Adventure bike

[Finn]

The title is so obvious because one little mistake and the mods will fuck me over.

Okay, long story short... I want a good adventure/dual purpose bike for adventure and some dual purpose. Is there only one? GS1200? After watching Ewan McGregor and his lil bitch ride these things, either they are hidious pigs or they can't ride for shit. Perhaps something more nimble and lighter.

The scenario is that it will be towed on the boring bits and used as an explorer and milk/bread runner. Two up.

What say you?

[justsomeguy]

A BMW something or Weestrom?

But since it's for you perhaps you could make it into a trike with step ladder access to the seat?

[The Big J]

errrm, pretty well anything with 650 on the badge?
Prob V-strom 650.
Or KLR or DR, or XT
You don´t need 1200 to do a milk/bread run. If you go larger than 650 you´re looking for comfort over distances, otherwise the KTM990, god there´s millions of bikes, pretty hard to be specific.

[Taz]

Yeah get the GS1200. Might find it hard to get off road tyres for it though.

[Mr. Peanut]

KTM990, WP suspension, Brembos + V-Twin. I know a guy who just sold his GS to get one.

[Transalper]

You want to know one mans opinion of why he bought and then sold a GS 1150 go ask Mr Sensable.

[tri boy]

Height, Weight, Dollars that you have to throw at it?
New, second hand?
Type of local terrain.?
Full on thrill junky, or out for a long site seeing ride?
How often ya gunna ride it. (bang for bucks)?

:confused:

[NordieBoy]

2nd hand DR650?

[cowpoos]

2nd hand DR650?
the only thing finn buys second hand are his lady boy's ....lmfao!!!!

[merv]

Mate I'm one from the light weight view as far as dirt bikes go. I can't see any point owning a bike you are going to ride on the gravel or dirt with the chance of arsing off that goes with it, then you can't pick the bloody thing up. That was where McGregor and Boorman struggled and they were lucky to have a cameraman and other crew help at times.

The DR650 is the lightest of the 650 brigade (147kg) and if you are going to trailer it on the boring bits then I might even ask why not get something lighter. I take my WR250F on the organised adventure rides and that is just a hoot, you finish the long day feeling like you want to ride around again.

However 2 up is not something a WR will do as your CRF wouldn't have very well either. So that brings me back to the DR - they are cheap even. If it wasn't for the towing thing and you wanted to go further on the bike that new KLR of Quasi's looks interesting at 175kg. The BMW's are all lardy heavy. The KTM's similar if you want a good 2 up bike because the 640 never looks as comfortable as a DR for that from what I have seen.

On adventure rides me and my Bro' have rescued many a BMW rider even on 650's (195kg) if they are riding solo and arse off we've come across guys stuck under their bikes and we've had to help them. Not my idea of fun riding so much weight in the dirt.

So 2 up day riding a bit like we do some times, we use the DR and I wouldn't buy anything heavier for dirt.

Now the heavy brigade can come and give their opinion as to why their choice is right.

[terbang]

KTM 990 Adventure

[inlinefour]

The title is so obvious because one little mistake and the mods will fuck me over.

Okay, long story short... I want a good adventure/dual purpose bike for adventure and some dual purpose. Is there only one? GS1200? After watching Ewan McGregor and his lil bitch ride these things, either they are hidious pigs or they can't ride for shit. Perhaps something more nimble and lighter.

The scenario is that it will be towed on the boring bits and used as an explorer and milk/bread runner. Two up.

What say you?


That DRZ I had with a few extras including a 28 litre safari long range tank was good. Did 500+ km on one tank. Which in this country is more than enough to get to the next station. Made the bike handle somewhat different, but still pulled wheelies, just not in every gear as it did with the standard tank on.
However, it did not have pillion pegs, but I would like to think that it could handle a pillion on the back, as long as its not a whale. Had it tied down in the van several times, never moved and never spilt any fuel, which I have come accross before with other bikes, even with the tap off.
However, seeing as you appear to like the blinged out brand of toys, maybe one of those KTMs that Ewan and Charlie wanted but KTM did not want to hand out?

[NordieBoy]

The DR650 is the lightest of the 650 brigade (147kg)

159kg with 14L fuel.

