What bike do I buy?

**BrendanZX9R** · 30th April 2013, 02:51

Hi all, I'm looking for some help from the experts!
I'm wanting to get back into adventure riding, I used to do a bit on my old xr650r and then a klr. I got tired of the 650's on the road once all my mate's gradually "matured" and got road bikes. I guess as we weren't doing much gravel the idea of a road bike seemed like a good idea. Anyway my plan is to sell my current bike (2007 yamaha fz1) and get an adventure bike. My budget will be around 12k. What I would like to know is what would you guys and girls buy? I really like the ktm950/990 and bmw 1200gs but am seeking advice before I pull the trigger.
Is it possible to get a 950/990 or 1200gs in my budget?
Which one would you buy and why?
What should I be looking out for with either bike?
Should I be considering another 650? I quite like the ktm 690.
Dad owned a r1200gs adventure so I have some experience with the Beemer. I'm in Christchurch so my riding will be throughout the south Island.
Thanks

**R650R** · 30th April 2013, 08:30

Get a late model low km DR650 for about $6500 then spend the remaining $5500 on Farkling it here http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html
The KTMs and Beemers are nice but you pay big $$$ for them...

**clint640** · 30th April 2013, 09:35

The odd KTM 950 comes up within your budget, I'd do a bit of research (Advrider.com - Orange crush) on the issues with the earlier ones so you know what you're in for. Get a ride on one if you can, they're a lot more 'dirtbike' in feel than an R1200 but still pretty comfy on the road.

Definitely get a ride on a 690 too. The earlier ones are coming up for that sort of money. The seat is terrible but with that replaced & a little windscreen added they make a pretty good roadbike, hell grunty for a single, nice brakes, much smoother than your old 650R but with similar abilities offroad. Personally I like an adv bike that crashes well & I can pick up so of your list the 690 gets my vote.

Cheers
Clint

**ducatijim** · 30th April 2013, 10:28

Originally Posted by clint640

The odd KTM 950 comes up within your budget, I'd do a bit of research (Advrider.com - Orange crush) on the issues with the earlier ones so you know what you're in for. Get a ride on one if you can, they're a lot more 'dirtbike' in feel than an R1200 but still pretty comfy on the road.

Definitely get a ride on a 690 too. The earlier ones are coming up for that sort of money. The seat is terrible but with that replaced & a little windscreen added they make a pretty good roadbike, hell grunty for a single, nice brakes, much smoother than your old 650R but with similar abilities offroad. Personally I like an adv bike that crashes well & I can pick up so of your list the 690 gets my vote.

Cheers
Clint

Seat is also very terrible on 990's. I personally reckon that if you do not fit Mr Hitlers ayrian supremeist ideal of a man, then go for summit smaller if you want to enjoy anything rougher than gravel road!
But then Im a weak, pudgy piss poor rider so wtf would I know!

**Devil** · 30th April 2013, 12:19

I was expecting the seat on my '12 690 Enduro R to be horrible (having previously owned an '08 690SM) and weirdly i've actually had no problem with it so far. Such little issue that it's actually gone completely to the bottom of my farkling list, if not off it completely.
But everyone is a different shape and build so you just have to factor the possibility in if you head for a 690.

**Devil** · 30th April 2013, 12:36

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-580789624.htm

**GPS MAN** · 30th April 2013, 16:32

If I were in the market to do it all over again: I would go for a KTM 690....but, that's me

**BrendanZX9R** · 30th April 2013, 20:30

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

**dino3310** · 30th April 2013, 20:43

i saw this on trade me tonight, for the price i thought i'd throw it in the pot, if it didnt suit you would get ya coin back on it at this price http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-588231686.htm

**Night Falcon** · 30th April 2013, 21:30

Originally Posted by BrendanZX9R

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

I've toured the SI on mine, the engine is primo and will handle highway speeds (plus) no worries, heaps of power, if you like wheelies look no further. Seat needs sorting though. Stock 12ltr tank will get you about 210klm. I have a safari tank fitted which extends range to 450klm. don't even notice the extra weight.

