Adventurebike Suggestions.

[RED CAT]

Nothing great in that price range. Maybe average. Double that and you'll get something decent like a used Triumph 800XC or GS 800 or even an S10 maybe.

[SRG]

Several of the bike mentioned in my original post can be had for $5k or so.

Of those, the Ducati 620 Multstrada, the Cagiva Gran Canyon, and Buell Ulysses appeal to me most - in that order. I don't see a well cared for example of any of these being difficult or expensive to own and all 3 have enthusiast groups followings to help out the novice.

The 620 MS meets all stated desires except "good on gravel" at or under budget. It would also sill be newish. Not being too good on gravel is just my impression - how good/bad is it? Can it improved in this regard? How?

The Cagiva Gran Canyon seems to do it all w/ 2 minor negatives - it's a little big and it would necessarily be a bit older. I'm OK with both of those if it really does do all I asked well. Comments? A nice '00 can be found for $5k. There's a nice older one in the FM right now (elefant).

The Buell Ulysses - I have the least knowledge/feel for this one. I'll do some more reading, but some input on how it might do (on the stated desires) would be great. The comment above about it somewhat gravel capable sounds better than I thought it might be. It's also a bike that intrigues me and would be stepping outside my normal comfort zone, which could be a good thing.

Thanks for the help so far.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by SRG

Several of the bike mentioned in my original post can be had for $5k or so.

Of those, the Ducati 620 Multstrada, the Cagiva Gran Canyon, and Buell Ulysses appeal to me most - in that order. I don't see a well cared for example of any of these being difficult or expensive to own and all 3 have enthusiast groups followings to help out the novice.

The 620 MS meets all stated desires except "good on gravel" at or under budget. It would also sill be newish. Not being too good on gravel is just my impression - how good/bad is it? Can it improved in this regard? How?


Thanks for the help so far.

I'm a the original owner of a 2006 Multi 1000S. Love the bike. Lots of personality. It's been super reliable (has 37k on it). Never ride two up but many do. I'm not really a fan of the 620, especially since the 1000 or even the 1000S may be purchased for 5k.

The Multi does fine on gravel. Tire selection is key.

You might check out multistrada.net for more info.

[ArmSC]

Klr 650 or wait for the new honda 500x? Just throwing them out there.

[hansi]

look at that: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=848812

[ph0rk]

Originally Posted by SRG

Even with these 2 wonderful machines, I find myself wanting a third bike. The kind of thing I'm wanting is: good on gravel, better on pavement. Not too fat (< 400#). Good for 2 up. Good for longer rides (300 mile days) and good for trips of up to a week. I'd like fuel injection and 6 speeds. Budget is $5k or so, less would be better.

I don't think anyone can come up with a more capable bike in that price range for what you want than a strom, especially if you wnt to budget for farkeling. if you don't care about abs a versys might work out okay too, and if you don't particularly care about ad entire pretensions a bandit or the like would get you there, too.

a 400 lb 2up bike that is good on gravel and good for 300 mile days is a bit of a tall order.

[bodhisattva65]

klr650. 1. you can get one new for almost that price. 2. warranty. 3. HUGE support network for them. I have owned the Uly and currently own a SuperTenere. If the KLR doesnt blow your skirt up then look at a Uly. probably one of the best bikes ive owned and regret getting rid of it.

[xaman]

Originally Posted by xaman

The Uly could ride TKC80s nowadays and be great on gravel, as long as you don't mind wearing out that rear tire fast.


But I sold mine and have a scrambler, and it's a hoot. As good as the Uly for day trips sub 300 miles and sub 90mph. A little better on forest and gravel roads (lower cg and 19" front). Uly is better for luggage.


Both are great bikes.

After re-reading my post, I just want to make sure I didn't make it sound like the Uly was in any way sub par. It just made me wanna go triple digits all the time. It's a fantastic machine, and I've missed it much. My wife misses it too, it was really good two up.

Good luck.

[oalvarez]

Originally Posted by roostar

I don't think he likes BMW's

Or on-road riding

Originally Posted by BryanCO

I'm a the original owner of a 2006 Multi 1000S. Love the bike. Lots of personality. It's been super reliable (has 37k on it). Never ride two up but many do. I'm not really a fan of the 620, especially since the 1000 or even the 1000S may be purchased for 5k.

The Multi does fine on gravel. Tire selection is key.

Exactly.

[SRG]

Nothing great in the price range? 2 sizes of Multistrada, Buell Ulysses, Cagiva Gran Canyon, Triumph Tiger and Scrambler- some great bikes right there.

The KLR meets most wants, but doesn't "wind me up". Same for the Versys and V Strom. This is not a comment on the quality/merits of any of these. They are all very good bikes that can be had for <$5k.

Sounds like 8 or 9 great choices to me. Why would I need/want to pay more? Unless your favorite is not among those I guess, but I see almost too many choices, not too few.

BryanCO - I'm starting to zero in on the Multistrada and am pleased to hear yours has been trouble free. If you don't mind - what about the 1000's makes you prefer it over the 620's? What's your tire choice for gravel? Any other mod's/setups that add to off pavement performance? Any specific years/models to avoid or seek?

Thanks a million

Edit - Aagghh, another really cool one http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=857004

[xrcris]

- Yeah, but none of those are less than 400#'s. Hell the engine in the Uly has got to be half that. None of those old bikes are fuel injected & I haven't seen any of the newer ones, such as the Multistrada below $7500.

good luck..

[SRG]

Plenty of nice Multistradas at around $5k.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...ht=multistrada

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...ht=multistrada

[wizz]

Very happy with my mts620. Does fine on any road (including gravel). I added a Penske racing shock and traxion ak20 adjustable cartridges which transforms the handling dramatically. You cant go wrong with any mts, 620,1000,1100 for your needs. I would only trade mine for a 1200. And I would not count out an elefant if you can find one mechanically sound the 900 is an excellent mill.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by SRG

BryanCO - I'm starting to zero in on the Multistrada and am pleased to hear yours has been trouble free. If you don't mind - what about the 1000's makes you prefer it over the 620's? What's your tire choice for gravel? Any other mod's/setups that add to off pavement performance? Any specific years/models to avoid or seek?
]

1000/1100 vs 620 -- extra performance; single sided swing arm; better spec on some standard parts; availablility of the S version (I have the S with the ohlins).

I ride very little gravel. I don't mind gravel, just don't use the bike that way - just bought a Tiger 800 XC for that, and have a 450X.... I've been running Michelin Pilot Road 2CTs which is a sport touring type tire. A road/trail tire would be more suitable for dirt/gravel.

I've done a lot of mods to my 1000S but they were more for ergos and sport touring - well, and some jewelry....

With respect to gen 1 Multi's, I really haven't seen a trend in terms of issues with certain years. The 1100 was the last iteration and has a wet clutch. I like the dry clutch and run an open cover -- but many don't like it for various reasons.

I rode both the Tiger and Multi today -- both great fun. I kind of put the Multi up for sale (winter here CO so interest is low) but really think I need to keep it. For me, after 6+ years, it still puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

Good luck with your search and do check out multistrada.net as you will be able to get a bunch more info than what I was able to supply.

Bryan

[tattewell]

Africa Twin could probably be sourced for that price range... People do import them...