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        <title><![CDATA[Motorcycles - Adventure Bike Rider]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[the home of adventure motorbikes and adventure motorcycles riders]]></description>
        <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/</link>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">677-563</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Adventure with a capital "L".: Derbi Terra Adventure - Little Bike, Big Heart]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/677-adventure-with-a-capital-qlq.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I swapped my R1100RS for this little big bike. A pretty thing with a revvy engine I was eager to test it on our local trails. The Thai tyres were not best for Devon mud and a 17" rear reduces choice of upgrade. I've lowered the gearing so I can use the first 2 gears up steep trails. I've not found a hill too steep for it to climb but a higher gear gives better control in muddy ruts. Ideally I would like a spare set of wheels so I can put in road miles. It's OK on the road although the seat is not for me (too narrow at the tank). The high seating position, good brakes and light steering make it ideal around town. 70.8mph is the top speed on my GPS and 15 mpl is about average before the warning light comes on.

This bike punches well above its weight and every time I think about changing it I ask the question, "Is the new bike worth £2500 more than my Derbi?" Emotions aside it's a tough call. The only bike that I would consider is a Beta Alp. 
I'd like more power spread over the whole rev range. I'd also like Jess Ennis to give me a leg massage. Neither is gonna happen so I'm dealing with it (sort of).
I think Derbi missed a trick advertising pictures with hard luggage. They never appeared so they lost any chance of armchair adventurers getting outside. Journeys to Turkey, Morocco and Mongolia can be found on the web so this burro is well up for getting down and dirty.                 ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 13:45:01 +0200</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">70-556</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Buell Ulysses XB12X: Buell Ulysses XB12X]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/70-buell-ulysses-xb12x.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Ok, I know that the Harley image has a lot to do with the downfall of this bike/brand but this doesn't detract from the brilliance of this bike.

Off road capability has been criticised but knowing that most adveture tourers never leave the black stuff, this shouldn't be an issue for a lot of people. I rode moto cross races for some years and my theory is that road/off road suitability is a sliding scale; usually the better a bike is off road the worse it is on road (and vice versa)....this bike is definitely more towards the road end of the scale. This is due to the small front wheel, slightly rearset pegs, low bar height and short wheelbase. It's basically a jacked up road bike giving more ground clearance.

I've used my 2005 Uly as a 2nd bike; a winter hack and 2-up long distance tourer and these jobs it does brilliantly. It's comfortable, fun to ride and since the demise of the Buell brand is available at a price point less than half of similar bikes.

Mine came with the Buell badged Hepco luggage which is roomy and matches the bike well, though the top box only takes one helmet.

The engine is really torquey as you would expect from a tuned Harley motor and although this is a basic and old design, it packs a lot of punch and over minor obstacles, a blip of the throttle will get you airborne quite easily for a big bike. 
Aside from the tuning of this Sportster engine, the flywheel has been lightened to liven the engine up a bit. This works well except when trying to maintain a constant speed at 30 mph around town. Because the mass of the flywheel is so small, the motor hunts a bit at low speeds but get upto 40- 50 mph plus and it's a dream!
Fuel economy is good and I get between 50-60 mpg depending on how I ride.

Reliability has been good so far with just a neutral switch being replaced (about £15 and a 5 minute job).
Belt life has been a bit erratic for some owners but in my opinion, this comes downd to riding style. Thrash the thing and you will probably get less than 10k miles from a belt, ride consertatively and you should get 5 times this.

I did look at a BMW GS and also a Guzzi Stelvio but when I tested this Buell, I was sold on it.

In summary, if you want a cheap tourer that has character, great to ride and stands out in a crowd but with limited off road capability, I would recommend the Uly. I am already thinking of getting another!



