Bike advice

[cold comfort]

Have shot myself in the foot with the Multistrada purchase. In retrospect should have got a BMW F800GS for taking the wife around/ adventure riding AND a track bike (have a trailer). I want to do some gravel and track days. Problem is the Multi is too pricey to crash and not suitable for gravel (tho have had it thru Danseys Pass etc). Therefore looking for advice re the best track/off road bike. What is best for motard/adventure use. Could have a set of offroad and motard rims to switch. A budget option would be appreciated.

[Waihou Thumper]

any suggestions just yet but we share the same birthday isn't that cool...:devil2: Fellow Scorpio...

I will keep an eye on this and good luck, heaps of knowledgeable folk out there....

[Eddieb]

Have shot myself in the foot with the Multistrada purchase. In retrospect should have got a BMW F800GS for taking the wife around/ adventure riding AND a track bike (have a trailer). I want to do some gravel and track days. Problem is the Multi is too pricey to crash and not suitable for gravel (tho have had it thru Danseys Pass etc). Therefore looking for advice re the best track/off road bike. What is best for motard/adventure use. Could have a set of offroad and motard rims to switch. A budget option would be appreciated.

Probably a KTM of some sort if you want to include track work, a 525 or something where you can get factory motard wheel kits.

If you don't mind a bit of fab work and aren't so worried about running front of the pack then a cheaper option would be a DR650 and pick up some gsxr wheels of trademe. The fab work would be to make spacers for the GSXR wheels to fit, there's guys on here that would have the measurements as they have done it already.

[Waihou Thumper]

Probably a KTM of some sort if you want to include track work, a 525 or something where you can get factory motard wheel kits.

If you don't mind a bit of fab work and aren't so worried about running front of the pack then a cheaper option would be a DR650 and pick up some gsxr wheels of trademe. The fab work would be to make spacers for the GSXR wheels to fit, there's guys on here that would have the measurements as they have done it already.

Or Husqvarna 570, there is anice one for sale at the moment...steer clear of the Aprilia SM bikes...
KTM 530, 525EXC etc, get some motard wheels, bigger Clarke fuel tank, good for the roads, great for the track.
Not so good for pillion..
If you want to take a pillion, AND do all of these things I guess you might have to do some more homework and explore the options?

[cold comfort]

Cheers, yes i can see where this is heading. The common argument seems to be the KTM (maybe the 690) primarily but the DR as the economic alternative. GAZBUR is a huge fan of this option i believe. The DR would have pax pegs but really don't care that much about a pillion.

[junkmanjoe]

650 V strom suki mate.

seam to be able to handle the rough stuff quite nicely.

[Woodman]

KLR........ Here we go again

[junkmanjoe]

yip just dont buy a second hand red one from richmond....:eek:

[Woodman]

yip just dont buy a second hand red one from richmond....:eek:

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact :spanking:

[Waihou Thumper]

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact :spanking:

and buy my KTM....:niceone:

[junkmanjoe]

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact :spanking:

ohhhh fish are biteing quick tonight...:bleh:

[Waihou Thumper]

Cheers, yes i can see where this is heading. The common argument seems to be the KTM (maybe the 690) primarily but the DR as the economic alternative. GAZBUR is a huge fan of this option i believe. The DR would have pax pegs but really don't care that much about a pillion.

Something over the 450cc.
525cc-640 does give you a better choice...
Suzuki Vstrom wee strom would be great bike yes.
I would be looking at range, comfort and the ability to carry a bit of kit. Plus, when the going gets tough, if you fall, hoe well is is going to take the brunt of damage etc.
I think the Suzuki might be a bit more fragile but could be wrong. The Husqvarna, KTM and the Yamaha might be better suited.
Mind you, any bike can cut the rough stuff, it is really the jockey on top and how fast, lines etc you take might make the difference..
:niceone:

[Waihou Thumper]

KLR........ Here we go again

AND a track bike not a Tractor....:eek: Close though, same four letters at the beginning...

:niceone::clap:

[junkmanjoe]

if you where any good, ya shouldnt fall off, aye woodman.
so there be no need to damage the plastics.....

when were the south island guys coming up.

think i may need to go in to hiding........:chase:

[BMWST?]

YAMAHA XT 660,some for sale have teh motard(or visa versa) wheels included ,or at least available.

[Woodman]

if you where any good, ya shouldnt fall off, aye woodman.
so there be no need to damage the plastics.....

when were the south island guys coming up.

think i may need to go in to hiding........:chase:

have decided that plastic is for poofs ( DR riders) and am in the process of repalcing with steel bars. A jailbar KLR.

[junkmanjoe]

oh nelly......them rideing words.....:bleh:
i already got crashbars on the dr. eddie tested them for me.

they worked great too.....:clap:

[cold comfort]

How about DRZ400 SM?

[Waihou Thumper]

How about DRZ400 SM?

Want a little more horsepower? The 400 would be a bit tedious on the longer rides?
Unless you are planning shorter jaunts..
I have a Husaberg 450 if you want a good dual purpose and can still race..
use on the track.
I think about the 450 when riding longer distances, then the KTM comes out.
450cc is great for the rides of 160km or less per day, mainly for the fuel options. I do have the 300Km range but can't sit in the saddle for that long on the Husaberg but it gives me scope to explore... that is something you might want to think about. OR, carry the jerry can on the back....

[Box'a'bits]

How about DRZ400 SM?

Ask Bart what riding the DRZ is like for riding for any mileage. :kick: He certainly looked in pain coming through Wairau Valley. How are they hanging now Bart? Has the swelling gone down?

[cold comfort]

Ouch,cracked my coccyx snowboarding last season so don't plan to stand continuously. Have seen a few disparaging comments on KB about lack of power
for larger riders (like me). Saw a Husqvarna SM 610 on tradme but a bit pricey

[NordieBoy]

Ask Bart what riding the DRZ is like for riding for any mileage. :kick: He certainly looked in pain coming through Wairau Valley. How are they hanging now Bart? Has the swelling gone down?

Ride one on the Dusty Butt then :D
I picked one up the day before the ride having never even sat on one before.
My DR came with the Corbin seat.

That was back in Jan and I still havn't plucked up the courage to sit on another...