When is an adventure bike just another road bike?

[idleidolidyll]

Trolling today and spotted this section.

I guess I should post in here if I want to burble on about my new Granpasso but is that really topical?

After all, I'll probably never take the thing off road. It does have a 19" front wheel and Metzler Tourance tyres but, like the Beemer GS, it really is not up to anything worse than a gravel or hard packed dirt road.

In fact I'd really rate most of these bikes as sport bikes for old farts or disabled riders. the upright riding possy suits me on road way more than any R1, GSXR, 1098 etc and frankly, I'm probably faster from A to B on one anyway.

So is this section for men of steel with balls the size of pumpkins who really do take Triumph Tigers, Beemer GS's and the like off road or is this the right place for us losers riding our Dakar lookalikes only on Tarmac and lightly travelled roads that are actually crap off road?

[ducatijim]

Boy, you sure poked the opener RIGHT into the worm can eh wot!!!:eek:

Make no mistake whatsoever, there are quite a few very talented pilots who do indeed take the behemoth bikes most everywhere, I'm talking Kt950/90,1200gs/a and maybe a few of the 'softer' bikes too(?).

Also be quite secure in the knowledge that there ain't no shame in feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed pointing such machinery down some steep, slippery and unknown single track!

Adventure, and by definition adventure bikes too, are all things to all people.....for me, every ride on my Kt is an adventure of some degree, and like you I choose to ride this genre of bike for many reasons other than it being 'classed' as an Adventure bike.

To me personally, my Kt is everything that Ducati lacked the balls( and still do) to produce when the conceived the 'multistrada' idea........

...........the end of the seal is not the end of the adventure............ahmen.

[Gremlin]

If you thought riding with GiJoe is interesting, ride with me. Every ride seems to turn into an adventure, unless I'm just tagging along. Truth be told, taking the big bikes like the GS off road is harder, but makes it more rewarding.

I've just swapped my KTM 990 SM for a BMW R1200GSA as its an even better do-all bike. 90% + of my riding is on road, and I doubt off road tyres will even be fitted much. However, I enjoy going down a road, any road, whenever I feel like it. That to me, is motorcycling.

One of the best ways to use up a day is heading out to cover around 1000km, take the GPS and set about correcting the map data. Unfortunately this means I need to ride every road in the country. There are a lot. Terrible huh?

[Waihou Thumper]

However, I enjoy going down a road, any road, whenever I feel like it. That to me, is motorcycling.


+1 there....:niceone:

[bart]

I just like going interesting places....you know....the places you can't see from the main road.

[idleidolidyll]

Good answer Jim,
Yeah, I'm bored and deliberately provocative.
I've seen pics of big bikes on trails and tracks of course, we all have. Of all those adventure bikes out there though; how many do you think are really used as adventure bikes and are taken into wild places away from roads?

A small number would venture onto gravel, a smaller number onto dirt tracks and farm tracks and an even smaller number onto 4WD tracks.

With respect to REAL wild country; the number of these builds actually used must be tiny.

Maybe I should get myself invited on a ride to see what it's all about. The Granpasso has 27 liters and I could put knotholes on..........




Boy, you sure poked the opener RIGHT into the worm can eh wot!!!:eek:

Make no mistake whatsoever, there are quite a few very talented pilots who do indeed take the behemoth bikes most everywhere, I'm talking Kt950/90,1200gs/a and maybe a few of the 'softer' bikes too(?).

Also be quite secure in the knowledge that there ain't no shame in feeling just a wee bit overwhelmed pointing such machinery down some steep, slippery and unknown single track!

Adventure, and by definition adventure bikes too, are all things to all people.....for me, every ride on my Kt is an adventure of some degree, and like you I choose to ride this genre of bike for many reasons other than it being 'classed' as an Adventure bike.

To me personally, my Kt is everything that Ducati lacked the balls( and still do) to produce when the conceived the 'multistrada' idea........

...........the end of the seal is not the end of the adventure............ahmen.

[idleidolidyll]

Knotholes?

Friggin apple spellcheck sucks!

Knoblies!

[Jantar]

Adventure riding isn't just "off road" riding, that is for trail bikes and dedicated dual purpose bikes. Adventure riding is going places that you wouldn't normally take your sports bike, cruiser of touring bike. There are many roads that aren't sealed, many that aren't even gravelled, and some are no more than tracks on a bit of paper..

Long distances in a day, weekend or over a week, and not having to stop or turn back because there is a small stream to be forded. Going to new places or exploring out of the way areas, That is adventure riding.

[idleidolidyll]

Gremlin,

I understand. Mind you, I almost nev saw GIJoe on rides; he's a very ummm, careful rider.

And the red camo was too damn ugly to look at too!

Let's see;

I have a Moto Morini Granpasso 'Adventure bike'. It does have a 27 litre tank and a 19" front wheel and is at least 10kg lighter than a GS Beemer. To actually use it on a 4WD track I'd have to fit new adventure tyres (mine are nearly shagged already). I'd probably have to soften it up too but it does have about 200mm suspension travel (as much as a 40 year old trail bike?).

