Leelover

I have decided that I want something with some off road capability. The question is how much is really necessary? I don't want run motocross tracks with it or serious technical trails, more just being able to explore fire roads, jeep trails and feel more comfortable on unpaved roads. I still want it to be adept in the twisty parts (I might want to go get hamburgers ), but it will need to have the ability to cover some serious miles without driving me crazy (er). The hamburgers I am craving are a ways away!

I am not sure if I need a real "adventure tourer", or some thing more along the lines of a Multistrada.

For those of you who have done this stuff, what are the advantages/disadvantages of different models/styles?

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phobe

I would go with one of the single-cylinder KTMs. Enough power for the highway but small enough to manage on the trails... I always like the 640 Adventure.

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SomeStrangeGuy

Couple of friends of mine have Suzuki DL-1000's (V-stroms) and they are pretty happy with them. There is strong aftermarket, and the cult-ism over them is just like it is for the SV650's (just alot of die hards, and just about anything you could think of). For the price OTD + mods. it's a damn fine ride. There is also the DL650 V-strom that is a bit cheaper and smaller, some swear by it - some swear the 1000 is excess, I dunno. I get bored on a Ma-Me. trip on the highway with the droning of a 650 anything.

I test drove a BMW R1200GS and I absolutely love it. I'm not sure if I'd get a regular GS with spoked wheels and some head guards etc, or if I'd get the A(dventure) model.
You don't *need* the A unless you're going rock bashing really - but it's got a bigger fuel tank (that can be good or bad, since it gives it an odder look, but also adds weight up high). But shit you dont need an adventure bike right? So go all out if you're going to go there is what I say


If you're not quite sure you're down for the long haul adventures try a KLR650. You'll get tired of superslab with a quickness - but it can motor along at 100 it's just not getting there as fast as some other machines would. The nice thing about the KLR is it's a budget-dirty-adv-tourer, and can really be made into whatever you want. Whether it be a porky motard you won't lose your license on, or something you want to carve out some not-too-technical single track on, or just get a couple hundred miles per tank and go drive somewhere far. You really have some choices there. The KLR option is also the cheapest should you decide you don't like it - it's not hard to get rid of them either.

As you know, I've got an 03 KLR and I can't find one good reason to get rid of it. I'm currently sitting between (next year I guess, maybe) getting a Concours 1400, DL-1000, R1200-gsa.
The beemer gets the nod and is most desired, it's comfy as hell with decent protection from the elements despite the smallishness of the front end. It has some trick features and has a motor with some real power and character. It also weaves and bobs like a 600 once you're going more then 2mph. I'm not sure I'd get it off road enough to justify the A stuff, and not sure I'd want to take a 20k bike in the dirt anyways.

The connie wins next because I think it fits most for the tupe of riding i'd 'really do' and it's of course a bit cheaper. The DL comes in after that because it's the least expensive option at around 1/2 the cost of the BMW. Though there are rumours of no DL-1000 in 2008, so move fast!

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Leelover

Phobe-I like those KTM's too. Also the Huskies. I am concerned with the single cyl on the longer runs.

SSG-I like everything about the V-Strom, except the looks! But I think I could deal with that. They are a great value for the cash outlay, specially on a used unit pre-farkled!

I am going to go into the local BMW/Triumph dealer and ride a R1200 GS and a new Tiger this week. Hope they don't mind their bikes getting dirty!

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ONEvcs

Dux's GS1200 Adventure is a Jekyll version of your FJR, with off road caps. I'd buy a used one in a blink if I was looking for an off road capable bike. Camping on that is as comfortable as going in a car. Only you'll get places the car can't.

DUX

I can't say enough good things about the GS Adv.

The wife and I just rode 230 miles today and we both don't feel any worse than if we'd made the trip in a car.

Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum will give a lot of different opinions on different bikes....BMW, KTM, ETC...but it all depends on what you want to do with it.

Here's a break-down of what I do with mine and my opinion:

- Highway. Does very well one or two up. 70-75mph is the "sweet spot" for hwy cruising. Above that speed your FJR would get the nod for feeling more planted.

