green laning on 11XXgs, F650gs or jap bike

[Dennis van Dijk]

Hi ya,

I am pretty much set in buying a 11XXgs when we have moved house etc. I just wondered if the bike can be used for some green laning or not. Will it be better to get something on the side to do that.

I am debating with myself if it would be better to get a 11XXgs and a cheapo off roader (xr 400/600, xt600, dr400) to do that. Or decide on the F650gs to do it all. THe only thing that is holding me back is that I like to go on road tours also and F650GS might not be as good for that......

How comfy is the F650gs on long trips. How good is the F650GS off road?

cheers

 

[Fanum]

I bought a DRZ400 to do green laning 'cos I found my 1150 Adv too big and scary off tarmac at first.


After a year, it stopped being used completely as I got used to chugging the big beasty along the lanes and up and down more technical stuff......be prepared to drop it a lot to start off with and fit crash bars, hard parts if you want (and dependant on model) and start on the easy stuff first, but yes, the big GS is more than capable of doing green laning and off roading, as the many pics of us doing so on this very site will attest to

 

[Taff]

I had a 650 Dakar and quite honestly, I think you would struggle to find something better for serious off-roading. They can be chucked about quite easily on rocky tracks etc, but the problem with the 650 is that it isn't ideal for touring - especially if you're taking a pillion and loading panniers. The 1150 on the other hand has no problems touring, but its a heavy bike to lift when you drop it.

 

[carcher2k]

Having never ridden an 11xxGS off road, I can't comment, but they are great road bikes.

I've done a fair bit of off roading on my F650GS Dakar, and to be honest, it's never missed a beat. I've also covered 30,000 miles in the last 15 months on it, commuting, touring around the country and motorway miles to the girlfriends and college, and apart from a limited top end, I can't fault it. Its great fun in the twisties, has enough pull to get past traffic on the m/ways, and can be ridden off road by a numpty like me!

If money wasn't an issue, then perhaps go for the bigger beast, but if you want something cheaper and to do it all, you can't beat the Dakar!!!

 

[wedgie]

see mikys site regarding long distanses on the f650 gs and dakkar
at www.adventure.gs
wedg

 

[Gas'd Off]

Half the fun of the GS11xx is you DON'T need a second bike cos you can go almost anywhere on it. Get some good tyres and some crash bars and go play off road. Then next weekend sit back and enjoy cruising down the motorway with luggage & pillion. The one after that go scratching down country lane twisties. Besides if you get an 11xx you will need all the cash you have kept for the second bike to spend on accessories innit

 

[oxenhoper]

Never had a problem touring on the 650 took me and the missus to Harris and Lewis (Hebrides) in the most foulest of weather with no problema at all. In fact planning a return journey soon.

 

[Vendome 41]

1100 off road not a problem as far as you have decent tyres