I want an adventure!

[Brettus]

I dunno why but I've taken quite a shine to an adventure kind of bike.
I'm not due a new one for a year or two yet but I'd been really keen to see the new Vstrom 1000 at the bike show but as its still a concept its in a glass box.

The ones I tried there were:
Honda Crossrunner (although I think I prefer a Varadero for the engine?)
Yamaha Super Tenere
BMW R1200RT Nice but too expensive I think.
Triumph Tiger 1050 (I looked at the explorers but I'd prefer more fairing)
KTM Adventure 1190 (thankfully it doesn't seem as intimidating as the 990 somehow)
Kawasaki Versys 1000 - I think this might be my favourite price/features combination. Really comfortable on the stand, could be different underway I know.

Also, do I buy new or second hand? not being sports bikes they might have an easier life? but that's just speculation on my part.

I do like the idea of shaft drive which favours the honda but I'm not sure how necessary it is. Assuming I did eventually get one it'd be a two wheeled equivalent of a school run mum's 4x4, wouldn't be doing what it was equipped for but it'd be a nice big upright bike.
I like the idea of more power than the 650 I've got now to make for lazier commuting/rideouts potentially.

If the power wasn't necessary then I've looked at the vstrom 650, CB500x, Versys and the XT660Z but I'm hankering for more power unless I'm told that its wasted or not needed on that kind of bike etc.

Anyone got any thoughts on my motivations or any of the bikes above? anything appreciated as its just an idea in my head at the moment and as I say it is for a while down the line but still best to think ahead.

[Jackie_Black]

I had a Vstrom 1000, really really regret selling it. Best real world bike i've ever had. I've researched all of them to death and the gs 1200 or ktm is probably my favourite (depending on mood), test rode the BM and it was a truly amazing bike. When I had the strom i found i was out on it all the time, weather never mattered used to go out in the rain for fun really, class bike. I'm currently toying with buying the new 650 v strom as i know it'll be a hoot but i'm worried i'll miss the wallop. If you've never had this tyype of bike before just go for it, they are great and handle much better than you think they will. Although the brakes and suspension may take some getting used to if you come from sportsbikes.

[Specialone]

Adventure bikes are the future, they are here to stay.

I'm changing my sprint next year to an adventure bike, I'm going to be taking mine on some mild trails too so not buying new again.

The tiger 800xc is at the front of the running ATM, but I'm unsure about the ability to carry me, the wife and luggage over long distances with 95hp, I'll se after a test ride early next year.

[Jayneflakes]

I have had my eye on the 650 Versys for a while, I think that they are beautiful bikes (Yes, I am aware that I stand alone with this view, but then I also like purple handlebars!). Over the years, I have slowly been turning my SV into a V-Strom, with big upright bars, huge boxes for luggage and even trying it off road (which was terrifying, but brilliant!), so I can understand your desire for an adventure bike. Am I right in thinking that the Versys 1000 has the Zed Thou motor in it? If so, it will be lovely. The wife has a couple of big Kwaks and the engines just seem to run forever, even under the most awful abuse.

[the_lone_wolf]

Anyone got any thoughts on my motivations or any of the bikes above? anything appreciated as its just an idea in my head at the moment and as I say it is for a while down the line but still best to think ahead.
Adventure bikes are definitely the way forward...

Mine's been a bit neglected for the last year with me not being in the UK much and I had a little "new bike" itch, got back and dug her out of the crap in the garage - fired up first time and let her warm up... No way I could sell her now, that noise, and all the memories came back...

My only advice, and take it with a huge pinch of salt as I've not rode mine, let alone anything new, for over a year... The BM or other road based bike is probably better if you don't intend to go off-road. If you do intend to do a proper adventure ride buy a KTM or other proper off-road bike

I do like the look of the Yamaha Super Tenere, but right now I'll keep Katie...





PS: I don't know about the "easy life" bit though, or maybe it's just me? ;)

bxM9kKTki3M

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/KTM%20990%20Adventure%20S/DSCF83171024.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Thetford%20Forest%20Oct%202009/DSCF8381.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Elefantentreffen%20Jan%202010/DSC_0162.jpg

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http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Elefantentreffen%20Jan%202010/DSC_0039.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Morocco%20April%202010/DSC_0138.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Morocco%20April%202010/DSC_0193.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Morocco%20April%202010/DSC_0376.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Morocco%20April%202010/DSC_0394.jpg

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/Morocco%20April%202010/DSC_0403.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/40690_10150264415915553_1494222_n.jpg

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281574_10150258687004135_8206159_n.jpg

[Specialone]

What tyres do you run on your ktm wolfie?

