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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Sandi

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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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

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.

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

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!