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Hey kids.
So I've got to admit, my recent Trans-Lab trip has me thinking really seriously about dual-sports. Not typical dual-sports -- I'm talking powerful ones. Or powerful enough to haul my 260lb ass along at highway speeds without feeling like the engine is straining, at least. And comfortable/smooth/fuel-efficient enough to do 500-600 mile days on without killing myself. My XR650L just does not succeed in this regard -- it's fine at lower speeds, but at 65-70 it's tapped out.
The obvious answer is a KTM 990 Adventure or, even better, the 950 Superenduro, but I can't afford a KTM -- in terms of both initial purchase cost and keeping it on the road (KTM maintenance costs and fuel costs, since these beasts only get around 35mpg).
On paper the BMW F800GS seems like it would be a great choice aside from its ridiculous price, but I've ridden one and didn't like it.
I'm curious to see if Triumph finally puts out that 675 "Tiger Cub" that's been rumored for some time (those rumors have heated up lately because the story now has it that Triumph will be announcing two new 675-engined bikes for 2010 at one of the upcoming motorcycle shows). And if so, if it's a proper dual-sport designed to compete with the F800GS, or another quasi-supermoto. I expect the latter because Triumph just doesn't seem to have any interest in the dual-sport market.
So basically, what I'm looking for is a bike that meets these requirements:
- Decent offroad-capable suspension with travel of at least 6", preferably 8" or more.
- Spoked wheels, preferably 21" front and 18" rear.
- 60-75hp engine, preferably twin.
- Under ~450lbs. Under 400 would be really nice.
- Fuel efficiency of at least 50mpg for typical extended street riding.
- Reasonably low maintenance -- I'll be putting a lot of miles on this bike.
- Ability to mount luggage (ie, strong enough subframe to support it).
- Reasonably priced.
Examples that come close:
KTM 950 Superenduro (too expensive, too thirsty):
Honda Africa Twin (no longer made, and even when it was, it wasn't available in North America):
This converted SV650 (just about ideal, except that it's a one-off custom way beyond my ability to build):
So, all of this considered, here are a few basic options:
- Build up my Honda XR650L with a full aftermarket exhaust, flat-slide carb, etc, which might gain me 5-10hp. Not a huge improvement, plus this bike's thirsty even in stock form, let alone fully uncorked. An air-cooled low-compression single is just never going to be very potent.
- Sell the Honda and get a used Husqvarna TE610 or BMW G650 Xchallenge -- roughly the same weight as the XRL, but they make about 15 more horsepower and get much better gas mileage to boot. If I could sell the Honda for $3k, I'd probably have to add another $2k or so to pick up one of these, and then would likely have to add all the long-distance amenities I've already put on the Honda.
- Build up the V-Strom with more offroad-oriented suspension and spoked wheels; and also remove all the unnecessary plastic shit weighing the Strom down. Basically turn it into a poor-man's Superenduro. XR650L forks will slide right into the stock triple trees, but the forks are further apart, so I'd have to have custom axle and spacers made. And I don't know what I'd do about a spoked rear wheel, let alone longer-travel rear suspension to match the front.
I like the last option a lot as the Strom's V-Twin lends itself so much better to long-distance touring, whether on pavement or off, but figuring out how to add longer-travel suspension and spoked wheels will be a lot of work. Also, this would make the Strom a less-capable road touring bike. I could just keep it stock except for improved suspension internals, but then it's not significantly better off pavement than it is now. Dirtbike-style forks and a 21" spoked front wheel definitely make a big difference when the road gets seriously potholed and washboarded.
The easiest turn-key solution is to sell the Honda and get the TE610 or Xchallenge, but I honestly don't know how much better they'd be to tour on than the Honda.
Also, the question I keep asking myself is how extensively I'm likely to get into dirt riding. At the moment I've got no interest in technical woods riding or that sort of thing -- one of the things I love most about riding a motorcycle is seeing the world around me, so riding in the woods doesn't appeal to me very much because it's a shitload of work and a whole lot of "Oh look, a tree. Oh look, another tree." I don't really expect this to change -- when I was really into snowboarding, I also never got interested in woods riding, no matter how much fresh powder could be found there.
What I'm really interested in is ripping through remote landscapes on dirt roads and (if they exist) trails -- which obviously means riding plenty of pavement to get there. So a bigger, more powerful bike definitely makes sense for me, up to a point. It's just really hard to decide whether I need to go as big (and overweight) as a converted Strom, or if a more powerful single would do the trick. There are definite advantages either way.
Hence my massive indecision.
So anyway, for those of you who've been patient enough to read this far, thanks -- and if you have any ideas/suggestions or alternatives to what I've thought of, I'd love to hear them!
--mark
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Originally Posted by ssg
I have to make do with non-European stuff, with the possible exception of Triumph.
