Microlighters

Yes, I know this is not the place for a question like this, but I would love to hear your humble opinion on this matter, so I thought of asking people that I trust.

I decided to buy myself a nice dual-purpose bike. Keep in mind that I cant afford a BMW or KTM, ( I still have to spend some money on my Windlass he he he) so I started to look at the following:

Kawasaki KLR 650
Yamaha Tenere 660
Suzuki DR 650
Honda TransAlp

My plan is to do a few nice trips next year (2009), but don’t know what to buy.

Buy a GT 450 there's lots of trips ahead.

That is on the list for 2010

Slider wrote:Yes, I know this is not the place for a question like this, but I would love to hear your humble opinion on this matter, so I thought of asking people that I trust.

I decided to buy myself a nice dual-purpose bike. Keep in mind that I cant afford a BMW or KTM, ( I still have to spend some money on my Windlass he he he) so I started to look at the following:

Kawasaki KLR 650
Yamaha Tenere 660
Suzuki DR 650
Honda TransAlp

My plan is to do a few nice trips next year (2009), but don’t know what to buy.

They are all nice bikes, Other than the Yamaha I have had the privilege of riding them all. If you do not have a personal preference I think it would be up to the price, I know a while ago the Kawasaki was best value for money but that might have changed. I also enjoyed the Honda so that might be my preference but then again I am a bit partial towards Honda

Whatever you decide I know you will have fun !
Ride safe,
Rudi

Great thanks, i also like the Honda, but then the KLR is the best priced bike...........a well i will see what happens if i "draw straw's"

Slider wrote:Great thanks, i also like the Honda, but then the KLR is the best priced bike...........a well i will see what happens if i "draw straw's"

I know a few guys who are very happy with the KLR over the long term so that might be your best bet !

Have fun

The Honda Africa Twin is the best, but because of their reputation they are hard to come by.

TranSky wrote:The Honda Africa Twin is the best, but because of their reputation they are hard to come by.

I agree it is a great bike but it is also quite large and tall, not everyone can ride one of those !

Transalp gives a very smooth ride being a v twin motor.

I have a Dakar 650 (which my ex has both sets of keys to) that I cannot ride now! You can pick these bikes second hand in very good nick I daresay. A lot of chaps traded their 650's for the GS800's. It's a bike that easily gives you 25km/litre and better. You also get great add-ons in the form of Touratech etc. The other advantage is that BMW is supported countrywide. It is however slightly underpowered.

The Transalps give you more v-twin grunt and if you can pick up an Africa Twin that is well looked after and cared for - go for it!

I am looking at purchasing a Honda Varadero 1000 or a Aprilia Caponord 1000 for rider and pasenger comfort above the KTM's though. I don't like the boxer motor on a bike and I know I'll be taken to task for that!

Morph can also share his experience on the Honda side...

If you think short term and just looking for the most bang for your buck, Kawasaki KLR 650.
If you think slightly longer term and you want quality and good resale value, Honda Africa Twin, alternatively Yamaha Tenere 660.

Bad Nav wrote:The other advantage is that BMW is supported countrywide. It is however slightly underpowered.

Been looking at the new BMW G450X that has just been released, but it is too tall for me and the BMW okie says they have not yet figured how to lower the ride height. The 650X can be made small enough but think that is a bit large for me.

Best value 4 money is the KLR. I had one and only sold it to buy the big Beemer.
Go to http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php lots of good info there and you will have all your questions answered.
Good luck with your search and ride safe!

Been there, got the badges.

Beware, the two-wheeler will kill you before the trike has a remote chance...

Rather buy your wife some nice flowers.

Bac

Hi,

Thanks for all your help. Well this is going to be a very interesting exercise, and will keep you updated on my touring plans, with the new bike

Thanks again, for all your help