Adventure bike recommendations

[centaurus]

I know this topic has been spinned to death allover the internet but bear with me and read all the post before telling me to go do a search.

I am looking for a good adventure bike. I mean across-europe-and-asia, or across-autralia type of bike, i.e. VERY LONG trips.

In comparisons most people talk about performance, offroad-setup and other stuff not so relevant for long adventures.

What I am mainly interested in is:
1. Reliability and long maintenance intervals. This also includes bike/engine longevity
2. Purchanse and repair/parts costs and availability of parts/spares
3. Ability to carry enough stuff without breaking in two from the weight.
4. Some wind protection would be good to have but I don't need to go overboard with this.

Obviously the bike needs to be able to go off pavement but I'm not worried about not having the most powerful or the lightest bike - rider's skills are more important than the bike's abilities and I am not going to a race across the desert or the marsh so being a less off-road capable bike would not be a major issue.

Basically, what I'm looking for is a bulletproof bike that will last forever and be cheap/easy to repair when it breaks down (probably in the middle of nowhere), a bike that will also be able to carry all my shit (no pillion). I might be touring by myself so a major breakdown in the middle of nowhere is my biggest concern.

The tour will definitely include both sealed roads and some sort of dirt (dirt roads/gravel roads/pure offroad).

Fuel capacity is a concern but if every other criteria is met, I can always strap a fuel container to the bike. Confort can be achieved relatively cheap with aftermarket mods/improvisations so a hard seat would not be a big issue.

At the end of the day, the MAIN POINT is RELIABILITY and bike LONGEVITY, on a budget.

And one more thing, I do own plenty other bikes so I'm not worried about not being able to use the bike for 10000 other purposes. This would be purposefully bought and prepared for very long adventure rides where it wouldn't be smart/financially viable to use my regular bikes.

[Eddieb]

As you've said this has been done to death everywhere, with the same sort of reasons.

It looks like you already own a machine with a great reputation for reliability, otherwise buy a KLR or DR650.

Personally I'd have a mono G/S, but I'm weird like that.

[centaurus]

As you've said this has been done to death everywhere, with the same sort of reasons.

It looks like you already own a machine with a great reputation for reliability, otherwise buy a KLR or DR650.

Personally I'd have a mono G/S, but I'm weird like that.

I would love to take my XR. Performance-wise is more than enough but 1000km oil change intervals and very weak subframe make it a no-no. Plus, I don't think it will stand the abuse of going 20,000 or 30,000 kms on and offroad fully laden and arrive in one piece.

[bart]

BMW 800 GS thingy would be my choice (not that I've riden one). When you start talking tens of thousands of miles, comfort has to be a factor.:scooter:

[JATZ]

DR 750 :yes:

[Winston001]

BMW 800 GS thingy would be my choice (not that I've riden one). When you start talking tens of thousands of miles, comfort has to be a factor.:scooter:

Wot he said. The BMW GS/PD bikes are proven. Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor wanted to take KTMs when they did The Long Way Round but ultimately settled on the BMW.

That said, I'd expect you could find Honda parts anywhere too.

[Crisis management]

I think you will find that people have ridden around the world on almost anything, pick something you like and go for it! Me, I would look at a mid sized bike (600cc ish) with a comfortable seat.

[pete376403]

I'm going to get shot down for this but - take a look at advrider and check the many round-the- world / top-to-bottom / alaska-to-tierra del feugo type ride reports, and see how many of them are done on the humble KLR650.
Look how many of your requirements it meets - can be loaded up with enormous amounts of gear, cheap to buy, very reliable, simple technology (no computer to fritz), proven design going back 20 odd years, vast aftermarket support, big fuel tank, pretty good seat, new ones have good wind protection (but the plastic is a bit fragile compared to earlier models), etc.

There are a few issues that need addressing - subframe bolts (only a problem if you're going to overload), the older models have the infamous doohickey, both of which are pretty low cost.

No it doesn't have the performance of a KTM 990, the luxury liner comfort of a BMW1200, not even as good off road as a DR650 - but all round it's very hard to beat.

[dino3310]

Yammy TDM .

[Night Falcon]

CT110...what....its cumfy :scooter:

[Woodman]

What Pete37604567893462345 said. straight out of the box they are pretty good. Lots of easy available necessay fakles available.

Or a DR with a big tank, same same.

My gut feeling on the later efi bikes is that the technology is a double edged sword. On one hand it should be more reliable, on the other hand it can be impossible to fix/diagnose without very specialised equipment.

