Looking for suggestions on make, model, etc ... for my first adventure/touring motorcycle. I will be using the motorcycle for 2 - 3 day trips in various states in the Western US. I am a ' minimalist ' hiker/camper and do not carry much gear. The most looming problem is seat height, at 5'7 - 150lbs, I have found it very difficult to ride a Kawasaki KLR 650 & BMW R1200 ( They only bikes I have test rode ). Knowing places I would go and explore, I would say 70/30 or 60/40 road to off road riding.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
1: Are you planning on any significant length of freeway?
2: Please quantify 'off road'. Are you talking about blowing down single track, or are you out exploring old jeep trails - or maybe wandering around the maintained forest roads?
3: How much do you want to spend on the bike (keeping in mind that it's not uncommon to spend another $1000 on riding gear)?
If you're looking at more state highway (55mph) and back country roads, & mild to moderate terrain (forest roads, unmaintained jeep trails, etc), I'd look towards something like a DR650, maybe a DRZ/KLX400, a mid sized Honda, etc . . .
If you're looking at more freeway (more than an hour at a time) & some mild to moderate terrain (same as above), I'd lean towards the BMW's (G650 for shorter distances, 800/1200 for longer distance w/some mild/moderate dirt mixed in), the 990, etc.
If you want to go fast in really tough terrain, I'd be looking towards the KTMs, Husabergs, or some of the smaller offerings from Honda/Kawasaki. Few people ride these on the road - they usually trailer them to/from the trail (works great if you want to set up a base camp with a truck/camper and explore from there, returning for hot meals, cold beer, & a comfortable bed).
If I had to pick *one* bike for general exploring out west (no major freeway work & no fast single track), it would probably be a DR650.