Just rode the TR650... I need owners to chime in.

[RidingDonkeys]

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.

The Strada is the first bike I've ever owned with cast wheels. I've never, not once, had a wobble at speed from a spoked wheel.

Talk to Justin about getting a Strada setup like a Terra. He can do it. Trust me.

Also, depending on your level of offroad prowess, the Strada is amazingly capable on its own. You might buy it and ride it first. All it needs is a little more aggressive tire and it would be perfect for light offroad duty. I've only put about 50 miles of dirt, gravel, and loose sand on mine, but it has handled everything perfectly with stock wheels and tires. These were technically forest roads, but they are rarely maintained and pretty rough by most peoples' standards. I'm waiting on the spoke wheels and Heide's to show up before I hit the more aggressive stuff.

 

[Highfive]

Just come on down to Oklahoma, Mr. Next, and buy my F800GS. It's a bomb! Well sorted & equipped. Visit Texas and enjoy the long intercontinental ride home.

HF

 

[Toyboy]

Just chiming in here as well. I have owned a couple of F800GS's and a few other BMW's. The F700GS is looks to be a decent enough bike but to me dated. This was the F650GS that BMW thought to call it a 650 so they would scare off novice riders even though it shares a de-tuned version of the F800GS motor. Now they call it the F700GS. They will figure it out soon enough what to call it. The front suspension is cheap in my opinion with the conventional front forks. This would be cause enough for me not to give it serious consideration. It also has the canbus electrical system which I REALLY don't care for. It has the Imobilizer which is WAY more headache than it's worth. BMW pretty much took the F800GS and lowered it, detuned it, stuck cast wheels on it and changed the name several times and did add a rotor to the front.
I think either the Terra or the Strada to be better bikes for their all around capability, superb handling and road manners, on and off.
I don't think of either one of these as a "replacement" for the Griso, a great bike that exudes character with every exhaust note, rather something different than what you have. If you buy one and don't like it, it won't be at great expense, so you can always sell and get the F700GS. The GS is closer in size and price to the Griso but would not hold a candle to the Griso or to the TR's for that matter.. If you read through these threads, you can see that a lot of people went from multiple bike ownership to one version or the other of the TR. Pretty amazing endorsement if you think about it.
Been around bikes a long time and I can tell you that the TR is an great bike and an incredible value. Won't see another one like it again anytime soon. Aside from the BMW connection being a potential issue, I don't think KTM will bring TR's back because the cost vs profit margin too close and would have to raise price etc.

 

[Next]

Thank you all very much for the useful advice. I am pretty much sold on the TR. It looks like the Griso sale may take a week or two, the title is still in TX. I foolishly registered it here in NC a while back and the title is in transit to TX. That means it will be sent to TX, then back to NC to me before I can sell the bike.

The good news is that this pause in action will give me time to ride a f700GS and the F800GS, though I am beginning to think that my seat of the pants-o-meter was right about the TR650. It will definitely be a blast on all things but long trips, and then it will probably as comfy or more so than the Griso or [the] Speed Triple [I had before the Guzzi]. I have honestly never owned a bike that was "comfortable" after 300 miles.

As for my other main concern, I have never had ABS, I just thought on a bike this light it might be a benefit. I was defintely able to get the ABS to engage a few times on the test ride, though admittedly I was trying to. I will ride a couple of BMWs in the next week, but I the more I look at the numbers the more I struggle with legitimizing either BMW. I will ride them, but they will have to feel like magic carpets to sway me at this point.

So long as my two buyers don't both fall through I should be able to sell the Griso and get into a TR that is well equipped for little/nothing out of pocket--which is pretty exciting and starting to make more sense by the minute. I love the Griso, but it is good for looking at, riding in the twisties, and short straight aways (100 miles or less with my long legs).

I just think the TR is probably going to be the winner--MANY folks seem to have traded BMW singles and twins to get the Husky, that can't be a coincidence. I just have to ride the BMW bikes to put my mind at ease so that if/when the TR gives me a sore bum or other issue I can look at all the benefits I experienced first hand test riding and feel like I still came up with the right bike.

