Suitable Bike for Trip to Europe

sleepysniper

Hey folks,

Planning a trip across Europe (to Poland/surrounding areas) and am wondering what ye think would be the most suitable bike for the job?

I have previously toured Europe on a 1998 Deauville which managed the job just fine but this time round I would like to upgrade and have bit more capacity...in terms of power, presence and luggage. The R1200GS is the main contender in my mind. These are very popular and seem to be a firm favorite among the touring crowd so it seems the obvious choice. However is there others I should be considering?

I can't envisage too much off roading/trails if any, hence why I am also open to considering the "(sport) touring" bikes such as the likes of the FJR1300, R1200RT or even the ZZR1400.

Then there is the R1200GS Adventure which has an even bigger fuel tank as well as a few other extras. If considering a GS is this the one to go for?

I would plan on keeping the bike long term so something that could be used as a sort of "all rounder" would be a bonus.

Thoughts?

D3V!L

GS Adventure hands down

Emmersonn

D3V!L wrote: »

GS Adventure hands down

Only if you have recovery and don't mind the odd "being stranded" on the side of the road. :rolleyes:. Go with something Japanese . FJR Super Tenere Africa Twin VFR or Versy to name just a few

blade1

If you've only done it on a deauville, doing it on a zzr1400 will feel like doing it on a moto gp bike.

If you are not used to sport style bars go for something that you will be sitting straight up on and that has a comfy seat .

D3V!L

Emmersonn wrote: »

Only if you have recovery and don't mind the odd "being stranded" on the side of the road. :rolleyes:. Go with something Japanese . FJR Super Tenere Africa Twin VFR or Versy to name just a few

I did nearly 6k over 9 days on a GSA on the continent and it never missed a beat.

All bikes have their problems. Haven't had one that was completely infallible yet.

listermint

Vstrom 1000.

Eats the miles , large tank and you can service it with the provided kit under the seat.

Throw a scottoiler on it and its worry free motoring.

I'ver never owned a GS myself but they are a joy to ride but come with the attached price too. My only experience with them in terms of maintenance was a friend having a heartbreaking bill for repair work on the shaft.

Do not know if they have other maintenance problems , but i like to have something that i can fix myself tbh especially if its a solo trip.

arybvtcw0eolkf

If you want an alternative to a GS then I'd suggest the Vstrom 1000, although if you're not carrying a pillion then the little Vstrom 650 is a huge saving on gas.. The Versys 1000 is a massive machine, beautiful. I had one for awhile but never took it out of the country.

I'm on a 1200GS now and if I was to change it would be for the better deal I'd get on the two machines above.

But if I'd the money and really wanted something which could stretch its legs for many hundreds of kilometers between fill ups then it would defo be the 120GSA.

Just a point about the tank range on the GSA, if you're with mates who have to fill up every 200-250 kilometers and you're stopping with them then the advantage of having the huge GSA tank is gone. But damn its a beast of a bike.

listermint

Also to add, should check out the Dutch Girl who rode her Wee DL560 Vstrom around the world. Solo. no backup team like Ewan and the lads.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZaDWUdUhSyz4TXLeAuKtA

Side of the road repairs to by herself.

D3V!L

Another comfy long hauler is the Varadero. Quite similar to the Vstrom 1000.

I've been trying to find something equivalent to the GSA with regards to tank range and I can't. One of the main factors in keeping it unlike every other bike I've owned.

D3V!L

listermint wrote: »

Also to add, should check out the Dutch Girl who rode her Wee DL560 Vstrom around the world. Solo. no backup team like Ewan and the lads.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZaDWUdUhSyz4TXLeAuKtA

Side of the road repairs to by herself.

Is there nothing more attractive that a woman that knows her way around a bike !!

To my darling wife if you're reading this, it was a general comment.

listermint

D3V!L wrote: »

Is there nothing more attractive that a woman that knows her way around a bike !!

