I'm looking at buying a Pacific Coast this year, but before I decide 100% I want to find out more about affordable "adventure" bikes, as I'm clueless.
I'm thinking of a bike like the Honda TransAlp, that's designed to be comfortable on-road primarily but tough and capable enough for some jaunts on a two-track. I'd want a bike that is less than $4000 used; something reliable, powerful, and comfortable enough for longer trips of 5+ hours in the saddle. Any advice?
Unless you have a thing for obscure Honda's not sold in quantity in the US...
Wee Strom aka Suzuki DL650 aka V-Strom 650.
Since you're already looking used, you can probably find a R100 G/S in that range, if not a well loved R1100GS. Any of the 650 single BMW's too. Caveat Emptor...
The larger KTM ADV bike, 690ADV, 950 or 990 ADV, etc.
Oddball, but a Triumph Scrambler maybe? Definitely a Tiger. Or a Buell Ulysees.
Not a simple question to answer, especially with you opening up about wanting a pacific coast.
I used to take my old V45 Magna up dirt trails. That's with it dressed out with a big old Windjammer fairing, saddle bags and trunk. I had more storage capacity than a Harley dresser.
Totally the wrong bike, but I could do it because I could wrestle the bike around. The foot pegs are down by your butt, and I had wide handlebars on it.
Many a wrong bike can be gotten into the wrong areas, if you know how to handle it. Don't just eliminate various bikes because they don't look like they can do something.
Equally, be very realistic about what you're going to be doing. A quasi dirt bike is great for quasi dirt bike riding. But no where as great for cruising down interstates and such.
TransAlps are neat and well respected, but I liken them more to a KLR or a DR than, say, a KTM. Aftermarket support is poor, and they are fairly old bikes now (though being Hondas that shouldn't mean much). I considered them for quite awhile myself but the lack of farkles was a big negative for me.
You could buy a almost new KLR 650 for your price, but it may not be quite enough bike for what you're describing, at least stock.
If I wasn't so GRM cheap I'd have a BMW GS. Since I am cheap, I have a KLR. So far it's done everything I've wanted and suits my more laid back riding style perfectly. Spending more does not necessarily get you a better bike.
The V-Strom is a great bike. Also the Kawi Versys is worth a look.
BMW GS650s are super cheap around here. With ABS 5-6K minimal miles.
Buy the thing use it for the trip then sell it.
KLR650. DR650.
Maybe the DR750/800 if you can find one.
ddavidv wrote:The V-Strom is a great bike. Also the Kawi Versys is worth a look.
Guys I know who ride these rave about them. They won't tackle a single track very well but will perform decently on gravel roads.
An ex-coworker took a WeeStrom, the Vstrom 650, up gravel roads to Labrador. He put trail wings on it and some GPS stuff. He had a great time.
Upon evaluation, I think I will be sticking with the Pacific Coast. I have a friend who has a good one for sale, and besides, 99.9% of my riding will be on paved roads.
Good choice, as long as you stay paved.
Is it really an adventure if you're on paved roads?
ddavidv wrote:Is it really an adventure if you're on paved roads?
Sure. Plenty of paved adventure out there. The Dragon is one I can think of. Cherohola Skyway is better and longer.
Motorcycling is like ice cream. You like vanilla and I like chocolate. It's all good though.
I like the PC, the engine fells almost electric with the powerband it has. If you can get around the scooter styling it is a very capable machine. I can't think of anything here that is close to it.
Yeah, it also helps that I've been saving to buy this bike for years and know the owner really well. It's definitely a strange bike, but it fits my riding style. Can't wait for it to warm up around here!
I looked hard at the PC800 and it is a great bike. Check out their forums (can't recall the address at the moment) because there are a lot of tips and advice out there. Never met a dissatisfied owner.
