I was going to take a KLR to Africa, or buy one in Capetown. But now it looks like I may be taking my girlfriend on part of the journey, and it's not a bike capable of taking two tall people plus gear.

I have an interesting offer from a local Triumph dealer here in Oregon... he's willing to sell me a 2006 Tiger at cost, plus hook me up with the local Triumph rep who will donate some other stuff for the trip. It's a great offer and I think it's a great bike... my question is if you experienced Africa guys think it would be an ok bike to take on my Africa trip (Capetown to Nairobi and back... up through Mozambique and Tanzania and then back through southern Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia.)

I'm not overly concerned about maintenence or need for parts, as the bike will be basically new and I don't expect any mechanical problems. The issue is how much hardcore off-roading is in the cards. I don't know much about the road situation over there. The Tiger is "mostly" a road bike but it's tall and has good clearance. I think it's capable for most off-road touring, as long as it's nothing too hardcore. I actually don't see too much difference between the offroad capabilities of the Tiger and the 1150gs... they're both heavy but have decent clearance and suspension.

thoughts-comments-advice??

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Steven
www.twowheeledtraveller.com
Americas, '05-'06
RTW, poco a poco

I think the Tiger is more than capable of doing Cape to Kenya and back. You will just have to avoid deep sandy tracks (secondary roads along the Westcoast in SA, secondary roads in Botswana, Kalahari, most of northern Namibia (Kunene) and secondary roads in Mozambique. In Moz you will also have problems to get down to the sea in some places.The only main road you should avoid with the Tiger is Quelimane - Beira in N. Moz (might be better than it used to be??). Besides that you could do the trip with a 1500 Gold Wing as long as you stick to main roads.
Another point is that the Tiger will restrict you to travel on main roads unless you bring lots of time and fitness. Places like the Cederberg, the Kunene or the Baviaanskloof, which are great fun on a KLR are hard work on a Tiger.

The Tiger handles a lot better moving slowly / scrambling than the BMW GS. Please note that I can only speak for the older Tiger 900 and Tiger 900i and the 1100 (1150) GS which I have in my fleet.

For two up I would also consider the Honda Africa Twin.

Hi, I think also it is no problem to go to Kenia on the Triumph if you stick to the tar roads. How Jürgen says you can do it on a Gold Wing.

But also a lot of places the Triumph cant go, have pick up services at the tare roads. Take you some boots with, you still can walk.

Even Lesotho you can do on tar. You must not go up Sani Pass. Or you can go up there with a Tour in a Land Rover.

If you travel with a big bike just park and walk more :-)

I still stick to my little going everywhere XT600Kickstart 93 :-)

regards

Thomas

No problem for the Tiger. It will handle the trip with ease

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