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BMW R-Series GS: The fastest bike in the world, if you want to travel around the world. This is a utility bike that makes a fantastic daily commuter and touring bike. The latest model is the R1200GS which replaced the R1150GS. The R12GS is a bit lighter and more powerful than its sibling. Other models in the R-GS line are a couple of airheads, R80GS, R100GS and the oil head R1100GS.
BMW F-Series GS
: The F60GS is smaller and lighter than the R-GS’s, but its single cylinder and durability earns respect in the long distance touring community. Capable of highway speeds and off-road, the easy-to-handle F650GS allows it to perform lightweight touring. Lightweight as in taking less is to take more philosophy. Great fuel economy and slim profile allow the F650 to be a great city bike.
Kawasaki KLR’s: There are two distinct bikes here, the pre-2008 bikes and the 2008’s. The earlier KLR was virtually unchanged in 20 years. The newer model improved on the indestructible model. Kawasaki did this with little increase in price. With some modifications and information from lot’s of forums, the pre-2008 bikes are just as solid as the new bike. Its a bike you will ride daily and won’t be afraid to take it off-road. If you want an inexpensive Alaska bike, this is a great bike to fit those needs. Alaska Rider Tours rents them.
KTM Adventure: Aspiring to tackle the Dakar? Fast trip down the Baja Peninsula? The KTM Adventurer 950, 990 and 990s are fun off-road bikes that you can ride to. The KTM Adventure 640 is a great looking bike and begs for serious off-road time. These conquer Dakar.
Suzuki V-Strom : Suzuki’s just run and run. The V-Strom DL650 and DL1100 shares the same V-Twin as their road versions and are off-road capable bikes. Torquey twins are flat out fun to ride. The V-Stroms are great alternatives to the more sporty street cousins, the SV650 and SV1100.
Triumph Tiger: If you laid in bed dreaming about being Ted Simon, the world motorcycle traveller and writer, after reading Jupiter’s Travels, the Triumph Tiger 100 is the bike you want. Plus there is something cool about having an old-school Brit-bike.
URAL: Virtually unchanged since the 40’s. The URAL are Russian bikes that are identical to the BMW R71. Retro-cool with a side-hack, some with powered sidecar wheels. You’ll start to enjoy grocery shopping… This bike has been used as inexpensive, utilitarian for the last 70 years in Russia. I think it would be just a fun and unique luxury camping roadtrips.
