Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - What's a good touring bike the 450cc range? Any ideas?

Quote:

Originally Posted by momo034 (Post 586065)

After reading this I read all these old posts on the Hubb & AdvRider about carbies vs. EFI...maybe it is a case of being afraid of what I don't know...but Im still a bit afraid. Not something that would completely put me off on it but I still think I prefer a carburetor.

I think I am mostly hung up on extra 30kilos of weight, which is not chump change. A more comfortable seat on the 650 isnt really gonna weigh much more (I know it still probably wouldnt be as comfortable as the CB500 seat), neither will putting in a good LED bulb, and others seem to think the 650 has a decent subframe already. As for the extra power, its just not something I feel I need. The only reason I still consider the CB500x is comfort, and fuel consumption. And you the other thing Im still wrestling with is the RR upgrade and which to go for. Im small as I said, 1.73m, and skin and bones, so with the extra weight of this bike I would at least like to have my feet flat on the ground or close to it. So @JMo what are your thoughts on which kit? I know the level one does not raise the seat, but does it really make much of a difference?

Anyways, perhaps your right, its worth jumping on one and giving it a ride.

Hi Momo, I think one of the best pieces of advice you've received so far was from Walkabout:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkabout (Post 585941)

…Finally, your pillion passenger needs priority consideration, as a minimum.
I have known bike passengers throw in the towel and walk away from a ride because of the self-centred person at the front of the bike.

Currently you are scrutinising every little specification detail, rather than looking at the bigger picture...

You say you need a bike for 'touring' with some off-road use, and fundamentally with a passenger.

With the greatest of respect, if you're 120lbs and 1.73m, I can't see how you're going to be riding any bike two-up, with luggage, over anything that you might consider 'serious' off-road - so you need to focus on where the two of you will be riding primarily, which is on paved and rough dirt roads.

Without diverting back into spec comparisons too deeply, consider the DR650 has a seat that is three inches higher than the CB500X - again, if you're short[er] and not particularly strong, then the weight of two people and their luggage sitting higher is going to have far more effect on how many times you drop your bike than the actual overall weight... and if you don't drop it in the first place, then you won't need to pick it up of course!

Sure you can always lower a DR650 - but then you've just removed the only potential advantage it does have over a stock CB off-road, ground clearance and suspension travel...

Unfortunately, if you are a shorter rider and not overly strong, then that is always going to be at odds with more dirt-orientated dual-sport design bikes... and something that is a little closer to the ground (ie. a more street-derived/orientated ADV bike), would seem to be a more appropriate choice - which is why I suggested the CB500X (with the LEVEL 1 standard travel/seat-height suspension), the RR engine guard and some decent tyres - basically exactly the same set up that Lisa (in the photo I posted previously) has:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...KPNmKbN-XL.jpg
photo. you don't need the Scorpion exhaust, but it saves a bunch of weight and looks/sounds kewl ;o)

For info. Juan Browne (who has a lot of CB500X videos on YouTube) is also around your height, and has no problem riding his LEVEL 2 (+2" travel) bike, but he is an experienced off-road rider, and only ever rides solo...

I'd suggest if you're looking to move things forward now, then consider joining a dedicated forum for the two bikes you have in mind - and ask more specific questions [based on your personal requirements] from owners there, and I'm sure there will be a lot of answers to questions you may have, posted there already.

I'd then seriously get a ride on examples of the bikes on your short-list, and with your passenger too - as Walkabout suggests, do not discount this element as it will be an intrinsic part of how any future trips are going to be enjoyed.

Finally, if the bike you do end up with doesn't turn out to be ideal for what you want, sell it and buy something else... it's only a bike at the end of the day.

Hope that helps...

Jx