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I'm thinking about used bikes, that currently sell in the neighborhood of $7k. Basically a two-wheel SUV. Dirt capability is not that important, but reasonable comfort for the driver and passenger is a priority. After years of sportbike, the idea of sitting upright and higher definitely has an appeal.
Lockable waterproof hard bags stock or as an aftermarket option is also a must. The bad or top case must hold a large laptop and be secure on the bike (locked from opening and locked to the bike). Something like Givi would fit that bill.
So it seems there are a few bikes to consider. Something with multiple cylinders and around 1000cc would be ideal.
V-Strom 1000: cheapest to buy and own. Close dealer for me. Ugly and boring. Not really interested.
KTM Adventure 950: these are now in the price range. Best-looking IMO, apparently reliable based on the ones I see for sale with 30k+ miles on them. A few common areas requiring maintenance but no huge problems. Dealer is readily accessible.
Triumph Tiger (07+): Possibly the best streetbike of the bunch listed here. Triple should be smooth and powerful. Closest dealer is 200 miles away, but the Triumph I had was very reliable. Probably the most expensive of this group.
Ducati Multistrada 1000/1100: Breathtakingly ugly but very functional. I've owned a couple of Ducatis so the maintenance on an air-cooled one wouldn't bother me. Would need a seat and bags, probably pushing the price higher.
Aprilia Capanord: Very unusual bike and fairly hard to find. Not sure about bag availability. Rotax twin should be reliable. Dont know much about them.
BMW R1150GS: The 1200 is still too expensive. The 1150 is quite a bit heavier but packs most of the same features like ABS and adjustable suspension preload. Shaft drive is a definite plus. So ubiquitous it is almost cliche.
Moto Guzzi Quota/Stelvio, Benelli Tre-K, Ducati E-900, Cagiva Gran Canyon, Buell Uly, etc: Not really interested unless someone really has a good recommendation for them.
So...of the ones listed the ones that really seem like options I would like to explore are the BMW and the KTM. reading over at ADVrider (awesome site BTW) it seems the concensus is that the BMW is a better streetbike and the KTM is better off-road. But the question is how much better the BMW is, or how both compare to a regular sportbike.
Not so much interested in going fast, but highway trips will happen.
Any experiences will be appreciated.
Lockable waterproof hard bags stock or as an aftermarket option is also a must. The bad or top case must hold a large laptop and be secure on the bike (locked from opening and locked to the bike). Something like Givi would fit that bill.
So it seems there are a few bikes to consider. Something with multiple cylinders and around 1000cc would be ideal.
V-Strom 1000: cheapest to buy and own. Close dealer for me. Ugly and boring. Not really interested.
KTM Adventure 950: these are now in the price range. Best-looking IMO, apparently reliable based on the ones I see for sale with 30k+ miles on them. A few common areas requiring maintenance but no huge problems. Dealer is readily accessible.
Triumph Tiger (07+): Possibly the best streetbike of the bunch listed here. Triple should be smooth and powerful. Closest dealer is 200 miles away, but the Triumph I had was very reliable. Probably the most expensive of this group.
Ducati Multistrada 1000/1100: Breathtakingly ugly but very functional. I've owned a couple of Ducatis so the maintenance on an air-cooled one wouldn't bother me. Would need a seat and bags, probably pushing the price higher.
Aprilia Capanord: Very unusual bike and fairly hard to find. Not sure about bag availability. Rotax twin should be reliable. Dont know much about them.
BMW R1150GS: The 1200 is still too expensive. The 1150 is quite a bit heavier but packs most of the same features like ABS and adjustable suspension preload. Shaft drive is a definite plus. So ubiquitous it is almost cliche.
Moto Guzzi Quota/Stelvio, Benelli Tre-K, Ducati E-900, Cagiva Gran Canyon, Buell Uly, etc: Not really interested unless someone really has a good recommendation for them.
So...of the ones listed the ones that really seem like options I would like to explore are the BMW and the KTM. reading over at ADVrider (awesome site BTW) it seems the concensus is that the BMW is a better streetbike and the KTM is better off-road. But the question is how much better the BMW is, or how both compare to a regular sportbike.
Not so much interested in going fast, but highway trips will happen.
Any experiences will be appreciated.