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Which Adventure Bike?

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  • 29-06-2019 5:19pm
    #1
    ratracer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,202 ✭✭✭


    So after having my VFR 800i for the past 11 years, I’ve finally got the longing for a change.

    I’m thinking of going for an adventure bike this time, budget will be relatively small ( ~ €8.5k) so thinking this might make a 12/13 reg Triumph Explorer or R1200GS reachable. Any pro’s/ con’s of either from owners/ users here? There was a thread here four years ago, so any updates since then would be great.

    Going for an adventure bike for a comfortable riding position, 99% of my riding will be on the road.

    TIA


«1

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    #2
    unattendedbag
    Registered Users Posts: 456 ✭✭unattendedbag


    You could pick up a 2016 Africa twin from England with that budget. Just about.


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    #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    You could get a decent 2010/2011 multistrada 1200 with that budget. Got a 2012 one myself, great bikes.


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    #4
    IrishGrimReaper
    Registered Users Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭IrishGrimReaper


    I've been keeping an eye on 2012/2013 Explorers in the UK market (autotrader) for months now.

    You're talking around £5,700 fo 30K and below mileage one with a few having had the valve service done and most come with luggage. The price has dropped a fair bit over the past 6 weeks or so, the same was a flat £6K since I started watching.

    With conversion rate and the VRT and budgetting €400 travel costs/truck delivery youd get one home for around €7,250 - considerably under the budget.


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    #5
    ratracer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,202 ✭✭✭ratracer


    IrishGrimReaper wrote: »
    I've been keeping an eye on 2012/2013 Explorers in the UK market (autotrader) for months now.

    You're talking around £5,700 fo 30K and below mileage one with a few having had the valve service done and most come with luggage. The price has dropped a fair bit over the past 6 weeks or so, the same was a flat £6K since I started watching.

    With conversion rate and the VRT and budgetting €400 travel costs/truck delivery youd get one home for around €7,250 - considerably under the budget.

    I’ve been watching MCN alright, and will probably go the UK route. I’m a bit concerned about the reports of the cylinder heads needing replacing, but I like the bike, so would look to get one with the recall work done on it.


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    #6
    ratracer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,202 ✭✭✭ratracer


    [Deleted User] wrote: »
    You could get a decent 2010/2011 multistrada 1200 with that budget. Got a 2012 one myself, great bikes.

    Have you had any reliability issues with it? My local mechanic kinda put me off them, he was working on a problematic one for ages, said parts were also difficult to come by and very expensive. It’s a nice looking bike.


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    #7
    Max Headroom
    Registered Users Posts: 7,101 ✭✭✭Max Headroom


    ratracer wrote: »
    So after having my VFR 800i for the past 11 years, I’ve finally got the longing for a change.

    I’m thinking of going for an adventure bike this time, budget will be relatively small ( ~ €8.5k) so thinking this might make a 12/13 reg Triumph Explorer or R1200GS reachable. Any pro’s/ con’s of either from owners/ users here? There was a thread here four years ago, so any updates since then would be great.

    Going for an adventure bike for a comfortable riding position, 99% of my riding will be on the road.

    TIA


    Plenty of non-adventure bikes out there..or you just want one is it....:confused:


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    #8
    ratracer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,202 ✭✭✭ratracer


    Max Headroom wrote: »
    Plenty of non-adventure bikes out there..or you just want one is it....:confused:

    I think I just fancy one for a while. I was looking at FJR’s, R1200RT’s, but they are still biggish money. I’m 6’2” so I want something with a tall screen to buffer some of the wind. I’m sticking with the bigger engine because the kids are now old enough to want to come along and i’m also hoping OH might get back on and do some weekends touring


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    #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    ratracer wrote: »
    Have you had any reliability issues with it? My local mechanic kinda put me off them, he was working on a problematic one for ages, said parts were also difficult to come by and very expensive. It’s a nice looking bike.

    So far no issues, but I've only had it a few months. It is an absolute joy to ride though, plenty of power, very agile and that ducati sound is amazing.


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    #10
    Emmersonn
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,128 ✭✭✭Emmersonn


    There is always the Yamaha Super Tenere. Good bargains to be had and pretty bullet proof.


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    #11
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    Check out the KTMs 1090/1190 well worth a look.


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    #12
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,761 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Explorers are good value, used, and a great engine.

    Oddball choice might be a Crosstourer: again, used they don't hold their value, but are good bikes.

    Tenere 1200 aren't common, so can be good value: again, it's a good bike.


    I have an '18 Africa Twin, and wanted a change from my cruiser after 12 years, so I know here you're coming from. And I'm as likely to go off-road on that as I am on my Harley. The Adventure Sport is good bit taller which you might find useful.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #13
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    I'd point you towards an F800GS or a KTM1050 - good value to be had if you shop around.


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    #14
    mamax
    Registered Users Posts: 875 ✭✭✭mamax


    Super Ten, Africa Twin or Tiger, not in that order but when I'm ready they are the top 3 bikes I'll be looking at, no interest in offroad on bikes as big as those so 100% on road comfort is what I like


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    #15
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    If you aren't going offroad and you are on a limited budget then why not consider a V-Strom or a Varadero? Both very capable two-up tourers with nice upright riding positions and loads of options for upgrading and fitting luggage


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    #16
    Cienciano
    Registered Users Posts: 14,226 ✭✭✭✭Cienciano


    One thing from this thread you'll learn is there's a lot of great bikes in the adventure bike category and everyone has their favourite.

    Personally I'd go with a multistrada.


