Triumph Tiger 800 XCx

[Grumpy Goat]

If you're really interested in off-pavement travel for camping, and a bike to complement your RS, lighter is usually better, easier, and a lot less expensive.

Yes, that is certainly what I have heard. Less expense is always good too.

(By the way, this from a guy who cracked an oil filter cover on his new 1986 K100C trying to wheely it up the half-dozen concrete step to his front porch.)

WOW! I am impressed at the attempt although not the crash.

You might have read in the August and September issues of the MON the article by Jocelin Snow and the head-to-head competition between the 310 and 1250 GS through 16 challenges. Weren't you thinking of adding a 310 to the garage? Think of how much money you'd save in bike, parts, gas, etc. Think of how many weekend camping trips that money would fund.

I did read that article as I typically do every article in the BMW ON Magazine. The 310 acquitted itself very well.

I did take a 310R (not the baby GS version) for a test ride just to see what a 300cc inexpensive BMW was like, and while it was great it was a little weak on the highway. It would be a lower cost BMW alternative indeed as there is not much to it and what there is, is easy to reach.

If you're really interested in some back-country camping, here's a post from a pretty talented rider and photographer (RTWPaul.com), who has evolved from "Adventure" to dirt bikes as he travels the world the last 9 years since his bike accident and stroke. (Hint - his website has packing lists for round-the-world travel for 40 liter and 70 liters.)

The video - I believe shot in the White Tank Mountains - shows off his KTM 500 EXC with 18 kg (40 pounds) of kit in 60 liters.

Thanks for the link. I will have a look later on. I am pretty well squared away when it comes to what to bring, although if I start going on BDR trips my packing would have to change, and be less luxury oriented. But there is a lower probability of that happening. One of the concerns I have is crashing and being stranded in the middle of nowhere, and away from quick emergency response and cell coverage (am aware of satellite communicators).

Of course, I'm also reminded of a world traveller who outfitted his liter superbike with luggage and outrode other riders through some of the sand of northern Afica. In the end, one should go with what makes them comfortable.

Sounds like Teapot One; I am a subscriber.