A trip to Fantasy Island - second bike talk Part II

[VStarRider]

I've been all over the place since my last post on this topic.

Bikes considered:

Kawasaki Versys 650
Victory Cross Country
Indian Chieftain
VStar 1300 Deluxe
VStar 1300 Tourer
Suzuki M109
Zero electric
Victory CC Tour


I think I am back to the VStar 1300 Deluxe. Here's why:

• Cheap to buy used ($8k or less for a '13-14 with 4k miles - a grand or two less than our F6Bs - mine ain't going anywhere soon)
• GPS/satellite radio/iPod stereo system
• Vtwin power
• 87 octane gas
• Cheap to own/ maintain
• Bulletproof reliable
• Decent power
• Looks good
• Liquid cooled
• More airflow
• Huge bags

[opas ride]

I've been all over the place since my last post on this topic.

Bikes considered:

Kawasaki Versys 650
Victory Cross Country
Indian Chieftain
VStar 1300 Deluxe
VStar 1300 Tourer
Suzuki M109
Zero electric
Victory CC Tour


I think I am back to the VStar 1300 Deluxe. Here's why:

• Cheap to buy used ($8k or less for a '13-14 with 4k miles - a grand or two less than our F6Bs - mine ain't going anywhere soon)
• GPS/satellite radio/iPod stereo system
• Vtwin power
• 87 octane gas
• Cheap to own/ maintain
• Bulletproof reliable
• Decent power
• Looks good
• Liquid cooled
• More airflow
• Huge bags

Indian Chieftian is the winner in your list in my humble opinion....but, hard to beat the F6B for all around everything a biker needs...

[nvmyf6]

I've been thinking about a second bike as well.

In my opinion, I already have the best touring street bike possible.

So now I'm thinking, Dual Sport. Something I can play around in the dirt with if I wanted to.

I'm thinking, Kawasaki 650 KLR, or BMW G 650 GS. I need to do more research on that one.

[jm21ddd15]

I've been thinking about a second bike as well.

In my opinion, I already have the best touring street bike possible.

So now I'm thinking, Dual Sport. Something I can play around in the dirt with if I wanted to.

I'm thinking, Kawasaki 650 KLR, or BMW G 650 GS. I need to do more research on that one.

If your serious about a Dual-Sport, don't overlook the KTM line up. I ride a Honda Dual-sport, and When I go to Dual-sport events, 80% of the bikes entered are KTM. They are very good, but EXPENSIVE! Cost you about 12 grand for the 450cc, but it is tops!

[3Chief]

If your serious about a Dual-Sport, don't overlook the KTM line up. I ride a Honda Dual-sport, and When I go to Dual-sport events, 80% of the bikes entered are KTM. They are very good, but EXPENSIVE! Cost you about 12 grand for the 450cc, but it is tops!

KTM = Keep Throwing Money...

I'm giving the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure a good look... Luv the B, however I really want something in the stable for all terrain touring. I like having options

[jm21ddd15]

KTM = Keep Throwing Money...

I'm giving the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure a good look... Luv the B, however I really want something in the stable for all terrain touring. I like having options

I fully agree that KTM is expensive. But as a rider of "real" Dual-sport events, at least in the mid-west, most of the event organizers tell you on the entry form, if you have a "large" cc displacement bike, then leave it at home for the event. Most large dual-sport very seldom see much off road riding, other than gravel roads or packed dirt. You would never make the courses in the mid-west with those bigger bikes. Don't get me wrong, I too like those big dual-sports, just really consider where you will spend most of your riding. 90% of the dual-sports events I have entered, well, the bikes have all been modified, and are no longer "street legal", as all have full off road knobby tires, modified exhaust, mirrors removed, etc. If you are planning on off road completion or mostly street riding, with occasional off road trips, then that should be a deciding factor in your purchase. I usually crash at least a half dozen times in our erea events. Safety gear keeps me going. Picking up a 370-450 lb cycle in a mud hole or at the bottom of a ravine gets tuff. I know those bigger bikes weigh at least another 100 lbs.

[unsub]

I've been thinking about a second bike as well.

In my opinion, I already have the best touring street bike possible.

So now I'm thinking, Dual Sport. Something I can play around in the dirt with if I wanted to.

I'm thinking, Kawasaki 650 KLR, or BMW G 650 GS. I need to do more research on that one.

I'd go with the KLR for the simple reasons of cost, reliability and parts availability, especially of you're planning to travel south of the border.

[BIGLRY]

I'd go with the KLR for the simple reasons of cost, reliability and parts availability, especially of you're planning to travel south of the border.

And that my friend is why my duel sport is an 2008 KLR 650.

[unsub]

And that my friend is why my duel sport is an 2008 KLR 650.

Your sig looks like a '74-ish Honda CB200 but I'm distracted by the speed you're going...lol

[nvmyf6]

I'd go with the KLR for the simple reasons of cost, reliability and parts availability, especially of you're planning to travel south of the border.

After much research, that is what I am thinking. Makes total sense.

Ride safe.