Maintenace is two oil changes a year plus valve clearance check so not too expensive if you do the oil changes yourself. fuel problems seem rare in NZ- mainly in North America - maybe poor fuel but who knows, mines been fine. There are some quirks with them, tank bolts need replacing as they snap, ditch the stock exhasut & seat, speedo's have problems with digits fading. so its not perfect but it is light weight, handles well, excellent suspension and the engine.....well take one for a spin if ya can and find out for yaself! Oh and they eat rear tires

**dmoo1790** · 30th April 2013, 22:15

Originally Posted by BrendanZX9R

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

I have about 16000 km on my 2011 690 Enduro R. I'm a lot lighter and about 3 in shorter than you. You would probably fit the taller R model better than I did until I lowered it. The seat IS rubbish. The foam is too soft and thin except in one spot. So you end up sitting on the seat base if you slide back. I use a sheepskin which helps a little on long runs.

The incidence of fuel and electrical problems does seem a bit higher than it should be. I haven't had a fuel pump problem yet but I know one guy who has. Wiring is not good. I had a good look at some of the wiring on my bike recently and found many places where wire bundles were rubbing on the frame. One bundle was chafed through the covering but not the wires. If you get a 690 I would suggest going over the wiring to check for chafing or bad connections before you go bush.

Genuine KTM services are expensive IMHO.

Having said all that the 690 is an awesome bike and I do not regret buying it.

I have got 260 km on one tank doing a mix of gravel, tar and a little trail. Bike is basically stock except for air filter. It is extremely economical on highway cruising. Better than 22 km/l in my experience.

**Gremlin** · 1st May 2013, 01:51

Well the most important thing is, what riding are you going to be doing? If it's your only bike, are you doing a bit of everything? What's everything? For some, an adventure bike is needed for gravel roads, but in reality, it's a very deep dark trappy hole beyond gravel roads, involving lots of mud, rivers and a whole lot more.

If you want to tackle more gnarly stuff, but still road ride, then a mid capacity bike is going to suit more, but you can also get away with more on a bigger bike due to your size.

As an example, I'm 6'3 and 100kg and I have a R1200GS Adventure, and I've done Skippers Rd, Danseys, Hakataramea, Nevis, Lees Valley etc. I like the versatility, and you can still do 1000km+ days on sealed roads and your arse will remain intact. However, she's a hell of a handful in rough stuff (especially with luggage) and the smaller bikes will float right on by while you're doing your best impression of a submarine. I don't have any desire to go really rough, so no problem for me.

imho, your riding requirements, followed closely by your skill, will dictate bike choice the most. Still, bike shopping is fun, so if you get it wrong (like most do) you can always try again.

**clint640** · 1st May 2013, 08:24

As a tall bugger you'll be able to get a higher more comfy seat made up for a 690 no worries. Another good point about the 690's (well the 08 I spent some time on anyway) is that they are quite stiffly sprung standard so will suit a guy your size well in that regard.

To throw another bike in the mix, How about a KTM 950 SuperEnduro? Not common but I've seen a couple come up near your price range. They are one of the lightest of the 2 cyl adv bikes & would be a good rig if you want to try & find the sweet spot between 650 singles & big twin adv-tourers. Plus they'd put a horn on a jellyfish

Cheers
Clint

**Night Falcon** · 1st May 2013, 12:53

Originally Posted by dmoo1790

I have got 260 km on one tank doing a mix of gravel, tar and a little trail. Bike is basically stock except for air filter. It is extremely economical on highway cruising. Better than 22 km/l in my experience.

mine has Ackro map and FMF exhaust 17.307 km/l; maybe I should change back to stock map and thermo exhaust...na, the cost of setting the strangled LC4 free is worth it

**NordieBoy** · 1st May 2013, 16:50

Originally Posted by BrendanZX9R

Wow, thanks for the responses. I like the idea of the 690 more and more, but I'm a big guy, 6"3 and 135kg. I'll be doing some reasonable stretches on the road - will I be horribly uncomfortable?
Also, What are servicing costs like? I've never ridden one but have heard good things, but have also heard of some people having fuel and electrical issues. Is this just old wives tales?
Oh yeah, what sort of fuel range could I expect from the stock tank?
Thanks again

UMO Pom rode the TAT on his and he's tall and uses really low bars.

But he's a weirdo.