- Twists. I honestly think that I am quicker and smoother on this bike than anything else I've ridden on the street. Granted, I don't push 9/10th's but the steering leverage, seating position, motor, clearance, and overall feel of the bike is great. It could also be that I've put 7k miles on this bike since the end of November and am very comfortable with it. It's very easy to surprise squids who think that going fast means full-throttle in a straight line. As was said before, the bike feels much smaller once you're moving over 2mph.

- Off-road. My off-road skills suck. The bike is definitely more capable than me. I am prepared for the fact that if I intend to use this bike for dirt, then I WILL drop it. I have learned a few tricks such as only filling the 9 gallon tank with a few gallons, lowering the tire pressure, etc.... but I have a long way to go. Switching to off-road tires will be a huge plus. The knobby TKC's work great on the street and dirt, but they also go away quickly. Skilled riders take these bikes through any conditions. If you're a novice, avoid deep sand.

- Dirt/rock roads. I am going to switch back to knobbies for the fall, when my wife and I will spend 90% of the time on dirt/rock roads. The bike SHINES on these roads and I had no problem handling the beast on them two-up from day one.

- Cold/Wet weather. I ride rain or shine. The windshield and gas tank provide excellent protecton. Take a closer look at the boxer engine and you'll see that even the motor provides wind/water protection. Heated grips are a MUST for any bike that I own from now on, and I own a Gerbing jacket liner that I've only used once even though I was commuting in 15 degree weather.

The GS is a great bike, but I just liked the look and feel of the ADV better. Also, it isn't worth it to buy a GS and add on the stuff you'd get by going ahead with the adventure.
- Bigger gas tank. Also functions as a fairing vs the elements.
- Bigger, better winscreen and "winglets." No buffeting at all. Screen can be positioned to create an air pocket or let full wind in to hit you.
- More suspension travel. This was a big factor for my wife. Due to an injured neck, rides used to end if we hit a bad bump. Not a factor any more.
- Crash bars.
- Spoke wheels. Very trick... the spokes come through the side of the rims and the tires are tubeless!
- I think the ADV has a bigger alternator?
- There is other stuff, but it's time to go spend time with the wife.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the ADV is so ugly that I LOVE the way it looks.

If you want one bike that does it all, the Adv is it. Go take a test ride.(BMW commercial over)

If you're considering keeping the FJR and want a short-medium distance dual-sport then the KLR is one of the best ways to go. Cheap, 20 years of the same model (until this year,) cult status, and an aftermarket that would blow you away. A lot of people are very happy using them for long distance too.

As I've said before, feel free to PM me with questions. My wife will concur that I never get tired of talking about it!

DUX

Some good comparos:

Adventure-Tourer Comparison - Feature Review - Motorcyclist Online

2006 Adventure Touring Comparo - MotorcycleUSA.com


BMW recently had a promotion called "The Ride Is On." Some dealers still have DVD's left over from the promotion and are giving them away as coasters. Worth a watch if you can snag one. It covers BMW history, a group GS ride, and the other models.

Leelover

Thanks, DUX! That's the kind of info I was looking for

I will check out the forums, and comparo's.

I am trying to not want the BMW (cost primarily), but it is not working very well...

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DUX

Cost was a factor but after all the research and test-rides I bought the BMW b/c of the bike that it was, not b/c it was a BMW. That's more than you can say about some other brands.

DUX

Although heavier, the 1150's are fantastic bikes too. Don't discount finding a nice used copy!

SomeStrangeGuy

An adventure bike that fits you well will never leave your ownership - that that that passed you on the old R75 didn't just buy it cause he likes old bikes, he probably learned to ride on it

While there are some final drive issues on the 'permanent' rear drive fluid on the GS series, and a failing rear drive often means catastrophic failure of the unit, keep it clean and frequent and call it a day.

If you don't like it, I'll lease it from ya

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SomeStrangeGuy

Once you add some bags and other appropriate parts - the look changes a bit, and it does improve - it really needs them from the factory.
I like the 1000 better then the 650 even though they allegedly share the same frame.

Pre farkled units? I know of a 2004 with about 15k on the clock, and quite a bit done to it with an asking price of about 7k

Some v-strom resources:
stormtrooper.com
V-Strom Forum - powered by Tex Arts

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SomeStrangeGuy

Single cyl. wouldn't concern me, but the compression ratio and the oil capacity ( which = shortened maint. intervals usually) on them would, especially if alot of what I wanted to do was seriously long distance touring.

