what bike

[scampi]

hi to all I am new to adventure riding I did the dragon rally this year 2015 on my Suzuki bandit 1200 I am in the bandit owners club of g b over the last few years a few have done the elephant rally I have tried twice and failed twice once work related once I chose the wrong bike (a Honda c90 )some one said it would be a good laugh ha ha . any way as the fun police have stopped all the fun at the elephant rally we have decided to try the primus my main question is what bike would be best in my price range I have always fancied a Yamaha tdm 850 but I have been told a Suzuki dr650 would be better as I will be using it mostly for comuting to and from work in the winter I would prefer the tdm so my question is would a tdm make it. any advice would help

 

[africajim]

I honestly think there would be no difference between the two, one's as good as another, neither are true offroad bikes but both would handle hard tracks.
You pay's yer money mate, make your own choice.

 

[rainbar2]

scampi welcome from norn iron. Sorry I just seen your post. Hows about trying a Transalp?

 

[Paul-S]

Welcome

 

[JimDidIt!]

hi to all I am new to adventure riding I did the dragon rally this year 2015 on my Suzuki bandit 1200 I am in the bandit owners club of g b over the last few years a few have done the elephant rally I have tried twice and failed twice once work related once I chose the wrong bike (a Honda c90 )some one said it would be a good laugh ha ha . any way as the fun police have stopped all the fun at the elephant rally we have decided to try the primus my main question is what bike would be best in my price range I have always fancied a Yamaha tdm 850 but I have been told a Suzuki dr650 would be better as I will be using it mostly for comuting to and from work in the winter I would prefer the tdm so my question is would a tdm make it. any advice would help

I've a Mk1 TDM and an XL600R (almost like a DR but kicker only). Both are cracking bikes and I'd happily take either on a long trip. The TDM is essentially a road bike - heavier, more comfortable, faster. The XL will go just about anywhere in the right hands (i.e. not mine ) although prolonged 'fast' miles would be an ordeal. If you decide on a TDM, the Mk1 has much better front suspension than the Mk2, and a 360 degree not 270 degree crank. It also looks better IMHO.

 

[The Don]

welcome scampi, as others have said, much depends if you plan to do few rallies and the majority of mileage will be commuting, I would definitely opt for the TDM. Have you considered the 900cc....? I go by hearsay but I have read a few comments on the 900 being a better bike of the two.......some very good deals out there as sh......