Motorcycle ????????

[Monky]

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

[Mazin]

Yes... I would get the KTM!

KTM is badass!! broke both my arms on a ktm....Very powerful and well made.

[islandermyk]

I say get what ever you can afford and something you won't be afraid to lay it down from time to time

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".

[Hoser]

end of thread
it's THE choice.

[xring]

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]

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)

[Great-Kazoo]

Klr650
Bmw Gs

[JohnTRourke]

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.

[JoeT]

Buell Ulysses

[TFOGGER]

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.