What to buy? BMW, KTM, or ?

[xcmountain80]

So my dad and I are in the market for an enduro for some road tripin and back roading. I was looking at the BMW f650, and the KTM adventure 950, 990. Need to know the pros and cons maintenance, reliability, and so on.

Aaron

[Scott Brady]

:lurk:

[xcmountain80]

Whats he pop supposed to mean? Didn't you just get a bike or was that someone else.

Aaron

[marc olivares]

2 words...Triumph Tiger...that is all :wavey:




sorry, i'm a bit bias
i have an 05'
cant get enought of that british love

[xcmountain80]

2 words...Triumph Tiger...that is all :wavey:




sorry, i'm a bit bias
i have an 05'
cant get enought of that british love

I saw a few of those mixed in with a group of BMW's a couple months back on a group ride at a gas station, there must have been 50 bikes.

Aaron

[Scott Brady]

I do not have a bike yet. No time to ride it. I am interested in others response to this thread.

Hopefully this winter, with a full build and then ride next spring/summer!

[HMR]

You will find every possible piece of info you could ever want on each of those bikes here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php).

In the meantime... there's a pretty big difference in performance between the F650 and the two KTM's you mentioned. What type of riding would you like to do? Single track? Long stretches of highway followed by some fire roads?

The dualsport market continues to grow every year and it seems there are more choices now than ever.

In addition to the bikes already mentioned, here are some others to consider:

Single-cylinder aka "Thumpers"
KTM 640
Husqvarna TE-610
Suzuki DR650
Honda XR650
Kawasaki KLR650

"Big Twins"
Suzuki V-Strom 650 & 1000
BMW 1200GS & 1200GS Adventure

All of the above are great bikes and have loyal followings. Generally, the twin cylinders (3-cylinder for the Tiger) are "better" for long hauls on the pavement. I've owned the V-Strom 650 (totalled from a high-speed deerstrike), the KTM 950 Adventure and just bought an '07 BMW 1200GS. It's hard to pick a favorite as each bike has it's own niche. Good Luck and keep us posted!

[Flounder]

If you're doing much off road, that KTM is a monster. I'm pretty comfortable with most bikes off road up to 650cc but that KTM 950 would make me a little nervous off road. She's a biggie. I borrowed a buddie's 950 for a few days and while I loved it, I wouldn't want to be on anything other than fire roads with it.

It's all relative. Some guys take their GS1150s off road. No thanks.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

As stated above...Those are two very different bikes. That 950 KTM should be compared to the 1200 BMW, not a 650.


If you do a search you'll find this has been discussed at length on this site a few times before. I have a KTM 525 exc. It has been called very accurately a "Dirtbike with turn signals". I also have at my disposal a 2006 BMW 650. I was very excited to get the 650's, as I ride a BMW 1150 RT five days a week. I'm a huge BMW fan. The more we rode the 650's off road the less we were pleased with them. This is not my single opinion, but the opinion of eight highly trained guys that ride five days a week. Five of the eight have their own dirt bikes, three out of the five own KTM.

I would consider your physical size and ability and start from there. Then I would look honestly at the terrain and the amount of travel off-road versus paved road. If I were heading for more dirt than pavement, I'd keep it smaller (650 and under) and go KTM. If I were doing more pavement than dirt along with longer read farther distances, no question the new BMW 1200. I love that bike and will own one some time.

Hopefully Brian will chime in and give you his thoughts on the BMW. I already owe him a beer for the last time discussed this...:)

[xcmountain80]