[Padmei]

DR 750 :yes:

Cos yours is so reliable???


I'm going to get shot down for this but - take a look at advrider and check the many round-the- world / top-to-bottom / alaska-to-tierra del feugo type ride reports, and see how many of them are done on the humble KLR650.
Look how many of your requirements it meets - can be loaded up with enormous amounts of gear, cheap to buy, very reliable, simple technology (no computer to fritz), proven design going back 20 odd years, vast aftermarket support, big fuel tank, pretty good seat, new ones have good wind protection (but the plastic is a bit fragile compared to earlier models), etc.

There are a few issues that need addressing - subframe bolts (only a problem if you're going to overload), the older models have the infamous doohickey, both of which are pretty low cost.

No it doesn't have the performance of a KTM 990, the luxury liner comfort of a BMW1200, not even as good off road as a DR650 - but all round it's very hard to beat.

I'd agree with this if you are doing more gravelly dirt roads than tarseal


Yammy TDM .

That would be my second suggestion.

What about a weestrom or Vstrom? Reportedly great motors & comfortable, really reliable, able to load up with unnecessary crap & prettty capable on gravel roads.

You better not come back with a post describing your round the world trip or we (those with kids & mortgages) will have to hunt you down & beg you to take us with you:angry:

[Padmei]

BMW 800 GS thingy would be my choice (not that I've riden one). When you start talking tens of thousands of miles, comfort has to be a factor.:scooter:

LOL Mate you have to ride one:shutup: I took one for a test ride & it was great except the seat - it was terrible. I mentioned to the dealer & he agreed that what was everyone complained about it. I think you either get used to it or swap it. The new Tenere on the other hand Mmmmm comfy:love:

[pete376403]

My gut feeling on the later efi bikes is that the technology is a double edged sword. On one hand it should be more reliable, on the other hand it can be impossible to fix/diagnose without very specialised equipment.

eg - a friend had a BMW 1200GS. Comfy, smooth, fast (just got an $880 speeding ticket) but FFS, it doesn't use fuses, instead the computer disconnects circuits it detects overload in. Which is fine, but some of them are a dealer job to reset (unless you have an aftermarket computer interface tool).
I could bodge a fuse for the KLR using aluminium foil or a paper clip

[Gremlin]

Look here: http://www.kuduexpeditions.com/ These guys obviously know what they are doing, and they list their bikes - hell, take a look at their tours too :drool:

Thing I would worry about on the R1200GS, is that when stuff does break (computers etc - which it has 3 of) then yeah... you're stuffed.

Maybe something like the KTM 950 ADV? Older, carbs, more simple technology? I wouldn't mind a 990 actually, acerbis fuel tank, more mods available than my 990SM :angry:

[cooneyr]

Wot he said. The BMW GS/PD bikes are proven. Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor wanted to take KTMs when they did The Long Way Round but ultimately settled on the BMW.

The only reason that Charlie and Ewan didn't take 950 Adv's was that KTM though they wouldn't get through the borders so wouldn't give the bikes.


Maybe something like the KTM 950 ADV? Older, carbs, more simple technology? I wouldn't mind a 990 actually, acerbis fuel tank, more mods available than my 990SM :angry:

I's go with a 950 myself but them I'm bias. Heaps of info on how to modify for more fuel without buying the safari 40l tanks but they are available if you want. I've not ridden tourers but they are pretty comfortable and the weather protection is good given the tank shape.

P.S. I have one for sale :D

[Crim]

Look here: http://www.kuduexpeditions.com/ These guys obviously know what they are doing, and they list their bikes - hell, take a look at their tours too :drool:

Thanks Gremlin - looked at this website, mentioned to the wife that the Global Challenge or Trans Africa seemed to be the way to go - she took one look, got "that look" and went to bed!
Now this could mean two things - She is super impressed with me wanting to go on a manly adventure and is waiting upstairs for me:hug:
or She thinks me leaving her and the three rug rats to go traipsing round the world looking for my lost youth with money we don't have is stoopid and she is waiting upstairs for me:angry2:

[clint640]

Wot he said. The BMW GS/PD bikes are proven. Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor wanted to take KTMs when they did The Long Way Round but ultimately settled on the BMW.

That said, I'd expect you could find Honda parts anywhere too.

The R1150/1200/F800 beemers are a bit of a different world than the R80/R100. Certainly not budget, probably the other extreme really. I'm not scared of fuel injection or electronics, given time I can work that stuff out, but if I need a $10000 diagnostics tool instead of a $20 multimeter to troubleshoot the electrics that kinda swings the argument for me.

