Touring motorcycles in a used check

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Touring motorcycles in a used check
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Touring motorcycles in a used check

Touring motorcycles in a used check
Travel machines up to 2500 euros

Anyone who wants to go on a big tour with a bag and baggage needs a suitable base. Not exactly cheap when new, the second-hand market already offers a wide range of travel machines for 2500 euros.

Holger Hertneck

09/11/2008

The hobby of motorcycling has many facets: heating on the racetrack, letting off steam in the field, cruising on the show mile or just traveling? Perhaps the most original kind. And the best thing about it: To have fun, it doesn’t have to be the Panamericana, Route 66, Nepal, Australia or a tour through New Zealand. Motorcycle trips that start on your own doorstep are at least as beautiful. A suitable bike is the basis for this type of holiday. And that can be found on the used market for less than 2500 euros. MOTORRAD has picked out some interesting models that are sure to make the tour a success.

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Travel machines up to 2500 euros

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A suitable touring motorcycle needs a long-lasting, reliable motor, ample payload (around 200 kilograms) to accommodate two people and their luggage, sufficient range so that a refueling stop is not necessary every 150 kilometers, and one for the driver and passengers too Duration of comfortable accommodation. Many motorcycles already fail at the payload hurdle. Even on “Big ships” like Honda CBR 1100 XX, Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100 or Suzuki GSX-R 1300 Hayabusa, depending on the year of manufacture, you may not even pack 180 kilograms on top? that is simply not enough if it is to go on tour fully loaded with two people plus travel accessories. So if you don’t want to limit yourself to a toothbrush and credit card when choosing your luggage, you should definitely take a look at the vehicle documents before buying a used bag so that the holiday is a success and does not end with the first police check.

BMW K 75 RT

The most successful model from the BMW K 75 series bears the suffix RT and was officially offered in Germany from 1991 to 1996. Amazingly, the model existed in the USA and Spain almost two years earlier. The most striking distinguishing feature from its big sister, the K 100, is the slightly shorter cylinder block, which contains only three instead of four combustion chambers, the triangular rear silencer – the K 100 has a square tailpipe. Most of the RT models initially served as government vehicles. The police, traffic jam helpers, emergency doctors and civil service were particularly impressed by the reliability of the handy tourer. Many of these meticulously cared for and serviced vehicles have long since passed into private ownership – often recognizable by specially shaped suitcases and a kind of topcase instead of the pillion seat. On the engine side, apart from occasional oil leaks – especially in the areas of the oil / water pump and cylinder head cover – there is hardly any reason to complain. Even with a mileage of well over 100,000 kilometers, there is still no end of life in sight with regular maintenance. Do-it-yourself screwdrivers are also happy about the easy accessibility of the components.

The cardan also ensures ease of maintenance, as it is only noticeable with leaks at the transition between the swing arm and the drive. The cause is usually a defective sealing ring on the transmission output shaft. When viewing, it is particularly worthwhile to look for suspicious traces of oil, including on the telescopic fork. In most cases it is sufficient to replace old seals that have become porous and the leakage will come to an end. Other check points: leaky instruments, warped brake discs, worn out struts. These deficiencies can be remedied – the characteristic whistling noises caused by the straight-toothed primary drive, however, not.

plus
+ Very good wind protection
+ Range large
+ Engine durable

minus
– Strong whistling engine noise
– Series chassis uncomfortable
– Instruments vulnerable

Market situation
Around 9,000 K 75s are still on the road in Germany – around a third of them are for the RT models. The cheapest offers cost less than 2,000 euros, with a mileage of around 100,000 kilometers. Between 60,000 and 80,000 kilometers, most offers are in the range of 2,500 euros – almost regardless of the year of construction. The selection of used RTs is quite large – it’s definitely worth comparing. Models with extensive touring equipment such as ABS, suitcases, tank bags and heated grips collect plus points.

