More adventure bike questions

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jc100

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So...mooching around again I've seen a couple of other bikes I'm putting on my list.

A 2003 aprilia caponord with 20k Kms on for about $6k and a 2004 BMW F650 GS with 38k Kms on it for $5500. Both bikes come with hard bags and other similar farkles ( engine bars, heated grips, etc etc). I know these are two different engines, a 1000 cc v twin vs a 650 cc.

Anyone got any comments on these bikes? Again, riding will be mostly highway with a few packed dirt roads or gravel. Nothing too technical off road.

Cheers
 
I can vouch for the Kawi Versys. It's not on your list and would take a bit more modification to get it off road ready, but it's an amazing versatile bike that can tour, rip up canyons and hit a trail or two. I've only had mine about 2 weeks and 1500km but I love it. I plan on getting a second set of tires and rims for light off road duty next season. I'm planning on riding down to Deals Gap this May on a 9 day tour.
 
Hi there. The versys is a bike I looked at in the past. I have a habit now of upgrading components on my bikes so I'd like to get one already set up pretty well from stock. The new versys 1000 has some nicer parts on it for suspension etc but that's out my price range.
 
F650 GS I'd be tempted to buy myself at that price - wish I had it here in stead of the taller KLR650
Unique bike - one of the instructors that hangs around the Shed has one.

Adventure blog here http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?151439-Down-Under-on-a-KLR-650-second-season

Lighter is better when off pavement and the weigh on the BMW is down low. Personally I lntermediate bikes rather than litre and that goes in spades for going on dirt and forest trails.
 
Just a thought but Dual Sport Plus, out in Stoney Creek, is having an open house weekend of March 31 - usually a lot of folks with adventure bikes there and the guys are good to talk to. Fun to look at the Farkles too
 
Bit of a trek for me as I'm in Ottawa this weekend.

On another note...what would the F650GS be like for touring as it's only a single cylinder engine, albeit the dual plug one. Also, is 38k kms a big deal for this engine?

Anyone got any opinions on the Caponord? Neither of these bikes has ABS by the way.
 
jc100 said:
Bit of a trek for me as I'm in Ottawa this weekend.

On another note...what would the F650GS be like for touring as it's only a single cylinder engine, albeit the dual plug one. Also, is 38k kms a big deal for this engine?

Anyone got any opinions on the Caponord? Neither of these bikes has ABS by the way.
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They gave me a loner last year when my 1200GS was in for service. Took it from London back to Kitchener via the 401. I was impressed at how smooth the motor was, but I am coming from a boxer which has its own distinct feel so not sure how smooth it is compared to others. It did have plenty of pep and the ergo's were good.

I personally would not buy a bike without ABS. The stopping power they offer without locking up the tires is incredible, worth the extra in my opinion. If your in warranty, BMW is great and really stand behind their products and thats the one I would choose of the 2. Not sure what the dealer network is like for the Aprilia, but I am thinking BMW might have a larger network, I could be wrong on that.

Get whatever gives you the most grins.
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