The bike I'd want to take around the world is one with adequate suspension, comfort, power & load carrying ability for me. Then I'd look at the ease of field servicing & repairs. I'd want to be very comfortable working on the bike & I'd want to have a good idea what is likely to go wrong as the miles get up.

Cheers
Clint

[Frodo]

I haven't been around the world (which it sounds like you're doing!), but I've travelled through southern South America (and read quite a few blogs!).

You don't want (or need) anything bigger than a 650 for one-up travel, unless you're riding across the US. We rode some boring straight roads across the Pampas. Our hired Transalps sat on 130km/h (with a bit more for overtaking) comfortably for hours on end. My Pegaso would do that as well. Seats on both bikes are fine - you will need to replace a DR650 seat.
Bigger bikes consume more fuel (e.g. KTM 990s) and sure they may have bigger tanks, which weigh more when full.

Reliability is, as you note, a double edged sword. My Pegaso is more reliable than my BMW Funduro, but if the ECU in my Peg sh*ts itself, I'm buggered), so I'd rather take a Funduro into central Africa.

I think that it is hard to beat a Funduro for the combination of reliability and fixability, beating the more modern EFI BMW 650 singles. There have probably been more Funduros around the world than any other species of bike. I would get a low mileage one, preferably with a history and replace the cheap steering head and wheel bearings, put a grease nipple on the swing arm bearings, and take a spare water pump and carb diaphragms. Load carrying capacity should be fine - the frames are solid. You will need to take a fuel bladder along, but the advantage is that when it is not used (for 99% of the time) it does not add to the bulk of the bike.

If I'd take a modern bike, I'd take a Tenere 660. I haven't heard of any real issues with the motor (the same motor in my Peg has some problems with the fuel pump, although mines fine). An XT660R survived the BAM road in southern Siberia including running just 800ml of oil mixed with water in the sump for a couple of days. I've heard of a couple of catastrophic failures of the motor (not RTW), but the reliability and durability seems to be better than for KLRs and DRs - but don't ask me for statistics. If budget is an issue, I'd go for a KLR. If I would go through really rugged country, I'd go for a DR650.

[warewolf]

Across Aussie I'd quite happily ride my 640A, but I'd be doing the more gnarly tracks and only traveling 10-20,000km tops. RTW is a different proposition, likely 50-100,000km or more, so I'd add comfort to your criteria. Step from the road-trail bikes like DR/KLR to a more soft-roader twin, something like an Africa Twin, Trans Alp, Super Tenere (ye olde one), KLE or R80/R100. Many of those are getting long in the tooth, but a low-mileage example thoroughly prepped would be okay.

All bikes break. Search the interweb and you'll read horror stories of even the so-called "grandfather's axe" super-reliable bikes grenading for no apparent reason. Over the years we've hosted quite a few RTW travelers on all sorts of bikes, and they've all had disruptive bike issues except one AT that was two-up (although they were probably the best prepared and this was not their first big trip). Even in "civilised" places they've had trouble with professional mechanics diagnosing things correctly, and getting parts promptly. So build downtime into your plan!! :yes:

[DR650gary]

Never been around the world on a bike and have only recently purchased the DR650 to do a bit of local (NZ) adventure riding to go with the ZRX. Having just replaced the jets with a DJ jet kit I can assure you the bike is an easy tear down and put back together. Allen key set, small 1/4 drive socket set is all I needed. Currently have it half stripped down to replace the indicators with little ones to avoid drop/breaks and it is an easy bike to deal with.

A DR 650 for me. No other option in my mind, but take it apart and replace ALL the crappy soft/loctited screws and bolts with lovely caphead stainless. Sick of pinching my wife's cooking gas torch to soften a half stripped screw after a PO had a problem.

Just my experience limited opinion.

[clint640]

Across Aussie I'd quite happily ride my 640A, but I'd be doing the more gnarly tracks and only traveling 10-20,000km tops. RTW is a different proposition, likely 50-100,000km or more, so I'd add comfort to your criteria. Step from the road-trail bikes like DR/KLR to a more soft-roader twin, something like an Africa Twin, Trans Alp, Super Tenere (ye olde one), KLE or R80/R100. Many of those are getting long in the tooth, but a low-mileage example thoroughly prepped would be okay.


