Adventure bike recommendations please

The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

Hi everyone. I want to get some recommendations for a good adventure bike around the 650cc mark. I am after a bike that i can put tail and side panniers on for lots of storage space and be able to take off for a spot of traveling with a mate on the back. Something thats good on the road, but will also get me out of a muddy camp site too (i'm not after a pure off-road bike). I have looked at the BMW F650GS Dakar and the Aprilia Pegaso 650, these are the sort of bikes i'm talking about. Something around the £5,000 mark. Any suggestions folks. Thanks.

streetfighter · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Karma :

If it's purely between these two, and I can't think of any others, then I'd deiniteley have the BMW.

Reliability, build quality etc. put it at the front. Aprilia haven't got the same reputation and the Pegaso isn't as good looking as the Beemer IMO.

There you go, for what it's worth Very Happy

The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

It's not purely between those to bikes i mentioned. They are the only 2 i have looked at so far. If anyone knows of other bikes that would be better please let me know. Thanks Streetfighter.

VTR SP1 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

Honda Transalp maybe.

Gracie Jones · Trackday Trickster Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

Is it possible your 'mate' can get their own bike? I would imagine it being a pain in the arse doing any off-road with a pillion. In fact, I know it is. Managed to have an off with the bird on the back. Totally my fault though. Luckily she took it quite well.

But the other issue is boredom. Wouldn't catch me riding pillion on a long trip like that...

sounds like fun though.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

A good second hand africa twin.
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The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

I'm not really planning on doing a lot of off-road. I'm sure i'll mostly be on roads. I just want something that will get me out of a muddy camp site after a rainy night and something i can put some luggage on for a weeks traveling.My mate doesn't mind sitting on the back.

cagiva gezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Karma :

Thge pegaso will vibrate bits lose VERY quickly.
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mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 May 2004 Karma :

Only the F650 has the answer. Comfy as comfy gets, oodles of torque for lazy, low rpm cruising, reliable and comes complete with BMW dealer care (if bought from them) which is pretty darned good. The only hassle is the price.
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The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

I priced them both and the BMW is only £500 or so more expensive. So thats not really a problem, especially if it's gonna be a better bike.

The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

Well i had hoped for more of a response than this. Maybe not a lot of people on here go traveling much on their bikes. Neutral

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

Thanks stink Smile

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

An XR650 or DR650 are possible additional alternatives, but I'd stick my cash on a GS Dakar...if I was old enough. Wink

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california_rookie · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Aug 2004 Karma :

What about KTM? Something from the 640 range, mabye. If you don't mind singles. Not sure on the price, but the 950 Adventures seem to be a close match to what you're looking for as well, if you fancy a little extra oomph.

If I were you, I'd go for the Super Duke...plenty of off-road fun to be had there, I'm sure. Rolling Eyes

https://www.ktm.com/EN/images/4694.jpg
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ash t · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

Im not much use here, but what about the ducati multistrada?

But BMW seem to be the best bikes in this category
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The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think it's gonna be the BMW F650 GS Dakar. The price is right, it looks great and it seems to be built for the job. Cheers

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Maybe a bit late as only just read post but I'm suprised no one mentioned the KTM Adventure. A good 2nd hand 640 should be around the £5K mark. Maybe a bit hard core off-road focused though for mainly on-road use. The BMW will probably be the best all-rounder Thumbs Up

Besides, why should KTM get any plugs after wimping out of 'The Long Way Round' because they thought their bikes wouldn't be up to it!

HTH Thumbs Up

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