One bike to do it all--So which one then ?

[Biker's Nemesis]

Wedg1e said:

So maybe the bike isn't the issue, it's the rider.

[Killboy]

Silver993tt said:

and you conveniently forgot this but I'm sure it was just a typo on your part when selectively editing my comments:

Silver993tt said:

A German colleague had one in my group last year and we did a similar schedule. Was a nice bike but comfortwise he suffered quite badly, was a combination of seat and vibration.

Lets play this game. No I didnt



You added that little gem over 3 hours later as part of another argument several posts later, so what I can say is you talk absolute BS, and I'll take your views as such. Twist it all you want.

[Silver993tt]

Killboy said:

Lets play this game. No I didnt



You added that little gem over 3 hours later as part of another argument several posts later, so what I can say is you talk absolute BS, and I'll take your views as such. Twist it all you want.

oh dear, an exact example of what I was discussing earlier about these threads on PH. Did you look at the off-road videos I posted (on your request for off-road capabilities) or did that conveniently pass you by?

Anyway, I'm off out to watch the champions league match meanwhile I'm sure you'll be doing the Paris Dakar

[Killboy]

Silver993tt said:

oh dear, an exact example of what I was discussing earlier about these threads on PH. Did you look at the off-road videos I posted (on your request for off-road capabilities) or did that conveniently pass you by?

Anyway, I'm off out to watch the champions league match meanwhile I'm sure you'll be doing the Paris Dakar

I hope the pub is not far, else it may take you some time to get there.

I watched your videos. Nothing new. Try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWIZfYQhgMc

[3DP]

bass gt3 said:

Silver993tt said:

ell, I didn't buy the CT (with DCT) for off road as I don't do any of that on my tours but it has some capabilities see here, even a guy from SA is riding one (and rates it as the better bike) , comparing to the Triumph Exp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMxUBtweMbY

This one in Japanese unfortunately but it shows the bike being ridden (with DCT box):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ils3FbgKyc

It's not the best for off road but the limiting factor will be the rider, not the bike in most cases.

Thats Matt, know him very well. We had a coffee while he was shooting an episode at a friends shop while I was back recently. Nice guy and very capable rider. The guy riding the Honda is Clinton Seller, SA National Superbike Champion, and guess who he's tied in with????? Yep, Honda!!!!
As for offroad, I think even Honda state it has no off road abilities, and at 275 plus panniers and fuel, I suspect it could be a bit much if it all goes south. But I agree, you bought it not needing off road capabilities.
But then what makes the best DO IT ALL bike?? Road only, on/off road? Allan needs to answer that one.

Edited by bass gt3 on Wednesday 23 April 18:28

Which to be fair is why I pointed out that Allan did qualify his post and reading just the title was pointless without seeing the extra focus of his particular compromise that he requires. This is why I chose the options I did - not because I own a ZZR. I also own other bikes which would all be utterly crap for his criteria, but could feasibly do-it-all.

Bass GT3 had a similar thread about a do-it-all bike for his Africa trips, where everything from a tatty DR350 to a new R1200GSA was recommended FOR HIS CRITERIA.

Clearly Silver993tt has what he is happy with as a do-it-all bike for his criteria.

Personally, I've tried to avoid this thread developing into a row, but Silver993tt does seem to be endeavouring to antagonise people by poo-pooing their options without any real qualification in the opening salvo, followed by a slightly ridiculing 'tone' when asked to qualify. That tends to lead to rows in my experience.

Other factors to consider.
a)not everyone sees shaft drive as mandatory - certainly if it limits your bike choices as it does.
b)there are people out there that will be able to ride a sporty bike much faster and in a performance window that an ADV cannot compete with. This is also key to their enjoyment of the ride - not a willy waving exercise.
c)there are people out there who are willing to compromise a bit on comfort to get front end feel and a more involving riding position when things get twisty, which doesn't mean a sports bike crouch, but ADVs are really missing.

I have a 9 country, 3000+ mile trip coming up in 7 weeks time, with pretty much no motorways involved.

I don't expect to adjust my chain at all.
I would undoubtedly be more comfortable on a VFR1200X.
A sportsbike would be too uncomfortable for me to enjoy the trip properly, although best fun bike for most of the roads.
Chain lubing is no problem and if it was, I'd buy a Scottoiler.
I like to ride really fking fast where I can get away with it, on bends and in a straight line.
I wanted hard luggage.