To my darling wife if you're reading this, it was a general comment.

lol

arybvtcw0eolkf

listermint wrote: »

Also to add, should check out the Dutch Girl who rode her Wee DL560 Vstrom around the world. Solo. no backup team like Ewan and the lads.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZaDWUdUhSyz4TXLeAuKtA

Side of the road repairs to by herself.

I'll have a look through her channel now.

One of my all time favorite bikes was my Vstrom DL650 and there's hardly a day goes by when I don't regret getting rid of it.

I'd find it hard to drop below a 1000cc again, and I absolutely love my GS (had done since the test ride) but if I was to go small again I'd be going for a DL650 ~ or the older F800GS, I didn't particularly like the new bike.

The baby Vee is a little beaut only let down by budget suspension. But they just go and go and are miser's on juice.

galwaytt

sleepysniper wrote: »

Hey folks,

Planning a trip across Europe (to Poland/surrounding areas) and am wondering what ye think would be the most suitable bike for the job?

I have previously toured Europe on a 1998 Deauville which managed the job just fine but this time round I would like to upgrade and have bit more capacity...in terms of power, presence and luggage. The R1200GS is the main contender in my mind. These are very popular and seem to be a firm favorite among the touring crowd so it seems the obvious choice. However is there others I should be considering?

I can't envisage too much off roading/trails if any, hence why I am also open to considering the "(sport) touring" bikes such as the likes of the FJR1300, R1200RT or even the ZZR1400.

Then there is the R1200GS Adventure which has an even bigger fuel tank as well as a few other extras. If considering a GS is this the one to go for?

I would plan on keeping the bike long term so something that could be used as a sort of "all rounder" would be a bonus.

Thoughts?

I fail to see the point of the Adventure GS on continent where there's petrol stations every few miles. You could say the same for the roads.

There's no doubting GS is great to ride and very competent: but a DL/Varadero etc etc will do it at a fraction of the price.

Me, I'm more interested in lighter bikes these days, and the F-GS as mentioned is very capable.

As for being likely to 'make it', these days, you could tour the EU on a 125 if you had the time - I know a few who tour Europe on old Vespa's without too much trouble.

D3V!L

galwaytt wrote: »

I fail to see the point of the Adventure GS on continent where there's petrol stations every few miles. You could say the same for the roads.

550+ k's between fill ups is fantastic when touring over long distances.

zubair

CBF1000, similar for comfort to the dullville, much more poke. Decent luggage options.

galwaytt

D3V!L wrote: »

550+ k's between fill ups is fantastic when touring over long distances.

Yes but carrying 20kg+ extra and high up, as well - and no-one sits in the saddle for 550kms.

You'd at least stop for sustenance. I'm assuming OP is going on a holiday, not an Iron Butt award.......

GBX

CBF1000GT
Older Fazer 1000 (bigger tank) if it had luggage.
ZZR1200 /1400

Z1000SX

IrishGrimReaper

Interesting topic.

What are peoples views on the Tiger 800 and 1200 Explorer for the OP needs?

TBi

If you are staying on tarmac then save yourself a lot of money and get an R1200RT. All the comfort (and more) of the GS at lower price. Better setup for the road.

I drove one from here to Romania. Most comfortable bike i ever rode. Roscoff to Mont Blanc in a single day with no aches.

TeaBagMania

Buy a Harley, Streetglide is my preference

The GSA is great and i liked the 330 mile non-stop between petrol stations, if you need to get somewhere fast the petrol stops really cut into your timeline.

Only issue i had with the GSA is a personal one, i don't like the fact it doesn't have a full frame and uses the engine block as an integral piece of the structure, guess that's how they keep the weight down

D3V!L

TeaBagMania wrote: »

Buy a Harley, Streetglide is my preference

The GSA is great and i liked the 330 mile non-stop between petrol stations, if you need to get somewhere fast the petrol stops really cut into your timeline.

