View Full Version : Motorcycle ????????
brokenscout
05-21-2012, 13:22
Whats a good one if you have acouple miles of gravel roads,but need it for city also? Can a Harley or crotch rocket work,with diff tires & suspension? Thanks for any help.
jreifsch80
05-21-2012, 13:23
a honda scrambler ;)
I am biased to be sure, but a BMW GS is always a good choice for on/off road.
Zundfolge
05-21-2012, 13:29
I am biased to be sure, but a BMW GS is always a good choice for on/off road.
Along those lines the Ducata Multistrada (http://www.multistrada.ducati.com/jspducatimultistrada/index.jsp?lang=en) is another good choice.
Every Harley I've ever owned despised gravel, dirt, sand and mud roads. They don't like wet grass much either.
I would buy a Victory Cross Country. :)
Or... you can ride Orange..
KTM (http://www.ktm.com/us/travel/990-adventure-r-usa.html)
Ducati Multistrada .. pfft.. I hate ducs. Don't get me wrong, they're great machines. I just don't feel right on them.. everytime I'm on one I crush my nuts..
Whats a good one if you have acouple miles of gravel roads,but need it for city also? Can a Harley or crotch rocket work,with diff tires & suspension? Thanks for any help.
Anything can handle a couple miles of unpaved roads if they are in decent condition.
Get a bike based on the kind of riding do you want to do.
micah360
05-21-2012, 13:34
Or... you can ride Orange..
Yes... I would get the KTM!
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ktm-adventure-abs-r-preview%205.jpg
HBARleatherneck
05-21-2012, 13:41
delete
Do you have to slow down for washboards on motorcycles?
Depends on the suspension. Generally speaking, not as annoying as a car.
BushMasterBoy
05-21-2012, 13:48
Even the US Marines use them...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_KLR650
micah360
05-21-2012, 13:54
Yamaha super Tenere'....
nice... this is the first time I've seen these!
http://motorcycles.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/778/media/images/2012_Yamaha_Super_Tenere_Motorcycle.jpg
Suzuki DR650 http://www.burniemorgan.com/motorcycles/images/dr650se_mine_big.jpg
or Kawasaki KLR650
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/092306_650_top.jpg
JohnTRourke
05-21-2012, 13:59
I am biased to be sure, but a BMW GS is always a good choice for on/off road.
end of thread
it's THE choice.
end of thread
it's THE choice.
For the independently wealthy.
You could buy my bike and my car for the price of just the touratech accessories I see on one of those pigs.
Triumph Scrambler! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyJZQIViejQ)
brokenscout
05-21-2012, 14:22
For the independently wealthy.
You could buy my bike and my car for the price of just the touratech accessories I see on one of those pigs.
I was looking at BMW first, but they are high.I wanted a Jeep Wrangler also so. Not sure, great suggestions though so far,thanks guys
BigNick73
05-21-2012, 14:36
City and dirt?
I have to second the KLR, kinda miss mine, was great in the city I was in at the time, nothing better for potholes and hopping curbs.
http://i.imgur.com/Qai7w.jpg
I was actually looking for a dual-sport/motard style bike.. just for fun. One of the guys I work with LOVES the Suzuki DR-Z400sm. He's motarded so I trust his opinion.. although he did just buy a Multistrada.. fuckin duc snob :)
Found this on CL and I'm seriously considering..
KTM 625 (http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3002171164.html)
Yes... I would get the KTM!
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/files/2012-ktm-adventure-abs-r-preview%205.jpg
KTM is badass!! broke both my arms on a ktm....Very powerful and well made.
islandermyk
05-21-2012, 14:47
I say get what ever you can afford and something you won't be afraid to lay it down from time to time :D
Either way... on gravel road, there's a good chance that you'll be using your legs like pontoons on any bike you choose from. If your travels are longer on gravel roads than it is pavement/asphalt go for a dirt bike type ride and a road bike for the opposite.
... and another thing. Please try not to skimp out on riding gear (helmet, gloves, etc.)! They are like firearms "Better to have'em and not need'em than to not have'em and need'em".
end of thread
it's THE choice.
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac105/puebloshooter/DSC02843.jpg
There no real solution. If youve been riding rockets a while you just aint gonna be happy with somthing that does not go to 13000 rpm and scream on the street. That bike aint gonna cut it on gravel. A 650 thumper is the only reasonable compromise the KLR being the most cost efficent but boooooring on pavement- superior torque- yawn. The way the wind is here in colorado, you need some weight in your bike on the highway. A KLR makes for a very relaxing house to gravel to pavement to gravel to fishing pond day with one exception. WHERES THE PUP GO? The rest of the board is right dont scrimp on personal protective equipment. nothing like picking gravelout of your scin 3 months later. Hey how bout a can am spyder?