The good thing about the older adv machines is that although they all have their faults, enough people have done huge miles on them & written about it so some searching of teh internets will quickly get you a list of things to fix & spares to take. The fact that the otherwise perfect for your needs xyz650 has a thingummy that breaks & destroys the motor at 65000km every time may not be a big deal if you know about it & can change the thingummy in a 1/2 hr for $50 at 60000km.


Cheers
Clint

[cynna]

Wot he said. The BMW GS/PD bikes are proven. Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor wanted to take KTMs when they did The Long Way Round but ultimately settled on the BMW..

only because KTM pulled out and wouldnt supply the bikes because they didnt think they could make it across siberia....

[Skinny_Birdman]

Step from the road-trail bikes like DR/KLR to a more soft-roader twin, something like an Africa Twin, Trans Alp, Super Tenere (ye olde one), KLE or R80/R100. Many of those are getting long in the tooth, but a low-mileage example thoroughly prepped would be okay.



Hear hear! I'd take a DR/KLR for a days thrash, but I'd rather live on something a bit more comfortable.

[clint640]

only because KTM pulled out and wouldnt supply the bikes because they didnt think they could make it across siberia....

Ewan & Charlie are a fairly useless example for the average RTW traveller. If I had a chase truck following me & 30K to spend on a bike I'd get a 400EXC & a V-Strom & put the one I wasn't using on the truck :yes:

Cheers
Clint

[NordieBoy]

Ewan & Charlie are a fairly useless example for the average RTW traveller. If I had a chase truck following me & 30K to spend on a bike I'd get a 400EXC & a V-Strom & put the one I wasn't using on the truck :yes:

Cheers
Clint

Let Claudio ride the other one.

[Squiggles]

Horizonsunlimited.com (http://www.Horizonsunlimited.com)

[thepom]

Big bike wise I,d go for my africa twin but for light and simple reliabilty my yam 600,air cooled ,no oil radiators sticking out and electric start,,,,,

[trustme]

I recently gave ' thecanoeguy ' an Ocker from the advrider site a hand to pack up his extremely tired KLR650 for shipment back to Oz after he had ridden it through the US & Sth America & NZ
I asked him if he was doing it again what bike would he pick.
' Bloody KLR mate, can't kill it & a cheap aussie cahnt can afford it & can even fix it when he has to '
She had had a few running repairs & would not do much more than 100 KPH but was still going after 60000 miles not K's. The canoe guy was a bloody good bloke who does everything on a budget, worked for him

[pete376403]

Hear hear! I'd take a DR/KLR for a days thrash, but I'd rather live on something a bit more comfortable.
Have you ridden a late model KLR? Comfort is very good. OK perhaps not as good as the seat on a Dakar 650 (that rivals a La-z-boy lounge chair) but the Dakar needs a good seat to make up for the less-than-marginal suspension.

[Gremlin]

P.S. I have one for sale :D
Still do plenty of on-road km, and not a lot of off road km (at least 90-10 biased), more exploring than anything else.


So build downtime into your plan!! :yes:
Hell, I break stuff just riding around NZ. Even the mechs can't figure out how I do some of the damage. I think I might live longer if I don't attempt RTW :blink:

[sinned]

Here is a link to a current blog on an around Aus trip on BMW R1200GS. Trip on hold while bike is being fixed. http://kenandhelga.blogspot.com/

[Skinny_Birdman]

She had had a few running repairs & would not do much more than 100 KPH but was still going after 60000 miles not K's. The canoe guy was a bloody good bloke who does everything on a budget, worked for him

A jap bike bloody well should still be going after 60000mi (96000km). There's a 650 Tranny for sale on Tard me at the moment with 125000km on it, which I find rather reassuring .

[warewolf]

A jap bike bloody well should still be going after 60000mi (96000km).Any road bike should still be going at those kays. MX & enduro, maybe not.

[clint640]

A jap bike bloody well should still be going after 60000mi (96000km). There's a 650 Tranny for sale on Tard me at the moment with 125000km on it, which I find rather reassuring .

My 640 is getting very close to 60k miles now with only a couple of minor preventive maintenance jobs done on the motor so far. I'm planning a major motor freshen up next winter, there's no indication anything is about to lunch itself though, more for peace of mind on future long trips.

Thecanoeguy's reports on advrider are great, I was annoyed I didn't get to meet him when he was here, ironically I was in Oz at the time.

Cheers
Clint

[Woodman]

If it won't go over 100k its probarbly something simple like a carb issue/tappets etc and is more than likely a lack of maintenance than an issue with the bike.

