Touring Bikes

V2 · Nearly there... Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Karma :

Hi, im after a large traillie for touring on, funds are limited so it will have to be an old 'un, im liking the looks of the transalp, africa twin, Dr750, Honda dominator, etc, was just wondering if anyone can throw some reccomendations on these (or others i havent thought of) my way, im hoping to cross into france/spain/germany on it and i can wield a spanner so the age of the bike doesnt really bother me, i was hoping to look about the 1990 mark with around a grand to spend, any thoughts?

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

KLE500? Pretty cheap, much faster than a dominator and a twin cylinder engine so much happier sitting at motorway speeds.

Fitting luggage can be a bit tricky, I just made some side racks out of flat bar for mine so I can use my throwovers without them touching the exhaust.

Tank range is just over 100 miles which is a bit of a pain.

KLR650 is a decent bike too, a bit more off-road orientated

V2 · Nearly there... Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Karma :

i reckon im tall enough for it, ive ridden some large crossers in the past and have got on ok, (YZ450, DT's etc) but cheers for the info, i was really taken by the honda dominator on looks but then i thought it may be a bit underpowered for lots of motorways.

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

i think an old tdm850 would be good for what you want,as its a big trail bike riding position but its more suited to road use and doing distance at speed

i tried a dominator on a motorway and it wasnt pleasant
no fairing, and very vibey at speed as its a single
had enough power but wasnt very comfy

the tdm 850 is a twin and other twins like transalp and africa twin and stinks kle500 would be ok

ebay is good for cheap bikes

i was once nearly tempted by an africa twin that went for about £600 not sure i wd have trusted it to go round europe tho
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Mister James · I want to believe! Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Nah, I thrash the arse off it, take it up to the redline in every gear and usually cruise at 80mph+. I also usually have a load of luggage on board.

That 500 twin engine is capable of returning astoundingly good fuel consumption figures if ridden sensibly, but I don't.

V2 · Nearly there... Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Karma :

thanks for all the help, im now narrowed down to a couple of bikes, stinks suggestion of a klr650 or africa twin or super tenere, i guess ill have to wait for the right one to come along on ebay now, thanks again

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

V2 · Nearly there... Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Karma :

obviously im going to go have a look before i put a bid on!

feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

also worth looking at the Triumph Tiger.. they do hard luggage for them, and are very capable machines.

if you can afford it, the BMW R1100/1150/1200GS models at the dogs for long distance mile munching. Just see The Long Way Round.

a
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Have a read about my mates KLR650 HERE

See what it takes to turn a KLR650 from this:
https://www.saddletrampsforums.co.uk/Tramps/images/Bikes/KLR/tn_New%20bike.jpg

Into this (yes, these are both pictures of the same bike!):
https://www.saddletrampsforums.co.uk/Tramps/images/Bikes/KLR/tn_KLR%20left%20side.JPG

V2 · Nearly there... Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Karma :

that is one hell of a story!

Dave_ZedDragen · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Karma :

Personally i'd forget the dominator and the transalp will be very unlikely in your price range. I would certainly recommend the Africa Twin as its a very good bike, but i really think you'll struggle for that budget.

I'd also add to the list the Yamaha XTZ 750 super tenere like: this and this. It was Yamaha's version of Honda's africa twin but not quite as popular so they go a bit cheaper but it is also a 750cc v-twin
https://www.supertenere.co.uk/gallery/yamaha/yamaha_02.jpg
there is also a website for info: https://www.supertenere.co.uk

and as mentioned earlier the triumph tiger , the older models will hopefully fall within your budget.
https://i18.ebayimg.com/02/i/07/9d/7d/92_1.JPG

Not sure about on your budget....but also consider the BMW bike's such as: BMW F650 (and this one) https://www.smorum-auto.dk/images/193640.jpg

BMW R100GS (buying guide)
https://freenet.am/~alenkam/katalog/images/BMW%20R100GS%20PD.jpg

BMW R1100 GS
https://www.ladybug.nl/fotoos/motoren/bmw-r1100gs.jpg
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woodyfjr · Scooby Slapper Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Karma :

XTZ750 is an Inclined Parallel Twin Cylinder the motor was later used in the TDM850's. A very capable machine indeed.
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