That said, I also have a KTM 690 smc with an extra fuel tank on front (Safari). Yes, it has a 17" front but a spare wheel can't be too expensive (less than one off using the Granpasso). So on the 135kg single I have 26 liters, almost 300mm of suspension, etc etc

Guess which one I'd take adventure riding.........

[idleidolidyll]

Adventure riding isn't just "off road" riding, that is for trail bikes and dedicated dual purpose bikes. Adventure riding is going places that you wouldn't normally take your sports bike, cruiser of touring bike. There are many roads that aren't sealed, many that aren't even gravelled, and some are no more than tracks on a bit of paper..

Long distances in a day, weekend or over a week, and not having to stop or turn back because there is a small stream to be forded. Going to new places or exploring out of the way areas, That is adventure riding.

Oh right, The Long Way Around
No thanks, that's crazy stuff. They should have used the KTM instead of the Beemers and carrying all that gear was idiocy.

Again, I'd be more likely to use the KTM or some other light weight one linger with a big tank.

[BMWST?]

Knotholes?

Friggin apple spellcheck sucks!

Knoblies!

I got an old r100gs,and i prolly will never take it off a formed road.But if i want to i can.And the other side of the coin is i have enough gas so that when i get to an intersection and already clocked up 350k i know i can go down the end of this road to see whats there.And its comfortable,and its big,and its lazy.Yet is surpringsly nimble has lots of ground clearance and it cost me 5000 to buy.How can i go wrong?I am not kidding myself these are not trail bikes imho.All power to those who think they are

[Crisis management]

I can only be honest, I just use the 640 to park on the footpath and get lattes', I had to sell the 990 as it was too heavy to get over the kerb and there was the one embarrassing moment in the middle of Mount Eden....

[Gremlin]

I understand. Mind you, I almost nev saw GIJoe on rides; he's a very ummm, careful rider.

I have a Moto Morini Granpasso 'Adventure bike'. It does have a 27 litre tank and a 19" front wheel and is at least 10kg lighter than a GS Beemer. To actually use it on a 4WD track I'd have to fit new adventure tyres (mine are nearly shagged already). I'd probably have to soften it up too but it does have about 200mm suspension travel (as much as a 40 year old trail bike?).

That said, I also have a KTM 690 smc with an extra fuel tank on front (Safari). Yes, it has a 17" front but a spare wheel can't be too expensive (less than one off using the Granpasso). So on the 135kg single I have 26 liters, almost 300mm of suspension, etc etc

Guess which one I'd take adventure riding.........
He's sped up a bit now...

On the KTM, I had an extra fuel tank on the back seat, all plumbed in, but was a pain in the arse, 2 tanks to mess around with etc. The BMW gives me 600km+ from a tank, 10,000km intervals etc. As I said previously, I'm realistic, it won't go on heavy off road all that much, but simply having a bike that can do it is most of the battle. Now I'll find a reason to find myself on the tracks :msn-wink:

As you comment tho, some do buy the bikes more the status, they were in the movie etc, always going to be those. Me? uh... no. The bike comes heavily specc'd standard (including electronic suspension) but the shop has already spent 8 hours installing stuff I sent down, and I have 6 parts on the way from overseas and waiting for stock on another part.

I think half the fun is putting on all the stuff you "need" (shhhh, you really do) :niceone: The bike will be used for 30k+ a year, all weather, night/day, any road (or track). Gotta move like a sportsbike, carry like a tourer and go off road like an adventure bike. :ride:

[george formby]

I'm slowly (glacially) trying to adventurise my TDM because I've ridden every inch of tarmac in my region. It's brilliant on the tight, twisty, haha, gotcha! surfaced roads up here & a hoot on gravel, shakes it's butt better than the dog. The ergonomics are spot on standing up & the suspension adequate if I keep the wheels on the deck.
It's too heavy & the plastics to fragile for anything more than beaches or 4wd trails though & the pipes to low & sticky out for water or bush.
Now that I have thought about this it crossed my mind to sell it & get a DT230, my partner could use it for her licence & it would take me every where I have not been yet + I have a hankering for another 2 stroke.
I think "All road" is more appropriate for the big adventure bikes & my mid weight wannabe.

[NotHisRealName]

This discussion makes me think of 4WD owners here in Aus. I'd wager that at least 75% will see nothing more than a pothole, as far as off road is concerned.

But, I do think owning a bike is more of a lifestyle choice, not one of convenience. If you've got a bike that 'does it all', you're more likely to try it all. I only own a road bike but have often found myself following roads that end in dirt, wishing I could comfortably keep going. I've contemplated an adventure (or Dual-Sport, as they're known here) bike as my next (eyes on the Super Tenere), but am also thinking about a sports bike next.
Were I a rich man, the only dilemma I'd be having is deciding if my adventure, enduro, sports bike, and scooter should all be similar colours.

[Gremlin]

I think "All road" is more appropriate for the big adventure bikes & my mid weight wannabe.
I hardly think marketing could sell all road bikes to the posers wanting adventure bikes :weird:

[idleidolidyll]

Nice Buell Blast George!

I just sent the Poms an email asking if they could sell me a kit to make one of those out of my wifes standard one!