I would quite happily take my KLR on a rtw trip as it is right now. In fact all you guys would probarbly happily take your current ride as you know its issues and more than likely have pulled it apart and poked and prodded it so often that you are comfortable with fixing it in the boonies somewhere, and that confidence means a lot.

[Willdat?]

In fact all you guys would probarbly happily take your current ride.

I might pass on that offer...XLR maybe...with another 300cc's :yes:

[clint640]

I might pass on that offer...XLR maybe...with another 300cc's :yes:

Nah mate, you only need 12hp to tour the world. The rest is just for wheelspin & wheelies. :Punk:

Cheers
Clint

[Skinny_Birdman]

Nah mate, you only need 12hp to tour the world. The rest is just for wheelspin & wheelies. :Punk:

Cheers
Clint

...and avoiding being overtaken by Citroen 2CVs, snails, glaciers etc.:rofl:

[Willdat?]

Nah mate, you only need 12hp to tour the world. The rest is just for wheelspin & wheelies. :Punk:




...and avoiding being overtaken by Citroen 2CVs, snails, glaciers etc.:rofl:

Shame I've only got 9-10 hp then! 85km/h max, 90 with my chin on the tank...when my DR250 was running (for one day) I couldn't believe how grunty it felt by comparison. I think 200 cc min for my next RTW journey :whistle: otherwise straight seal is a bit ridiculous...

[cooneyr]

...and avoiding being overtaken by Citroen 2CVs, snails, glaciers etc.:rofl:

Hey you did 1000kms in 22 hrs on one. It ain't that bad. Being able to do 100kph would be bloody nice though.

[Willdat?]

Hey you did 1000kms in 22 hrs on one. It ain't that bad. Being able to do 100kph would be bloody nice though.

Same top speed in 4th and 5th, there must be some room for an improvement in top speed with gearing, anyone changed the rear sprocket? Front is quite sealed :(

[DR650gary]

How does a DR-Z400 stack up? My son is thinking about one of these, possibly the SM then grab a spare set of wheels for the dirty stuff. Not really looking at deep mud MX riding, just adventure rides plus some gravel tracks.

[tri boy]

DRZ's a good bikes, and the E model is a weapon on adv rides in the right hands, (cue mx nut).
The SM is softer in hp, but thats not a bad thing at all.
Fuel range and seat comfort are their only draw backs.MHO

[offrd]

Wot he said. The BMW GS/PD bikes are proven. Charlie Borman and Ewan McGregor wanted to take KTMs when they did The Long Way Round but ultimately settled on the BMW.



Only cause KTM said Fork oil off chaps! you buggers are tooo stupid!

Was that because ktm knew their bike would fail? Hmmmmm

[Transalper]

...
Was that because ktm knew their bike would fail? HmmmmmYet the BMWs broke anyway.

[offrd]

Yet the BMWs broke anyway.
Yes indeed they did! I pick the ktm also would have had failures.. tough trip!

I would happily chuck my ktm over there! Anyone keen to come too???

Oh hang on..... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

TV deal anyone????

[centaurus]

Thanks for all the replies.

Given my situation, I think I will go for a KLR. Having multiple bikes and not willing to part with any of them, I will be on a very tight budget. I'll just find a cheaper KLR and then strip it down and grease/rebuild the suspension myself; same for the engine as long as it's not a rebuild (I know the parts for engine rebuilds are not cheap). I'm not planning the trip for at least on year or two so I would have plenty of time to bring the bike up to speed.

Besides costs, the other advantage of taking the bike apart and putting it back together myself is that when I'll be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken down bike, I won't have to figure out on the spot what's what - after you've stripped down a bike and put it back together, you know it like your own back pocket.

[ADVGD]

Besides costs, the other advantage of taking the bike apart and putting it back together myself is that when I'll be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken down bike, I won't have to figure out on the spot what's what - after you've stripped down a bike and put it back together, you know it like your own back pocket.

Good call, that is always a bonus to have up your sleeve

[Padmei]

There's a few of us KLRerers on here that'll be happy ot help. I have woodmans rotor puller if you needto do the do & will have a pile of older KLR parts soon when i can get around to my mates to pick them up.

Not sure of what year you're looking at or price but 2nd hand newer ones go for quite cheap. Gotta check they're not oil burners tho.

[zeRax]

Not sure of what year you're looking at or price but 2nd hand newer ones go for quite cheap. Gotta check they're not oil burners tho.


theres non oil burning klr's ??!?

