Hello huskyfolk, I'm new here (clearly), and considering purchase of a low mileage strada. I have spent a fair amount of ti me and effort researchingthe potential pitfalls (airbox, off idle fuelling really seem to be it). I'm confidentthe bike in question is in very good well cared for condition. My question(s) is, can an owner advise how well the 19inchfront wheel copes with marginal dirt roads. Not single track technical, but legal roads with occaisional river crossings, 4 x 4 tasks etc. Australia off the highway I guess. And, aside form the noted issues, are there any reliability/longevity issues? My points of comparision are klr650 (70k of abuse ending in blown head gasket 2000k from home and the consequence of riding it home in that state) dl650 (i have 100k of all roads beating on mine) and F800GS (a few hours on roughish formed dirt roads recently convincedme there may be a better option than my dl...). I have to use it as my everything bike, which contributes to my lean to the strada. To be honest, if any of the japanese competition had a cartrdge fork in my price range I'd be going there. Don't mean to offend, but bad past experiences with italian bikes.. Any opinions apreciated. Apologise if this is the wrong place forsuch thread, new remember, etiquette may not be my strength. thanks, MattC.
Hey Matt, I reckon the Strada might be spot on for you. I bought mine a year ago and use it as a daily commuter (city conditions) and just returned from a 4000km trip to the Dig Tree near Innamincka, South Australia. I was looking for the 'everything' bike with the capability to do some demanding mixed conditions touring. On the trip we encountered sand, bulldust, lots of rough gravel roads as well as endless sealed sections. The Strada absolutely excelled in all conditions and also has the most comfortable seat of any bike I've owned. The TRs are based on the veteran Rotax 650 engine which has established a record for being exceptionally reliable. There are several owners on this forum who have racked up some reasonably high miles already without any major issues. Reliability was a key criterion for me as well when choosing the TR. If you sort out the few flaws the bike does have (which are relatively easy and cheap to fix) you have yourself a very versatile, reliable single with surprisingly good performance. They are also very easy to prep for on/off road touring as they already have strong subframes and decent suspension. Against my criteria, they're one of the best dual sports ever made. So in a word: recommended.
Yeah definitely recommend the Strada as well and if you're like me and want to use this thing as a do it all light-ish adventure bike then you won't require a 21 inch front. I bought a KTM 1190 Adventure standard when they first came out for 17.5k, spent about 5k in farkles, but then realized the thing was just overkill in horsepower for my needs, too heavy in the dirt alone, and too damn expensive when you drop. Picked up a Strada for 5k and this thing can do anything the 1190 can aside from going 150mph, but then it's amazingly more manageable off-road and around town. The TR really changed my worldview on what an adventure bike should be and for me it nails it.
2013 Husqvarna TR650 for Sale! Perfect dual sport bike that looks and runs great. always stored in a garage. only one owner. All stock except Ive added an booster plug for better fuel/air ratio(could easily be removed). Only 3996 Miles! Call or text
It might actually help if everyone involved indicates at least which part of the WORLD they live in! Looks like the OP is in Australia (maybe?? if yes, which part??), while some "reply-ers" are in the US (maybe??? If yes, which part?). Fill out your profile, folks !!!
I have a Terra and sort of wish I had Strada wheels. I'm vertically challenged and am probably never going to take a 380 lb motorcycle on anything that NEEDS 21" tires. Being an inch closer to Earth, though, would be nice.
FYI, if you didn't know, the Strada wheels are directly from and exactly the same part as those found on the BMW G650GS.
BMW 650's had lowering kits which should work as well. You just need to match up model numbers. The Chain Gang and this site should help you out. It's easier than switching wheels around which can get involved sometimes.
