need some dual sport info

[inreb]

I think the guys name was Laurence Hacking. Im sure some guys on here who did the event can correct me if Im wrong. I heard he finished the real Dakar. I didnt get to meet him but our team drew the spot right before his in the starting order. So the Veradero was right behind our bikes. I do know his team finished and we didnt lol.

That makes sense. Lawence Hacking tests bikes for Cycle Canada. I remember reading about them taking the Varadaro on a big Canadian off road event as a lark.

[7plymaple]

That makes sense. Lawence Hacking tests bikes for Cycle Canada. I remember reading about them taking the Varadaro on a big Canadian off road event as a lark.

It insane the level of some guys riding! Im sure it wouldnt be a lark to me if I had to take that bike through that ride lol. But its nice to see what a bikes real capabilities are thanks to guys like that.

[inreb]

It insane the level of some guys riding! Im sure it wouldnt be a lark to me if I had to take that bike through that ride lol. But its nice to see what a bikes real capabilities are thanks to guys like that.

If I remember the Cycle Canada article correctly, it was a lark in the sense that it was acknowledged that the Varadaro was the wrong tool for the job but, hey, it's supposed to be an adventure bike so let's see what happens. The average joeblow wouldn't have got far.......

[SkinnyPedal]

This meens the bike needs to be able to handle fairly sketchy terrain, long hauls (large gas tank), and be reliable.

Aside from the long hauls part (300km ish range), the 990 Adventure would fit the bill.

[Gnu]

The Paris to Dacre.

Oh please I've ridden it and there is more pavement on that ride then most other rides. The first check point is after almost 5 hours of all pavement or dirt roads... hardly a challenge. Tell him to ride Death Valley on the Algonquin ride or 16 Valleys on the RFS ride and I'll be impressed.

[7plymaple]

Oh please I've ridden it and there is more pavement on that ride then most other rides. The first check point is after almost 5 hours of all pavement or dirt roads... hardly a challenge. Tell him to ride Death Valley on the Algonquin ride or 16 Valleys on the RFS ride and I'll be impressed.

I guess Im a wus then I thought it was pretty tough! Oh well. I guess your one of those enduro riders. My hat is indeed off to that type of dual sporting. That is hardcore stuff.

So is this still about the V strom and heavier bikes not being dual sports in your opinion? What bike would you suggest for the ride the OP has in mind?

[HammerDriver]

I have the BMW F800GS. I always get a laugh when people say the V-Strom is cheaper. BMW does have the reputation of being more expensive but a new F800GS is virtually the same price of an equally equipped new V-Strom.

The KLR will be almost half the cost. Is EFI really worth that much to your dad?

I don't think anyone can argue that the KLR is like a pack mule and will take you anywhere on a budget. I think it is the best entry level Dual Sport out there. If you want to tour in a bit more comfort and put some serous miles behind you on the slab, then I would go for the Beemer over the Strom just because it is great on the slab and better than the Strom offroad. The Rotax engine, although not as smooth as the Suzuki, is bullet proof.

I routinely ride it in the Ganny. Haven't seen any Stroms there yet.




Somewhere in West virginia

[waterlilly]

Because a V-Strom is not a dual sport bike. It can't handle much beyond a gravel road. And I wouldn't go with KTM unless you are travelling with a fully stocked garage.

Agree to Disagree, if you know how to ride Vstroms they can handle it.

Seen it done at the Ontario Eastern Adventure rally.