|
1 Aug 2002
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: london
Posts: 2
|
|
Honda FX650 Vigor
I'm looking into bikes for an Africa trip going down from Europe, Egypt, Sudan and along East Africa to South Africa. Being a woman and on the petite side the Honda FX650 Vigor looks like an option... This is a road bike that can also handle off road but do you think it could handle Africa? Anybody with experience with this bike? Insight would be appreciated.
------------------
Sandi
__________________
Sandi
|
1 Aug 2002
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Hi,
I'm not familiar with the specific model, but the engine has been around for a long time and is well-proven.
A search on the web found a site with an "interesting" description of the bike - see http://www.lings.com/m-c/Honda/big/fx650.htm for a good laugh at a copywriter gone mad.
I think you'd do fine on the bike through Africa.
go for it, and send us the story of your travels!
------------------
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
6 Aug 2002
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Londin, England
Posts: 16
|
|
This bike is a cheaper version of the NX650 Dominator, but shares the same engine. As it is air cooled and a single cylinder, it is extremely simple to work on. The only downer - as with many off-road bikes, is that it was built with beating city traffic and short trips in mind, and not touring. I found the bike comfortable, extremely easy to ride and a solid 60-65 m.p.g. However, my mate was in utter agony after only 15 minutes and this is often a problem with trailies. Still, it is a solid alternative and can be had for about 2,700-3,000 pounds in England at the moment.
|
23 Jul 2003
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
|
|
Hired one for a few days in Tenerife last year, could not find a DR350 at a good price.
Tried going off road on a logging track but it was crap. It is a strret bike, 19" front wheel with reasonably quick steering and lacked stability off road.
The engine is a (detuned?) NX650 unit. I'm sure I remember reading that Vigor's were built in Spain and that the build quality was not so good, especially the early models.
My impression was that of a budget bike. Was okay on the roads, although the carburation suffered slightly at altitude (only 2,400m).
Steve
|
25 Jul 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: london
Posts: 2
|
|
Thanks. I've decided to get the BMW GS650. I guess what really sold the bike was the height - from the lanky Dakar there are another 2 shorter versions for shorties like me! Now to find out how she handles!
Quote:
Originally posted by Steve Pickford:
Hired one for a few days in Tenerife last year, could not find a DR350 at a good price.
Tried going off road on a logging track but it was crap. It is a strret bike, 19" front wheel with reasonably quick steering and lacked stability off road.
The engine is a (detuned?) NX650 unit. I'm sure I remember reading that Vigor's were built in Spain and that the build quality was not so good, especially the early models.
My impression was that of a budget bike. Was okay on the roads, although the carburation suffered slightly at altitude (only 2,400m).
Steve
|
__________________
Sandi
|
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)
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!
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!
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.
|
|
|