Adventurebike Suggestions.

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.

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.

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.

Or on-road riding

Exactly.

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

- 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..

Plenty of nice Multistradas at around $5k.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=856381&highlight=multistrada

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=839758&highlight=multistrada

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.

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

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

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=849916

Not far off, however with the OP looking at bikes like the Quota, the @ is probably along his quirky lines of inquiry... that and they're rare as hens teeth in "merika".

Gran Canyon is fuel injected.

Ya, tough to get down to 400lbs on a road bike with broad capabilities.

I don't think you are referencing Multi's as an old bike as they are injected.

Multi's (1000) may be purchased for 5k - just depends on version (S or non S), age, mileage and mods.

I figure my 2006 1000S, 37k miles, is worth 4k stock and 5.5k with mods.

There is an 09 1100 S here in town with 4.3k miles with an asking price of 8.8k.

I'd take a look at the new Honda 500x. I've owned a KLR, BMW, Uly and many others. I would have to move the footpegs on the Honda but it fits the bill for me. Otherwise look at the 650 and *00 Beemers, they have a new 700 this year. Maybe a little over budget but nice. And the 650 X Cross country model is a nice scrambler type bike.

Africa Twin - cool bike (rare here), but way big/fat. I had a TransAlp and really did like it. If a modern version of that existed here ...

wizz - Thanks for the info. I like the idea of the smaller 620 MS - the forks/shock seem to be the weak link. Good to heat there are good/easy fixes. What do you like for gravel tires, there aren't a lot of choices in 17" fronts. Run a 120/80/17 rear on the front?

Ever ride a 1000 MS? Is there a big difference in the way they feel. I keep thinking the 620 will feel a good bit more nimble and lighter (it is +_30# lighter? w/ dry weight of 402#?) I also like the idea of the wet slipper clutch in the 620 (hope I have that right) vs. the dry ones in the 1000's. How's the clutch of your bike?

BryanCO - Again, thanks for the info. The Multistrada forum suggestion was good. if you have ridden a 620, please comment on the paragraph above.

I really wish I wouldn't have sold mine....one of the greatest air-cooled road riding bikes Ducati ever produced.

given the parameters, I think all the good suggestions have been offered. It sounds like you are going to buy an MTS.

But I thought I would throw out a wild card - several have suggested the dl650, but the op isn't interested. Perhaps take a look at what a dl650 can be given a little help from the aftermarket. Much more rugged, and an a 2bros can adds a lot of character to an already fun to ride machine. As for me, I would take a dl650 over anything Ducati ever produced, and have a blast with it.

We're lucky to have so many choices which may fit each of our needs and wants but a dl650 over anything Ducati has produced is just silly.

Sorry, have not ridden a MTS620.

Have fun shopping!