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    #17
    MaryKon
    Registered Users Posts: 16 ✭MaryKon


    As a big man who rides many k miles for pleasure and the (long) daily commute, I want to point one more finger at the Varadero. I have one for a couple months now and I'm well pleased. Huge tank, range worthy of respect, massively comfortable and many other pro's that I will only list if anyone is interested in the topic. :D


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    #18
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    MaryKon wrote: »
    As a big man who rides many k miles for pleasure and the (long) daily commute, I want to point one more finger at the Varadero. I have one for a couple months now and I'm well pleased. Huge tank, range worthy of respect, massively comfortable and many other pro's that I will only list if anyone is interested in the topic. :D

    The only advice I'd offer for a prospective Vara buyer is to get the later fuel injected six speed one. The earlier carb model was a bit unrefined in comparison. Watch out for camchain tensioner rattles.


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    #19
    MSVforever
    Registered Users Posts: 590 ✭✭✭MSVforever


    Interceptor wrote: »
    The only advice I'd offer for a prospective Vara buyer is to get the later fuel injected six speed one. The earlier carb model was a bit unrefined in comparison. Watch out for camchain tensioner rattles.

    Is there any difference in fuel consumption between the carb and fi model? Cheers.


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    #20
    Sir Galahad
    Registered Users Posts: 700 ✭✭✭Sir Galahad


    I'm on my ninth 1150 GS Adventure. It's a 2002 model with 27,000 miles on it. It's my main transport and is used every day. Wont rust, wont stop working because of canbus or a computer :-) . And they don't depreciate.


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    #21
    listermint
    Registered Users Posts: 33,616 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    Sir Galahad wrote: »
    I'm on my ninth 1150 GS Adventure. It's a 2002 model with 27,000 miles on it. It's my main transport and is used every day. Wont rust, wont stop working because of canbus or a computer :-) . And they don't depreciate.

    Why you on your ninth then ? :)

    If you changed one every two year's since they started making them then you wouldn't have had it long enough for problems ;)


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    #22
    Sir Galahad
    Registered Users Posts: 700 ✭✭✭Sir Galahad


    listermint wrote: »
    Why you on your ninth then ? :)

    If you changed one every two year's since they started making them then you wouldn't have had it long enough for problems ;)

    I love the chase involved in the buying process. Always buy in October to January (much lower prices) and sell in May to August. I've just seen a 2005 1150 Adventure with 6,000 miles on it so here we go again. . . . . . . . . . . ;)


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    #23
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    Money no object I would get the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.....PURE BIKE PORN WITH THE POWER TO MATCH!


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    #24
    ratracer
    Registered Users Posts: 3,202 ✭✭✭ratracer


    Wonda-Boy wrote: »
    Money no object I would get the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.....PURE BIKE PORN WITH THE POWER TO MATCH!

    Meh!, I just think the big headlight on the KTM’s and the VStrom are so fugly. It’s a face only a mother could love :)


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    #25
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,761 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ratracer wrote: »
    Meh!, I just think the big headlight on the KTM’s and the VStrom are so fugly. It’s a face only a mother could love :)

    I'm with you on the KTM''s. ....Suzuki I could live with

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #26
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    ratracer wrote: »
    Meh!, I just think the big headlight on the KTM’s and the VStrom are so fugly. It’s a face only a mother could love :)

    No way.

    Its an absolutely stunning piece of kit from top to toe....I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but its nice to see bikes breaking from the norm. And the technology in that front headlight is unreal.

    IMHO, its just incredible.


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    #27
    fatbast
    Registered Users Posts: 126 ✭✭fatbast


    I have a 1290s, you get used to the headlight, looks better when it's actually on. Most of it is the cornering lights....


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    #28
    dubdamo
    Registered Users Posts: 195 ✭✭dubdamo


    Another thing to consider with adventure style bikes is, if you live in a housing estate, can you get it down the side of the house. Had a vfr , could basically drive through my side entrance, have since owned a VARADERO 1000, VStrom 650 and Nc750x and it's a bit of a struggle to get them through a 36 inch door. Was looking at a Super Tenere, but with the handguards I've read they are about 39 inches.


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    #29
    D3V!L
    Registered Users Posts: 2,923 ✭✭✭D3V!L


    dubdamo wrote: »
    Another thing to consider with adventure style bikes is, if you live in a housing estate, can you get it down the side of the house. Had a vfr , could basically drive through my side entrance, have since owned a VARADERO 1000, VStrom 650 and Nc750x and it's a bit of a struggle to get them through a 36 inch door. Was looking at a Super Tenere, but with the handguards I've read they are about 39 inches.

    Same with the BMW adventure bikes, all very wide. We had to cut up our side gate to get them in.


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    #30
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    fatbast wrote: »
    I have a 1290s, you get used to the headlight, looks better when it's actually on. Most of it is the cornering lights....

    How do you find the Wings exhaust? And where did you purchase it from?

    Also do you find the powerparts seat over the stock worth the investment?


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    #31
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Wonda-Boy wrote: »
    How do you find the Wings exhaust? And where did you purchase it from?

    Wings exhaust is the mutts nuts for the price. Great sound and top quality workmanship - simple to fit and comes with two dB killers. The best (and possibly only?) place to buy is directly from Wings - I ordered on a Monday and had it fitted the following weekend.
    Wonda-Boy wrote: »
    Also do you find the powerparts seat over the stock worth the investment?

    I found the stock seat uncomfortable after an hour but I can tour all day on the Powerparts seat. Given the chance I'd probably spend the extra on a Touratech seat just for the build quality - the KTM one is a bit average.

    You didn't ask me but I have an 1190 ADV with Wings and Powerparts seat so I'll throw in my tuppence!


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