Quote from: girly on May 26, 2011, 09:05:02 PM
Hi Heather
The only thing that put me off was the BMWs they use.  I'm only 5'2" so the BMW meant that I would probably have to pillion on the back of hubby    Might have to think about somewhere like Vietnam first (where I would have my pick of bikes built for short-arses!)

Hi Sam
Long time no see. Can understand your problem. I think they have an extra short one for us height challanged people. On the shorter rides hiring their bikes would be better but as this trip goes for 4 months it's not cost effective to hire their's hence take your own (which is part of the price anyway).  This is why I'm bike shopping.  Even though I can get a BMW to suit my height (I'm 5'6") and they will do the job well, I found them boring to ride.  (Think everyone that also owns a BM on here is just about to throw something at me!!)

I have looked at the new Triumph tiger 800 which is a bit lower (seat height can be set to 810mm).  The dealer near me is also getting in a corbin seat for their demo model which will lower it more.  I am booked to test ride this bike late June. So stay tuned.

Ah - to be 5'6" and have my choice of bikes 

Quote from: girly on May 26, 2011, 09:37:58 PM
Ah - to be 5'6" and have my choice of bikes 

We're never happy. 

I find my lack of height challenging when it comes to bikes too. But then there's plenty of blokes out there that are about the same height as me so I shouldn't complain.

Hi Heather,

Every time I read this thread it sets me off dreaming.

I'm interested in the discussion about what bike would be suitable.  I think there are a few factors in your favour when it comes to the Hypermotard for this trip (probably why you picked it in the first place).  The first is that you don't have to carry your luggage.  Fantastic!  Makes picking up the bike if you drop it a whole lot easier.  Also the bike handles better, etc. etc.
You are right in that the HM has a bit of character too although any bike will develop it's own character if you sit on it for hours every day for four months.  It's just a matter of whether you like that character of not.
It doesn't matter what bike you end up with it will always be a compromise in some areas.  It's just a matter of which weaknesses you're more prepared to put up with or which strong points you desire most.

As I said in an earlier post, enjoy the preparation time.  For mine it's nearly as much fun as the trip itself.  It's as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

By the way, surely we're due for a Vic OzMos ride?

Hi Rob

Not much happening - just a lot of daydreaming.  I'm still thinking about the Hypermotard but all the info I can find describes it as a town show pony not an off road machine. Also, at this point in time, I can't find any dual purpose tyres to fit it.  Will have to see what happens in time. My travelling companion disliked the BMW test ride so much that he is now determined to take a Multistrada on this trip and damn the expense!!

I'm booked to test ride a Triumph Tiger 800 at a ride day in Warrnambool in two weeks time.  They don't look that much different to the BMW F650. They are about the same height but a Corbin seat has been ordered for the one I'm testing which will make it lower.

So who's turn is it to organise a Vic OZMo ride?  Are there many of us left? It's been cold but sunny for the last two days here.

I've only been riding Heather powered two wheels lately (no I haven't lost my licence - yet).  In training for a mountain biking weekend in the Otways - hope I survive it!!!

I've always been impressed with the Triumph product although at 210kg how does the weight compare?  The 01/11 Two Wheels test seems to say that it's got a lot going for it.  I guess getting parts if necessary won't be any harder than for a Duc.

I've been riding occasionally with Tony (koko64).  He and I both work shifts so it seems to work out well.  He's a nice guy and he's always up for a bike related chat.  Give us a call when you're in town and we'll see if we can arrange something.

I was at the Otway Fly during the week with some family.  Saw plenty of hail and even a few snowflakes.  Perfect for a mountain biking weekend!

Quote from: heatherp on June 12, 2011, 10:21:05 PM.... I'm still thinking about the Hypermotard but all the info I can find describes it as a town show pony not an off road machine.....