[RedKLR650]

Okay, long story short... I want a good adventure/dual purpose bike for adventure and some dual purpose. Is there only one? GS1200? After watching Ewan McGregor and his lil bitch ride these things, either they are hidious pigs or they can't ride for shit. Perhaps something more nimble and lighter. The scenario is that it will be towed on the boring bits and used as an explorer and milk/bread runner. Two up.
What say you?

Someone posted that the DR was 147kgs

The ' old ' model KLR is only 153kgs and has the advantage of a 23litre tank

An auction on Tardme has just finished for a 2007 model KLR brand new from a dealer and an offer price of $8250 ( And that's BRAND NEW !! ):eek:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:

[pete376403]

Someone posted that the DR was 147kgs

The ' old ' model KLR is only 153kgs and has the advantage of a 23litre tank

An auction on Tardme has just finished for a 2007 model KLR brand new from a dealer and an offer price of $8250 ( And that's BRAND NEW !! ):eek:

Cheers, Stu :scooter:
Is that an advertised dry weight or a real-world-tested-on-accurate-scales weight? I think that in days gone by, some of the weights quoted in advertising must have been taken before the engine was fitted to the frame.
I know my 08 KLR is advertised at 175 dry and is 192-3 on the Interisland Ferry weighbridge with a near full tank so maybe now Kawasaki have discovered Truth in Advertising laws.

[NordieBoy]

147kg dry.
But try riding it dry :D

[RedKLR650]

Is that an advertised dry weight or a real-world-tested-on-accurate-scales weight? I think that in days gone by, some of the weights quoted in advertising must have been taken before the engine was fitted to the frame.
I know my 08 KLR is advertised at 175 dry and is 192-3 on the Interisland Ferry weighbridge with a near full tank so maybe now Kawasaki have discovered Truth in Advertising laws.

It's 153kg in the owners manual.... :oi-grr:
I just had a look :niceone:

Cheers, Stu

[pete376403]

owners manual, huh? Page 53 of KLR650 owners manual tells me I should shift from 5th to 6th at 55km/hr. I don't believe everything written in there...

[doc]

KTM 990 Adventure

You have to be kidding. Finn has trouble reaching the ground now. Those things are not really suitable for the little people.

[pete376403]

I just had a look :niceone:

Cheers, Stu
Those your pics in the latest Kiwi Biker about the Dunlop Rally Raid? Nice pic of a KLR speedo but apart from that no mention of KLR attendance.

[dino3310]

2nd hand DR650?

or a new one

[Usarka]

Get a killacycle.

[Finn]

The bike will be for a motorhome. When you're parked up, it's an arse driving a 14 ton bus to go do the shopping. Also, it'll be handy to have a bike to do some day trip / exploring on. It must be able to have panniers as well.

I really like the BMW's but as Merv pointed out, if I dropped it in the middle of nowhere by myself, I might as well set it on fire, walk back and call my insurance company. Perhaps the 650 model will do the trick.

I guess I should go take some fro a ride.

[Finn]

You have to be kidding. Finn has trouble reaching the ground now.

Not to mention I can't see over the dash on those things. I'm sure they're are great bikes but they make my stomach turn.

[tri boy]

With that new info Finn, I would agree with Merv, look at road going DRZ400, KLX300/400 etc.
Fit suitable tyres, and consider fuel tank size.
Personally I think the larger (650+) bikes would be a pain to live with.
Will the bike be secured to the rear of the M/home, or some other system?
A mate in Aus travelled in an ex Vic double decker, towing a car trailer with a land rover on it, and a XR200 on a carrier at the rear of the bus. He travelled all around Oz in it.

[Wolf]

I'll add my voice to the "as light as possible" comments. Finn, you're not wrong about may as well set fire to it and call the insurance company if you drop it. Much and all as I love beemers, they can be insanely heavy.

I love my little XT225 as it has a low seat height and is very light. Yamaha's 2008 model is reworked and has an actual 250 engine (249cc rather than my 223cc engine)

It will take two fairly comfortably if neither is particularly large and is no slouch 2-up.

A slightly larger bike would be better for going any decent distance 2-up but you wouldn't want to go too big or you'd get into "I'll never pick it up if I drop it" territory.

Depends how far you anticipate travelling 2-up, really, as I have no problem riding my bike considerable distances (I'm only an amateur, Lois Pryce rode an XT225 from the tip of Alaska to the tip of South America) one-up.

