Which one should I get? BMW vs KTM vs YAMAHA vs TRIUMPH vs ...

[Gab83]

Hi everybody,

I am planning to get an adventure bike that I can use riding on/off road, alone and sometimes - why not - with a pillion.

The choice is really hard as:
1. I want a used bike. So it depends on what I can find.
2. I want a good all round bike.
3. It has to be really good on road but also gives me enough confidence when putting the tires in the dirt.
4. Good fuel consumption and easy to maintain.

Below all the options that have come up to my mind. Please, feel free to suggest other bikes - if any.

BMW F800GS
Heard that off road is probably the best 2 cil. but what happens on road?
I am currently excluding all the big GS, even though I love the 1150.

KTM 990 Adventure
I have always loved it. Seems to be one of the best big off road bikes. Though I have heard that doesn't bright in terms of fuel consumption.
What about the 990R?

TRIUMPH Tiger 800 XC
Tried it and loved the engine. I owned a Speed Triple 1050 in the past and I believe the 3 cil. from Triumph is one of the best engines ever made.
The direct competitor seems to be the GS800, which is apparently better off road but there is no comparison when they are on road, where the Triumph wins hands down. Correct?
Does any one know about the new XCx model?

YAMAHA
Option 1: XTZ 660 Tenere
Option 2: new MT-09 Tracer
Re the Tenere there is not much to say. Everybody loves it. The only that concerns me is the mono. I know it doesn't bright on the road.
Re the Tracer, what can I say? Brand new, but some used can be found already. Probably the 17" wheel at the front is not good for the off road.

There would also be the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, but unfortunately I won't be able to find any used one.

Thanks everyone for your help.

[threepot]

You like the Triumph triple..then buy one! I can guess what order the suggestions will be on here..
BMW
Yamaha
Ktm
An other?

[Zookman]

Tracer is purely a road bike. Wheels, suspension and ground clearance are only suitable for road only, the sump is particularly low.

[Gab83]

You like the Triumph triple..then buy one! I can guess what order the suggestions will be on here..
BMW
Yamaha
Ktm
An other?

Well. I like the Triumph as I like the GS800 and the Tenere. I have tested all of them, and liked each one for certain features. The doubt comes from the fact that I didn't have the chance to test any off road. Hence this thread.

[Gab83]

Tracer is purely a road bike. Wheels, suspension and ground clearance are only suitable for road only, the sump is particularly low.

That's what I thought. Nice looking bike though. And for that money it see,s to be a very well sorted package. Like it.

[Zookman]

Tracer is purely a road bike. Wheels, suspension and ground clearance are only suitable for road only, the sump is particularly low.

That's what I thought. Nice looking bike though. And for that money it see,s to be a very well sorted package. Like it.

I have one and i'm well chuffed with everything about it.... but i wouldn't dream of taking it off road, its totally unsuitable for it.

[threepot]

You like the Triumph triple..then buy one! I can guess what order the suggestions will be on here..
BMW
Yamaha
Ktm
An other?

Well. I like the Triumph as I like the GS800 and the Tenere. I have tested all of them, and liked each one for certain features. The doubt comes from the fact that I didn't have the chance to test any off road. Hence this thread.

That adds a different dimension! The GS800 is regarded as better off rd? Depends how much you will do? I don't think any dealer would be happy giving you a demo bike,if they know you'll be trying it off rd?

[Gab83]

I know that it'd be impossible to have an off road test ride. Unless you go to one of those BMW courses.

Re how much off road I will do, it's hard to say but I would like to do as much as possible. Trials and green lanes, nothing more I guess. But if I had to tell a percentage, I would like to do 30% at least.

The only thing I have heard about GS / Tiger is that the first is more off road oriented, but good on road too, and the second is the other way around.

Any opinion about the Tenere and the KTM?

[stevedo]

What do you mean by "off road"?

If you mean true off road then I wouldn't consider any of your options. If you mean riding dirt roads then they will all be capable. Like you I considered the GS800 and Tiger 800XC (among others). For most riders I think the perceived "off road" vs on road capabilities of the two are immaterial. For our 2up Round The World trip we chose the Tiger 800XC. We've ridden many dirt roads in Alaska, Northern Yukon, Death Valley etc as well as a trip to Morocco which included dirt roads with no issues. The bike is also great on road 2 up and I couldn't recommend the bike highly enough to anyone. However, would I take it properly "off road"? No way.

http://www.tiger800rtw.com

Steve vs Truck on the Dalton Highway! by steved5660, on Flickr

Now that's what I call dirty by steved5660, on Flickr


Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Death Valley by steved5660, on Flickr


High plateau - Todra to Nekob by steved5660, on Flickr


Regards
Steve

[captinktm]

Well I am bias toward the KTM's but I would always go for the 950, they are better on fuel than the 990 and have a much better throttle to wheel feel. They are great on the road and the best off road. There are now cheap and most are fully sorted. I just bought another one for £3750 and it's a peach. Oh and if you want a test ride fly out to Bulgaria your welcome.