Which trail bike bike is the best for my adventure?

**fleebag4@** · 11th September 2010, 15:51

Everyone,

Thanks for your input. Looks like it's the KLR 650 or DR650. I'm leaning toward the DR650 as i get mixed reviews on the KLR650. Both would require new shocks, seats and the DR650 a larger tank. I like both as they are simple to fiddle with which is key. Saying that, this KLR video does sell it and with a nice pannier kit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf1dbdNJMSc

Both bikes would have to be the same since my partner will be riding and we'll only be going as fast as each other. I'll just have to do a few test rides.

Thanks for your help

**fleebag4@** · 11th September 2010, 16:37

Just found this which seems very usefull though some of it is extreme

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tech/suzuki/dr650prep

**Crisis management** · 11th September 2010, 16:39

A suggestion, I have no idea what your off road riding skills are but why not join in the NBA ride on the 25th on your SV and get to talk and see a number of those bikes in action? Failing that persuade the welly guys to take you out on a ride somewhere. First hand experience will make a big difference.

**Crisis management** · 11th September 2010, 16:42

Originally Posted by fleebag4@

Just found this which seems very usefull though some of it is extreme

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tech/suzuki/dr650prep

Thats not extreme, thats about right although a couple of them I disagree with, Nordie, Bass and Bart on here should be listened too about DRs.

**NordieBoy** · 11th September 2010, 17:05

Originally Posted by Crisis management

Thats not extreme, thats about right although a couple of them I disagree with, Nordie, Bass and Bart on here should be listened too about DRs.

Some good stuff there but also some stuff that makes me cringe.

Alloy bolts?
Holes in air box without rejetting?
Corbin seat saves weight?
Replace alternator belt?
Larger pilot jet?
Header wrap to keep the engine cool?

Good to see some Bartman info in there too.

**Ocean1** · 11th September 2010, 17:31

Sealing spoke nipples slows leaks enough to be worthwhile?

Fookin' good idea if it works.

**dino3310** · 11th September 2010, 18:28

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Some good stuff there but also some stuff that makes me cringe.

Replace alternator belt?
.

its next to the fan belt in front of the aircon unit

**pete376403** · 11th September 2010, 20:35

Originally Posted by fleebag4@

Haven't looked at that as i think it may b to small.

Could try sweet talk Yamaha for a bike and i'll write a book to

There's a thought, never considered the 660 Tenere.
Although as a biased KLR owner I cant see what the extra $5k gets you from Yamaha other than an extra disk on the front and EFI. (a bit more ugliness, perhaps)
The 1200 would have more or less the same issues as the 1200 GS - too heavy, too complex.

**bart** · 11th September 2010, 20:47

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Good to see some Bartman info in there too.

Don't listen to anything I say. I don't know shit.

I'm amazed my bike still works.

**pete376403** · 11th September 2010, 20:48

Another good reason to use a lower-tech bike for a RTW .
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...602168&page=30. - first post on that page.

**dino3310** · 11th September 2010, 21:54

Originally Posted by bart

.

I'm amazed my bike still works.

thats a DR for ya

**warewolf** · 11th September 2010, 22:20

Originally Posted by jafar

BMW 650 comes with a lot of stuff as standard that the KLR/ DR bikes just don't have. That should be factored in when comparing list prices.

$12.5K (per Bass) for a fully set up DR650 including decent suspension is a long way short of the $18K for a GS-D before suspension costs, and about 30kg lighter which you're never going to fix, and has less electrickery so is probably more reliable & field repairable.

Newer is not necessarily better when durability is a factor.

**fleebag4@** · 12th September 2010, 11:31

Yip, some wierd sh-t in tht list

**fleebag4@** · 12th September 2010, 11:35

Whats the NBA ride?

I do agree and i want first hand knowledge from owners as it's one things to read reviews and another to ride a bike in the conditions day on end that it's built for.

I'm expecting mostly rough roads though Mongolia and some other places should be tarred. Probably 30% off road though i need to confirm the route along with making sure it's away from the touristy things and out in the wild.