 10Likes
 |
22 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Maitland Australia
Posts: 105
|
|
|
Bike weight conundrum
Folks, recently a number of medical issues have warranted a re-examination of the bike choice for my RTW trip, due specifically to knee and hip injuries (67 years old). Apparently the Afrca twin (2016) I have is 22 kgs lighter than the latest Yamaha Tenere 700 models (210 kgs). I would not consider a change if I was commuting or doing short trips only but for a trip in excess of 12 months, riding much more frequently, it seems to me that over a long trip particularly the lighter bike may be a distinct advantage. The payload is virtually the same for both bikes. Comments welcome.
|
23 Feb 2024
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,544
|
|
Eh…The Africa Twin 2016 is 22 kilos lighter than the Tenere 700???
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mo...0twin%2016.htm
According to this specsheet the AT manual is 232 kilos and the DCT model is 242 kilos. That means the AT is considerably heavier than the Tenere 700.
I rode around the world on a +200 kilo bike and if I were to do it again I would never ever choose a bike over 200 kilos! Remember in most parts of the world the road standards, the traffic intensity and such things predicts an average speed easily kept by a 250-300 cc bike.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
|
23 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: BKI, Sabah
Posts: 420
|
|
I concur with Snakeboy.
After many bike tours riding solo on rented bikes, if I were to travel on my own bike it would be a bike less than 200kgs curb weight.
With the weight limitation set, the engine capacity would not be more than 350cc I reckon.
I would reconsider the choice of bike for your RTW trip.
|
23 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Maitland Australia
Posts: 105
|
|
|
Bike weight conundrum
Hold everything! I have made a mistake!! Of course the Africa twin is heavier than the Tenere 700! I was just checking to see if you were all paying attention! Well done. You have all passed the test! Seriously, I meant that the Tenere is lighter than the A /T ( by about 22 kgs for the non-DCT and more for the DCT version. My question still stands though... for a 1-2 year trip across various terrains, is the weight reduction important enough with the Tenere to warrant selling an A/T (2016) already set up with stiffer front and rear suspension, custom - made seat, improved screen , better headstock bearings etc. Anyone done the 'swap' or similar? How did it go? Apologies for the boo boo previously.
|
23 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 510
|
|
Am thinking good fuel economy , spares , don't need more then say 80 mph tops........then add ur luggage . Think the other fellas are about right 250 - 300 cc 
|
23 Feb 2024
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 366
|
|
|
This is where a C90 / CT110 or similar comes in - easy to get on and off, and about the lightest bike that can cruise at 50mph. Also, they look damn sexy.
Having run into wiped out roads on my 105Kg Tango, I've said I don't want to go to remote places on anything heavier than that ... my other half once pushed it 8km to get petrol without problems, wouldn't want to do that with a bigger bike, lol
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
|
14 Mar 2024
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North America
Posts: 28
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fernbrook
Hold everything! I have made a mistake!! Of course the Africa twin is heavier than the Tenere 700! I was just checking to see if you were all paying attention! Well done. You have all passed the test! Seriously, I meant that the Tenere is lighter than the A /T ( by about 22 kgs for the non-DCT and more for the DCT version. My question still stands though... for a 1-2 year trip across various terrains, is the weight reduction important enough with the Tenere to warrant selling an A/T (2016) already set up with stiffer front and rear suspension, custom - made seat, improved screen , better headstock bearings etc. Anyone done the 'swap' or similar? How did it go? Apologies for the boo boo previously.
|
On asphalt with lots of freeway heavy is fine. The only problem is fuel economy. In a RTW, fuel costs add up. Downsizing for the benefit of weight is a good choice (single cylinder) but covering the globe is far more comfortable on a twin cylinder. As for which twin, that depends on budget, weight, hp, reliability and the types of roads you plan to ride. Be realistic with what the bike can reliably handle as breakdowns while travelling are not the same when cose to home.
On a previous RTW attempt, my Triumph weighed 270 kg without a full tank of gas and a 50L duffle with clothing/toiletries etc..
