Looking at getting a new bike - Which one?

[Zukin]

Which Bike??

How many times does this get asked on the forums?

Well now that we have finished our adventure, we are considering getting a larger bike so we can take much relaxed trips around NZ 
We will be using it mostly on road trips, but as you all know I love the gravel, apart from that and the odd rough track it wont be used much off-road so to speak.
It must be good enough to comfortably carry us 2 up (incl our gear) for at least a week.
It will also be used for weekend rides and maybe just maybe a trip around OZ?
I would also of course use it for the odd “boys” adventure ride weekend away 

Now the bikes I have on my list are (in some sort of order)
1. DR650
The like the Suzuki as they were so reliable and everyone else that owns one says the same thing. The thing here is would it be suitable 2 up?

2. BMW 650 Dakar (or 650GS)
Doesn’t really bother me too much which one, however I am concerned at the issues with electronics that some people have experienced? But I guess as we will be only doing easier gravel roads the engine braking system wont become too much of an issue?

3. KTM990 (expensive though)
I quite like this bike, but not much info about them yet? I also heard the service (particularly in OZ) isn’t much chop? Out of all the bikes I think this one suits us the most? Is there an older similar version, I have had a look on TM and Bike point but haven’t turned anything up?

4. BMW 1150
A lot of bike and a lot of money, but maybe suits us more 2 up?

5.Triumph Tiger
After I talked to Sels1 about his bike and then a few others on KB saying only good things about theirs, I have added this to the list but don’t really know too much about them?? From what I have seen they look good.

So if any of you would like to share your thoughts and/or experiences it would be much appreciated

Cheers Scott

[Henk]

Wouldn't recomend the DR650 as a two up bike, Seat is going to drive your pillion mad in no time at all. We've been looking at the same sort of thing and of all the adventure bikes were leaning towards the Tiger, BMW650 a bit under powered for two up fully loaded, DR650 seat isue and power, BMW1150 too big for my wife to ride with me on the back. She's about 5'3 but on the Tiger she could ride given that I can put my feet down at intersections to help keep the plot stable. I'm about 5'11.
We've relaxed our criteria now as no of road will be involved and only some gravel so considering naked tourers like 1200 bandits, GSX1400 and XJR1300 as well now.

[NordieBoy]

A pair of DR650's?
With aftermarket seats.

Should be cheaper than some of the other options.

[Zukin]

Funny you should say that, we thought about that, but if we want to go away and she doesnt want to ride then we would be a little stuck??

[bgd]

I've had the 1150 GS for about 3.5 years. In that time I've put on 65k miles and the only problem I've had was electrical but caused by a jet wash, so the bike is well built. I have the last of the range (2003) before the 1200 so all problems had been sorted - the Adventure lasted for another year I think. It is a wonderful bike for touring and riding 2 up. But it is big and heavy and can be a handful at low speeds, although a low centre of gravity and familiarity help. It's a beast off road, although I've seen experts throw the thing around. Unfortunately that isn't me.

Before that I had the 650GS. This was fun also but not built to the same standard, especially the electrics. Wouldn't be in a hurry to get another, in that size I would go Japanese or look at KTM.

[Jantar]

From your list I'd reccommend the Tiger. But also have a look at the VStroms. Both the 650 and the 1000 will carry two people with no trouble.

[XP@]

If you are looking at a 650 then consider the Transalp (uses carbs not fool injection).

[MSTRS:Me]

Tiger for 1st choice.
Vstrom for 2nd.
Oh, and forget to return 'her' DR

[The Big J]

You should definitely check out the V Strom 650 and 1000

The 1000 would be the perfect around the world bike (maybe not there yet but great for touring) and has heaps of space internally for tools and parts and taping things to the fairing inside etc.
And check the transalp too.

The Triumph Tiger is good from what I understand of my friend who has one. They certainly seem nice for two up.

[Ruralman]

The Transalps recommended weight limit is 160kg (rider, pillion + gear). I have noticed the difference when I have had someone on the back in the 60+kg compared to a lighter pillion - you just start to feel a little bit of flex in the corners if you push it and hit bumps (the combined weight being right on the 160kg) and you would notice it more as the weight went up with gear etc.

While pillions have commented on how comfortable it is compared to many other bikes they have been on you do have to make adjustments as the rider for passing manoevres etc as the bike is affected much more than a 1000cc machine.

If you are only occasionally 2 up, and the weight is within guidelines, then the T/A is great, it is a superb backroad bike and has pretty good weather protection for highway cruising.
If I was always riding on my own (even with a pillion) rather than with other bikers on 1000cc machines I would also probably be happier - BUT - when you ride with people on the bigger bikes they are able to do many things just so much easier and you can end up having to work the T/A harder than I would like to to keep up (especially when loaded up). While you can argue that this 650 has more KW than that one, but that one's torque figures are better at this revs etc etc, the guts of it is still that cubic cc's make the difference.

For these reasons I would suggest the Tiger - it does everything the T/A can do just as well, and then it has so much more because of that power - and it uses a lot less fuel as well.
Just leave one for me to buy somewhere when I can divert some money from other demanding causes!!!!

[SlipperyOZ]

A pair of DR650's?
With aftermarket seats.

Should be cheaper than some of the other options.

Hey Scott... I'm with NordieBoy on this one. Two up touring sucks bigtime!!! Get two bikes and a decent bike2bike communication system. When are you coming to OZ?????

[chris]

I love the gravel

So buy something with a 21" front wheel.

[Grub]

so I gather this is because Carissa can't ride anything over 250cc for a while? How long is that?

You going to get something in the interim or has she had enough of riding herself? After 7,000km in 3 weeks, she is qualified to call it!

Brett

[yungatart]

I don't know much about most of your choices, but I can categorically state that the Tiger has the most comfortable pillion seat I have ever sat on..

[clint640]

Good comments above. If you want good gravel/dirt ability a 21" front is very nice to have, if buying newish & pillion + luggage capable that means KTM 950/990. If you don't mind a bit less off road talent there are lots of good options.

A bike each is much less of a compromise in NZ & you can get 2 DR650s for the price of some of the big twins...

Cheers
Clint