Zundfolge
05-21-2012, 15:31
I am biased to be sure, but a BMW GS is always a good choice for on/off road.
end of thread
it's THE choice.
It is hard to argue with ... remember that KTM turned Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman down because they didn't think their bikes would make the trip 'round the world ... the R1150GSs they ended up with performed very well on a tremendously abusive trip.
(side note, if you haven't picked up a copy of the DVDs you really should) (http://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Round-Ewan-McGregor/dp/B004DP7S9E/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1337635904&sr=1-1)
Great-Kazoo
05-21-2012, 15:33
Klr650
Bmw Gs
JohnTRourke
05-21-2012, 15:34
I never said you need a brand new one. (besides, I'm sure they finance :-) )
The R100GS's (bumblebee's are the best) are great fun, and actually better offroad (they weigh a lot less)
and the GS is an amazingly competent street bike. endless ground clearance, real world torque, great seating position, all day comfort, easy to work on.
Great bikes.
Buell Ulysses
http://images.craigslist.org/5Gf5M45J93K73Mf3Nac3q2f68adbbf86d1d0d.jpg
KLR650 is the claw hammer of motorcycles: maybe not the best tool for every job, but an adequate tool for almost any job. Essentially unchanged 87-07, some updates to bodywork, suspension and brakes in 08-12. Reliable as a stone axe, can be had cheaply used.
islandermyk
05-21-2012, 16:23
Why settle for less and why not get what you want....
Geez... if only I had $80K for this, Hahahahaha!
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp261/brutaltlr/ducati-desmosedici-rr-02.jpg
islandermyk
05-21-2012, 16:24
^^^ If I had to off roading with this bad boy... so be it, lmao!^^^
^^^ If I had to off roading with this bad boy... so be it, lmao!^^^
ever see the atrocity that Roland Sands (Performance Machine) made out of a Desmosedici?
ocvppp4RN5k
colorider
05-21-2012, 16:40
Suzuki Vstrom. I have the 650 version and take it everywhere. Fire roads , jeep roads and highway. Love it. Very dependable and they are not expensive.
brokenscout
05-21-2012, 16:51
Suzuki Vstrom. I have the 650 version and take it everywhere. Fire roads , jeep roads and highway. Love it. Very dependable and they are not expensive.
I am looking at those.
brokenscout
05-21-2012, 16:52
What about these?
Kawasaki Versys
I will take a rural dirt road in any condition with any bike over riding one in the Denver Metro area. I sold mine 12 years ago when I lived in Thornton. I absolutely hated the road conditions, road construction, and the volume of idiots on the road. I would consider owning one again now that I am in Conifer...I have about 1.5 miles of dirt.
What about these?
Kawasaki Versys
Good bike for what you're asking for. Limited ground clearance, limited suspension travel, more power than a KLR with similar weight. Basically a 650R Ninja with a little more ground clearance and slightly more dirt capable tires. A 650 Vstrom is very comparable, and has better aftermarket support.
Tinelement
05-21-2012, 17:07
ever see the atrocity that Roland Sands (Performance Machine) made out of a Desmosedici?
ocvppp4RN5k
That dude is a nut! love his work
islandermyk
05-21-2012, 18:17
ever see the atrocity that Roland Sands (Performance Machine) made out of a Desmosedici?
people could do what ever they want when they got the money...
... but good luck to him trying to sell that piece of shit, lmao!
I am biased to be sure, but a BMW GS is always a good choice for on/off road.
This would be my best recommendation. The new ones are a bit pricey though.
The Triumph Tiger is another great choice.
Bailey Guns
05-21-2012, 18:46
My opinions (I've owned/own both):
The KLR650 is, like most have said, the F150 of the dual sport world. It does everything OK but does nothing great. If the BMW is too tall for you the KLR will NOT work. Big fuel tank means you can ride a LONG way between stops.
BMW F650GS. I have a 2001 now with about 24k on the odo. Much shorter than the KLR, lighter than the KLR, similar performance power-wise but more nimble. Also, you'll get a little more bike for the money. I have one now (I sold the KLR to buy this one) and I like it WAY better than the KLR. I can actually reach the ground. Also, mine gets 75mpg driving from Bailey to work in Denver. It also has anti-lock brakes that you can turn on/off which is great for switching from street to dirt. Good size tank, too....about 5 gallons.
VStrom is probably closer to the KLR in terms of height. Nice bike...just too tall for me.
My opinions (I've owned/own both):
The KLR650 is, like most have said, the F150 of the dual sport world. It does everything OK but does nothing great. If the BMW is too tall for you the KLR will NOT work. Big fuel tank means you can ride a LONG way between stops.