I've bought the bike that best fulfills those criteria for me and as I'm going with Allan, although he has some injury issues to add into the mix which give extra points for DCT, I think it would be ideal for him too based on what I know of him.

[Mastodon2]

Biker's Nemesis said:

last time I went touring abroad (2007) we had a 1999 Hybusa, a K5 1000 and a couple of Fireblades, we did the trip from Holland to the Nurburgring in one hit through torrential rain, when it wasn't raining we kept ourselves amused by pulling 100 + mph wheelies, roll ons in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear the Hybusa was always last BTW.

Interesting, what held the Hayabusa back? I'd have thought the big torque of the Hayabusa would have made it competitive, but looking at the figures a 99 Hayabusa is a big chunk down on power next to a K5 GSXR1000. Sounds like a bloody good trip though.

EDIT: Just looked again and the Hayabusa isn't down on power, I was comparing an at the wheel figure with an at the crank figure, doh. Perhaps the longer gearing or weight of the Hayabusa gives it less explosive acceleration?

Edited by Mastodon2 on Wednesday 23 April 20:14

[bass gt3]

3DP said:

Stuff

Funny thing is, as much as i like the KTM for what i'm using it for right now, it won't be getting a permanent place in the garage when i get home. Tidy up and on sale.It's good, but it really doesn't light my fire. For road use, yep, i prefer my Superbike but if pushed, it would be a ZZR or BM K series. The big traiies seem vauge and ininspiring although capable, and yes, very weird in a corner coming from Superbikes!!!
But to think when i was young, i only ever had one bike and it did it all!!! Bikes have become so niche market orientated now, we'll just go round and round in this discussion as some will prefer big traiies, others hyper sports or super nakeds and so on. No wrong answer really.

[Biker's Nemesis]

I like the ones with big boobies.

[3DP]

Mastodon2 said:

Interesting, what held the Hayabusa back? I'd have thought the big torque of the Hayabusa would have made it competitive, but looking at the figures a 99 Hayabusa is a big chunk down on power next to a K5 GSXR1000. Sounds like a bloody good trip though.

EDIT: Just looked again and the Hayabusa isn't down on power, I was comparing an at the wheel figure with an at the crank figure, doh. Perhaps the longer gearing or weight of the Hayabusa gives it less explosive acceleration?

Edited by Mastodon2 on Wednesday 23 April 20:14

40+kg dry weight (more wet) and longer gearing caused by lower rev ceilings. The engines feel a lot more flexible than 1000s though. Of course the bigger displacement and lower tuned states of the engines vs 1000s means they are ripe for big gains in power with modest spends.

[Biker's Nemesis]

3DP said:

Mastodon2 said:

Interesting, what held the Hayabusa back? I'd have thought the big torque of the Hayabusa would have made it competitive, but looking at the figures a 99 Hayabusa is a big chunk down on power next to a K5 GSXR1000. Sounds like a bloody good trip though.

EDIT: Just looked again and the Hayabusa isn't down on power, I was comparing an at the wheel figure with an at the crank figure, doh. Perhaps the longer gearing or weight of the Hayabusa gives it less explosive acceleration?

Edited by Mastodon2 on Wednesday 23 April 20:14

40+kg dry weight (more wet) and longer gearing caused by lower rev ceilings. The engines feel a lot more flexible than 1000s though. Of course the bigger displacement and lower tuned states of the engines vs 1000s means they are ripe for big gains in power with modest spends.

Yeah, the 2004 onwards 1000's left the Busa by quite a way, once up to speed we were so far in front the big lad had no chance of catching up.

[Hooli]

Biker's Nemesis said:

I like the ones with big boobies.

Good call.



I love this bullst about chains being a pain touring, I've never noticed it. But then I've never done more than 3k in six days.

[Silver993tt]

Killboy said:

I hope the pub is not far, else it may take you some time to get there.

I watched your videos. Nothing new. Try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWIZfYQhgMc

Nice video, especially the editing.

[Wedg1e]

Hooli said:

I love this bullst about chains being a pain touring, I've never noticed it. But then I've never done more than 3k in six days.

