead and not ask "which bike should I buy?", but rather "which bike did you buy and why?".

Then they can start looking through the responses for people who had similar needs to their own: route, luggage, price, performance etc...

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! :)

Perhaps it is also something to do with pre-internet era, when older members bought their bikes? I imagine back then things were a bit simpler. The less information (or choice) you have, perhaps more happy you are. If you don't read endless reviews and opinions on forums and just go to a shop, buy a bike that *you* like (not someone else recommends) and be satisfied... Nowadays if you start reading forums about diffrent opinions you just can easily go nuts. :)

Mine was slightly different as I'm only licenced to ride a 125cc. That kind of cut down on the tourer/dual sport options for a start, and then I live in rural Brittany - France, which cuts down both the number of dealerships and the number of secondhand bikes.

So having posted on here about what to look out for I set out with a small shopping list - Honda Varadero, Honda CG125, Suzuki Vanvan, Yamaha XT125 and Derbi Terra/Terra Adventure.

I had a test ride on the cheaper bikes to start with but found them a bit cramped and quite frankly a bit slow, also the fact that luggage was going to be a top box and throw overs kind of put me off - having watched E&C slog through the mud on their GSes I was of course convinced I needed aluminium luggage. I took a test ride on the Vara after and it was a great bike, but expensive (I could have done a biking course and my test for the premium) and also on the Derbis.

But what really swung it was the reception I, a new biker, got in the dealerships. Sure I didn't have the foggiest idea what I was asking, sure my helmet looked a bit old, and my bikers jacket was definately borrowed, but hey at least I went equipped for a test ride and at least I had my chequebook ready.

Mr Honda was sniffy with me, kept breaking off to chat to people he obviously knew as they came in, said I could have a quick once round the block test ride and positively laughed at me when I mentioned the touring word.

Mr (and Mrs) Derbi didn't, they answered all my questions, they patiently listened to my dreams, they laughed with me at the mouldy smell in my helmet, they offered me a coffee, they said I was more than welcome to borrow the demo for the 2 hours while they were shut for lunch, they suggested some nice roads to try it out on and they gave me their mobile number in case I got bored/scared/in an accident while they were lunching.

And that's why I ended up with a Derbi Terra Adventure.

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.

Yes, ITIDKWYM!

:)

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? :helpsmilie:

Andy

:offtopic:


One thing I find fascinating is that the type of bike you have affects your behavior, or maybe it’s only me…. :innocent:

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… :yinyang:

I also have a 2-stroke 250ccm and a 4-stroke 400ccm (competition bikes) and when I use them I drive as an idiot. :devil2:
No, I don’t think all people using 250/400ccm are idiots!

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.

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.

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...

After flying through lessons and passing my bike test I was looking for the cheapest bike to do the job i.e get me on the road and learning. I found a mint '99 Yamaha Fazer 600. It's going well. I've plans to ride a bike all the way to Oz within a year. Not sure if I'll do it on the fazer. If money is tight I'll give it a go, if not I'll upgrade to a Africa Twin/Transalp/Dakar or some other.

will

My coworker bought a Honda 750 cruiser in mint condition, and wanted to sell his '84 Honda VT500, so I bought it for $1k USD--it gets me to work and back.

Yeah, good to see some honesty with bike choice for once and no in-fighting.

Also good to see a couple more TA owners, thought we were a dying breed.

So what are we going to say now when someone asks for the perfect bike? Walk into a dealership and play Marco Polo until you bump into the right bike?

You won't regret it, it is an [i]awesome[i/] machine... I've covered over 20,000 miles on mine all ready this last six months, and it just keeps getting better - there is nothing it won't do (as long as you're brave enough!) and is mechanically rock solid...

I spent the best part of $10,000 building up my XR650R as a rally/touring machine (e-start, big tank, fairing and nav gear, brakes and loads of other bits and bobs...) and that was/is an awesome machine - but a little highly strung for serious distance work, especially on the road... after 18,000 miles (admittedly hard miles x) last year it started to use oil, and really needs a rebuild... I was all set to take it back to the US, when a found a XT660Z in stock and unsold last September - basically an off-the-shelf version of everything I'd turned the XR into - so bought that and shipped it to the US instead...

It has proved to be everything the XR was as a 'trail' bike, and far more comfortable when you do decide to stay on the tarmac... long service intervals, rock solid engine and super stable chassis, great ergonomics, good headlight (on low beam at least), more than adequate weather protection, big fuel range, EFi (it's been from -282ft to over 14,400ft), luggage and pillion capacity... hell, I'm starting to bore even myself!

I understand there are some UK dealers doing deals around 4500 pounds (sorry, US keyboard, no pound sign!) on pre-registered and 08 models at the moment... With a two year warrenty and all the warm cosy feeling that a new machine brings, I can't believe there is a better travel bike for the money?

xxx

You are correct about dealers doing good deals on the XTZ660 Tenere's.

J&S at Doncaster had a white one in at £4599, not only that but they offered me £300 more for my bike as a trade in than anyone else has, picking it up on Thursday :mchappy:

I recently convinced my Dad to get rid of his R1150RT. He simply was not using it enough, nor for the sort of use it was designed for to warrant keeping it. I was actually pedalling the CBF500, then he surpirsed me by informing me that a new Ta was on order!!

Seems he just walked in, saw it, liked it, sat on it, liked it and bought, it. Current economic situation meant he got a good part-ex and extras thrown in, too!

Seems to be a pretty effective method!!

Basically, other than offering a few choices to narrow it down, that is something I have always advocated: a first hand test ride is worth a hundred posts of other people's opinion...

Plus window shopping, sitting on bikes and making broom-vroom noises when the sales guy isn't looking is all way more fun than reading internet pages!!

I guess it's almost that. If we say there is no perfect bike, you need to pick the least imperfect. As I said in my entry in the list, I wrote a spec along the lines of aircooled 800cc twin with...etc. etc. The obvious answer is R80GS, the imperfect bit worries out 20 year old drive splines. The spec also fitted the Bonneville, Harley Sportster and Kawasaki W650, all of which have "out of spec" items like semi-slick tyres. The drunken salesman who's eyesight must have slipped from XT600E to Goldwing-with-all-the-toys-in-a-nice-colour in the Glass' guide got me over those imperfections.

I say write your own sales brochure then go see who's selling the nearest bike to it.

Edit to add: I actually got as far as buying the Haynes book on the R80 before I decided it was nice but maybe not right for me.

Andy

I thought long and hard, read every magazine, asked everyone I knew, found out everything I could. I considered reliability, power, simplicity to repair, cost of parts then squarely raised a two finger salute and bought an old Ducati!

Not just any old Ducati, though, I bought the cheapest on-road twin I could find, an '81 Pantah 500.

For three years I have been fixing it, adjusting it, modifying it, rebuilding it, getting it towed home, tuning it, spending vast amounts of money on almost unobtainable parts AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!

I've done several long trips and lots of twisty country hacking - lots of kms and eventually she has proved reliable. That is to say I've ridden out all the problems.

What I have invested in my bike is the knowledge of every part, nut and bolt, wear cycle and drama both past and future.

I think I'll buy a BMW next time but I'll probably end up with Norton Commando!

--Now you're talking !:thumbup1:

There are adventure bikes and then there are bikes that are an adventure....

If that is your bag, then you might want to try owning a Ural!!

That has been keeping me busy and broke for a while now!!!

Actually it's quite good fun making them when she is looking (am I sharing too much information about my trip to BMW here?).

I was wondering now, about starting another thread, something like "how do you feel about your bike now you've had it for a while" where everyone can say whether their accidentally bought bike is everything they hope it would be.