Dual Sport Help!

[G8ESCAP]

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to modern Dual Sports. I'm from the days of "Enduros"! Anyhow I need some dual sport experts to speak up if you wouldn't mind? I need some input. Here is the situation.

I have a friend who is very well, ugh, very well off. He rides and has a couple of very nice bikes. A cruiser and a full dresser. Next August he will be touring Switzerland on 2 wheels. Wants to take some of the back roads and is sure dirt will be involved.

His plan is to pay cash for two or three fully equipped Dual Sport/Touring type rides. When he is done he wants to ship them home. Money is not a problem. The bikes just need to be new, fully equipped with luggage and ready to roll. I have already dealt with contacts to purchase the bikes, and shipping.

He has been looking at KTM, BMW, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha.

So hear is my question: If money was no object, what bike and luggage would you buy?

I think the V Strom 1000 fits the bill nicely, but what do I know about this type of riding?

[katana_ron]

I am so glad I don't have worries like that. Money is not the problem, just buy a bike. Decisions, decisions.

[the mad otter]

Dealer support and my own sense of loyalty says BMW...and you did say money was not an object, so have him pick up 2 extra...one for you and one for me!

[motowriter]

Yep, for Europe I would advise Beemer. Their dealer network over there is going to be better than any other. Plus, BMW has a bazillion branded extras made for all their bikes. If yer friend is into appearance he can't go wrong with getting a bike decked out by BMW. The R1200GS looks like a really nice street/offroad combo!

Or have him check out the new HP2. Sexiest "Enduro" on the planet. The Strom is a good value bike, but not best in class for off-road. IMHO it's a DS lite. Not enough ground clearance and damned heavy.

Be happy to offer more advice... if I get to keep one of the "extra" bikes after the trip.

[G8ESCAP]

Originally Posted by Gary

Be happy to offer more advice... if I get to keep one of the "extra" bikes after the trip.

Get in line Gary! I'm first! And that's all I'm gonna say!

[motowriter]

One caution about the Beemer. It's computer chip controlled for some basic functions. You have to be patient with letting the puter do its thing at start-up and before letting out the clutch. I know this only from riding with Markus. He's still dealing with the learning curve and the quirks of the computerized ABS system. If yer bud is technologically challenged, bear this in mind. He will not want to be messing with a blinking warning signal when he just wants to ride off. Ask Markus for more info on that... he rides the R1150GS. (Beautiful bike, regardless....)

[Law Dawg]

BMW R1200GS with aftermarket luggage (Hepco Becker Gobi). The HP2 will not have much in the way of luggage yet (a VERY sexy bike BTW) and they are going to be RARE for awhile.

Second choice? KTM 950 Adventure or their new 950 Motard. This will begin in Europe and those two rule the roost there.

Oh and Dale, they still are ENDUROS! Only new fangled sissies consider them dual sports. I will only call mine a dual sport because of whom I am talking to...too sissy to ken ENDURO.

My R1150GS is a start up and go bike, I have had zero Motronic problems. The punk does ping and surge, at times, but the dual spark models overcame that...BMW said the dual spark was for emmissions control only. Oddly enough, that also cured the surge and ping but we would not want to have to upgrade all the other ones...now would we?

[ekaphoto]

Gee, I wish I had your problems.

As much as I love My DR-Z I think there are better bikes suited to the task unless you are staying on 90% back roads with lots of hardcore dirt.

V-strom is a good choice, but the local mechanic just went to the suzuki training class and they said the v-strom has several little issues. The basic engine is great, but stuff like computer module etc. BTW I still lik the V-Strom and want one.

HP looks great, but I'm not sure that would be an option.

1200 GS? Not really an enduro, but can do dirt roads.

Perhaps it would be more helpful if we knew how far you planned to go per day, what type of roads you plan on taking and what do you consider "off road"

[Law Dawg]

Originally Posted by ekaphoto

1200 GS? Not really an enduro, but can do dirt roads.

Is too!

[joefromsf]

Is he planning on buying US / California models over there? Otherwise trying to bring them back could be an issue. Just something to think about and/or research.

Bike rentals are very popular over there, including BMW GS models outfitted for touring. My friend goes over there every two years for a week long ride, but he stays on the pavement. Not sure what the rental agreements have to say about dirt.