Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Comparing Different Bikes in Kenya Comparing Different Bikes in Kenya
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kenya
Posts: 7
Comparing Different Bikes in Kenya
Hi,

I'm working for an NGO north of Mombasa in Kenya and am buying my first bike to use to get around to rural farmers and then plan on making a cross continent trip. There is a very limited selection here and I have limited money.

I am comparing the following

The new Zongshen 200gy (Chinese made) for about $USD 1,250

A used 98 Suzuki Djebel 200 for about $USD 1,750 (a friend of mine looked at it and said I would need to replace the rear sproket soon)

A used Yamaha 225 Serrow with 3500 km that is booked in kenya as 2003 (but probably older) for about $USD 2,125 (if you have time to take a look it is in the top right of the "bike list" found here joypopimport -- can anyone tell how old it is? see also attachments)

Also a Yamaha AG200 used, not sure of the price yet.

And finally a new (RED) Honda 200XL for about USD$ 3,600 (this would be the obvious choice but it would be about 50% of my total net worth.. ugggg)

So considerations are the obvious:

-durability
-long distance comfort
-resale value

I am only about 150 pounds and will pack very light.

Also, anyone know any other bike dealers in the area I should be talking to?

Thanks for all of the input!
Attached Thumbnails
Comparing Different Bikes in Kenya-rs.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Avoid the Chinese one if you can, the Serrow, AG200 and Suzuki are all good choices if mechanically sound. I am not sure if you are anywhere near nairobi but perhaps you could ask Chris at jungle junction for an opinion.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kenya
Posts: 7
Update
Thanks for the tips Mark. I have gotten Chris' number and will contact him. Hopefully he will have some contacts in Mombasa because Nairobi is a little far for me unless it was a sure shot (then I would also get me first test of the bike on the 10 hour return trip!)...

Anyways, the update on the Serow is that it is "around 2000, but not listed in the Japanese Log"

Based on my experience with cars, buying a 10 year old vehicle is generally not a good idea. However, should I be shifting my mindset? I am gathering from posts etc. that a well cared for quality bike can last well beyond 10 years? Any thoughts in general on old bikes or a few quick checks for "mechanically sound-ness"?

Thanks for the help!

John
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 10
Hi,

I had the Honda version of the ag bike, a '95 AG200CT, with automatic clutch. Apart from its lack of puff, thanks to the clutch and not changing sprockets, it was the perfect bike: bulletproof, unbreakable, cheap to run and light, and I toured far and wide on it. I guess the Yamaha AG200 will be the same, but with the benefit of a manual shift.

It's also got a fat, padded seat - good for many hours in the saddle.

The age of the bike is much less of an issue. What counts is how it's been looked after. My other bikes have been long in the tooth - a '78 XT500 and a '74 BMW R60/6. The XT had been used hard but after some minor fettling it took me all over SA and Zimbabwe without a single breakdown. The BMW had had two owners and felt like a brand new bike ...

Just do a thorough check of the bike before you buy, take it for a test ride, then bargain hard!

cheers,

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Nov 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kenya
Posts: 7
Thanks for the thoughts PK!...

Good point about the seat, it does seem comfy. If I am thinking about reselling the bike, my hunch is that a new honda might retain its value (and thus actually end up being cheaper) more than a 3-4 year old AG or a 10 year old Serow. I am not sure... The AG is in Nairobi, they are asking about $USD 2400 for it and will ship it for free, but unless I trek to Nairobi to look at it, I have to commit before I see it I am going to see the Serow tomorrow and give it a good once over. Again, does it at all seem weird that there are no decals?... Ok, well, thanks to all for the help, I will keep you posted.

John
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
If it is possible for you to get there, somebody I know has just bought a brand new Honda XR125 in South Africa for just under $US2,100 and is touring Africa on it. I am not sure where they expect to end up but it might have to be sold in SA as well but it is a lot cheaper than Kenya.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: kenya
Posts: 5
Ryce motors in Nairobi sells new honda xl125's. Ask them for a price
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 1
Best Motorcycle Website
Check out nduthi.com at http://www.nduthi.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Leaving bikes in kenya nomadrush Trip Paperwork 7 12 Jul 2024 19:10
UK to Kenya in a 4x4 kevinrbeech Route Planning 2 22 Feb 2009 12:54
uk to Kenya ktm640rob Trip Transport 1 9 Jun 2006 10:53
needing info comparing ktm 950 to others rocket ron Which Bike? 0 9 Aug 2003 01:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:24.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top