Which trail bike bike is the best for my adventure?

[Padmei]

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

:

i think seriously the biggest difference between a new KLR & a DR is I find the KLR very top heavy - especially with panniers etc. There may not be that much difference if the DR has a big tank tho but it may hold the weight better lower down.
What is important to me tho is wind protection with the fairing - if I ride without my front fairing now I feel buggered after fighting the wind - I wouldn't travel long distances without one. Others don't like fairings tho so that may be a consideration when you do your test rides.

BTW I've not heard of any probs with the rear shock blowing on KLRs - Not the most hitech but adequate. i've no probs with the seat either

[pete376403]

While often the thought is bigger = better, check out this ride report on advrider.
A few guys going across China on Galaxy 250s (Looks like a Chinese built Honda knock-off) plus one other on a KTM 640.

Not easy terrain by any means, yet is wasn't the 225s that broke but the 640 - water pump seal and subframe bolts.

A good read anyway, and some superb photos

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614181

[Padmei]

What about DR350/ 400s with better seats?

[JATZ]

What about DR350/ 400s with better seats?

Thats wot I reakon... smaller bike, less hard on tyres and chains, easier to pick up. terra circa/mondo enduro
Yes the seat could do with a little more comfort,
If your only planning on doing 3-500 k's a day then the little bikes are fine IMHO

[Crim]

Thats wot I reakon... smaller bike, less hard on tyres and chains, easier to pick up.
If your only planning on doing 3-500 k's a day then the little bikes are fine IMHO

Totally agree - I did a couple of thousand k down the west coast of India when I was younger (and skinnier) - the choice was royal enfields or little 125s (from memory) - we took the little ones and thank god we did, a couple of places we had to lift the bikes over obstacles, you didn't want to go too fast, we were only travelling with day packs (wash clothes every night, stay in cheap digs and rely on locals for breakdowns) - not really adventure riding - but bloody good fun and a great way to see the country off the tourist track!

[maximumhastings]

definitely KTM 990 Adventure> croosed Africa twice on it. next best an Africa twin if you can find a decent one.

[NordieBoy]

DR 650. I've crossed NZ many times on it.