You will be using an A2 licence for the next couple of years then - isn't that how it works nowadays?

it seems you done your home work, my 2 cents is go with the v strom 650 and you won,t go wrong cheers

Chaps,

What a great response, thank you. All your advice is very much appreciated.

I think I'll test ride / have a much closer look at both the XT600 (if I find a used one with low miles) and the KLR650.

The rebuilt Versys looks good, but my knowledge of mechanics is yet limited (though I have already booked a course to get that changed asap)

I'll also have a look at the BMW F650 that I came across today during my research - looks like a decent compromise between all the bikes, and is within my budget.


I have the full A license. I believe you have to be over 24y if you want to get it right away, which I am.


Keep the suggestions coming if you like - I hope this thread is also useful for other newcomers. Either way, I shall update you soon on my decision.

I am very excited! Thanks again!

Best
:scooter:

Given that your early trips will be relatively short and, it appears, largely on Tarmac, why not a Bandit (or similar - the small V-Strom, for example) until you're ready for the more adventurous trips? By which time you may have a better understanding of your requirements, and those of your pillion. Then you might be able to trade up/across to your ideal adventure bike.

I am not sure what you have in mind about the Versys, but I wrote about it here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-thread-65709


Apart from the issue of the cost of insurance, your pillion is a key input to your decision; it is simpler to just ditch the girlfriend. :innocent:

You rarely hear of folk riding two up off-road (however the latter is defined) for very far or for any length of time; even rarer do they do it repeatedly.

Too true, the road from Maun to Ghanzi (in Botswana - now blacktop) and a 2k kms tour of Namibias gravel roads has put wife off dirt roads for life!

Eh? Plenty do. Tiffany Coates, the Johnsons, The Estonian couple whose names I've forgotten, the Forewoods, that couple on the Guzzi with a roof to name a few well known ones. Southern Africa- have a look at the Wild Dogs forum- plenty of two up riding there!

I've ridden thousands of kilometers two up on all sorts of shitty roads- I think 'er indoors enjoys the challenge almost as much as I do.

Good tyres and perhaps more importantly good suspension are the key. Namibian gravel is brilliant fun, sand is more of a challenge, mainly because there is more chance of falling, although on our last trip we met a couple who'd just done the D707 (v sandy road in Nam) two up on the pegs of a 1200GS at 140kph. Respect!.

Mud? Eish, no thanks. I failed to get us up the Sani Pass once, but it was pissing down and the bike was basically on road tyres. Nearly made it though...

I'd rather be on good gravel than bad tarmac any day. Sorry, off topic there.

Zambia:

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...5/P1030271.jpg

I'm sure he does, the point I was really trying to make was that and cheap reliable bike kitted out with soft luggage will do. No need to worry about the shape of the thing as long as it's comfy and reliable.

Good point Steve.
One can always up grade or change out bikes after some shorter "shake down" tours. Once on the road you'll quickly learn what works for you and pillion .. and what does not. But do as your doing ... and look at a few bikes, test ride as many as possible. Only way to really know.

I'm not a fan of the F650 BMW. Many inherent problems, most worrisome, it's propensity for blowing head gaskets due to failed water pump ... repeatedly.

Also, over charging problems and forks that just break off without warning.
All well documented on various F650 forums.
The best thing about the F650's is the fuel economy ... 65 to 70 mpg. :thumbup1:

But I would never own this bike. I've tested a few ... going back to first Funduro in around 1995. Several others since. Another big downside to the F650 bikes is WEIGHT. It's a full 65 lbs. heavier than the XR650L, DR650 and XT600.

65 lbs. represents ALL your luggage and extras loaded onto bike.
A huge amount that will result in dismal off road ability and make the bike hard to pick up if fallen. You will fall off road. bier

I had more in mind the new rider of the OP with his stated immediate objectives.
Your picture is a road to my eyes but there isn't much value in trying to define "off roading" in this particular thread (earlier ones have tried to do that).
It does seem that you have a very understanding wife. :thumbup1:
Girlfriends can be a whole different case.