Another what bike?

Berk · Scooby Slapper Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Karma :

Just throwing out some feelers here, I don't know a huge amount about different bikes, and thought I'd turn to the wisdom that is BCF.

A short introduction to what I'm looking for.
In September I'm going to work for the dragon, er mother-in-law, as an ecological consultant. This typically involves going out to various sites and performing surveys, we've already figured that I'll be able to carry the necessary equipment on a bike without too many issues (cheers to the father-in-law for backing me up on that one Very Happy

).

It'll be a while yet before I'll be looking at a new bike, but I was just wondering what was out there that would work well. Not so much for off-roading, but coping with farm tracks and the like, while still being happy with a full set of hard luggage on the back. I realise most bikes would work, if ridden carefully when needed, but if you could give me some examples of bikes that would be more suited to the task at hand it would be appreciated. My only reservation is about supermotos, they just look wrong to me in road tyres, like a rugby player in ballet shoes. Wink

Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

Depends on your budget but i would look at the BMW GS range.

2 wheels please · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 29 Jun 2011 Karma :

Chalky. · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Karma :

Some sort of tourer!

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

I've got a soft spot for the Triumph Tiger. Some nice KTMs around too - think 690 or 990. Get yourself a big screen, some heated grips... job jobbed.

For the farm tracks thing, I would personally say that making sure you can reach the floor ok is worthwhile - while these 'adventure' bikes on stilts are good for the rough bits they're a pain in the balls if you're on tippy toes on a rough surface. If that's you, a 'normal' bike will probably work out better.