10,000 km in 10 days - Which bike for it?

[Jantar]

Well the title says it all. I'll be in for the Rusty Nuts 10,000 km in 10 day ride, but the VStrom won't be the right bike for that trip. I need a touring bike that can go 10,000 between servicing and tyres: A ST1300 or FJR perhaps?

The VStrom would need a tyre change part way through, so I'll look at changing bikes in winter 2009.

[98tls]

Fwiw ive just done most of the outer south isle on an old TL in 2 days.Like i said fwiw.

[FJRider]

Shall we put the rescue chopper on standby Malcolm ???

[Jantar]

No Trev, I'll chose a bike that won't need rescuing.

[MaxB]

Can you change your tyres to a compound that would go the distance? I thought the V-strom was a superb tourer. It would be a shame to bin the whole bike for the sake of tyres, unless you want the excuse for a brand new bike.

[FJRider]

Your body should be healed by then, but I suggest you might like to increase your health INSURANCE though. JUST IN CASE !!!

[yod]

a concours would be a good option

[Jantar]

Can you change your tyres to a compound that would go the distance? I thought the V-strom was a superb tourer. It would be a shame to bin the whole bike for the sake of tyres, unless you want the excuse for a brand new bike.

The VStrom is a superb tourer, and I will be using it for next year's Southern Cross. However it does need an oil change every 6000 km and I have tried a number of different tyres but never managed more than 8500 km (Pirelli Scorpoins).

By 2010 when the 10,000 km in 10 days ride is on it would be 4 years old, and I normally change bikes every 2 - 3 years. If I'm financial enough I may look at keeping the VStrom and buying a second hand bike that is kinder on tyres.

Another option is to keep the VStrom and hire a suitable bike for the ride.

[Jantar]

a concours would be a good option

I've just looked at the specs. Oil change at 12,000 km sounds good. What about tyre life?

[FJRider]

I'm picking ,others will need a tyre change before the finish. Shouldn't be hard to arrange during the trip. Two or three(at least) needing a new tyre, a shop would open up after hours

[FJRider]

I've just looked at the specs. Oil change at 12,000 km sounds good. What about tyre life?

160 horses... not that great

[yod]

I've just looked at the specs. Oil change at 12,000 km sounds good. What about tyre life?

pm meanie or banditrider

meanie is running avon storms and loves 'em and I think he's getting pretty good mileage, banditrider just finished almost 6000km in 11 days but not sure what he's running

(meanie is out of contact for a few days btw)

[Grub]

There's only one bike for it ....

Postie Bike!

[erix]

There's only one bike for it ....

Postie Bike!

[Gremlin]

I'll tentatively put my hand up for a blackbird, good price for the kit you get, not sure on servicing interval tho.

One I rode down to the SI and back within a week had Pilot Road 2's on, and while I kinda... used them a bit (especially on the edges - mental note, 40 odd kg of luggage and a sporty disposition can overheat tyres a bit - sorry boss ) I did find it fantastic for long distances, doing 450km without stops besides gas and thats basically a day ride for me normally. Tyres should last over 10k, and they grip very well.

Just don't get a puncture... 370+ kg didn't do so good for 60 odd km on a deflating tyre, although amazingly enough I could still hold 120 ish through the country, so not too bad