Cheap adventure bike, not for long distances?

[IAmA M0t0r Ridεr]

Hello all,

I'd like to start with ideas for a cheap adventure bike. Just local back unpaved roads, flat dirt - but that takes some highway time to get there. No overnight trips planned, so I'm not looking for cases and storage necessarily.

I take my touring bike with lots of those heavy adventure bikers go, but the only problem is the ground clearance over rocks and those little elevations that sometimes separate/permeate unpaved roads.

I like the big twins, and if not, loads of engine noise and character. I'd rather have more advanced suspension (or upgrade paths) than engine power. I'd prefer a 19" wheel, but if the 17" wheel bike has ample clearance, I'd go for that.

Budget would be 3k-4k bike, but I may have to stretch that a bit for a great deal.

Here is the BARF classifieds we have the Cagiva Grand Canyon (3.5K), Aprilia Caponord (3.5k) and the Suzuki V-Strom (3.9k) - which I think it's too heavy for the 650 engine, and the 1000 engine looks too heavy too, but at least the engine may compensate? I've seen on CL a couple of Cagiva Elefants, 1994 Ducati Elefant E900 (no OEM tank salvage, possibly 1.5K?), I like those too. I'd love to afford a Ducati Multistrada 1st generation, but I think most owners are delusional on it's value, and has the 17"front which may not be ideal. I have good memories of the Transalp and the Teneré of yore, but I think the engine (parallel twin) sounded like crap even with decent exhaust, compared to say the Suzuki or the Ducati engine options. Also Japanese bikes IMHO usually have stock crap suspension, compared to the Europeans, confirm?

Bike is meant to be ridden hard. So I'm concerned about a 20year old bike options I'm seeing lately.

Thanks all!

 

[luckyducks]

Why even bother with poly-cylinder bike if you don't plan on long distances?

Get a: KTM 525 EXC, Husqvarna 610/630, Honda XR650R, DR650, KTM 625, KTM 640 Adv, etc.

The Cagiva and Capo are going to be a pain to find parts for. The V-strom will be dull.

If you really want a twin then there's one Adventure v-twin that has loads of character: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/5009138414.html

Make an offer on it without the luggage and extra wheelset.

Stretch your budget and this is a fantastic deal: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/5005764515.html

You might even find that it eliminates the need for 2, maybe 3 bikes you already have. Saving you money in the long run

 

[Mr Pepsi]

for that budget you can get a KLR650 in great shape.

 

[bcv_west]

for that budget you can get a KLR650 in great shape.

/thread. Also perfect for riding around the world.

 

[Hybridchemistry]

/thread. Also perfect for riding around the world.

+1 Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, runs forever even if you abuse the hell out of it, like I do to mine :thumbup

 

[dustyrags]

KLR is the way to go. They're beasts, loads of character, dirt cheap, a bazillion mods possible, and impossible to kill.

If you want something a touch more dirt-oriented, check out the DR650.

 

[Kestrel]

From a tech standpoint, the DR650 is a much better bike than the KLR. (Even on the highway...)

For what you want, it would be my first choice.

 

[Map8]

From a tech standpoint, the DR650 is a much better bike than the KLR. (Even on the highway...)

For what you want, it would be my first choice.

This. DR650 is a workhorse that is a very capable and simple bike. Tough and extremely easy and cheap to maintain.

 

[stan23]

FWIW, about 90% of the bikes I saw in Alaska were KLRs. Even all the Alaskan rental companies use them.

 

[IAmA M0t0r Ridεr]

Problem with the DR/KLR 650 is that they're single. I'd rather have the twin sound/vibes. Also bike has to be capable of turning on tarmac too.

I like those KTMs, can't afford them now, unless they cut a great deal for me.

 

[Map8]

Problem with the DR/KLR 650 is that they're single. I'd rather have the twin sound/vibes. Also bike has to be capable of turning on tarmac too.

I like those KTMs, can't afford them now, unless they cut a great deal for me.

The (relatively) light weight singles are going to perform much better on those dirt backroads than heavier v-twins. Think very tight, very steep with some ruts and washboard.

 

[DReg350]

I'm on the fence on this one. I have an F650 thumper. I like the bike allot, except for the vibration through the bars. My hands go numb after awhile if I'm slabbin' it. I thought about ROX anti vibe risers, but they wouldn't work after I switched to a YZ fork/triple clamp. So, I went with SMARTSKIN™ Original Beemer Buddies. Problem solved.

The newer F800 twin solves the vibration issue, but since it's newer the cost is going to be higher.

+1 on the KLR. Rock solid bullet proof bike. Reason I didn't go that route was that I ride the Sierras allot and I wanted fuel injection that would auto adjust to altitude changes instead of having to re-jet. Learned that lesson from my carbureted DR350.

 

[Hawaiirider]

So, powerful, lightweight, smooth, highway capable, dirt-competent, reliable, fuel injected...and cheap too...?

Yeah, I suggest buying a Unicorn instead and feeding it rainbows.

 

[NoTraffic]

So, powerful, lightweight, smooth, highway capable, dirt-competent, reliable, fuel injected...and cheap too...?

Yeah, I suggest buying a Unicorn instead and feeding it rainbows.

I went that route and got a Unicorn. It smiles too damn much and seeing rainbows everyday has become disastrous.

arty

 

[Ogier le Danois]

From a tech standpoint, the DR650 is a much better bike than the KLR. (Even on the highway...)

For what you want, it would be my first choice.

I owned A dr650 for many years. Took it to Alaska and back.

I loved it sometimes. Hated it more times.

Poor fueling, cheaply built.

I probably won't buy another Suzuki.

 

[Kestrel]

I probably won't buy another Suzuki.

Now that's just racist, man... :afm199

 

[luckyducks]

Suzukis and Kawas are generally cheaply built. Unless you buy an H2, that is...

Save your $$$ for a few months and just get a 950/990. It's exactly what you want.

 

[Corb]

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/5003636646.html

Clean, low miles and in your budget.
Yea only a thumper but people have circled the planet on this F650's two up.
I'd much rather dualsport on that then a Weestrom

 

[luckyducks]

Here's a sweet bike: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/5006444776.html

 

[Caddywumpus]

Iv only owned a KLR, but holy crap its a fun bike, good bike, reliable as a stone, and it will do 90 on the freeway all day long. If you are hating on thumpers, you sir are a cad.