;D i kid i kid :>

[centaurus]

There's a few of us KLRerers on here that'll be happy ot help. I have woodmans rotor puller if you needto do the do & will have a pile of older KLR parts soon when i can get around to my mates to pick them up.

Not sure of what year you're looking at or price but 2nd hand newer ones go for quite cheap. Gotta check they're not oil burners tho.

Thanks for the offer padmei. I might take you up on it once I have bought the bike. I am looking at older KLR's (when I said budget I really meant budget :D)

[pete376403]

Check out this thread on advrider where a guy (he's aussie but seems ok) is doing a frame up resto on a KLR600. Lots of good info there. KLR600 is basically the same bike (kickstarter and 50ccs seems to be the main differences)

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=580558

[pete376403]

theres non oil burning klr's ??!?

;D i kid i kid :>

You'll keep....

[Waihou Thumper]

Was that because ktm knew their bike would fail? Hmmmmm

I think in 2004, the new 950s were not that reliable for the water pump and a few other things. KTM decided that it might not be a good idea puclicity wise to show the NEW model 950's on the BBC, afterall, what would it do for sales if these guys had issues all over Siberia.
The KTM was by far the better bike for the trip but they went with what they knew, and of course KTM said NO...:)
Charley was understandably upset and sulked for a bit....:yes:

[Oscar]

I think in 2004, the new 950s were not that reliable for the water pump and a few other things. KTM decided that it might not be a good idea puclicity wise to show the NEW model 950's on the BBC, afterall, what would it do for sales if these guys had issues all over Siberia.
The KTM was by far the better bike for the trip but they went with what they knew, and of course KTM said NO...:)
Charley was understandably upset and sulked for a bit....:yes:


It was because the expert that KTM consulted was of the view that the boys weren't capable, not the bikes.

[dino3310]

It was because the expert that KTM consulted was of the view that the boys weren't capable, not the bikes.

wasnt mcgregor a total newbie to ADV

[Oscar]

wasnt mcgregor a total newbie to ADV

Yup.

And the concern was that practising with an unloaded F650GS in Wales was not going to prepare him to ride a fully loaded Adv bike across Eurasia.

[Taz]

And they wanted everything for free :lol:

[NordieBoy]

And they wanted everything for free :lol:

Worth a try :Punk:

[Moki]

Me thinks that BMW came out of the deal quite nicely, considering the volumes of GS sold post-LWR. The guy at KTM calling the shots simply didn't have the nuts at the time, and let a massive marketing opportunity slip. Shame, as the KTM was obviously the more suitable bike.

[Taz]

F650 dakars would have been better than the 1150's IMO.

[centaurus]

F650 dakars would have been better than the 1150's IMO.

F650's would have definitely been easier to handle but given the enormous amount of luggage they had, I don't think the bikes would have coped. In LWD they managed to destroy the rear shocks even on the big beemers.

[Oscar]

F650 dakars would have been better than the 1150's IMO.

F650 - 189kg with ?51hp.

I'm not sure the power to weight ratio would be in the F650's favour.

[NordieBoy]

In LWD they managed to destroy the rear shocks even on the big beemers.

Ohlins they bought off the internet I hear.

[centaurus]

Ohlins they bought off the internet I hear.

I didn't research the subject, but according to them the ohlins they picked were supposed to be sturdier than the stock ones.

[NordieBoy]

I didn't research the subject, but according to them the ohlins they picked were supposed to be sturdier than the stock ones.

It was a tongue in cheek dig at Robert Taylor :D

[Padmei]

I didn't research the subject, but according to them the ohlins they picked were supposed to be sturdier than the stock ones.

I raised this point last year or so & the responses agred that any shock with that much weight going over the corrugations would have been rooted. I was still surprised thay went thru 3 shocks.

BMW are still cashing in on that programme. I wonder what would have happened if KTM stepped up to the plate - would their manufacturing been able to match demand or would it just mean they would be super expensive with a long waiting list?

[warewolf]

BMW are still cashing in on that programme. I wonder what would have happened if KTM stepped up to the plate - would their manufacturing been able to match demand or would it just mean they would be super expensive with a long waiting list?Noooooooooooooo! :crybaby: I'm not riding a Jedi bike!! :puke:

:girlfight:

[centaurus]

...
BMW are still cashing in on that programme. I wonder what would have happened if KTM stepped up to the plate - would their manufacturing been able to match demand or would it just mean they would be super expensive with a long waiting list?

