1-7, 10:26
Only one truly light weight bike that is tall enough, enough room for two (once set up correctly): The KTM 950SE, 990 or 1190 Adventure.
KTM 950SE would be best. REMARKABLY light (under 500 lbs. WET), very tall seat height and BY FAR best off road capabilities in class.
Lots of rider leg room, fun to ride, only knock is poor fuel economy. (roughly 35 to 40 MPG us gallons) The new KTM's do much better on fuel but none are as light or as tall as the SE model.
Will it be as comfy as your R12GSA? No. But as mentioned, with a really good custom seat and good luggage arrangement, the SE is quite a remarkable bike. Yes ... you will have to stay right on top of maintenance, but once set up properly the SE will run forever.
Or you could do the smart and easy solution:
Install rising links (aka "dog bones") on your Africa Twin rear suspension. Then, swap in modern, longer dirt bike front forks to match rear height.
Worth two inches no problem, perhaps more. But it may still be too cramped. But it's amazing what a good custom seat maker can do ... extending pillion portion back a few inches and much wider than stock. It could work. You may have to give up some space on your rear luggage rack but would be worth it for pillion comfort.
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