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Well, it's not for a few years that i'm planning my adventure, but if it were right now, i'd be looking for a bike that i could take on a monstrous road trip.... and i mean monstrous, that is capable off-road decently (nothing hardcore, mostly used on roads) yet does not become too uncomfortable after long rides.

Anything out there??



Matt

the answer to your question is yes. your timing is good also, because the machines best suited to your adventure are not the best suited for beginning riders. you should plan to get your start riding at least a season or two before your journey. the sooner the better.

the kind of machine you will be likely interested in is called a dual-sport or enduro bike. it's a mixed breed of motocross and street bike.

something to drool over: http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200gsa

two guys rode practially around the world on a bike similar to that one. you may enjoy the documentary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Way_Round

dual sport bikes may lean more to the side of off-road than what you are looking for, but as far as blending street and off-road they're the only way to go.

welcome

Kawasaki KLR. Mod an '07 or earlier with a more comfortable seat or go for the '08 out this spring. Not very expensive either....

Suzuki V-Strom, or Ducati Multistrada would also be worth looking at.

I like the Multistrada myself... but I'm kind of biased towards the 1000DS engine (or the new 1078cc variant).

The V-Stroms will do nicely and if you're tall enough and have the money a BMW 1200GS Adventure has comfort and a huge tank range.

So, where ya going?


By the way, I'd pick up a Honda Africa Twin, and spend the savings on metal luggage.

You might also want to look into "Horizons Unlimited", a group that educates motorcyclists about distance touring. Really, living and travelling on a motorcycle.

Good luck!

mattyboy wrote:a bike that i could take on a monstrous road trip.... and i mean monstrous, that is capable off-road decently (nothing hardcore, mostly used on roads) yet does not become too uncomfortable after long rides.

Matt

Matt,

After years of popularity in Europe, and the stronger North American bike market there are a number of bikes on the market now that fit this guise, and some older models, like the 1990s Yamaha XTZ750 Super Tenere (which although rare in Canada like other earlier bikes of this style, are readily available in Europe). These are generally referred to as Adventure Touring bikes... try googling a little more and drop more inquiries around.

Pickup the latest issues of Cycle Canada magazine and checkout the buyers guides, they normally run 2 or 3 issues in the new year with off-road/MX, Cruiser/Tourer, Sport/Standard bike listings.

I second the vote for Horizon's Unlimited as a great reference.

Also, drop into the Bike Show in Vancouver when it hits town: SOON! January 25-28th in Abbotsford, home of those awesome airshows!

http://www.sportshows.ca/VanCycle/

Lastly, here's a review of recent models:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_P ... cleID=2850

//monkey

This man has aleady done it, and with about the most comfortable bike you could ever find, too. Big bike, not so big person, but he did it, completely around the world. The bike never failed him, either. But, that is what you can expect from a Honda Valkyrie.

I almost forgot the Triumph Tiger, those should be good too.