                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:25:18 +0200</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">677-545</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Adventure with a capital "L".: DERBI TERRA 125 REVIEW - NOT ADVENTURE MODEL]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/677-adventure-with-a-capital-qlq.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                The one thing I love about the Derbi Terra its very robust for a little 125. It doesn't even look like one!  A few of people told me it looked like a 600cc bike! It doesn't even say 125 anywhere on the body panels. All there is are some sophisticated chrome letter spelling TERRA on the fuel tank. Sherlock Holmes would be clue less unless there is a big fat L on the screen! Its suppose to be a sportier alternative to the Honda Varadero 125 but its based on the BMW R1200. I've test drive many 125s including the Yamaha WR125, Honda XL125 varadero and the Honda XR 125. I wanted something powerful, reliable and looks cool as well. I found that the Yamaha had produced too much drag to affecting its acceleration, the Honda Varadero was more of a commuter than an adventure bike but I nearly went for the Honda XR125 until I heard of the Derbi Terra. The Derbi is by fair the quickest but the best handling bike I have ever ridden. It would definitely out accelerate cars in traffic and can hit 70 mph + quite comfortably. The engine can happily rev to 11 1/2 rpm and I can managed 180 miles per a tank of 11 liters of fuel. Not only that its cheap to insure. Most other 125s like the Yamaha YZF R125 cost over a grand for first time riders. I only pay less than a grand. 

I've got mine fitted with dual purpose tires and it can plow through the mud with ease. The suspension isn't too bouncy but it loves the twisty country roads. It would make a fine commuter thanks to the skinniness of the bike, I can easily make my way through traffic on time through rush hour traffic. The seat is very comfy, pretty much like the Varadero. There is even a top rack fitted to the bike and I often use my givi top box as it is very handy to nipping to the shops, carrying my college bits and keeping my full size helmet in. Heated grips can make the world a difference and I definitely would recommend them  for the winter riding. 

The only downside of the bike is that the muffler can easily rust as it is made from mild steel. Same as the manifold from the Honda CBF 125! There are many aftermarket mufflers available to choose from including GPR, X Racing, Arrow etc. The fuel sensors can stop working when corroded but it can be a cheap and easy fix.

Overall, a fantastic first bike. I would definitely recommend it to any new riders as its one of the best handling 125s and quite frankly one of the fastest. I would be sad to see it go when I come to upgrade to a bigger bike. 5* I love it!  
                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:37:33 +0100</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">112-542</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Honda ST1300 ABS: ALL you ever want for Touring]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/43-sports-tourer/112-honda-st1300-abs.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Absolutely Superb at what it does and it does what it says it will on the can , the build quality is superb with the exhausts absolutely spotless after 7 years of age and so far absolutey nothing has gone wrong on her at all, she sits laid up in winter but fires up with a press of the button every time, i have just changed the brake fluid this winter and boy what a job ! so unless you have a vacuum bleed kit don't even attempt it ? all other maintenance is ok for a competent home mechanic but the shims are best done at a dealers as they do them all the time (from my experience on my ST100) but just a check is simple enough and so far at 18k none of my shims want adjusting.The 1300 can be a little choosy as to what tyres it likes although i have never had a weave But it does seem happier on Bridgestone's but my last set i put on are Michelin Pilot 3 and they are excellent , very stable with good grip in the wet and they seem to be long lasting and wearing evenly , just replaced the battery and i just check the regulator rectifier volts now and again as with all Hondas these are prone to failure , I've got Honda heated grips that are excellent and a wind deflector kit that works well, both the wife and i use heated clothing and the pan seams to put out enough electrical power for these.It handles very well for a big bike and has plenty of grunt for overtaking we have toured all the Alps and Pyrenees as well as the Mediterranean and dolomites without a hitch , all the luggage is 100% water tight and the lights are also very powerful for night riding and another big bonus in poor weather is the superb adjustable screen that all but keeps you dry while on the move, i like the none gadgeted up philosophy of the ST1300 you just go from A to B in comfort (I have a Triumph Explorer with all the bells and whistles on it and only end up using the mileage trip ?)so the pan does what i want when i want it too and you can pick up some good bargains now days, i would have another one no doubt about it a very trusty steed indeed                  ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Tourers]]></category>
                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">420-540</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Triumph Tiger 800 XC: Brilliant Little Bike ]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/420-triumph-tiger-800-xc.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                