Data
Water-cooled three-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 740 cm3, 55 kW (75 PS) at 8500 rpm, weight 266 kg, payload 214 kg, tank capacity 22 liters, seat height 810 mm, top speed 174 km / h, consumption 4.5 to 7, 3 l / 100 km super

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
25/1990 (T), 25/1992 (GK)

T = test, GK = used purchase; Repeat orders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.flyingbrick.de https://www.1000ps.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder

Honda CB 750 Seven Fifty

Are you looking for a good-natured, durable and low-maintenance everyday motorcycle that offers people between 1.60 and two meters in a comfortable seat? Then the Seven Fifty, launched in 1992, should be just the thing. Even more so if you also like classic, timeless and no-frills design. Thanks to hydraulic valve clearance compensation, the maintenance work consists of changing the oil and filter, occasionally synchronizing the vulnerable carburettors and regular checks of the secondary drive, bearings and brake components. The few known shortcomings of the CB 750 include rubbing brake discs. The best way to find out on the test drive is to apply the brakes gently at low speeds. If the load jerks and jerks, new – and very expensive – discs are due. Loud noises from the transmission when engaging first and second gears, on the other hand, are not a cause for concern. Howling noises do – they indicate worn gear pairs. With mileage below 50,000 kilometers, however, this is rarely to be expected. Clogged air filters and the associated breathlessness in the engine, which revs up unwillingly, are the order of the day. The reason is the dirt thrown up by the rear wheel. This can be remedied by a splash cloth attached to the inner mudguard, which every hobbyist can easily carve himself. Only professionals should dare to exchange the standard rubber brake lines for steel braided brake lines, which are sometimes responsible for the doughy brake feel. For them, screwing the carburetor is no rocket science. For the different power variants (34, 50 or 73 HP) it is sufficient to exchange the intake manifold, main nozzles and nozzle needles. Good for everyone who wants to grow their motorcycle together.

plus
+ Automatic, hydraulic valve clearance compensation
+ Comfortable seating position for driver and front passenger
+ (De-) throttling easy

minus
– Brake discs tend to rub
– Air filter gets dirty quickly
– No wind protection

Market situation
Even the cheaper of the many used offers for 2000 euros rarely have more than 50,000 kilometers on the clock. Seven Fifty are generally very well cared for. Most of them are in their original condition, occasionally machines with accessories, case systems, protective bars, and now and then also with windshield or retrofit silencers are offered. Due to the huge inventory of around 17,000 machines in Germany, interested parties can easily find a usable Seven Fifty at a reasonable price.

Data
Air-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 747 cm3, 54 kW (73 PS) at 8500 rpm, weight 233 kg, payload 192 kg, tank capacity / reserve 20/3 liters, seat height 780 mm, top speed 196 km / h, consumption 4, 9 to 9.8 l / 100 km normal

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
9/1992 (T), 11/1992 (VT), 21/1995 (T), 4/2002 (VT), 11/2003 (GK)

T = test, VT = comparison test, GK = used purchase;
Repeat orders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.cb-sevenfifty.de
www.cb-sevenfifty.privat.t-online.de
Used offers: https://www.1000ps.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder

Suzuki DR 800 Big

Bigger is better, Suzuki thought back in the late 1980s when they built the largest single-cylinder to date in the DR 750 S. But it should be even more powerful. In 1990 the DR Big 800 S appeared. A real travel giant, not only because of the seat height of 86 centimeters, which deterred many would-be enduro riders. It’s actually a shame, because once it rolls, the Big drives wonderfully handy and precise over any terrain. In addition, there is a pleasantly upright sitting position and an acceptable wind protection despite the small windshield. Thanks to two balance shafts, the vibrations of the mighty single cylinder are kept within tolerable limits, so that relaxed touring is a lot of fun. Superfluous – and probably long since dismantled by most previous owners – is the plastic brake disc protector, which prevents adequate cooling under extreme loads such as downhill passes and leads to unpleasant fading. Used buyers should not only take a look at the rust-prone manifold and rear silencer as well as the frame during the tour, but also check the prone steering head bearing. A leaky transmission output bearing indicates incorrect chain tension. Because of the large spring deflection at the rear, the chain needs plenty of slack in order to have reserves when it is fully compressed. Another checkpoint is the clutch. If it grinds, ideally it is only due to the poorly routed clutch cable in which dirt collects. As a result, it is not only difficult to operate, it also no longer goes back completely. Noticeable load changes are mostly due to worn out shock absorbers in the rear wheel, a known problem that many owners eliminate with inserted rubber plates, bicycle tubes or other individual solutions.

