Looking for a Thumper

[guest1839]

Hi All,

Some years ago I used to participate in this forum when I owned an XBR500. I sold the XBR three years ago (mistake!) and have had several bikes since including a KTM 690 Duke (also a mistake - bloody manic!).

Well, I'm back!

In short I am looking for a 500/600 etc. single cylinder trail style bike (XL/KLR/DR etc.) . I don't mind what manufacturer but have a fondness for 70's through 90's Japanese trail style bikes. I realise that late 70's stuff now goes for stupid prices and I have a budget of £1 to £1.5k.

What do the collective recommend?

Cheers,

Andy

[themoudie]

Aye Andy,

Welcome back to the forum.

From the sounds of things a XL600 would fit the bill, as might one of the MZ 660 trail bikes. As you say, the DR/XT and KLR are all in the frame, reasonably cheap, easy to maintain and run for ever providing the oil and filter are changed regular and often. See what comes up on your local Gumtree etc and ask around for other peoples trade in machines, if a dealer is having problems shifting older stock.

However, speaking to a friendly dealer, he reminded me that good secondhand bikes are in demand at the moment as you do not loose the VAT or depreciation as you role the thing through the doors onto the forecourt. Many are struggling to sell as many new stock as they have lined up in the 'recovery'!  If you are going to buy 2nd hand go hunting in the autumn as dealers want to unload trade-in stock to pay the wages over the winter months.

Trust that you are in good health. Happy hunting!

My regards, Bill.

[guest1839]

Thanks Bill,

Good sound advice.

My intention is to buy something that I can, if necessary, prepare over the winter in readiness to ride the Stella Alpina in July 2015.

I was considering tackling it on my 1200GS until I realised that was tantamount to utter stupidity! Mind you the guy that tackled it on a Gold Wing had some balls!

I am going to repeat this post on the FB forum as well.

Cheers,

Andy

[Richard]

I take it that you're after a bike with a decent fuel tank then, which sadly seems to rule out the MZ machines - lovely though they are.

I would have thought that pretty much any of the 600ish singles would suit - probably down to what you can find in good nick more than anything else - and the length of your inside leg of course !  Most of them can be fitted with larger tanks.

Keep us posed on the hunt.