MAN I am ready to get out in the woods. I plan to ride all over the Appalachians and the East Coast during the month of May one way or the other.


Next big questions are as follows: Accessories!

Pannier options--factory seems to be unavailable. But I think they look sweet! Or should I just get a Giant Loop and be done? I like the option to lock my luggage, but at a third the price I am to any waterproof options. My Cortech bags leak like canvas.

Skid Plate--I think the Ricochet has the bang for the buck? Any reason to look elsewhere, is the stocker no good?

Bark Busters--The Touratech with spoiler look pretty sick... Expensive, but beautiful on the bike. If there are cheaper options that have good looks please make a recommendation.

Bigger wind screen--I have had the National cycle and DX and wasn't super impressed, but I want something about that size. Any leads on touring options?

Heated grips--Never had 'em, but they seem to be a popular accessory here. What brand do you guys like?

Crash Bars--Is the altrider option the only game in town? I am not an experienced dirt rider and think that crashbars are a must.

Center Stand-- Hepco Becker seems to offer one, but no images seem to be out there. I worry a bit about getting a skid plate and then having fitment issues with a center stand. This is an item I might wait on, but which would be very nice to have.

I estimate that all of that will be $800-$1500 extra depending on the final combo/brands, but should turn the TR into a do-it-all machina! Hoping to buy much of this from the dealer and get a good discount... That is part of why I am trying to get a list together of brands and best options. We shall see.


What other add-ons do you current owners consider must-haves? Probably should start another thread... but I am not sure I am ready to be "that thread starting guy" on this forum.

Thanks again for all of the great advice.

 

[LandofMotards]

You have a street triple too? Here I was feeling bad that you weren't allowed to have multiple bikes lol

 

[Next]

Forgive the confusion. Had a street triple for a good long while. Great bike. Sold it for what I had in it and bought the Guzzi last year. Then moved to the mountains and realized dirt was fun too! We are definitely still a one bike family. I think the Griso and the TR would be a great mix, but the wife thinks otherwise. And she is usually right.

 

[Toyboy]

My wife gave me the same ultimatum too, her or the bikes.....It was a tough decision but one that had to be made.

I admit that ever once in awhile I do miss her.....

 

[blakebird]

Next big questions are as follows: Accessories!

Pannier options--factory seems to be unavailable. But I think they look sweet! Or should I just get a Giant Loop and be done? I like the option to lock my luggage, but at a third the price I am to any waterproof options. My Cortech bags leak like canvas.

Skid Plate--I think the Ricochet has the bang for the buck? Any reason to look elsewhere, is the stocker no good?

Bark Busters--The Touratech with spoiler look pretty sick... Expensive, but beautiful on the bike. If there are cheaper options that have good looks please make a recommendation.

Bigger wind screen--I have had the National cycle and DX and wasn't super impressed, but I want something about that size. Any leads on touring options?

Heated grips--Never had 'em, but they seem to be a popular accessory here. What brand do you guys like?

Crash Bars--Is the altrider option the only game in town? I am not an experienced dirt rider and think that crashbars are a must.

Center Stand-- Hepco Becker seems to offer one, but no images seem to be out there. I worry a bit about getting a skid plate and then having fitment issues with a center stand. This is an item I might wait on, but which would be very nice to have.

I estimate that all of that will be $800-$1500 extra depending on the final combo/brands, but should turn the TR into a do-it-all machina! Hoping to buy much of this from the dealer and get a good discount... That is part of why I am trying to get a list together of brands and best options. We shall see.

If you're an inexperienced offroad rider.... with the money you're looking at spending on accessorizing a new Terra, you could buy a good used XR250 and get your sea legs on something that you won't care if it hits the ground....and is much lighter to pick up.

Grip heaters - a factory option, but likely expensive. Look at Symtec and other cheap options that work as well but are simpler and a lot less expensive.

Good handguards aren't cheap - I'm a big fan of Cycra CRM (center reach mount), and Acerbis Rally Pro.

Panniers: if you plan on using them for road trips - lockable hard boxes are good. If you plan on doing a lot of serious bike camping and weeks in Baja kinda thing - go soft.
Your inexperienced offroad ankles will thank you.