plus
+ Range very large
+ Top travel machine with off-road qualities
+ Comfortable sitting position

minus
– Paint quality bad
– Seat height is large, so only for tall people
– Brakes prone to fading

Market situation
With an inventory of over 4000 pieces, you can easily find used DR Bigs. The prices start at just under 1500 euros. Models around 2000 euros have in some cases less than 30,000 kilometers on the clock. With over 50,000 kilometers without an engine overhaul, at least oversized pistons and a revision of the cylinder head (valves, camshaft) must be expected. The first 800 from 1990 with a 29- instead of 24-liter tank, two instead of one fuel filler neck and one instead of two end pots are less recommendable due to the 20 kilogram lower payload and two centimeters higher seat height.

Data
Air / oil-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 779 cm3, 37 kW (50 PS) at 6600 rpm, weight 222 kg, payload 203 kg, tank capacity / reserve 24/4 liters, seat height 860 mm, top speed 163 km / h, consumption 4 , 7 to 8.7 l / 100 km normal

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
18/1991 (T), 18/1992 (KV), 19/1994 (VT), 26/1997 (GK)

T = test, KV = concept comparison, VT = comparison test, GK = used purchase; Repeat orders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.dr-big.de
Used offers: https://www.1000ps.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder

Yamaha TDM 850

If you can’t decide between enduro, athlete, fun bike and tourer, you should get one TDM 850 Test drive. The machine presented in 1991 could not even be assigned to any segment by those responsible for Yamaha. It offers a bit of everything: on the outside a little fun bike, an upright seating position like an enduro, snappy brakes like an athlete, wind protection like a tourer. In the first years of construction the headlights resembled two big bulging eyes, from 1996 the TDM blossomed with a new design into a visually sleek companion. Since many owners did not like the standard thin sound at all, retrofit systems are among the most popular conversion measures. However, an exhaust test in MOTORRAD 16/1996 showed that none of the systems achieved the peak performance and homogeneous performance of the original. When buying a converted Yamaha the series system should therefore also be taken over. First of all, it is important to pay particular attention to some test points. For example, there are often leaks in the fork. Protection against this is provided by bellows fitted at a later date from the accessories. The damping of the shock absorber decreases after a mileage of at least 50,000 kilometers. If the TDM teeters after bumps on the test drive, this is an unmistakable sign. In addition, shift all gears up and down several times. Loud switching noises and bony-looking switching operations are still no cause for concern; however, if the gears do not want to lock into place, better hands off. All in all, the Yamaha is a reliable companion for everyday use and for extended tours, even if it is still not clear to which segment the 850 actually belongs.

plus
+ Motor reliable and low in vibration
+ Comfortably upright sitting position
+ Sufficient wind protection

minus
– Main stand not standard
– Fully loaded shock absorber overwhelmed
– Gear rough

Market situation
There is plenty of TDM online for less than 2500 euros. No wonder, with over 10,000 copies registered in Germany. Occasionally, even the sleeker models built from 1996 onwards can be found among them. Offers with a mileage of less than 50,000 kilometers are very rare in the price segment under consideration. Prospective buyers should take a correspondingly careful look at the used machines. And not only the wearing parts such as the drive chain, tires, brake pads and discs, but also components such as spring elements, steering head, wheel and swing arm bearings.