Only issue i had with the GSA is a personal one, i don't like the fact it doesn't have a full frame and uses the engine block as an integral piece of the structure, guess that's how they keep the weight down

I went from a Street Glide back to the GSA. The SG is a fantastic machine, really miss mine.

blade1

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

Interesting topic.

What are peoples views on the Tiger 800 and 1200 Explorer for the OP needs?

My view would be buy a 1050 instead.

MarkHenderson

Did it on a 1998 R1 and a 2011 gsxr1000. Believe me when you hit the good roads you won't regret it.

Sir Galahad

As said earlier a GS . . . . . But an 1150 GS Adventure. 31L tank and a great riding position.

cubix

Have an RT1200 but have yet to do any serious miles. Came across this VStorm on DD, looks the part

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2014-suzuki-v-strom-1000-with-full-luggage-/20555120

GBX

cubix wrote: »

Have an RT1200 but have yet to do any serious miles. Came across this VStorm on DD, looks the part

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2014-suzuki-v-strom-1000-with-full-luggage-/20555120

Nice bike that. They've done a fair bit of mileage so far. Kept well too.

two wheels good

Has that helped focus your initial options ... to almost every make and type of motorbike on the market!

But seriously ..
I agree a GS is a good contender. Personally I wouldn't opt for the Adv model either.
Are you thinking new or second-hand?
If s-hand, late model twin-cam, oil-cooled R1200GS are highly rated. I would avoid early models of the new liquid cooled.
F800/700GS definitely worth considering if you're not set on shaft-drive. Good fuel economy too. Don't assume it's lighter than R1200, bit more top-heavy.
V-Strom - great bike too. Don't rule out the 650DL. I agree with comments about budget suspension and brakes but maybe newer models are better. (Are they? I'm curious to know.)

listermint

cubix wrote: »

Have an RT1200 but have yet to do any serious miles. Came across this VStorm on DD, looks the part

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2014-suzuki-v-strom-1000-with-full-luggage-/20555120

That's super clean with the mileage. That's someone who knows how to keep a bike

The Nutty M

Did it to central Europe (Switzerland,Italy, Austria) last summer on a busa and never regretted it. 10K kms altogether. The only bad bike is an unreliable bike.

sleepysniper

Thanks for all the replies folks! More undecided now than ever but lots of food for thought that's for sure!

A big draw to the GS for me is the shaft drive, although I realise a Scottoiler pretty much mitigates the difference with chains but I think I'd still rather have shaft drive in this type of bike even though they can sometimes be troublesome.

The V-Storm 1000 is something I haven't given much thought too partially because of this but I might reconsider nonetheless.

I will be buying second hand so price does come into it, I'd like to keep it below 8k ideally.

Also, in reply to an earlier poster, I have a GSXR so I'm used to the sportier riding positions of the ZZR etc.

Speaking of which, how does the ZZR fair out in terms of comfort over long distance does anyone know? Say compared to the GS?

GBX

sleepysniper wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies folks! More undecided now than ever but lots of food for thought that's for sure!

A big draw to the GS for me is the shaft drive, although I realise a Scottoiler pretty much mitigates the difference with chains but I think I'd still rather have shaft drive in this type of bike even though they can sometimes be troublesome.

The V-Storm 1000 is something I haven't given much thought too partially because of this but I might reconsider nonetheless.

I will be buying second hand so price does come into it, I'd like to keep it below 8k ideally.

Also, in reply to an earlier poster, I have a GSXR so I'm used to the sportier riding positions of the ZZR etc.

Speaking of which, how does the ZZR fair out in terms of comfort over long distance does anyone know? Say compared to the GS?

The super tenere is shaft too.

arybvtcw0eolkf

OP just something on the Scottoiler.

Although it cuts out a huge amount of chain maint they do require regular inspection and oil top ups.