Sorry it was getting late I knew as soon as I posted it that I would get flack for the 950,990 vs. 650 comparison. Yeah I know those are different I meant to add the R1150 or 1200 BMW in there too. My father and are moderately experienced riders him more so than me. We will be doing mostly road but some offroad (forest roads, dirt roads, mountain trails). Now with the two of us if we decided to do slightly more dirt bike style riding the 1200, 1150 and the 990, 950 are going to big like wrestling a big *** alligator (here in Florida), it can be done but it will be hard. I'm 5'8" 190lbs, dad 6'1" 220lbs. I'm afraid the 1150, 1200, 950, 990 are going to be a little high for me to ride, kinda like a 500series dirtbike would be. I just registered with advrider, so maybe that will help some. We visited a KTM shop in Ocala FL yesterday and they were much help. We walked in looked around, no one came over, so we walked up to the counter. Excuse me I said, yes the man behind the counter replied. What are you asking for the 990 model,, umm its 14800 out the door. Ok what can you do for two? Two he replied. Yes two, if I buy two what can you do. There 14800 out the door. Ok thanks for the help, I then turned around and walked out. I've been in retail sales for some time and thats just not how to go about selling anything but maybe death. So anyway not a great to inexperience with this hunt. So what I'm getting is the larger bikes will be more comfy for road travel and light offroad (light) not meaning the bike. And if more suited to offroad travel the 600's will be what we should focus on.

Aaron

[Flounder]

What are you asking for the 990 model,, umm its 14800 out the door. Ok what can you do for two? Two he replied. Yes two, if I buy two what can you do. There 14800 out the door. Ok thanks for the help, I then turned around and walked out. I've been in retail sales for some time and thats just not how to go about selling anything but maybe death.

Aaron
I'm not saying that dealer is good or bad, but you might ease up on them with regard to price negociating. One of my friends is a KTM dealer. He had a 650 Adventure on his floor and guys were constantly dickering with him over the price. He finally had to say, "look, there are only 4 of these in the entire state of Arizona and it took me months to get this one....." Now 950s are more available, but some of these dealers can't afford to let them slip out the door for less than what they expect to fetch. Who knows when that dealer will be able to get another pair of 990s. Like many bikes, cars and toys in high demand, there's really not much incentive for the dealer to blow them out....they'll surely sell soon enough at full ticket. Just my two cents. I can relate. I owned a bike shop for a couple years. Bicycle that is.

[marc olivares]

Aaron

keep in mind, that your buying a new bike in the worst time of year.
ok maybe not worst, early spring would be worst, but wait for a few more months. once the 08 models start hitting the floor you'll be amazed how "willing" the dealers will be to get you into one of their rides.

or even better, buy 1 or 2 years old. and let the previous owner take the depreciation hit. you'd be amazed how many people buy motorcycles with the hopes of "putting in the miles" but dont.
lots of great deals out there if you look.

[Kermit]

You mentioned trail. I would surely stay away from the big bikes. If you are a moderate rider, start with a small bike and as you get better, then move on to the big bikes. I haven't riden with you, so I don't know what type of rider you are.

How about a dirt bike that is dual sported? Everyone has "their" brand that they lean too. If it hasn't been said before. "The rider makes the bike, not the other way around."

If you are doing any type of moderate trail riding. The BMW650 and KTM 640...(690 is the new one coming out) will be too big. Just think picking up those heavy bikes when they fall over. The gnarlier the trail and the heavier the bike, the quicker you will wear out.

If you aren't doing any serious road riding. How about a big bore dirt bike? Honda XR650, Husaberg 650, KTM 525/530? The Honda would be the better one for any of the onroad duties. All mentioned will go over 100mph. I have seen the XR650 on single track...it can be done...

This is how I pick what bike I will own. What do most of my buddies ride? Chances are someone will have parts in the tool box. Is it a popular bike, alot of dealer support? For long trips, can I get parts on the road. Yes, Triumphs are cool, not many dealers out there, on the other hand, there are a slew Honda, KTM, BMW, etc...dealers out there.


Remember: Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul. ;)

Back to back The KTM640 and the BMW f650, the KTM wins because of better parts hung from it. I am not saying that because I own a KTM. You have to throw more money at the already expensive BMW. To get it near the KTM's performance. The dollar goes farther with the KTM. Both will get the job done, it comes down how much you want to spend, and how the job is handled.

