Adventure bike or cruiser?

gerarda · 31-08-2023 4:39pm #1

Hi all, I'm about to buy a bike but can't decide what? I'm 51, have passed my theory test recently and want something that:

1) I can do my A test on

2) Can eventually teach on

I'm 2 metres tall so that rules out a lot of bikes. I love harleys but they might not be beginner friendly?

Thanks for all replies!

gerarda · 31-08-2023 4:48pm

Forgot to add, this is my first bike, I'm sitting my IBT shortly

rock22 · 01-09-2023 6:42am

What do you want to teach?

GBX · 01-09-2023 11:01am

Tiger 800/900, BMW 750/850GS would be decent options.

di11on · 01-09-2023 11:49am

I've a similar dilemma. I'm in France and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan S, restricted to 35kW for A2. I recently got my full A license. I absolutely love the bike. I'm short so I like how comfortable it is being able to flat foot, especially for riding two-up.

The thing is though, the Vulcan S isn't an out and out cruiser... it has street vibes too. I've been on some adventure riding and like the idea of something that can go off road on occassion... so for my next bike, it feels like I have to commit... full cruiser... or something else. I've been looking at the Indian Scout on the cruiser side, and then for something more versatile, I was thinking of the BWM R Nine T. I just don't know. Maybe I need the Indian Scout and a Royal Enfield Himalayan for off roading.

Decisions decisions!

LIGHTNING · 01-09-2023 11:53am

So I got an adventure bike and got rid of it 12 months later, there are really feck all greenlanes you can just wander onto here in Ireland. Its not like the UK at all.

GBX · 01-09-2023 11:57am

Currently have a Tiger 800 - had an FZ1, do quite a bit of commuting. I prefer the upright position compared to the FZ1. That said, I do miss the power the Fazer had!

TedBundysDriver · 01-09-2023 12:11pm

The adventure market is absolutely saturated with massively over powered huge bikes that are more or less useless for doing any "adventure" riding on. If an adventure bike is a must i'd wouldn't go above a 600 if you plan to do any sort of off roading whatsoever. Even for massive motorway stints like down to the south of France etc... the big adventure bikes are overkill. I've a 2015 Tracer 900 at the moment it's more than enough for what i do touring/scratching/down to the shops etc... As others have mentioned it's virtually impossible to find off-road tracks in Ireland that go for any decent distance in 2023. Honestly if i was looking right now for a bike i'd go for a Tracer 700GT the 2023 model is meant to be fantastic and it's less than half the price of a loaded GS.

Cruisers i know absolutely nothing about sorry.

IrishGrimReaper · 01-09-2023 12:34pm

Have you done your IBT yet? if not you should do it first as it may give you a better idea of what bike suits you. The instructor may have a few different types you can try.

You will also be limited as to what bike you buy first, by, what bike you can actually get Insured. Do not buy a bike until you know you can get Insured on it.

I find that Cruiser bikes are a nice idea but the feet forward pegs are an acquired taste and don't suit all. My friend bought a Kawasaki Vulcan S as his first bike and HATED the position of the pegs, I also did not like it. He sold it after less than a year (but pretty much broke even on price).

You are very tall so an upright bike would feel a lot more comfortable for you and even the tallest bikes you shouldn't have any issues getting your feet down (which will make you feel more confident).

If you're looking to become a Motorcycle instructor you'll need to have held a full Bike license for two years before you can apply - I wouldn't worry too much about a bike that would be specifically tailored to this at the start because your wants/needs could change over two years. Any bike would work really provided it's comfortable and easy to ride.

My first bike was a Faired 2008 Honda CBF600 (suitable for A Test) which I had for just over two years, great bike but maybe a touch small for you (I'm 5"11). The 1000 CC Kawasaki Versys might be an option for you if you can get insured on it, the height would be good and there are two available on Donedeal.

A 2014 one at €5,250 and a 2016 at €7,500 - I'm sure the 2014 could be haggled down a few hundred as well.

Betsy Og · 01-09-2023 2:59pm

I've a V Strom 650XT, nominally an "adventure" bike. As many have said there's v little suitable track in Ireland, but with TKC 80s it could/has done gravel, fields etc, but is a heavy beast if you'd to pick it up more than once. Get a real skid plate if offroading.

Its a good height for the taller rider, I've been to Germany, France, UK on it so if not carrying a pillion it is enough to get you around big trips. It commutes well, good sightlines over traffic. I will say its a bit top heavy on a full tank so you would want to be tuned in when coming to a stop (be fully upright, use the back brake at the end), any angle and a bit of front brake grab/fork dive and it could be a horizontal experience....

