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AITG's avatar
AITG
Explorer
Aug 14, 2013

Truck camper and a motorcycle

I have the camper in my sig line and I've been thinking it would be nice to pull a motorcycle behind the camper. I can set up the camper at a site and leave everything hooked up and use the bike to get around for the day.

I DON'T want a Harley and I can't use a 250 cc "hamster bike". I'm 6 ft, 215 lb. I took the MSA class on a Suzuki TU 250X. I was so cramped up I found I was riding the rear brake because my foot wouldn't clear the pedal when it was on the peg.

Anyone have any suggestions? Would a dual sport style bike be the answer? If so, which ones are weighted to on-road over dirt? Any advice is appreciated. (Except "Motorcycles are dangerous". I know).
Truck Campers

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  • ejfranz's avatar
    ejfranz
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    I'm 6'2" and with the stock seat on my Wr250r could not touch flat footed. This bike is fuel injected and I ride with guys in our dualsport club that are on 400 - 1200cc. The bike keeps up no problem. I have mine geared down 12/48 from the stock 13/43 and I can still get up to 120 km/h. If you want more torque get a ktm 350 exc. It is a lighter bike that is more woods ready. See my sig for how I carry my bike. My wife also doubles with me.
  • MCIbus's avatar
    MCIbus
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    With your size you will need to do a lot of adjusting to get something to fit you and your riding style. With being a new rider your stile will change over time.
    I rode for years and stopped because of my work. When / if I every go back to living in a “house” I will be getting a bike or 2.

    I would look at a V-Strom 650. It will have plenty of room once you get it adjusted. It is a dual sport, but it's set up a little more for the road. My parents 2 up on a V-Strom 1000 and do everything from tent camping on fire roads to trips that last a week across 2 or 3 states.
  • AITG's avatar
    AITG
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    Wheelholder wrote:
    Honda has a touring bike with ABS. It has a 750cc engine, along with an automatic transmission. Sharp looking bike. Fairly light with low center of gravity. My son is 6'2" and it fits him pretty well. I believe the numbers on it are DCT700N. Not a hot rod, but will move right along nicely.


    This is the one I'm drooling over. (Actually, its cousin the CXT 700) Thousands less than the BMW, sharp looking and a relaxed riding position.

    It is bigger than the dual sport style bikes.
  • Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
    Camp__Forrest__
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    The 650 dual sport is a great choice. It will have plenty of starch to get around and won't be hard to handle. If you go with a road bike, I would start with a 750. A nice used Japanese bike will serve you very well. I have a Honda Shadow ACE 1100. It is a big cruiser and would be awfully heavy for a beginner. Once it starts to tip, there's no stopping it. Just the other day I didn't get the kickstand down completely and it fell over in my driveway.
  • AITG's avatar
    AITG
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    trail-explorer wrote:
    Check out a Kawasaki KLR-650. They are far more affordable than a BMW, and if you decide "motorcyclying isn't for you" a KLR will be easier to sell, and you won't loose as much $$ when you sell it.

    By all means, buy a used bike of whatever model you decide on, for the same reason stated above.


    I have looked at the KLR. I like the idea its water cooled but how is the vibration from a single cylinder 650? That's 1 pretty good sized piston...
    I also give up ABS.
  • Wheelholder's avatar
    Wheelholder
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    Honda has a touring bike with ABS. It has a 750cc engine, along with an automatic transmission. Sharp looking bike. Fairly light with low center of gravity. My son is 6'2" and it fits him pretty well. I believe the numbers on it are DCT700N. Not a hot rod, but will move right along nicely.
  • AITG's avatar
    AITG
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    DavidP wrote:
    Look at the BMW 800 or 1200 GS. It sounds as though you are a new rider so the 800 would be a good match. Great on road or off. Truly the Swiss Army of motorcycles.


    Correct on the new rider. I wouldn't let my wife ride a m/c. She passed away July 1 so I have nothing keeping me back. I really like the BMWs I've seen and I really like the idea of ABS.
  • trail-explorer's avatar
    trail-explorer
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    Check out a Kawasaki KLR-650. They are far more affordable than a BMW, and if you decide "motorcyclying isn't for you" a KLR will be easier to sell, and you won't loose as much $$ when you sell it.

    By all means, buy a used bike of whatever model you decide on, for the same reason stated above.
  • DavidP's avatar
    DavidP
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2013
    Look at the BMW 800 or 1200 GS. It sounds as though you are a new rider so the 800 would be a good match. Great on road or off. Truly the Swiss Army of motorcycles.

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