Hello all, I recently moved to the Western NC from Texas. I currently own a Moto Guzzi Griso, which is a hoot to ride, but can't take advantage of all of the terrain that Appalachia has to offer--it's strictly an asphalt eater. The wife says we are a one bike family and so I started looking at BMWs, which led me to the TR650. I rode the Strada demo bike today at BMW Asheville, it was a surprising little bike. Light as a feather after the Griso, and quicker than I thought a single would/could. It beats the pants of the KLR I rode last week in acceleration, breaking, really everything. I liked the bike alot, but it will take some adjustment. Specifically the weight (so light) and the narrow feel. How does the Terra compare to the Strada stability-wise at speed, do the tires change things that much? I really wanted to test ride a Terra, but they were only doing demos of the Strada. 85% of the time I will be riding twisties and fire roads here--the TR650 seems to be perfect. I didn't have time to ride the BMW 700GS, but I think I might need to ride one before making a firm decision. That other 10-15% of riding is longer trips in the summer, like 7-10 day camping trips up to Connecticut and maybe even all the way to TX. I am a little worried about the Husky (really me) handling those kind of long days. I suspect teh rider fatigue of 300+ mile days could be pretty intense on this little guy. TO those who know theBMW 700/800 would the rider fatigue level( or lack thereof) and the extra HP warrant the 700? I haven't owned a bike with this low a displacement in 8 years. I know there is not a single bike that can do everything, but that's kind of what I am searching for. The Husky is close, darn close. If you have ridden it long distance, or have any sage advice I would love to hear it.
About all I can offer after riding the terra and strada - I thought the strada was about 10% more road mannered, though I was not on the freeway.
I just downsized the fleet temporarily, bought the better half a nice car. I sold a '12 Stelvio NTX, '80 R100RS, '12 TE 310....and replaced them with a TR650 Terra. I've had other big thumpers, but this one seems better suited to be a do-it-all bike than any of them. It has the legs for highway work - gets great mileage, and has decent enough chops offroad to keep me happy for exploring Colorado, riding Baja and Death Valley, and stuff like that. The Terra is also a lot of fun in the canyons, and if I were intent on doing any offroad or dualsport type of riding - the Terra would be my choice. If ABS is a requirement, then the Strada is your choice. Seat Concepts offers a cover/foam kit, and though I don't know yet if this seat will need help...it's available. I've used the SC seats on a couple of other Huskies with great luck. The motor is quite smooth for a big thumper, in my opinion you'd be hard pressed to find a better big single to do what you'd be asking. The BMW F800GS is a very nice bike, but is also quite a bit more money.
Thanks for the replies. The BMW 700GS is only 3.5k more than the husky and still in my price range. I just don't know if it will do the off road stuff as well and be worth any touring advantage. Based on what I've read a lot of folks on here traded the 800/700 BMW to get the Terra, and many say the Terra is better on vibes. I have to wait for the dealer to get a BMW 700gs to demo, but that demo ride will likely seal my decision. It's just tough to decide without being able to take a demo on a long run, or out to hit the dirt. That's part of why I wanted to ask the experts, and I appreciate the input! Keep it coming!
"The wife says we are a one bike family...". I've been faced with this dilemma, and have resorted to domestic bartering. My Duc cost me a bathroom remodel and the Husky cost me a new couch. It's added cost but keeps everyone happy. So you may consider this alternative, keep the Griso, get the Husky, and pay the domestic tax. Just a thought if you haven't considered this option. I haven't taken my Husky on more than a 150 mile ride, but my Duc would be my clear choice for cross country (NC to TX) over the Husky. It has the passing/high speed cruising ponies and a few more creature comforts that I would think the Griso has over the Husky. JMO Rich in Placitas
I have ridden a couple of 300+ mile days on my Terra and, regularly, a few 200+ mile days in a row. The Terra never missed a beat and was comfortable for hours at 70-80mph. I have no problem being in the saddle until fuel gets low, provided I'm up on the pegs for a bit every hour to get blood to the butt. (I also think my sheepskin seat cover helps too.) Re-fuel, then go again. Repeat. I suppose it depends where you are on the iron-butt scale. Everyone has their limit but I really like the stock seat. As far as stability goes, for me, the Terra feels its best up to 95mph. After that the front feels a bit too light. There is also very little vibration through the bars. I have foam thickeners on the grips which probably helps in that regard too, but no weary arms. Capable of cross-continent travel? I would suggest it won't be too long before we see ride reports of Terra's & Strada's doing exactly that.
Hi Next, Does your Griso have ABS. If so ..and you are used to it you may be better off with the Strada....if not ...then buy the one that speaks to you the loudest....just my 2cents...ymmv.
IPA Brewer, sadly, there is no room for bartering on motorbikes. Especially since I was just allowed to buy a new (used) 4runner a few months back. It's a tough call, but I think I will be selling the Griso for a little more than I paid for it. So I got to ride it for taxes and the cost of luggage for over a year. On a side note, if your an IPA guy, may I recommend Dale's Pale Ale, from Oskar Blues (Brewed right here in Brevard)? It is a fine beer, just be sure it has been stored properly (always been chilled). Chuffa, I am glad to hear that you have braved the long days and feel the bike and you backside were no worse for wear. I think with the addition of my Airhawk, and perhaps a bit of sheepskin, will make it fairly comfortable. I may add a little foam to the seat as well. I found that I wanted for another inch of height. Trapper: No ABS on the Griso. Though I did play around with the ABS on the Strada and was impressed with the ABS. Truth be told, I wish I could get a Terra setup with ABS.