A TeDiuM eh? I heard they go OK. That's definitely as good as mine as an adventure bike!


I'm slowly (glacially) trying to adventurise my TDM because I've ridden every inch of tarmac in my region. It's brilliant on the tight, twisty, haha, gotcha! surfaced roads up here & a hoot on gravel, shakes it's butt better than the dog. The ergonomics are spot on standing up & the suspension adequate if I keep the wheels on the deck.
It's too heavy & the plastics to fragile for anything more than beaches or 4wd trails though & the pipes to low & sticky out for water or bush.
Now that I have thought about this it crossed my mind to sell it & get a DT230, my partner could use it for her licence & it would take me every where I have not been yet + I have a hankering for another 2 stroke.
I think "All road" is more appropriate for the big adventure bikes & my mid weight wannabe.

[cooneyr]

....many that aren't even gravelled, and some are no more than tracks on a bit of paper......

About 56000kms of unformed legal roads somebody reckons. Thats one hell of a lot of adventuring to do.

I for one love taking my 950 to off road places most wouldn't. To get to the latest gem I had to ride 2.5 hrs of highway, 50 or so km of gravel then open a paddock gate to get access to a paper road and go over a 1400m high mountain pass with scree, large rocks, stream crossing, mud etc. A road bike could do the seal, but thats it. A dual sport everything but with less comfort. A trail/enduro bike the mountain pass and destroy your arse on the road if regoed. The big adv bike just does it all. End of story.

I'm still really not sure why I'm selling the beast!

[idleidolidyll]

I hardly think marketing could sell all road bikes to the posers wanting adventure bikes :weird:

I was gonna complain that you called me a poser but I called myself that in the first post didn't I!

Yeah; marketing. Gotta sell it as some image even if it's all bullshite

[idleidolidyll]

Wow

You're my hero of the day!
So adventure animals do exist


About 56000kms of unformed legal roads somebody reckons. Thats one hell of a lot of adventuring to do.

I for one love taking my 950 to off road places most wouldn't. To get to the latest gem I had to ride 2.5 hrs of highway, 50 or so km of gravel then open a paddock gate to get access to a paper road and go over a 1400m high mountain pass with scree, large rocks, stream crossing, mud etc. A road bike could do the seal, but thats it. A dual sport everything but with less comfort. A trail/enduro bike the mountain pass and destroy your arse on the road if regoed. The big adv bike just does it all. End of story.

I'm still really not sure why I'm selling the beast!

[Waihou Thumper]

I'm still really not sure why I'm selling the beast!

Cos you have a lovely little rug rat/scone grabber! :msn-wink:
KTM's will always be around and when she turns 18...Head on out to re-explore NZ...and then organise more dusty butts...:)

[_Shrek_]

About 56000kms of unformed legal roads somebody reckons. I'm still really not sure why I'm selling the beast!

:laugh: coz you know you realy need a Gs to do it right :wari:

[_Shrek_]

Maybe I should get myself invited on a ride to see what it's all about. The Granpasso has 27 liters and I could put knotholes on..........

well the DBK1 is on the 22nd & 23rd but we meeting friday the 21st for a BBq etc...

bring ya 27lt Granpasso & see if ya can keep up with a beached whale :shake:

[_Shrek_]

So adventure animals do exist

old man range one of our play grounds, your more than welcome to come & play nice huts, & places to stay :niceone: :apint:

[Taz]

Ain't got it no more. Went lighter. It was way too limiting trying to adv ride the 11GS

[_Shrek_]

Ain't got it no more. Went lighter. It was way too limiting trying to adv ride the 11GS

take off the toy tyres & you have a way differant bike :corn:

[Motu]

Some people certainly take those big adventure bikes off road,but it's not for me.In the '70's,'80's and '90's I had trail bikes,and they went on and off road....but we don't talk about those bikes anymore,they didn't exist.

So I've had Adventure bikes in the 21st Century - the XLV750 was far too big for a puny guy like me to take off road,as I found out several times.So I worked my way down to the DT230,which was far more my size off road.

I have a few problems with the adventure thing,the main one being I'm not at all sociable,and organised events with lots of people is somewhere I don't want to go,I don't belong there.The other thing is I like to ride off road on off road bikes,a lardy street bike is too frustrating,why not just use the real thing.I enjoy my twinshock trials,I get to ride places you wouldn't take an off road bike,and so it satisfies my '' I just can't do this,it's too hard and I want to go home'' need,I work harder with more accomplishment...in short,it's fun.

I've been riding loose metal for 40 years,every single bike I've owned (lots) has been on gravel roads...it's just my medium.So I decided to do what I always do with any bike,ride on loose metal roads....and made a bike to do just that.I don't have to pretend it's an off road bike,but I can pretend it's a road bike - dual purpose from the other end of the street.

It's just another road bike,but it goes all the places ''adventure'' bikes go in the real world....on all roads.