More road: heavier street oriented machine

More dirt: lighter dirt oriented machine

[xcmountain80]

Aaron

keep in mind, that your buying a new bike in the worst time of year.
ok maybe not worst, early spring would be worst, but wait for a few more months. once the 08 models start hitting the floor you'll be amazed how "willing" the dealers will be to get you into one of their rides.

or even better, buy 1 or 2 years old. and let the previous owner take the depreciation hit. you'd be amazed how many people buy motorcycles with the hopes of "putting in the miles" but dont.
lots of great deals out there if you look.


Yeah that is what I was thinking as far as buy a year or two old. There are 2 dealers on ebay 1 in Daytona and 1 in Orlando for the BMW's. As far as KTM's there are 2 in orlando. I could buy from an individual as well, just ot sure what to look for on the bike to be wrong or right. Hmmm will really have to consider use. I'm almost sure we will be doing more road though my dad bless his heart is 56 this year and I bought him a sick full suspension for Christmas and he is constantly trying to jump things.

Aaron

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

KTM doesn't produce the numbers that the other manufacturers do. I got the last 525ecx...It was number 10 for the dealership.

[Kermit]

I would go with the big bikes if you are doing more road then. I tend to favor KTM's , but, you should look at the Suzuki V-Strom (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DL1000K7/Default.aspx) too. Alot of guys have them, tons of aftermarket parts. Cost about $4-5K less than the KTM's or BMW's. Copper Canyon in Silver City usually has good deals on KTM's, he told me $12K for a 950/990, brand new. I assume he could ship one out to you, shipping is around $250-500. Dave is a great guy...and actually rides/great mechanic, can't say that about most dealers. 505-538-8903
As you pretty much know, Adventure Rider has all of the in's and out's, for just about every adventure type bike.

[Hltoppr]

V Stroms are great bikes, both in the 650 and 1000cc models. At $10K less than a new BMW...worth a look.

Think about what you want to do, as well as your riding experience. I started out on a Honda XR650L, but soon found that it got blown around on the highway, and was pegged at 70mph....but in Mexico it's a great bike....actually may pick up another one for trips to Mexico...

A big bike gets very tiring to pick up after a hard day off pavement...yes, I know that from experience....

KTMs will almost always be better suited to off road than the BMWs...but...the older 950s are prone to water pump failures. (I have friends who bought 15 year old BMWs rather than deal with that issue on a 950 during a recent ride to Alaska)..the new 990s are supposed to be screamers....but, you gotta get the power to the ground effectively...and the fuel range isn't too good compared to the BMWs. Additionally, a KTM isn't likely to be a good choice for a beginning rider, given its quick throttle and high hp.

I'm a fan of BMWs, but still look at the KTM 640 Adventures with a bit of ....I think that'll do....

The 1100GSs are great buys, but have had some reports of trans problems...noone I know personally has had that issue....

The 1150s are nice, some are prone to slight surging at about 3K rpms, but I've really enjoyed my 1150 Adventure. The lower first gear, more suspension travel, 8 gallon fuel tank, and engine guards are functional and necessary in my opinion. I like the power and size. Its a great all around bike.

The 1200s are nice; however, the electonics can be a bit more tricky to add accessories.

I think a F650GS Dakar would be a great all around bike....lighter than a liter bike, and fuel efficiency is excellent (F650s too...). Perfect for a Mexico trip!

Also, think were you will be going. What quality of fuel is available. The newer BMWs and KTMs like 91 octane. The BMW Adventures have switchable ignition relays for poor fuel. Without that my 1150 pings like a marble in a coffee can on hard throttle and 85/87 octane Pemex fuel....

Only real solution is several bikes....

Make sure to save some $$ for proper gear.

HTH

-H-

[Kermit]

I don't know if any of you have got a hold of this thread on ADV Rider.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203720&highlight=kaneman

He started on a '01 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, then moved to a V-Strom, seems to be quite happy with it.

Amazing story, still makes you realize there are some very good people out there...

[goodtimes]

The newer BMWs and KTMs like 91 octane.

-H-

FWIW, my '07 F650 prefers 87 octane (r+m/2). Not sure about the bigger (1200) bikes.

