As many of you already know, I have been searching for a new bike, after my husband decided he loved my Bandit so much that it was time for him to ride it as his daily commuter. Now, since I basically usurped his Bandit several years ago when he sent me to Los Angeles to pick up his new to him bike, since he had a broken arm and couldn’t get it himself. The entire sordid tale can be found here on an earlier post. Anyway, turn about is fair play in my estimation, so I am now on the trail of finding the perfect bike, after years of discovering exactly what my riding style encompasses.
Bandit one: 2000
Bandit two: 2007
So, as I read longingly the ride tales of my “dirty” friends, I have come to consider trying to find a dual-sport bike. Well, let me tell you, even with a 30 inch inseam, this is a difficult task since many of your “dual-sport” machines have a minimum of 32 inch seat height and some even more than that. Many dealers tell me how easy it is to have a bike lowered, but I have yet to meet any rider satisfied with their lowered bike. Mostly they talk about how the motorcycle dynamics are now compromised by lack of clearance. Well, hmmmm. So, I am trying to find a lower seat height on a machine that can be ridden both on and off road.
This search has taken me to two machines. The BMW F650GS and the Triumph Tiger 800. Note their similarity! I love both, though I read that the Triumph is a better highway machine. The jury is out until I ride both.
Motorcycle USA had this to say about the 800 Triumph Tiger, “Overall the Tiger 800 is an impressive motorcycle with an easy stance, comfortable ergonomics, powerful engine and high-level build quality. The XC version is nice for more serious terrain, but the standard 800 can go virtually anywhere its off-road sibling will. There’s a styling difference between the two models and the 800 can be retrofitted to accept the stubby front fender and handguards which give it the same XC aesthetics. Smaller wheels and suspension make the 800 a bit easier to appreciate on the pavement, especially for shorter riders, and the retail price is slightly lower as well at $9999 for the base model. ”
They had this to say about the 09 BMWF650GS, “Although the F650GS is more street-oriented than its F800GS sibling, it did take some time to get accustomed to the relatively long suspension travel. With most of my experience being with bikes made specifically for the trail or street and not meant to tackle both, I found that the nose of the littlest GS had a tendency to jump and dive under acceleration and braking, although the rear suspension damping can be adjusted quickly and easily by hand.
The F650GS is a fabulous little bike that exceeded my expectations. My hope is that it doesn’t become overshadowed by the hullabaloo surrounding the launch of the new 800. While the term “little” may be accurate regarding the name and relation in size to the rest of its family, it certainly doesn’t describe the value it offers.”
To me they both sound like eager machines.
BMW F650 GS 2012
Triumph Tiger 2011
Well…i am definitely being drawn to the dirty side. Now I’m not talking single track. I know I need another bike yet for that, but I’d like to sometimes take the dirt road off the paved, that I have read is wonderful. One example is the Valley of the Gods in Utah. That is a dirt track that runs between the town of Bluff, UT and the Moki Dugway. I have longed to ride this road, but have been told by many that is simply isn’t a good road for a fully laden sport tourer.
Here is Valley of the Gods via a rider from ADVrider.
So…I obviously need to get out and try both these bikes and then and only then…pull the trigger on a new “perfect” machine!
I hear the road is both good and bad depending upon rain. It’s supposed to be pretty sandy, but I am only going by rumor. Now the road to Jarbidge, NV is on my bucket list. I NEED to ride here and hopefully next summer on my new “perfect machine”!
If someone gave you an open wallet…which would you purchase and why or why not????