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africa twin or KLR for africa east coat trip africa twin or KLR for africa east coat trip
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 5 Jan 2011
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africa twin or KLR for africa east coat trip
Hi everybody

This will be my 1st ever big trip and I currently ride a 1998 africa twin. the bike is a bit on the heavy side but I love the looks and the ride. I was thinking of changing over to a later KLR 650 for my trip but when I went to test ride the new KLR it felt like I was sitting on a Vuka. The africa Twin has 60k km's on the clock. for a long trip like this what do you guys think. I dont see any discussion on Africa Twins on the HUB
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  #2  
Old 5 Jan 2011
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I'd say if you're sticking to tarmac then the AT for comfort over distance but not for technical off road stuff, too heavy!

60k on an AT shouldn't be a problem but it all depends on what happened during those 60k, it's possible to get 150k or more out of that engine before you need new rings, and it's possible to destroy them in 40k. Check the compression and see if the power is OK.
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  #3  
Old 5 Jan 2011
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I will basically stick to the tar. I suppose there will be area's of gravel and sand in the desert. This is 1st part of the bigger journey around the globe and the next part possibly Egypt to Turkey will be 2up.
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  #4  
Old 5 Jan 2011
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Hi Henry.
Please send me your email addy
Mine is achmat@bergstan.co.za
The engine I have in my bike actualy came all the way down from Germany and when the guy came to Cape Town he could not get it registered. he then broke the bike up and I bought the motor at 50k and now I have doen 10k so far. The guy a bought it from is a german bmw mechanic and he specializes in Africa Twins. So it was not hammered.
Achmat
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  #5  
Old 5 Jan 2011
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if you're sticking to major routes then even when the tarmac isn't there the going shouldn't be that bad, it's when you decide to 'just have a look at the top of that dune' or similar that you might want a lighter bike.

If you're going to be doing a lot of riding with a passenger then the AT will be much nicer for them.

My first bike was a bit like an AT (elefant 750), as I had never been on a bike before I didn't know what to expect but once I was in deep sand with it I was cursing the weight. To ride the rest of the time it was fantastic and it destroyed hardpack, gravel and mud roads in turkey, albania and central asia.
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  #6  
Old 6 Jan 2011
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Just like most of the others have said,
For most of your trip, the Africa Twin will be more than suitable.
Yes, they ar a bit heavy, but this will also give a far better comfort ride.

'vette
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  #7  
Old 10 Jan 2011
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At 168 kilo the KLR is no lightweight.

Stick with the AT.

If you want something light and cheap how about the Lifan LF200GY-5.

Basically a Chinese knockoff of a Suzuki DR200. Sold all around the world now.
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Old 11 Feb 2011
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Imho
Take the @ with the correct tyre choice it will go where its pointed
and go the distance......... as always
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  #9  
Old 12 Feb 2011
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This was first time ı ve seen baja in my life that came from cape town to istanbul following the east coasts of africa 2 months ago. as friend says, its very cheap to travel long distance with baja.
On his blog you can see all details of the travel including how much he has spent and some statistics.
wish u all the best.

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  #10  
Old 12 Feb 2011
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To my knoweldge, Kawasaki has virtually no dealer network anywhere in east Africa, therefore you will struggle to find parts and will probably require any parts shipped in via DHL.

At least with an AT there is a greater likelihood of finding parts as there are still a few of them being riden around by locals.

Go with the AT.
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