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Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



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  • 1 Post By mark manley
  • 1 Post By takuwinds

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  #1  
Old 28 Jun 2020
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Honda CBX 250 Upgrades for West Africa
Hello everyone,

I am an American living in Morocco and just bought a CBX 250 Twister. I am hoping to travel West Africa on it, and while it is not the IDEAL bike for the trip I am hoping that it can be done. I was wondering what upgrades you would recommend I make to the bike in order for it to handle the more rigorous roads of West Africa? I am inexperienced in all but general maintenance (i.e. changing oil/cleaning oil filters, sparkplugs, etc.) but have several mechanics that I trust. I will be taking the bike on a dry run of Morocco in a few months to see what sort of problems arise. I have included an image of the bike below. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your help.

[IMG] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Rk...ew?usp=sharing [/IMG]
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Honda CBX 250 Upgrades for West Africa-whatsapp-image-2020-06-14  

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Old 28 Jun 2020
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I would have your mechanic check the overall mechanical condition including if it has already done several thousand KMs taking the rear wheel, suspension and swinging arm out, checking, greasing and reassembly and do the same to the front forks.
As for modifications I would not do too much, an engine bash plate if they can get one made to fit and a rack and if you are using hard luggage some panniers although for a minimalist tour most thing should fit in a large rucksack which can be strapped on the back.
I have toured India on a similar bike and they are perfectly up to the job, have a good trip.
Last edited by mark manley; 28 Jun 2020 at 15:15. Reason: More info
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Old 28 Jun 2020
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Hey Mark,
Thank you for the thoughtful response. I will have my mechanic do just that. What do you think about the tires? Should they be upgraded to something more offroad appropriate?
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Old 28 Jun 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by takuwinds View Post
Hey Mark,
Thank you for the thoughtful response. I will have my mechanic do just that. What do you think about the tires? Should they be upgraded to something more offroad appropriate?
If you can get something with some knobbles on that would be better, more puncture resistant and better grip on the dirt but if not road tyres will get you there, it's what the locals will probably be using.
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Old 28 Jun 2020
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Here is my Honda I toured India on and below is the one I used in Pakistan, they were fine on dirt roads just take it steady and watch out for other road users.


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Old 29 Jun 2020
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Awesome! Great pictures! It is nice to see someone using a motorbike that isn't a massive 1200 CC Enduro. Makes me feel more confident!
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Old 29 Jun 2020
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I wouldn't be too worried about going down to West Africa on the 250 as long as it was running ok. Unless you're going to head to some of the more inland areas - towards Mali for example - the roads are pretty good. Far more this -




and this -






and this -







than this -





although there is a fair bit of this at times -





so you might want to choose some tyres that will survive it rather than what's on the bike at the moment.

It is a long way though and, even now, quite remote at times. Being stuck here, for example, with a flat tyre or out of fuel isn't going to make for the best of days. There's going to be very little support available until you get down to somewhere like Dakar. Also, you might, if you haven't done it already, want to search out some of the discussions about the paperwork and border issues you might run into down there.


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Old 5 Jul 2020
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Wow, thank you for your responses, sorry, went away from this for a while and just took a second look at it. I appreciate all of the advice, and am digging the pics!
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