Yep the DR 350 is a superb bike and good for trans-africa adventures providing you don't carry a pillion or overload the bike with equipment. The problem is will you be able to find one where you are? Good examples are now getting quite rare in Europe, most have had a hard life.
Personally I'd get something as light and agile as possible. Something thats simple and reliable. If cost is an issue look at the XT range from Yamaha, you can still get a good example for less than £2,000. A similar BMW will be very very expensive... If you're looking for a new bike then you need to look at the Kawasaki KLE500 which can be purchased in the UK for £3,000 (a cracking deal for such a good bike).
Yamaha XT 600, XT660 - Probably the most widely used African Adventure bike to be found (closely followed by BMW's). There is nowhere on earth an XT hasn't been. It's quite simply legendary... The XT600E has electronic ignition and can be found for less than £1,500. The XT660 is the new version which will set you back £2,300 or so.
Recently (Jan 08) I paid only £1,600 for a 1999 XT600E with only 4,000 miles on the clock. It's superb condition and has had an easy life. I have since seen good examples for £1,200ish. You can't really go wrong with an XT providing it's been looked after. Before you go, make sure you give it a complete full service and renew Oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter, Chain, Sprockets, Sparkplug ect... Oh and pick a good new set of tyres. I have Michelin SIRAC's on mine. They are a good all-rounder. If you envisage mostly offroad stuff then go for specialist offroad tyres (something like a Trelleborg or Pirelli MT21's).
Other good alternatives include -
DRZ 400 - (a great little reliable and bulletproof offroader but the seat is like a cheese wire!)
BMW's - Look at the Adventure models, all are capable RTW tools but they are all damned expensive compared to Japanese alternatives.
These are outsiders -
Honda XR650 - Fast and furious!
Kawasaki KLR 650 - Big Kwaka Trailie with good pedigree
Kawasaki KLE 500 - cost £3,000 new in UK and a good all-rounder.
Good hunting...
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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Last edited by kentfallen; 20 May 2008 at 17:48.
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