[the_lone_wolf]

What tyres do you run on your ktm wolfie?
Depends on the tyre of riding:

Summer/Winter road or summer lanes : Pirelli Scorpion MT90 front and back

Winter Road or muddy lanes : Conti TKC 80s front and back

Serious or long distance off-road : TKC80 front, Dunlop D908RR rear

The D908RR has much more grip in really off-road conditions and wears a lot better, the ADV will destroy a rear TKC in no time. Avoid the front D908, it's absolutely lethal in the wet on the road, some people use it for off-road only riding...


Obviously been a while since I rode, so maybe better tyres have come out since then, check on ADVRider.com or other on the UK KTM forum and you could find what people are using these days... ;)

[Specialone]

I'm running tkc80's on my drz, great all round tyre but bloody wear quick, I'm gonna be lucky to get 2.5k, probably more like 2k.

A lot of peeps on the abr forum run tkc's too, heavy bikes like yours must destroy them.

[the_lone_wolf]

A lot of peeps on the abr forum run tkc's too, heavy bikes like yours must destroy them.
I probably wore the rear by ~50% riding to Germany and back, in the snow..

Hence the Dunlop for Morocco...

[kaivalagi]

First video review of the new KTM 1190 Adventure....this will more than likely be my next bike (non-R version though), after I've had a year or 2 more on my SMT..looks like the perfect all in one bike to me.

The only think I wish they'd have done differently was the mounted the exhaust up high (like the 990). Maybe a second year production mod (here's hoping) if they listen to the general opinion on the exhaust *fingers crossed*

MCN first thoughts:
TgpuwjMm2M0

And one off road test (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20428933&postcount=1965):
DWGIDmBtZ84

I'd be amazed if after test riding everything on your list you wouldn't come away thinking "I want that KTM..."

[orose]

As fantastic as it looks, I'm still inclined to wait to see if they do an SM-range with this engine (or the 1290 Super Duke-R) - I don't ride off road, and I didn't feel comfortable with the height of the 990 Adventure.

[kaivalagi]

I know what you mean, but that's what the non-R is apparently for...and I know a lot of this is marketing/conjecture etc but all the digging / threads on the topic have suggested there will not be an SM-"T" range going forwards, instead the non-R adventure is effectively taking it's spot longer term. Although......I can see KTM wanting to stick that 1290 brute into an SM bike ;)

And looking at seat heights:

1190 Adventure R Seat height (unloaded) = 890 mm
1190 Adventure Non-R Seat height (unloaded) = 860/875 mm
990 SMT Seat height (unloaded) = 855 mm

Not much in it for the Non-R, worth a test ride atleast :)

The only worry, and the reason why I may hold off on a test ride, is that I want to make good use of my SMT, I think the bike deserves atleast another year or 2 before it gets changed....if I test ride the new adventure I am likely to be nagging myself forever more to get it and I would want to wait atleast until the second year of production...

[-Ralph-]

I'm thinking road-biased Adventure Bike for the next bike too (I'll always keep a separate bike for green laning). I've got got to the point where I want to sit upright and not head tipped right back, looking through the top of my visor all the time. I want to sit higher and have full range of head movement. I want luggage capacity too.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 is top of the wish list, but still holding the money well, so will probably wait a couple of years until I've finished spending money on my house.

I'd never buy new BTW, waste of money, so many bikes are bought as toys and don't do any mileage in the first few years. Buy on mileage and condition, not age. My current bike was 4 years old when I bought it with 3600 dry miles on the clock, and no kidding it was immaculate. I basically got a 8-9 grand sportsbike in brand new condition for 3 grand! http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=172378&highlight=angle

Extra cubic capacity is never a waste IMO, the more grunt available to you the better, and that can mean Torque not horsepower, though both is good as per the Multistrada. I'd never go back to less than a litre bike now.

[-Ralph-]

What mileage are you getting out of a rear Dunlop TLW? TKC 80 rear wear is a problem for sure.

[Specialone]

Generally though Col, a larger engined bike will have the kerb weight to go with it, this is fine for normal roads but hard work (for me anyhow) if it's on tight twisty mountain passes or b roads.