Next, I bought my Strada from Justin over at Eurosport Asheville. You've got a great dealership there! If ABS is a must, he can spec out a package to turn a Strada into a Terra. It is exactly what we did for my bike, and at a price that will still keep you under a 700GS price point.
I have some Dale's in the ice box as we speak, it's a good pick. Good luck on the decision, the Husky's a good pick too!
I'm in the same boat have to sell my 3 enduros to get the Terra So I really want to be sure on the bike I pick. I have narrowed it.. down to the Terra or the wee strom with the adventure package any thoughts .I will be riding 90% slab the rest would be gravel dirt roads some single trail to explore campsites.The wife has noticed has my preocuption with all things bike lately and reminded me about the trip to Scotand she's plannig.Rather a new bike than some hagus
Could someone explain to me what advantages there are for a non-narrow bike? I went to the bmw dealer, and the g650s(?) had the fuel cap in the rear, and the tank (I was told) was down low - but the large bulbous shape was still there where the tank would have been. The guy at the dealership said it had a few odd parts in that area, but that it was mostly air.
I just rode both the Terra and an F800GS on Friday before the weather turned bad. I have a TE 450 so I have something dual sport worthy, but it can't do the daily commute.I was pretty impressed with the Terra, you could chug along at 70mph in 5th with no problem and punch it down to forth to pass and not over rev the engine.The GS felt more stable and offered a lot better wind protection plus it had heated grips.The Strada might make a better commuter with the ABS, and you can always use the same tires the F650 GS guys use if you want something more suitable for off road.So I will follow this thread also.The one advantage the BMW has is the financing, for half the cost of buying the Husky You can do the 3easy ride financing and ride the GS for three years pretty cheap.That would free up some cash to turn the 450 into a 310 then I would have both ends covered[/quote] I just saw the thread on gearing I agree, dropping a tooth on the CS or going up 2 on the rear would make it more rideable, that was my only concern when pulling out into traffic it took a lot of clutch work. Our local BMW dealer has a Strada with a Terra front fender, I really like that?
If I am not mistaken, Freedom Road just became the official financier for all things KTM and Husqvarna.
Trying to figure that out myself. I broke my hip 6 years ago when I was in my 20's. After recovering, I really started to notice the difference in the width of bikes. I could muscle around a wide and heavy bike before, not knowing how much work it took, but post injury I really started to look at width of bikes. It was then that I noticed how much easier a skinny bike was to mount, ride, and ride into areas the bike wasn't made for. This is precisely why I never could bring myself to buy a Wee-Strom.
I've only gone on a few 50ish mile jaunts with my Terra, but from my limited experience I'd say it's a spectacular bike for the twisties and graded dirt roads I've tried so far. I need to work a bit on my own skills, but the bike is very well behaved, even in one particularly slippery corner from yesterday (the result of an overheated civic dumping coolant in the corner). After one ride with it, I'd highly recommend the factory windshield, it gets the wind off of your chest and makes quicker riding much less taxing.
Hey Next let me chime in here. Six years ago I started the process of upgrading my 1990 KLR 650(I still own it). I bought a 2008 KLR thinking it would fill the bill, but it just ended up being a heavier version of the '90. Next I had the pleasure of riding an F800GS for a weekend. Really like the bike but at highway speed it really had a lot of turbulence around the helmet. After that experience I never considered ownership. Next was a Tiger 800, the best street bike I've owned, unfortunately off road it just didn't feel quite as capable. I absolutely loved the Super Tenere, it went pretty much anywhere I pointed it but in the end picking up 600 lbs of bike is tough on an old man. Today I'm down to two bikes, the Terra and the old KLR. To date the Terra has clicked all the box's. It's weight is OK, smooth with ample power and for a thumper a real overachiever both off and on road. I've yet to do a tour on it but have sat in the saddle for 150 miles straight and am surprised how comfortable it is for a naked bike. If I keep it under 70 I barely notice the clean air rushing past. Can't wait to put some big miles on this bike. Is it a 90mph mile muncher like the Tenere, no. But I see many 500 mile days in my future. BTW the stock seat for some unknown reason is comfortable. Doesn't look like it would be but it is.
Thanks Wolftrax--that actually helps a lot. I don't need a ton of speed these days, just something fun and capable of doing dirt and a few weeks of touring each year. I have been scouring the net all day looking at accessories for the Terra and think I could outfit one the way I would like for $800-$1200. but I do wish I could get ABS. I will take the f700gs out for a ride most likely, but I am leaning more toward the Husky by the minute. Never owned a bike with spoked wheels, i have read they can cause wobble at speed--From what I have read they are not too hard to get the hang of as far as truing, though I know nothing about it. IMHO the Terra is much better looking than the Strada to me, and I can't legitimize spending the money to make a Strada look like a Terra.
Bikes have had spoked wheels a LOT longer than they've had cast wheels. Any wheel needs to be balanced properly, but being spoked does not make them more inclined to be hard to balance or more prone to any wobbles. Most people prefer a cast wheel vs. spoked to get a tubeless tire. I'd much rather fix a tubeless flat on the road than a tube.....but in all the years I've been riding (1968) I've had ONE tubed tire go flat on the road. I can't count the number of times I've plugged a tubeless.
Why don't you get a strada and then buy dirt wheels for it so you can throw on whatever you want? Jus another option. You want the abs and aftermarket cast wheels would be more expensive then spoked.