IIRC the year you came with us we did 2300+ in what, 5 or 6 days, I forget?
It wasn't chains that were the issue, it was the wheel bearings
...and the navigation.
...and the Plod with guns and radar

[Hooli]

Biker's Nemesis said:

I like the ones with big boobies.

Good call.



I love this bullst about chains being a pain touring, I've never noticed it. But then I've never done more than 3k in six days.

[winbar]

I remember seeing Germans on 125 trail bikes with camping gear up in the Highlands of Scotland in the 80`s. I was on a 350lc with a pillion and camping gear it seemed massive in comparison. Nowadays you need an adventure bike with panniers to go to work, if you believe the marketing hype. It`s good to have a choice but I would buy what appeals to me as most bikes can do anything. Wouldn`t be a 125 though

Edited by winbar on Thursday 24th April 08:32

Edited by winbar on Thursday 24th April 09:38

[RizzoTheRat]

bass gt3 said:

Frankly, you don't half talk some shyte.
I managed to get from deepest SA to Malawi via Zimbabwe and Moz in comfort on my 1190. Hmmm 2000kms in 2 days with regular trips out and about of 500kms. Yes, even been riding in rains you couldn't even begin to imagine.
Last weekend we went to Cahora Bassa for a camping and fishing trip which involved 500kms each way with100kms each way of that made up of serious off road, sand river beds and rocky roads on a bike fully loaded with panniers, top box and dry bag. Try that on a tar only road bike.
So what you seem to say is any suggestions not in accordance with your particular garage is fine to be derided and sneered at. Perhaps the definition of DO IT ALL BIKE is slightly broader than your seemingly blinkered opinions.

At the risk of derailing the thread even further.... Nah that's not possible.

Did you do a writeup or post photos of that trip Bass? Sounds like a fantastic trip.

[y2blade]

winbar said:

I remember seeing Germans on 125 trail bikes with camping gear up in the Highlands of Scotland with camping gear in the 80`s. I was on a 350lc with a pillion and camping gear it seemed massive. Nowadays you need an adventure bike with panniers to go to work, if you believe the marketing hype. It`s good to have a choice but I would buy what appeals to me as most bikes can do anything. Wouldn`t be a 125 though

Edited by winbar on Thursday 24th April 08:32

Indeed, I read this book as a child....met Ted Simon (the Author) at the Ace Cafe a couple of years back too....he seemed to have a wry smile at all the "Adventure" bikes/bikers all kitted up with alu luggage and ttsuits to trundle around the North Circular to meet him.


" four-year journey through 126,000 km across 45 countries on a Triumph Tiger 100 500 cc motorcycle from 1973 to 1977"

[bass gt3]

RizzoTheRat said:

At the risk of derailing the thread even further.... Nah that's not possible.

Did you do a writeup or post photos of that trip Bass? Sounds like a fantastic trip.

What's not possible? ?
Sadly it was a sprint to get up to Malawi so no time to loiter and see stuff.
It was 2 very long days with a stopover in Harare. We didn't get to Harare until 8 pm having left Jhb at 5am.

[RizzoTheRat]

y2blade said:

Indeed, I read this book as a child....met Ted Simon (the Author) at the Ace Cafe a couple of years back too....he seemed to have a wry smile at all the "Adventure" bikes/bikers all kitted up with alu luggage and ttsuits to trundle around the North Circular to meet him.

Great book. If you get a chance go and see Austin Vince, he does some great talks about some of his trips, and favours a DR350.

[Prof Prolapse]

RizzoTheRat said:

Great book.

I think it's obvious from the book he's a cracking bloke, and the trip is inspiring, but I found it a pretty boring read for the most part.

I never could work out what he was trying to write about. I felt he offers no real insights into these places he visits, no unique perspective, his motorcycle ride is described with all the passion of a bus journey, and he offers only a handful of opinions about his philosophical views, all bar two or three are pretty low rent from such an obviously smart guy. I wonder if somewhere he lost his notes, or didn't write the book quick enough upon his return.

It seems to fit somewhere between motorcyle philosophy books (if such a thing exists) like "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" and travel books like, Paul Theroux's "Dark star safari", but can't hold a candle to either of them. Although admittedly the former is weird.