I completely agree with the show pony description. It's 17" front wheel is the biggest clue to its lack of any genuine off street prowess.  That's not to talk the Hyper down, I love 'em.  And if its what you want then I'm sure you could train a show pony to get down and do some dirty work.  But it wouldnt be on my shopping list for a trip like this.

Queens birthday holiday (who says royalty are good for nothin'  ) saw me riding my DR along some much muddier tracks than I was really ready for  .  Dropped it a few times and getting me out from under it and then dragging it up out of the mud almost killed me  .   For as much of a struggle as the DR was, there's no way I would wanna be wrestling with anything any heavier.

Just my 2 bob's worth  .

Yeah but:

Quote from: heatherp on March 26, 2011, 08:39:28 PM
It's not a Dakar trip.  Some rough tarmac roads, some gravel yes - but NO SAND (apparently) and no off road riding required.

Its not like she needs a trials bike.

I would still like to talk to Hyper owners to see if any of them have ridden on gravel roads. (Ptooey where are you?) Which is really my main concern.  Most of the main roads in Patagonia are gravel.  In reality you could do it on any bike but how comfortable would you be and how fast could you go.  (I go pretty slow on gravel on the Monster  )

Having said that, I'm getting plenty of rough road practice here in Western Victoria.  Geez we have some crappy roads.  (Not to mention the practice I'm getting by riding a road pushbike on the bike trails around here too - think I'm gonna love jumping on a mountain bike).

So far on paper, the Triumph is cheapest, lowest seat height (and can be made lower with a corbin seat) and has the most horsepower (but it's also the heaviest  ).  Hmn I'm looking forward to the test ride.  One point of interest, yes the hyper has at 17" front wheel, but the BMW f650 and the Tiger 800 still only have 19" front wheels - not 21". (Tiger 800 XC has the 21" front wheel but is too tall for me )

Unge - I'm sure a DR would be very suitable and heaps of fun on this ride but I don't have time to get the leg extension operations done. 

Hey Heather have you seen these things ,Cagiva  with suzuki engines 
for what the 500c jobby costs you wouldn't bother bringing it back to Aus ,sell it on return.

http://www.bikesales.com.au/all-bikes/private/details.aspx?R=9931385&__sid=12FCC4471B77&__Qpb=1&Cr=0&__Ns=p_IsPoa_Int32%7c0%7c%7cp_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_HasPhotos_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cp_Model_String%7c0%7c%7cp_YearMade_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cp_PhotoCount_Int32%7c1&keywords=&__N=1432%20604%201430%201429%201626%201428%204294967035&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=25&silo=1400

http://www.bikesales.com.au/all-bikes/private/details.aspx?R=10684909&__sid=12FCC4471B77&__Qpb=1&Cr=8&__Ns=p_IsPoa_Int32%7c0%7c%7cp_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_HasPhotos_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cp_Model_String%7c0%7c%7cp_YearMade_Int32%7c1%7c%7cp_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cp_PhotoCount_Int32%7c1&keywords=&__N=1432%20604%201430%201429%201626%201428%204294967035&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=25&silo=1400

Quote from: Betty on June 14, 2011, 12:10:52 AMIts not like she needs a trials bike.

Quote from: heatherp on June 14, 2011, 01:40:10 AM
Unge - I'm sure a DR would be very suitable and heaps of fun on this ride but I don't have time to get the leg extension operations done.  

Point taken. Contrary to how it may appear, I'm not pushing the DR barrow.... just attempting to indicate that lightness and simplicity are worthy attributes.  

Quote from: heatherp on June 14, 2011, 01:40:10 AMSo far on paper, the Triumph is cheapest, lowest seat height (and can be made lower with a corbin seat) and has the most horsepower (but it's also the heaviest  ).  Hmn I'm looking forward to the test ride.  One point of interest, yes the hyper has at 17" front wheel, but the BMW f650 and the Tiger 800 still only have 19" front wheels - not 21". (Tiger 800 XC has the 21" front wheel but is too tall for me )

IMO 19" front wheel is a good compromise between the accepted road-going ideal of 17" and the 21" off road favourite.  A nice 60/40 option (60 road/40 off road).

