I’m needing some sense talking into me, after a little bit of green laning in Scotland on the Multi (wasn’t planned) and I enjoyed it probably more than the Multi did. It’s gotten me thinking of switching it for something like a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro or maybe a KTM 890 Adventure for something that would be more suited to a little more (nothing too off road but some green laning). Only thing is due to part ex values I’d be required to put in a few pound notes into the deal which I wasn’t expecting but poor part ex prices would mean more from me towards it. Or am I just been bloody stupid haha…
If you want to try green laning, why are you considering a 200kg bike ? Get yourself something small capacity and light as a second bike. Andy
I was considering it as something for the road and then something that wouldn't mind going down some dusty gravel tracks and easy going green lanes, I'm not sure the Multi is that bike as it felt a little loose a few times on that wrong turn, on the roads its stunning though.
Go for it. The 800 etc class is a fair bit lighter I think, still OK for reasonable road speed and much better off road
While those bikes have the right wheels and that will make things better, they are still heavy and the tyres choices will always be a compromise between the two types of surface. But then if you don't intend to push the limit with either then it may not matter. If greenlanes are easy to access, I'd spend the pounds directly on something for off-road. You won't get into as much trouble, you won't pull muscles picking it up and all the bent parts will be cheap to replace.
17" front wheel and road tyres? If you're genuinely only thinking of gravel tracks and the occasional foray on non-asphalt roads while touring then I'll come out to bat for the 1200GS in all its many forms. A set of 80/20 tyres and a realistic level of ambition / investment in learning how to use the thing uncovers a great and very capable bike. You won't want to be picking it up all day though, so don't make a habit of dropping it.
Tbh it’d be more asphalt and then then a foray into some gravel or green lane stuff, nothing extreme and just to get off the beaten track and see some nice views so too speak.
Honda Africa Twin if you want to do light green laning but still have something good on road, Yamaha 700 Tenere if you want to be more adventurous off road.
You're not mad, I'll be selling my 1299s for a R1M soon. I'm kinda done with modern Ducati's. Pani onwards that is. Pre pani theyre still awesome.
There are green lanes... and there are green lanes. How far off the beaten track do you want to go ? Are you thinking of camping out at night in the woods etc? Is this just a itch to scratch right now and you'll be over it soon after ? I've done "proper" green lane riding, its great fun, but I'd not want to go anywhere near a dirty track on anything bigger than say 300cc of trail bike. Its easy to drop it on even the smoothest looking dirt track. Having picked the bike up a few times and been "pinned" under the bike before, weight is a big consideration. I watch the YouTube vids, these guys in America who live next to thousand's of square miles of wilderness and desert. Looks great fun. But Britain is a small island with not much free open space. I choose to stick with a road focused bike knowing Id never stray off the tarmac when I tour. If I had the money and time to get a 3rd bike, Id buy a small trail bike in a heartbeat and be off exploring tho !
Get yourself a Yamaha 700 Tenere. It has the right sized wheels for off-reading/green lanes, it is reliable and will take a beating and it is probably more capable than you are. It’s not the heaviest in its class and it’s not the lightest either but it will be great for you.
I did a Tamaha off-road experience. Tried 125/250/490 The 125 was the nimblest but lacked a little grunt. The 250, slightly less nimble etc due to a bit heavier but more than enough poke and speed. The 490 was a beast that required confidence and above all, ability to ride. Based on what I rode, the 250 was the best all rounder. Quite a few ex fire service friends green lane regularly and not one rides anything bigger than 250. Try an off road experience to see what you think yourself. Great fun and teaches you a lot about power and or against agility.
I'd be interested in finding out where you went green laning in Scotland?! we don't have green lanes up here. That's why we have to go to dedicated off road centres, or if you are lucky private land. In saying that I have gone on a few forestry tracks with the KTM but it is technically illegal, if you venture off road up here you need the landowners permission.
I have no idea where it was, it was about 10 miles, it may well of been private, it certainly wasn’t intentional.
That is what I was wondering about too. Many local authorities have even started closing the unsurfaced parts of the old military roads to motor vehicles, as in the picture.
Don't discount a GS then, they're one of those bikes where you might think "not sure about those" but they're really very good. If I can do it, anyone can.
