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The market for dual purpose bikes has expanded rapidly in recent years and there's a big choice, right from a basic Suzuki DR200 to the mighty BMW GS1200 Adventure.
Whatever he buys MUST have a 21" front wheel, don't be fooled by some into thinking that the recent crop of 'adventure tourers' with 17" and 18" fronts are OK. When your off-road or on the gravel a 21" front is a must. If he's on a budget and wants a reliable, bullet proof adventure bike, then my pick is the Suzuki DR650. First modification is bars with a higher bend that allow you to stand more easily and a set of good handguards (Acerbis). Fit a bash plate and away you go. The motor is powerful enough for most situations and will happily sit at 110/120km/h on the motorway. Tank range with the standard tank is around the 200km mark depending on the terrain; bigger tanks are available.
The DR650 is a great bike and wildly underestimated by some who think that you have to spend three times the cost for an adventure bike. I own one and it's probably my favourite; look at what I get to ride in the pics above and it's saying something.
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