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19 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XS904
Btw Ted, but off topic, how did you find Cambodia? We're off there is Feb to visit my son who's working over there.
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I'll PM you..
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19 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
My reasoning works completely opposite. Workout where you want to go then take the bike that can do it.
For me, the bike is the tool for the job.. It's what facilitates my trip.
In my head I have places I want to go and things I want to see. I then research the roads (if any), the terrain and the distances etc. I then pick my bike accordingly, within my budget.
It's horrible to be restricted where you can go where you can't go because of what bike you're riding. The best places in the world are always off the beaten track, if only by a couple of km.
Next year I might be doing some tour guide work and then the perfect bike would probably be something as dull as a TDM900... But its the correct tool for the job.
To be that hell bent on a certain bike to have your 'adventure' dictated by it either makes you a fanatic (nothing wrong with that) or perhaps a little daft.
Unless of course you don't really want to go adventure riding. But then why would you be on an adventure travel forum !!!
I also think that if you really want something and you can afford it then go for it. Life's too short.
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Makes total sense to me, but I'd add one additional factor: time available to do the trip. Having read all the information on these forums, I'm now pretty convinced that if you have limitless time to travel then something like a Honda CRF250L is probably the ultimate RTW bike. But I actually have a CRF250L and much as I love the thing, I would not want to do high mileage road days on it!
Ultimately, yes, you could say "I don't have enough time available to cross a continent slowly in 250cc style, so I'll just do one country," and that's fine if that's what you want. But for me the challenge of going ocean to ocean and things like that is part of the fun. Yes, I like what I see along the way, and the roads I ride. But I also get a sense of satisfaction in looking back over a map of a long route and thinking "I did that." Don't know why, I just do.
So once you've figured out where you want to go, then you have to figure out how many miles a day you'd have to do to complete the route. If that number is fairly high, then ability to do high mileage highway days is a factor in bike choice in my opinion.
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19 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XS904
Absolutely spot on. Too many people seem to be buying into someone else's idea of the perfect ride.
Buy what suits you and use it where you want to go.
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I think you're missing the point of a FORUM and why we are here. 
The OP asked for thoughts/opinions on the AT. This discussion has been useful & educational IMO ... and has spread to different bikes, some in the same class, some not. Getting "someone else's idea" is the whole point.
Would you have the OP make his choice of bike based on .... NOTHING?
No experience? No feed back from others? No alternatives presented. Forums are here for the exchange of ideas and opinions. If folks don't post at all ... HUBB would just vanish.
Yes, in the end the individual must decide on bike choice ... but it's always best to have done good research about bikes one is interested in. Good or bad, it's all part of it. 
(who knows, you might actually learn something!  )
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19 Dec 2015
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I've enjoyed this thread... it's given me lots of food for thought!
Ultimately, yes, we all buy the bike we want to buy, but no harm in a little bike chat in between rides if you ask me. And if I just wanted to hear a chorus of "the Africa Twin is definitely the best bike ever!" I'd have asked the question on the Africa Twin forum (which is actually growing into a nice little forum, by the way) 
Actually, a few weeks ago I was leaning heavily towards the Super Tenere instead, but a lot of things I've read lately have contributed to me now favoring the Africa Twin. Although no-one has said "yes, get the AT" - because how can they, no one has ridden it yet - a few of the things said on here has influenced me in the direction of getting the slightly more off-roady of the two. So it's been a useful exercise.
No offense to Super 10 owners though... I do hear they're fantastic bikes, and I think you're all very lucky to have one!
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20 Dec 2015
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Well,I think that is the point of a DS bike, a jack of all trades. It seems in regard to the Tenere anyhow lots found it overall better than the FJR they were riding in regards to comfort, that of course is subjective.
While I think a DS bike makes sense for overall world travel seeing people such as Sajaak and Nick do it on sportbikes certainly makes one wonder.
I guess in the end it just comes down to determination to get it dine regardless of ride, I mean how on earth did the couple on a hog think it was a good Idea to see the world on that big pickle barrel, but they certainly did. 
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21 Dec 2015
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I just bought a 2015 Tenere for two up road touring, the two big adventure bikes, GS and Tenere make the most comfortable bikes for this purpose. The AT fits into my way of thinking as a road touring bike for one person.
Lucky that I have other bikes for off road use.
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21 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shrekonwheels
Well,I think that is the point of a DS bike, a jack of all trades. It seems in regard to the Tenere anyhow lots found it overall better than the FJR they were riding in regards to comfort, that of course is subjective.
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No question the Tenere is the more versatile bike vs. FJR. But not much of a contest there. The FJR has some serious ergonomic problems. Long of leg riders will know this. I loved the power of the FJR but hated the lack of ground clearance, super HEAT and sharply bent knee due to no leg room.