BMW F650GS. I have a 2001 now with about 24k on the odo. Much shorter than the KLR, lighter than the KLR, similar performance power-wise but more nimble. Also, you'll get a little more bike for the money. I have one now (I sold the KLR to buy this one) and I like it WAY better than the KLR. I can actually reach the ground. Also, mine gets 75mpg driving from Bailey to work in Denver. It also has anti-lock brakes that you can turn on/off which is great for switching from street to dirt. Good size tank, too....about 5 gallons.
VStrom is probably closer to the KLR in terms of height. Nice bike...just too tall for me.
Hes dead on about the height. The KLR feels like a unicycle.
JohnTRourke
05-21-2012, 19:31
This would be my best recommendation. The new ones are a bit pricey though.
The Triumph Tiger is another great choice.
I put 60,000 miles in 3 years on a BMW. It never stranded me. Ever.
My buddy with a triumph got stranded every few months. (electrical, engine, whatever, you name it) in maybe 20,000 miles over 3 years.
i wouldn't buy a triumph with your money.
centrarchidae
05-21-2012, 19:42
SV650 nekkid.
It doesn't do anything extremely well, but it does most things as well as (or a little better) than the KLR. Especially on the highway and especially if you're not six-foot-seven.
hollohas
05-21-2012, 20:34
Suzuki Vstrom. I have the 650 version and take it everywhere. Fire roads , jeep roads and highway. Love it. Very dependable and they are not expensive.
This. If you don't want to drop the coin on the BMW the Vstrom is a great dual-purpose. The Vstrom is a bit shorter for us folks who arent too tall. The 650 is plenty capable (and a little lighter which is nice off road) but if you will spend most of your time on the street get the 1000.
Bailey, just saw your post. I thought the Vstrom low seat was shorter than the GS short seat. Have they changed it?
argonstrom
05-21-2012, 20:39
Dude - you need a 50cc Vespa.
That would be awesome!!!
BlasterBob
05-21-2012, 20:59
Ian, since you are a dad with a bunch of youngsters and living on a gravel road, I'd sure recommend you stick with the choice of the Jeep over a two wheeler. Just my worthless opinion!
Ian, since you are a dad with a bunch of youngsters and living on a gravel road, I'd sure recommend you stick with the choice of the Jeep over a two wheeler. Just my worthless opinion!
I got rid of my katana 1100 when my friend got macked, A guy fell asleep at the wheel and hit him and his girlfriend head on coming back from thompson canyon on 287, It was a brand new harley his second just picked it up. He broke his back and his girlfriend suffered a head injury. Complete personality loss, she started from scratch. Heres the thing he was always super careful super cautious super competant, where i was running that katana way to fast. He always said "im just in it for the cruise" I just didnt have the heart to ride anymore after i saw how their entire life changed. That was my last bike. Jeeps are nice. So are vw buggys! And a pup fits in a buggy!
BPTactical
05-21-2012, 21:38
Every Harley I've ever owned despised gravel, dirt, sand and mud roads. They don't like wet grass much either.
You never rode a XR 750 then.
Badass flat traker.
How about a JawaCZ Ian:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj3frhlmPso
Bailey Guns
05-22-2012, 07:41
This. If you don't want to drop the coin on the BMW the Vstrom is a great dual-purpose. The Vstrom is a bit shorter for us folks who arent too tall. The 650 is plenty capable (and a little lighter which is nice off road) but if you will spend most of your time on the street get the 1000.
Bailey, just saw your post. I thought the Vstrom low seat was shorter than the GS short seat. Have they changed it?
I don't know. I have on 01 F650GS with stock seat and can place both feet flat on the ground. A friend has an 06(?) V-Strom that he said is stock and it sits just slightly lower than a stock KLR. I have a hard time reaching the ground comfortably with both the V-Strom and the KLR. Newer stuff might be different.
brokenscout
05-22-2012, 08:20
Ian, since you are a dad with a bunch of youngsters and living on a gravel road, I'd sure recommend you stick with the choice of the Jeep over a two wheeler. Just my worthless opinion!
This is true, I was looking at getting a bike & a Jeep:)
Fentonite
05-22-2012, 16:59
If I had the cash, I'd buy this instead of post the link. Relatively unknown Yamaha TDM850, only imported into the US for two years (sold overseas for many more). I had one when I lived in the mountains near Telluride, and I could go anywhere the KLR's could go, but cross country was still comfortable and capable. Definitely way more street that dirt, but it'll easily do what you're asking. If I had the money, I'd have bought this already:
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3028096102.html
Goodburbon
05-22-2012, 17:47
I have a few dirt miles to ride. I had a KLR650, that thing was squirrely in gravel, underpowered on the highway, and downright scary in the wind. I still liked it.
I now have a Buell Ulysses. WAY more power, WAY more stable on gravel roads, WAY more steady in a crosswind.
Any bike can handle a little gravel, it's the riders that run into trouble.
For washboards I generally speed up and float over them, except when approaching a corner.
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