Other more road biased (with dirt road ability) multi-cylinder options....  
H, have you thought about an inexpensive Suzuki DL650 V-strom?  They're ugly as can be but their owners are very passionate about their ability in tough conditions.  V-strom specs

Honda's XL700 Transalp? Transalp specs

Yay.  Thanks guys this is exactly the sort of discussion I want to have.  Lots of research chucked at me.  Well done 

Unge - I know you weren't pushing the DR but I understand your point about weight.  Looked at the Trans Alp.  Looks okay but a tad tall and dry weight = 214kg plus a 20L fuel capacity = heavy bike!!!!

I actually don't mind the Vstrom.  Not as ugly as the BMW I think.  So maybe something else to add to the test ride list.

And RobS has thrown the (jap)cagivas into the mix as well.

Oh goody lots to look at.

Hey what about Aprilla Pegaso?? (nah it's got little wheels too)
I was reminiscing the other day about how well my old Kawasaki Zephyr 750 used to handle gravel roads and got to thinking .....

Quote from: heatherp on June 14, 2011, 06:08:21 AMHey what about Aprilla Pegaso?? (nah it's got little wheels too)

There are 2 versions of the Pegaso.  The Pegaso Trail has a 19" front wheel.  But both Pegasos have not such glowing reputations for build quality or reliability.  Not that theres anything wrong with the engine - its the rest of the bike which seems to cop flak.  The Pegaso shares its 660cc single cylinder motor with Yamaha's cool but fat (and very tall) XT660 Tenere  >>  Yamaha XT660 Tenere

Quote from: heatherp on June 14, 2011, 06:08:21 AM
I actually don't mind the Vstrom.  Not as ugly as the BMW I think.  So maybe something else to add to the test ride list.

Plenty of aftermarket "offroad" bolt-on goodness and knowledge available for the V-strom too.  All you'd ever wanna know and more here  >>  www.stromtrooper.com

Triumph Tiger 800 (standard) test ride.
Sorry about the crappy photo. The bikes were 3 hours late due to the trailer (full of demo trumphys) coming off the tow hitch on the way from Melb.  I was on the first ride so when they eventually arrived it was - quick - get on em and ride - and no time for photos after as there was a back log of test riders.

First up - it's too tall for me on the lowest setting (810mm).  It was a windy day down in Warrnambool today and I was sitting at the traffic lights with my right foot on the brake and my left big toe on the ground wondering how long it would be before a strong gust blew me over.
But having said that the rep did give me the name of a German company that supplies (in Aust) lowering links and he seemed to think it was no big deal to do so.
Also this bike is the standard version (not the 800XC 21"front wheel one) both are the same 'triple' engine though.  It has a 19" front wheel and is not aimed at serious off road riding.  So sacrificing a bit of ground clearance  through a lowing link will still see the bike capable of doing gravel roads. Adding a corbin seat will also lower it by about 20mm (but I think I need at least 50mm, maybe more to be truly comfortable).
But once under way well  me likey a lot.  It’s very well balanced.  You really don’t feel any of the 210kgs of it.  Very smooth to ride.  Very useable power (94 hP claimed).  Think I’m becoming a power junkie.  I really didn’t have any problems riding this bike. 
I will say this bike has personality, soul, puts a smile on my face,  whereas the BMWs made me yawn.
I did only get to ride it for 20 minutes (I had the BMs for 4 hours) but it was an enjoyable 20 minutes.
So this one is hereby added to the possible list pending research into costs of lowering and all the other add ons I need.

Sounds good Heather but a very short ride to
Help make up your mind. Though I guess sometimes it doesn't take much to know that you prefer one over the other.
I do wonder how much the lowering link might compromise the suspension setup?