maybe check out the kawi klr 650, this dude rode around the world on one.
Heard the versys is an awesome, underrated tourer also. It was apparently a big flop in the states but all the mags loved it.
I kinda dig the looks also.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos...i_Versys_2.jpg

Too bad Yamaha isn't bringing the badass looking XT660Z Tenere here.
http://thekneeslider.com/images/2008tenere.jpg

If I were going long range touring though I'd go for the Bakker Grizzly All-Rounder. It's got a GSXR-1000 engine! Bakker makes all kinds of weird ass bikes.
http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/...y/_%286%29.jpg

That Yami looks odd...


the last one would be bad ass... though I wonder about range... though with 8 gal tank (what the BMW's have) I'd think you should be able to do 200+ easy

the yami's headlight and windscreen kinda remind of the droids from the last star wars movie.
They said they used real low gearing on it but trust me, gsxr 1000 engines can go through gas like a ford expedition if you're caning them often. I honestly don't get that much better mileage on my gsxr than in my altima since I drive the altima conservatively.

What kinda mileage did you get on your bike to and from Indy?

I bet the bakker is cheap, lol

1. REAL low gearing would create more torque... but cause it to run more RPM's suck'n more gas..

2. I got high 30's... low 40's if I was on twisties... as I usually ran 80+ on the super slab and with my gearing being as low as it was... it loved the fuel...

before my gearing I could go 175 a tank easy... on my trip I'd start looking at 140-150...

um mild correction. torque output remains the same but is more accessible

thanks... yeah I meant more torque down low...

It doesn't seem to have been mentioned, but for AV touring at an excellent price point you might consider the 1k V-strom I owned one for a season and like an IDIOT I sold it for what I paid for it.

I just picked up the latest issue of BIKE... and they did a comparo of the GS, Vstrom and Tiger... they said only the GS had any sort of real off road capability...

I figured they'd all be decent... :idk:

I never would thought of you being an ADV guy.