Devon TRF Group Forum

RichT4 · Champion

Which Adventure Bike?

Schoe000 · Expert

Hi Russ

You can have an adventure on any bike, it's not the bike that makes the adventure, but the attitude of the rider. My advice would be to do your research and then pick the one you like. Buying the bike is the easy bit, the hard bit is finding the time and keeping the family sweet :)

You could get a long way one either of those bikes :) Have you looked at HU or ABR to see where you can go, it's addictive!

-- Edited by Schoe000 on Wednesday 17th of April 2013 10:28:58 PM

russell11031967 · Devon's Best

Looking for some advice, have been thinking for a while of getting an adventure style bike do do a few trips on, this country first and maybe abroad next year if i get the Bug smile A friend at work has the Transalp up for sale it has a few extras, tank cover, tank bag, extra lights and panniers

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A client of ours has the BMW GS650 Dakar up for sale pretty much standard trim with panniers

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I know very little about adventure bikes and just wondered which one if any you guys would recommend me buying or should I be looking for something else cheers Russell

D13dkt · Clubman A

it would be the honda all day fro me, it looks like its kitted out to go round the world already.

Harty · Devon's Best

Big question Russ and a ton of answers! Everyones Adventure is different to the next persons!

The main question that you need to ask, is where you intend to ride i.e. roads, firetrails, greenlanes

Then once you determined this, base your bike on the answers. i.e. If you intend to do a fair bit of off road, then when you have a badger, are you going to be able to pick the bike up. Also you'll have knobblies on, so your road mileage won't be great on tyre wear. Also the more kit you carry the less mobile you'll be, so carrying the right amount of kit is another factor.

I've tried a few bikes, and personally beleive that a lightweight 600cc ish bike is the ideal Adventure bike. It can do road work including Motorways, green lanes and fire trails, carry my kit with ease, plus I can pick it up loaded.

Lostboyscout · Sportsman

I would go for Honda ,,, have a look at the Africa Twin, there is a bloke that has spend 12 years travelling around the globe on one and fixed en-route
I have a RD04 which is the earlier version, it's a 750 and pulls like a train, good for long distance but good in the rough, don't drop it as it proper heavy.

Hope this helps

Rob Drake · Clubman B

I'd go for the BMW out of the two in fact I already have, I'd be interested in buying this one if you don't.

There's plenty of info on the net as to what and what not to buy but I've always found that people buy what they fancy in the end.

Rob Drake · Clubman B

What you saying Trig?

Trigger · Novice

Get a Honda. You know it makes sense.

Pete · Devon's Best

Trigger wrote:
Get a Honda. You know it makes sense.

I'll quote that back to you one day, and you'll deny it, and laugh, while we look at your orange bike...

Rob Drake · Clubman B

but make it a white one

Tigerman · Expert

Yamaha Tenere XT660Z Russell. But then I am Biased! wink http://adventure-motorcyclingh.com/2012/02/19/yamaha-xt660z-tenere-review/

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potus · Clubman A

Have owned all of the above, now have the 955i (for sale) as have just bagged a KTM 950. I've taken the 955i up the stella alpine mountain rally in Italy although glad I didn't drop it but it was a great bike for riding the alpine passes on the way through France.

Rode the transalp from Santander to Malaga and back through France to Roscoff taking mountain tracks en route and was a great bike too, sometimes struggles on the motorway but otherwise fine.

Found the Gs a little vibey.

I'd probably say go for the transalp although I've not had chance yet to recommend the KTM....

mike

John Leah · Clubman A

I've never ridden either bike but I do own both a honda and couple of BMWs and the build quality of the Honda is far superior to the BMWs - particularly my more recent one.

Neither of these will be as good as, say, a TTR250 on typical Devon lanes nor will they be much fun on a motorway but for back lane tarmac, gentle touring or the occasional trail ride either would be fine. My heart would say the BMW but experience would mean I'd choose the Honda.

Cheers,

John

tugboat · Clubman B

I've had all 3 models of TA, currently a 650. The 600 I had for 20 years, lovely soft ride but seat a bit of a plank. The 700 was a roadbike in Adventure style, too heavy and hard suspension. The stylists went a bit silly with that one. The 650 which you are considering is IMHO the best compromise having the softer suspension, nice comfy saddle and decent styling and instruments. The engine is well tried and tested, but servicing always seems to get harder as the stylists take over. It's a lump to pick up just like any bike with bodywork.

Look at ease of roadside repair to both TA and BMW.

The BMW seems to have a status value, and most long distance adventure riders seem to go for the big BMWs, but looking at BMW engines they seem to have all sorts of bits of hose and wire tacked on here and there, looking like afterthoughts. I reckon the Hondas are much better designed.

I couldn't live with the graphics on that Beemer, but that's subjective.

If I was in your shoes and determined to choose one of the two, it would be the Honda for sure.

If I was open minded, and intending to travel 'off-piste' I'd probably look for something with a more stripped down design, for better ease of roadside maintenance.

