Greenlaner

A mate of mine who i went riding quite regularly with last year has just bought himself a 1200GS. He's been out and about on it quite a bit over the last 3 weeks, particularly going off road and taking on some green lanes/tracks.

I've been itching for a green laner for some time (about 2 years) and would love to have a bike to complement the SV. I did set a budget of about £1200 but figure that that might not buy me much so may stretch a little further (not too much or I'll be into SV trade in territory).

Seen a '95 BMW F650 with 32k on for only £850 but not so sure whether its good to take off road. Alternatively I keep on looking for DR350s and DRZ400s but think I might get left behind on the road. THere also doesnt seem to be many under £1800.

Anyone throw some light on this? I know theres a few on here who are into getting dirty on the trail so share some knowledge with me.

I had a dr350se for a while - Great little bike and you can bike them up for under a 1000. Speed would top out at 80mph, but it depends on how much road vs greenlaning you're gonna do on it, I guess

Ive just bought a xt250. For greenlaning it is great, I am a beginner off road so it is managable and gives confidence (electric start also!) My Other half is a much better off roader and he has had a blast out on it a few times .... his verdict is its ace! But if you are a heavy weight it is perhaps not ideal for you. It is lower then most enduros which I liked.

I paid under 1500 quid and it is in mint condition

Hope that helps a little, good luck and have fun!

I have offroaded a 650GS (normal version) for a day in some quite tricky stuff they are ok, in fact fine. Engines usually good (Rotax). They will tour as well. A DRZ would be a better laner but if you want to do reasonable distances something with a bit of road abiltiy is an advantage, although the DR isnt bad for that at all. Its all well and good thinking of the little small engined traillies but you have to think about how much road work, on bigger rides it can be considerable. The 12GS is a great allrounder but a pig when it gets knarley unless you are a big person. Many people that get into greenlaning/trails in reverse, ie starting with a GS then get a DRZ, TTR etc etc.
Why not flog the SV and get an 1150 or even better prob 1100GS, or maybe a used V-strom. If you get to 5k you should find a good but a little less loved 12GS possibly (with a few miles and so any issues sorted). Then you will be able to play with your mate road or trail? You may not look back

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=101537

I fancy swapping my bike for a green laner too. No funds at the mo though
DR Rich - you know if KTM plan to make a new 640 adventure?

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

I fancy swapping my bike for a green laner too. No funds at the mo though
DR Rich - you know if KTM plan to make a new 640 adventure?

Apparently so. There is a new 690 Rallye which I am not certain is out commercially but has been built as a Dakar bike for this year. The 690 Hard Enduro is coming out. The Adventure should follow.

Rally
http://www.ktm-sommer.de/Bilder_Mode...660_06_620.jpg

Hard enduro
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/KTM-690-Baja.jpg
http://www.ktm.co.uk/fileadmin/swf/p.../690Enduro.jpg

Love the enduro
rally is perhaps the most ugly bike I've ever seen!

I'd love KTM to make a small capacity adventure that was bearable on the roads and still kicks ass in the dirt. BMW seem to have cornered the market with their heavy lump of a roadbike 650GS somehow.

New 650 and 800GS parallel twins now. G650X looks good but trail focus. Trouble is everything is a compromise.

After reading Mondo Enduro I'd be happy with a DR350, as long as you're not travelling with groups of 1200GS it seems not to be a problem. Just pick a pace suited to the bike and enjoy the low fuel bills