Big Traillies - class of 2?

My mate has a KTM Adventure 990 and it is an absolute beast. Was planning to go to Scotland then maybe North Africa (not same trip...) and need something to keep up with him/ make the long trips bearable.

Other than the KTM 990/950 and the ubiquitous Beemer GS, is there anything else to consider? Ideally not a single which probably eliminates all other choices.

Like the look of the BMW GS800 but they are a bit new/ pricey.

[yorkie_chris]

Triumph tiger
benelli TRE
yam TDM
Transalp
V-strom

Dakar rep tenere
Honda africa

Loads of the buggers!

But if you're doing lots of road, then just use a proper road bike. Teapot 1100 or some big grunty armchair like that.

Of your class of 2 people run those off against each other all the time but they are chalk and cheese.

12GS for long-distance touring with some unsurfaced roads, fire roads, trails, even quite niggly stuff as long as not 'single-track', in comfort, all the gizmos, so easy to ride, odd things sometimes seem to go wrong but issues known and spares (eg. antenna ring, fuel pump controller can be carried), decent service intervals.

990/950 less comfy, worse range, vibey, niggly, dubious reliability, worse service intervals, less integrated gizmos, seem much more trail worthy I don't know havent tried yet, but LOTS OF FUN . Some people hate the fuelling.

Of the others new Tiger/TDM etc don't figure if unsurfaced roads enter the equation. Transalp VERY capable on trails. I have seen a V-Strom trailed and its very capable, good on road and stacks cheaper than the top 2.

Could try a 640 Adventure, new Tenere see a few s/h I know someone who rates his very highly and he tours/offroads.

800GS well regarded but I'd probably get a s/h 12GS for the same money. Not seen enough trail ridden to form an opinion but folks like them. Think don't crash as well as a 12GS on tracks.

Look on www.advrider.com for everything about distance touring on and off-road and all the stuff on the big traillies you can imagine.


Edit Chris mentions the AT, some nice ones about and a great bike. Honda left the room when they replaced it with the V-dildo.

Chris also mentions the amount of road work, a very important consideration and for me that would open it back to the Tiger, TDM etc and also the AT, 12GS. You won't beat a 12GS for a lot of road work if you want that style and not something sensible.

fell asleep reading that list

Kawa Versys. Wont go offroad, but does go onroad well. Runs out of puff if you're into 3 figure speeds though.

Damn im beginning to sound like The Gr33k

Also consider the 12GSA. My brother-in-law has one and for tank range you cannot beat it. A few mates in South Africa swear by them and they use them on surfaced and unsurfaced roads all the time.

DR650s have nice things said about them if you're planning cross country - but I know nothing just parrotting.

F800GS IMO. Unless you spend a lot of time at licence losing speeds or your mate is an extremely competent rider, you will be able to keep up with him no problem.

I've just bought a Tiger! Pick it up in two weeks, no other bike in the running for me!