I’m trying to put together a list of what might be termed Lightweight Multi-Purpose 650cc Single Cylinder Adventure Tourers – not 80/20 dirt/road bikes, but real multi-purpose bikes that are study, can handle being weighed down with a lot of luggage, and most of all, reliable. The best ones. Also relatively low or that can be lowered. (For example, eliminated is the Honda XR650L Honda because it is extremely tall). Any comments/discussion on the below and additions to the list appreciated. Also, who is riding them, and has a website that describes the bike and mods – like Chris & Spice and also Mark, below. Maybe it would be useful to list bikes that didn’t make the list. Looking forward to your input.
BMW F650: the gold standard
Kawasaki KLR 650
– Chris & Spice’s RTW Tour on 2 KLR 650’s
– Mark Hammond’s San Francisco to Tierra del Fuego Tour
Aprilia 650 Pegaso, adventure tourer
Suzuki DR650 Freewind
In the absence of the singles-only requirement, I’d suggest the Suzuki DL650 and the Honda Transalp.
If reliability is the number one factor – KLR is certainly one of the best. My KLR is up to 130,000 kms, still not burning any oil, still no engine problems. It can cross water up to 1 meter deep, carry a heavy load, run up to 500 kms on a tank, simple to service, and if you need to, it is easily lowered.
On poor roads it is surefooted and stable, if fact this morning a late winter storm blew in covering the highways with 1-2 cm of ice. I was pretty apprehensive to be heading out on my 65 km commute, but as always the KLR handled beautifully, even though no sanders had made it out yet.
I love this bike! (can you tell?)
AN650 Burgman. It cannot be beat for relaxed, reliable, comfortable sport touring.
It can beat most bikes on the road and can hang with sportbikes quite easily.
It has a 55 Liter, lockable, trunk under the seat. It has 4 small cubbies and 1 huge, lockable glove compartment.
Hello,
I know you are focused on 650cc, but I think the Buell Blast (492cc) is a great work bike. However, it is best to upgrade the cam (Andrews B50) and add a free-flow air filter. Buell has positioned the bike for training or beginners. I have a modified Blast that I ride and it is reliable and likes to cruise at 65 or 70 mph.
Thanks for your time,
Mike
I am a new owner of a KLR 650 and interested in the Trans America Trail. I am planning a trip for 2006.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
I recently purchased a BMW F650 GS in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Yes, there is a BMW dealership in Chiang Mai, a primary reason for the purchase. I am nearing the end of the break in period. Riding this motorcycle in the mountains is a dream. I actually used the heated hand grips twice. I have also felt the ABS brakes function as I braked hard before unexpectedly sharp turns. I have two riding partners, one with a new BMW Rockster and one with a New BMW 1150 GS. I have to stop to allow them to catch on the steep mountain roads. I am just under 5’9″. This motorcycle fits me perfectly as the low seat option is standard in Thailand.
I am a brand new new bike rider, as of August 2005. After two years of reading up on different types of bikes, conversations with bike owners, sifting through many web pages, and reading several motorcycle safety books, I went with the KLR650. I couldn’t be happier. Not only did I make the solo trip home (2,300 miles) I turned right around and left in mid-september on a 10,000 mile solo trip around the country, from California to the East coast and back. Some modifications here and there, most notably an aftermarket shock, suspension, street-friendly tires, and ditching the stock seat, and I was set. The bike is phenomenal, and I had SO many people interested, intrigued, and excited from seeing me loaded down and on the road for 2 months. I’ve been riding now 5 months, and have 15,000 miles under me. I know I’m just a rookie, but I’ll ALWAYS make sure I have a KLR in the garage waiting for my next commute across town or across the country.
I am planning to buy a 2008 honda XR650L. I was wondering how those bikes are? I heard very nice things about that particular bike except for being a tall and a small capacity fuel tank? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I am in the process of building a “Adventure tour” bike from a 2007 Honda XR650R. The 650R makes a great tour bike when modified. Heavier springs, lowering suspension, adding e-start, bigger tank, and rebuild of rear frame to handle bags is far cheaper than a stock FS650 BMW. The handling is far superior and parts are cheap and always available. It out handles all others off road and is good performer on highway if not looking to go 100 mph full time. Mine is geared 14/46 and cruises at 75mph on highway. Fully loaded no rider its 355 lbs with fuel and bags. 7 gal fuel. total cost less then $9k USD. Last one did 50,000 miles before I sold it. Still running.
What about the Suzuki LS650 (Savage/S-40)?
I just completed a 12,000 mile road trip on a 2005 S-40.