Panniers can be sorted out - Roj and I built pannier frames for the XT and they were fine for lugging my gear to the Cold Kiwi - more than sufficient for a milk/bread run.

In the scenario you describe, I'd personally take a little road-legal 250 that can be easily thrown around off road (and picked up if/when needed), quite capable of the open road limit plus a bit more, small, light and economical.

If you're as short as everyone claims, the XT225 (07) or the XT250 (08) might be a good fit with its low seat height but I'm sure you should have no prob getting pretty much anything adapted to suit.

[merv]

OK hearing now it is for your motorhome I'd be saying I reckon stick with the DR650SE because they are a minimalist bike with no extra crap like fairings on them so they'd tuck in neatly on the back of the home or on a trailer or whatever. You can equip them for long distance like Mark and Jane did http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=48490 and from the reports he's given us they are going well.

If you're really only doing day trips you won't really need panniers, a Ventura rack and bag set is fine for that and very compact and doesn't stick out the side so no getting caught on bushes or anything like that.

I doubt you are such a short arse as I am and I find the DR650 OK and we have ours set on the 40mm reduced ride height and that is a benefit with them too they are adjustable. Here's Mrs merv's DR, all nice and light and compact, 40mm lower than stock, f..k all to break on it http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=70037&d=1189223477

If we ride two up I normally take the VFR, but on this ride for newb's a while back http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=23838 knowing we wouldn't need to be going too quick we took the DR two up and while its slightly more cramped on the back than the VFR Mrs was fine on that for the day.

Alternatively, if you want your Mrs or whoever riding too, then something like 2 XT250's (the 225 version) wouldn't be such a bad idea either if you can squeeze them on the back of the home.

[limbimtimwim]

(DRZ400) However, it did not have pillion pegs, but I would like to think that it could handle a pillion on the back, as long as its not a whale.The SM model has pillion pegs. However, looking at pictures of regular DR-Z, I cannot see the lugs to attach them.

Curious.

[RedKLR650]

Those your pics in the latest Kiwi Biker about the Dunlop Rally Raid? Nice pic of a KLR speedo but apart from that no mention of KLR attendance.

Not my pix I'm afraid.....

I would have noted KLR attendance ;-)

Cheers, Stu:scooter:

[oldrider]

You want to know one mans opinion of why he bought and then sold a GS 1150 go ask Mr Sensable.

And soon to be Mr Ruralman by all accounts! :shutup: Sssshhhh! :argh:

[Jantar]

The bike will be for a motorhome. When you're parked up, it's an arse driving a 14 ton bus to go do the shopping. Also, it'll be handy to have a bike to do some day trip / exploring on. It must be able to have panniers as well.

I really like the BMW's but as Merv pointed out, if I dropped it in the middle of nowhere by myself, I might as well set it on fire, walk back and call my insurance company. Perhaps the 650 model will do the trick.

I guess I should go take some fro a ride.

It sounds like you are really after a dual purpose trail bike rather than a true adventure bike. So I would have to agree with tri boy that a DRZ 400 or similar would be what you need. Something light with plenty of grunt and built mainly for the dirt, yet still legal on the road.

An adventure bike is slightly more road oriented, but can continue on to the gravel roads, then the dirt roads; not really built for the trails.

[Fryin Finn]

A lot of guys talk about how a heavier bike is harder to pick up. In reality a wider engined bike can be easier to pick up than a lighter single due to the sticking out cylinders providing a fulcrum at the lifting angle. Big singles have a higher center of gravity and lie flat when on the ground. Therefore a BMW 1200GS may be easier to pick up than a 650GS

[Jantar]

... Therefore a BMW 1200GS may be easier to pick up than a 650GS
But it may be a bit more difficult to mount it on the back of a motorhome. :shutup:

[Finn]

A lot of guys talk about how a heavier bike is harder to pick up. In reality a wider engined bike can be easier to pick up than a lighter single due to the sticking out cylinders providing a fulcrum at the lifting angle. Big singles have a higher center of gravity and lie flat when on the ground. Therefore a BMW 1200GS may be easier to pick up than a 650GS

You can always rely on ones father for good advice. Thanks Dad.

Do you think the BMW showroom in Auckland will let me test this?

[Finn]

But it may be a bit more difficult to mount it on the back of a motorhome. :shutup:

If there's not enough room in the storage bay then I'll buy a hydraulic mount from the States. They can lift a HD Fatboy.