[cooneyr]

Cos you have a lovely little rug rat/scone grabber! :msn-wink:
KTM's will always be around and when he turns 18...Head on out to re-explore NZ...and then organise more dusty butts...:)

Corrected. Not waiting till he is 18. First bike as soon as he can fit it PW50:scooter:


well the DBK1 is on the 22nd & 23rd but we meeting friday the 21st for a BBq etc...

bring ya 27lt Granpasso & see if ya can keep up with a beached whale :shake:

We need some good photos of "inappropriate" bikes in the right place. Make sure you take your camera :msn-wink:

[_Shrek_]

We need some good photos of "inappropriate" bikes in the right place. Make sure you take your camera :msn-wink:

that wont be to hard bound to be an ironing board or two (Dr650's) & a KTM 9fiddy :bleh:

be asured camra will be on board :niceone:

[Crisis management]

I'm mildly irritated with this thread and the implication that we have to justify our choice of bikes and riding, it's the same old shit which permeates this (and lots of other forums) in the form of keyboard penis waving.
I actually don't care what your riding, or where you're riding, as long as you are happy doing it, any ride can be an adventure, it's dependant on your skills and the particular things you find challenging. To me this is the joy of adventure bikes / riding, just having fun and laughing at the results, as soon as someone sets themselves up as god and starts telling me how I measure up I would rather just go for a ride.




So, I'm taking the 640 for a bash up Muriwai and the north west later tomorrow and the 200 to Woodhill on sunday if that's ok. :bleh:

[Night Falcon]

when I wert lad it just used to be called bike riding...the "Adventure" tag hadn't been invented and we just used to ride our XL's XR's, YZ's DR's, TS's PE's & CB's when ever where ever and to ever the mojo took us. Fire breaks, twisties, road trips....the bike you had was all the bike you needed...it only takes two to make an adventure....you and your bike. (and a nice motel, and a coffee, and lots of stops...and a soft seat....gezzz I'm gettin old!):violin:

[Jantar]

.... we just used to ride our XL's XR's, YZ's DR's, TS's PE's & CB's when ever where ever and to ever the mojo took us. ....
Reminds me of when I ended up at the Ball hut. 5500' up the side of Mt Cook on a Suzuki GT380. :bleh:

[idleidolidyll]

well the DBK1 is on the 22nd & 23rd but we meeting friday the 21st for a BBq etc...

bring ya 27lt Granpasso & see if ya can keep up with a beached whale :shake:

DBK1?

I searched but found nothing.
Hey, no bones; i'm an amateur 'adventure rider' and i wouldn't even try to keep up if it meant i might scratch my baby

edit: ahh, found it.
Hell yeah. Looks like my kinda thing. A new challenge.
Too late to jack up now though but cheers for the heads up; i'll watch the forum for next year and other rides like it.

i see an advantage in the GS already: hundreds of kms in dirt, dust and grime mean i'll need a lot of chain lube

[idleidolidyll]

that wont be to hard bound to be an ironing board or two (Dr650's) & a KTM 9fiddy :bleh:

be asured camra will be on board :niceone:

i'm interested indeed but given the two bikes in my shed:
Morini 1200 Granpasso and KTM690smc c/w extra 14 litres fuel (Enduro with tyres swapped); why would I want to bring the Morini?
KTM offers some chunky alloy boxes for the bike too.

As per a few previous posters; a big heavy bike like the GS just doesn't seem smart versus the 80kg lighter single with better off road suspension.

[idleidolidyll]

It's a piss take; don't get wound up

[Gremlin]

Does a KTM have electronically adjustable suspension? :D On the GSA, you can change to offroad, and the bike will lift its ride height by about an inch.

[idleidolidyll]

does that make you a better rider?

would electronic suspension overcome the 100kg weight difference or the 30% shorter suspension travel?

[_Shrek_]

i'm interested indeed but given the two bikes in my shed:
Morini 1200 Granpasso and KTM690smc c/w extra 14 litres fuel (Enduro with tyres swapped); why would I want to bring the Morini?
KTM offers some chunky alloy boxes for the bike too.

As per a few previous posters; a big heavy bike like the GS just doesn't seem smart versus the 80kg lighter single with better off road suspension.

what it is to have a choice of :scratch: what bike to take out to day :msn-wink:

[_Shrek_]

does that make you a better rider?

would electronic suspension overcome the 100kg weight difference or the 30% shorter suspension travel?

i weigh 130kg & the Gs 250kg me thinks the Gs will handle & ride better coz the KTM would snap in half on the off road part :bleh:

[idleidolidyll]

i weigh 130kg & the Gs 250kg me thinks the Gs will handle & ride better coz the KTM would snap in half on the off road part :bleh:

ha! ha! you're probably right!

[cooneyr]

Reminds me of when I ended up at the Ball hut. 5500' up the side of Mt Cook on a Suzuki GT380. :bleh:

There's a story in that - care to share?



DBK1?

DB1k. This is the ride that I was pre-running when I talked about 1400m passes in my post of dribble earlier. Chain comment is said like a true roadie;) I get about 25000kms out of a chain. The question is more when not to chain lube. My regime is don't lube when you go off the seal and lube when you come back on. No point in having all the crap stick to the chain when off road.


i weigh 130kg & the Gs 250kg me thinks the Gs will handle & ride better coz the KTM would snap in half on the off road part :bleh:

Well that makes me a little fella at 110kgs dry. No wonder the Katoom hasn't broken yet:bleh:

[Jantar]

There's a story in that - care to share?...