Have a great rep as bullet proof. There's a new 800DE that looks great, like others have said I don't know there'd be much point if shelling out for the GS end of the market (also the Yamaha Tenere 700 ("T7") and a new Honda Transalp, T7 for offroad, Transalp for road touring, V Strom 800DE in between, capable of both), if going bigger I'd nearly go Africa Twin.

Sir Galahad · 01-09-2023 4:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058311674/adventure-bike-or-cruiser

Try a test ride on a Himalayan. Inexpensive first bike that will fit a 2m person. Or a low mileage older Africa Twin. The sit up & beg riding position will suit a tall person.

Bluefoam · 01-09-2023 5:37pm

I'm also curious, what do you plan to teach? Are you planning to teach bike craft after just receiving your own licence?

Cienciano · 02-09-2023 10:40pm

Adventure bikes are great, just think of them as touring bikes.

If you like harleys, personally I'd get a cheaper custom style japanese bike (600 dragster or something), use it for a year or two and if you want a harley then you'll know.

galwaytt · 04-09-2023 7:28pm

I bought a new Africa Twin in 2018 and sold it in 2022. I did however, keep my Harley, which I've had since 2007. I can't stand the 'feet forward' riding position either (the V-Rod in particular comes to mind), and i have my Harley set up so I sit, and my knees are at 90 degrees. I find the Harley very easy to ride.

Rosahane · 04-09-2023 7:36pm

Just buy a GS...end of 😉

tenreds · 04-09-2023 7:56pm

Bought an adventure bike last year gsa850 mainly just for touring won’t be going off road much on it.Love the riding position on it, and I’m nearly 2 meters.One thing I do find is it is a heavy bike and it is easy to drop if you’re not careful.

Sir Galahad · 04-09-2023 10:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121069659#Comment_121069659

I've not ridden my bike for 15 weeks due to several reasons. Tomorrow I'm collecting it again . . . . . . you think the GS 800 is heavy ? 😉 Meet up and try my 1150 Adventure 😮 with a 31L tank.

listermint · 04-09-2023 10:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121055734#Comment_121055734

I don't think anyone is truly buying an adventure bike for green laning tbh, if you want that you'd get a suitable scrambler. People buy them due to comfort riding position, height, visibility, protection and carrying capabilities. They're adventure tourers not green laners. If your suitably skilled yes you can wrap them around off ride with ease. If you're not then they'd be useless.

tenreds · 04-09-2023 10:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121070191#Comment_121070191

Enjoy when you get it back, have you ever dropped it, some effort to pick it back up I would guess.I had to lift the 850 one time that’s enough for me

GBX · 05-09-2023 12:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121070210#Comment_121070210

100% - even if you look at the Paddy Dakar. Lads I know did it on 300s. Same guys have 1200cc adventure touring bikes in their garages. Much easier to lift a smaller bike than a large GS/Tenere/Tiger.

galwaytt · 05-09-2023 4:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121071963#Comment_121071963

I made the schoolboy error a few years ago of selling The Perfect bike for that, to a guy to do the Paddy Dakar. It was a GasGas Pampera 250, fully road legal and registered (here).

Even picking up 100kg as that was would have the sweat out in you - I wouldn't even dream of trying it with my Africa Twin.

GBX · 05-09-2023 10:46pm

Ouch. . Ideal for the PD.

Way off topic now. @gerarda best of luck with the IBT.

What's the plans, eventually teach IBT down the line ?

Sir Galahad · 07-09-2023 10:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121070254#Comment_121070254

Wuhoooo I’m back on the GS again. Absolutely still in love. It’s 2005 SE 1150 Adventure with 21,000 miles. Let one of my previous (I’ve had 13 1150 adventures 😎) 1150’s fall over and a combination of adrenaline and embarrassment helped me to pick it up 🤣

goblin59 · 08-09-2023 9:21am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121083197#Comment_121083197

at least when a GS fall over (with engine bars) they only fall about 45 degrees

At OP I recommend looking at videos on how to lift a bike up, arse to seat and use your legs

D3V!L · 08-09-2023 11:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121083197#Comment_121083197

Why and how did you have so many of the 1150 Adventures ? I'm on my 3rd Adventure at the moment.

Sir Galahad · 09-09-2023 7:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121084803#Comment_121084803

I’ve been on 1150’s since 2002. At one stage I had two identical 1150 Adventures in the garage 😁

gerarda · 17-10-2023 8:11pm

Thanks all for the replies. Well, I ended up buying a Yamaha XJ900 Diversion, completed the IBT last weekend. The plan is to become an RSA instructor.

Hotblack Desiato · 01-11-2023 2:35am

That's kinda like saying I've just lost my virginity, now I want to become a porn star.

Adventure bike or cruiser?

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