[intakexhaust]

I too have the itch again. Been out of it for some years. Though, just the other day my HVAC repair guy came over for some chit-chat...... in a wheelchair. Really bad shape from a wreck in the dirt. I mean really, really bad. Jeopardized his livelihood. My mind starts spinning about it but such is life.

Has anyone really explained the BMW GS-A appeal in deep exploring, single tracks? Slop wet to very loose or rutted trails? I get the bigger cap. fuel at 7/8 gal. but wet weight this bike is pushing 570 lbs..

Anyways, I see no gain in the larger CC / hp class at the expense of weight in the dirt, single tracks, deep off trail exploring. It makes it a chore.

On a practical conviction, I found my old KLR650 pretty much satisfied all I needed. Also see lots of used ones on the market, but most are beat up. My thing is keeping the weight in check and suitable tires for a happy medium application. It had plenty enough to hang at 80 mph on the asphalt roads getting to the off sections.

Additional to consider, depending on the trip:

Comfort- windscreen (mid size)- quick on-off, must have Acerbis handguards, possible saddle change or have it custom modded by a specialist motorcycle shop. Take the dirt bike 'profile' off and go for a flatter, wider butt design. Made a significant improvement in my comfort. Probably the best thing I ever did for it.

Storage- rear pannier rack for soft packs. Save a bundle by using the bicyclist type from Ortlieb, with some DIY or tailor in adding straps. Same company makes for the German company Touratech.

Other considerations depending on how remote you travel, might want a larger / aftermarket fuel tank.

------ Another I had seat time with is the Suzuki DR650. My nephew had one and then sold it before letting me know he was planning to. I forget exactly what year it was but definitely would recommend. With the stock fuel tank filled, believe it scaled in around 360 lbs.. Even if going up in fuel capacity with an aftermarket tank, its way light compared to that BMW. Also, the DR650 is highly reputable, bulletproof and a nicely balanced tool for the job.

Lastly- If lucky to find a clean vintage Yamaha XT600, I could see having one again. Had one many years ago and was the most simple reliable machine. Kick start too. Not the power of the two above, more piggy off-road but oddly had a compromise for fun on canyon roads. I suppose due the lower seat height. If I recall the negative was in the fuel economy. Maybe its my like for nostalgia but its fun seeing old school reliable still ticking on.