Motivation

Feel the Bern!

 

how far down did you have to dig to find this one ?

 

A long way. I was looking for the first recording.

 

if you don't move in this city
it will eat you alive

 

I thought it was built on Rock'n'Roll. lol

 

Well...I guess it depends on your wants and needs. For a trip such as you describe, you could look at several different options as far as bikes go, especially depending on if you'll be "solo" or if you'll have a pillion rider. I really haven't been keeping up with newer choices out there, but I have what *used* to be one of the better choices for such a bike, particularly for a solo ride...a Kawasaki KLR650. It's big enough to be able to ride comfortably for hours at a time, can run at 100 mph for moderate stretches, has a 6.1 gal. tank (actually works out to about 5.5 "usable" gal., and I believe aftermarket tanks of 10 or 12 or more gals. are available), and *can* get as much as 60 MPG, so roughly a 300 mile range. It's light enough that you can pick it up easily without straining any muscles, and you can mount some nice hard bags. Finally...it's *cheap"! And, it's probably easier to find parts and some place that's willing to work on it, moreso than a BMW or KTM.

A BMW R1200GS (or older R1150GS) would probably be the *best* bike you could get for long range adventure touring. They're expensive...but, if things are still as they had been...BMWs depreciate quickly, and a good used bike can be had for a good price, like one of those older R1150GS's that I mentioned. If you find a gently used older one, have it well-serviced before you start your trip, it could probably do an entire long range trip with nothing more than an oil change. But, if you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, or if you drop it...good luck lifting or pushing that beast!

You probably already knew all of that. I just had to say it...I haven't talked bikes with anyone for eons!

 

Yay, I motivated a link of interest with two members. I am happy.

 

KLR is popular. I rode one when visiting the country of Ecuador. Got in a conversation about bikes with a policeman and he offered to let me take it for a spin. On the city streets, no helmet, no checking my ID, just here's the key. Yeah, not something to try at home. I think it might be a little light for pillion and gear. I have an xr650l, similar but more dirt oriented. Could work, but I think it would be sluggish and uncomfortable all loaded up. Right now I'm intrigued with the new Tenere 700. I'll be looking into that. I plan to compare it to the 790R. I'm half-considering the cb500x with rally raid upgrade. The big GS is a heavy, fancy, expensive unit that I'm not considering. I'd go with a 1290 if I wanted something that big. I want to do dirt mountain roads and some trails around Mexico so clearance, suspension travel, tire options, weight, comfort, and power are all competing parameters I'll have to sort out. In the end it'll come down to riding each to see what feels best. Cheers!

 

You rock candy, gal! ;-) :-*

 

I am pleased something good came out on this thread.

 

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Studying motivates me to get up and be ready to catch the bus into town where my course is being held. the teacher is an awesome dude too. So easy going and cruisey!

 

I am pleased you have an interest Suzanne, I am better at painting than photography. I am looking forward to seeing more of your photos.

 

Ahh...so you are going 2-up? In that case...yeah, the KLR is probably a little small. I had never heard of the Tenere. At first, I thought it didn't seem much bigger than the KLR, having only about 38 CC's more displacement. But, I see it has almost twice the HP, and about 50% more torque, and a 6 speed trans.! Cool. I'm surprised that little twin can out-torque the KLR's thumper! The only slight negative I see to it, is the relatively small fuel tank, and a slightly high price. But...it does have ABS, so that's worth a bit. Wonder how much it'd cost to mount a larger tank?

 

Where are you planning on going overseas?

 

Well...I've lived (more or less) in Iceland for a year, Germany for 2 years. I've visited Italy, Belgium, Lux, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia & NZ, and Thailand. So...I'd really like to go to England/Ireland/Scotland & Wales for my next trip. I also want to return to Australia/NZ, at some point.

 

Awesome! The real master.

 

Tundra---just watch those left turners--one got me years ago!
I'm up before the sun and when she rises, I know the coming warmth will feel good on these old bones. My grand kids and my kids motivate me to stay connected and to try to spoil them with little things here and there that they don't expect. Camping motivates me to get into the forest, around rivers and lakes and to enjoy talking story (as they say in Hawaii) to family and friends. Thinking of old friends--those that are still alive--motivates me to call them and occasionally reminisce about the 40s-50s and such. Instead of actively participating in my trade, I now am a delivery boy for my kids. I could quit altogether, but I'm highly motivated to see them during the day and listen to some kind of a funny remark or two. They are like dad (IRL-not so much here) they always go for the laughs. This place motivates me to come back and read good posts, although I will be glad when politics fades into the background. I've always been motivated to get homes for homeless kitties from Hawaii to Oregon to Florida--well--wherever I have lived and I guess dozens have been helped so far. Motivated to see certain musicians--the latest being a ticket to Ministry in Portland and my sons defunct band, Ahisma, that will be getting back together for a night here in Eugene. That's about it for now, I reckon.