Or, a third option would be that they might have broken down badly and loose their reputation. I know I might be flamed for this, but looking at statistics, very few "round the world" travelers use KTMs.

They are, no question about it, very powerful and competent machines but might not be so suitable for very long tours (I'm not talking about rally's here) where reliability, long life for all parts and sheer indestructibility are required.

That might have been part of the reason KTM didn't want to give them the bikes.

[JATZ]

Or, a third option would be that they might have broken down badly and loose their reputation. I know I might be flamed for this, but looking at statistics, very few "round the world" travelers use KTMs.

They are, no question about it, very powerful and competent machines but might not be so suitable for very long tours (I'm not talking about rally's here) where reliability, long life for all parts and sheer indestructibility are required.

That might have been part of the reason KTM didn't want to give them the bikes.

Uh Oh :blink:

You are trying to start a fight aren't you :shutup:

[JATZ]

Noooooooooooooo! :crybaby: I'm not riding a Jedi bike!! :puke:

:girlfight:

Jedi.......

coming to a town near you :Punk:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp201/ztaj/SDC10215-1.jpg

sorry... as you were

[Padmei]

Or, a third option would be that they might have broken down badly and loose their reputation. I know I might be flamed for this, but looking at statistics, very few "round the world" travelers use KTMs.

They are, no question about it, very powerful and competent machines but might not be so suitable for very long tours (I'm not talking about rally's here) where reliability, long life for all parts and sheer indestructibility are required.

That might have been part of the reason KTM didn't want to give them the bikes.

Shhhh... they'll hear you... you're not supposed to say anything bad about the you know whats

[warewolf]

looking at statistics, very few "round the world" travelers use KTMs.In absolute terms, maybe so, but comparatively there are very few KTMs at all. There's probably a greater percentage of KTM's total machines used for such trips than any other brand.

It doesn't take much research to find lots of instances of Hondas, BMWs and other allegedly "bullet proof, reliable as an axe" bikes inexplicably crapping out in a big way. As I wrote in the recent past, we've hosted quite a few RTW travellers and most have had major bike issues. XTs, R100s, F650s, XRVs...

[pete376403]

How would KTMs perform on low grade petro-swill sold in third-world countries? Lower performance engines might be better here - DRs, KLRs, XTs - old understressed designs, which can be repaired on the side of the road, steel frames that can be welded. You'd pick the bike for the worst it might encounter, not the best.

[Oscar]

How would KTMs perform on low grade petro-swill sold in third-world countries? Lower performance engines might be better here - DRs, KLRs, XTs - old understressed designs, which can be repaired on the side of the road, steel frames that can be welded. You'd pick the bike for the worst it might encounter, not the best.

My 950 has a fuse you can pull that lowers the octane requirement to 85.

[cooneyr]

My 950 has a fuse you can pull that lowers the octane requirement to 85.

The brown wire under the seat me thinks.

I disagree that KTM's are too unreliable to do a RTW. There are plenty of reports of over 100k kms on LC8 bikes. I know "low" kms compared to the grandfather axe BMW's but how many times around do you want to go. One of the best things about KTM's though is you know exactly what to keep an eye on i.e. KTM doesnt try to pull the wool over your eyes. In fact it seems that KTM are generally conservative i.e. bikes are more reliable than they let on - some people are getting 30k to 40k miles out of 525EXC's that "should" be completely rebuilt every 200 hours. Even more important is that KTM's are able to be serviced with very basic tools. You can get a hell of a long way with 5, 6, 8mm allen keys, 6, 8, 10 sockets, a phillips head and a flat head screwdrivers. Sure it takes a bit of time to do the work but on a RTW i'd rather not have to take special tools A through Z.

KTM950 all the way.:Punk:

[Box'a'bits]

Assumes you can get parts. :mad: That is one of the primary reasons I sold mine. Still waiting on a frame / linkage connecting bar (or at least Anthrax is)...

But the 640a was a brilliant bike apart from that, & I take your point, as long as you are aware of the known issues & prepare for these, they would easily do a RTW trip..And the suspension is light years ahead of most of the pack.

At least I know that even 20 & 30+ yr old boxers are still well supported by the aftermarket. I don't know that that will necessarily be true of all bikes...

[warewolf]

How would KTMs perform on low grade petro-swill sold in third-world countries? Lower performance engines might be better here - DRs, KLRs, XTs - old understressed designs, which can be repaired on the side of the road, steel frames that can be welded. You'd pick the bike for the worst it might encounter, not the best. Dual map ignition as standard. Disconnect one wire, runs on the 80 RON map.