This is why I've been looking at a 800 tiger, plenty of power without too much weight and still nimble enough to do some mild laning on, which I want to do.

[mattSV]

I too am looking at an adventure bike. Have decided on the Triumph Explorer 1200 - more grunt than Phil Mitchell, with shaft drive. The test ride I had showed it to be a superb bike on the road, very comfortable and very easy to make progress at a real pace. Triumph have some good PCP deals at the moment so I will be going for a brand spanner - just need to wait for a pay rise to come through in April.

Some riders on the Explorer forum reckon that there is more wind protection on the Ex than on the 1050. Partly due to the side pods on the fuel tank.

Have to admit, that the 1050SE is damn nice.

The 800xc is also well worth a look.

[mattSV]

Phil -I reckon the 800xc would be spot on for you mate ;-)

[orose]

I guess it depends what you're coming from though - I didn't like the 800, but that was as a replacement for the 1050 Speed Triple. The one I tried felt a bit weedy and underbraked. The SM-T felt like the bike I was expecting to get from Triumph, so it's worth looking at.

[Specialone]

Phil -I reckon the 800xc would be spot on for you mate ;-)

I'm sure you mean that in a derogatory way Matthew but as I will take mine off road and you probably won't, I'll take no notice :rolleyes:

Joking apart, I'd love the 1200 explorer but I'm not ready to part with that kind of dollar ATM, I'm also waanting to replace my van which is gonna be £10k at least, so too much expense.

I want to finance my new purchase with the sale of my sprint and bits and cash, so no finance, so that makes my budget around £6.5k I reckon, but I also don't want it too nice as I will be adding some character to it :)

[mattSV]

Phil - for once I was not taking the ****, and you are right - I am too much of a wuss to even contemplate trying to take an Explorer off road.

All of the write ups I have read reckon the 800xc is far better off road, and I reckon a GS would be better than the Ex if getting dirty is your thing

I'll chop in my sprint towards it - dealer reckons they will give me about 4k for it, should get a bit back for some of the extras I will strip off it. Will keep the givi box and rack and transfer them over.

[Specialone]

Gs will be ok on stones and some dirt, but forget it on mud, I went out laning Saturday after Xmas, a guy turned up on a gs, we spent most of our time pushing him out until he binned it and hurt his ribs, he went home after that.

Explorer just as capable as any other big adventure bike off road.

[Specialone]

This was him waiting for a push out ...
http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/specialone0055/E435CB69-2131-452D-9B3A-1CA0C3EF25E4-6379-00000890C0D8F49A.jpg

[Tomor]

Looks like he is running slicks there ;)

[-Ralph-]

I've ridden the Tiger 1050 and I can turn it on a sixpence. It handles like a big supermoto.

With a couple of practice runs I can feet up U turn the Daytona 955i at full lock with a pillion.

Full lock on the XT is massive, so I dont use full lock on that, but I can jump on the XT tomorrow without practice, stick Euan on the front, ride out the gate, whip round the mini roundabout, back into the driveway, whip round the bottom of the car, back out again and repeat. I could turn the XT inside the archway at the old house! I do sometimes skim the ground with the inside boot, but theres no weight on it, its just a safety net so I dont drop my little boy.

Taking a heavy bike into the muddy stuff I dont fancy. A cruiser or big tourer I'd be a bit apprehensive about on the Beleach Na Ba (sp), but taking a big adventure bike over there, I dont think would worry me too much. Its all about confidence and keeping the engine spinning and the clutch slipping, and being committed to the manoeuvre.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[-Ralph-]

bealach na ba

http://goo.gl/maps/cBkXO

Last time I did it was on the SVS and that has a horrible turning circle. One of the guys with me was on an 1150 GS.

Roads don't get tighter than this, if not worried about dropping the bike here, I wouldn't be worried about dropping it anywhere..

http://www.lochcarron.org.uk/images/photos/Clarrie%20Pashley/Bealach%20na%20Ba%20road.JPG

[Specialone]

All I know, and I accept it's probably a lot of my lack of ability, but on really tight mountain passes in the alps, with a pillion and luggage, the sprint was hard work, especially downhill.

A taller bike of the same weight with wider bars will probably be a damn site easier but it's something I want to take into account when choosing my next bike.

[-Ralph-]

All I know, and I accept it's probably a lot of my lack of ability, but on really tight mountain passes in the alps, with a pillion and luggage, the sprint was hard work, especially downhill.