RichT4 · Champion

tugboat wrote:

I couldn't live with the graphics on that Beemer, but that's subjective.

biggrin I know what you mean. When I first looked at that picture I though the side panel was shouting 'FoSoGS' wink

Nige · Expert

Just get a dakar kit for the CRF Russ.

Simmo · Expert

R1

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rich xr · Clubman B

May as well but my penny in, I would only tour on a single cylinder bike if I was sure that off road riding was my goal. Long hours weeks months on a single are uncomfortable and only worth it if you reward yourself with good off road challenges. If there is more tarmac than dirt...... get a twin or triple. Fuel economy is also a big factor when you start riding distance. I would love to go ADV on a big Vtwin KTM but I 'heard' that mpg is low. My gs850 and my Xchallange could both do 50mpg. I did have little jaunts at off roading my gs850 and enjoyed them, only dampend the fun at the thought of denting the tank for the first time.

rich xr · Clubman B

join in with the pictures

Schoe000 · Expert

Join in with picture :)

Gruff growl · Clubman A

This is my Suzuki Freewind (Fad,venture bike), at the top of East hill.

Its not the best bike in the world, but it came in 5 boxes and has cost me less than £500 including buying it, rebuilding, taxing and insuring for two years.

It gets used every day come rain or shine, has helped out at the horse events, been ridden through floods upto the bottom of the headlight and takes me where ever I want to go.

Modifications include the top box, essential for work, knobbly tyres and welded on enduro footpegs.

It does nearly 70 to the gallon and will happily cruise at 70 mph.

Adventure is a state of mind, not which bike you ride.

FBF · Clubman A

Which one is the Transalp

Rob Drake · Clubman B

The one that's not a DRZ

Oh that doesn't narrow it down much.

FBF · Clubman A

I'll try and add something constructive

Something to think about if you are considering an adventure bike is as already pointed out, what are you expecting to do with it?

Because if you are going to ride 800miles just to have a quick hour or so on a gravel track in North Italy then really they suck, many bikes can do that, if you are going to blast through Africa the hard way then maybe they might be best for the job.

The big issue is if you do a lot of road then a big compromise has to made between offroad and road, those big wheels and heavy tyres don't make for great road handling and the tyre choice will always come back to haunt you, road biased tyres are neither that good on road or track and the first sign of serious mud will have you in the scenery. nobblies are horribly noisy and frankly pants on a wet road and wear like crazy.

Fuel consumption, noise, vibration, handling, posture, rider fatigue all quickly come into play when you are eating into your 400th mile on the road, and the sheer weight of these bikes when loaded are scary to say the least.

I bought a Kawasaki KLE500 which I still have, it has the sump guard, high exhaust low seat and long travel suspension, has a 21" front wheel and a 17" rear (which greatly limits tyre choice) its a good deal lighter than most adventure bikes but I only rode it for a month and quickly bought a Kawasaki Versys 650, (just couldn't live with the poor road manners tbh), still has the KLE tag but the low exhaust and sump would smash on the first decent sized rock, the exhaust would drown in a puddle and the small wheels would not cope with anything more than a large twig......but its brilliant on the road, will cruise all day at a ton if you wanted it, comfy and feels planted.

Adventure bike its not, would I ride it 700+miles? yes Would I do the same on the KLE500?....hmm not so sure about that one, but I would tackle the odd trail or so on the 500 whereas the Versys? Slim chance.

Dunno, adventure bikes are like 4 wheel drive softroaders to me.

FBF · Clubman A

Rob Drake wrote:
The one that's not a DRZ
Oh that doesn't narrow it down much.

Lol.

I think the DRZ is having some work done on it, I am sure I can see the swinging arm and the tank to the left biggrin

FBF · Clubman A

My bad I worked it out now, the DRZ attempted the earth pile to the left and has disintegrated, the rider is in the tree at the back.

Be warned thats what happens when you don't do your swinging arm bolts properly evileye

russell11031967 · Devon's Best

Thanks for all the replys guys smile the trouble is there is to much choice out there and still not sure exactly how adventurous I want to be, think I would rather go for something more off road biased than road based, wouldn't want to do the road work, only to find I couldn't manage the lanes I wanted to ride. These two bikes just happened to belong to friends of mine and have come up for sale at the same time, still not sure that means I should buy either of them confuse Perhaps Nige is right I should just get a Dakar kit for the CRF biggrin