Florida to the Pacific Northwest, across Canada, down the east coast.
The bike was perfect! MPG, reliable, and space for bags and all kinds of other stuff.
My Blog is currently on my myspace page, but, I’ll move the story elsewhere soon as a whole page.
http://blog.myspace.com/beatduck
Jerry, I’m a new guy here and am a little confused by your posting. You state that you modified your Honda XR650R and had 9K into it to get it ready. A new BMW F650GS is priced under 8K. How was yours “far cheaper”?
I’m really interested in the BMW because I’m only 5’8″ and like that’s it’s pretty much ready for the road. Money isn’t a huge issue because any of these bikes fully outfitted are going to run in the 8-9K range from my research.
Also, is it true that the BMW F650GS is the same bike as the Aprilia Pegaso 650. someone told me that they are made in the same plant and the only differences are cosmetic (plastics). Thanks for any info!
The Suzuki DR650 has been proven all over the world for its on and off road capabilities. Also it is mechanically dirt simple, air cooled, and thus rugged and reliable as all getout. There is a rich aftermarket of farkles available for it to outfit it for any adventure that you have in mind.
Rob, if you think a stock motorcycle no matter what brand is ready for a serious adventure tour, you’re gonna have some real trouble. Prepping a GS correctly, (GPS, larger tank, Panniers, bags, additional safety items, Etc)will cost you around $5,000. Toura-tech’s suggestions for the GS add even more. I’m not bashing the BMW, but it’s a bike for those with lots of extra money. The cheap way is is the Kawasaki- capable on or off, but not really that nimble in the rough stuff. Money aside-if anyone is considering a serious off roader there are a few bikes- I decided on the “big red pig” for it’s ability to go anywhere offroad and still do a respectable road at speed. Just got back from Copper Canyon in November. Flawless with not one flat tire or issue. Saw loaded BMW that could not make it down some of the canyon trails- but the ones I traveled were not for most. Finally though, I have to say- I’m picking up my new KTM 950 in a few weeks.$12k base. $5000 in extras to go the distance. It just depends on what you are really gonna do on a bike. For me…Infinity and beyond.
I am confused – I started biking only 4 year ago on a Honda Deauville 650V twin. It is very comfortable and dependable with lots of cubyholes and boxes for gear. I have 40000 miles on the clock now having recently done a nice round trip through France Spain and Portugal with not a bother. Now I am contemplating a 15000 trip overland to Beijing through Greece and Turkey and back via Moscow. Some roads are bound to be rough so i am trying to decide between more suitable 650’s – H Tranaalp – BMW GS single – V storm etc. Any help would be appreciated as I have little understanding of mechanics and need something tough and dependable but comfortable and able to take do the job without much modification.
The new BMW G650 XCountry (2009) model is supposed to be at dealerships soon. It has lower seat height compared to 2008 model.
Seat height as well as ft. brake & Clutch lever positions are adjustable. Again, not a cheap bike but … mmmmmmmmmmmm
SRP $7500 optional ABS $900 (so I am told)
MPG 60 – 80
Smallish gas tank at only 2.5 US Gallons.
Jim
Just got an ’08 Honda XR650L last week and I love it. Did a 50-mile ride on mountainous single-track and it performed great. The factory engine runs like a dog and I need to do some work to get it running smooth. With all the emissions requirements Honda has to meet, they’ve installed all kinds of excess tubes, air pumps, etc, which make it run poorly–all kinds of hiccups, burbles, and lag in low end throttle. If anyone has any suggestions for ways to improve it, I’d love to hear it.
Hi guys! I`ve done 5000 kms on my CB 500 from Hungary to Gibraltar. I am planning a tour to Japan from there down to New Zealand. Obviously I want to change the CB to a nice touring – enduro. So far the options I ve considered were 1. Africa Twin 2. Transalp 3. Gs 650s.
The first two are on the first places having a very well balanced V engine because of which the motorbike doesnt` have vibrations. This is very important on long distances. Also their engines are known to be “immortal”, “unbreakable”.
I still haven`t decided which one I will choose between these 2. But most of the experienced travelers think that Africa Twin is the best it is quite heavy and quite high, but the most massive, the toughest very easy to handle, lots of torque and power. There must have been a reason why it won the Dakar race 4 times in a row. Have you guys ever considered the Super Tenere from yamaha which for me seems to be the toughest competitor of Africa Twin even more power and torque?
I am talking about good econdhand bikes. I don`t want to waste money on brand new motorbikes. An italian guy went to New Zealand on a 3 hand 20 years old transalp.
I`m waiting for your feedback lads!