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28 Jan 2010
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vienna
Posts: 43
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Mickey D,
Thanks for the advice, I too was a little confused with people recommending bikes for a newbie female where she couldn't touch her toes on the ground... I think she need a bike she can stand flat footed on that can keep up with whatever bikes the guys are on... I will look into the Ninja... How would that be on long distances?
Regarding the E-Europe countries you kinda side-swiped me... I expect the roads to be just good enough... and actually less cars on the road than in W-Europe countries... hence one of the reasons for us newbies... We had planned to always park the bikes on the city-skirts & then use public transport in, as I totally agree with you on the cobble stones & crazy big/inner city drivers.
Regarding buying a bike in Europe... When crossing boarders are there problems if 1 guy has 2 bikes in his name? If not then this won't be a problem...
Nath,
To be honest, I have no idea how much of my path will be off-road... but we want to leave the door open if we like it to head across Kazakhstan if we are loving traveling by bike & I don't want the bike to be the reason we don't.
I do agree with you that 2 people's gear on the back is better than 2 people & 2 people's gear... I am coming to accept this is the most likely situation...
houbie,
I wish test riding here was like in SA... here they charge you €20 Fri & Sat and €10 M-R... and that is certainly not off-road inclusive...
I can however rent... at the same shop... weekend for a TransAlp costs €240 (400km +€0.30 per K thereafter)... absolute robbery... not to mention it is snowing here at the moment...
I am feeling like pulling the trigger on a 1-2 y/o transalp is the best idea... this way we can double if need be & I can start getting the hours under my belt... what are the negative points to the TransAlp?
Also if the US guys buys a TransAlp on arrival, what is a US comparable bike?
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29 Jan 2010
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Popex
I think she need a bike she can stand flat footed on that can keep up with whatever bikes the guys are on... I will look into the Ninja... How would that be on long distances?
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She does not need to "flat foot" her bike. Tip toes are just fine. She will learn to slide over to one side of the seat to get more security. The Ninja (GPZ500 in EU) will be a godd long distance ride with a few mods. Very easy on tires, chains. Very light weight and tough as Hell.
Mild dirt roads no problem. I would ride one any where a BMW GS or Transalp can go. Heavy bikes break off road, light bikes, not so much. Too wit: Karizma bikes in India.
A dual sport may be better off road but finding one low enough is hard. Perhaps an
old Yam Serow 225? (Lois on the loose) or the like could work? Lowering links can help. Look at TT250, XR250L,XT350, KLR250, or perhaps DRZ250? All are decent dual sports, but taller than the GPZ 500.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Popex
I am feeling like pulling the trigger on a 1-2 y/o transalp is the best idea... this way we can double if need be & I can start getting the hours under my belt... what are the negative points to the TransAlp?
Also if the US guys buys a TransAlp on arrival, what is a US comparable bike?
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The 2 year old Trans Alp would be good bike but a 2 year old Suzuki Vstrom 650 is better in every way. The more you read here (and elsewhere), the more you will discover this fact. The Trans Alp is reliable and many have done RTW. But it's a 20 year old design.
The Vstrom is not only tough and reliable but also modern, light and strong. So much has changed on modern bikes in the last 20 years, so much for the better! What does that really mean?
=More power, =better fuel economy,= more range,= better handling and suspension (very important), =better brakes by far. =Easy to service.
Don't fall for the romantic idea of the Trans Alp, Africa Twin or BMW. None can touch the Vstrom in the real world on bad roads over years of hard use. The Africa Twin was good twin 15 years ago because there were not many good alternative twins except BMW. Now, the game is different.
For Two Up either will be OK. Ride both and decide.
Last edited by Mickey D; 30 Jan 2010 at 18:30.
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