Getting into Adventure Green

BUDGET TRAVEL BIKES TO CONSIDER
AN OLDER BIKE YOU CAN AFFORD, RATHER THAN A NEW ONE ON FINANCE
OR PCP IS SOMETIMES THE BEST RECIPE FOR ADVENTURE. HERE ARE A FEW
BIKES, FROM ALL CATEGORIES, THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY TAKE YOU FAR
HONDA DEAUVILLE
Some may laugh, but this is a great
all-round touring bike that has the
benefit of built in panniers, shaftdrive
so you don’t have a chain
to maintain, a decent screen for
weather protection and a simple
twin-cylinder engine that shouldn’t
give you any troubles. You can pick
up early examples of the 650cc model
for around £1500 and pay a little bit
more for the 700cc model. Obviously,
it’s not going to be the best bike for
the trails, but if you just want a bike
that will go and stop and allow you to
enjoy the bits inbetween then don’t
pass over the Deauville.
SUZUKI V-STROM
Both in 650 and 1000cc forms the
underrated V-Strom is a bike that’s
been proven to perform well in most
conditions, has great after-market
support and an owners community
that is second to none. People swear
by their V-Stroms and it’s easy to see
why. The 650 is relatively light and
manageable. It’s a non intimidating
bike, which is what you want when
venturing further away from home.
It’s also economical and plenty
comfortable. The 1000 offers a lot
more punch and currently great
value for money, especially the first
generation; prices as low as £2000.
HONDA TRANSALP
The Transalp has been around
in various guises for quite some
time now and for anyone wanting
simple, reliable technology, an easy
bike to live with and an active and
supportive community then it’s hard
to look any further than the Transalp.
Like the Deauville it originally came
in 650 then 700cc, with the latter
bikes still commanding decent
money. Look hard though and you’ll
find an early one for £1500, with
prices, like much of these dependable
trail bikes, slowly beginning to rise;
a reflection perhaps that they don’t
make them like they used to.
BMW F650 GS
When you follow the forums of
people travelling long distances on
bikes you can bet that quite a few
will have chosen the single-cylinder
BMW from the late nineties, early
2000s. The technology is simple, the
bike sturdy and well engineered. They
are a bit top heavy and despite the
looks not the most off-road friendly
bikes, but they will slog out the
miles, with good comfort, excellent
economy and it seems to be the bike
that many buy and lower, making
them suitable for those short in the
leg. Hunt around and you can pick
up a good one for £1700. Bargain.
32 Find out more at www.gettingintoadventure.com