WHAT BIKE WOULD YOU USE?????????

[Tony T]

If you do decide on a BMW, do yourself a favour and talk to Canam370. 

[asasin]

if it is just you and not too much gear , dont underestimate the baby BMW 650/ 800 they are alot lower cruise well and are lighter if you decide to take a back road, and will cruise all day at speed limit + , also feul economy excellent. The 1200 gs is a tank!!

[EML]

Yep try out the 800GS before you buy anything and also the 1200 Tenere' is worth a potter.
How you gonna get around Aus without turning off up every dirt sideroad anyway Popeye?

[JAP 454]

I live on a back country main road with a lot of bike traffic, three out of five of those bikes, the ones I've seen and heard, are opposed twin BMs, most of them well loaded for a trip. Just an observation.
Foss

[EML]

I live on a back country main road with a lot of bike traffic, three out of five of those bikes, the ones I've seen and heard, are opposed twin BMs, most of them well loaded for a trip. Just an observation.
Foss

That just means that those with a lot of money can afford a BMW and can have time off to get away....Just an observation

[popeye]

There will be a few of us going, the other guys will all be on road bikes except 1 who is buying a BMW 1200 GS, I did about a 13000 klm trip on a 950 and was really impressed but might test ride a few others before I make my decision, or I may just keep my REX for the trip, won't be to many dirt roads EML, the other guys are just going round the country not through it and over it like I would like to do..
Maybe a XTZ 750 would do the trip, a TURTON SPECIAL.
I will be riding on my own so plenty of room for gear unless I take one of those 45 kilo chocolate &$(@));()():'gm machines with me.  Lol

[EML]

XTZ will put you into the VMX class (almost) so you'll get extra points. Batman has a Turton spec in his shed.
45kg chocky chewer is a bit light even for me...they need some handles so you can hang on when they go off.......

[Ted]

I live on a back country main road with a lot of bike traffic, three out of five of those bikes, the ones I've seen and heard, are opposed twin BMs, most of them well loaded for a trip. Just an observation.
Foss

That just means that those with a lot of money can afford a BMW and can have time off to get away....Just an observation

Not at all. The more frugal ones buy the BMW R1200GS.When you work out the difference between the buying price and the selling price the Beemer wins hands down. The KTM and the jap bikes have no resale value.

The KTM is a better thing offroad but in my opinion not as good on the tar.

[EML]

The only thing the KTM needs is 2wd. Think about that.

[popeye]

Yep I think your right Ted, I've had 2 KTM 950 and they are an unbelievable thing in the dirt and ok on the road but I think the BM would be a better choice for a trip around the country.

[Ted]

Yep I think your right Ted, I've had 2 KTM 950 and they are an unbelievable thing in the dirt and ok on the road but I think the BM would be a better choice for a trip around the country.
[/quote

If you get the BMW, get the wire spoke wheels. Much better for offroad. Steer clear of the alloy mags.
Fit a stain tune muffler and fastway wide foot pegs. The standard rubber pegs are lethal when wet standing up. Dont be afraid to fit it with the Continental knobbys. About the same on road as the standard tyres but 1000% better on dirt. Also if you get one I have a grouse small tank bag, rear bag and a pair of BMW Rallye pants I will give you for a song. Lucky bastard.

[yungy]

Don't count out the triumph tiger 1200 for road use or 800 for off road use

[popeye]

Yeah I'm gonna have a test ride on a Tiger, both sizes, also gonna ride a Multistrada....

[PEZBerq]

1200 Tiger Explorer comes in XC form now with spoked wheels but still 19 inch front and 17 inch rear. It's a thing of beauty if you ask me.

[DIRTPILOT72]

The BM's are coming down in price, mate just picked up a 06 1200 with 80k on it for $10,000. I have a 1150 adventure, highly recommend it if you are going to living on it for any length of time. They are comfy and can handle luggage well.