Greenlaner

Saying that, Ewan & Charley chose the big BMWs again even though they had unlimited choice.

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Saying that, Ewan & Charley chose the big BMWs again even though they had unlimited choice.

Too heavy - unless you've got a huge support crew to help when you get bogged down.

I'm looking at the gs650 for my foray....I would prefer the Dakar but it may be slightly too tall for me.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

Too heavy - unless you've got a huge support crew to help when you get bogged down.

I'm looking at the gs650 for my foray....I would prefer the Dakar but it may be slightly too tall for me.

BS. People go all over on GSs and KTMs without support. For distance a larger DZ or KLR. But a fully laden F650, often with a bigger tank, wont weight enough less that a big GS or KTM to make the weight save worthwhile IMO. To make a saving worthwile go smaller, then you have the distance/comfort/capacity issue.

But this discussion is miles off the greenlaner issue now.

I'd always worry about a KTM breaking down although the 950s look perfect for long expeditions. Not sure how keen I would be doing long distance on an FI bike, especially through water/dust. The V-stroms seem underated outside of the adv. rider world.

Well my immediate thoughts were a DR350 DRZ400 XR400 or then moving up the Dommie, Africa Twin (bit big and still got a rep which makes them expensive) and the F650 BMW. The last few are probably better on the road than the rough stuff whereas the former would be better for handling the dirt. Windblast and hard seats seem to be the order on the first ones though. I guess for any, there has to be a minimum of say 350cc so that I can at least attempt to keep up with them. My initial DT125 idea is well out of the window!

Big trail bikes and small trail bikes do mix in groups, but sometimes it will be too knarly for the big ones and sometimes too quick* or maybe long for the small ones. A DR will ride well with a group of GSs as after all its not a light full on dirt bike 250-EXC or something, but it is lighter for the hard bits. But lots ride DRZ400s a long way, and loaded, but many also trailer them.

*rare though on trails

All I am thinking and trying to be clear about is if your mates are big traillie riders that puts a different aspect on things as we are more limited than dirt bikes in what the bikes (and we) can cope with. So a dirt rider on a dirt bike will often find the trails easy and boring that GS riders would use. Also they may go further afield to seek out the bigger trails, because they have the bikes to do that. Or if they are **** hot offroaders they will do fine on hard stuff on a GS where others like we cant cope.

Its worth seeing how they feel their riding will evolve. Many of my mates are downsizing and either using GSs etc OR trailering/ vaning trailies. So if your crew are going that way, worth thinking small as its a different ball game.

yep, big is not always best .... thats what I always say

Road speed IMO is irrelevant when you are greenlaning ... the road is just a means to the next bit of fun! To be able to manage your bike and be confident is the key .... tis all good tho!

Get off them winter roads and stop worrying about the weather

Originally Posted by Dr Rich

BS. People go all over on GSs and KTMs without support. For distance a larger DZ or KLR. But a fully laden F650, often with a bigger tank, wont weight enough less that a big GS or KTM to make the weight save worthwhile IMO. To make a saving worthwile go smaller, then you have the distance/comfort/capacity issue.

But this discussion is miles off the greenlaner issue now.

at 249kg dry weight I think my point about the gs1150 is valid!

And the KTM 950 (or is it a 990 now?) weighs less?

Originally Posted by Kinvig

at 249kg dry weight I think my point about the gs1150 is valid!

Yes, its heavy, people still use it for overlanding. Dont see argument, TBH.

But Rob wrote this:
"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.

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''

A DR would probably be fine but if that is his concerns something too small will be a problem possibly, thats the point I am trying to make. he hasnt posted saying 'my mates have all got 250-EXC' or whatever, in which case the small dirt bike recs are more valid. Road speed could be valid given the type of companions he will be riding with. Its a no brainer. IF they are in a small bike group get a small bike, if in a big bike group, dont get something too small UNLESS the dynamic will cope, and it typically doesnt as the needs are different.