Johnnyboxer · Clubman B

FBF wrote:
I'll try and add something constructive
Something to think about if you are considering an adventure bike is as already pointed out, what are you expecting to do with it?
Because if you are going to ride 800miles just to have a quick hour or so on a gravel track in North Italy then really they suck, many bikes can do that, if you are going to blast through Africa the hard way then maybe they might be best for the job.
The big issue is if you do a lot of road then a big compromise has to made between offroad and road, those big wheels and heavy tyres don't make for great road handling and the tyre choice will always come back to haunt you, road biased tyres are neither that good on road or track and the first sign of serious mud will have you in the scenery. nobblies are horribly noisy and frankly pants on a wet road and wear like crazy.
Fuel consumption, noise, vibration, handling, posture, rider fatigue all quickly come into play when you are eating into your 400th mile on the road, and the sheer weight of these bikes when loaded are scary to say the least.
I bought a Kawasaki KLE500 which I still have, it has the sump guard, high exhaust low seat and long travel suspension, has a 21" front wheel and a 17" rear (which greatly limits tyre choice) its a good deal lighter than most adventure bikes but I only rode it for a month and quickly bought a Kawasaki Versys 650, (just couldn't live with the poor road manners tbh), still has the KLE tag but the low exhaust and sump would smash on the first decent sized rock, the exhaust would drown in a puddle and the small wheels would not cope with anything more than a large twig......but its brilliant on the road, will cruise all day at a ton if you wanted it, comfy and feels planted.
Adventure bike its not, would I ride it 700+miles? yes Would I do the same on the KLE500?....hmm not so sure about that one, but I would tackle the odd trail or so on the 500 whereas the Versys? Slim chance.
Dunno, adventure bikes are like 4 wheel drive softroaders to me.
ï¿½

Well said

BMW R1150GS Adventure, brilliant on the road and ok for the odd gravel track in Italy or Morocco

-- Edited by Johnnyboxer on Saturday 20th of April 2013 11:01:20 AM

-- Edited by Johnnyboxer on Saturday 20th of April 2013 11:01:56 AM

shack · Clubman A

Just before you go off and buy something else I'll stick my wigg in.

As a life long bike changer I have had these (two Trannies and on currently on my second F650) along with many similar machines, the biggest thing I would say is what swung it for me and the beemer is that Far superior comfy seat and economy (in the 70's not 50's) unfortunatley build quality isn't great for either bike, but check out the XRV.org and F650.co.uk sites for lots of info.

Choosing a bike- happy days

-- Edited by shack on Saturday 20th of April 2013 09:58:11 PM

willywombat · Clubman B

If you pass on the transalp could you pm me contact details please and price he's after ?
thanks
Bill

snasher · Clubman B

Of these two the BMW for sure - as once used at the BMW off road school. No one off roads Trans Alps although, I'm sure it would do a fire trail OK.

Other wise the world's your lobster from C90 to an R1 they all been run around the world. Mondo Enduro did it on DRZ 350's and I think the DRZ400 takes a lot of beating as a general purpose do anything adventure bike (after a few mods).

Unfortunately for you opinions are like bum holes - everyone has one!

Rob McCarthy · Sportsman

iTo have just had a ride on this for the first time in a while and had forgotten how good it is.

i know they are quite big but they are great at soaking up the miles.

Schoe000 · Expert

Bought my next adventure bike tonight. Going to bring me home from Mongolia 7000+ miles. Thought I would splash out :)

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TTR · Powermonger!!

biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Rob McCarthy · Sportsman

Not sure about the colour Nick but sounds like great fun wink

Schoe000 · Expert

Rob McCarthy wrote:
Not sure about the colour Nick but sounds like great fun

Agreed but the colour put the purists off, so I got it cheaper. My budget was 200 to 500 in Devon, no rust, no smoke, no rattles....... no chance :(

Got this one for 525 no rust, no rattles, no smoke, puky colour :) got to go Bristol way to collect it.

snasher · Clubman B

Bling tastic goldie looking machine - brilliant

russell11031967 · Devon's Best

Schoe000 wrote:
Bought my next adventure bike tonight. Going to bring me home from Mongolia 7000+ miles. Thought I would splash out :)

Looks pretty mint Nick smile

jt · Powermonger!!

Man thats awsome - all blinged up bigstylee, big pasty rack, even looks like a go fast pipe, stripes and all biggrin

Whats written on the seat - is it a Pizza shop address and number?????

Schoe000 · Expert

jt wrote:
Whats written on the seat - is it a Pizza shop address and number?????

Nope I think it is the address and number of the recovery service :)

jacks · Expert

Looks good Nick, the good thing with scooter seats is theres plenty of space to move your bum around, sidesaddle, etc to releive the numbness.

Rob Drake · Clubman B

Schoe000 wrote:
Agreed but the colour put the purists off,

Don't tell me there is snobbery amongst C90 owners? confuse

Looks good, I paid £2.76 for my last one and that had enough fuel for a days riding around Heathfield common in it.

TTR · Powermonger!!

Rob Drake wrote:

Looks good, I paid £2.76 for my last one and that had enough fuel for a days riding around Heathfield common in it.

I hope you didn't harm any of the rare ants Mr Drake disbelief

Rob Drake · Clubman B

What the ones Paignton Zoo killed off before reintroducing them? Should have put a schedule 14 claim in for byway it was used so much.

Rob McCarthy · Sportsman

There you go Nick, a quick respray.

Looks quite smart in red and of course it will go faster wink

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Schoe000 · Expert

Rob McCarthy wrote:
There you go Nick, a quick respray.
Looks quite smart in red and of course it will go faster

Probably worth double now :)

philsil · Clubman B

115kgs

15bhp

ideal entry to the GS lookeelikee style