KingRat wrote:I am humming and haaaring over the GP450. I love the build quality and sensible 'rally' additions to the Adventure - the soft luggage is a real bonus. BUT, I am unsure about the 450 Kymco motor (it isn't a BMW despite what it says on the cover).
The chassis and running gear I have no qualms about whatsoever, but the motor I do. I need a bike that can do high mileages on a daily basis too, as well as cope with the rough. From the Peak District down to Plymouth, Southampton or Brighton, then a day's work, then home again is not unusual. I am not sure the 450 would cope with that on a regular basis, or at least, the bike might but it wouldn't be very comfortable is what I mean - comparing to an 1150 Adventure, which I have done over 200,000 miles on over the last 13 years (2 bikes).
I have a 650 Xcountry at the moment and that is similar in concept, but not in execution. The 650 Rotax is a lovely motor, very easy to keep running but the bike is not as well built as the CCM, I know that, but the bigger capacity does make it less frenetic.
What are peoples' thoughts please? I haven't dismissed it, but bear in mind a motorcycle is not a luxury toy for me, it is a means of transport - I don't 'go for a ride' for fun, I do it every day to get to work, so I don't need to go and get a motorbike fix at the weekend. I also use my bike for accessing fishing in out of the way places. Camping weekends away fishing and that is why I want a bike capable of venturing down country tracks. I am not an accomplished off roader - a lane with grass up the middle is 'off road' to me.
Interested in sensible feedback please. I have found a couple of GP450s for sale that are within my budget, if I sell one of the bikes I have and stretch myself for 3 years.
Thanks, Simon.
I thought the engine was designed by BMW, and manufactured by Kymco?
However getting back to your main point. I love the GP450, and would like to recommend it, but for your description, it might not be the best option. but do take a test ride if you can, and decide for yourself.
I'm 6'2" if I was going to buy a GP450 for your purposes, mostly road with some light unsurfaced tracks, I personally would go for the lower suspension version, with the high seat. The lower seat height and reduced brake dive would be preferable.
In my view, the CCM is not a bike that enjoys dual-carriageway miles.
It Is entirely capable of doing them, but it makes them feel more mundane / boring than on some other bikes. The vibrations are more noticeable over long periods at constant speeds where you don't move around much.
Twisty B roads (or many of the A roads up here) where you are changing speed and direction frequently are a lot of fun and the bike excels in those conditions, giving a very engaging and excitable ride. It wants you to accelerate hard, and throw it round the corners.
I use a motorbike as my main transport, for commuting, supermarket trips, errands around town etc. I tend not to use the GP450 for that. My 650 V-strom is better for shopping (3 large hard Givi Panniers), for riding in strong winds (215kg) and on Motorways or in traffic.
The more boring character of the V-strom over the GP450 is actually better for mundane daily use.
The 650 V-twin doesn't have to be worked as hard to get the same rate of progress, and generally gives a more relaxing, buy less involving ride.
If you want to venture down a few tracks, a bike like the V-strom will do that too. It has basic suspension, limited ground clearance, and the oil filter stupidly unexposed at the front, but there's a choice of dual purpose tyres (Hedinau K60s for example) that will see you through mud and gravel easily enough.
The newer BMW g650gs single might be worth a look, or the tenere 660,
If you fancy something new, the Honda 500x or SWM super dual might suit?
