AT, Vara 1k, Vstorm or GS?

[barracuda]

Maybe I'll just chip in since I've owned some of the bikes you've mentioned.

 

R1150GS - This is by far the best handling bike I've ridden. Bike is very well balanced even though it is heavy. Once it is on the move, you'll be surprised by how well it handles even at low speed. Cornering is confidence inspiring. I regretted selling it although there are some known weaknesses like the infamous hall sensor issue ($400 replacement part). The bike is pretty easy to DIY with tons of support from the internet. Just take note of servo brakes on some models where the braking system will not work when it is not powered up.

 

TDM900 - Like what Kmax said. Its underated. Very capable bike. Smooth engine for a twin. Pretty mature model by now. Comes with ABS for the later models. More street than dual purpose. For me, I do not like the idea of putting odd tyres on the front and back for the off road purpose. The 18" front wheel limits the tyre choices if you want to put a full complete set (ie tourance front and rear). Quite a compact size for a 900 with pretty comprehensive aftermarket support in terms of parts and accessories.

 

Vstrom 650 - I got it because I wanted to try it out and did not want to repeat the bikes I've owned. I laid off riding for a while and just got back as well. Didn't go for the litre class bikes as I ride as a hobby now. I drive most of the time. So a 650 fits my purpose very well. Slightly and I mean slightly more off road worthy than my TDM900. Kmax photos will show you that it is the rider and not the bike. Its physically bigger than the TDM but weight wise its about the same (DL650 ABS 197kg vs TDM900 ABS 209kg - both dry weight). Also pretty comprehensive aftermarket support in terms of parts and accessories. Its got pretty good fuel economy if its an important aspect for you (around 25km/L).

 

All 3 bikes can go thru tight traffic without panniers mounted with ease. TDM900 is better even with panniers mounted coz the panniers will go below most car mirrors. GS & Vstrom are mounted higher up.

 

I was at Loois last Friday and there is a used XT660 on sale. you might want to check it out if it appeals to you. With a 20k budget, all the above mentioned bikes (2nd hand) will fit the bill with spare change.

Edited March 28, 2011 by barracuda

[Paikia44]

I'm off to Looi's tomorrow!!!!

[kmax]

I was at Loois last Friday and there is a used XT660 on sale. you might want to check it out if it appeals to you. With a 20k budget, all the above mentioned bikes (2nd hand) will fit the bill with spare change.

 

is it blue color with leo vince slip on ? if so.. i know the ex owner, trade in because of bad knee..

 

I'm off to Looi's tomorrow!!!!

[Paikia44]

Kmax... U seems to know EVERYBODY!!! hahaha!!

 

Bara, Just to confirm... This is the Looi's at kaki bukit right?

[kmax]

Kmax... U seems to know EVERYBODY!!! hahaha!!

 

Bara, Just to confirm... This is the Looi's at kaki bukit right?

 

haha.. just happen to someone i know traded in his Tenere 660 at loois.. and yes, it's at kaki bukit..

[Paikia44]

What the heck u doing up at 4:18am? Breastfeeding?? Hahahaa

[kmax]

What the heck u doing up at 4:18am? Breastfeeding?? Hahahaa

 

yeah man.. 3 hourly wakeup calls...

[kmax]

hey bro..

 

how's loois shop visit ?

[barracuda]

I didn't spot that one. It belongs to Mr Half Price can right? The one I saw is a black one with H&B Alu top box. All the F800GS, R1200GSA and S10 seems to be calling me to buy them LOL

 

is it blue color with leo vince slip on ? if so.. i know the ex owner, trade in because of bad knee..

[Paikia44]

There's 2 660s there at Looi's.Both are with LV slip-ons but one has the original side panniers w/o top box with the other is the reverse. I reckon the one that belonged to kmax's friend is the one with more accessories. The other one is almost stock. Mr lee quoted me $17.5k. Went ard looking at other bikes (there was a GSA 1150 and a GSA1200 too) & also the new models downstairs. And b4 I could bargain with Mr Lee, he left the workshop for some errands. I couldn't wait & left. Went Excel Motors down the road but nobody bothered to entertain me so I left rather quickly.

 

Still considering what bike to get, or rather should I get one at all cos wifey this morning asked me how i am planning my financials & talking abt an endowment plan for our baby. Sigh... & I haven't even told her my plans on returning to bikes yet.

 

Another plan is to just get a 'cheap' DRZ400. Good for Tarmac & capable of doing some dirt once in awhile.

[kmax]

There's 2 660s there at Looi's.Both are with LV slip-ons but one has the original side panniers w/o top box with the other is the reverse. I reckon the one that belonged to kmax's friend is the one with more accessories. The other one is almost stock. Mr lee quoted me $17.5k. Went ard looking at other bikes (there was a GSA 1150 and a GSA1200 too) & also the new models downstairs. And b4 I could bargain with Mr Lee, he left the workshop for some errands. I couldn't wait & left. Went Excel Motors down the road but nobody bothered to entertain me so I left rather quickly.

 

Still considering what bike to get, or rather should I get one at all cos wifey this morning asked me how i am planning my financials & talking abt an endowment plan for our baby. Sigh... & I haven't even told her my plans on returning to bikes yet.

Another plan is to just get a 'cheap' DRZ400. Good for Tarmac & capable of doing some dirt once in awhile.

 

bro... DRZ are not cheap.. even COE espiring models are selling 4~5k.. but it's fun bike for dirt and road..

take your time and look around bro.. good thing comes to those who waits..

[kmax]

I didn't spot that one. It belongs to Mr Half Price can right? The one I saw is a black one with H&B Alu top box. All the F800GS, R1200GSA and S10 seems to be calling me to buy them LOL

 

lol.. yes.. Mr-Half-Price-Can.. he traded in for DR650.