X2 on the gear. Picking up heavy bikes sucks, but doing it while pieces of your skin are no longer attached to your body sucks even more.

[Wanderlusty]

I don't know if any of you have got a hold of this thread on ADV Rider.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203720&highlight=kaneman

He started on a '01 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, then moved to a V-Strom, seems to be quite happy with it.

Amazing story, still makes you realize there are some very good people out there...

I read through that thread. Yeah, he seems to be pretty happy with the bike. But nobody knows how he likes it now, because he has checked out of ADV. It got messy at the end....

And....so as to not veer too far off topic, I am a big fan of the Strom. Been drooling over one for a few months now. They are definitely worth consideration.

[xcmountain80]

Wow the Suzuki v-strom is very impressive. We had a outboard motor Suzuki 200, and it lasted through the course of 8 years of hard offshore abuse. So if there Cycle is anything like their outboards or the Samari for that matter then a good product it will be. I cant say the $numbers weren't impressive.


Aaron

[Kermit]

Wow the Suzuki v-strom is very impressive.

If you can get past the looks, well most of the Adventure style bikes have a face only a mother could love...;). The only complaint I would have with the Suzuki, would be it's mag wheels. Spoked wheels give a nicer ride, they flex a bit.

The V-Strom also comes in a 650 version. Nice motors, I believe the same in the SV bikes. You can get many miles out of them.


I read through that thread. Yeah, he seems to be pretty happy with the bike. But nobody knows how he likes it now, because he has checked out of ADV. It got messy at the end....


That's too bad, it was a great story for a while. How many of you ever said I gonna quit my job and....

I don't know if I would want to be on the road for too long, it is nice to come home.

[xcmountain80]

[QUOTE=Kermit]If you can get past the looks, well most of the Adventure style bikes have a face only a mother could love...;). The only complaint I would have with the Suzuki, would be it's mag wheels. Spoked wheels give a nicer ride, they flex a bit.

I had wondered about the wheels, speaking of faces mothers could love the front end of my 4Runner isn't so pretty, everytime I walk by it the big (240mm) lights are staring me down. I have yet to see one with any sort of nobby, I mean anything though I guess I need to search a bit harder.

Aaron

[Kermit]

Aaron,

I forgot to mention, the Suzuki's wheels are smaller 19" on the front, 17" on rear, unlike the the KTM's 21",18" rear. The larger wheel will roll over objects easier. Won't make or break the ride. Spoked wheels are less prone to break, because the have flex in them. Mags are usually cast, tend to be brittle. You would have to hit something awful hard to crack one, though. You can break either one. (I have destroyed spoked wheels).

You can get knobbies for the smaller wheels.

[Hltoppr]

18" and 21" tires are also easy to come by worldwide....just in case you need a tire in Argentina....

-H-

[Kermit]

just in case you need a tire in Argentina....

-H-

I like how you think...

[Hltoppr]

...isn't that the point of a motorcycle? :gunt: :)

-H-

[katoosh]

I have one, and it rocks.

It's by far the best multi-purpose bike I have ever owned. Mine is the 2005.5 950 Adventure S. Carbs, higher suspension, etc. Lightly modified with Touratech bash plate, beefed up front suspension (SuperPlush), Zega 35 l hardbags, and some ergo stuff. Carbon tank protectors, and NO crash bars!

Perfect for long distance, although many complain about wind buffeting and a ****ty seat. I'm a manly man, and just suck it up. LOL. I'm just cheap.

Once at pavements end, the fun definitely begins. Depending on your skill level, it will go virtually anywhere. Challenging tracks are a huge pain, and it becomes hard, hard work. A 450, 525 would be fun, 640 Adv less so. But if your overlanding with equipment, any of bike is going to be weighted down with gear, and thus, not a lot of fun to do challenging dirt.

The big factor in the equation is how much time will be spent on the tarmac. For me, it is 2 1/2 hours to get to good riding (from San Francisco), and the ability to blast as fast as a want is a real asset. Even the road twisties are super fun (limited only by more off road oriented DS tires).