I guess I just feel something heftier is better over the long run - for long mileage.

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Leelover

That sums up my thoughts on that type of bike pretty well. I still want to be able to put in a series of long days without feeling like I am taxing the bike.

SSG, do you do much riding in NH? I rode the fire roads around Hooksett/Allenstown/Pembroke/Concord areas in the early 80's quite a bit. It was an amazing network of trails. I hope to get back up there and do it some more, though I am sure construction has altered them a bunch.

Also, I am still considering which GPS to get. I don't really are about the built in XM thing that much anymore, so I am pretty much open to ideas. Is there a model type better suited for this type of bike? I would also like to be able to pull it off and use it on a boat.

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Leelover

I have seen a couple nice 1150's for sale in the state at decent prices.

Did you look at the big KTM Adventure at all?

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SomeStrangeGuy

Actually NH is not on my list currently. I have a few loops in that area but ever since someone went unintentionally off roading there last year we've sort of avoided the area. Admittedly with the move this year, I haven't put even 2 full tanks of gas through the KLR yet. On the last one I discovered I bent the bars and now it sits on stands waiting for me.

Quick GPS solution is to yank the extra stuff off and rock that 2730 It's still water resistant to 3m or so I think, and has some kickass mounts. The BMW Motorrad navigator is basically a rebadged 2610 I believe. For touring, POI information and interstate navigation over friendly roads the 2xxx series is pretty decent.



If the only thing you're going to use it for is an adventure bike, mapping, some POI, but mostly having the ability to load topo's and flip back and forth easily for figuring out where you are on the planet - I'd say get a 276c.
Still water resistant, not touchscreen (good if dealing with mud), requires annoying Garmin memory cards, but is fairly inexpensive, but has a nice big screen, and it's compabity with the bluechart maps. You would also need to order the set of maps with it you want, it does not come with City Navigator like the 2xxx series. If you have the DVD for City Navigator proper though, you can license it for one additional unit perfectly legally


If $$ is not an option, you can get a 378c or now 478c which are also XM friendly, but have alot more features in the way of weather overlays and I believe XM navtraffic capability. But as stated the 276c would be ample if the goal is primarily non interactive navigation.

After using a 2720 for awhile, for me using a 276c would be roughing it . So I have a 60csx running Topo (and city nav) and waypointing, and the 2720 next to it on the bars.

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SomeStrangeGuy

Only downside is I believe the 1200 had a serious weight reduction. The 11xx was about 25# more then the 1200 anything, and ~15% less hp. Not an inferior bike, but the previous GS wasn't as attractive as the previous model and for me it isn't an option (I rode a 12 ). If you're looking at the Adventure - the older units didn't come loaded up like the new ones did, not nearly...you had to outfit them considerably. The new ones are pretty much loaded up at the get go.

This might help...

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure - webBikeWorld

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RC51Mike

I'm thinking about getting a GS but DUX is making some good arguments for the GSA. hmmm. I was planning on taking my K1200S to Alaska next year but after my recent 2,400 mile trip to Gaspe, my creaky bones can't take no more no how. I need something a bit more upright and want something more versatile. I've been sitting on the fence about getting another new bike at all but after watching a rerun of Long Way Round, my attention is refocused on spending ungodly amounts of money again.

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DUX

I did look at the KTM and still like them a lot. I felt that the BMW had a little better build quality/engineering.

Also, coming off of the FJR you can appreciate this analogy:

When you compare the FJR and the ST1300, the FJR leans toward sport and the ST towards comfort and distance touring.

The BMW and KTM's are both adv tourers, but the KTM definitely leans towards the dirt and can also do the street well. The BMW is a better road bike that can also handle the dirt.

I spend most of my time on road.

DUX

Test ride them both. The GS is no slouch, but the ADV just spoke to me and fit my needs much better.

Those guys just finished "The Long Way Down." Can't wait for the DVD!

DUX

Some pics that may help you decide.

I wish I could claim that they were all mine!

Attached Thumbnails

         

   

DUX

Maybe you should sell the K1200S to a good home. I plan on heating the garage this winter!