It was back in the days that there were only roads bikes, or small dual dual purpose bikes (1973). I went for a 4 day ride, with no particular destination in mind and such a trip required my GT380 rather than my TS125. Each time I came to an intersection I would just decide left or right and that's where I went. I found lots of dead end roads, back country roads and new places. Early on day three I found myself at the Hermitage, and coming out I had a choice left or right. I choose left which took me to the blue lakes at the terminal of the Tasman Glacier, then coming out of there was a dirt road going right, which I decided to follow.

After a short distance the road started to wind its way up a steady incline, and a couple of kms later I realised that at some point the wheel tracks I'd been following had reduced to a single wheel track, and there was nowhere to turn around. The scenery was magnificent, but a little bit disconcerning with the side of the mountain on my left and a long drop to my right down to the glacier. I decided to continue on only until I found a place to turn around.

That place to turn around happened quite unexpectedly when I turned a bend to the left and there in front of me was a wide level area with a hut. A great place to stop and take some photos. I discovered that this was the Ball hut, and a couple of climbers in the hut couldn't believe that a motorcycle had made it so far up the mountain.

I will admit the ride back down was scarier than the ride up there in the first place. There were no signs saying motorcycles prohibited, and nothing to indicate just where the track led.

[george formby]

when I wert lad it just used to be called bike riding...the "Adventure" tag hadn't been invented and we just used to ride our XL's XR's, YZ's DR's, TS's PE's & CB's when ever where ever and to ever the mojo took us. Fire breaks, twisties, road trips....the bike you had was all the bike you needed...it only takes two to make an adventure....you and your bike. (and a nice motel, and a coffee, and lots of stops...and a soft seat....gezzz I'm gettin old!):violin:

Soooooo true. My first (& 2nd) road bike was a KMX 125 2 stroke trail bike. I would ride it flat out on the road & on my days off I would head for the hills & Scottish border. Fire breaks, bogs, forest trails, moorland tussock, sheep tracks, snow, the kind of terrain the designer in Japan would never have dreamed of & those wee bikes took me over all of it. Best times I ever had on a bike! Ride home soaking wet, covered in mud & grinning like a loon with a broken brake lever & indicator in my pocket.

[_Shrek_]

I will admit the ride back down was scarier than the ride up there in the first place. There were no signs saying motorcycles prohibited, and nothing to indicate just where the track led.

so do ya wanna head back up some time? :blip: just been on google looks like it would be a great ride

[Jantar]

so do ya wanna head back up some time? :blip: .... I think DOC may have something to say about it these days.

[warewolf]

Does a KTM have electronically adjustable suspension? :D On the GSA, you can change to offroad, and the bike will lift its ride height by about an inch.Ah, but that is not the problem. Get back to us when the electrickery on the GS lowers it by some inches automagically as you are in the middle of falling off and need to get a foot onto terra firma to hold up a quarter tonne of riding pleasure. :bleh:

[george formby]

Ah, but that is not the problem. Get back to us when the electrickery on the GS lowers it by some inches automagically as you are in the middle of falling off and need to get a foot onto terra firma to hold up a quarter tonne of riding pleasure. :bleh:

That's exactly how I used to describe an ex girlfriend of mine but she was Dutch not German.

[Ocean1]

That's exactly how I used to describe an ex girlfriend of mine ...

Adventure?




*Or Bike?*

[BMWST?]

Ah, but that is not the problem. Get back to us when the electrickery on the GS lowers it by some inches automagically as you are in the middle of falling off and need to get a foot onto terra firma to hold up a quarter tonne of riding pleasure. :bleh:

not required,gigantic outriggers already in place

[george formby]

Adventure?




*Or Bike?*

Definitely an adventure, I have fond memories of mammoth cooked breakfasts & titty pillows.

[MD]

It was back in the days that there were only roads bikes, or small dual dual purpose bikes (1973). .

Great yarn Jantar. That put a smile on my face. And yes, back when I started riding in the 1970s life was simple; I had a road bike and, as I called it, a trail bikes. I wore out heaps of 'do it all' SL125s and battered XLs

Whatever happened to trail bikes?

Back to topic. My latest purchase, a Tiger 1050ABS is crap on gravel. I bought it for 99% sealed road riding and for that it's a ball of fun. But I did expect it would make a better effort on gravel, if the need arose. Done a couple of long-ish gravel explorations and it's too much hard work staying upright.

EDIT- Oh I should add in the Tiger's defence. It's shod with sports road rubber, so it wasn't a fair test. Mich. Pure and Pilot Powers were never going to help off road use!

[Bass]

After all, I'll probably never take the thing off road. It does have a 19" front wheel and Metzler Tourance tyres but, like the Beemer GS, it really is not up to anything worse than a gravel or hard packed dirt road.


In that case, I'm going to go and play in some west coast gravel tomorrow. Crisis is trying for a leave pass.
Wanna come along - mid morning departure? It's the sort of stuff that would suit your description with some cool views.