Fire roads and more open off road is where the bike really shines. Suspension is FANTASTIC, and there is unlimited power. You can really rip. Even with gear and at altitude. Huge grin factor.

I rode the GS1200 before going KTM. Nice, but tame. Two block on the 950 was enough for me to make my decision. It is a beast. I have a great high volume dealership--Scuderia West. That helps. Can't say enough good things about those guys.

Horrible range, and gas consumption. I'm lucky to get 40 mpg. 200 miles is a stretch. Lots of issues, but the performance is awesome. Hope this is helpful.

[805gregg]

There is a rental company in Alaska that rents V-Stom 650's wonder why? Maye because they have no issues, are reliable and less maintance.

[Kermit]

There is a rental company in Alaska that rents V-Stom 650's wonder why? Maye because they have no issues, are reliable and less maintance.
Heck of alot cheaper too.

[NothingClever]

Back to back The KTM640 and the BMW f650, the KTM wins because of better parts hung from it. I am not saying that because I own a KTM. You have to throw more money at the already expensive BMW. To get it near the KTM's performance. The dollar goes farther with the KTM. Both will get the job done, it comes down how much you want to spend, and how the job is handled.

Like Kermit lays it out. No truer words spoken, IMO.

Having heavily modified a BMW F650 Dakar to make it trailworthy and still ending up short of my expectations, I researched and bought a KTM 950. At only a slight weight penalty, I gained buckets of performance in every regard. The big KTM doesn't do too bad on the trails because it tracks so much better than the BMW and has much more compliant suspension.

[mr_ed]

As a former Land Rover owner...stay away from European stuff!!! It's gloriously perfect at one thing...what it was designed for, but seriously lacking in a lot of other areas! Especially cost!

Git a KLR!!!!!!!:suning:

Ed

[traveltoad]

As a former Land Rover owner...stay away from European stuff!!! It's gloriously perfect at one thing...what it was designed for, but seriously lacking in a lot of other areas! Especially cost!

Git a KLR!!!!!!!:suning:

Ed

No way.

[xcmountain80]

As we are all aware as time marches on things change here and there. I have added a rider and still searching for a start point. My LOOSE plan of attack is buy the bikes at the start point instead of shipping them there $$. I will be purchasing 3 KLR 650's new to be sold upon our return to FL. I anticipate mine will go toward recycling a FJ60 or 65. I'm thinking about departing from WA or OR. I originally wanted to buy em here ride em and accessorize em out with hard cases and GPS mounts. Buuuut I have reconsidered for the reasons of shipping and well that's about it. So I'm thinking about purchasing the gear here and using my hard cases as carry on and certain TSA will get a kick out of the moto boots. Thoughts... suggestions... This would be like buying a expo vehicle in another country or heck on the other coast and driving it. Since the units will be new I don't forsee any major issues.

Aaron:roost:

[TACODOC]

As we are all aware as time marches on things change here and there. I have added a rider and still searching for a start point. My LOOSE plan of attack is buy the bikes at the start point instead of shipping them there $$. I will be purchasing 3 KLR 650's new to be sold upon our return to FL. I anticipate mine will go toward recycling a FJ60 or 65. I'm thinking about departing from WA or OR. I originally wanted to buy em here ride em and accessorize em out with hard cases and GPS mounts. Buuuut I have reconsidered for the reasons of shipping and well that's about it. So I'm thinking about purchasing the gear here and using my hard cases as carry on and certain TSA will get a kick out of the moto boots. Thoughts... suggestions... This would be like buying a expo vehicle in another country or heck on the other coast and driving it. Since the units will be new I don't forsee any major issues.

Aaron:roost:

Great choice! I love mine.

Make sure you follow the engine break in routine to the T, very important to ensure trouble free adventures on a new machine.

[xcmountain80]

Yep on on that note about break in I have now changed direction like the wind. I'm fairly certain we will be shipping them once more and modding and breaking them in here so that preventable problems don't arise due to break in issues.

