Doing the adventure thing

[far queue]

KTMs may have long term reliability issues - even KTM themselves didn't want to supply bikes for the "Long Way Round".

Yes, but wasn't that because KTM thought the lads wouldn't make it, not because the bikes wouldn't. A bit of a PR blunder there, a golden opportunity missed by KTM.

I'd go for the least complicated bike that could carry the load - either the DR or (I'm biased cos I'm getting one) the KLR.

I'd have to agree about the reliability of a simple aircooled, carburetted bike, although of course I'm biased as well.

[svs]

KTMs may have long term reliability issues - even KTM themselves didn't want to supply bikes for the "Long Way Round". I'd also consider the repairability of computer controlled EFI systems in the middle of nowhere.
Referring again to "Long Way Round" - having the biggest most powerful bikes didn't make it easier for them anywhere except on the motorways.
I'd go for the least complicated bike that could carry the load - either the DR or (I'm biased cos I'm getting one) the KLR.
You should also checkout www.advrider.com which has huge amounts of info about adventure riding

there are plenty of things that can be terminal with a carbed bike too. I think carrying the right spares should mitigate most problems. However, there's always the possibility you'll get stuck, no matter what bike/spares you have.

LWR was good to watch, but it's one of the reasons why i don't want a big heavy 1100. and i not going to have a van full of support crew following me everywhere.

I'll have a look at the KLR when you get it then. i just down the road from you now

[98tls]

I thought the FI was supposed to be self adjusting which is why it was better than carbs. carbs always set up as a compromise, but FI should be able to map for whatever.

Am guessing thats what he imagined but as he said not so..........wasnt a case of anything icing up it just ran like shite way up high.............

[far queue]

Basically whatever gets thrown at it Not going to be wanting to do MX style terrains, but gravel roads, back blocks, dessert just want something that's reliable, can carry me and luggage and be just generally competant allround. Not asking for much, but the newer bikes all seem to be more road orientated, both the KLR and XT marketing gumpf seem to push the "now better on road" message and i'm not sure that's a good thing. Odds are if I'm travelling far then I'll be after a new bike. Might try a second hand one first though.

The KLR is a pretty good bike, I dunno about the latest ones, but my mate doesn't seem to have any trouble punting his older one through the rough stuff, and it goes well on the road. If you're going desert you'll want a decent sized tank - the KLR come with 23L, the DR only has 13L but IMS make a 21L and Aqualine make a 28L for them. Different versions of the KTM also come with varying sized tanks - the KTM LC4 Adventure has 28L I think. Warewolf will know the answer to that one.

[svs]

I'll add the KTM to the list. like the fact it has kick start as well as the electric.

[pete376403]

Kick start assm from a KLR600 can be fitted to the later 650s - assuming you can find the bits.

[pete376403]

Thread hijack

LWR was good to watch, but it's one of the reasons why i don't want a big heavy 1100. and i not going to have a van full of support crew following me everywhere.
I'll have a look at the KLR when you get it then. i just down the road from you now

if you liked LWR you'll love Race to Dakar.
I'll post here when the KLR turns up - supposed to be between now and the end of the month.

We return you now to your scheduled programme

[svs]

if you liked LWR you'll love Race to Dakar.

We return you now to your scheduled programme

downloading now
as you were.

[NordieBoy]

Sounds like a DR650 with seat, tank, screen would do the job nicely.

[sels1]

The BMW F650 Dakers, as used by the Silkriders (http://worldbybike.com/silkriders/ ) would be a pretty good allrounder but they are a bit more expensive. The good thing about BMW is they have a dealership in nearly every country for when it comes to getting bits.
Other than that I dont think there is that much difference in the Jap 650 singles...DR, XT,etc see what fits you best or what comes along at the right price.

[cooneyr]

Sounds like a DR650 with seat, tank, screen would do the job nicely.

