xr6 or xtz?

[fridge]

Off to Morocco next Wednesday and I've pretty much decided that I'll sell the Transalp upon my return.... which means I get to buy something to replace it.

I fancy something with a bit more (xtz?) or a bit less (xr6?). I mean something with a bit more power and hence fun or something with a fair bit less weight and better off-road. Realise they are two quite different bikes but you seem to be able to get an xtz cheaper than a similar aged thumper, at least on ebay.

How do you think they'd compare for general short hops to work plus the odd longer trip. The xr would need a fair bit of work for touring and you'd have to put up with being slower I guess. I think I'm torn between a sort of KTM 690 Enduro ancestor and something like a KTM 950 Adventure ancestor! (Can't afford a new KTM)

Any thoughts?

Cheers
David

[boboneleg]

Hi Dave,

I'll throw in a spanner in the works..........



BMW 650 Dakar, as quick as your Transalp better off-road and 65mpg

Have a great time and a great journey.

cheers, Bob.

[Jenna]

i know one thing, you wont win many friends in the XTZ world by calling it an "imitation cheapo KTM 950"!!!!

[Wee Jack]

i know one thing, you wont win many friends in the XTZ world by calling it an "imitation cheapo KTM 950"!!!!

Not in the KTM world either !!!

[fridge]

i know one thing, you wont win many friends in the XTZ world by calling it an "imitation cheapo KTM 950"!!!!

No offense intended.

What I meant was I'd like a bigger faster more high-tech suspended rallye bike than the TA but can't afford a KTM950, which is what I'd like to try if I had lots of money so I'm thinking the xtz is an earlier and hence more affordable bike of a similar type.

So there, I love you all and both bikes (KTM, Yamaha and Honda too).. I'm sorry, please forgive me

[j]

I would agree with offroad god Bob one leg GS650 DAKAR very good it would go around the back of abersychan mountain far better than the tranny

[fridge]

I would agree with offroad god Bob one leg GS650 DAKAR very good it would go around the back of abersychan mountain far better than the tranny

Nice bikes but I quite like the old school cool of the xtz750 and the xr600, plus my mate has a std 650GS so I can't possibly give him the satisfaction of seeing me buy a similar bike!

[shuriken]

I've just bought an XR600 to replace my NX650 Dominator as a commuter and do it all bike.
Pros: Short gearing means a pretty quick ride and plenty of grunt. Short shift to 5th gear(40mph) then twist the grip to go faster or slower. 60mph is happy, 70 is ok and 80mph(max speed) vibby and engine screaming. Getting 50 mpg if not gassing it everywhere. Very strong engine with a 15 year production history and tons of spares and back up (mostly from USA). Genuine Enduro bike that will take on anything, hey if it can take on the Baja 1000 year after year..........and suspension is the real deal, pukka Showa front and rear. No battery, simple electrics.

Cons: Needs to have a smaller rear sprocket for every day use(see above speeds), also a long range tank. I've seen 70 miles before reserve, just bought an Acerbis 22 liter tank off ebay and now 200 odd miles. No mounting points for luggage, 35w head light unless you buy a lighting coil upgrade, no fairing and a seat that will be good for 70-80 miles before aches set in (well it is a proper off roader). Kick start only. No battery.

Compared to the Transalp, it's raw and basic with plenty of kudos. I bought one because I've always wanted one and don't mind putting up with it's limitations. It's a bike I'm not scared to tackle anything on either. The new XTZ looks the business and gets a very good write up, BMW F650 Dakar is very capable too. Personally these are the two bikes I'd be looking at, or the new BMW F800. Not mentioned KTM as I don't know much about them, they are the dogs danglies in the off road world tho.