Skid Plate: several good options. If you like functional but beautiful anodized colorful pieces, they got you covered. If you like function over bling, they got you covered too.

 

[Indorider]

Next, You're in one of my favorite areas of the U.S.! I used to race MTB in the Western N.C. Series. Check out the Pisgah/Nantahala areas. Unbelievable country, lots of twisties and tons of fire roads...

 

[Coffee]

Don't worry about starting another thread, just do what works best for you.

...What other add-ons do you current owners consider must-haves?...

This varies widely depending on the person. Personally I have found it best to focus on specifics for what I will use the bike for.

For example - I wanted to be able to do grocery runs on the bike, so I really thought about how to best do that and added a inexpensive box on the back for that. What took time was deciding how big of a box. In the end I took measurements of what I typically bought at the grocery store frequently, and found a cardboard box which matched my requirements, then took that cardboard box to a store where I bought a box for the back of the bike - which could hold the cardboard box I had taken with me.

If I were to go camping I would probably do the same thing, except using my camping equipment in determining what size box (or soft luggage) to buy.

I've thought about hand guards, not sure if I will do those. I might do factory grip heaters.. not sure.

The one thing I *really* want though, is a Motosportz skid plate, because I know of no other skid plate that I can put a floor jack under the bike and lift the bike with it. For my specific uses, I would much prefer doing that, than a center stand.

 

[Next]

Update: Going to ride the BMW 700GS and the TR650 back-to-back tomorrow. I suspect I will negotiate a bit and lay down a deposit on one. I must sell the Griso first before pulling the trigger, patience is a virtue. I have two serious buyers in line for the Guzzi, but the title is in transit and may take a week or two. Regardless I will bring my camera along and give an update after the test rides. Thanks again for all the helpful info. I have learned a ton in just a few days thanks to your advice.

 

[MT VIKING]

Ive been considering replacing my te 610 with a new terra mainly because of the sub frame issues on the te. I am wanting to do the CD TRAIL and Transamerica trail over the next few summers and dont want to worry about wieght on the rear. So I test rode the TR650 Terra a couple weeks ago, I didnt feel the claimed 58 hp but it could be because it is so smooth, it felt like I was just hardly going till I would look at the speedo and seen i was upto 70mph. I then took it down some twisty back rodes it would lean around a corner so easily and felt very sure footed.
But I am still concerend it may be a boring bike off road.

 

[Next]

Well, I rode the TR650 and the BMW F700GS back to back. The 700 is like a magic carpet, smooth, soaks up bumps, and seems to be extremely well balanced. The Strada is little beast, great handling, snappier throttle, just MORE FUN, and it did 85 on the freeway like it was no big deal. Honestly the vibes just aren't any worse than my big twin. Sooooooooo, I put a deposit on the Strada. Wasn't really planning to do so, but I told them I would definitely buy it the second my Griso sold--and we agreed on a price. I have two buyers in line for the Guzzi, just waiting on the dern title to go from NC to TX and then come back.

The guys up at Asheville Eurosports made me a great deal on the Demo bike Strada, and now I just have to decide on some farkles. I am leaning towards soft luggage, but I'm not sure whether I need racks even with the soft stuff.
I am planning to add heated grips, Hand/lever guards, a skid plate, crashbars, some luggage (Maybe GB Coyote?), and the Terra fender and fork guards. I am going to wait on the wheels and see how the Strada does as is.

Do I need a rack of some kind for the soft luggage? Is anyone running a luggage setup successfully with one?

I am hoping to give some more business to the dealership, hopefully they can give me a good deal on everything.

Thanks for the advice and help so far. I suspect I will have a TON of other questions once the bike comes home.

 

[RidingDonkeys]

CONGRATS!

I've been doing a lot of research on the luggage myself. Most people agree a rack is in order for soft luggage due to the position of the exhaust. This whole luggage thing is new to me. I have two hacks, so if I need to haul stuff, I just take a hack. But the TR is just too much fun, and some solo trips for camping and chasing tags are in order, so luggage is a must. Probably going to go the Adventure Spec route. They are pricey, but I'm really impressed with the bags.