Aaron

[Kermit]

Yep on on that note about break in I have now changed direction like the wind. I'm fairly certain we will be shipping them once more and modding and breaking them in here so that preventable problems don't arise due to break in issues.

Aaron


I have done heat cycles on all of my new bikes, a very quick way to break an engine in. I never had a problem with my engines, and I run 'em hard.

Warm engine to operating temperature (takes about 3-5 minutes), slowly rolling the throttle on and off to 1/2-3/4 throttle, don't let it idle...and don't reach WOT. Shut engine off, let cool for about an hour. Repeat process 2-3 more times. Change oil...then let her rip!

Some swear by this, others don't.

[xcmountain80]

Well after much deliberation I chose a 2005 KTM 525 EXC with 30 hours, the street legal conversion, a few blingy KTM bits on it....... rode it today will take delivery in a few weeks. Likely putting dad on a 2002 KLR with some miles but it is a KLR after all. Our shake down run date is yet to be determined and will likely be a run to North West Georgia (Grandfathers place). The second run will have us load the bikes on Auto train and run up to Virginia and then come back to Florida. THe final run of course is the cross country trip but we will see where this takes us first. One step at a time next will be deciding on a larger tank for the KTM.

A

[Ozarker]

Hi, congrats on your purchase! Hope it serves you well. The Beemers are great machines, but as stated above, the f650 is about 75% pavement and 20% off road and 5% trails. A good one not mentioned is the Transalp V twin, an XR on steriods. Mine is a 500 and has more torque than my XR650, just a world of difference with a V twin and it cruises at 70+ very easily.

Just thought I'd plug the Transalp, but more importantly, congrats! :bike_rider:

[CoastalDefender]

Well after much deliberation

Yeah, only took ya three and a half years to think about it. :D

[xcmountain80]

Yeah, only took ya three and a half years to think about it. :D

Yea yea, well this year holds many new things figured a moto trip might as well be part of it.

[805gregg]

Well after much deliberation I chose a 2005 KTM 525 EXC with 30 hours, the street legal conversion, . THe final run of course is the cross country trip but we will see where this takes us first. One step at a time next will be deciding on a larger tank for the KTM.

A

Did you check out the oil change intervals for that KTM?

[xcmountain80]

No need it was meticulously maintained and it shows. This was adult owned bike, the owner is close friends with the owner of the KTM shop where it was purchased. I trust what I know in this instance. Thank you for the concern.

A

[goodtimes]

I think he was referring to the service schedule, not the service history. The 525 likes fresh oil on a regular basis (something crazy like every 15 or 20 hours . . .).

[WU7X]

...and see what fits.

Do you have any friends with bikes that will give you the opportunity to try them out? Put some time on each, like a couple of hours or so. Make sure that the seat is comfortable for you. If it hurts after a short ride think of what it will feel after a couple of days. You can get aftermarket seats to take care of that issue. One more farkle for the list. :coffeedrink:

I like the idea that you and your dad are getting the same bike. Less parts to carry, and just one bike to learn how to maintain.

[xcmountain80]

I think he was referring to the service schedule, not the service history. The 525 likes fresh oil on a regular basis (something crazy like every 15 or 20 hours . . .).

I'll check that out, thank you.

A

[xcmountain80]

...and see what fits.

Do you have any friends with bikes that will give you the opportunity to try them out? Put some time on each, like a couple of hours or so. Make sure that the seat is comfortable for you. If it hurts after a short ride think of what it will feel after a couple of days. You can get aftermarket seats to take care of that issue. One more farkle for the list. :coffeedrink:

I like the idea that you and your dad are getting the same bike. Less parts to carry, and just one bike to learn how to maintain.

It has an aftermarket seat (and the original) feeling the difference between the two was proof enough with my hands, my butt thought the aftermarket seat was nice.

Dad and I are not using the same bikes it at least now, but we will se what the future holds. It makes sense to have the same rides for similar spares and tools but again we will see. I plan on outfitting the KLR 650 with panniers and maybe usig a tank bag and back pack (1400 cubic inch or less) on the KTM. I think we can carry less equipment and keep the trip cheap. I found a 3 and 6 gallon tank for the KTM sooo this will be a fast improvement over the stock 2.1 gallon tank.