So far its been great , I've been all over the alps on it and did 9k in my first year of ownership (only done less mile this last season as i purchased a Tiger Explorer as well) Its now done over 12k and the first Big service was £280 in a half price winter deal with some of the triumph dealers so i consider £560 plus shims to be way over what is reasonable for a bike with no fairing and it has full electronic diagnostic service scan system fitted so it tells you what is wrong .The only problem so far was a gearbox speed sensor packed up in the Alps and the engine warning light come on which is a bit concerning as you don't know the extent of the problem but Triumph in Grenoble France were great and tested it out and told me i could ride it ok but without a speedo so i used the one on my sat nav then the speedo started working the next day and was ok for the rest of the holiday ,but triumph replaced it under warranty (good job they did as it took over 3 hours) only other recalls are for the stand spring and a replacement centre stand as well as the gear shift return spring its also a good job this was a recall as the spring cost 98p and labour oil and gaskets come to over £500 PHEW !!
The motor is brilliant and does not use any oil and is as smooth as a i don't know what ! the build quality is superb (Sad to say its loads better than the Explorer)and the 21" front wheel just makes it so much fun to ride I've done a track day on it and it handled brilliantly . But when touring with full panniers and tent the hugger hits the underside if the seat "not good"  even with the suspension on rock hard settings and i don't think the panniers will hold up too well if you drop the bike ? next time i will buy some givi box's. I've fitted the high screen as the original is no good for over 6ft people and I've fitted heated grips and these are excellent and fitted hand guards as well as a bash plate and crash bars and a Arrow can as well as a comfort seat and givi top box and all are good quality accessories, for huge miles i would take my ST1300 Pan European then my Explorer but any ride under a total of 2 thousand miles i will take my 800xc every time as regarding smiles per miles its KING Its a great bike and i would 100% get another one even if triumph can be a little challenging when making any warranty claim as that is a disappointing part of the triumph experience 
I don't understand the low scores some give for for reliability ? unless the bike has actually let you down out on the road or trial                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:47:55 +0100</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">834-530</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Was someone thinking of me when they built this?: Bike built just for me?]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/834-was-someone-thinking-of-me-when-they-built-this.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                Well after changing my bike 4 times in 2 years I have ( I hope, but not nearly as much s my wife), finally found the bike that ticks all the boxes for me. I suffer from various aches & pains, mostly age related but in a nutshell, I wanted to carry on riding. 
I has a GSA for 3 years and enjoyed everything about it apart from a) the height and b) the engine. I appologise to all you GSA lovers but in truth, the old boxer engine has really lost it's appeal, it's just too vibie though I genuinely hope the new variant takes the mark in to the 21st century. We all owe the GSA so much for raising the profile of bikes other than those that are track bikes with lights. 
However, the engine aside, I nearly came a cropper when fully loaded with three BM ally boxes and my good lady on the back at a blind bridge just outside Masham in North Yorks. The car coming too fast the other way meant a quick stop and sheer panic when I discovered the camber meant my 31" inside leg couldn't reach the floor. We nearly went over and I put my back out holding us up. Time to rethink.
I dearly loved the bike but hey... needs must. I wont list the other bikes I had in between then & now but suffice to say they really didn't do what I wanted.
Sooo back to the XTourer. I have arthritis in my left hand and after an extensive ride on the DCT to get used to the function, there was no turning back, And that engine combines so well with the DCT it makes riding so much fun, I am also convinced that because it's different it takes me back to how I felt when I started riding over 35 years ago. I have fitted Givi Trecker boxes as they are far better than the Honda stuff and match the black & silver bike, a range of R&G kit (hugger/fork/radiator & exhaust protectors) and oxford heated grips, and have a PUIG screen on order. Having only had the bike a short while and having a trip to France with my wife & two sons planned... more to follow. Remember, ride as often as you can, it keeps you young... at least on the inside.
Ride safe.
Paul F .... Llangollen, North Wales.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:02:53 +0100</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">679-506</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Yamaha XT660Z Tenere - 2010: XT660Z after overlanding 20,000+ miles ]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/679-yamaha-xt660z-tenere-2010.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                First up, in my humble opinion, I can´t see the value in going for a 1,000cc plus motor as an overland choice (well, perhaps unless you are riding in a group where everyone is using the same larger capacity machine - and where people are available to help you lift the thing up - or unless some generous soul gifts you one).  Idris´ 660cc single thumper pushed out more than sufficient horses for me.  And while there were times on longer motorway type stretches where a larger capacity machine would have done the job better (and easier), I didn´t feel that the 660 was being strained at any stage.  

Idris also proved capable of hauling me in relative comfort (once the sheepskin bedded in) along with my luggage and gear.  I think I will have a look at modifying the mounting of my hard panniers a little lower to bring down the centre of gravity a little (I went for the ease of a flat surface across the pannier tops and rear seat - which resulted in quite a high carry position for most of my gear).  But, again, that wasn´t a major issue.