Data
Water-cooled four-stroke parallel twin, 849 cm3, 57 kW (78 PS) at 7500 rpm, weight 230 kg, load 205 kg, tank capacity / reserve 18 / 3.5 liters, seat height 830 mm, top speed 207 km / h, consumption 4.4 to 8.5 l / 100 km normal

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
9/1991 (T), 18/1992 (KV), 1/1993 (LT), 24/1994 (VT), 11/1996 (T), 13/1996 (VT), 15/1998 (VT), 2 / 2004 (GK)

T = test, KV = concept comparison, LT = long-distance test, VT = comparison test, GK = used purchase; Repeat orders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.tdm-forum.net
www.tdm850.de
Used offers: https://www.1000ps.de/gebrauchte-motorraeder

Tires – The requirements for touring tires are diverse

Durable, handy, adhesive, suitable for wet? Tires for touring bikes should do justice to all of these attributes. The balancing act between the individual criteria is anything but easy. Thanks to the multicompound technology that has been possible for a number of years, in which the tire flanks and the center of the tread consist of mixtures of different hardnesses, there will be more and more tires in the future that on the one hand allow extreme lean angles and on the other hand achieve high mileage. The following tables show the winners of the last three touring tire tests in MOTORRAD *.

MOTORCYCLE 12/2008
1. Michelin Pilot Road 2 2CT
2. Dunlop Roadsmart
3. Metzeler Roadtech Z6

MOTORCYCLE 11/2007
1. Michelin Pilot Road 2
2. Metzeler Roadtech Z6
3. Pirelli Diablo Strada

MOTORCYCLE 11/2006
1. Metzeler Roadtech Z6
2. Pirelli Diablo Strada
3. Continental Road Attack

Luggage – where to put your travel essentials?

The question of whether a third pair of shoes, another book, the rubber dinghy, the hammock or the portable radio are included on the trip does not even arise for a motorcycle tour. There is neither sufficient loading capacity nor space for this. Nevertheless, there are of course many options for storing luggage. And each species has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.

Luggage roll
Plus:
+ very inexpensive
+ lots of storage space
+ very variable
+ waterproof
+ low weight and pack size

Minus:
– Luggage difficult to access
– difficult to carry when fully loaded

Softbags
Plus:
+ universal ?? not vehicle related
+ mostly variable volume
+ Luggage easily accessible

Minus:
– Not suitable for motorcycles with high-level silencers
– The passenger’s seating comfort is mostly limited
– There is a tendency to flutter at high speeds

backpack
Plus:
+ inexpensive
+ additional back protection
+ important utensils on the man
+ handy for sightseeing on the tour

Minus:
– With a heavy load or high driving speed, strenuous in the long run
– limited storage space

suitcase
Plus:
+ lots of storage space
+ waterproof
+ good protection
+ Space for pillion is retained; Can be used as a camping seat

Minus:
– very expensive
– bulky
– heavy
– Required luggage rack vehicle-specific

Tank bag
Plus:
+ Space for map
+ important utensils (cell phone, wallet, toll cards) within easy reach
+ easy attachment

Minus:
– limited storage space
– can hinder the steering angle
– Often limited view of instruments

Useful accessories

Extras such as ABS, on-board computer, heated grips, navigation system, case set, tank bag, protective bar, touring window, alarm system, lock, large tank, main stand and touring bench increase comfort and safety when driving. If you planned to equip your motorcycle with it anyway, you will save a lot of money. In addition, useful accessories improve the later resale value. In the case of components such as steel braided brake lines, retrofit silencers, footrests and panels, it is essential to pay attention to the ABE or a corresponding entry in the vehicle documents. It is also an advantage if the series parts also change hands when they are purchased. A careful comparison of the used motorcycles on offer is not only worthwhile for reasons of cost, but can also avoid problems with TuV or the police later on.

