The best all-round bike in the world?
Discussion
Most magazine editors and journalists' reviews would suggest the BMW R1200GS.
I would tend to agree. I had one for a wee while and, whilst it's an ugly bike, it's very capable and it's only now that there's been any real competition to it!
The R1100GS and the newer bike have had it their own way for a decade, but the competition are finally getting there.
I would tend to agree. I had one for a wee while and, whilst it's an ugly bike, it's very capable and it's only now that there's been any real competition to it!
The R1100GS and the newer bike have had it their own way for a decade, but the competition are finally getting there.
Honda C90 
It'll go anywhere, do a silly distance on a gallon of fuel, last forever, can be fixed with a roll of string and a hammer and is simplicity itself. It also costs pennies.
For something a little more lively I'd say CBR600 purely for their all round ability and amazing reliability.
BMW's are very good but they're way over priced for something that basic. I'd rather spend my money on a Varadero with all the bells and whistles.
It'll go anywhere, do a silly distance on a gallon of fuel, last forever, can be fixed with a roll of string and a hammer and is simplicity itself. It also costs pennies.
For something a little more lively I'd say CBR600 purely for their all round ability and amazing reliability.
BMW's are very good but they're way over priced for something that basic. I'd rather spend my money on a Varadero with all the bells and whistles.
If Nick Sanders is to be believed, the best bike is the R1. He's been around the world on several occasions on one.
BMWs have a reputation for reliability, although the ones on Long Way Round broke rear sub-frames. (They also had ABS issues - I can't remember if that was a mechanical failure or caused by an accident).
I can't imagine that happening on an Africa Twin or an XT600.
Best all rounder? Tricky! Despite the above, it probably is a Beemer; fast, comfy with pillion space.
Bikes are always one compromise or another. I guess the Beemers just sit in the middle more than other bikes.
BMWs have a reputation for reliability, although the ones on Long Way Round broke rear sub-frames. (They also had ABS issues - I can't remember if that was a mechanical failure or caused by an accident).
I can't imagine that happening on an Africa Twin or an XT600.
Best all rounder? Tricky! Despite the above, it probably is a Beemer; fast, comfy with pillion space.
Bikes are always one compromise or another. I guess the Beemers just sit in the middle more than other bikes.
Edited by rsv gone! on Tuesday 12th February 08:35
rsv gone! said:
BMWs have a reputation for reliability, although the ones on Long Way Round broke rear sub-frames. (They also had ABS issues - I can't remember if that was a mechanical failure or caused by an accident).
i thought that it was the back street welding that had caused that ABS prob, electrickery an thatrsv gone! said:
BMWs have a reputation for reliability
very true of the older models (R1100GS-R1150GS) BUTthat went out of the window when the R1200GS came out
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews139703.html
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review262218.html
"Good Points
Looks good, smooth ride, goes any and everywhere.
Bad Points
Reliability! Has "known features" - not least of which is a problem with the engine/gearbox seal.
General Comments
I'm on my second BMW R1200. The first lasted 14 months an did 20k miles. That bike was such a dog in terms of reliability that BMW and the dealership agreed to do me a good deal on a replacement. The second 12GS has done 37k miles in in two years... the front engine casing has been replaced three times due to corrosion (under warranty). The engine/gearbox has been replaced twice... it's now just out of warranty and has blown for the third time. The dealership quoted £1000 to do the work!
This is the fourth BMW I've had in a row.... now moving to Honda as I need something that will actually last without going back to the workshop every couple of months."
Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 12th February 11:10
A new bike to the debate...
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
Andrew Meiring said:
A new bike to the debate...
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
i looked at those V-Strom 1000's but wasnt happy with the build quality of the s/hand ones i saw..loads of corrosion on the engine casing and generaly got very tatty looking very quicklySuzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
but yeah alot of fun to ride
I also had a look at the Buell Uylessess too they are a cracking bike
Twit said:
Well it isn't the KTM 950 which is the bike I did take RTW. I would say the CG125 would be the most durable. Will go just about anywhere, you find them, or copies of them, all round the world. Easy to fix and next to impossible to break. Gets my vote!
It was for similar reasons to this that BIKE reckoned the XT660 was the best round-the-world bike. catso said:
Conian said:
Can't help but vote for the C90.
Except 'all-rounder' would indicate that it is good at all things 
not unreasonable to expect a little performance then.... 
But as far as being an unbreakable workhorse
i know a bloke in thailand on a forum who has a 150cc or so big bore kit in his & it power wheelies in 3rd from what he says.
rsv gone! said:
Twit said:
Well it isn't the KTM 950 which is the bike I did take RTW. I would say the CG125 would be the most durable. Will go just about anywhere, you find them, or copies of them, all round the world. Easy to fix and next to impossible to break. Gets my vote!
It was for similar reasons to this that BIKE reckoned the XT660 was the best round-the-world bike. y2blade said:
Andrew Meiring said:
A new bike to the debate...
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
i looked at those V-Strom 1000's but wasnt happy with the build quality of the s/hand ones i saw..loads of corrosion on the engine casing and generaly got very tatty looking very quicklySuzuki DL1000 V-Strom, just run mine in and deeply impressed, mostly because of how much bike for the money.
Could do with better front rakes and the top end stability is woolly, but cross country A and B roads its brilliant. It's all about that motor - the evil TL spirit is still alive in the DL.
Have read they're no good off road. I suppose its a bit low and not well protected, but with some prep maybe it could be a decent adventure steed.
Previously rode two BM's, boxer and 4 pot - reliability was an issue for me. Every service broke my piggy bank.
but yeah alot of fun to ride
Cracking bike, just a shame about the spares. Oh, and I'm not putting it up for best all rounder. Does all rounder have to include offroad stuff? Why, just because the GS "can"?
If not I'd hand it to the last of the VFR750's, or a pre-VTEC 800.
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