A taller bike of the same weight with wider bars will probably be a damn site easier but it's something I want to take into account when choosing my next bike.

An adventure bike will be easier, off-road geometry, higher wider bars, tighter steering lock, etc.

[Teejayexc]

This was him waiting for a push out ...
http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/specialone0055/E435CB69-2131-452D-9B3A-1CA0C3EF25E4-6379-00000890C0D8F49A.jpg

That's not a green lane !

Looks more like a setaside margin farmers put around the edge of fields nowadays. No vehicles are supposed to use 'em. :smt017

[-Ralph-]

If that is where I think it is, then it is indeed a byway open to all traffic, but closed to 4x4 in winter, was like that last time I went down it, I dont think it sees much use.

Sent from my VOYAGER using Tapatalk 2

[Specialone]

It is indeed a green lane, a ucr in the north cotswolds if I remember right, we bugged out early on this one as it was so bad, mud this deep ain't no fun tbh.

[-Ralph-]

It's not where I thought it was then.

[yorkie_chris]

bealach na ba

http://goo.gl/maps/cBkXO

Last time I did it was on the SVS and that has a horrible turning circle. One of the guys with me was on an 1150 GS.

Roads don't get tighter than this, if not worried about dropping the bike here, I wouldn't be worried about dropping it anywhere..

http://www.lochcarron.org.uk/images/photos/Clarrie%20Pashley/Bealach%20na%20Ba%20road.JPG

Hehe ace road.

I'm surprised you reckon the SV has a crap turning circle though, it's better than my GSXR was...

[yorkie_chris]

KTM and let me have a go :)

[-Ralph-]

I'm surprised you reckon the SV has a crap turning circle though, it's better than my GSXR was...

Naked or SVS?



Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[yorkie_chris]

Not sure, mine is a naked (frame itself is same anyway, just yokes lock stop is different) but with SRAD 600 yokes. I think the lock is similar or maybe slightly worse than the SV-S.

More about having confidence to lean it a bit than absolute degrees of bar movement anyway. Riding position definitely helps here even on big tourers and stuff, upright and not scared of giving it beans is what you need.

[-Ralph-]

More about having confidence to lean it a bit than absolute degrees of bar movement anyway

I certainly never found SVS particularly easy to U turn, which is basically what is needed to get up and down the bealach na ba


Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[yorkie_chris]

Aye but the bealach na ba isn't U turns it's trying to scrape the pegs on every turn and getting the rpms up for good drive out without lifting the front! Bwahaha! :)

[-Ralph-]

I'll stick to the U turns...

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[Ceri JC]

I dunno why but I've taken quite a shine to an adventure kind of bike.

Adventure bikes are what a lot of people who use bikes for significant mileage and as serious transport (as opposed to short commutes and recreation) end up gravitating towards. Charlie and Ewan have helped popularise them, but even if you don't dream of going RTW, they make great bikes. Most people with SVs I've met are realistic/honest enough that they have neither the skill nor inclination to use even a fraction of the capability of a litre sportsbike on the road, so why take the high insurance premiums, crippling ergonomics, exorbitant running costs and nuisance of short service intervals? More and more sportsbike riders I know (several of whom are ex-racers) are coming round to this way of thinking. Adventure bikes are the future, I tells ya! :-D

I broadly class adventure bikes into one of three categories:
Adventure-style bikes - road bikes made to look like adventure bikes in order to be comfy/practical roadsters, cash in on the popularity of adventure biking, etc.
Adventure bikes - Your archetypal "round the world" bike.
Dirt-oriented Adventure Bikes - Effectively big dirt bikes with concessions to long distances on the tarmac.

Honda Crossrunner (although I think I prefer a Varadero for the engine?)
I've not ridden it, nor has anyone whose opinion I trust enough to pass on. They look pretty to my eyes and seem a good choice for road-oriented adventurers.

Yamaha Super Tenere
Like a GSA, in the right hands, with knobbly tyres these are far more capable offroad than something this big has any right to be. Like most modern big traillies, ground clearance is the limiting factor, after rider ability (as opposed to weight, which is what everyone imagines). I nearly bought one about a year back. I know someone who rides unsupported across Africa reasonably regularly on his. I have seen first hand what a world class rider can do on one on open tracks, too. I think it has the edge over a GS12/GSA in the 'really big bike' class for me.

BMW R1200RT Nice but too expensive I think.
I'm inclined to agree.