 

[kjackbrown]

Well, I rode the TR650 and the BMW F700GS back to back. The 700 is like a magic carpet, smooth, soaks up bumps, and seems to be extremely well balanced. The Strada is little beast, great handling, snappier throttle, just MORE FUN, and it did 85 on the freeway like it was no big deal. Honestly the vibes just aren't any worse than my big twin. Sooooooooo, I put a deposit on the Strada. Wasn't really planning to do so, but I told them I would definitely buy it the second my Griso sold--and we agreed on a price. I have two buyers in line for the Guzzi, just waiting on the dern title to go from NC to TX and then come back.

The guys up at Asheville Eurosports made me a great deal on the Demo bike Strada, and now I just have to decide on some farkles. I am leaning towards soft luggage, but I'm not sure whether I need racks even with the soft stuff.
I am planning to add heated grips, Hand/lever guards, a skid plate, crashbars, some luggage (Maybe GB Coyote?), and the Terra fender and fork guards. I am going to wait on the wheels and see how the Strada does as is.

Do I need a rack of some kind for the soft luggage? Is anyone running a luggage setup successfully with one?

I am hoping to give some more business to the dealership, hopefully they can give me a good deal on everything.

Thanks for the advice and help so far. I suspect I will have a TON of other questions once the bike comes home.

Do not bother with the factory skid! It offers no protection for the oil line down there and there are way to many better options now days

 

[Next]

The rack is a bummer, but I thought as much. And the search begins.

RD, which Adventure spec are you looking at the Magdan? Everything else on their site seems to be great basin. I may have to fab up a little rack or something, or have my pal Chris help me with it. He welds aluminum all the time and could probably make something nice on the cheap.

 

[RidingDonkeys]

Yup, looking at the Magadans. I think they are onto a good design here. I like the ease of throwing a MSR fuel bottle on the outside for camping trips too. I need something that will do it all: commuting, camping, trail riding. Strangely, commuting is the most difficult of these tasks. I've just got to wrap my head around $422 for soft bags. By the time I add racks, I'm well into hard luggage prices.

Happy Trails just said that they are developing racks for the Terra. I'm all about fabbing stuff up, but the SL racks would be a good buy if they came in at the standard prices.

 

[Toyboy]

Congrats, good choice on bike. SW Mototech has some bag mounts that you can see on the their website, the German one. They look good and will accommodate the Traxx alloy bags. I have these on my Yamaha and I plan on just moving bags over when I need to.
Twisted Throttle is bring all the stuff in but not as fast as we all would like. I know that the factory bags are "here" in the US but spares container has been tied up in customs since the 6th of March. Been keeping track of it through my dealer. Kicker is, it won't be long and I think everyone will have some stuff available, just not here in the beginning as all are trying to get bikes set up.

 

[Next]

I've decided to get a Wolfman large duffel for this summer and see what luggage options arrive later in the year. With a piece of plexi (or something similar) in the bottom it should stay rigid and off the pipes. At $125 for 47+ liters of space it is worth a try. The wife also told me to just go pick up the Strada whenever I want what a nice surprise! Eurosport is working on my accessory list right now so I should have a few nice pics up in a week or so. Very excited to do some exploring on this little rocketship.

 

[RidingDonkeys]

Wolman makes good stuff, but if you are going the duffel route, consider hitting up Gander Mountain. I've put thousands of miles on Gander Mountain Sportsman (Boat) Bags with great results. Face the zipper to the rear of the bike and ride. If you flip them the other way, you might leak a little moisture during prolonged rides in downpours.

MrsDonkeys and I used three this past summer on a 3k mile trip over two weeks, including 8 solid days of rain. No leaks at all, and two were sitting in the bottom of a sidecar tub that was collecting the rain. I routinely use them to commute too (70+ miles a day). At less than $30, and already with a rigid foam bottom, you can't go wrong. My only reason for looking at luggage is to get away from backpacks and strapping down a duffel when I commute. Otherwise I'd still tote these around.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...ine-Boat-Bag&i=441570&aID=506O1G&merchID=4006