Alternatives

Basically, of course, you can travel with almost any motorcycle. Those who are tough can reach the North Cape even on an uncomfortable super sports bike, a Spartan chopper with a tiny drop tank or a hard enduro that is not suitable for long distances. With a little talent for improvisation, you can even find the luggage you need. The frequent breaks in the journey due to the small tank volume may still be acceptable. However, if a passenger has to suffer and the permissible load capacity is exceeded, the fun stops. Then maybe it’s better to look around for a suitable alternative with a travel character. Here are another eight models that are perfect for traveling.

Aprilia Pegaso 650
The somewhat different travel machine: nimble, super handy and blessed with a spirited engine. In addition, there is a particularly good seating position, especially for the driver. However, if you want to travel fully loaded with two people on the motorways or are looking for maximum wind protection, you should better look around for something else.

Data: 48 PS, 157 km / h, weight 191 kg, payload 199 kg, tank capacity 14 liters, consumption 4 to 8 liters normal.

BMW R 80 GS
For many years, the epitome of long-distance travel of all kinds thanks to a robust, reliable motor that not only proves to be very easy to maintain, but also impresses with high six-figure mileage. With a large accessory tank and white power chassis, it is suitable for almost any desert. A real packhorse for every terrain ?? with or without a passenger.

Data: 50 PS, 160 km / h, weight 215 kg, payload 205 kg, tank capacity 24 liters, consumption 4.4 to 9.2 liters normal.

Honda Africa Twin
It goes through thick and thin, doesn’t shy away from gentle off-road interludes or fast stretches of the motorway for two. Wind protection, range, space and a huge range of accessories make the popular large enduro an almost ideal travel companion. Particularly recommended: the mature RD07 models from 1993 onwards.

Data: 60 hp, 180 km / h, weight 236 kg, payload 191 kg, tank capacity 23 liters, consumption 4.6 to 7.3 liters normal.

MZ Scorpion Tour
Despite its own design and tried and tested, water-cooled Yamaha five-valve engine, the street-level single-cylinder never really caught on. With its ample payload and the immense range with a restrained driving style, it is definitely an insider tip for the touring sector. The used offers are mostly less than 2000 euros.

Data: 48 PS, 165 km / h, weight 192 kg, payload 208 kg, tank capacity 18 liters, consumption 4.3 to 7.2 liters normal.

Suzuki GSF 600 S Bandit
While there are only a few used offers of the 1200 Bandit for less than 2500 euros, there are plenty of the 600 series. Admittedly, if you want to move forward quickly, you have to squeeze the small top seller properly. In return, it uses fuel sparingly and is easy to use. However, stiffer accessory fork springs are a must.

Data: 77 PS, 200 km / h, weight 222 kg, payload 218 kg, tank capacity 20 liters, consumption 4.3 to 7.2 liters normal.

Suzuki GSX 750 F.
The fully paneled Suzuki offers a comfortable seating position for driver and passenger alike, and there are a number of offers on the used market starting at 1500 euros. The engine from the GSX-R is powerful and extremely stable. Make sure to take a look under your dress when buying? the bends tend to rot.

Data: 98 PS, 227 km / h, weight 230 kg, payload 190 kg, tank capacity 20 liters, consumption 4.9 to 9.3 liters normal.

Yamaha XJ 900 S Diversion
Getting a diversion for less than 2500 euros is no problem? one with less than 50,000 kilometers, on the other hand, is. XJ owners are frequent drivers. As it should be for a touring donkey, wind protection, pillion suitability, cardan drive and range are convincing? the latter, however, only with a moderate driving style.

Data: 90 PS, 209 km / h, weight 276 kg, payload 194 kg, tank capacity 24 liters, consumption 4.4 to 10.7 liters normal.

Yamaha XJR 1200
Touring can also be fun without lavish disguise, as the beefy Yamaha proves. Its high-torque motor pushes the load forwards almost independently of the load, even from the lower speed limit. A wide, comfortable bench is ideal for long stretches, and the accessory market has the right products for every taste.

Data: 98 PS, 198 km / h, weight 253 kg, load 207 kg, tank capacity 21 liters, consumption 5.1 to 10.5 liters normal.

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