Triumph Tiger 1050 (I looked at the explorers but I'd prefer more fairing)
The Tiger 1050 is not a serious adventure bike. It's a nice tall, comfy sportsbike, that looks a bit like an adventure bike. Think of it as a soft supermoto and you'll not go far wrong. The 800 (XC in particular) is vastly more competent offroad. I like them as a 'roadster', even if I wouldn't take one as my first choice for greenlaning.

KTM Adventure 1190 (thankfully it doesn't seem as intimidating as the 990 somehow)
The 1190 appears to be KTM's stab at a big Adventure-styled bike. The 990R is what you want in that range for serious offroad work. The 1190 wouldn't get down much that an SV with straight bars and knobblies couldn't manage. Again, for what you're after, might be a good choice. KTM owners will :smt072 me for saying it, but in my experience, smaller KTMs are a bit more highly strung than their competition and consequently tend to break down a bit more often. They usually have a bit more power than their rivals, but I don't know if this is still the case with something as big and soft as this.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 - I think this might be my favourite price/features combination. Really comfortable on the stand, could be different underway I know.
As a pretty road-oriented one, which it sounds like you're after, it might be great for the money.

Also, do I buy new or second hand? not being sports bikes they might have an easier life? but that's just speculation on my part.

:rolleyes:
Ha ha ha! Most Jap sportsbikes that have only been used on the road and not dropped are in really good nick compared to Adventure bikes. An adventure bike that has been "used as intended" will have had an extremely hard life. Expect suspension to be worn out, wheels to no longer be trued, possibly ropey electronics from corrosion from botched river crossings, etc. That all said, one that has clearly only ever seen road use and has been cleaned regularly will be generally be fine. On this note, Adventure bikes hold their value in spite of high mileage far better too. In part, this is because they're expected to last a lot longer and are in a softer state of tune, so aren't finished by the time they reach 40K miles. Nonetheless, it does mean that tidy, ~20K mile 3 year old models aren't quite the bargain they are in sportsbike land.

I do like the idea of shaft drive which favours the honda but I'm not sure how necessary it is. Assuming I did eventually get one it'd be a two wheeled equivalent of a school run mum's 4x4, wouldn't be doing what it was equipped for but it'd be a nice big upright bike.
I like the idea of more power than the 650 I've got now to make for lazier commuting/rideouts potentially.

Ah, so from the sounds of it, you want a road-oriented adventure styled bike for the comfy ergos and aesthetics? Nowt wrong with this. I'd not bother with the sacrifice in road-going ability by fitting knobby tyres, nor putting an Enduro seat on it. Similarly, stick to plastic panniers, you don't need the expense of Metal Mules/Zegas.

On the face of it, shaft drive seems great. In reality, they are:
Heavy,
shorter lived than the bike (unless you're one of those clowns who writes a bike off before it hits the 20K mark)
Impossible to fix at the side of the road,
Extremely expensive to replace,
Not much more convenient than a chain with a properly set up scottoiler.
For a road bike, I would consider one though.

If the power wasn't necessary then I've looked at the vstrom 650, CB500x, Versys and the XT660Z but I'm hankering for more power unless I'm told that its wasted or not needed on that kind of bike etc.


XT660Z would be my personal pick of those. Aside from being the best of the bunch in the dirt, I've seen first hand how bombproof the 660 is. I have fixed one trailside that was dropped (still running) so that it was 100% underwater. From what you want by the sounds of it, I think you'd find all those lacking in power a bit if really fast road riding is your bag. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised by how quick they are up to legal(ish) speeds though.

[kaivalagi]

Might be a bit biased but you might want to think about an KTM SMT if proper off roading isn't really on the cards, same 990 engine as the adventure 990 / SM 990. If there's going to be a bit of gravel and such then stick some dual sport tyres on it and you're pretty much done. There's plenty of suspension travel, a decent size tank, decent luggage options etc and they've been around since 2009 so second hand is an option.

[Jackie_Black]

If you want to go cheap a vstrom thou is a good choice mine was awesome. So good in fact that I chopped my hornet in for a brand new 650 one. The engine was great in the SV and i'm sure its torquey revvy motor will be a hoot in the Strom.

[kaivalagi]

Nice ride on a 1190 adventure, clips from the tenerife based promo
4-73oSfZZcA

v6YGZkCUuR8

[STRAMASHER]

2up + full luggage + 3000mile trips, I want an adventure too, but its gotta be a shaftie!