Oh, if you are interested in where my DR (and Ducatijim's) have been, have a look here.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340074&page=5
That's not meant to be any sort of one-up-manship either. Would enjoy having you along and anyone else who's interested.

[Gremlin]

does that make you a better rider?

would electronic suspension overcome the 100kg weight difference or the 30% shorter suspension travel?
better rider? huh? Have you even seen how many buttons there are to play with?!?!? :eek:

Weight difference is probably 50kg ish, inlcuding all the extra fuel, in my switch. However, 6'3, and the high seat height was too high to be comfortable manhandling the bike. On the side stand, the high mirror is around chin height. Tis an impressively sized bike.

[ducatijim]

Does a KTM have electronically adjustable suspension? :D On the GSA, you can change to offroad, and the bike will lift its ride height by about an inch.

M8, shall I bore you with a wee tale of 2 bikes in Innamincka,SA, last year? While I pushed my Kt into the settlement, that was only because it and I could not carry enough fuel to get us there.
the Bm GS however with its huge tank and electronic gadgetry, did not suffer the same issues, it did however have to stay there a lot longer( at A$161/nite) due to some obscure wee piece of electrickery shitting itself....owner had paid the greasemonkey at the servo $800 to have a look, then he had to wait for the part to FLY in.

While me, my Mrs and the old 'Darkie", rode quietly outta there!:niceone:

[BMWST?]

M8, shall I bore you with a wee tale of 2 bikes in Innamincka,SA, last year? While I pushed my Kt into the settlement, that was only because it and I could not carry enough fuel to get us there.
the Bm GS however with its huge tank and electronic gadgetry, did not suffer the same issues, it did however have to stay there a lot longer( at A$161/nite) due to some obscure wee piece of electrickery shitting itself....owner had paid the greasemonkey at the servo $800 to have a look, then he had to wait for the part to FLY in.

While me, my Mrs and the old 'Darkie", rode quietly outta there!:niceone:

please dont start this sort of bullshit...

[Crisis management]

please dont start this sort of bullshit...

It ain't bullshit if it's true.........

[BMWST?]

It ain't bullshit if it's true......... it has no relevance to this thread

[Waihou Thumper]

it has no relevance to this thread

Half of this hasn't either...Really!

[Bass]

KTM vs BMW
3 to one odds at the moment - not looking good.
Actually, getting serious for a moment, there is a good point here and putting the brand crap aside - sophistication vs simplicity.
When I bought an adventure bike, I deliberately went for simplicity because I was going to go to some VERY remote places and needed to maximise my chances of being able to do repairs on the side of the track. It's not that I was concerned about being stuck out in the middle of nowhere because with proper preparation and modern communications, while possible, that's unlikely. Rather, the problem was that the cost of recovering the bike from some of these places if I couldn't fix it, is so high that abandoning it is the only sensible option i.e. end of trip.
If I wasn't going really remote, it may have been a different story. Some of the modern whiz- bang options are kinda cool and really convenient.

[george formby]

Great yarn Jantar. That put a smile on my face. And yes, back when I started riding in the 1970s life was simple; I had a road bike and, as I called it, a trail bikes. I wore out heaps of 'do it all' SL125s and battered XLs

Whatever happened to trail bikes?

Back to topic. My latest purchase, a Tiger 1050ABS is crap on gravel. I bought it for 99% sealed road riding and for that it's a ball of fun. But I did expect it would make a better effort on gravel, if the need arose. Done a couple of long-ish gravel explorations and it's too much hard work staying upright.

EDIT- Oh I should add in the Tiger's defence. It's shod with sports road rubber, so it wasn't a fair test. Mich. Pure and Pilot Powers were never going to help off road use!

That's interestin. What size front wheel? The Tdm has an 18' & I have sport touring tires (BT 021) & it is a hoot in gravel, tight downhill corners require a bit of faith & body language but otherwise it feels far better than I anticipated.

[ducatijim]

KTM vs BMW
Actually, getting serious for a moment, there is a good point here and putting the brand crap aside - sophistication vs simplicity.
.

Cheers Neil, that was my POINT, sheesh! Some fookers are touchy eh!!!

Brand loyalty and so much other drivel we wade thru whilst here are almost enough to makeya wanna spit!:devil2:

[BMWST?]

Brand loyalty and so much other drivel we wade thru whilst here are almost enough to makeya wanna spit!:devil2:

thats funny i thought thats the point i was trying to make!:chase:

[ducatijim]

thats funny i thought thats the point i was trying to make!:chase:


please dont start this sort of bullshit...


Funny.....can't quite see it from here!:niceone:

[warewolf]

My first adventure bike - well, the name didn't exist back then but I had plenty of adventures on it, on and off the seal - was a CBX250.


My latest purchase, a Tiger 1050ABS is crap on gravel.1995 Trophy 900 seemed to do ok, although the 170/60-17 rear was noticeably better than the 180/55 in the rough. The Tiger 900 was better again but as soon as it got real bumpy the road-tuned shock absorber... wouldn't.

