Looking for ideas (which bike)...

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

So... I've got myself a new job and one of the perks is a travel subsidy which can be used for vehicle payments.

I'm in the early stages of looking, but I'd quite like some kind of off road tourey type thing. Not a GS as I don't have the budget for new textiles every time I go out, nor do I have a friend to play charlie...

It has to be:
- relatively new as I need to find it in a dealer (to qualify for the subsidy).
- comfortable 2 up
- easy to maintain / repair

I like the idea of the KTM adventure 990 but hate the look of the thing and have 0 idea about the part availability / ease of home repair.

So... influence me early and I may even go with one of these ideas rather than just asking for advice then ignoring it and buying a Renault 5 instead.
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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

As an idea if buying new there should be some deals for the Suzuki V-Strom.
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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

The GS comes with other numbers than "1200" in front. "700" and "800" might fit your bill.

I can't fault mine (so far) but would definitely consider the V-Strom, Versys and Tiger as well. Don't overlook the new NC750X either, Honda have added a bit of power and torque while claiming even higher mpg.
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Moxey · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 May 2011 Karma :

Honda Transalp? Know of somebody with one of these who considers it an easy bike to work on when it ever does which is rarely, has 80,000 miles and still going (its a 1990 600 variant), newer ones increased in CC up to 700 but if after even bigger CC consider the Varadero 1000.

Can't comment on the ride of them but just suggestions Thumbs Up

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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

Why not the KTM 990 SMT? If you don't like the Dakar looks of the Adventure, the SMT might be a bit more palatable.
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~~Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT~~ | BMW F900XR TE

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Copycat73 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2013 Karma :

dydey90 · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2013 Karma :

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

^^^ Agreed. I am 100% not allowed to use a bike for anything to do with work. Bloody H&S. Evil or Very Mad

As far as bike go. Any of the smaller adventure bikes should be OK for what you want, it's just a matter of picking one that floats your boat.

I really like the Tiger 800XC but I like that engine more than any twin, it's lush.
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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

dydey90 · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2013 Karma :

Oh no, we're meant to be 'green' too. But safe at the same time. But mostly green. As long as it's safe. Brick Wall

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1198 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Karma :

Ducati Multistrada? Practical, quick, good fun to ride and a v twin Engine.

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

Ninja 250? Apparently chicks get proper moist over them, and that's what we should be looking for in a bike.

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Nick 50 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jul 2011 Karma :

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

What sort of riding are you doing?

I had a Tenere 660, lovely looking bike. Was mostly used for commuting through London. I found the seat height just a little too high for me. I also found the engine a bit too lumpy, but that's probably just be riding a bit ham fisted.

I now have an older Versys 650. The seat is a little lower, more comfy and the parallel engine is much easier to get on with.

I'm sorely tempted by the current offer from Triumph with the Tiger 800. £99 a month...
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Nick 50 · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jul 2011 Karma :

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

FLV · Trackday Trickster Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Karma :

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

Nice little features the Tenere had were:

A bar above the clocks you could fit a RAM mount onto for Sat-Nav/Phone etc
The fork gaiters are a nice touch
There a rubber 'flap' that helps protect the rear shock from most of the crap.

I was however a little wary of the bash panels. they aren't particularly well secured. And hiding the coolant tank behind one seems a little stupid. Oh, and upgrade the bash place if you want to go anywhere rocky. The plastic wont offer much protection.
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