Adventure Touring/Touring Bike

[LCBXX]

I want to get into motorcycle riding, specifically long distance touring where I can take the wife with for a weekend or so. Using the bike on a regular daily basis are also part of the idea.

Are there any serious bikers here who also enjoy touring/adventure riding that can give some pointers on a good first bike, with regards to riding comfort, handling, engine size etc?
I've checked out Suzuki's V-Strom 650 on the interwebz, as well as the Honda Varadero 1000, although I feel the Honda's engine might be too powerful for a novice rider, as well as too expensive (R103,000).

 

[Pitbull]

I want to get into motorcycle riding, specifically long distance touring where I can take the wife with for a weekend or so. Using the bike on a regular daily basis are also part of the idea.

Are there any serious bikers here who also enjoy touring/adventure riding that can give some pointers on a good first bike, with regards to riding comfort, handling, engine size etc?
I've checked out Suzuki's V-Strom 650 on the interwebz, as well as the Honda Varadero 1000, although I feel the Honda's engine might be too powerful for a novice rider, as well as too expensive (R103,000).

Speak to V3G he rides a BWM GS
He could give you more info on touring bikes I think

 

[Nocturnity]

As a starter, I'd look at something like the Kawasaki KLR650. You just can't beat that price and there's a reason the US military uses them.

 

[Frankie]

It's a long time since I owned a bike (Z1000) - I've always known the BMW to be king in the touring category.

 

[LCBXX]

It's a long time since I owned a bike (Z1000) - I've always known the BMW to be king in the touring category.

From what I've read and seen you could be right. Pity that their bikes retail in the R100k segment!

 

[LCBXX]

As a starter, I'd look at something like the Kawasaki KLR650. You just can't beat that price and there's a reason the US military uses them.

I've seen a couple of these standing about and I have to say that if it's a cheap bike for its class, it definitely shows. Very brash finish and old-school dials etc, which (off course) won't go wrong, reiterating your comment about it's use in the US military.

I don't really fancy that bike because of it's 'basicness'. Anything else you can recommend up to, lets say, R75000 or so? I'd even consider a decent secondhand bike, if that's a good idea at all?

 

[DDV TECH]

You can get a decent GS1150 secondhand, for between R60 and R80K, they are very forgiving to ride and are the best for long haul touring (for that price) IMO.

 

[LCBXX]

You can get a decent GS1150 secondhand, for between R60 and R80K, they are very forgiving to ride and are the best for long haul touring (for that price) IMO.

Won't you say that a 1000cc+ engine is too big for a beginner?

 

[DDV TECH]

Won't you say that a 1000cc+ engine is too big for a beginner?

On a superbike yes, on the BMW no, I think its a easy ride, and like I said very forgiving when it comes to rookie riders. Just keep in mind that it is a high bike, so perhaps go and sit on one first, BMW also offer some excellent on and off read training for the GS range.

 

[LCBXX]

Apologies for resurrecting an oldish thread, but I went and bought a 2008 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, in matte black. It had 3000km on it and I had to fork out R60k for it. It came with 2 Givi panniers, very decent off-road hand guards, a very nice cordura touring jacket and a cheapsh Vega helmet.

So far I've bought an extra top-box, X-kulcha easy-over riding pants, a HJC IS-16 helmet and some DMD all seasons gloves. The wife bought a very nice looking Shark S650 Subtil helmet, Nexx jacket and X-Kulcha riding jeans.

Here's some pics of it: http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showgallery.php/cat/830

 

[Nocturnity]

Welcome to the brotherhood!

Hope you enjoy every moment and ride safe!

 

[LCBXX]

Welcome to the brotherhood!

Hope you enjoy every moment and ride safe!

Thanks! I actually bought it 20 Feburary already - just haven't gotten to mentioning it here. Joined the Thinkbike Forum as well.