Bikes for adventure touring?

[JATZ]

Just thinking..... you could try and find a transalp, or XTZ 750, of Africa twin, but I do like that R100. mmmmm

[BMWST?]

it really depends on what you want.....if you want to retain good off road performance then the dr and klr are prolly the way to go..Dont know about the others.At nearly 200 kg the GS falls into the same category as the other 80s twins the Honda and Yamaha...really nice road bikes and good of road too if you have the tyres skill and will....
The old BMWs twins are much much nicer to ride than they may look....You can still get parts but they can be expensive...

[Woodman]

Yea...............

DR or pre 08 KLR both good simple bikes with good parts backup and with an incredible amount of farkles available. Btw the klr does not have a good long distance seat as it is too soft especially for heavier people. On the odd occaision I ride mine any distance on road I am always amazed how it soaks up the miles, and if you want to you can ride pretty rapidly off road too.


And they are not ugly (from most angles)

[warewolf]

what would you pick?

None of those. In the adventure niche, you want more cylinders for better roadability. The Honda Tranny was noticeably absent from your list. Mid-capacity v-twin, gotta be better on the road than any thumper.

Soft-roaders like the TDM spring to mind. Any roadie with an upright stance that you can fit at least semi-knobblies to would suit the job well, because it sounds to me like you're gonna do a shitload of road miles and a few gravel roads. Road bikes do gravel roads completely fine, especially tourers that have narrower tyres - so you don't need a trail-biased adventure bike. A bit of ground clearance for rocky sections, and a lack of expensive plastic, and you've got yourself a modestly competent mild adventurer.

[warewolf]

And they are not ugly

In the dark all cats are grey...

[CRM]

None of those. In the adventure niche, you want more cylinders for better roadability. The Honda Tranny was noticeably absent from your list. Mid-capacity v-twin, gotta be better on the road than any thumper.

Soft-roaders like the TDM spring to mind. Any roadie with an upright stance that you can fit at least semi-knobblies to would suit the job well, because it sounds to me like you're gonna do a shitload of road miles and a few gravel roads. Road bikes do gravel roads completely fine, especially tourers that have narrower tyres - so you don't need a trail-biased adventure bike. A bit of ground clearance for rocky sections, and a lack of expensive plastic, and you've got yourself a modestly competent mild adventurer.

I've looked at TDM's and like them a lot but quite a lot of $ for the age and mileage - still on the watchlist though.

Looking at twins:
here's a 97 Transalp mileage is high and looks a bit worn out to me.
If I had a bit more money I think this would be my choice: Africa Twin (maybe I'll make an offer)

And quite a tidy 04 KLR

Anybody know any of these bikes?

Thanks for the feedback everyone...

Clive

[slimjim]

nothing wrong with a older kawa 750 or 1000 , throw a set of dual tryes and its a go anywhere machine too, good belly height as well

[jim.cox]

so... what would you pick?

Me?

I'd keep the adnoH.

Its better than all the alternatives

I'd put dual purpose tyres on it; road gearing; soft panniers and preferably a fly screen

And I'd ride it EVERYWHERE

"Only one bike" you say? well this is prefect...

[CRM]

Me?

I'd keep the adnoH.

Its better than all the alternatives

I'd put dual purpose tyres on it; road gearing; soft panniers and preferably a fly screen

And I'd ride it EVERYWHERE

"Only one bike" you say? well this is prefect...

A couple of problems with it:
- Poor lights (for 5:30am starts leaving Chch to be in Nelson by 12:00)
- Kick start (can't wear my shiny shoes going to see a client)
- Tiring on the knees for distance (it's embarrassing I know but my legs blow apart and the muscles get tired clamping on the tank hour after hour).
- A little vibey - which is fun and manly but not after 500km!
- It's pretty loud - again fun and cool racing your mates but not the best image going to a client.
- The look - a little raw for my clients in The Terrace.

So yeah good thought but I just can't see it working...

[NordieBoy]

Poor lights (for 5:30am starts leaving Chch to be in Nelson by 12:00)

Meet ya at Zumo for a coffee though


Easy enough to do the lights.
You've got the range

Ooooh...
How about an XF650?

[jim.cox]

A couple of problems with it:

- Kick start (can't wear my shiny shoes going to see a client).

That's bullshit. I can start my Ducati in street shoes

- The look - a little raw for my clients in The Terrace.

- It's pretty loud - again fun and cool racing your mates but not the best image going to a client.

So yeah good thought but I just can't see it working...

Ah, now I see the trouble - You just want a new bike for the look...

Poseur

[CRM]

Meet ya at Zumo for a coffee though


Easy enough to do the lights.
You've got the range

Ooooh...
How about an XF650?

Yeah the coffee sounds good. XF650's look like the good things too - pretty scarce though I reckon. I'm wondering about a KLR... looking at some nice setups on advrider. Should I be worried?

[CRM]

That's bullshit. I can start my Ducati in street shoes



Ah, now I see the trouble - You just want a new bike for the look...

Poseur

Yeah that's probably right. I did my last trip on a nice shiny red classic VF700 Magna cruiser - looked great plus sweet sweet V4 sound and power! Ah - good memories . Maybe I should try and buy that back, add a screen and some better lights.

[thepom]

I,d go for the africa everytime,cruises,off road and comfy ,reliable too if you sort out the problems and not too heavy off road if your a capable rider......

[Waihou Thumper]

if we sort out the problems... What issues does the Twin have then?