[idleidolidyll]

better rider? huh? Have you even seen how many buttons there are to play with?!?!? :eek:

Weight difference is probably 50kg ish, inlcuding all the extra fuel, in my switch. However, 6'3, and the high seat height was too high to be comfortable manhandling the bike. On the side stand, the high mirror is around chin height. Tis an impressively sized bike.

Weight difference 50kg?

I was comparing my KTM 690smc to your GS.
You reckon the GS is more like 250 kg.
My 690 is a little lighter than stock now but with boxes on, it would be maybe 140-150kg ready to roll but without filling the fuel tanks. Fuel would add another 19kg.

So, without taking into account rider weight; the little 690 is around 100kg lighter and has 300mm long suspension (approx).

I just don't see complicated electronics overcoming those two spec differences at all.

But I do see your point; lots of buttons to play with

[idleidolidyll]

M8, shall I bore you with a wee tale of 2 bikes in Innamincka,SA, last year? While I pushed my Kt into the settlement, that was only because it and I could not carry enough fuel to get us there.
the Bm GS however with its huge tank and electronic gadgetry, did not suffer the same issues, it did however have to stay there a lot longer( at A$161/nite) due to some obscure wee piece of electrickery shitting itself....owner had paid the greasemonkey at the servo $800 to have a look, then he had to wait for the part to FLY in.

While me, my Mrs and the old 'Darkie", rode quietly outta there!:niceone:

I reckon that's a good point.
Simplicity is probably better if you go off the beaten track. Technology is notoriously troublesome when it packs up.

Mind you, dunno if I'd give up my fuel injection: it's never blinked once and can get me 25-30 kilometers per litre set up well.

[idleidolidyll]

So the KTM might get 60o-750 km from a tank if in 'easy' mode and ridden conservatively.

My Granpasso with 27 liters is unlikely to get better than 450km ridden conservatively.

KTM is lighter and physically much narrower with a lower CofG and excellent long travel White Power suspension front and rear and therefore easier to bash through bush, climb steep hills, pick up if it falls over etc etc

Plus the plastic is cheap if it does get dropped.

Methinks the Granpasso is a great road bike with gravel road skills but not nearly a match for the little KTM off the sealed roads (which also applies to the likes of the GS Beemer and other big bore whales).

[terbang]

I also have what I call an "oversized traillie". A Cagiva Navigator which is powered by a TL 1000 lump. It was originally fitted with a 17" rear 18" front wheel combo that leaned more towards road tyres. I used to ride it with Pilot 2CT's and it was really just an odd looking road bike with quite sharp handling and awesome ground clearance. Not a chicken strip to be seen front or rear and it even embarrassed quite a few sport bike riders back when I was haunting the coro loop on it.

I had the optional 19" rim fitted and went to a set of Pirelli Scorpion tyres which are a bit more "dualsporty" than the Pilot Roads. Now I sensibly have chicken strips. I also fabbed up a belly pan, fitted Hepco Becker engine and tank protector bars and also fitted some "Bark Busters" to the handle bars.

This certainly porked it up some ... It's still a sharp handler on the seal that now handles the gravel a lot better. I have done a whole heap of riding in the company of a KTM 990 Adventure, which seems to be more orientated towards off road riding. We have ridden a whole bunch of roads and tracks in the Ureweras, Kaipara Harbour and also up here on the Awhitu peninsula.

The Cagiva has way more stomp down low than the KTM and in all aspects when grunt is required, its a better engine. On the sealed roads it will quickly push itself up to 230 kays indicated and still out-handles the KTM on the twisties. :Police:
Much of a muchness on the gravel back roads but as the roads/trails get rougher and the fords get deeper, the (unmodified) KTM's long travel suspension and ground clearance wins hands down over the Cagiva, which tends to do a bit of juddering and bulldozing.
Remember this is now territory that would have long since drowned or torn the bottom off most road bikes.

100 plus HP in wet grass on lightly knobbed tyres certainly isn't for the faint hearted either. :msn-wink:

The KTM has better luggage capability though the Cagiva has better accommodation for a pillion when taking the girlies away for the weekend. Though neither are any good for those that are vertically challenged. The KTM carries a couple of litres more gas.

The KTM looks abrupt and rather Germanic where the Cagiva is more curvy and Italian looking. Though I wouldn't call either pretty, more purposeful and rugged.

So in summary, yup they are certainly still road bikes (not sport) that are fun to ride and will take you to almost any part of the country that you wish to ride.

The best motorcycle for all around big smiles that I have ever owned. :niceone:

[Devil]

Here's the review I wrote a while back for the Granpasso: http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/09morinigranpasso.htm

On another note, i've just got back from about 5000km around the south island on my GSA including the Dunstan trail (same tyres as on the granpasso standard, tourance EXP's) plus honking up the west coast in a group of ducati's, fully loaded 2up and having an absolute ball.

I love the GSA to bits. Not a single problem, comfort and fuel range to go all day, capable of light trail work (thats all I need) and can cart a metric shitload of gear with pillion effortlessly.

