Bike advice

**cold comfort** · 1st June 2009, 20:02

Have shot myself in the foot with the Multistrada purchase. In retrospect should have got a BMW F800GS for taking the wife around/ adventure riding AND a track bike (have a trailer). I want to do some gravel and track days. Problem is the Multi is too pricey to crash and not suitable for gravel (tho have had it thru Danseys Pass etc). Therefore looking for advice re the best track/off road bike. What is best for motard/adventure use. Could have a set of offroad and motard rims to switch. A budget option would be appreciated.

**Waihou Thumper** · 1st June 2009, 20:11

any suggestions just yet but we share the same birthday isn't that cool...

Fellow Scorpio...

I will keep an eye on this and good luck, heaps of knowledgeable folk out there....

**Eddieb** · 1st June 2009, 20:12

Originally Posted by cold comfort

Have shot myself in the foot with the Multistrada purchase. In retrospect should have got a BMW F800GS for taking the wife around/ adventure riding AND a track bike (have a trailer). I want to do some gravel and track days. Problem is the Multi is too pricey to crash and not suitable for gravel (tho have had it thru Danseys Pass etc). Therefore looking for advice re the best track/off road bike. What is best for motard/adventure use. Could have a set of offroad and motard rims to switch. A budget option would be appreciated.

Probably a KTM of some sort if you want to include track work, a 525 or something where you can get factory motard wheel kits.

If you don't mind a bit of fab work and aren't so worried about running front of the pack then a cheaper option would be a DR650 and pick up some gsxr wheels of trademe. The fab work would be to make spacers for the GSXR wheels to fit, there's guys on here that would have the measurements as they have done it already.

**Waihou Thumper** · 1st June 2009, 20:17

Originally Posted by Eddieb

Probably a KTM of some sort if you want to include track work, a 525 or something where you can get factory motard wheel kits.

If you don't mind a bit of fab work and aren't so worried about running front of the pack then a cheaper option would be a DR650 and pick up some gsxr wheels of trademe. The fab work would be to make spacers for the GSXR wheels to fit, there's guys on here that would have the measurements as they have done it already.

Or Husqvarna 570, there is anice one for sale at the moment...steer clear of the Aprilia SM bikes...
KTM 530, 525EXC etc, get some motard wheels, bigger Clarke fuel tank, good for the roads, great for the track.
Not so good for pillion..
If you want to take a pillion, AND do all of these things I guess you might have to do some more homework and explore the options?

**cold comfort** · 1st June 2009, 20:22

Cheers, yes i can see where this is heading. The common argument seems to be the KTM (maybe the 690) primarily but the DR as the economic alternative. GAZBUR is a huge fan of this option i believe. The DR would have pax pegs but really don't care that much about a pillion.

**junkmanjoe** · 1st June 2009, 20:23

650 V strom suki mate.

seam to be able to handle the rough stuff quite nicely.

**Woodman** · 1st June 2009, 20:29

KLR........ Here we go again

**junkmanjoe** · 1st June 2009, 20:31

yip just dont buy a second hand red one from richmond....

**Woodman** · 1st June 2009, 20:34

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

yip just dont buy a second hand red one from richmond....

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact

**Waihou Thumper** · 1st June 2009, 20:36

Originally Posted by Woodman

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact

and buy my KTM....

**junkmanjoe** · 1st June 2009, 20:37

Originally Posted by Woodman

She is maintained very well as a matter of fact

ohhhh fish are biteing quick tonight...

**Waihou Thumper** · 1st June 2009, 20:41

Originally Posted by cold comfort

Cheers, yes i can see where this is heading. The common argument seems to be the KTM (maybe the 690) primarily but the DR as the economic alternative. GAZBUR is a huge fan of this option i believe. The DR would have pax pegs but really don't care that much about a pillion.

Something over the 450cc.
525cc-640 does give you a better choice...
Suzuki Vstrom wee strom would be great bike yes.
I would be looking at range, comfort and the ability to carry a bit of kit. Plus, when the going gets tough, if you fall, hoe well is is going to take the brunt of damage etc.
I think the Suzuki might be a bit more fragile but could be wrong. The Husqvarna, KTM and the Yamaha might be better suited.
Mind you, any bike can cut the rough stuff, it is really the jockey on top and how fast, lines etc you take might make the difference..

**Waihou Thumper** · 1st June 2009, 20:47

Originally Posted by Woodman

KLR........ Here we go again

AND a track bike not a Tractor....

Close though, same four letters at the beginning...

**junkmanjoe** · 1st June 2009, 20:49

if you where any good, ya shouldnt fall off, aye woodman.
so there be no need to damage the plastics.....

when were the south island guys coming up.

think i may need to go in to hiding........