[merv]

OK so keep us in the loop and tell us what you buy.

[Wolf]

If there's not enough room in the storage bay then I'll buy a hydraulic mount from the States. They can lift a HD Fatboy.
Sounds like some serious work's going into this - I'm expecting pics and a full report once it's all up and going.

All the best getting it sorted.

[pritch]

Okay, long story short... I want a good adventure/dual purpose bike for adventure and some dual purpose. Is there only one? GS1200?
What say you?

Depends exactly what you want, and how much money you can spend of course, but there are some nice enduro bikes. The lighter they are, the more use they probably are off road. Conversely the less use they will be on the road.

The KTM and Husaberg 650s might be worth a look if you were planning some roadwork.

There is also the recently released BMW range of off-road bikes (can't remember the details but there are three different models depending on what you want to do with them). They have a much sharper focus than the old Paris Dakar 650s

Give Henry at Experience BMW a ring (tell him I sent you :-)

[clint640]

The KTM and Husaberg 650s might be worth a look if you were planning some roadwork.


The Husabergs are a bit of a race bike really, but the KTM LC4s - 640 Enduro or the dirtier 625 SXC are among the lightest & of the big thumpers with electric start & are great if you want power, reliabilty & to go hard in the dirt. They're not really built for short buggers though. The aforementioned DR650 is also a good rig & has a lower seat. DRZ400s are good too, but also tall.

The G650X BMWs are nice, with a similar focus to the KTMs but they're crazy expensive.

If I was getting something for the main purpose of carting around in a bus I'd probably look at a 250 (or 2) though. The more roadworthy 250 trailies include the Yam XT225/250, the Honda XR250 Tornado, the Suzi DRZ250 & the Kawasaki Super Sherpa.

[Wolf]

If I was getting something for the main purpose of carting around in a bus I'd probably look at a 250 (or 2) though. The more roadworthy 250 trailies include the Yam XT225/250, the Honda XR250 Tornado, the Suzi DRZ250 & the Kawasaki Super Sherpa.
I've had nothing but good service from my XT225 and I've heard a lot of good things about the others you suggest.

[Scouse]

Fookin KTM 990 supermoto

[Fatjim]

Mobility scooter with town and country tyres.

[chris]

159kg with 14L fuel.
On proper certificated scales the DR650 with a full tank is 169kg.

[Wolf]

On proper certificated scales the DR650 with a full tank is 169kg.
You mean "as opposed to a marketroid's set of scales"

[chris]

You mean "as opposed to a marketroid's set of scales"
Correctamundo.

[NordieBoy]

On proper certificated scales the DR650 with a full tank is 169kg.

On proper bathroom scales mine was 159kg with 14L fuel.

[tri boy]

If there's not enough room in the storage bay then I'll buy a hydraulic mount from the States. They can lift a HD Fatboy.

Oh hell, we really will need to see pics of this bus. This sounds like one hell of a mobile home. You lucky, lucky bistard:2thumbsup

[Usarka]

Oh hell, we really will need to see pics of this bus. This sounds like one hell of a mobile home. You lucky, lucky bistard:2thumbsup

He's not lucky!. it's taken him years of hard work to rob his customers.

[Finn]

He's not lucky!. it's taken him years of hard work to rob his customers.

Normally I'd joke about this like saying... "We might not be the cheapest in town, but boy are we slow" however, I have spent 11 years hard labour being a specialised player in a market reserved for the old boy network and dirty backhanders, not to mention cronic incompetence of NZ middle and senior management in most of NZ businesses. I deserve every penny I make.

[Usarka]

bahaha fair call just takin the piss.
I deserve every penny I make. or NZ dollars, they're worth about the same.....

[NordieBoy]

I deserve every penny I make.

Forger ?

[doc]

Normally I'd joke about this like saying... "We might not be the cheapest in town, but boy are we slow" however, I have spent 11 years hard labour being a specialised player in a market reserved for the old boy network and dirty backhanders, not to mention cronic incompetence of NZ middle and senior management in most of NZ businesses. I deserve every penny I make.
So how many benefits are you really on ?

[Finn]

Fuck, I knew I should have kept my mouth shut.

[Wolf]

Fuck, I knew I should have kept my mouth shut.
Bummer birthmark, Hal...