If you're going to choose a chain driven bike and install a scottoiler then I'd start saving some oil engine oil as a top up and don't bother with the Scottoiler bottles. The engine oil will be a littler dirtier but you're touring so a clean bike isn't an issue, and its just as effective as a lube. Top up the Scottoil bottle with your old engine oil.

Finally Youtube is full of people who've traveled the globe on much smaller bikes than a liter bike.

MarkHenderson

The Nutty M wrote: »

Did it to central Europe (Switzerland,Italy, Austria) last summer on a busa and never regretted it. 10K kms altogether. The only bad bike is an unreliable bike.

GS should be last on anyone's list so.

galwaytt

sleepysniper wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies folks! More undecided now than ever but lots of food for thought that's for sure!

A big draw to the GS for me is the shaft drive, although I realise a Scottoiler pretty much mitigates the difference with chains but I think I'd still rather have shaft drive in this type of bike even though they can sometimes be troublesome.

The V-Storm 1000 is something I haven't given much thought too partially because of this but I might reconsider nonetheless.

I will be buying second hand so price does come into it, I'd like to keep it below 8k ideally.

Also, in reply to an earlier poster, I have a GSXR so I'm used to the sportier riding positions of the ZZR etc.

Speaking of which, how does the ZZR fair out in terms of comfort over long distance does anyone know? Say compared to the GS?

I understand the shaft thing, and I've btdt, but recently changed to an Africa Twin DCT which is my first chain driven bike in.........20+ years. My H-D is belt, which I love.

I hummed & hawed over the AT (chain) versus Crosstourer (shaft).....and picked the AT for weight and ease of use. The chain thing didn't matter in the end.

Don't know what I was worried about tbh, I'd buy a chain drive bike over a shaft for other reasons - whatever will stop a bike working these days, it's unlikely to be a chain !!

Wonda-Boy

Grace Old-fashioned Uniform wrote: »

OP just something on the Scottoiler.

Although it cuts out a huge amount of chain maint they do require regular inspection and oil top ups.

If you're going to choose a chain driven bike and install a scottoiler then I'd start saving some oil engine oil as a top up and don't bother with the Scottoiler bottles. The engine oil will be a littler dirtier but you're touring so a clean bike isn't an issue, and its just as effective as a lube. Top up the Scottoil bottle with your old engine oil.

Finally Youtube is full of people who've traveled the globe on much smaller bikes than a liter bike.

Also if the notion of using dirty oil irks you just use ATF fluid its cheaper then the bottles of scottoil and its the exact same stuff just a different colour.

Hotblack Desiato

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

Interesting topic.

What are peoples views on the Tiger 800 and 1200 Explorer for the OP needs?

A Sprint ST would be better imho

We can thank Charley and Ewan for that model getting dropped and Triumph producing a "me too" GS-alike instead

The Nutty M wrote: »

Did it to central Europe (Switzerland,Italy, Austria) last summer on a busa and never regretted it. 10K kms altogether.

Did you have to change the rear tyre halfway through?


On Scottoilers - with the touring resevoir you can get thousands of miles between fillups.

mamax

All the bikes mentioned will do the job but I always opt for reliability over anything else
I spotted a very nice varadero on dd just now and worth a look, a friend of mine had one a while back its a seriously reliable bike
https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/honda-varadero-xl1000-like-new-price-drop/18590431

arybvtcw0eolkf

mamax wrote: »

All the bikes mentioned will do the job but I always opt for reliability over anything else
I spotted a very nice varadero on dd just now and worth a look, a friend of mine had one a while back its a seriously reliable bike
https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/honda-varadero-xl1000-like-new-price-drop/18590431

That looks like a nice bike. I've never rode one but they're supposed to be super comfy. I was chasing one a few years back but couldn't find one in my budget and opted for the smaller DL650 Vstrom instead.

A mate of mine did Europe on a Varadero two years ago and had to replace a rectifier in Italy.