The 23 ltr tank was a boon, and with reasonable quality fuel I was able to return over 500kms on a tank on a regular basis.  In fact, I averaged 72mpg over the 20,000+ mile trip.  Incredible - and that saved me quite a few pennies.  It was also impressive that the machine ran well on fuel from 84 to 97 octaine - with the only notable difference being the tank range, rather than throttle response.  Equally, I had no issues in riding the machine at altitudes over 4,500 meters.  Again, impressive.

As the bike is a single, maintenance was very simple and cost effective - though in truth I didn´t need to do that much.  I changed out the oil and filter every 6.000 miles or so.  I changed a few light bulbs, tyres, the OEM chain and rear sprocket, and cush drive rubbers (which are now packed out with inner tube).  The bike always started first click - hugely reliable.  The only mechanical issue I had, really, was the need to rebuild the OEM shock.  It had gotten all gunked out with fine fesh fesh in the desert and had lost its damping.  The rebuild did work, however, and I´ve since done some 6,000 miles on it without issue.  It now needs a good service and the thottle is sticking open a tad from time to time.  In short, if I needed to take it a distance - I wouldn´t worry about packing up and heading off again overnight.

And, while reporting on the positives, the bike also still looks pretty cool.  I think the red and grey helps, and the colour seems to stand out in photos even when the thing was actually pretty dirty.  This also helped attract attention almost everywhere.  And from those who knew their bikes it attracted a little envy too, and often sparked the question as to why Yamaha don´t routinely supply the XT660Z across the Americas.  I´m afraid I can´t answer that.  I know they are pushing the 1200 as the overlander of choice - and that is a very impressive machine - but the 660 has a lot going for it too, particularly if you are travelling solo.

But are there any downsides to taking this machine on a major trip?  Yes, hand on heart there is one.  Travelling around the world´s waistband would be less of an issue, but it seems to me that in both the north and south extremes there lives a whole lot of wind.  And wind at a level where you probably want to be a low down as possible.  On an XT660Z you ride high - great in traffic and in other country areas - but in the high winds of Patagonia, for example, I often felt like a sail!  It is very tiring.  At a fuel stop on Tierra del Fuego I noted that a chap who was more or less the same hight as me was sitting on his GS1150 a head lower!  I can´t help thinking that this was a distinct advantage in the land of the wind.

That said, if I went on another big trip, would I take Idris?  Yes, without a second thought.  This bike got me out of trouble quite a few times - and it has soul.  It gets under your skin in a way that only some bikes do.  And if you are going to spend months travelling together, then that quality is essential.

Very Highly Recommended                    ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:22:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">125-502</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Suzuki V-Strom 650X: Vstrom 650 XP]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/125-suzuki-v-storm-650x.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                I had the Vstrom 1000 for about 4 years and 37,000 miles. Sold it for the 650 XP. This model comes with the metal panniers and I've added the same brand top box. These panniers come with inner bags and are really easy to use and very practical especially camping when you can stuff camping gear into the top loading panniers. The engine is smoother at low revs than the 1000 and very economical. 62mpg is normal even on fast runs. I've changed the seat to a one from the 1000 which is 20mm higher and flatter profile. I've added a MRA screen which stops the buffeting. Overall the bike lacks a bit of oomph but as long as you are prepared to wind it on, it will respond with a good turn of speed. Having said that, I will be looking to swap for the 2014 VStrom 1000 when it arrives. You can't beat having cubic centimetres unless you value fuel consumption over roll on power....                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:25:59 +0100</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">72-500</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[Honda XRV750 Africa Twin: my 1990 africa twin (donkey)]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/72-honda-xrv750-africa-twin.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                great bike covered 3000 miles with ease to Marrakesh and back in 10 days.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:36:15 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <item>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">708-481</guid>
                <title><![CDATA[BMW F650GS TWIN: Best all around bike I ever had, and I've had a lo]]></title>
                                <link>http://www.adventurebikerider.com/component/content/article/42-adventure/708-bmw-f650gs-twin.html</link>
                <description><![CDATA[
                                After some personalizing accessories from the sizable aftermarket, this bike is a keeper. Best all around bike I've ever had, this thing covers a lot of bases.                ]]></description>
                <category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
                <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:33:42 +0100</pubDate>
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