[chris]

On proper bathroom scales mine was 159kg with 14L fuel.
I said ours would be a waste of money, but would they listen....

[RedKLR650]

Those your pics in the latest Kiwi Biker about the Dunlop Rally Raid? Nice pic of a KLR speedo but apart from that no mention of KLR attendance.


Not my pix I'm afraid.....

I would have noted KLR attendance ;-)

Cheers, Stu:scooter:

Sorry about that, when I first saw that I had no idea what you were on about, but it has just been bought to my attention that I do have some photos in Bike Rider Magazine that fit that description ( But as for the Dunlop Rally Raid - none of the rest of the 12 guys along for the ride knew it was any sort of tyre test, it was just a bunch of ( mainly ) KB adventure riders making a bit of a fun trip on the way to the brass. )

As for the KLR, I'm afraid mine was the only one along for the ride that day ( and as I had to work the next day, it came back home through the Danseys in the dark that night - exciting ride indeed :devil2:

So yes, they are my photos, glad you liked them..... :niceone:

I had no idea they were going to appear in there, so thanks for giving me the heads up :eek:

Cheers, Stu:scooter:

[chris]

Bummer birthmark, Hal...
Talking deer, whatever next.

[merv]

Normally I'd joke about this like saying... "We might not be the cheapest in town, but boy are we slow" .

Sounds like you've got guys named Dilbert and Wally working for you - do you have pointy hair on the sides coz like me I know you don't have much in the middle?

More importantly have you ignored all our advice and gone and bought the 550kg BMW anyway?

When are you coming down our way to take possession of your property and join a ride?

[NordieBoy]

Talking deer, whatever next.

Time travelling cavemen?

[Finn]

More importantly have you ignored all our advice and gone and bought the 550kg BMW anyway?

When are you coming down our way to take possession of your property and join a ride?

Long story short, the local BMW shop is moving. So naturally, in good ol kiwi style, will be closed for at least a week while they try to figure out the difficult task of moving 30 bikes to a new showroom 3 k's away. I'm sure they've got half of PWC helping them out.

So no, I haven't made any decisions as yet. It will be a while off so I am all ears but having been a dirt rider, am looking for some chuckability so probably a 650... with some paniers and rear pegs.

Possession on the land already taken. Will more than likely be in the region over Christmas so get the velcro strip ready... the dwarf is commin to town.

[oldrider]

The Honda TransAlp 650v is a bike that consistently does everything right, on and off the road. (IMHO)

Like all Honda's, it is so well engineered that it feels sterile but in my experience, they just keep on keeping on, reliability on steroids.

With a set of GIVI top and side boxes, a chain oiler and a pair Mitas E07 tyres, just add petrol and away you go, wherever!

OK, they are now rather old technology but what is it you want, all the bugs are out already and I know you have got a rocket-ship for the tarmac anyway!

Just my opinion FWIW.

I know where there is one, all kitted out, in excellent order and soon to be available. Cheers, John.

[Finn]

The Honda TransAlp 650v is a bike that consistently does everything right, on and off the road. (IMHO)

Like all Honda's, it is so well engineered that it feels sterile but in my experience, they just keep on keeping on, reliability on steroids.

With a set of GIVI top and side boxes, a chain oiler and a pair Mitas E07 tyres, just add petrol and away you go, wherever!

OK, they are now rather old technology but what is it you want, all the bugs are out already and I know you have got a rocket-ship for the tarmac anyway!

Just my opinion FWIW.

I know where there is one, all kitted out, in excellent order and soon to be available. Cheers, John.

I don't know, but I do know that when I hit the road, I'm coming to Otematata and we'll sit on your porch and change the world. I might have a young lady with me so I'll just make sure she has her txt credit topped up so she won't annoy us.

I shouldn't drink so much on a thursday.

[Jantar]

...I shouldn't drink so much on a thursday.
Well I get plenty of thursdays off work, so maybe we can re-educate you on that philosophy. :apint:

[oldrider]

I don't know, but I do know that when I hit the road, I'm coming to Otematata and we'll sit on your porch and change the world. I might have a young lady with me so I'll just make sure she has her txt credit topped up so she won't annoy us.

I shouldn't drink so much on a thursday.

I must be psychic, I was just rehearsing today! Can't wait! :niceone: Cheers John.