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OFF TOPIC

"-------Get a Yamaha! I have owned four so far in my life and the most reliable bike I ever had was a 1974 Yamaha XS 650 twin. I bought it in 1987 for US$500.00 and it just ran and ran.
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I'm a Yamaha XS650 fan too , the last time I looked I had 3 complete and one in bits .
They have a very strong engine and now that permanent magnet alternators are available for them , it is an excellent bike to rebuild for travelling tarmac and gravel roads .

thanks to all again.

i'll think... think.... and think again. i'll look over my route and see the percentage of on/off road. twins would be much more comfortable especially on the motorways, on the other hand singles are better in the third world countries.

anyway, thanks again for the advices..

That is neat. :thumbup1: Send one down this way!
The XS does not exist in Brazil, that is why I went with the XT600! Reminds me of the XS650 somewhat.



:scooter:

Dave has pretty much said it all ..... its really about you, what sort of ride you'd like, your abilities and your expectations.

I've owned 2 Vstroms .... look in the Suzuki tech section for a couple theads where I talk about the 50,000 miles I put on my first Vstrom.

The bottom line is that it is a very tough bike. And is now one of the most popular RTW choices for a bike. Look up riders on the road now...you can find their reports here on HU.... I predicted years ago the Strom would do well....and now the Vstrom is really really popular. There is a good reason for the reputation.

In 2002 the orginal Vstrom mailing list (US based) had 2700 members Almost NO faults or problem reports from anyone for years. I've never seen a bike do this well in a public forum.

You have listed some of it's weaknesses. Ground clearance can be a problem in very rough going, but a different shock and linkage can help some to raise the bike and a bash plate too. Plastics can break of course but crash bars help protect the radiator and plastics. The Wheels are so tough you can't believe it. I dented mine twice in very extreme high speed riding. Not likely to happen in "normal" dirt riding.

No worries about the electronics or fuel injection. Zero negative reports on this. It just keeps going. Only need to take care of battery...which are very very good ....not like BMW. Many Vstroms now over 100,000 miles.

Good luck with your choice.

Good thread on Vstrom 650 .....see Rhinoclips posts and pics here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...eck-in-24476-4

Patrick

Are you seriously suggesting setting off on a long distance trip on a 35 year old bike?? Things have moved on somewhat since the 70's, and i'd suggest there are more suitable bikes out there to do the job.

Back to the original discussion - if you're looking at the Vstrom, then why not consider the Honda Transalp? They've been around for years, so you'll definately find one at your price, and they're one of the most reliable bikes ever built. 21" front wheel as well.

I would go for KLR650A ...

You can find its parts & pieces from happy-trail.com or Dual Star - The original Motorcycle Adventure Outfitters™ ...They can ship anywhere around the world.

I would think that the V-strom and the Translap would be quite more expensive than a single of the same quality. Here in Brazil they are almost twice the price. Maybe they are cheaper in Europe or the US?

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Please read " OFF TOPIC " let me repeat " OFF TOPIC" !


I don't recommend a 3O year old bike to anyone , unless they are a capable mechanic .
Myself - I'd do it in a heartbeat .
I did a 3500 mile trip last year - no big deal.
Old bikes are simple and easily fixed in third world countries .

How long since XT600 , KLR 650 , DR650 and even the good old Enfields were designed ?

I have not read through and the responses, but in case its not been mentioned, have you considered a Honda Dominator NX650?

Its air-cooled, decent tank size: good for about 150 miles (you can get an over sized one too). Comfy seat: good on paved roads, but perfectly competent off-raod, as long as its not something ridiculous. Just fit and endruo/Supermoto mudguard under the bottom yoke (leave the fork brace that was on the original mudguard.

Top speed of about 95 mph (150 kmph), but pulls strongly all the way, unlike some bikes that take 20 minutes to gain those last 15 mph...

I used to have one: very pleased.

You can also get plenty of after market spares, such as luggage, and there are loads out there.

A thought to consider....

thanks to all again.

i have almost read all of the DR and XT threads. both good and though bikes with offroad capability, simple engine, light, reliable, etc..

now i am reading the threads about DL. mollydog, thanks for the links. they are really useful.

i have to keep reading..

What bike :) ?
 

Another suggestion is mobile.de. I'm looking now and there are some between 2000-5000km. I'm sure you know it and you have friends in Germany that can help you out with it. Good prices as well.

I want to do a similar trip this summer. I'll leave in the last week of may and I'm still not sure about the bike. I guess that in the next hours I'll post a thread with my findings and my doubts.

If you're leaving in the same period maybe we can do at least a part of the road together. I'll go through Turkey-Iran-Stans-standard.

hi Maguest

import a bike to Turkiye is really pain and the taxes cost a lot as we are not a member of EU. it is better to buy one from here. they dont import DR650 and KLR650 here. hard to find low milage XT600. now i am strongly consider about v-strom 650 as they are really populer here and second hand cost almost same as transalp.

i am preparing my self for next year as i am moving to another city for job purposes and moving will cost me a lot.

when you are in Turkiye, drop me a line if you need place to stay. i am in Ankara now and will move to Istanbul in a couple of months.

have fun!

Nx650
 

As well as bullet proof engine , easy maintenance just change the oil evry 2000 kms. Honda the best of the lot:thumbup1:

All this ..... and more .... happened to me on my XL! :rofl: