Adventure tourers spoiled for choice

If you've been considering taking the plunge into adventure tourers, but preferred the idea of a mid-range bike rather than the litre-plus monsters, 2008 will be a good year to do it.

Three new toys have been announced for the upcoming year - two have just been confirmed for Australia by BMW and one by Honda.

For those who find the new BMW R1200GS (see this link) a little daunting, the F800GS parallel twin could be a perfect compromise.

It's intended to be a serious adventure motorcycle, while the single-cylinder F650GS stablemate is more of a 'soft-roader'.

Of the 800 (shown in yellow and black), BMW says, "The parallel twin engine comes from the well-known F800 model series, but beyond this, the enduro models have been completely redesigned. A completely new frame and new wheel suspensions with new spring-shock absorber elements are used."

As for the 650 (shown in silver) , we're told, "The new F650GS differs from its big sister in its lower seat height, lower weight and reduced engine power."

"It is thus ideal for newcomers to the genre or as a sturdy all-round motorcycle."

Meanwhile, over at Honda, the long-lived Transalp brand is represented by the XL700V (shown in dark red), a fuel injected 680cc version of the twin, running four valves per cylinder.

Honda has given the machine a complete make-over, including 19-inch front wheel and a fatter rear rim, which it says suits a wider variety of road surfaces.

The fuel tank is a little smaller than previously - at 17.5 litres - but the company claims the bike travels further than the old machine, thanks to better fuel economy from the injection.

You will be able to order it with combined brakes and ABS.

Links: BMW; Honda