I tested the FJR for 2 day at a Yamaha intro ... fun bike but not one I'd pay for. Any of the Big Trailies, IMO, are better as a travel bike, especially two up.
But put the Tenere' against the usual suspects in the class. That's subjective too ... but it's a closer thing. Most reviews rate the Tenere' down the order a bit with the GS, KTM and MultiStrada consistently rated higher in every category.
I'm not a BMW fan but must rate the BMW R12 GS near the top. KTM and Ducati have more power but something about confidence on bad roads with the BMW puts it out front in most situations. Not the fastest nor lightest but it just works so well on nasty roads. Off road? Good luck!
How much damage can you do in just 100 yds. of deep sand?
Last edited by mollydog; 21 Dec 2015 at 21:35.
Reason: pic
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21 Dec 2015
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Having downsized in recent years to bikes light enough to ride across ploughed fields that have been mulched with rocks, I didn't think I would be the slightest bit interested in the new Africa Twin.
However there's an extremely positive review by Alun Davies in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Adventure Bike Rider that praises the 'low seat, high ground clearance' and positively raves about the DCT in difficult off-tarmac conditions. Quote, "This is the most impressive big bore 'true' adventure bike I've ridden to date." The only criticism was its pillion carrying ability.
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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
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21 Dec 2015
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I have two friends who both work in a large dealership in the south, they went out to its launch and came back raving about the bike. They are of the opinion that they will sell shed loads of them at the price. It will be almost as big as the yamaha Mt range in their opinion. It looks fantastic and if you watch the video of the two riders coming down a mountain then it's off road abilities are pretty damn good.
I will wait a year or so and then see how it goes , in white /red/blue with gold wheels it is a very very pretty bike Imho 
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21 Dec 2015
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The more legit reviews I read, the more impressive the Africa Twin appears. As mentioned, the DCT gets great reviews for off road use. The Motorcyclist Video with Ari Henning is good, but does raise a couple questions. Others question ON road cornering security ... maybe they don't trust the 21" front?
I'll wait for comparos against other strong bikes in the class for a full vetting of this new Honda. Once put up against KTM Adv, BMW 12RGS/800GS, Tenere, Ducati Multi and Triumph 800XCX, chinks in Hondas armor may begin to appear. Initial reviews are always positive. Nit picks are yet to come. 
But for a 500 lb. bike it certainly seems good at this point. As of now looks to be the perfect travel bike ... if you want a big, fast bike. Very early days. 
Always Merry and Bright! 
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22 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
How much damage can you do in just 100 yds. of deep sand? |
Why didn't they ride the virgin ground either side?
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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
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22 Dec 2015
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Contributing Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
Why didn't they ride the virgin ground either side?
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Maybe there was a sign. "Keep off the grass"
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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22 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I tested the FJR for 2 day at a Yamaha intro ... fun bike but not one I'd pay for. Any of the Big Trailies, IMO, are better as a travel bike, especially two up
But put the Tenere' against the usual suspects in the class. That's subjective too ... but it's a closer thing. Most reviews rate the Tenere' down the order a bit with the GS, KTM and MultiStrada consistently rated higher in every category.
I'm not a BMW fan but must rate the BMW R12 GS near the top. KTM and Ducati have more power but something about confidence on bad roads with the BMW puts it out front in most situations. Not the fastest nor lightest but it just works so well on nasty roads. Off road? Good
How much damage can you do in just 100 yds. of deep sand?
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Reviews that *gasp* rate euro bikes higher than jap bikes? Nooooo
That is why I killed my magazine subscriptions years ago, regardless of how good a gap bike is and how poorly the Euros do, they always win a shootout.
In the real world I won't waste my time with such bikes, maintenance is more expensive as are parts which can at times be weeks out, regardless of how well they perform. Good luck with that.
The picture is death valley riding to the sliding rocks?
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22 Dec 2015
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I forgot to add the euro bikes are thousands more which should price point themselves out of the common Mericans hands. Price and fiscal responsibility should always be on the common mans mind. It is indeed a deciding factor in my mind.
For me the Tenere checked all the boxes I wanted, if it doesn't work for someone else that's ok. .
If I did not have a Tenere, the Frica would be close in my eyes.
I second riding on the lawn.
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22 Dec 2015
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Well the UK price is ten thousand four hundred pounds, my view is that as an every day bike, or for touring then it looks pretty good. As an rtw bike I'm not so sure..... Its too big and complicated. I agree with my two sales friends it's a big bike for Honda, they had to get it right as their range is a bit stale to say the least especially when compared with yamaha, it will sell shed loads unless there is a reliability gremlin hiding somewhere.
I mean if BMW can sell thousands of overweight underpowered bikes then why not Honda
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