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7nsYw2ECsJW6uGnp7
It was heavy and gas consumption was noticeable, especially when I got to Europe. Eventually downsized to a Rally Raid Honda CB500X (currently for sale in the classifieds) and this was a far better choice overall.
This Honda is reliable, lighter, sips gas and the 500cc is enough hp to cover long distances without feeling the fatigue of a single cylinder. I've ridden a Tenere and it's got a lot more torque and hp but the CB500X was for me the best overall choice (lower base price and operating cost with enough hp for the roads I plan to travel).
|
25 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 266
|
|
|
Hello
I've only had a short tarmac testride on the Africa Twin and it felt like inbetween my XT660Z (208kg) and XT1200Z(263kg?).
For my taste to big for sandtracks.
But as said on previous posts, the weight on paper is only one thing.
Today I have a KTM890R adv, a few kg more than the XT660Z but a huge difference on sandtracks due to the low centre of mass.
(KTM 790/890adv are great concepts, but would never recommend for a RTW due to the quality of KTMs today)
Location: Maitland Australia
If you are still living there, you have all the roads/tracks one will find on a RTW within a week long trip.
Can you still handle(have fun) the bike on the roads/tracks you want to ride?
If not, go smaller/lighter, T700 or DR 650 still available?
I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle.
cheers sushi
|
25 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 484
|
|
|
Travel
"I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle"
Well, we travel for different reasons.
I want to see places. see fantastic views, learn about countries and cultures.
See how people live, work and eat.
Learn about the history.
And maybe get my own people to better understand other areas.
I like to interact with the local people
And learn more about myself. Pilgrimage.
Nothing of this is dependent on the amount of cc or horse power.
|
26 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Maitland Australia
Posts: 105
|
|
|
Thanks again for all the ideas. I will research some of the suggestions folks and see where I end up. By the way, a jack is available to lift a heavy bike off the ground, so that might help people who can't lift their bikes without help. Another item to carry I know!
|
26 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fernbrook
By the way, a jack is available to lift a heavy bike off the ground, so that might help people who can't lift their bikes without help.
|
I've seen those. There's a couple of different designs around but tbh if we've got to the stage where we need a jack to rescue a fallen motorcycle then there's something seriously wrong with our approach. In my opinion of course.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi2831
I know that on smaller bikes than that I have no fun at all, then I rather take my bycicle.
|
A bicycle! Way too heavy. Dump it and buy some running shoes. Nothing beats running through the countryside. Become part of nature rather than frightening it off with all that day-glo lycra 
|
27 Feb 2024
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Maitland Australia
Posts: 105
|
|
|
Prior to this trip I have never considered using a jack but with arthritis in back and knees as well as a worn out knee (67yo) I have no alternative. I may not have anybody around to help you get it up, so a jack goes with me unfortunately.
|
21 Mar 2024
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fernbrook
...re-examination of the bike choice for my RTW trip, due specifically to knee and hip injuries (67 years old).
|
Hi Fernbrook:
You sound a lot like me. I'm 69, and due to development of arthritis in one hip I have had to give up riding on my Honda ST 1100 & ST 1300. Over the past 25 years, I've ridden over 250,000 km on that ST 1100 in Europe, and I am going to really miss it. I'm without a motorcycle now for the first time since I was 16.
You didn't mention what kind of roads you plan to ride on. If you plan to travel on paved roads, then I think a bike in the 500 cc range would be suitable. I would not recommend anything smaller than 500 cc if you plan to do a lot of highway riding.
I think that seat height is a critical consideration if you have knee & hip issues. The lower the seat height, the easier a time you will have, not just mounting & dismounting, but paddling around in parking lots, etc.
I would not bother with a jack to pick the bike up if it topples. You will always be able to find someone to assist if you wait a bit (assuming you are not off-roading).
Let me know how your research & decision-making plays out, I am keenly interested.
Michael
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Hybrid Mode