I'd second that (although I'd bias as well). If you are looking to get a second hand bike to start out on and upgrade once have got a bit more experience then the DR is nice and cheep and reliable. Biggest issue would probably be fuel tank although Clark (18 l???), IMA (18l about $550-600 NZ from US of A) and Aqualine (28l) all make bigger tanks. Other issue would be how much weight you want to carry. I'm about 105kgs and with gear (15kgs worth) I reckon the rear shock is not really up to much rough stuff - okish on flat though. The rebound on the shock is too week but this can be solved with racetech valving (about $170US per end i.e. forks and shock). Other things is the seat - I did a 730km day last weekend and found it to be alright but others cant stand it - there are plenty of options with this though. Wiggly off road tracks seriously help with this though. Lastly there are various years 98-99 and 01-02 (is that right FQ?) that have minor issues. The 98-99 needs a torque limiting gear (which is in all other years) between starter motor and flywheel - very simple to do. The 01-02 has a not so flash barrel base gasket that can leak. All other years have a metal base gasket that is fine.

Personally I'd test ride the KTM LC4 adventure if you can find one but check with Warewolf re issues with them - minor issues like bearing replacements etc as I understand it. Good tank, suspension, brakes, nice motor etc etc but bit more dosh and rear as hens teeth. Suspension more tunable than the DR which is important if you want to load up with gear.

Other bikes I'd look at are the KLR and XTR. I personally recon the KLR and XT-R are a bit too much of a road compromise but then again I've never ridden them. For gravel roads and fire breaks I get the impression they are fine. Other thing is that as far as I know the XT-R is not imported into NZ but is available in Ausi.

Cheers R

[far queue]

Other issue would be how much weight you want to carry. I'm about 105kgs and with gear (15kgs worth) I reckon the rear shock is not really up to much rough stuff - okish on flat though.

Ahh, but you are known as the human crane though. I’m 74kg and find the standard rear shock fine once adjusted to suit. I have added spacers to the forks to stiffen them up a bit though.

Other things is the seat - I did a 730km day last weekend and found it to be alright but others cant stand it - there are plenty of options with this though.

I replaced some of the stock foam with softer stuff. That plus use has made the seat quite good now.

Lastly there are various years 98-99 and 01-02 (is that right FQ?) that have minor issues. The 98-99 needs a torque limiting gear (which is in all other years) between starter motor and flywheel - very simple to do. The 01-02 has a not so flash barrel base gasket that can leak. All other years have a metal base gasket that is fine.

Yep, that’s right.

[svs]

Sounds like a DR650 with seat, tank, screen would do the job nicely.

like this one?

Other thing is that as far as I know the XT-R is not imported into NZ but is available in Ausi.

Cheers R

Motorad/Sawyers are getting one in. It might end up as a demo

[cooneyr]

Ahh, but you are known as the human crane though. I’m 74kg and find the standard rear shock fine once adjusted to suit. I have added spacers to the forks to stiffen them up a bit though.

Thats not my fault - I blame that on my daddy. LOL

I replaced some of the stock foam with softer stuff. That plus use has made the seat quite good now.

Given the above comment I'd add firmer foam.

like this one?

That is an RS version where as we mostly have SE versions. The RS is rare(er) and is more aimed at road riding with the larger tank and fairing etc etc. Don't know if the frame suspension etc is the same but suspect it is. Only thing about that one is it looks to have the pre 96 motor (complete redesign in 96) based on the clutch cover even though it say is it is a 97. I could be completely wrong though. If in tidy condition the price is not to bad.

Have a look at DR650 info on this page. Actually according to this there are no RS versions from 96 on so would be dubious of the 97 year (must be year of first reg) and it probably has the pre 96 frame and suspension which I know little about. Engine is suppose to be revier and less torquey and bike over all is heavier.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzu...ki_models.html

Motorad/Sawyers are getting one in. It might end up as a demo

Glad somebody is finally doing it!

Cheers R

[far queue]

Only thing about that one is it looks to have the pre 96 motor (complete redesign in 96) based on the clutch cover even though it say is it is a 97. I could be completely wrong though. If in tidy condition the price is not to bad.

Yes, it's a pre '96 model. Those photo's are taken at Dirt Action, in which case it's probably the same bike I saw in there a few months ago, in which case it's in very good condition, but it's also bloody heavy. I was surprised at the weight of it, having just hopped off my DR.