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Honda FX650 Vigor Honda FX650 Vigor
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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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 1 Aug 2002
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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.

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  #2  
Old 1 Aug 2002
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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!

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  #3  
Old 6 Aug 2002
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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.
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  #4  
Old 23 Jul 2003
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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).

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  #5  
Old 25 Jul 2003
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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
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Sandi
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