Is it worth the 3 grand change?

[NTECUK]

http://autotrader.mobi/used-bikes/ad...6c4drouhns2ro7
not far .
worth a look.
don't forget the xt 660 too

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

I would go 690 and no smaller just because of servicing intervals...still waiting for KTM to do a proper production adventure with a 690 in it like in the past...

Do yourself a favour and get some KTM test rides in even if it's a bit of a trek, you'd be much better informed then!

Agreed. The LC4 motor can do big miles (seen one do 15k in 12 months with the only issue being a stripped sump plug), and the KTM powerpart catalogue will make it a cracking tourer. Seen the new one set up for touring and it looks very capable (sadly above your budget)!

Anyways here is one just above budget <<Click>>

Another good one (will be a steal if all the work has been done) <<Clicky>>

Dammit I want the SMC that for sale at the dealers up here!

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

Agreed. The LC4 motor can do big miles (seen one do 15k in 12 months with the only issue being a stripped sump plug)

15k big miles?

[andrewsmith]

In 12 months, compared to most people aye (I know for here its nothing). Last time I seen it I'm sure it was at 45k 3 years ago

How may LC4's do you see with less than 5k at 7 years old

[embee]

I have a 650 Deauville. Does what it says, but it is heavy to move around and TBH I wouldn't recommend it for what you want. It's a bike you need to "get" in order to like it, many people just don't. If going off on regular trips or 300-400mile days then worth considering, otherwise not really.

I'd look at the NC700, I test rode a 700X DCT and really liked it, not a lot of power ultimately, but enough for getting around. Too much wind exposure for me (back to the Deau here), but the usual screen/handguard stuff would probably sort it. The DCT works really well, purists will cough and splutter at that but they don't like ABS or linked brakes either. Not a light bike but feels much lighter than a Deau, low c-of-g. Maybe a bit pricey still, although low mileage manual versions come in at low £4k numbers now. Owners on the Fuelly website report real world mid-70's mpg.

well if we are going in the direction of a mid size traillie

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classif...01301265065069

also someone mentioned earlier

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classif...01211194291116

i have ridden the shiver 750 and the enigine is much like the SV but it's got proper all day long comfort

in that genre there's loads of candidates

wee strom 650
transalp
bmw f650/f800

versys 650 comes back into the frame

The way things are going on here I will be an outcast if I don't have a Triumph

[kaivalagi]

Nah...be an outcast and get a great bike instead of a good bike....go the way of orange I tell you! :P

You'll understand if you ride one...especially a 950/990 or now an 1190

[NTECUK]

Originally Posted by kaivalagi

Nah...be an outcast and get a great bike instead of a good bike....go the way of orange I tell you! :P

You'll understand if you ride one...especially a 950/990 or now an 1190

I thought we were talking about the 700cc or abouts
Them 1000+cc ones are bloody heavy and tall...

[kaivalagi]

Originally Posted by NTECUK

I thought we were talking about the 700cc or abouts
Them 1000+cc ones are bloody heavy and tall...

Yeah sorry got carried away, there were references to 1050 tigers etc hence me thinking it was a fair point to make.

But thinking on it all....I don't see that CC should really be the factor if it's all about handling and weight. Is this a fair assumption of what's important to the OP? I don't know of height issues though...I have an inside leg of 31" and the SMT is okay for me.

For example the NC700X vitals are 670cc / 51bhp / 46ftlb / 218kg (dry?) which versus an SMT don't bode well with it having vitals of 999cc / 115bhp / 71ftlb 196kg (dry). Purely using cc to shortlist might be a mistake?

The 990 KTM's have a very good weight considering their market "equals"

Anyways, happy to stand corrected, just thought it worth mentioning....if I am still off the mark I apologise, I am just very happy with my 990 and I know many riders would be surprised of how much fun the bike is compared to the usual short listed ones.