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what first bike..on a budget what first bike..on a budget
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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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Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 12 Nov 2009
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what first bike..on a budget
Hello....am quickly getting bitten by the bike bug...Up till now have always travelled 4x4....apart from when i went rucsacking at 18......
Need help on decideing what type of bike for a new rider(who has riden before)for a 6ft 3 person....and on a bit of a budget......Would be looking at a trial run on whatever i get to a place i know well Northern italy and do some tracks...So would need to be able to take my weight and luggage.. Really not bothered by old bikes as have always driven classic landrovers,,,,many thanks stu.
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  #2  
Old 12 Nov 2009
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Hmmm,
possibly Suzuki DR650SE or Yamahas XT600, as a compromise for the all purpose bike. If more offroad would be applicable, maybe Suzuki DRZ400S or SE, if more road biased Kawasaki KLE500 or Honda Transalp 600.
Except for the Suzuki DRZ400, all the others should be out there for reasonable prices, second hand. All the best, and welcome
cheers Michael
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  #3  
Old 12 Nov 2009
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Many thanks....must admit i do like the look off the Tenere and they are quiet reasonably priced......Thought if i get one thats cheap enough and needs a bit off work doing......it will give me something to do through the winter and get a chance to learn about the bike....(Just going through a move to Scotland)so ive got a good place to start to practice sleeping by the bike etc...Also it looks a lot cheaper to do my test up in Aberdeenshire......
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  #4  
Old 12 Nov 2009
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One end of the country to the other That'd be a good test for a new bike (& rider)

Get out there & try a few first. Money's still tight, so should be able to pick up a bargain.
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  #5  
Old 13 Nov 2009
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Yes ive never been one for a small move up the road....when visiting the other week to Stirling for a job interview......ended up going to loch lomond just for a chill and a sleep in the car.......while sat their couldnt beleive how many Bmw 1200 gs,s went past....everyone was on new bikes with nice new top notch gear on......prefer old dirty used stuff myself....very nice bikes but a lot out of my price range.....although i do like the 650 dakar and have seen a few reasonably cheap that need tidying up....
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  #6  
Old 13 Nov 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m2catter View Post
Hmmm,
possibly Suzuki DR650SE or Yamahas XT600, as a compromise for the all purpose bike. If more offroad would be applicable, maybe Suzuki DRZ400S or SE, if more road biased Kawasaki KLE500 or Honda Transalp 600.
Except for the Suzuki DRZ400, all the others should be out there for reasonable prices, second hand. All the best, and welcome
cheers Michael
You can get a 2003 DRZ400S for about £1400 !

Thats probably cheaper than the 650, Transalp or even the KLE !!

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  #7  
Old 13 Nov 2009
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Think about the KLR
What about the KLR 650. A great bike and is really cheap. A few mods and rtw you go. Lots of options available and is very reliable. The seat height is perfect for you!
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Old 13 Nov 2009
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My Short list
Honda Africa Twin 650 or 750 (not so cheap)
Suzuki DR 650SE
XTZ Super Ténére

Having just come from that area, I hope your shed is heated
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  #9  
Old 13 Nov 2009
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Hi,
if you can get a DRZ400S for 1400, as one member mentioned here, that is cheap, provided condition is good. They have the best reputation here in downunder, excellent trail bikes. I had a Honda XR400R myself, but would prefer the DRZ400 over the Honda. A friend of mine rides one. If trails are the target, the DRZ400 is a bulletproof funbike, and lightyears ahead of all 600/650 dual purpose so called Enduro bikes. Just look at the weight and quality parts for suspension used, it says a lot.
All the best Michael
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