Patar
17th June 2008, 21:09
Hi,
I am at very early stages of planning an across Asia trip and am researching bike options. One thing to bear in mind is that I basically have no idea what kind of road conditions I am likely to encounter travelling through some of the more remote parts of Asia.
So my thoughts go along the line that it would probably be handy to have a bike with at least some sort of off-road capability. At first I was thinking of using a dirt bike so that I could drag myself out of any situation but as my arse isn't made out of indestructium I started to think a more comfortable approach would be best.
As such I've arrived at the conclusion that a dual-purpose bike would suit me best, but which one? Do I go for something that focusses on road with a hint of dirt, or do I go for something more capable of going off-road?
The contenders that I've lined up so far as good possibilities are the BMW F650, Honda XL700 Transalp and the Suzuki DL650 V-strom and to a lesser extent the Yamaha XTX660.
What can you guys recommend keeping in mind initital cost, mileage, off-road capabilities, luggage storage and being able to be repaired with used chewing gum, mud cakes and sheer will power?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions.
I am at very early stages of planning an across Asia trip and am researching bike options. One thing to bear in mind is that I basically have no idea what kind of road conditions I am likely to encounter travelling through some of the more remote parts of Asia.
So my thoughts go along the line that it would probably be handy to have a bike with at least some sort of off-road capability. At first I was thinking of using a dirt bike so that I could drag myself out of any situation but as my arse isn't made out of indestructium I started to think a more comfortable approach would be best.
As such I've arrived at the conclusion that a dual-purpose bike would suit me best, but which one? Do I go for something that focusses on road with a hint of dirt, or do I go for something more capable of going off-road?
The contenders that I've lined up so far as good possibilities are the BMW F650, Honda XL700 Transalp and the Suzuki DL650 V-strom and to a lesser extent the Yamaha XTX660.
What can you guys recommend keeping in mind initital cost, mileage, off-road capabilities, luggage storage and being able to be repaired with used chewing gum, mud cakes and sheer will power?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions.