The Ultimate Adventure Bike

[Mystic13]

Adventure bikes like the F800GS and KTM's are getting so damned expensive that I figured it must be possibly to dip into the motorcycle parts bin and whip up the umltimate adventure bike that does away with all the short comings, can be fixed on the side of the road, and is more the swiss army knife of motorcycles.

Having a quick google I found that I'm not the only one that thinks this. These guys have gone a long way to where I want to go and have taken some steps i didn't consider. It seems they've taken the road bike and put the off road front and rear on but those of you who really know Ducati will know the answer.

http://www.terramostro.com/

What really peeves me with some modern bikes is their unreliability. Withe the F800St i own you can't push start it with a flat battery because it won't initialise the electronics. If the GS is the same that would seem a pretty useless function to have.

So here I am wondering whether it's time to sort out what the ultimate adventure bike would be and get it put together.

So who thinks...

- this would be a good idea
- would like to have a go
- has useful contributions

etc

It seems to me you pick a benchmark bike or bikes, set yourself some parameters you want to achieve and away you go.

The worst that will happen is you'd have a ball, will have done some dosh and have a grown ups meccano set in the garage.

On a more serious note if you think it would be a go and would like to discuss the option of building a bunch of them (one for each person involved) then let's talk.

My views are it should be

- built from the motorcycle parts bin with readily available parts
- easily fixed road side
- comfortable
- light
- capable off road
- 7-900cc
- a bullet proof motor (but it seems this can probably change from bike to bike)
- carry what you really need i.e be the swiss army knife of motorcycle where doing the job is the priority


What would you say are the ultimate adventure bikes at the moment, what do you like and what can be improved.

That's my lunch thought for today.

Cheers.

My wife is so going to love this post when she sees it. No really, she will.

So dudes and dudesses... tell me what you would want in a bike.

[clint640]

But I already own the Ultimate Adventure Bike! :woohoo:

A few comments:

A cheap, common, lightweight & 7-900cc engine does not exist.

I reckon the best solution to the simple, cheap, light, offroad capable, common, reliable, travel-the-world bike problem is a well set up DR650.

Cheers
Clint

[MXNUT]

A KTM 950 SUPER ENDURO WITH A 30L SAFARI TANK. :gob:

BOYD MOTORCYCLES HAVE GOT A NEW ONE ON SPECIAL FOR $18995.00 AND WHEN I WIN LOTTO THIS WEEKEND I AM GOING TO BUY IT.:scooter:

[CRM]

XR600 - add electric start without extra weight but keep the kicker as a backup, add decent electrics to fire up a real light, keep it air cooled for simplicity and reliability, big tank, CRF450 suspension maybe, stronger frame and subframe for gear and you'd be getting close I reckon. :2thumbsup
Or a DR650 as above but somehow lose 20kg.

[CRM]

Yeah i know they don't make XR600 motors any more :confused:. So I guess a DR650 motor in a light/strong frame with more ground clearance and decent long travel suspension is about as good as it is going to get for what you are asking. Just like Honda's... :hug:

[JATZ]

DR800 motor ?

[AlBundy]

One of the older BMW GS's... The 800 or 1000's...

Long travel suspension, big tanks available, parts almost available everywhere...

[cooneyr]

A KTM 950 SUPER ENDURO WITH A 30L SAFARI TANK. :gob:

BOYD MOTORCYCLES HAVE GOT A NEW ONE ON SPECIAL FOR $18995.00 AND WHEN I WIN LOTTO THIS WEEKEND I AM GOING TO BUY IT.:scooter:

Your not off to Boyds this weekend cause I'm going to win lotto and by that bike or an KTM Adv.


Yeah i know they don't make XR600 motors any more :confused:. So I guess a DR650 motor in a light/strong frame with more ground clearance and decent long travel suspension is about as good as it is going to get for what you are asking. Just like Honda's... :hug:

That sounds like a CCM 644. Pitty they never made it to NZ. Sort of a DR motor in a KTM chassis, possibly better than a 640 E.

Another parts bin special bike (except for the chassis) is the Weber Rally Twin (http://www.rallytwin.com/). Sounds like a very cool bike but pity about the US$68,000 price tag.

I like the idea of the bike but it will be quite a challenge and possibly cost far more than a production bike.

Cheers R

[XF650]

"That sounds like a CCM 644. Pitty they never made it to NZ. Sort of a DR motor in a KTM chassis, possibly better than a 640 E."

That's the Freewind engine you are talking about.

[NordieBoy]

Having a quick google I found that I'm not the only one that thinks this. These guys have gone a long way to where I want to go and have taken some steps i didn't consider. It seems they've taken the road bike and put the off road front and rear on but those of you who really know Ducati will know the answer.

Yep, it's a nice bike.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55011&highlight=terramostro

[NordieBoy]

That sounds like a CCM 644. Pitty they never made it to NZ. Sort of a DR motor in a KTM chassis, possibly better than a 640 E.

At least one did but it had the Rotax engine...
Old Thumpers 2003...
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/dirt/2003-02-09-Golden%20Bay%20-%20Old%20Thumpers/slides/ccm-moto2.jpg

His other bike was...
http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/dirt/2003-02-09-Golden%20Bay%20-%20Old%20Thumpers/slides/ccm-dirt2.jpg

[NordieBoy]

"That sounds like a CCM 644. Pitty they never made it to NZ. Sort of a DR motor in a KTM chassis, possibly better than a 640 E."

That's the Freewind engine you are talking about.

:girlfight: :hug: :2thumbsup

[Pedrostt500]

Ive often thougt a 650 V twin in a 500 to 650 xr, xt, dr, or klr frame, keep the electrics simple, to the bare minimum with exception of elec start, suspension would need an up grade.
maybe dry sump the motor so the front cylinder gets constant oil feed while the front wheel is in the air, or climbing steep hills.

[hospitalfood]

twin equals weight
did not know dukes could be worked on easily ????? sounds crazy to use a duke engine to me.
DR bloody good, only prob might be cooling in some terrain, and a crap seat for long distance, not really made for long trips.
water cooled equals weight
i like my old KLR, water cooled and comfy 2-up long distance, but far from agile and far from smooth ( maybe because it is so old and flogged )
custom bike sounds like a great idea, might take a few tries to beat the bike business but.

[tri boy]

Ive often thougt a 650 V twin in a 500 to 650 xr, xt, dr, or klr frame, keep the electrics simple, to the bare minimum with exception of elec start, suspension would need an up grade.
maybe dry sump the motor so the front cylinder gets constant oil feed while the front wheel is in the air, or climbing steep hills.

Got a long term plan to drop a Hyosung 650 v twin into a VOR, or TM enduro chassis, and fabricate the tank/seat etc around it.
Paioli or Ohlins, (maybe even Marzochi) suspenders. Only thing is, the 650 is water cooled.
Boss is keen, but time is limited. Next year maybe.

Fastest/cheapest/quickest option for me would be adventurising the Hyo supermotard 450 with Excel rims, better suspension, and bigger/better seat tank. The 450 is good for about 48hp out of the box.

[BMWST?]

see you are already running into trouble....dirt bikes are the ultimate adventure bike.....until you want to cover some distance.....then the bike you need is too big/heavy/complex in the dirt....i think the best compromise are the early honda/yammie/bmw attempts,but updated in the suspension,accessory,electrical depts...

[Paladin]

That TerraMostro seat looks bloody appealin after my KLX's plank!
That's a mad lookin bike and weight/power wise prob great fun when trailered to a fun spot but if ya gonna do a REAL adv ride involvin distance/overnighter it doesn't look like it wants to have panniers hangin off it does it?!!!!

[Mystic13]

Your not off to Boyds this weekend cause I'm going to win lotto and by that bike or an KTM Adv.



That sounds like a CCM 644. Pitty they never made it to NZ. Sort of a DR motor in a KTM chassis, possibly better than a 640 E.

Another parts bin special bike (except for the chassis) is the Weber Rally Twin (http://www.rallytwin.com/). Sounds like a very cool bike but pity about the US$68,000 price tag.

I like the idea of the bike but it will be quite a challenge and possibly cost far more than a production bike.

Cheers R

I thought there was a CCM for sale a few months ago at Mt Eden Motorcycles. It looked impressive.

[Mystic13]

Yep, it's a nice bike.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=55011&highlight=terramostro


and the moral would be use search before posting... thanks Nordieboy

I agree with the poster on using a Ducati... I wonder how reliable that would be. Never owned one of them.

I see there is already a diverse range of opinions on what makes the best bike.

Sticking a bigger engine in a TM frame sounds like a great idea. I'd already thought about it because a TM a few years old is pretty cheap to own and comes with good suspension and USD forks.

Hospitalfood, there is no problems cooling the DR650 in hotter climates i thought they already do that in Oz with bigger coolers being an aftermarket mod.

Triboy, sounds like you've been thinking similar things. Pity you can't twist the bosses arm to let you play sooner. They letting you play makes you happier. You being happier means you'll work better. Sounds like a win-win to me. ... Okay, i'm biased but it did sound like a good story when i typed it.

[Ocean1]

DR800 motor ?

Yes. I was very tempted to acquire that one on TM last week (did it sell?) for a wee project exactly like that. It was in better nick than any donor bike should be though.

Heavy engine, but I think a design target under 140kg for a straight dirt bike is do-able. P'raps 150kg for an adv version...

[Mystic13]

So, there are a few of you around doing project bikes.

You can go out and buy a kit car and put together an individual performance machine. Why can't you buy a kit bike, buy the frame and a list of donor parts and away you go. Usually kitcar people have two options, you buy the frame and bits that they make and a list of bits you'll need or you buy the thing built up.

It would take a bit of mucking around to get number 1 sorted but after that it would hopefully be easier.

Of course like kit cars the aftermarket could be a bit thin but the bike would be more a keeper.

[NordieBoy]

My project is a 1981ish 250cc adventure bike :D

[marks]

its interesting that comfort hasn't been mentioned much and the focus is toward the 'knarly bits' of any adventure ride.

Given that most of any adventure ride is on tar seal or easy gravel - road comfort/enjoyment should rate highly.

My DT230 is a much more capable adventure bike than my klr but I would rather take my klr and be more comfortable 90% of the time (and more terrified 10% of the time - cant have it all).

really for a typical nz adventure ride a modified DR/KLR is pretty close to the mark as an ideal economic option for the average rider who rides solo.

[thepom]

I love my africa twin...pity its so heavy...seem s to me there are more about as I have seen two more in town lately...:niceone:

[MXNUT]

its interesting that comfort hasn't been mentioned much and the focus is toward the 'knarly bits' of any adventure ride.

My DT230 is a much more capable adventure bike than my klr but I would rather take my klr and be more comfortable 90% of the time (and more terrified 10% of the time - cant have it all).

really for a typical nz adventure ride a modified DR/KLR is pretty close to the mark as an ideal economic option for the average rider who rides solo.

Remember we are talking about the ULTIMATE ADVENTURTE BIKE here, and comfort certainly has to come in to it as well as decent fuel range and reliability.

But as the ULTIMATE it should also be light and have enough power to SCARE :devil2:

[CrazyFrog]

A KTM 950 SUPER ENDURO WITH A 30L SAFARI TANK. :gob:

BOYD MOTORCYCLES HAVE GOT A NEW ONE ON SPECIAL FOR $18995.00 AND WHEN I WIN LOTTO THIS WEEKEND I AM GOING TO BUY IT.:scooter:

I'm with you there, buy one off the shelf and you don't have to piss around bodging something together ending up looking like a variant of Frankenstien.
Anyway, building a bike from scratch that goes like that clappers and handles well, is best left for the likes of John Britten. Few of us mere mortals are capable of engineering feats such as his.
Mmmmmmm, KTM 950 Super Enduro, mmmmmmm, Goes fast and made for the rough stuff.

[marks]

as the ULTIMATE it should also be light and have enough power to SCARE :devil2:

690 Enduro with a few minor mods.

[Paladin]

690 Enduro with a few minor mods.

Haha! Was just lookin at that on TSS's website a few mins ago LOL! DOES look nice! I take it by the comments on this thread that the KTM 690 Enduro vs BMW F650GS Dakar is a no contest hands down win for the KTM then???? The BM does look sexy but everytime I see the pics of it I think those spindly front suspenders look like damage waiting to happen! Not that I'm any expert and they're real popular so presume they don't get problems in that area! :confused:

[NordieBoy]

SV650 Adventure bike :D

33L underseat tank :Punk:

[Paladin]

SV650 Adventure bike :D

33L underseat tank :Punk:

33L sounds lush! Nice lookin bike Fran. That's a meaty lookin frame on that sucker too. Looks like it would need some serious underside protection added tho!

[MXNUT]

sv650 adventure bike :d

33l underseat tank :punk:

What the ????? Where the ???? Did you find that, Nordie

[Bass]

and is the chain hanging off the rear sprocket a standard feature?

A bit shy on rear brakes too. I know I'm old, decrepit and nearly blind, but I can't see a disc there

[Paladin]

A bit shy on rear brakes too. I know I'm old, decrepit and nearly blind, but I can't see a disc there

:lol: Rear brakes are for pussies!!! :devil2: heehee! :msn-wink:

[NordieBoy]

It's a work in progress...
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288338&highlight=sv650+motard

Been following it from the start :D

[tri boy]

That bike is almost exactly what has been swimming around in my head for the last six months.
Thanks for the pic Fran. One mod I would do, is relocate the radiator. Not saying where though:msn-wink:. Oh, and spec up the suspenders.

[Paladin]

It's a work in progress...
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288338&highlight=sv650+motard

Been following it from the start :D

Man, that dude is awesome! Wish I could do that! :first:

[Woodman]

Why did kawasaki not use the versys as the new KLR, it seems to me that most of the work has been done and apparently they go real good too. Even more go than a KLR which is featured and priced close to the ultimate anyway, unless power to weight ratio is important.

[NordieBoy]

They're off a DRZ400 that he'd upgraded the forks on.

[Bass]

It's a work in progress...


Figured that. Was just being facetious.
Thanks for the link.
That guy has skills!!
From some of his comments and the tools he was using, I suspect that he also has some experience in the homebuilt aircraft game.

What's your guess on the finished weight?

[marks]

That bike is almost exactly what has been swimming around in my head for the last six months.
Thanks for the pic Fran. One mod I would do, is relocate the radiator. Not saying where though:msn-wink:. Oh, and spec up the suspenders.

if you are serious - a friend has a damaged weestrom project which he put a drz 400 front end on and then lost interest - I'm sure he'd be interested in selling

[tri boy]

I'm hoping to scrounge some parts of the boss, (frame n suspension), and a GT650 Hyosung engine off someone/something/, (boss again maybe).
Don't hold ya breath though.

[Padmei]

From the ride reports he's written it enlightened me to the amount of testing companies must do for bike design around handling issues etc. Mind you I guess a lot comes straight out of a software package...

I'm enjoying shaping & testing a new screen for the KLR & damn it I don't want to admit it yet but think the stock is the best so far.. (before any links get posted I have read many threads about them but want to build the best & sell them for...one hundred million dollars mahahahaha)

[Mystic13]

Haha! Was just lookin at that on TSS's website a few mins ago LOL! DOES look nice! I take it by the comments on this thread that the KTM 690 Enduro vs BMW F650GS Dakar is a no contest hands down win for the KTM then???? The BM does look sexy but everytime I see the pics of it I think those spindly front suspenders look like damage waiting to happen! Not that I'm any expert and they're real popular so presume they don't get problems in that area! :confused:

Actually I thought the BMW 650 did have problems in that area with the front breaking and on later models they strenthened it but the earlier ones snap off from time to time.

KTM 690 for me hands down on those two.

[Mystic13]

SV650 Adventure bike :D

33L underseat tank :Punk:


Wow! I haven't seen these before... off to google. (and your link)

I didn't think sorting a bike was a matter of being a Britten, more taking something and modifying it. Or the worst case getting a frame built and hang standard bits off it.

To go and do a all out special would take too much time and I'd be too eager to ride it rather than wait years for a build..

[Zeph]

Here is a link to a few specials based on the Suzuki SV650. A logical next step for Suzuki to produce an alternative to KTM's 690 Enduro.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283894

Keep the weight down and they could be onto a winner.

[Eddieb]

I alwasy thought the XTZ Super Tenere and more recently the F800GS were on the right track.

For me Adventure also includes potentially sizable mileage to get to the rough stuff and long days in the saddle so the parrallel twin suits for it's smoother performance and better road manners over a single while hopefully being able to be built down to a half reasonable weight and still fairly slim to man handle around and through things. It also gives better luggage/fuel/pillion carrying potential.

It's about more than just riding the rough stuff and if you limit your design to that you may as well be designing a trail bike.

[cooneyr]

I alwasy thought the XTZ Super Tenere and more recently the F800GS were on the right track.

For me Adventure also includes potentially sizable mileage to get to the rough stuff and long days in the saddle so the parrallel twin suits for it's smoother performance and better road manners over a single while hopefully being able to be built down to a half reasonable weight and still fairly slim to man handle around and through things. It also gives better luggage/fuel/pillion carrying potential.

It's about more than just riding the rough stuff and if you limit your design to that you may as well be designing a trail bike.

Umm couple of points here. The XTZ750 is about 220kg wet, it is not slim, it is hard to get your weight forward cause of the tank, there is no sub frame for attaching pannier racks (alloy rear carrier is the rear sub frame but not strong enough to attach racks). However it will do 380kms to reserve if you ride at a sensible pace (uses a little more when thrashing it :D). The engine is very nice - smooth and grunty at a realistic rev range 3k to 6k rpm, really flexible - will pull happily up a hill at 2k and will rev out to 9k happily, red line is 8k.

The Webber rally twin is probably the best of /the only light twin. Enduro bike spec suspension, parallel twin, good frame for attaching panniers. Obviously don't know about handling or riding position but I suspect it will be pretty decent. Pitty about the price. Wonder if they will do a frame and plastics kit for you to build up the bike from wrecked ER5/6's and EXC's???

Cheers R

[pete376403]

KLR650/Versys hybrid could be interesting - the versys is around 60 -70 hp comapred to the Klrs 38 or so. (if you see raw h/p as the most important part of adv riding)

[Eddieb]

Umm couple of points here. The XTZ750 is about 220kg wet, it is not slim, it is hard to get your weight forward cause of the tank, there is no sub frame for attaching pannier racks (alloy rear carrier is the rear sub frame but not strong enough to attach racks). ...

:msn-wink: Never said the XTZ was perfect, just a good start motor wise. The other things you mention are design issues, not a fundamental flaw due to constrants caused by the engine configuration.

In 1980 BMW introduced the R80G/S at 186kg WET weight. http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R80G-S.htm

Built strong enough to go round the world with a ton of luggage and 2 -up and go forever no manufacturer, including BMW, seems to have been able to introduce a twin or more cylinder bike as capable yet still as light since. Sure there are loads of bikes more capable out there nowdays, but they are either singles or weigh a ton more, nothing I can recall with more than one cylinder has the same balance of smooth road manners and off road ability within a similiar weight range.
The 1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure at a quoted 199kg dry each are getting closer but thats still pretty much 20kgs difference once wet. Even the new F800GS is quoted at 207kg wet http://www.bmw-dakar.co.za/tech_specs_2008.php

With almost 30 years of material and technology development, why not?

[Padmei]

Very interesting Eddieb. When it comes down to it we're talking about power & weight issues. What is the heaviest part of the bike? Frame - Ali? or engine - the more cylinders the heavier? More power needed? very debatable...

I agree that over the years with all the weight concious composites & materials the weight should be way less than they are now - look at MX bikes. However we also 'want' more on our bikes (DRs the exception). crash bars, racks, electronic paraphenalia, fairings.

What's the best way to start - lightest motor or lightest frame?

[Peril]

Just for comparisions sake,the 86 Tenere (like mine) weighed in at 173kgs wet (according to my workshop book).The new Tenere is 183kgs dry.Sure it is watercooled,but where is the extra weight? They even run an alloy swing arm compared to my steel one.
Something like say a DR Big engine,shoehorned into an alloy frame with some good vibration dampening,with enough strength for carrying 2up and some luggage,good suspension (which if you did modify a MXer frame you'd get),20+ litre tank and I think you'd have a pretty nice setup and for much less than the Webber bike.Now I can only dream of winning Lotto and building something like that :laugh:

[JATZ]

Just for comparisions sake,the 86 Tenere (like mine) weighed in at 173kgs wet (according to my workshop book).The new Tenere is 183kgs dry.Sure it is watercooled,but where is the extra weight? They even run an alloy swing arm compared to my steel one.
Something like say a DR Big engine,shoehorned into an alloy frame with some good vibration dampening,with enough strength for carrying 2up and some luggage,good suspension (which if you did modify a MXer frame you'd get),20+ litre tank and I think you'd have a pretty nice setup and for much less than the Webber bike.Now I can only dream of winning Lotto and building something like that :laugh:

I was thinking of DR 800 motor too when I read the first post, simple and reliable, which was one of the first posts requirments.Probly a bit hard to find in the parts bin though.
There's a guy on advrider with a heavily modified 800 in Israel, I think it's down about 170 odd kg's, so thats a good start
The seat I'd probly get off a Beemer or some thing(good for long trips).
Maybe one of those safari type tanks that hold about 35 litres.
Frame is not such an issue, so long as its strong,weight can be saved somewhere else.

[Eddieb]

When it comes down to it we're talking about power & weight issues. What is the heaviest part of the bike? Frame - Ali? or engine - the more cylinders the heavier? More power needed? very debatable...

Remember my r80 was built in 1981. A lot of it is steel, frame, driveshaft etc, the technology is 1970's.

For me I'd like a little more power but not a lot. The R80 I think produces 50 at the crank which equates to about 35 at the rear wheel after mechanical loses from the driveshaft etc. Obviously thats at maximum revs. I guess really I'd like more between 25% & 75% throttle which to some extent is a by product/balance between either more cubes and/or a better state of tune. The GS is only 8:1 compression for a start. Maybe 10-15 more hp peak with that built up through out the range would be nice just to give it better road performance for hills, passing and load capacity.


I agree that over the years with all the weight concious composites & materials the weight should be way less than they are now - look at MX bikes. However we also 'want' more on our bikes (DRs the exception). crash bars, racks, electronic paraphenalia, fairings.

What's the best way to start - lightest motor or lightest frame?

Again my example is from 1980 where a lot of the bike is steel. Surely just moving to more modern materials would yeild gains in both areas and I wouldn't think you would need to shave either frame or motor down to minimums. Plus being a horizontally opposed twin means you have 2 huge chunks of metal out each side, a configuration that surely means more weight compared to a similiarly spec'd parrallel twin. I couldn't find any data to back that up but I would be surprised if it wasn't a fair amount more.

The GS also has a driveshaft and diff at that weight, how much more would that weigh than 2 sprockets and a chain? I would prefer to keep a driveshaft though, once you've had one it's had to go back. No chain lash, no maintenance, no mess, they are a godsend.

A parrellel twin KLR would be the go I reckon, good price and you don't need a computer to fix it.
Plus I'm constantly surpised at how MarkS's goes through things and how stable it is, putting aside the huge rooster tail and fishtailing of course. That boy is still 18 when it comes to riding, he just has a few years experience at it now.

[marks]

KLR650/Versys hybrid could be interesting - the versys is around 60 -70 hp comapred to the Klrs 38 or so. (if you see raw h/p as the most important part of adv riding)

close - but I now know what the the ultimate combination is

a KLR with a scrambler 900 engine - what a gravel sledge that would make

[pete376403]

a Triumph Scrambler?? Guy at work has one of those, it's even slower and porkier than the KLR. (But it is rather pretty)

[marks]

a Triumph Scrambler?? Guy at work has one of those, it's even slower and porkier than the KLR. (But it is rather pretty)

keep making comments like that and you'll have Tri Boy crying into his cup of tea.

the 'feel' of the scrambler engine is nicer than the 'feel' of the tractor engine in the KLR plus the sound of one 'on song' gives me wood :yes:

[pete376403]

Maybe so. But "feel" and "sound" is not what gets your bike (and you) up the road to impossible places

[marks]

Maybe so. But "feel" and "sound" is not what gets your bike (and you) up the road to impossible places

I'm sure that the klr would be less capable with the scrambler motor - but I'd still want it - the grin factor of that engine is off the scale.

[NordieBoy]

W650 based scrambler?

[Underground]

Stop looking ,Ive found it!! it was built 20 years ago :drool:
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/5255/jeffsbrassmonkey08031fo6.th.jpg (http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jeffsbrassmonkey08031fo6.jpg)

[Eddieb]

Stop looking ,Ive found it!! it was built 20 years ago :drool:
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/5255/jeffsbrassmonkey08031fo6.th.jpg (http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jeffsbrassmonkey08031fo6.jpg)

Just for owning one of those you are a bastard and I hate you

:drool: :drool:

[marks]

Just for owning one of those you are a bastard and I hate you

:drool: :drool:

succinctly put

[NordieBoy]

Just for owning one of those you are a bastard and I hate you

:drool: :drool:

You really don't want to see the view from his deck out over the front lawn then :D

[marks]

W650 based scrambler?

needs to be a 270 degree crank to have character
W650 engine is a bit soft as well

The gearbox output on the scrambler is on the wrong side so you'd have to either file teeth on the KLR rear disc for the chain or turn the scrambler engine upside down or turn the back wheel around (which would make the bike go backwards). A better alternative might be a KLR with a TDM900 motor - 80HP - would make a good GS800 alternative.

Then you'd take the KLR engine and put it in a MX frame and dig trenches everywhere...

Perhaps I should go and do something constructive....

[Ocean1]

needs to be a 270 degree crank to have character


Needs a common-pin crank for real character. :shifty:

But I still reckon a DR800 donk would be a good start.

Just need to manage the mass to sommat around 120k...

[tri boy]

Maybe one of these.

[Ocean1]

OK, what is it?

And why has someone cut all the knobs off it?

[tri boy]

Bonnie powered, one off special.
The thread is buried in the deep dark bowels of adv rider.
This, and a TM framed V twin are close to my idea of that "special' bike I crave for.
The Ducati Terramonster thingy is also in the running.:yes:

[cooneyr]

....A better alternative might be a KLR with a TDM900 motor - 80HP - would make a good GS800 alternative...

Why not just a modern XTZ900 i.e. a update of the XTZ750 with the TDM900motor in it. Was quite a bit of talk about an XTZ1200 leading up to the bike show in Europe in October but it never eventuated. A 1200 would have "too" much stonk though. A torque tuned 900 would be very nice. Not ridden a TDM to know what its power delivery is like but the XTZ750 has a really torque smooth motor that puts the power to the ground very nicely with plenty of overrev.

Cheers R

[marks]

Why not just a modern XTZ900 i.e. a update of the XTZ750 with the TDM900motor in it. Was quite a bit of talk about an XTZ1200 leading up to the bike show in Europe in October but it never eventuated. A 1200 would have "too" much stonk though. A torque tuned 900 would be very nice. Not ridden a TDM to know what its power delivery is like but the XTZ750 has a really torque smooth motor that puts the power to the ground very nicely with plenty of overrev. Cheers R

isn't the XTZ a bit on the lardy side?
A TDM900 is 'only' 190kg or so and if it had proper sized spoked wheels on would make quite a nice adventure tourer.

quite a lot of info here (http://www.carpe-tdm.net/tdm/index.html)

[cooneyr]

isn't the XTZ a bit on the lardy side?
A TDM900 is 'only' 190kg or so and if it had proper sized spoked wheels on would make quite a nice adventure tourer.

quite a lot of info here (http://www.carpe-tdm.net/tdm/index.html)

Hence the "update of the XTZ" bit. Yer OK a complete redesign around some decent sized wheels, suspension and the TDM motor.

Cheers R

[reofix]

team... they already make it.. its available for a shade under 30k... it blasts interstates .. it eats twisties ... it stops by magic ... it dances in gravel ... and asks you for more ... god bless the germans and the 1200gs!!

[10bikekid]

One off lifes Eternal Quests, the perfect Dual sport Bike
The true answer would lie in what is perfect for you and what your emphasisis is.
As per my signiture I have differing types of Bikes and am still searching, thinking of trying a Buel Ulysses next but do think that some sort of TDM hybrid may come close, lets be Honest if you want to go offroad nothing beats a 250F of some type but man they stink on the road,
New KTM 690s are allso in with a Look, Hmm its going to be a busy year sorting out this delema, O well its a tough Job but it will have to be done:woohoo:

Perhaps My DR with some adjustments could still be in the running ( maybe with a big bore kit ):laugh:

[NordieBoy]

Perhaps My DR with some adjustments could still be in the running ( maybe with a big bore kit ):laugh:

Piston from a D9?

[Kokopelli]

The link is here (http://www.alpenbiker.eu/thread,NOCH--ne-spinnerte-V-Strom---,4235,,0,.html?threadview=0&page=7)

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_319.jpg

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_317.jpg

171kg wet weight

[Kaituna]

http://www.gizmag.com/the-2wd-track-diesel-motorcycle-with-cvt/10636/picture/61204/

[Paladin]

Shame that Kawasaki didn't make the Versys fully offroad worthy - that thing looks hot & has a damn comfortable seat, more power than the KLR, almost as big a fuel tank as a KLR and "only" 5Kg heavier even though its a twin!

[Eddieb]

Why not just a modern XTZ900 i.e. a update of the XTZ750 with the TDM900motor in it. ... A torque tuned 900 would be very nice. Not ridden a TDM to know what its power delivery is like but the XTZ750 has a really torque smooth motor that puts the power to the ground very nicely with plenty of overrev.



Shame that Kawasaki didn't make the Versys fully offroad worthy - that thing looks hot & has a damn comfortable seat, more power than the KLR, almost as big a fuel tank as a KLR and "only" 5Kg heavier even though its a twin!

Thats what I was getting at with my comments about the XTZ earlier, it had so much potential to be a good thing even if they didn't get it exact first time out, and they dropped it.
They have had the motor for years, they pretty much have the frame etc though the exhaust may need moving, some decent legs and wheels and it would be sorted.

I always thought the TRX with the 270 degree crank would be a good base for some specials, either slap a streetfighter fairing on it and bolt a turbo in that huge space behind the front wheel, or put some decent legs on it as an ADV bike, or have one of each.

[10bikekid]

The link is here (http://www.alpenbiker.eu/thread,NOCH--ne-spinnerte-V-Strom---,4235,,0,.html?threadview=0&page=7)

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_319.jpg

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_317.jpg

171kg wet weight
I may need to complain about such sausy pictures being shown on a public foram , if his wieghts are correct then the a 650 based unit may be in the 160kg bracket, and be managable powerwise to ride on loose surfaces :cool:

[bart]

Might get bellied while crossing the gravel mound in the middle of the road. Looks like crap ground clearance.




Otherwise..................I want one.

[Mystic13]

It's a nice looking bike alright and the guy has done a great job. Thanks for the post Alex.

The ground clearance looks less than the DL although this may be the camera angle.

If I owned this I'm not sure i'd want to take it off road where I want it to go.

[XF650]

There's some great comments on this auction for the "ultimate dual purpose bike":
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=196407722

Wasn't there one like this at last years CCA ride?

[JATZ]

There's some great comments on this auction for the "ultimate dual purpose bike":
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=196407722

Wasn't there one like this at last years CCA ride?

Saw that one too, last night. It's got everything you could ask for in an adv bike :clap: Including somewhere to put ya lunch

[marks]

There's some great comments on this auction for the "ultimate dual purpose bike":
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=196407722

Wasn't there one like this at last years CCA ride?

Thats who I brought the DT off of. He and his partner Linda are good people

I saw Linda at the CCA so maybe Glen was there on this masterpiece

[10bikekid]

Saw that one too, last night. It's got everything you could ask for in an adv bike :clap: Including somewhere to put ya lunch
If Budgets not an issue you could use a 08 fireblade as a Base I hear they are a Top Bike on the Track :Punk: http://www.fireblades.org/forums/honda-fireblade/57027-2008-fireblade-7.html


Suggested mods, High pipes, 21 inch front wheel, full noblies rated for 280kph, 50mm suspension extensions, Engine tuned for more power under 10,000rpm, High bars and there you have it the near perfect Dual purpose bike

[glitch_oz]

The link is here (http://www.alpenbiker.eu/thread,NOCH--ne-spinnerte-V-Strom---,4235,,0,.html?threadview=0&page=7)
http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_319.jpg
171kg wet weight

This link might be better (text:English)

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251613

[glitch_oz]

I may need to complain about such sausy pictures being shown on a public foram , if his wieghts are correct then the a 650 based unit may be in the 160kg bracket, and be managable powerwise to ride on loose surfaces :cool:

Hi buddy...I'm the one who built it.
The weight is correct, dry weight (empty tank, but keeping all other fluids) is between 155-157kg (depending on what answer I got as to the weight of petrol...kg per litre :confused:).
There will be another 2.5kg coming off by going to a single disc front with a GSXR750 caliper soon.
Unsprung weight, too.

It's certainly no MXer, but does 2-track dirt quite nicely.
It's quite a plush ride and hasn't lost any of the long-distance features, same goes for the gear-lugging capacity (made a set of Quicklock-wannabe-copies to hang the Gobis off)


Ground clearance is the same as the stock item, no gain there.
Can't win 'em all I guess :no:

[10bikekid]

Hi buddy...I'm the one who built it.
The weight is correct, dry weight (empty tank, but keeping all other fluids) is between 155-157kg (depending on what answer I got as to the weight of petrol...kg per litre :confused:).
There will be another 2.5kg coming off by going to a single disc front with a GSXR750 caliper soon.
Unsprung weight, too.

It's certainly no MXer, but does 2-track dirt quite nicely.
It's quite a plush ride and hasn't lost any of the long-distance features, same goes for the gear-lugging capacity (made a set of Quicklock-wannabe-copies to hang the Gobis off)


Ground clearance is the same as the stock item, no gain there.
Can't win 'em all I guess :no:

Then Id have to say an awesome bike, Maybe under consideration to build something similiar myself, well done :2thumbsup

[glitch_oz]

Then Id have to say an awesome bike, Maybe under consideration to build something similiar myself, well done :2thumbsup

Just for some more ideas... (the part that took the longest) :rolleyes:

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_324.jpg

[warewolf]

You can go out and buy a kit car and put together an individual performance machine. Why can't you buy a kit bike, buy the frame and a list of donor parts and away you go.You can; Touratech (http://www.touratech.com/shops/001/product_info.php?cPath=7_53&products_id=3015)does this, amongst others. Race-oriented but add luggage (also in their catalogue) and you are schweet. Way back when, I did consider buying a somewhat damaged Funduro and a TT kit. :crazy:

TDM...mmmm... the original TDM850 engine was pretty nice, really enjoyed that aspect of the bike. The later generations only got better, so that's encouraging.

I reckon there is no such thing as the 'ultimate' adventure bike, or contrariwise, everyone's bike is the ultimate. The scope is too broad: all you can do is move the compromises to different places to better suit yourself and the task at hand.

[10bikekid]

Just for some more ideas... (the part that took the longest) :rolleyes:

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_324.jpg
Hows about you take us for a Ride eg write us a little road test, a seat off the paint ride impression with some comments on low end, touring ability ,top speed etc , perhaps this bike will suit all my needs as I am now looking at doing some Track days as well, So whats it like, sand, metal, and the curvy road bits, obviosly your tires are a bit to off road orientated for fast road, but a spare set off wheels fitted with some Sticky road tires would fix that,
Cheers :Punk:

[dino3310]

Suggested mods, High pipes, 21 inch front wheel, and there you have it the near perfect Dual purpose bike

or you could just keep the DR BIG

[10bikekid]

or you could just keep the DR BIG
Good Idea Dino, as Im not much good at selling things, Only Buying

Perhaps I will need to Change my sign in to 10plusBikekid:msn-wink:

[dino3310]

good on ya mate :msn-wink:

[buggsubique]

How about this bad boy. You can read all about it here:

http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=15787

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1923/cimg0284ww5.jpg

http://www.xrv.org.uk/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=13942

Its a highly modified 850cc Africa Twin. Sexy as hell. :devil2:

[Underground]

Nice example buggs , I sometimes pretend mine looks like that when im out riding. You will find more of them here. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50630

[talbertnz]

thats awsome i want one!

[cooneyr]

Nice example buggs , I sometimes pretend mine looks like that when im out riding. You will find more of them here. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50630

Damn I've read every single post on that thread when I was looking for a @ or S10. That was back when it was about 190 pages not the 220 it is now!!!

Cheers R

[marks]

How about this bad boy. You can read all about it here:

Its a highly modified 850cc Africa Twin. Sexy as hell. :devil2:

without detracting from the guys incredible effort - wouldn't it be cheaper, quicker and have a whole lot more resale value if he just brought a super enduro?

[buggsubique]

yep, this is $10 000 euro with all its mods...

[JATZ]

without detracting from the guys incredible effort - wouldn't it be cheaper, quicker and have a whole lot more resale value if he just brought a super enduro?


But not as much fun :woohoo:

[marks]

But not as much fun :woohoo:

depends if you get your kicks from building or riding bikes.

I could have plenty of fun on a super enduro :banana:

I just wouldn't live very long :baby:

self control and I have never been close traveling companions :(

[CRM]

So what happened to Honda - why don't they make something like this? They've got the technology to whip KTM. What's wrong with them? Are they the microsoft of the bike world?:bye:

[NordieBoy]

So what happened to Honda - why don't they make something like this? They've got the technology to whip KTM. What's wrong with them? Are they the microsoft of the bike world?:bye:

Cause they're afraid of going up against Suzuki and Kawasaki's offerings in the big-big-bore trailie marketplace.

[CRM]

Cause they're afraid of going up against Suzuki and Kawasaki's offerings in the big-big-bore trailie marketplace.

What's to be afraid of? :whistle:

[Woodman]

What's to be afraid of? :whistle:

building a bike to go up against suzuki and kawasaki would mean they would have to go back in time and use old technology. Goes against everything the designers know.
They may even possibly explode.

[CRM]

building a bike to go up against suzuki and kawasaki would mean they would have to go back in time and use old technology. Goes against everything the designers know.
They may even possibly explode.

You mean the bikes or the designers heads? :bash:

[Woodman]

You mean the bikes or the designers heads? :bash:

The designers heads

[Padmei]

Thinking back to that sv650 that guys turning into an adventure bike. Wouldn't that be a great motor to adapt to another bike. What do you reckn would need to be done? frame would need to be modified ...

[awayatc]

why re-invent the wheel?

[CRM]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2514/197/91/1418557938/n1418557938_30279277_3213760.jpg

I saw this in Dunedin yesterday. Looks like a special prototype joint venture between Harley Davidson, Ural and John Deere. Obviously works well off-road though.

[NordieBoy]

Won't be able to wheelie though...
It's a shafty...

[pete376403]

Shafties can wheelie, they just can't countersteer. Sheesh, don't they teach ANYTHING at school these days?

[kevfromcoro]

[QUOTE=Padmei;1957080]Thinking back to that sv650 that guys turning into an adventure bike. Wouldn't that be a great motor to adapt to another bike. What do you reckn would need to be done? frame would need to be modified ...[/QUOTE

Well the DL650 is the same motor..
bit more adventure orrianted...
apprently they make great adventure bikes.
not perfect


but a start..

[XF650]

We have a winner - spotted yesterday at the March Hare Rally.
It's amazing the things you see in Waimate.

[rogson]

Some (most?) would say ugly - but it works.

[NordieBoy]

Some (most?) would say ugly - but it works.

A naked XF?

Weirdo.

[Oscar]

We have a winner - spotted yesterday at the March Hare Rally.
It's amazing the things you see in Waimate.

Oh goody, another shaft drive adventure bike.
There's a good idea...

[rogson]

A naked XF?.........

Yep, why damage all that plastic bodywork?
Btw, underneath the bodywork is a 18.5 litre plastic tank. Ideal adventure kit.......unlike the DR650.

Mine also has:
21" DR650 front wheel.
Resprung and revalved rear shock.
Cartridge emulators in forks.
Custom-made crash guards for oil cooler.
Airbox and jetting work.

[NordieBoy]

Yep, why damage all that plastic bodywork?
Btw, underneath the bodywork is a 18.5 litre plastic tank. Ideal adventure kit.......unlike the DR650.

Mine also has:
21" DR650 front wheel.
Resprung and revalved rear shock.
Cartridge emulators in forks.
Custom-made crash guards for oil cooler.
Airbox and jetting work.

And a nice comfortable stock seat :(