CrMo steel frames can be welded, no dramas there. Decent suspension will help everything else last longer and make for a more enjoyable/safer trip. The rougher it gets the more important this becomes. One RTW chap on a 640A reported a dozen bikes with broken shocks, in just one section - eastern Siberia? - makes the Road of Bones look like a motorway. He was very glad he'd learned his lesson on jap bikes earlier in more forgiving places.

Mrs.Jatz, care to take your XT RTW? :innocent:

[warewolf]

Assumes you can get parts. :mad: Every brand suffers out of stock/availability/price issues.

[bart]

Every brand suffers out of stock/availability/price issues.

You're not wrong there. 2 weeks for a DR650 clutch cable????? :angry:

[thepom]

I still think my africa twin would be a good RTW .....once the known problems are fixed,saying that if you want to travel light I still love my xt600...which spent some time in deep puddles in the Waimak today...cheers again col for helping me out.....note to self- must get a lifejacket....

[warewolf]

The AT is a very popular RTW mount, for good reason.

[Crim]

...which spent some time in deep puddles in the Waimak today...cheers again col for helping me out.....note to self- must get a lifejacket....

Got my bike back from the vets today - was thinking of doing a loop up and down the waimak tomorrow - where were the holes and is it do-able by a bloke with tyres that need replacing and the riding skills of Ena Sharples after the rain we had last week?

[cynna]

Got my bike back from the vets today - was thinking of doing a loop up and down the waimak tomorrow - where were the holes and is it do-able by a bloke with tyres that need replacing and the riding skills of Ena Sharples after the rain we had last week?

the river has broken the thu the road on the north side - i wouldnt cross it today as it was too fast - just make a detour up harrs? road which is easy to find. there is a major slip on south side - the road is closed - had a look and a big chunk of the road is missing so bit more of a detour is needed - we back tracked to the bridge and turned left, not sure of the name of the road that linked as back to the track. i will try and post pics up in the north cant adv rideouts thread tonight...


and to keep it on topic i wouldnt take an xr650r on a world trip - i would get sick of kicking over every time i come off

[tamarillo]

last of the airhead BMW GS80 or 100. No weird electronics, everything able to be fixed side of road, parts world over and interchangeable. Adjust tappets in 30 mins. Enough power, dakar ones have huge gas tanks... can't thing of any reason why not? Get one and fully service and replace the bits that wear. Big carriers available, comfy... there are plenty of serious long distance riders still using them because the new ones are too modern to fix in far flung places and there is bugger all to go wrong.

[Eddieb]

last of the airhead BMW GS80 or 100. No weird electronics, everything able to be fixed side of road, parts world over and interchangeable. Adjust tappets in 30 mins. Enough power, dakar ones have huge gas tanks... can't thing of any reason why not? Get one and fully service and replace the bits that wear. Big carriers available, comfy... there are plenty of serious long distance riders still using them because the new ones are too modern to fix in far flung places and there is bugger all to go wrong.

Wot he said, buy my one on Trade Me ;) http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=312200113

[tri boy]

If the Mondo enduro boys can do the biz on a couple of 350 chook chasers, (second hand even), then just about anything will clock the distance.
A 100cc road bike on 18" skinny rims will easily do it. Probably alot better in knarly country than any behemoth from a bunch of beer swilling, leather panted sausage munchers at a R+D office in Germany.
Carrying everything from bog rolls, to the missus's vibrator is the real enemy of long distance riding. Fuel is relative to bike consumption.
A modifyed steel tank made to carry 18 litres will get a modest bike 400+kms.

Drinking the poisionus KTM/BMW cool aid will leave you depleted in energy and empty in the wallet. :-)
Xer's CB250RS road bike, and Deanohit's Zongshen are two of my most favourite adv ride bikes (also Motu's flat track inspired beemer).
Buy a bike. Whack some suitable tyres on it, a bash plate, and go get grubby.:sunny:

[centaurus]

Returning to the original topic: cheap rtw bike. I notice that how to the old XT's stack up to the KLR? What about the XR/XL 600's (oldish ones)? I see there are not a lot of old KLR's around but quite a few xr/xl 500/600 and some XT's.

[Peril]

The early XTs suffered from weak 5th gears,it was fixed on the 88-89 onwards Teneres and I'd imagine the normal XTs got the fix from then also.