I am a somewhat newbie to biking- I have ridden several bikes and I am planning on buying good condition used bike for the summer of 2009. I want to travel out west on a bike for a few weeks (4000-5000 miles) and I am not sure what type of bike would be best.. Right now I am planning the route and I am hoping to be able to buy the bike this summer if I can save up enough. I have driven 750's and a 400- I want something with a 4 cylinder and at least 750cc, but Am also considering the Kawasaki KLR650 or he Suzuki Vstrom. Problem is cost. I am thinking around $3,500-$5000 for a bike and saddle bags. the lower the cost the more I will have for travel expenses. I will be graduating from college and the police academy here in Michigan May 2010 so I want to have one last trip of adventure before I start my career life, and it seems Summer 2009 will work best.
Any information on years, models and styles would be great. I am open to about anything. I have ridden a 2001 ninja 500, 1977 Honda CB750, 1982 Virago, and 1980 something Yamaha CZ440. I preferred the CB750 for its seating, but would like to get something with highway bars or a little more comfortable for long distance. I Sat on a 1995 Honda Magna 750 V4 and thats about what I am looking for I think. Also- what would be too old/too many miles to depend on for that long of a trip? thanks.
Jeremy
countryboypride@gmail.com

 

Watch the prices carefully and you can probably get a discount at one of the dealerships during the first week of January. Dealers will be looking to clear out previous year's inventory. Also, my husband religously scans http://www.craigslist.com for good deals on used motorcycles. I'm not sure which kind of motorcycle to recommend. Steve and I got a goldwing for long distance riding...very comfortable and low maintenance. Of course with a goldwing you will have to overcome the stigma of riding an "old persons" bike.

 

I have been a long distance rider for many yrs, to include as far as Colorado, into Canada and Nova Scotia, have had many bikes, starting off learning on a 175 honda, have had a couple of the 250's, the 250 and 450 rebel, the 600 vlx, and the shadow ace tourer, 1100, I present have a 96 honda goldwing trike, I bought used, and never looked back, tho I have truly enjoyed the other bikes. Low maintenance, good maintenance records is a concern in looking to purchase a used bike. Seat comfort, and handlebar length and position, height of bike,(for safe balancing) is important as well, with gases prices of course, one that would get you good gas mileage. I traveled long distance on all of the above bikes, with no trouble at all, even to Nova Scotia and Canada on the 600 vlx. Suggest one with shaft drive, and with cc's of at least 750 or above. Stock seats tend to NOT be as comfortable, replace the stock seat on the shadow ace tourer, for a corbin seat, made all the difference in comfort for long distance riding. Many of us women are short in height, getting a bike that "fits" us is important for safety. A safety travel list can be found on most biker sites and forums, as to what is suggested to take along on your trips. I have a forum, Peaceful Winds, where I include a wealth of info for bikers there as well.
http://peaceful18.informe.com/index.php Good luck in your ventures, and know you will have the fun and time of your life. I strongly urge women to do the same. An experience, you will never forget, those wonderful moments, "slippin in the winds".

 

KLR650 is a good choice, I've met loads of people riding them around the world & its fine for both on & off road.

I ride a BMW F650GS - bit more power than the KLR and IMHO better build quality, 84000 miles on this trip so far & its still going strong.

Bigger that a 650 will give more power & thats nice to have for highways but they're also heavier and no fun in the dirt. Single cylinder bikes are simpler (less to go wrong!) but you get more vibration.

 

I saw that BMW made a bike with a 3 cylinder and was wondering if ou all knew anything about it.. what are the advantages of a vtwin over a inline 4 or v4 or vice versa? thanks I came across a 2001 Suzuki intruder 800-- I liked it.. I might be thinking of going that way. I am hoping to buy one mid next summer or this spring...