A genuine all rounder?

[stig]

Right, at the moment I have an R1 which I use for a 100 mile commute and an enduro spec. DRZ400S which I use for off-road tomfoolery.

Thing is, due to lack of space more than anything (but also fancying a change plays a part), I'm considering chopping them both in for something that can perform both roles.

Now, in the past I've had some big trailies, which are OK on-road except for piddly tank capacities, but are a bit too cumbersome off-it. I do a lot of riding on the Ridgeway (well, not at the moment as it's shut) so it needs to be pretty nimble and have genuine off-road ability (and wheelies for Britain .

Having had a quick look around, the closest thing I can get to the ultimate all-rounder would seem to be KTM Adventure - probably the 640 not the 950/990 though as it's lighter, yet has a larger fuel tank? That said, it's back to a single and a twin has an appeal to me.

What do the PH biking collective think?

Maybe I should stick with what I've got and be done with it?

[catso]

I'd like one of these;



Although not sure if It'd be any good offroad.

[mtbr]

Stick with what you've got, there is nothing that can even get close to doing what the two bikes you already have can do individually. A compromise bike will frustrate the hell out of you! IMHO.

M.

[goodlife]

Must be the time of year Chris, I was thinking only yesterday of chopping in the Gixer-thou.

You know you are just bored of the Suzuki and not getting the thrills from the R1 due it being a 'commuter bike' for you, so you are lusting after a change. What about chopping in the R1 for a 5-year-old VFR for the commute and use the change to get yourself a trackday weapon? OK, so you'd end up with 3 bikes instead of 2, but Hels won't mind

Finished the CamAm yet matey?

[stig]

goodlife said:

Must be the time of year Chris, I was thinking only yesterday of chopping in the Gixer-thou. You know you are just bored of the Suzuki and not getting the thrills from the R1 due it being a 'commuter bike' for you, so you are lusting after a change. What about chopping in the R1 for a 5-year-old VFR for the commute and use the change to get yourself a trackday weapon? OK, so you'd end up with 3 bikes instead of 2, but Hels won't mind Finished the CamAm yet matey?

Hiya Dan

You're right, must be the time of year. Strangely coincides with the point where I stop using the car to commute and the weather clears up a bit

Thing is, I'm really trying to save space - not use more!

Likelihood of me keeping a trackday bike in 1 piece is also very slim, which is why I off-road. Same thrills (and very, very funny with a few mates), less expensive and painful when you crash.

Can-Am is up at the factory being safety checked for SVA. Due back 1st or 2nd week of May

[hobbit123]

Get yourself along to your local BM Motorrad dealer and try a 1200GS. Make sure you get it for at least 3 or 4 hours, 'cos it feels wierd when you first get on. Front suspension won't dive on the (power & ABS) brakes, but I've never felt so confident in the front end of a bike before. Nice & comfy, decent tank range (200+ miles), 100 bhp ish output and you can get knobblies with spoked wheels or road tyres with alloys fitted. You can even buy a set of wheels and tyres to swap over, if you want. Sure, try a KTM too, but if you're after that kind of bike you gotta try it...

[cdmpw]

Agree KTM Adventure's look very attractive, I've had a 1200GS for a year and a half which would also be worth a road test.

The BM is a great all-rounder - the reason there are so many around - and is relatively cheap to run with good after-sales support.

It would still be my #1 choice for commuting and European trips.

Regards

Chris

[stig]

cdmpw said:

Agree KTM Adventure's look very attractive, I've had a 1200GS for a year and a half which would also be worth a road test. The BM is a great all-rounder - the reason there are so many around - and is relatively cheap to run with good after-sales support. It would still be my #1 choice for commuting and European trips. Regards Chris

Yeah, in an odd way I like the GS these days (must be getting older ). But, the thought of trying to pick the behemoth up after dropping it (it happens!) on the Ridgeway doesn't appeal.

Thing is, I need 'proper' off-road ability.