I think we had a poster here who was touring through Russia on one, anyone remember?.

listermint

mamax wrote: »

All the bikes mentioned will do the job but I always opt for reliability over anything else
I spotted a very nice varadero on dd just now and worth a look, a friend of mine had one a while back its a seriously reliable bike
https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/honda-varadero-xl1000-like-new-price-drop/18590431

Beauty and all that but I think the styling has aged badly on them. Really don't look the part.

mamax

listermint wrote: »

Beauty and all that but I think the styling has aged badly on them. Really don't look the part.

Styling could be a bit better I suppose and not ridden one in a few years but they are a mile muncher, comfortable and bulletproof, I nearly bought one before I picked up the TDM a few years ago

galwaytt

Grace Old-fashioned Uniform wrote: »

That looks like a nice bike. I've never rode one but they're supposed to be super comfy. I was chasing one a few years back but couldn't find one in my budget and opted for the smaller DL650 Vstrom instead.

A mate of mine did Europe on a Varadero two years ago and had to replace a rectifier in Italy.

I think we had a poster here who was touring through Russia on one, anyone remember?.

I do, I know him. Lives in Galway.


https://www-thejournal-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.thejournal.ie/best-road-trip-6-2776289-May2016/?amp=1&amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE=#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s

Cienciano

Comfort and storage would be my main issues. I like the big trials style myself as the upright seating position and decent screen would be 2 big factors. Nice being able to stand up on a gs on long runs. I don't know about current models, but when I had one the adventure models screen and leg wind protection from the tank was brilliant.
Chain v shaft isn't a big issue really, and I think any modern bike is reliable.

Storage is vital, if you have 2 big side panniers and can leave space in a top box for a jacket and helmet it's dead handy for stopping places for leaving a lid and jacket in instead of lugging them around everywhere, especially in heat.

TeaBagMania

and what Cian pointed out is why the GSA has always been untouchable, it offers so many positives with the only negative being price, but hey, if you want the best you have to pay

Rory28

DR-Z400. Now hear me out. Sure its got the mileage of an old supercar and sure it will break your back and no doubt the wind will be a problem but think about it? Its a really fun bike.

D3V!L

Rory28 wrote: »

DR-Z400. Now hear me out. Sure its got the mileage of an old supercar and sure it will break your back and no doubt the wind will be a problem but think about it? Its a really fun bike.

It'd be interesting on the motorway with luggage !!

It's on my bucket list though. I'd love one.

arybvtcw0eolkf

D3V!L wrote: »

It'd be interesting on the motorway with luggage !!

It's on my bucket list though. I'd love one.

They're just a toy, you'd be bored in a week.

Good for wheelies and not much more.

We had one for awhile and tbh they're not a bike you'd travel on. The day we bought it I rode it from Drogheda to Dublin 13 and the thing nearly needed an engine rebuild afterwards lol.

There's not a chance I'd look at one for touring. Get one, take a few spins up the Dublin/Wicklow mountains on it then sell it a week later if it hasn't been stolen by then.

KT10

You want:

• A bike that'll tour comfortably
• Carry luggage and will be fun on the twisties (you're used to sportsbikes)
• You don't mind shaft or chain
• Budget is €8,000.

I'd second GBX when he said you want a Z1000SX, with the caveat of getting one with aftermarket suspension and a proper ECU remap.

The Nutty M

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

A Sprint ST would be better imho

We can thank Charley and Ewan for that model getting dropped and Triumph producing a "me too" GS-alike instead




Did you have to change the rear tyre halfway through?


On Scottoilers - with the touring resevoir you can get thousands of miles between fillups.

No need to change tyres when you have road 5 GT's. Expect to get about 14k out of them. Was getting 12k kms from the PR4 GT's. 1 change of oil though,no filter.

Have an E system Scottoiler on the busa that I filled 3 times while on that trip. That was with the oiler set to 60secs. Standard reservoir.