[That looks like fun]

Putting aside penis size and envy for a brief moment, I ride a BMW because I like it :second: I don't close my mind to other bikes to the extent that I will only ever buy Beemers. All bikes and brands have good and bad points.
So back to the original topic when is an Adventure bike just another road bike? When I think my penis is bigger :apumpin: because of what bike someone else rides and how they ride it. :eek:

Unfortunately I must have a little one, because I just don't care. Ride what you like how you like where you like and enjoy it :niceone:

[idleidolidyll]

Here's the review I wrote a while back for the Granpasso: http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/09morinigranpasso.htm

On another note, i've just got back from about 5000km around the south island on my GSA including the Dunstan trail (same tyres as on the granpasso standard, tourance EXP's) plus honking up the west coast in a group of ducati's, fully loaded 2up and having an absolute ball.

I love the GSA to bits. Not a single problem, comfort and fuel range to go all day, capable of light trail work (thats all I need) and can cart a metric shitload of gear with pillion effortlessly.

I agree with most of your write up on the Granpasso.
However, the seat is crap; really uncomfy on a long ride. I'm trying to cure that now with sheepskin covers or something (perhaps even a gel insert?).

Apart from that and the rough running on a trailing throttle (it's in being tuned as we speak), this bike is FUN!
We loaded it up with top box and tank mounted bag and two up headed off to W(h)anganui on Christmas day from Rotorua. The ride across the top was great and the day was awesome. It handless really well but on that first trip I was tweaking suspension every 100km or so until I found what worked best fully loaded.

Fuel consumption is getting better as it gets run in. I'm getting around 17 kilometres per litre at present and should be able to get close to 20km per litre once it is fully run in if I ride conservatively.

I'll swap the tyres for full road going things and might try a 160 rear. It's unlikely I'll ever take this bike on anything nastier than a gravel road so no point having multi purpose tyres for me.

[Ocean1]

Don't be giving yourself airs and graces, Dude.

If you're doing it right then any time you swing your leg over a bike it's an adventure.

Any bike.

[Night Falcon]

ya no its funny how this topic stirs the emotions...I guess most of us are passionate about what we ride....right now(and maybe for the last wee while) I don't think there is another brand that comes close to my 690 in terms of catering for what I want from a bike. But thimes change. If money was no issue I'd have a beemer and a new tiger and the new multistrada...oh an i like the WR250...you couldn't give a tenere to ride, but a 690 rally would be fun, then theres the 450 rally, WHY CANT I HAVE THEM ALL!!:mad:

[young1]

I can only be honest, I just use the 640 to park on the footpath and get lattes', I had to sell the 990 as it was too heavy to get over the kerb and there was the one embarrassing moment in the middle of Mount Eden....

There are sheep in Mount Eden???

[Moki]

I'm mildly irritated with this thread and the implication that we have to justify our choice of bikes and riding, it's the same old shit which permeates this (and lots of other forums) in the form of keyboard penis waving.
I actually don't care what your riding, or where you're riding, as long as you are happy doing it, any ride can be an adventure, it's dependant on your skills and the particular things you find challenging. To me this is the joy of adventure bikes / riding, just having fun and laughing at the results, as soon as someone sets themselves up as god and starts telling me how I measure up I would rather just go for a ride.

Couldn't have said it better:niceone:

[tri boy]

The real adventure nowadays for me, is trying to outbid people on tardme for second hand tyres:angry:
I mean really, who is pricing the new tyres. $300 for a TKC rear, or the Heidenau thingie.
:no:

[dino3310]

The real adventure nowadays for me, is trying to outbid people on tardme for second hand tyres:angry:
I mean really, who is pricing the new tyres. $300 for a TKC rear, or the Heidenau thingie.
:no:

fookin burglers

[warewolf]

There are sheep in Mount Eden???And on Mt Wellington. You have to be a little careful test riding adv bikes on those two little mountains, especially when jumping the cattle grids.

[That looks like fun]

The real adventure nowadays for me, is trying to outbid people on tardme for second hand tyres:angry:
I mean really, who is pricing the new tyres. $300 for a TKC rear, or the Heidenau thingie.
:no:
Northwest Motorcycles
583 Devon Street East, New Plymouth

steve@northwest.co.nz
Ph: 06 759 9059 Fax: 06 759 9048

If you are after the Heidenau Brett go straight to this guy and ask for a deal :msn-wink:
If I had a KTM he is the guy I would deal with all the time :niceone:
Shameless advertising I know :spanking::Oops::whistle:

[Crisis management]

And on Mt Wellington. You have to be a little careful test riding adv bikes on those two little mountains, especially when jumping the cattle grids.

I wasn't rising to the bait...it's heifers on Mount Eden, sheep on One Tree Hill and a bloody great cross on Mt Roskill. A wonderful choice of different lifestyles around here!

[That looks like fun]

I wasn't rising to the bait...it's heifers on Mount Eden, sheep on One Tree Hill and a bloody great cross on Mt Roskill. A wonderful choice of different lifestyles around here!

Sheep, Beef or God. You Aucklanders have everything on your doorsteps :niceone: (or mountains as the case may be :bleh:)

[BMWST?]

Sheep, Beef or God. You Aucklanders have everything on your doorsteps :niceone: (or mountains as the case may be :bleh:)

them mountains are volcanoes......

[cooneyr]

them mountains are volcanoes......

Them volcanoes are pimples.