Which Adventure Bike?

ratracer · 29-06-2019 5:19pm #1

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

unattendedbag · 29-06-2019 5:51pm

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

29-06-2019 6:40pm

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

IrishGrimReaper · 29-06-2019 7:41pm

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.

ratracer · 29-06-2019 8:12pm

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.

ratracer · 29-06-2019 8:16pm

[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.

Max Headroom · 29-06-2019 9:02pm

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....

ratracer · 29-06-2019 9:15pm

Max Headroom wrote: »

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

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

30-06-2019 2:54am

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.

Emmersonn · 30-06-2019 7:17am

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

Wonda-Boy · 30-06-2019 1:50pm

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

galwaytt · 01-07-2019 12:28pm

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.

Interceptor · 01-07-2019 12:37pm

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

mamax · 01-07-2019 2:11pm

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

Interceptor · 01-07-2019 3:10pm

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

Cienciano · 01-07-2019 4:32pm

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.

MaryKon · 02-07-2019 8:50pm

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.

Interceptor · 03-07-2019 10:51pm

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.

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.

MSVforever · 04-07-2019 9:54am

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.

Sir Galahad · 04-07-2019 2:23pm

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.

listermint · 04-07-2019 6:46pm

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

Sir Galahad · 05-07-2019 3:40pm

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. . . . . . . . . . .

Wonda-Boy · 06-07-2019 3:57pm

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

ratracer · 06-07-2019 4:04pm

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

galwaytt · 06-07-2019 10:38pm

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

Wonda-Boy · 06-07-2019 10:41pm

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.

fatbast · 08-07-2019 9:33pm

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

dubdamo · 09-07-2019 8:41am

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.

D3V!L · 09-07-2019 8:48am

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.

Wonda-Boy · 09-07-2019 11:02am

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?

Interceptor · 09-07-2019 7:15pm

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!

Krusty_Clown · 10-07-2019 8:01am

Not strictly speaking an adventure bike but similar form factor (and road bias), but why not consider the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer? I had a GS12 for 10 years (which I loved),, but after living with the MT-09 for just a year, I much prefer it. Only downside is no shaft/belt, so back to maintaining the chain. Super performance, not bad spec, really comfortable, and have sold well, so good 2nd hand prices, parts, support etc.

ratracer · 10-07-2019 12:21pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Not strictly speaking an adventure bike but similar form factor (and road bias), but why not consider the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer? I had a GS12 for 10 years (which I loved),, but after living with the MT-09 for just a year, I much prefer it. Only downside is no shaft/belt, so back to maintaining the chain. Super performance, not bad spec, really comfortable, and have sold well, so good 2nd hand prices, parts, support etc.

I have thought about this bike alright. The first fazer really was bulletproof, and these are not a bad looking bike either. Have you done much two-up riding on it? If so how was it?

Wonda-Boy · 10-07-2019 1:41pm

Interceptor wrote: »

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.

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!

Few of the vloggers I follow in the UK have an SP Engineering can on the KTM, and it sounds very well and only costs £270 sterling. Fuel exhausts also look and sound well. The Akrapovic looks well but sounds exactly like the stock exhaust and thats a grand!!!

Emailed that dude in charge of europe for a price see whats what.....

Interceptor · 10-07-2019 5:42pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Few of the vloggers I follow in the UK have an SP Engineering can on the KTM,

Those SP Engineering cans don't look a patch on the quality of the Wings - you get what you pay for I guess. Akra stuff is overpriced for what you get at this stage they aren't worth the money IMHO.

ratracer · 17-07-2019 12:13pm

Thanks for all the comments/ opinions folks! I’ve gone with the Triumph Explorer in the end, hope to pick it up before the weekend!

Wonda-Boy · 17-07-2019 3:11pm

Well wear..pics when you get it.

Grumpy Bike Wizard · 21-07-2019 3:31am

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

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?

The stock seat on the 1290s is bollocks, I was wrote off after a couple of hours up on it.

The touratech driride seat is worth every penny. Like sitting in an armchair once more.

Wonda-Boy · 21-07-2019 7:08pm

Grumpy Bike Wizard wrote: »

The stock seat on the 1290s is bollocks, I was wrote off after a couple of hours up on it.

The touratech driride seat is worth every penny. Like sitting in an armchair once more.

I dont find it bad at all but the most I have been on it is 2hrs.....got a link to the one you got grumpy?

Priority for me is a larger screen to protect my satalite dish noggin....getting bad buffeting.

Grumpy Bike Wizard · 21-07-2019 11:37pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I dont find it bad at all but the most I have been on it is 2hrs.....got a link to the one you got grumpy?

Priority for me is a larger screen to protect my satalite dish noggin....getting bad buffeting.

https://shop.touratech.ie/comfort-seat-one-piece-driride-for-ktm-1050-adventure-1090-adventure-1290-super-adventure-1190-adventure-r-breathable-standard.html

Wedge of cash, but fits like a glove on the s and even has the wee ridge to screw your alarm contact to if you have the ktm alarm. Touratech stuff is top notch.

Wonda-Boy · 22-07-2019 11:39am

Jesus H Christ you really do love your arse m8!!!

Thanx for the link. I do have the KTM Meta alarm but I will see what price the powerparts full seat is, that is a fair chuck for a seat alright.

BTW, is this one of these send your seat to them and they recover it and send it back.....I hate that scenario TBH.

Grumpy Bike Wizard · 22-07-2019 6:49pm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Jesus H Christ you really do love your arse m8!!!

Thanx for the link. I do have the KTM Meta alarm but I will see what price the powerparts full seat is, that is a fair chuck for a seat alright.

BTW, is this one of these send your seat to them and they recover it and send it back.....I hate that scenario TBH.

My hole is my best asset I'll have ye know.

Bear in mind it's the complete seat, one piece front and back, the powerparts seats are priced separate front and back (140 sterling each from mccallens). The powerparts heated one piece seat is over 400 sterling! -- they're all generall hand made and hand covered so that's the annoying bit.

And it's a completely new seat, whip the old passenger/front seat off, stick this on the same way and you're off.

Personally I wouldn't go near KTM for seats, if they ****ed the stock seat up that badly they don't get a second chance.

H_Lime · 23-07-2019 10:52am

My stock seat would saw it's way up your arse in ten minutes of riding so sent it these lads who were recommended to me
http://www.motorbike-seats.co.uk
£160 odd quid got me this back

They stripped back to the base, built it up with new foam layers of different densities and a flush fitted rider gel insert. It's as good as as a seat this shape can get.

BaronVon · 23-07-2019 11:40am

Looks good, and seems reasonably priced. Was it a long turnaround?

Which Adventure Bike?

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