Sooo...no testdriving today :/ very bad weather and i didn't know that the motorcycles in the stores are not driveable

So here are my new discovieres:
- The BMW F650GS Dakar looks amaaaazing in real, but is also amaaaazingly high, no chance for me. It was in one Shop and the owner immediatly said "nope, not your bike, even if we put it down a bit". This guy was a nice guy, he told me to keep my money for now and wait for a real deal for a travel enduro, right now they didnt had anything but they get offers for old travel bikes fairly often so he will call me if something comes in in my price range (2500€).
- Another Shop got a 2013 Honda NC700X for 4800€, looks good, feels good, too expensive. Simply that. I talked to the owner a bit about my plans and that I want to buy a light and low ccm motorcycle and he couldn't understand it. He is one of the speed lovers not travellers and didn't really care for my needs.
Nontheless he had a Suzuki V-Strom 650 from 2003 with 28.000KM, very good shape (he said) for 3250€, sat on it, and damn this bike feels JUST right. I know its too heavy but for the next 2 years? Maybe, its 750€ above my budget but i think its possible to pay that much for it, i will call him next week and make an appointment for a testdrive on next saturday, the guy didn't really care for me but when i showed my interests on the V-Strom he just started to get more into what im saying. Maybe not the nicest guy BUT iof the V-Strom runs good, why not. The plan is to testdrive it into next town and let my uncle check it (he knows ALOT about motorcycles).

So my questions: The guy said, the V-Strom is repairable with a hammer and some force. He means that theres not much electronics that can break and it can be repaired everywhere in the world. Is that true? And also what do you guys think about the V-Strom DL650 from 2003? Good bike? Worth 3250€?

Or should i wait more?`
Sadly NONE of the sellers i wrote messages to (the shops and privates with the very old Enduros like Dominators or Africa Twins or Transalps) answered my messages.

I told you, the bike you need is my Ténéré
It is tall, a bit scary at the beginning I give you that. But I am 1,72m and no problem at all.

Think about it

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http://www.wanderclan.com

Haha yeah maybe

Okay i THINK its fix now. I will buy either the Suzuki V-Strom 650 (from 2003, or maybe i find another offer) OR the Kawasaki Versys 650 from 2006.

The questions is: Which one is the better bike? Both are road Bikes so i'll stick to that for now, i know

The important points: The V-Strom i got here is without ABS and without any extras. The Versys got grip-heaters, crash bars, bigger windshield, new exhaust (why tho?), ABS, a power plug, navigation holder and some hardluggage (topcase and sides). The price is the same.

Especially, what bike is more valueable after riding it 2-3 years? Where do i get more money back?

edit: there just came a Kawasaki Versys 650 from 2008, ABS, Grip Heaters for 2700€. That fits my Budget fairly good, 33.000 km. I wait for an reply, new tires and chain kit 5000km ago, completely new TÜV, new battery and oil 4 months ago. Buyable?

I have had two Kawasaki Versys 650 ( MK1 and MK2).
They are good bikes, well balanced, fantastic handling and very reliable, but bear in mind that the exhaust is under the belly.

This will be a very big problem if you cross Mongolia. Go to a shop and look at it and consider how you will cross the difficult trails and rivers in Mongolia with that. You may be able to reposition it but could be costly.
Although if you go via the south road it might be ok, we did north and Central.

Most rivers are not too deep but we came across a big one somewhere. It may not be a big issue, I am not a mechanic but look at it and ground clearance.

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Maria

www.franglais-riders.com

Thanks for your worries but the bike i buy now is just for the next 2 years and i will mainly do trips in germany and west europe (france, spain, portugal) with it.

If i go on my journey it will be a Honda 250 Rally or Versys X-300, im 99% sure it will atleast :P

Right now, just something to learn driving on and enjoy some good trips

edit: i rode a versys today the break is really hard to reach somehow and the bike is a bit tall for me, but i guess i could put it down a bit. I will testride more bikes anyways, not quiet 100% what i want.

Im getting a Versys X-300 this weekend (rent it) and i will drive the motorcycle to the testdrive of the Transalp. Probably a nice camparison.

If those don't suit me i will give up on ADV-Bikes for now and pick up a cheap naked.

Bought a 1998 Transalp ))

Excellent choice, Skyy

Thanks
ITs good that i didn's spent my full budget (3500€) but only 2500€ because i just spent 800€ on other stuff (intercom, navigation, prot. jeans, new shoes, new gloves etc.)

Without Pics ... It never happened! PICS PLEASE!

Also, I'm sure folks here would love to hear your riding impressions of the TransAlp after getting off your rented X300 Versys.

A lot of riders are queuing up for that Versys X300, would be interesting to hear
how the two bikes compare.

Ride safe on your new bike!

Comgratulations with the bike!

It was my first big bike as well. A little heavy for what it is and a little topheavy too but a rock solid bike. I rode 45 k kms on mine and it didnt miss a beat on all those kms.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

45kms not that far

Ehhhm i dont have it yet, pic when I get it!

The motorcycle gets new fluids, new tires, a full checkup and they register it.
He said it will be finished next friday.

Ehm i would love to give out a small report on the versys and the comparisment BUT the only versys x-300 they had for rent was sold justa week ago. I couldn't rent it...next rentable mashine in 2018.

Sorry - typing error. 45 k kms it was.

And photos please...

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

1998 so probably has million miles on it
great bike!

That's the only pic I have It's a 1998 Transalp with roughly 45k km on it.
The color is...yes, PURPLE. I'm driving a milka cow now