XCA is it worth it

[Spud]

I have been riding light weight bikes since May and the 955 has not been getting a lot of use since it's off road trip to Aragon, been looking at lighter bikes including the XCA, KTM 690 and also CCM, I presently use a DR 350 for off road stuff but have to take days getting anywhere, so the interest in a lighter than the 955 but bigger than a 350.

What are your thoughts on the XCA/XC 800's

cheers Spud   

[nickjtc]

 

[motoOzarks]

What are your thoughts on the XCA/XC 800's

cheers Spud 

You'll wish it was lighter for the price

[vince]

don't tell me you are seeing the light 
addmitedly I'm talking about an 800 road 12 plate
cant see there is much difference in the new model but all the gizmo's

when I upgraded a couple of years back because the weight was becoming an issue
thought I'd regret it but no I haven't
miss the upfront grunt and deluxe ride of the 955i 
but at approximately 30 kilo's lighter slightly lower weight  distribution
makes up for those and some
easier to manoeuvre loaded now able to uturn without struggling to manoeuvre
and worrying about tigger napping 

you could ask this question here :-
http://www.tiger800.co.uk
wealth of info there

cheers vince 

[Sin_Tiger]

I obviously like the 800's, this guff about high COG is just that, it's pretty easy to handle even for a numpty like me. Having personally compared the GS 800, V-Strom, 1200 Tenere, Varadero and AT 750. I say there is little difference on that front. On the road it leaves the others trailing in all ways.

You have to ride one back to back with the Girly to know in your own mind but I think you may well come away quite impressed.

The CCM is a lovely bike but as you say, any thumper below 500 cc is a bit of a slog for distance work when there are time constraints, I'd have one if I hadn't already exceeded my quota 

[Bixxer Bob]

I've not tried an 800 yet, although I've convinced myself it would be better than my 955i in my head.  Thing is, the only time I'm not happy with my Girly, is when I'm chasing my mate's 1200GS up a hairpin-riddled alpine pass in 40 deg heat.  Which happens one week a year. The rest of the time I'm happy enough.  Happy enough not to spend £5k getting little  in return....

[Spud]

I've not tried an 800 yet, although I've convinced myself it would be better than my 955i in my head.  Thing is, the only time I'm not happy with my Girly, is when I'm chasing my mate's 1200GS up a hairpin-riddled alpine pass in 40 deg heat.  Which happens one week a year. The rest of the time I'm happy enough.  Happy enough not to spend £5k getting little  in return....

Part ex my 955 I would get about 2.5k so a big wedge needed to top up 

do love the engine in my bike

cheers Spud 

[vince]

Part ex my 955 I would get about 2.5k so a big wedge needed to top up 

do love the engine in my bike

cheers Spud 

I was the same spud
but as sin said ride them back to back and you'll know it's for you 
if you shop around for PX you might get a better deal
my best deal was from destination triumph Guilford surrey
not much help for you distance wise but got £3200.00 when all others were quoting £2500
£700.00 is £700 les to pay
go on spend the kids inheritance   
if you've got any left after the house 
I know this was a couple of years back but hey ho you'll never know unless you try
I know from experience how hard it it to get money out of tight northeners   

oh by the way I've got some 800 spares going cheep 
just kidding 

cheers vince 

[Spud]

Vince you always make me chuckle 

cheers Spud 

[Chris Canning]

If your going to do what you say I'd buy a 660 Tenere their plenty fast enough bullet proof  engine cost peanuts and a lot easy to pick up,I've have my 660X on the way to 7 years and it's a great piece of kit which has the same motor.

Go to XT660.com

[Bixxer Bob]

Just looked up the specs, seems about the same as my old 650GS in terms of power and weight Chris.  Is yours standard or have you "tinkered" with that too???

[Chris Canning]

Mine has a PC and a few bits and bobs but I've also ridden a Tenere they'll run all day long at 90 as mine will do with stock gearing it's what they all use for going to North Africa assuming that's what it's needed for and not riding through a puddle in Tesco's car park :icon_wink:

Cheap to buy and tons of spares when you chuck it down the road.

What I forgot is the KTM route hah ha most folk can't stand hassle or the financial drain but if you can they really are the bike for you.

[Bixxer Bob]

Again, just like my old GS.  It would run 90 all day but my eyeballs used to suffer for it.....  hence I chopped it for the 955....

Bloody circular arguments...     

[Chris Canning]

Blimey Bix the game has moved on XT660Z Tenere on eBay 3000 miles on a 64 plate for £5300 and you could ride to the ends of the earth on it.  and they do.

And the very reason if I'm only riding one up all I ever ride is my 660 because it takes zero effort although I will say the most I have ever done in a day on it is 300 miles but mine doesn't have a fairing

[motoOzarks]

Or when those aren't available