Prospective Backpacking Motorcycle

[Laki]

Hello! And a warm welcome to me. I'm currently trekking through SE Asia, and my tentative plan is to fly back to the U.S. sometime soon and begin traveling the states. As I have very little money, I want to attempt this by motorbike, camping as I go. What type of bike would suit my needs? I want to buy used, obviously. Money is a definite prohibitive factor- I'm looking ideally to spend between $800 and 2750 USD. Something with good gas mileage is a must. I need to be able to toss on saddle bags to carry a personal tent, sleeping bag, simple cooking gear, food, water, clothes, day pack- and to store my leathers, helmet and such when going out for a day hike. It obviously needs to be well suited for cross country travel (My itinerary includes Anchorage to Arizona and everything inbetween). Also, maybe a bit of an oddity, I would definitely prefer a quiet bike. Or as quiet as I can get given my other qualifications. As I intend to be going into nature areas, I want to reduce my noise pollution as much as can realistically be accomplished. I've never driven a motorcycle, only ridden on the backs of ones, so will be taking a quick class and getting my license upon return.

Thanks for any feedback you guys can offer, it's greatly appreciated!

[Wrider]

to the site!

Well in that price range and for good fuel efficiency, I'd suggest a Ninja 250, 500, or a GS500. All of them are fairly quiet, can handle a bit of luggage, and get great mileage. The only problem I see you running into is insurance costs.
The other thing I see as a potential problem is loading a bike down as a first trip out. That makes the bike really top heavy and changes it's handling quite a bit. Plus unless you learn to do your maintenance yourself, a long trip like that is going to cost you some money and time in the shops.
Most aren't comfortable for a trip over 100 miles for a couple of weeks at least, and some it takes much longer to get ready.

[Johnj]

Find a used Kawasaki Concours, it's already set up for you.

[Johnj]

Find a used Kawasaki Concours C10, it's already set up for you.

[ceemes]

Find a used Kawasaki Concours, it's already set up for you.

Great highway bikes, not too sure how they would deal with some of the more rugged roads and areas the OP is planning on going into.

[jstark47]

Find a used Kawasaki Concours, it's already set up for you.

Great highway bikes, not too sure how they would deal with some of the more rugged roads and areas the OP is planning on going into.

The OP says he's a noob - I have trouble visualizing a C10 as a good first bike for a noob.

[Wrider]

Yeah he said he has never ridden a bike before guys. I'd agree with the ZG1000, but as a first bike not so much.

[ceemes]

Find a used Kawasaki Concours, it's already set up for you.

Great highway bikes, not too sure how they would deal with some of the more rugged roads and areas the OP is planning on going into.

The OP says he's a noob - I have trouble visualizing a C10 as a good first bike for a noob.

I'd say the OP is looking for a bike with some off road capabilities, something that neither the C10 nor Connie's really have. Something like a good used Dakar might do the trick, but given his price range, he is really limited in choice.

[jstark47]

Something like a good used Dakar might do the trick, but given his price range, he is really limited in choice.

I'm thinking if he's tall enough, maybe he could find a beater KLR near the top of his price range. I've heard of noobs mastering KLR's before -- if they can reach the ground!! Getting sidecases included in that price will be challenging though.

[Grey Thumper]

Early to mid 90's Honda XR? One of the 400 to 650cc models should be fine for lugging, er, luggage.