A

[goodtimes]

Dad and I are not using the same bikes it at least now, but we will se what the future holds. It makes sense to have the same rides for similar spares and tools but again we will see.

I think a better argument for having similar bikes can be made by pointing out the pace at which each bike will be moving. Putting the larger tank on the KTM will help you keep up with the KLR with regards to fuel range, but nothing other than rider experience will help that KLR keep up with the KTM when it comes to average moving speed.

A couple weeks ago I took a DR200 and a Husaberg FE600 (which is in the same category as the 525) down to Mexico. When I was on the DR, I traveled at less than 1/2 the average speed that I would on the Husaberg. When my girlfriend was on the DR and I was on the Husaberg, I couldn't get the 'burg to go slow enough (literally, it would idle in 1st gear faster than she was moving on the DR when the trail got a little bit rough), which ended up with me doing a lot of clutch slipping, stopping and waiting, etc.

[xcmountain80]

When I was on the DR, I traveled at less than 1/2 the average speed that I would on the Husaberg. When my girlfriend was on the DR and I was on the Husaberg, I couldn't get the 'burg to go slow enough (literally, it would idle in 1st gear faster than she was moving on the DR when the trail got a little bit rough), which ended up with me doing a lot of clutch slipping, stopping and waiting, etc.

That's comical as that is how we ride when on mountain bikes together. It the old adage or something he used to wait for me now I wait for him (makes me sad really). Partly why these trips are so important to me. If I could find the same deal (not a snowballs chance) on another KTM I'd buy it in heart beat. I'm embarrassed to say what I pay for it :).

A

[CoastalDefender]

That's comical as that is how we ride when on mountain bikes together. It the old adage or something he used to wait for me now I wait for him (makes me sad really). Partly why these trips are so important to me. If I could find the same deal (not a snowballs chance) on another KTM I'd buy it in heart beat. I'm embarrassed to say what I pay for it :).

A

That's what it's all about right there. :bike_rider::bike_rider:

[Ozarker]

I would think it would depend on the area and "expedition" to be undertaken.

The Tiger, well I rode one, great on the road and riding fields, you really don't want to go climbing much since it is a big bike. If you fall off that, it's like falling off a horse and picking it up would be about the same.

No one here seems to like the Transalp! That is my choice. Available parts, every shop in the world will work on Honda, dependable, sips gas, mine will cruise at 75 and go faster than I really care to and charge up the hills while carry more than enough gear, even two up! :bike_rider:

[Trout]

Long weekends in the desert or mountains - a 450 (anything under 600 will do) trail bike. Preferably plated, but I still trailer it up to camp. As tempting as exotics are, I would recommend sticking with something popular & readily available like a Honda or Yamaha MX bike with lights. I bought one of the last G450Xs at my local BMW shop - I didn't want the hassle of having to get a 450 plated, I wanted fuel injection and electric start. The downside is it has heavy maintenance requirements - we'll see how that goes...

Long road trip - a twin (or a triple, if you must) with decent wind protection. I have a F800GS that I will take on single track, though I haven't done so with the bike loaded. With a Giant Loop bag on the back I could easily take off for months going anywhere the road might lead. I always tell people - if I had to have only one bike, the F8GS is it.

[xcmountain80]

The KTM 525 exc is in the stable, we are shopping for the next bike and add ons to the KTM in the form of fuel tank, soft luggage, and GPS mounts (touratech lockable :) ). Equipment in the form of clothing (pants, jackets) and protection (helmets, gloves, boots).


Aaron

[xcmountain80]

Heading to a Mandatory Moto class (required for motorcycle endorsement in FL) tomorrow morning, which brings me 1 step closer to my trip :). Dad has 1 collapsed disc and another on the way out, so this year may be the year for the trip, I don't now if we'll be able to complete a full cross continent ride but that is what I'm shooting for.

A